Latest DePIN Funding News

The Theta ecosystem is witnessing significant growth and adoption across various sectors, including sports, media, academia, and AI startups. In the latest July roundup, it was announced that AWS has approved EdgeCloud as the first decentralized platform to integrate its advanced AI silicon, AWS Trainium and Inferentia. This marks a pivotal moment for Theta, as it positions itself at the forefront of AI and decentralized technology integration. In the sports domain, the NHL's San Jose Earthquakes have launched a Theta-powered Quakebot, showcasing the practical applications of Theta's technology in enhancing fan engagement and experience. Additionally, Theta has been added to Crypto.com's institutional custody platform, further solidifying its presence in the cryptocurrency space. The academic sector continues to embrace Theta, with institutions like Syracuse University, George Mason University, and Hongik University becoming the latest customers of EdgeCloud, indicating a growing interest in decentralized solutions for research and development. The private sector is also taking notice, as AI startup Hypernology begins utilizing EdgeCloud for its operations. Furthermore, esports organizations Gen.G and Dignitas have launched their own agentic AI bots built on EdgeCloud, highlighting the versatility of Theta's technology in various industries. As preparations for the ThetaEuroCon conference in September ramp up, Simon Piazolo will be hosting a Theta developer workshop in Berlin, aiming to foster community engagement and innovation within the Theta ecosystem. Overall, these developments reflect a robust trajectory for Theta as it continues to expand its influence across multiple domains.

The decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) sector has faced significant challenges in scaling adoption due to high hardware costs and technical complexities. Helium Plus, the latest innovation from the Helium Network, addresses these issues by allowing users to participate using existing Wi-Fi routers, eliminating the need for additional hardware. This approach not only reduces upfront costs for businesses and public Wi-Fi providers but also simplifies the onboarding process, making it accessible to a broader audience. With Helium Plus, any location with Wi-Fi can become a Helium access point, significantly enhancing the utility of its native token, HNT, and accelerating network growth. Traditional DePIN models, like those used by Filecoin or Arweave, require participants to invest in specialized hardware and technical expertise, creating barriers that limit participation. Helium Plus disrupts this paradigm by monetizing excess bandwidth through a zero-hardware approach. The implications are substantial, as evidenced by the Helium Network's impressive data transfer statistics, which saw a 138.6% quarter-over-quarter increase in offloaded data. With access to 2.3 billion Wi-Fi hotspots globally, Helium Plus is set to further accelerate this growth trajectory, increasing the demand for HNT tokens and enhancing their liquidity. Strategic partnerships with telecom giants such as AT&T and Telefónica's Movistar in Mexico lend institutional credibility to Helium's community-driven model, improving connectivity in underserved regions. For investors, Helium Plus presents a compelling opportunity, as it lowers barriers to entry and taps into underutilized infrastructure. The HNT token's role in governance and its alignment with network usage positions it as a long-term store of value. As the DePIN sector evolves, Helium Plus stands out as a blueprint for future accessibility and scalability, making it an attractive investment for those looking to engage with a project that is redefining industry standards.

Theta Network is making significant strides in expanding its presence in the U.S. by partnering with Syracuse University, which has adopted the Theta EdgeCloud Hybrid platform for AI research. This collaboration is spearheaded by Assistant Professor Junzhe Zhang, who specializes in causal inference theory and its applications in artificial intelligence, reinforcement learning, and machine learning. The partnership comes shortly after Theta's strategic alliance with Crypto.com, which has staked 15 million THETA tokens to Theta's Enterprise Validator Node, enhancing secure asset management and institutional access to THETA and TFUEL tokens. Professor Zhang, a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor at Syracuse University, has a distinguished background, having previously worked at Columbia University's Causal AI Lab. His research focuses on developing robust decision-making systems that can handle biased or incomplete data. The Theta EdgeCloud Hybrid platform, which combines community-run GPUs with high-performance options, provides the necessary infrastructure for his lab to conduct large-scale experiments efficiently. Professor Zhang emphasized that Theta's unique decentralized hybrid GPU infrastructure allows for flexibility and scalability in their AI research, which is crucial for advancing their work in causal reinforcement learning. With Syracuse University becoming the 24th academic institution to integrate Theta EdgeCloud Hybrid, Theta Network is solidifying its position in the U.S. AI research ecosystem. Other notable institutions include Stanford University and the University of Oregon. The hybrid GPU platform enables researchers to perform various AI tasks, including training large language models and conducting simulations, all while reducing costs and setup times compared to traditional cloud providers. Mitch Liu, CEO of Theta Labs, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Syracuse University and Crypto.com, highlighting the importance of these collaborations in expanding Theta's footprint in both AI research and institutional infrastructure across the United States.

