Latest DePIN Funding News

The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a significant resurgence, with venture capitalists predicting Bitcoin could soar to $88,000. This optimism is largely fueled by the stabilization of the market and the emergence of new projects in decentralized finance (DeFi) and decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN). As of August 2024, crypto venture capital has raised an impressive $2.2 billion across 24 funds, indicating a robust recovery from previous downturns. Factors contributing to this revival include the market cap reaching 93% of its previous peak, increased institutional adoption from major financial players, and the maturation of investments made during the 2020-2022 boom, which are now presenting new opportunities for investors. Among the notable projects gaining traction are Base, EigenLayer, and SolLayer, which are reshaping the DeFi landscape. These projects are attracting midsized venture funds, signaling a shift from the smaller funds that characterized the early days of crypto. However, larger VC megafunds are still facing challenges due to high valuations and deployment difficulties. The outcome of the upcoming US presidential election may influence these trends further. Three standout projects to watch in the DeFi/DePIN space include Theta, BitTorrent (BTT), and World Mobile Token (WMT). Theta leverages peer-to-peer blockchain technology to decentralize video streaming services, promising high-quality streaming without buffering. BitTorrent, originally a sensation in 2019, continues to offer utility through its token, incentivizing users to share files. Lastly, World Mobile Token supports a blockchain initiative aimed at connecting underserved populations, rewarding participants in its ecosystem. As we approach 2025, the crypto funding landscape appears poised for a vital resurgence, instilling optimism across the sector.

Bittensor (TAO) has recently captured the attention of traders and investors, particularly as it has experienced a notable 20% increase this month. Despite a 10% decline over the past week, the token's performance indicates a bullish outlook for the longer term. TAO has successfully broken out of an inverted head and shoulders pattern, surpassing the $600 level before entering a consolidation phase. Traders are now closely monitoring the $500 zone, as a bounce from this level could signal further upward movement if market conditions align favorably. As traders navigate the current market dynamics, many have mistakenly interpreted the recent price action as a sign of a bearish trend. This has led to an influx of short positions, which may have backfired as TAO's price surged, trapping these shorts. Currently trading around $560, TAO's return to breakeven levels may prompt trapped traders to exit their positions, potentially triggering a bounce. The token's recent pullback to the $500 range is viewed as a short-term buying opportunity, with analysts suggesting a bullish convergence on the 4-hour chart could lead to a price target of $800 by 2025. Despite the optimistic long-term outlook for Bittensor, traders remain cautious due to some weakness indicated by the MACD. If TAO loses support, it could dip below the $500 mark again. Nevertheless, Bittensor continues to rank among the top AI and Big Data projects, alongside notable competitors like Near Protocol, Oasis, and The Graph. This strong positioning in the market suggests that Bittensor is well-equipped to recover from recent corrections and may see further gains in the coming months, making it a project to watch closely for potential investment opportunities.

According to recent data from DePINscan, the AI Layer2 project Network3 has achieved a remarkable milestone, reaching a global node count of 360,000. These nodes are strategically distributed across 185 countries and regions, including key areas such as Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. This expansion highlights the growing adoption and interest in the Network3 platform, which is designed to enhance the efficiency and scalability of blockchain applications. In addition to its impressive node growth, Network3 has experienced a surge in miner sales, indicating strong demand for its services. Starting from November 1, the project will undergo an expansion upgrade, which is expected to further accelerate the payback period for miners. This upgrade is anticipated to enhance the overall performance of the network, making it more attractive for current and potential users. Furthermore, Network3 has successfully secured $5.5 million in pre-seed and seed round financing, with plans for the next round already in motion. Several leading institutions have confirmed their participation, signaling confidence in the project's future. The official listing process for Network3 has also commenced, marking a significant step forward for the project. However, ChainCatcher advises readers to approach blockchain investments with caution, emphasizing the importance of risk awareness amid the various virtual token issuances and market speculations.

Theta Labs has announced a significant partnership with Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS), marking the latter as the newest customer of its EdgeCloud AI platform. This collaboration comes on the heels of Theta's growing influence in the academic sector in South Korea, where institutions such as Korea University, Seoul Women’s University, KAIST, and Yonsei University have already integrated Theta's infrastructure to enhance their AI research capabilities. The partnership will enable LAB HAI at HUFS, under the leadership of Professor Ikbeom Jang, to utilize Theta's scalable EdgeCloud platform for various advanced projects, including LLM-based multimodal data training and biomedical data compression. Professor Ikbeom Jang, who oversees the computer cluster at HUFS, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the potential of Theta EdgeCloud to significantly boost their multimodal medical AI research. The use of high-performance NVIDIA H100 GPUs will facilitate a wide range of AI applications in healthcare, thereby enhancing Korea's competitiveness in AI technology. Professor Jang's expertise in artificial intelligence and deep learning, along with his previous experience at Harvard Medical School, positions him and his team to make substantial contributions to the field, as evidenced by their recent publications and research grants. This multi-year agreement underscores Theta Labs' commitment to supporting AI research by providing decentralized GPU resources to esteemed institutions like HUFS. With over 33,000 students, HUFS is poised to leverage Theta’s advanced technology to drive innovation in healthcare AI, particularly in areas such as medical imaging and disease prediction. Mitch Liu, co-founder and CEO of Theta Labs, emphasized that this partnership is a pivotal step in expanding the application of decentralized computing in academia, positioning Theta as a leader in AI computing solutions in the region.

