Latest DePIN News

VanEck, a prominent global asset manager, has made headlines with its recent investment of $2.5 million in the Solana-based DePIN project known as Dawn. This significant financial commitment is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first occasion where multiple funds under the VanEck umbrella have collectively invested in a single entity. The investment is poised to facilitate the development of internet-sharing mini-networks, which will enhance connectivity for users, while also focusing on the expansion of the retail market through innovative hardware solutions. The announcement, reported by crypto media outlet Blockworks, highlights the collaboration between VanEck's Digital Asset Alpha Fund and VanEck Ventures in this venture. The funds will be directed towards creating decentralized networks that leverage blockchain technology to improve physical infrastructure and systems. By utilizing the Solana blockchain, DePIN aims to revolutionize the way tangible infrastructure is managed and accessed, promoting a more decentralized approach to internet sharing and connectivity. This investment not only underscores VanEck's commitment to advancing blockchain technology but also reflects a growing trend among traditional asset managers to explore opportunities within the crypto space. As the DePIN project Dawn progresses, it is expected to pave the way for innovative solutions that enhance user experience and expand market reach, further solidifying the role of blockchain in modern infrastructure development.

In a significant development for the AI landscape, io.net, a leader in decentralized physical infrastructure, has partnered with Mira Network, renowned for its trust-less AI output verification. This collaboration aims to enhance the speed, reliability, and scalability of AI validation by leveraging a decentralized network of GPUs. The partnership seeks to address the prevalent issues of inaccuracy and scalability that have hindered the broader adoption of AI technologies across various industries. By utilizing advanced AI verification techniques, the combined efforts of io.net and Mira aim to reduce error rates significantly, with goals to lower first-pass errors to under 5% and ultimately achieve less than 0.1% error rates in AI validation. As Mira Network integrates into io.net's expansive decentralized GPU infrastructure, it gains access to a global pool of computational power. This integration not only accelerates the validation process but also enhances operational efficiency, enabling Mira to scale its verification processes to meet the increasing demands of AI applications. Tausif Ahmed, Chief Business Development Officer at io.net, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating that reliable, consistent, and unbiased insights are crucial for AI to realize its full potential. The collaboration is set to redefine accuracy in AI, showcasing the transformative power of decentralized computing. Furthermore, the partnership supports Mira's Node Delegator Program, which invites individuals and organizations to contribute their GPU resources for AI verification operations. Participants in this program will be rewarded for their contributions, promoting a decentralized and democratized approach to AI validation. Stone Gettings, head of growth at Mira Network, noted that this integration will accelerate AI adoption, highlighting that reliability and trust are essential for the future of AI. As the demand for dependable and scalable validation systems rises, this collaboration between io.net and Mira Network promises to make a lasting impact on the AI ecosystem.

VanEck has announced a significant investment of $2.5 million into DAWN, a decentralized internet service provider (DePIN) project developed by Andrena. This funding comes from VanEck’s Digital Assets Alpha fund and VanEck Ventures, marking a notable moment as it is the first instance where multiple funds within VanEck have directly invested in the same company. This latest round follows a previous successful raise of $18 million by Andrena in August. Neil Chatterjee, CEO of Andrena, emphasized that DAWN is designed to leverage the ongoing shift from wired to wireless internet, particularly with the advancements of 5G and Starlink technology, aiming to empower households to own and benefit from their own networks. The innovative hardware developed by DAWN allows users to share internet access regardless of their current service provider, enabling individuals with underutilized bandwidth to monetize their excess capacity without the complexities of customer acquisition. The $2.5 million investment will be utilized to enhance retail engagement and facilitate the creation of mini-networks for internet sharing, with an eye towards expanding DAWN's user base beyond its current stronghold in the United States. Chatterjee's team is actively seeking partnerships with data centers, internet service providers, and real estate companies to rapidly scale their operations. VanEck Ventures views DAWN as a competitive product that challenges the monopolistic tendencies of traditional internet service providers. General partner Wyatt Lonergan highlighted that the project not only aims to provide consumers with a superior product but also empowers them by turning users into owners through tokenization. This approach is intended to foster network effects that enhance the overall service. Lonergan expressed confidence in the DAWN team, noting that the simplicity of WiFi makes the project more accessible to mainstream audiences compared to other crypto initiatives. Overall, the investment aligns with VanEck's strategy of supporting innovative, early-stage projects with the potential for significant impact in the market.

