Latest DePIN Funding News

The decentralized finance (DeFi) sector is experiencing a significant shift as the U.S. Congress has voted to nullify a controversial IRS rule that mandated DeFi protocols to report gross proceeds from crypto sales and taxpayer information. This rule, issued in December 2024 and set to take effect in 2027, was deemed burdensome by industry lobby groups and was seen as an overreach of the IRS's authority. The bipartisan vote in the House of Representatives has garnered support from the White House, with President Donald Trump poised to sign the bill into law. However, the DeFi community remains concerned about finding a balance between user privacy and regulatory compliance moving forward. Privacy issues were central to the objections raised by the crypto industry against the IRS rule. Advocates like Marta Belcher, president of the Filecoin Foundation, emphasized the importance of user anonymity in transactions, akin to cash dealings. The Blockchain Association also criticized the rule as an infringement on privacy rights, warning that it could push DeFi operations offshore. While the rule has been halted, there is still a lack of established privacy guidelines, which industry leaders like Vivek Raman argue are essential for the sector's progression. He stressed the need for clear frameworks that allow for privacy while adhering to Know Your Customer and Anti-Money Laundering requirements. As the crypto industry grapples with the dual demands of user privacy and regulatory oversight, the question of how to effectively regulate DeFi remains complex. The decentralized nature of these protocols complicates accountability, making it challenging for regulators to enforce traditional financial rules. Despite these hurdles, there is optimism that solutions such as zero-knowledge proofs could facilitate compliance without compromising user privacy. Meanwhile, the Senate Banking Committee's recent approval of the GENIUS Act, a stablecoin bill, signals progress towards a more structured regulatory environment. However, comprehensive regulations for DeFi may still be a distant goal, as ongoing studies aim to assess the risks and benefits associated with these innovative financial systems.

In a significant development within the cryptocurrency market, two Ethereum (ETH)-based altcoins, Maple Syrup (SYRUP) and Aethir (ATH), have experienced substantial price surges following their recent support from Coinbase, one of the largest crypto exchanges in the United States. Coinbase announced the addition of these tokens to its digital asset offerings via posts on the social media platform X. This announcement came shortly after the tokens were included in Coinbase's listing roadmap, which indicated forthcoming support and led to a nearly 40% price increase for both assets. The price movements of SYRUP and ATH have been remarkable. SYRUP, a decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol that connects borrowers with lenders, saw its price rise from a low of $0.131 on March 12th to a peak of $0.173 within 24 hours, marking a gain of 28.7%. Similarly, Aethir, which focuses on decentralized cloud computing with high-performance GPU capabilities for AI and blockchain-based gaming, increased from $0.034 to $0.040, achieving a 14.4% gain in the same timeframe. These price rallies underscore the impact of Coinbase's endorsement on the market dynamics of these emerging tokens. The growing interest in both Maple Syrup and Aethir reflects a broader trend in the cryptocurrency space, where decentralized finance and AI-driven solutions are gaining traction. As investors continue to seek opportunities in innovative blockchain projects, the support from major exchanges like Coinbase is likely to play a crucial role in driving adoption and market performance. However, potential investors are reminded to conduct thorough research and exercise caution, as the cryptocurrency market remains volatile and high-risk.

In a significant move for the decentralized computing landscape, io.net and Aethir have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing GPU access and performance for applications in AI, machine learning, and gaming. By integrating io.net's advanced virtualization technology with Aethir's enterprise-grade distributed GPU cloud, the partnership seeks to create a robust, low-latency, and cost-effective solution tailored for GPU-intensive workloads. This collaboration comes at a time when the demand for GPU computing is surging, with projections indicating that the market could quadruple in size by 2030. The alliance between io.net and Aethir is designed to provide a highly scalable and efficient solution to meet the growing global demand for GPU resources. io.net’s cutting-edge virtualization and orchestration capabilities will enable AI and machine learning engineers to deploy Ray and Kubernetes clusters seamlessly across a network of over 600,000 decentralized GPUs and CPUs. Meanwhile, Aethir's distributed cloud infrastructure is set to deliver enterprise clients in the AI, machine learning, and gaming sectors with fast and scalable GPU cloud resources, leveraging a network of over 40,000 high-performance GPUs, including 3,000 NVIDIA H100s. Under the terms of this collaboration, both companies will integrate their ecosystems to offer customers a seamless GPU computing experience across various workloads, including clustering and serverless inferencing. This reciprocal integration will allow io.net’s clustering solutions to be accessible on Aethir’s platform, providing enterprises with a diverse range of GPU-based computing options. Additionally, both companies plan to collaborate on marketing and community initiatives, further enhancing the overall ecosystem. As part of their partnership, an airdrop will distribute $50 million worth of tokens to community members of both platforms, marking a significant milestone in their joint mission to democratize high-performance compute access for all.