The artificial intelligence cryptocurrency sector is witnessing significant growth as various blockchain projects increasingly integrate machine learning technologies into their platforms. A notable development in this space is the formation of the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance, resulting from the merger of three established platforms: Fetch.ai, SingularityNET, and Ocean Protocol. This alliance aims to create the most powerful decentralized AI network, focusing on AI services, data marketplaces, and autonomous agents. By combining their resources, the three projects intend to enhance their ecosystem presence and develop a comprehensive roadmap for future advancements. Bittensor is another key player in this sector, operating a decentralized neural network that rewards users for training AI models. This innovative approach creates data science marketplaces and facilitates collaborative model training, allowing users to contribute to decentralized decision-making processes. Unlike traditional centralized AI training methods, Bittensor distributes computational work across multiple participants, fostering growth in the decentralized machine learning sector. Additionally, Near Protocol offers a developer-friendly blockchain with advanced consensus mechanisms, supporting real-time transaction speeds essential for AI applications and enabling developers to build scalable smart contracts and AI-powered decentralized applications. In the financial domain, Numeraire powers Numerai, a hedge fund utilizing AI for stock market predictions, employing global data scientists to create predictive models. These scientists stake NMR tokens and receive rewards for their accuracy, merging crowd-sourced intelligence with financial incentives. Render Network addresses the computational demands of AI processing by leveraging idle GPU power worldwide, supporting distributed rendering for AI graphics and deep learning applications. As the AI cryptocurrency market continues to grow, new projects emerge, focusing on various applications, from gaming to cloud computing, while also facing typical cryptocurrency volatility and regulatory uncertainties.

Pipe Network, a decentralized infrastructure project built on the Solana blockchain, has launched its Firestarter Storage protocol, aiming to compete with centralized cloud storage and content delivery networks (CDNs) like Cloudflare’s R2. This innovative protocol utilizes a global network of nodes to deliver content with remarkably low latency, reportedly as low as 5 milliseconds. The internal use of Firestarter Storage for hosting Solana’s Proof-of-History archival datasets and regular network snapshots demonstrates its technical viability and sets the stage for a broader application in decentralized data storage. Central to the Firestarter Storage model is its native token, $PIPE. Users must burn $PIPE tokens to access the network and earn data credits, creating a unique incentive mechanism that mirrors those found in other decentralized infrastructure projects within the Solana ecosystem, such as Helium and Hivemapper. The pricing for storage in the Firestarter protocol starts at 1 $PIPE per gigabyte, although the timeline for the token genesis event (TGE) has yet to be announced. The $PIPE token will be launched through the Metaplex Genesis protocol, which has been successfully utilized by other projects in the past. In a significant development, a recent token sale on Coinlist raised $300 million worth of $PIPE, accounting for 3% of the total supply. This sale offered two vesting schedules, with immediate unlocks at a fully diluted valuation (FDV) of $250 million and a one-year vesting option at an FDV of $200 million. As interest in decentralized infrastructure solutions grows, particularly those leveraging the Solana ecosystem, the upcoming public launch of Firestarter Storage could significantly impact the demand for $PIPE among traders and investors. Additionally, Cboe's new listing requirements for cryptocurrency ETFs may further enhance the regulatory landscape, potentially allowing for a Solana ETF approval as early as September 17, signaling a maturing blockchain service environment.