As 2024 draws to a close, WiFi Map, the world's largest decentralized crowdsourcing platform, celebrates a remarkable year marked by significant achievements and community-driven progress. The platform has seen explosive growth, surpassing 15 million new app installs, a 40% increase from the previous year, bringing its total downloads to 190 million. This growth underscores WiFi Map's global appeal and relevance in today's interconnected world. Additionally, over 700,000 new contributors joined the platform, pushing the total contributor count to 13 million, with expectations to reach 14 million soon. The introduction of the $WIFI utility token has also revolutionized user engagement, with 3.6 million tokens distributed as rewards, significantly boosting participation rates to an impressive 4.5-5%. In 2024, WiFi Map launched several transformative features, including a dynamic layer system that allows for the rapid deployment of new categories for real-world data, such as public restrooms and drinking fountains. The platform's amenities contribution feature gained traction, with contributors adding over 20,000 amenities, 50,000 photos, and 45,000 reviews in just a few months. The number of newly added WiFi hotspots grew by 22% compared to 2023, while contributors performed an average of 408,000 speed tests per month, a 20% increase from the previous year, reinforcing WiFi Map's reliability as a resource for assessing network performance. Looking ahead to 2025, WiFi Map aims to enhance its impact by migrating all data to the blockchain for improved transparency and security, expanding the utility of the $WIFI token ecosystem, and increasing active wallets and transaction volumes. The platform is committed to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that connectivity becomes a universal right. With community, transparency, and innovation at its core, WiFi Map is poised for another transformative year in 2025, inviting users to join its global community and contribute to the decentralized network that is redefining connectivity.

Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePINs) are revolutionizing the way physical and digital realms interact. By utilizing technologies such as Wi-Fi, cellular connectivity, and data storage, DePINs enable users to share resources directly without intermediaries. This integration of digital and physical infrastructure is essential for the functionality of services like IoT devices, which rely on robust physical networks. The use of blockchain and cryptocurrencies in DePINs ensures that processes are transparent and easily trackable, paving the way for innovative applications across various industries. Among the notable DePIN devices is Dôr, a thermal-sensing people counter that provides valuable insights into customer behavior for businesses. By collecting foot traffic data, Dôr helps retailers enhance customer service and optimize operations. The device's acquisition by blockchain firm Constellation highlights the growing importance of data analytics in retail. Additionally, the US Army employs Dôr to monitor visitor traffic in its museums, showcasing the versatility of this technology. Another significant player is Helium, which operates a decentralized wireless network on the Solana blockchain, rewarding participants for deploying hotspots and enhancing IoT connectivity. Filecoin also stands out as a decentralized storage network that allows users to rent storage space in exchange for cryptocurrency. Its marketplace approach ensures secure data storage and easy access, supported by a vast network of storage providers. HyperAiBox, designed for AI computing, and Shieldeum, a Web3 cybersecurity platform, further illustrate the diverse applications of DePINs. However, the sector faces challenges related to technical complexity, particularly in integrating physical infrastructure with blockchain technology. Solutions like Dôr aim to simplify this process, making it accessible for non-technical users and promoting broader adoption of DePIN technologies.

Exabits, a crypto-AI startup focusing on tokenizing GPUs, has successfully raised $15 million in a seed funding round led by Hack VC. This funding round has propelled Exabits' valuation to $150 million. The startup, co-founded by Dr. Hoansoo Lee, initiated fundraising in July and concluded the round in October. While the specific investors beyond Hack VC remain undisclosed, Lee mentioned that a token launch is on the horizon. With this seed funding, Exabits has accumulated a total of $20 million in funding, building upon previous rounds earlier this year. Exabits' primary objective is to decentralize computing by tokenizing GPUs, which it considers as 'the currency of the digital age.' Lee emphasized the exponential growth potential of GPU compute performance compared to traditional assets like bitcoin and gold. The startup's unique GPU tokenization model aims to provide direct exposure to GPU compute assets, fostering a liquid market, revenue generation, and rewards for token holders. Despite the token not being launched yet, Exabits has witnessed substantial revenue growth, with a 300% quarterly increase on average, amounting to $10 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR).

Helium (HNT) has recently captured market attention with a notable price surge of approximately 10% over the last 24 hours. This bullish momentum is further highlighted by a 12% increase in trading volume, indicating a significant uptick in investor interest. As the token approaches a critical resistance level at $9.5, market participants are keenly observing whether this rally can sustain its strength or if it will face a pullback. A successful breakout above this resistance could potentially lead Helium towards the psychological milestone of $10, while failure to breach this level may result in a downward correction. The daily chart for Helium shows a clear uptrend, supported by an ascending trendline that traces back to recent lows around $2.8. Currently, the price is nearing the $8.2 support level, which previously acted as resistance in an ascending triangle pattern. Additionally, data from Coinglass reveals a liquidation pool of 56.70K at the $8.3648 price level, indicating rising risks among over-leveraged traders. This scenario, coupled with increasing Open Interest (OI) trends, reflects growing confidence in Helium's price action, suggesting that traders are optimistic about the token's future performance. Broader market conditions have also been favorable, with Bitcoin's steady price providing a supportive backdrop for altcoins like Helium. As the token nears the pivotal $9.5 resistance level, it will require substantial buying pressure from bulls to maintain the uptrend. The market's reaction at this critical juncture will be crucial; a breakout could trigger a swift rally towards $10, while a rejection might push the price back to the support zone between $7.8 and $8. Overall, the current indicators suggest a potential bullish trend, but market participants remain cautious as they await further developments.

