Compiled by: Golden Finance
This week, 20 blockchain startups raised a total of $40.1 million in funding. There are 8 projects that received seed and pre-seed rounds, and 12 projects received other rounds of financing. Vlayer raised $10 million in the Pre-seed round of financing - the largest financing this week.
The largest round of financing this week
Vlayer raised $10 million in a pre-seed round of financing, and investors include a16z Crypto Startup Accelerator (CSX), Credo Ventures, BlockTower Capital, Zachary Williamson, and Joe Andrews.
VLayer is a decentralized data infrastructure that uses zero-knowledge proofs to achieve verifiable integration of on-chain and off-chain data in Solidity smart contracts. Its main features include: "Time Travel" for historical state access, "Teleport" for cross-chain interaction, "Web Proofs" and "Email Proofs" based on zkTLS for content verification. VLayer introduces Prover and Verifier smart contracts to ensure secure and modular decentralized application (dApp) development on Ethereum.
Pre-seed and Seed Financing Rounds
Pharos raised $8 million in a seed financing round, with investors including Hack VC, Lightspeed Faction, SNZ Holding, Reforge, Dispersion Capital, Hash Global, Generative Ventures, MH Ventures, Chorus One, Legend Star.
Pharos is a deeply parallel Layer-1 blockchain network designed to support high-speed, scalable and decentralized applications. It supports EVM compatibility, allowing Ethereum dApp developers to leverage familiar toolchains while benefiting from Pharos features such as 1-second finality, reduced storage costs, and enhanced security using AsyncBFT consensus. Pharos aims to drive innovation in DeFi, Real World Assets (RWAs), Decentralized Physical Infrastructure (DePIN), and cross-chain interoperability by providing a unified account system.
Cytonic raised $8.3 million in a seed round from investors including Lattice Fund*, Lemniscap*, IOBC Capital, Nomura, Lyrik Ventures, Public Works, and Arthur Hayes.
Cytonic is a Layer 1 blockchain built for Web3 compatibility, designed to enable seamless access to DeFi protocols and integrate with existing development tools in multiple ecosystems, including EVM and non-EVM chains. Providing zero-threshold access, wallet integration, and atomic parallelism for scalable consensus, Cytonic aims to create an open blockchain technology ecosystem. Its native token is backed by PoS validators, and Cytonic's unique multi-virtual machine (VM) approach enables interoperability without ecosystem dependencies.
Pond raised $7.5 million in a seed round from investors including Archetype*, Cyber Fund, Delphi Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, Anagram, NxGen, Near Foundation, Web3com Ventures, Aquanow (AQN), Presto Labs, PAKA, Nonce Classic, Comfy Capital, Santiago R. Santos, Illia Polosukhin, Spencer Noon, Dean Eigenmann, Suji Yan.
Pond is a Web3 platform that pioneers AI model development in the crypto space, allowing developers to collaboratively create, own, and monetize AI models through a decentralized model layer. With a team of experts from top tech companies and academic backgrounds, Pond provides advanced models and data infrastructure to make AI technology accessible to both Web2 and Web3 developers. It focuses on crypto-native AI applications such as security, DeFi, trading, and MEV solutions, and provides revenue sharing for creators. Notable projects include a security model with GoPlus and a DeFi fee solution with OpenGradient.
Rekt raised $1.5 million in a seed round of financing, with investors including Gmoney, Luca Netz, Bharat Krymo, Cozomo de’ Medici, and Deeze.
Rekt Brands Inc. is the parent company of the Rektguy NFT project, Rekt Drinks, and Rekt brand intellectual property (IP). Stemming from the success of the Rektguy NFT collection created by artist Ovie Faruq (OSF), Rekt has evolved into a Web3-driven brand that blends NFT culture, consumer products, and community equity models. Rekt Drinks is its first consumer product, a lemon-flavored, non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic sparkling water.
SkyX has raised $1 million in a pre-seed round from investors including Escape Velocity*, EoT Ventures*, Waterdrip Capital*, Daedalus, Peaq, J17 Capital.
SkyX Global focuses on advanced drone technology, providing aerial solutions for industrial applications such as oil and gas, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection. By leveraging AI and data analytics, SkyX enables efficient real-time monitoring and data collection, improving safety and operational efficiency.
Vlayer has raised $10 million in a pre-seed round from investors including a16z Crypto Startup Accelerator (CSX), Credo Ventures, BlockTower Capital, Zachary Williamson, Joe Andrews.
VLayer is a decentralized data infrastructure that uses zero-knowledge proofs to enable verifiable integration of on-chain and off-chain data in Solidity smart contracts. Its main features include: "Time Travel" for historical state access, "Teleport" for cross-chain interaction, "Web Proofs" and "Email Proofs" based on zkTLS for content verification. VLayer introduces Prover and Verifier smart contracts to ensure secure and modular decentralized application (dApp) development on Ethereum.
Betski raised $345,000 in a pre-seed round of financing.
Betski is an all-in-one sports betting and casino platform where users can become "dealers" by betting $BETSKI tokens and share platform revenue. It supports traditional and crypto payments, and NFT membership cards provide additional benefits. Betski supports sports betting, e-sports, casino games and lotteries, aiming to create a rewarding and community-driven betting experience and provide governance rights to token holders.
GameBeast Studio raised $2 million in a seed round from Tido Capital*, T-Fund*, K300 Ventures, Notch Ventures, Asva Capital, Aza Ventures, BuzzBridge Capital.
GameBeast is a Web3 gaming platform that integrates mini-games, turn-based card games, and AAA games into a unified ecosystem. It provides users with in-game rewards, revenue sharing rights, and exclusive benefits through a VIP Pass membership model. GameBeast is designed as a multi-platform gaming hub that combines community-driven engagement and decentralized incentives to expand access and support cross-platform gaming through multiple interfaces.