xTAO Inc. has made headlines with its recent announcement regarding a substantial expansion of its holdings in the Bittensor token (TAO), positioning itself as a key player in the intersection of AI and blockchain technology. As of July 30, xTAO revealed that it is now the largest corporate holder of TAO, boasting a total of 41,538 tokens. This strategic investment is aimed at enhancing its validator operations and increasing its influence within the Bittensor network infrastructure. The company anticipates earning an annual yield of 10 percent on its staked TAO, although the actual dollar yield will be contingent on the token's market performance. The CEO of xTAO, Karia Samaroo, emphasized the significance of the TAO treasury, stating, "The TAO treasury gives us immediate economic exposure to Bittensor and the fuel to stand up validators that generate reliable revenue." This initiative reflects xTAO's commitment to building essential infrastructure while generating sustainable cash flow that aligns with the growth of the Bittensor network. Currently, TAO is trading at $371.90, having experienced a correction from its monthly high of $459.73, and is down 51% from its all-time high recorded in April 2024. In addition to its holdings, xTAO has also disclosed that it possesses substantial cash reserves, allowing for further expansion of its TAO investments. The company went public on July 22 on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker XTAO.U, with trading conducted in US dollars. xTAO's focus remains exclusively on the Bittensor ecosystem and its decentralized AI infrastructure. The firm has successfully secured $22.8 million in subscription-receipt financing from notable investors, including Digital Currency Group and Animoca Brands, further solidifying its position in the rapidly evolving AI and blockchain landscape.

The recent passage of the GENIUS Act marks a significant milestone in the regulation of cryptocurrency in the United States, particularly focusing on stablecoins. This legislation establishes essential reserve rules, audits, and authorized issuers, setting a precedent for future regulatory frameworks. However, as the crypto landscape evolves, lawmakers must not stop here, especially with the burgeoning sector of decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePINs) still lacking a legal framework. DePINs are not merely speculative ventures; they involve the construction of real-world infrastructure through community-owned hardware, enabling users to earn token rewards by contributing resources like antennas and sensors. DePIN projects are already operational and scaling rapidly, generating impressive revenues. For instance, projects like Glow have exceeded $15 million in revenue, while Geodnet reports over $1 million in annual recurring revenue. Collectively, DePIN protocols are generating over $250 million in revenue, demonstrating their viability and value to users. However, unlike stablecoins, which now operate under defined federal rules, DePIN projects find themselves in a regulatory gray area. This lack of clarity exposes users, developers, and investors to potential risks, as existing laws do not adequately address the unique characteristics of DePINs, which rely on real-world data and infrastructure. To foster the growth of DePINs, a tailored regulatory framework is essential. The GENIUS Act has shown that crypto regulation can support innovation without being restrictive. DePINs, existing at the intersection of hardware, software, and services, require specific definitions and standards regarding data ownership, privacy, and governance. Clear guidelines will not only build trust among users but also encourage investment and community participation. As DePIN continues to grow, it is crucial for Congress and regulators to recognize its potential to enhance infrastructure in underserved areas and to create a policy framework that prioritizes transparency, innovation, and user protection. The time for DePIN to be included in the regulatory conversation is now.