Arkreen has announced a strategic partnership with C4E, focusing on the DePIN Energy sector. This collaboration combines Arkreen's expertise in decentralized renewable energy networks with C4E's advancements in AI-driven energy solutions. The partnership aims to enhance the Green DePIN Initiative, promoting a sustainable on-chain economy globally. C4E is recognized for its pioneering efforts in Web3 technology and green energy innovations, particularly in electric vehicle (EV) charging and decentralized energy management. Meanwhile, Arkreen utilizes blockchain and IoT technologies to connect distributed renewable energy resources, contributing to a carbon-neutral future. The alliance between Arkreen and C4E represents a significant fusion of technology and vision, driven by a mutual commitment to sustainability. Both organizations are set to explore how DePIN technology can improve the accessibility and efficiency of green energy solutions. This partnership is expected to lead to innovative approaches that will not only benefit the partners but also empower communities worldwide with smarter and greener energy options. As Arkreen and C4E embark on this journey together, they promise to deliver exciting updates and advancements in the DePIN Energy space. The collaboration is positioned to make a meaningful impact on the renewable energy landscape, fostering a more sustainable future through the integration of decentralized technologies and AI. Stakeholders and communities can look forward to the positive changes that this partnership will bring in the realm of green energy solutions.

In a significant move towards integrating blockchain technology into real-world applications, 51nodes, a prominent German blockchain integration specialist, is partnering with World Mobile to leverage its advanced Layer-3 infrastructure on Base. This collaboration aims to deploy decentralized physical infrastructure solutions and blockchain-powered applications, particularly focusing on data-based tokenized assets within Europe’s industrial sector. A $5 million grant program will support 50 projects, each receiving up to $100,000, to explore various decentralized infrastructure use cases, with major European corporations playing a crucial role in shaping these initiatives. The initiative emphasizes the importance of tokenizing real-world assets and utilizing decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) to enhance security and streamline the commercialization of data and financial assets. 51nodes has already showcased the viability of this approach with tier 1 industry clients, demonstrating how tokenizing geospatial data and sensor information can improve industrial processes. As industries increasingly adopt blockchain-powered automation, they must adapt to evolving financial and identity standards, including stablecoins and decentralized corporate identity solutions, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly changing landscape. Through strategic collaboration, 51nodes and World Mobile are optimizing data monetization and enhancing automation with real-world oracles, moving beyond traditional systems. The funded projects may include notarizing sensor data, establishing marketplaces for vehicle-captured insights, and orchestrating decentralized IoT networks in agriculture. Micky Watkins, CEO of World Mobile, highlighted the necessity for industries to automate and secure data to maintain competitiveness, asserting that this partnership will bring real-world asset tokenization from theory to practice, unlocking new value with decentralized infrastructure.

The $LITKEY token has been introduced as the native token of Lit Protocol, serving multiple purposes including work, payment, and governance. It is designed to secure and facilitate services on the Lit Protocol network, which is a decentralized key management system aimed at enhancing web3 development. The upcoming launch of Lit's v1 mainnet, named Naga, will see $LITKEY play a crucial role in network operations, including staking for security and compensating node operators for their contributions. The network currently secures over $150 million in crypto assets and handles millions of operations monthly, showcasing its robust infrastructure for web3 applications. $LITKEY functions as a work token by incentivizing node operators to maintain network security through staking. This mechanism ensures that operators are financially committed to the network's reliability and performance. Additionally, $LITKEY acts as a payment token, allowing users to pay for various network services, including signing and encryption operations. This dual functionality not only promotes efficient resource allocation but also ensures fair compensation for node operators, thereby enhancing the overall ecosystem. Governance is another critical aspect of $LITKEY, empowering token holders to influence the protocol's future through a decentralized governance system. Token holders can participate in selecting network operators and shaping the ecosystem's growth through partnerships and integrations. The upcoming Naga mainnet will introduce several enhancements, including a new signing algorithm and a simplified payment model, further solidifying the Lit Protocol's position in the blockchain landscape. With a focus on community growth and ecosystem development, $LITKEY is set to play a pivotal role in the evolution of the Lit Protocol.

IoTeX, a prominent player in the Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) sector, has recently announced that Xangle, a leading blockchain infrastructure company from Korea, will join its network as a validator. This partnership is expected to enhance IoTeX's community-driven ecosystem and improve its technical stability. Xangle, known for its ecosystem-oriented community hubs and Web3 analytical reports, has been a significant contributor to the Web3 space since launching Xangle Portal in 2018, and has also validated for other major blockchain projects like Aptos and Babylon. In 2024, IoTeX has emerged as a leader in the DePIN sector, processing over 150 million transactions and 340 million blocks, with an impressive annual growth rate exceeding 25%. Currently, more than 360 million IOTX tokens are staked, representing about 40% of the total supply, which significantly bolsters the network's security and governance. This growth underscores IoTeX's commitment to providing robust infrastructure solutions within the DePIN landscape, solidifying its position as a key player in the industry. Lihan Lee, Co-CEO of Xangle, emphasized that their role as an IoTeX validator is a pivotal step towards making innovative Web3 infrastructures more accessible and promoting their mainstream adoption. Jing Sun, co-founder of IoTeX, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that Xangle's expertise will enhance the network's credibility and stability. Together, they aim to drive the sustainable growth of the DePIN ecosystem, ensuring that IoTeX remains at the forefront of blockchain infrastructure development.