Network3, a pioneering technology platform, has made significant strides in the realm of AI Layer2 solutions, enabling developers globally to efficiently infer, train, and validate models. Recent analysis by Depinscan, an extensive DePIN intelligence platform powered by IoTex, has revealed that Network3 miners have achieved a remarkable milestone with a payback period of just 71 days. This achievement positions Network3 at the forefront of the industry in terms of both payback period and daily revenue, underscoring its investment potential. A shorter payback period is crucial for investors as it indicates a quicker return on investment, making Network3 an attractive option for those looking to capitalize on emerging technologies. The success of Network3 can be attributed to its robust infrastructural network, which boasts over 555,000 nodes and has delivered 2 Petabytes of network service across more than 185 countries. This extensive reach has resulted in 97,000 active sessions daily and monthly revenues exceeding $100,000. By supporting the evolution of AI, Network3 empowers developers with tools for model optimization, federated learning, edge computing, and confidential computing. This dual focus on enhancing decentralized node efficiency while providing essential services for AI development positions Network3 as a leader in both technology and market viability. In addition to its technological advancements, Network3 has successfully secured $5.5 million in seed funding from prominent investors, including Borderless, EV3 Labs, and the IoTeX Eco Fund. With a growing community of over 252,000 followers on X, the platform is set to gain even more traction. As it continues to demonstrate its value in making AI more beneficial and efficient, Network3 is poised for rapid growth and increased investor interest in the future.

Bitcoin has officially reached a monumental milestone, hitting the $100,000 mark. This achievement is a testament to its evolution from a niche digital currency to a mainstream financial asset. In 2017, Bitcoin first crossed the $10,000 threshold, marking a significant moment for the cryptocurrency community. Back then, Bitcoin was often seen as a quirky alternative, primarily used for small purchases like pizzas. However, the journey since then has been nothing short of remarkable, characterized by extreme volatility and a growing belief in its potential as a store of value. The surge to $69,000 in 2021 was another pivotal moment, fueled by a mix of institutional investment and retail enthusiasm. This unprecedented price jump was likened to a rocket launch, showcasing the growing acceptance of Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class. Factors such as institutional recognition and social media influence played crucial roles in this ascent. Yet, the cryptocurrency market is notorious for its fluctuations, and Bitcoin's price corrections serve as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in trading digital currencies. As we look towards 2024, the political landscape, particularly the upcoming U.S. elections, is influencing Bitcoin's trajectory. Amidst political uncertainty, many investors are turning to Bitcoin as a hedge against potential economic instability. Its decentralized nature and limited supply position it as a viable alternative to traditional assets. While the future remains uncertain, Bitcoin's rise to $100,000 is a clear indication that it has cemented its place in the global financial system, making it a topic of serious discussion among investors and financial experts alike. This milestone is not the end but rather a new chapter in the ongoing cryptocurrency revolution.

Karrier One, a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) built on the Sui Network, has announced the global launch of its innovative WiFi Hotspot devices. This initiative allows individuals to contribute to a decentralized connectivity ecosystem by providing WiFi offloading services to various carriers, earning KONE tokens in return. This development marks a significant advancement in decentralized networks, integrating Web3 technology with practical applications that address the increasing demand for internet connectivity. As internet usage continues to rise, traditional networks are under pressure from high traffic volumes. Karrier One tackles this issue by introducing a decentralized WiFi offloading network powered by user-owned hotspot devices. Participants can offload data traffic from conventional carriers to the Karrier One Network, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. The model is simple: device owners provide WiFi connectivity to mobile carriers and earn KONE tokens, creating an ecosystem where anyone can participate and benefit while contributing to a more efficient internet. The strategic partnership with Sui Network is crucial for Karrier One's mission, enabling the deployment of SCION Services, Walrus Nodes, and Validator Nodes on the Sui blockchain. This collaboration aims to leverage advanced blockchain technology to enhance network functionality and scalability. As Jameel Khalfan from Sui Foundation noted, this initiative not only adds capacity to traditional telecom providers but also empowers users in underserved areas to earn from their contributions. Karrier One’s vision of democratizing access to connectivity aligns with the broader objectives of Web3, redistributing value and control from centralized entities to the community, ultimately revolutionizing global connectivity.