Ambient, the largest distributed network for environmental monitoring, has announced the successful deployment of blockchain-based air quality monitoring sensors in Los Angeles’ Japanese Village Plaza (JVP). This initiative aims to enhance the environment and well-being of the area, which attracts over 5,000 visitors daily. According to Ambient's CEO, Luca Franchi, the project highlights the growing importance of air quality awareness among consumers and businesses, while also promoting incentive-based behavior to drive better insights and foster a healthier experience for all. Historically, air quality monitoring has been a costly endeavor, primarily managed by government agencies and large corporations. The limited number of locations being tracked in Los Angeles underscores the need for more comprehensive monitoring solutions. With the World Health Organization reporting over seven million premature deaths globally due to air pollution, effective monitoring is essential to address health risks associated with poor air quality. The deployment at JVP not only improves the quality of life for its visitors but also serves as a model for broader applications in urban centers. Ambient, in collaboration with Parami, is deploying Kaiterra Sensedge Mini sensors across 30 retailers in JVP, providing real-time data on temperature, humidity, particulate matter, and more. This innovative approach leverages blockchain technology to record data on the Solana Blockchain and offers token-based incentives for participants. By investing in Ambient tokens, participants can benefit from data sales and commercial activities derived from the network, driving meaningful change and innovation in environmental monitoring.

The CUDOS merger with Fetch.ai ($FET) is entering its final phase as part of the ASI Alliance, following successful tests on the Dorado testnet. The CUDOS testnet was halted two weeks ago, paving the way for significant upgrades this week. Key events include a software upgrade for the CUDOS Network, which will temporarily halt the CUDOS chain, and a corresponding upgrade for the Fetch.ai network that will integrate all CUDOS accounts into the Fetch.ai ecosystem. Two governance proposals will be initiated on each network, and token holders are encouraged to participate in the voting process from October 22 to October 27, 2024. The CUDOS mainnet is set to halt at block height 12,385,627 on October 28, 2024, with the Fetch.ai mainnet upgrade following shortly after. As a CUDOS token holder, no action is required on your part during this transition. The migration of your CUDOS tokens to FET will be handled automatically through the software upgrades. Your new FET balance will reflect in the same account where your CUDOS tokens are currently held. However, it is essential to keep your private keys secure post-merger. All new FET tokens will be subject to a three-month vesting schedule, during which they can still earn rewards through delegation. Current CUDOS Validators are largely migrating to ASI, ensuring that your delegations remain intact. Looking ahead, the merger signifies a new chapter for CUDOS and Fetch.ai, combining their strengths to create a more robust decentralized network. The transition is not just a technical upgrade but a strategic move towards greater innovation and sustainability within the blockchain space. The CUDOS community's support has been invaluable, and as the merger unfolds, there is a palpable excitement about the future possibilities that lie ahead. Together, CUDOS and Fetch.ai are poised to achieve remarkable milestones in the blockchain ecosystem.

Arthur Hayes, the founder of BitMEX, has recently made headlines in the cryptocurrency world by acquiring a substantial amount of Aethir (ATH) tokens. He purchased 116.6 million ATH tokens, valued at approximately $7.62 million, at an average price of $0.065 each. This acquisition follows his earlier decision in September to liquidate his holdings in Pendle ($PENDLE), raising questions about his current investment strategy and market outlook for ATH. In a notable move, just an hour ago, Hayes transferred 41 million ATH tokens worth around $2.18 million. Of these, 36 million tokens were sent to the Bybit exchange, while 5 million were directed to OKX. This offloading indicates a strategic decision by Hayes to reduce his exposure to ATH, reportedly at a loss of $2.2 million. Despite this transfer, he still retains a significant holding of 75.6 million ATH tokens, valued at approximately $4.16 million, reflecting a loss of around $1.22 million based on the current market price of $0.054. Aethir operates as a decentralized real-time rendering network, aiming to enhance cloud infrastructure and improve content accessibility within the Metaverse. The token currently boasts a market capitalization of $210 million and is part of the Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) sector. As the ATH market continues to fluctuate, it remains uncertain whether Hayes will maintain his current holdings or make further adjustments in the future. Investors are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions in the volatile cryptocurrency landscape.