The NATIX Network has made notable advancements in its revenue generation and token burn strategy, reflecting a resurgence of market confidence in its decentralized AI infrastructure. As of March 2025, over 190 million $NATIX tokens have been burned, a strategic move aimed at enhancing the ecosystem's health and aligning with tokenomics principles seen in successful projects like BNB and FTT. This token burn initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce supply while fostering partnerships with entities such as XNET and E Money, thereby strengthening NATIX's position within the Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) sector. The network's growth strategy also includes device pre-sales, which promise early investors an estimated six-month return on investment, thereby incentivizing participation through attractive financial returns. NATIX's proactive leadership is evident through regular blog posts and updates on social media, emphasizing community engagement. A recent blog post hinted at significant upcoming developments, describing the current token burn as "the quiet before the storm." Although specific revenue figures have not been disclosed, the network's strategic alliances and enhancements in token utility suggest a focus on real-world applications. Collaborations with projects like the Nebula Project (NBLA), NDX6900 (NDX), and Neged (NEGED) indicate a commitment to expanding its ecosystem, aligning with trends in blockchain projects that aim to address decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 infrastructure. In contrast to NATIX's momentum, other AI-based tokens such as $POND and $AITECH have not provided recent updates, highlighting NATIX's unique position in the market. The dynamics of token burn events are increasingly recognized as a method for blockchain projects to demonstrate their commitment to value appreciation. While no direct price correlation has been established between NATIX and PUNDIX, the overarching trend of supply reduction remains significant in the cryptocurrency landscape. Analysts suggest that diversification into complementary projects, as evidenced by NATIX's involvement with NDX6900, reflects ambitions to tackle multiple aspects of decentralized finance. The NATIX Network's strategic positioning among emerging blockchain initiatives underscores a sector-wide movement towards robust, multi-layered ecosystems, although investors will need to await further disclosures for a clearer picture of its long-term viability.

Asphere, the enterprise arm of Ankr, has recently launched Solana Permissioned Environments (SPEs), which are designed to provide private, high-performance blockchain networks for enterprises. These environments cater to businesses that prioritize speed, control, and regulatory compliance, making them particularly attractive for sectors such as finance, gaming, and media. By leveraging Solana's capabilities, Asphere aims to position itself as a key infrastructure partner for organizations looking to harness the power of blockchain technology in a secure and customizable manner. The SPEs are tailored networks that enable enterprise clients to deploy solutions on the Solana blockchain, capitalizing on its speed, security, and sovereignty features. The launch was announced on July 25, with Asphere emphasizing that these bespoke networks not only offer high performance and complete control over infrastructure but also ensure compliance with necessary regulations. Key use cases for SPEs include financial networks with permissioned validators, gasless transactions, and private execution, along with support for high-throughput decentralized applications across gaming, SocialFi, and media sectors. In addition to the launch of SPEs, Asphere is in the process of achieving SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, a significant security standard for service organizations. This certification, which follows their SOC 2 Type 1 compliance achieved in 2024, is expected to enhance client and partner confidence in Asphere's offerings. The company has highlighted that their compliance audit focuses on the foundational principles of security, availability, and confidentiality, which are critical for any reliable technology partner. Furthermore, Asphere has partnered with the Web3 Foundation to introduce a no-code rollup solution, allowing users to pay for custom rollups using ANKR, USDC, or USDT directly from their wallets on Ethereum or Solana.

TAOX Soars 13% After $10M TAO Buy, Becomes Top Public Holder of Token TAO Synergies Inc. (TAOX) surged by 13.30% to $10.65 as of early afternoon trading. The move follows its $10 million acquisition of TAO, the crypto asset tied to the Bittensor network. This decisive action positions TAO Synergies as the largest public holder of TAO and reflects its focused treasury strategy. TAOX Bets Big on Decentralized AI with $10M Stake in Bittensor’s TAO TAO Synergies completed the purchase of 29,899 TAO tokens at an average price of $334 each. The firm executed the acquisition in line with its strategy to hold Bittensor’s TAO for long-term yield and growth. The company announced that it had staked all acquired TAO tokens to earn continuous network rewards from the Bittensor protocol. This move adds a yield-generating layer to its crypto treasury strategy, enhancing both income and exposure. The focus on TAO aligns with its plan to capitalize on decentralized AI growth across emerging blockchain networks. TAOX Leads AI Crypto Wave, Staking 29,899 TAO for Long-Term Yield TAOX confirmed that its treasury strategy is centered solely on TAO, reflecting its full commitment to this AI-focused token. The executive team expressed confidence in the token’s potential as spending shifts toward decentralized infrastructure. This approach separates the firm from diversified crypto holders by making it a pure-play TAO entity.