The global cryptocurrency market is currently valued at $2.69 trillion, reflecting a modest increase of 1.20% over the past day. However, trading volume has seen a significant decline of 23.50%, dropping to $119.79 billion, indicating a slowdown in short-term trading activity. Despite this downturn, many investors are seizing the opportunity to buy the dip, fueled by optimism surrounding recent market developments and evolving policies. Notably, cryptocurrencies like Gala (GALA), Immutable (IMX), and Kaia (KAIA) are emerging as strong investment candidates, showcasing resilience and potential for growth in this fluctuating market. Theta Network has recently made headlines with its partnership with Nubila, a decentralized physical infrastructure network focused on gathering real-world weather data. This collaboration will leverage Theta's EdgeCloud GPU resources for training AI models, marking a significant expansion beyond its original video streaming focus. Currently, Theta's token (THETA) is trading at $0.87, with a market cap of $759.25 million. Analysts are optimistic, predicting a potential price increase of 22.48% by April, as the platform continues to evolve its offerings in the Web3 space. In addition to Theta, the Meme Index (MEMEX) has gained traction by offering a diversified investment approach to meme coins, raising over $3.9 million in its presale. Meanwhile, Kaia DLT Foundation is making strides in the blockchain ecosystem with its Mini Dapps, attracting over 35 million users in just a month. As these projects develop, they highlight the dynamic nature of the crypto market, where innovative solutions and strategic partnerships are paving the way for future growth and investment opportunities.

Coinbase, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges globally, has unveiled its latest token listing roadmap aimed at enhancing transparency and reducing ambiguity for its users. The roadmap highlights two significant tokens, Aethir ($ATH) and Syrup ($SYRUP), which are expected to be added to the platform shortly. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by Coinbase to keep traders informed and streamline the listing process, allowing them to make more informed decisions based on upcoming listings. Given Coinbase's influential role in the crypto market, the addition of these tokens could significantly impact their visibility and trading dynamics. Aethir ($ATH) is a decentralized cloud computing platform that leverages blockchain technology to provide a more secure and cost-effective alternative to traditional cloud services. Unlike conventional providers, Aethir allows users to rent computational resources in a decentralized manner, enhancing security by distributing computing power across a broader network. This innovative approach addresses the issues of security, cost, and transparency prevalent in the current cloud computing model. Aethir's inclusion in Coinbase's roadmap underscores the growing trend of integrating blockchain solutions into various industries, particularly in cloud computing. On the other hand, Syrup ($SYRUP) serves as a governance token within the Maple ecosystem, a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform that connects institutional investors with digital asset lending opportunities. Syrup holders play a crucial role in decision-making processes that shape the platform's future, making it an integral part of Maple's community-driven approach. The addition of both Aethir and Syrup to Coinbase's listing roadmap not only signifies their potential growth but also reflects a shift towards greater transparency in token listings, fostering user trust and confidence in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

The US Senate Banking Committee is preparing to vote on the Republican-led stablecoin framework bill known as the GENIUS Act on March 13. This bill has undergone significant revisions following bipartisan discussions, with input from both Democratic and Republican senators. Co-sponsor Senator Bill Hagerty announced the updated version on March 10, emphasizing its improvements in key areas such as consumer protections, authorized stablecoin issuers, risk mitigation, and transparency. The bill aims to regulate US dollar stablecoin issuers with market caps exceeding $10 billion, primarily targeting Tether (USDT) and Circle's USDC, under Federal Reserve oversight, while allowing smaller issuers to choose state-level regulation. The latest updates to the GENIUS Act have sparked discussions within the crypto community, particularly regarding the competitive landscape for stablecoins. Dom Kwok, co-founder of the Web3 learning app EasyA, noted that the bill provides US-issued stablecoins with a competitive advantage over foreign counterparts. The updated legislation imposes stringent standards on foreign stablecoin issuers concerning reserve and liquidity requirements, as well as compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. This could potentially disadvantage many foreign issuers, giving USDC and Ripple Labs' Ripple USD (RLUSD) an edge in the market. Despite these advancements, the GENIUS Act still faces hurdles before it can be enacted into law. Following the Senate Banking Committee's vote, the bill will proceed to a full Senate floor vote, where it will be subject to further debate. If it successfully passes through the Senate, it will then move to the House of Representatives. Should the House approve the bill without amendments, it will be sent to President Donald Trump for final approval or veto. The outcome of this legislative process could significantly shape the regulatory landscape for stablecoins in the United States.