As Bitcoin approaches the possibility of reaching a new all-time high (ATH) by the end of the year, the cryptocurrency market is buzzing with anticipation of an impending bull run. Despite this excitement, the altcoin season has yet to commence. In the midst of this landscape, there has been a notable surge in interest surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) tokens. Recent analyses of on-chain data have spotlighted five top-performing AI tokens that have shown significant growth over the past month, making them worth monitoring for potential investment opportunities. Leading the pack is $TAO, which has experienced an impressive increase of 104%. With the largest market cap among AI tokens, $TAO has a unique situation where 37% of its tokens are set to be unlocked over the next year, while a substantial 77.7% of its circulating tokens are currently staked. Following closely is $ARKM, which has gained 81.8% and is expected to have 77.5% of its tokens unlocked over the next six years. Market maker Wintermute is believed to hold around 10% of the circulating supply, adding to its credibility. Other notable tokens include $WLD, $TAI, and $FET, each with their own unique attributes and backing that contribute to their rising popularity. The evolving cryptocurrency landscape presents these AI tokens as compelling opportunities, especially as the market remains cautious regarding altcoins. With the potential for a bull run on the horizon, Spot On Chain is set to launch a series of analyses across multiple altcoin categories to provide a comprehensive overview for investors. As always, it is crucial for investors to conduct thorough research before making any decisions in the dynamic world of cryptocurrency.

In a significant development within the blockchain and renewable energy sectors, Arkreen, a leader in Web3 infrastructure focused on carbon-reduction applications, has announced a partnership with Roam, a trailblazer in decentralized telecom. Roam has successfully issued over 918 million Roam points across more than 180 countries, catering to a user base of 1 million registered individuals. With a robust network of over 700,000 nodes globally, Roam provides a decentralized physical Layer 1, which serves as a foundation for innovative projects in decentralized wireless technology. This collaboration is a pivotal advancement under the Plug for Green Program (PGP), as both companies aim to enhance carbon neutrality within Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN). The partnership introduces an innovative approach to sustainable practices through the integration of Roam’s miners with Arkreen’s Smart Plugs. This synergy enables real-time monitoring of electricity consumption for Roam miners, who not only benefit from enhanced crypto mining capabilities but also from Arkreen’s tokenized Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). This mechanism allows Roam community members to offset their carbon emissions from brown energy consumption directly on-chain, thereby increasing their rewards while fostering a commitment to sustainability. The PGP advantage empowers Roam miners to engage in personal carbon offsetting, aligning their operations with eco-friendly practices. Through the Plug for Green Program, Arkreen provides Roam with essential tools for energy consumption monitoring and an on-chain carbon offset mechanism. By utilizing Arkreen’s Smart Plug technology, Roam miners can efficiently track their energy usage and earn Arkreen tokens alongside their mining rewards. This dual-mining scenario encourages eco-conscious participants to contribute to sustainability efforts. Arkreen’s on-chain offset mechanism is paving the way for Green DePIN, positioning Roam as a leader in the decentralized telecom sector while setting a precedent for the DePIN community to engage in global sustainability initiatives. Together, they aim to Roam the World, Connect the People, and Green the Planet.

Donald Trump’s family-run crypto venture, World Liberty Financial, has recently come under scrutiny following the release of a 13-page document detailing its goals and token allocation. The 'World Liberty Gold Paper' reveals that the Trump family will receive a staggering 22.5 billion non-transferrable governance tokens ($WLFI) and 75% of the net protocol revenues. This allocation raises eyebrows among investors and supporters, as it suggests a potential profit of $337.5 million for the Trump clan, assuming a token price of 1.5 cents. Critics are concerned about the vagueness of the token allocations and the fact that these terms are subject to change, leading to accusations of possible scams. Despite the ambitious goals of World Liberty Financial to challenge traditional banking systems and provide users with more financial freedom, the initial response to the $WLFI token has been tepid. Since its launch, only 917.80 million tokens, worth approximately $137,000, have been sold out of the 20 billion available. This lack of demand indicates that many investors, including Trump supporters, may be skeptical about the platform's sustainability. Furthermore, the Gold Paper explicitly states that neither Trump nor his family holds any legal responsibilities regarding $WLFI or the venture itself, which adds another layer of concern for potential investors. In addition to the controversies surrounding Trump’s crypto project, Vice President Kamala Harris has also faced criticism for her proposed crypto regulations, which appear to focus exclusively on black men. Her announcement has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising her openness to crypto while others argue that her approach is discriminatory. JD Vance, Trump’s potential running mate, has countered Harris's stance, asserting that all individuals, regardless of race, desire the same opportunities in the crypto space. The juxtaposition of these two political figures highlights the ongoing need for equitable regulations in the US crypto market, free from self-serving agendas.