Other Investment Rounds
BIO Protocol raised an undisclosed amount in a round from investors including Binance Labs Fund.
BIO is a decentralized science (DeSci) protocol that aims to advance biotech research through community-owned DAOs, tokenized scientific IP, and open access to funding. It provides financial support for early-stage science, enabling stakeholders to fund, develop, and trade IP assets through the creation and governance of biotech DAOs. BIO's mission is to accelerate scientific innovation through blockchain technology, making it more accessible and collaborative.
Prosper has raised an undisclosed amount in a round of funding from investors including Waterdrip Capital.
Prosper is a decentralized protocol that connects Bitcoin mining to the blockchain by providing hashrate-based tokens ($PROS) that represent real-time Bitcoin mining power. Through a community-driven foundation, Prosper directly owns and manages institutional-grade mining machines, rewarding token holders with Bitcoin output at cost. Users can stake $PROS, earn Bitcoin rewards, and participate in governance to influence the development of the protocol. Prosper's mission is to integrate Bitcoin hashrate with Web3 and support long-term ecosystem growth.
Bion has raised an undisclosed amount in a funding round from investors including TON Ventures.
Bion is a Web3 shopping platform that offers cashback rewards from over 100 brands. Users can earn up to 40% in crypto rewards and get additional bonuses by inviting friends. It uses blockchain to enhance the shopping experience and provides incentives through personalized links. The platform focuses on combining Web3 features with everyday shopping to bring additional value to users.
Usual Labs has raised $1.5 million in a funding round from investors including Echo, Comfy Capital, and Jed Breed.
Usual Labs is a startup that is building a USD0 stablecoin ecosystem. USD0 is a stablecoin backed by real-world assets.
CoW Protocol has raised an undisclosed amount in a funding round from investors including Greenfield Capital.
CoW Protocol is a fully permissionless trading protocol that utilizes Batch Auctions as its price discovery mechanism. The CoW Protocol implements Coincidence of Wants (CoWs) by maximizing liquidity and leveraging all available on-chain liquidity.
Blum raised an undisclosed amount in a round of funding from investors including The Open Platform (TOP).
Blum is a hybrid exchange that provides seamless access to centralized and decentralized exchanges (CEX and DEX) through a single platform. It supports over 30 chains and allows users to trade without switching networks or paying gas fees in native tokens. Blum offers a gamified experience through a Telegram mini-app, including AI assistant assistance, localized P2P trading, simple derivatives, and unified CEX/DEX trading. In addition, it also offers self-custody and MPC wallet options.
HackQuest raised an undisclosed amount in a round of funding from investors including KIP Protocol.
HackQuest is a Web3 education platform that provides official developer education and ecosystem building in partnership with more than 10 leading public chains including Mantle Network, Solana, and Arbitrum. The platform aims to expand its courses and work with institutions such as Nanyang Technological University to support a wider range of Web3 builders to launch their projects.
AgentLayer raised an undisclosed amount in a round of funding, with investors including BingX Labs.
AgentLayer is a decentralized AI-driven platform that creates autonomous agent networks for a variety of tasks in industries such as finance, healthcare, and entertainment. Providing rewards and governance through $AGENT tokens, leveraging Proof of Provenance (PoP) for verification, and supporting AI integration on platforms such as Telegram, AgentLayer allows developers and non-technical users to build, deploy, and interact with AI agents. Its platform supports seamless integration with Ethereum Layer 2, emphasizing security, modularity, and scalability for Web3 applications.
Klaster Protocol has raised an undisclosed amount in a round of M&A funding from investors including Biconomy.
Klaster is a blockchain cluster protocol designed to enhance existing decentralized applications (dApps) by enabling cross-chain communication and seamless sovereign multi-chain asset support. It allows smart contracts to call EVM functions on any chain on Chainlink's Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP)-enabled network, ensuring composability and atomicity. Klaster supports account abstraction, bridging, and cross-chain orchestration to provide a unified experience for Web3 developers and users.
Phi has raised an undisclosed amount in a round of strategic funding from investors including Neoclassic Capital*, Decima, Cyber, PAKA, Incubate Fund.
Phi is a social gaming platform focused on "on-chain identity" that makes it easy to visualize on-chain identity through ENS and verified wallet activity. The protocol allows users to generate personalized spaces and claim in-game items based on wallet activity. With these items, users can build their own Web3 worlds and showcase their on-chain identities.
Fragmetric raised an undisclosed amount in a funding round with investors including Anatoly Yakovenko, Tristan, Lily Liu, 3nes, Richard Ma.
Fragmetric is a Solana-based liquid restaking protocol that aims to enhance the security and economic growth of the Solana ecosystem. Through $fragSOL, the first liquid restaking token (LRT), users can earn yield on staked SOL and liquid staking tokens and participate in DeFi. The platform leverages Solana's token expansion capabilities to optimize the distribution of staking, MEV, and NCN/AVS rewards, enabling users to stake $fragSOL as collateral, provide liquidity, or trade on DEX. The protocol aims to build a strong restaking ecosystem through standardized LRT and community contributions.
CoinBest raised an undisclosed amount in a round of M&A funding with investors including OSL Group.
CoinBest is a Japanese cryptocurrency exchange that provides spot trading, mining support, NFT services, and blockchain development solutions. It provides security through cold wallets, multi-signature authorization, and asset segregation of customer funds. CoinBest emphasizes secure digital asset management within a compliance framework.
The biggest round of funding this week
Vlayer raised $10 million in a pre-seed round of funding from investors including a16z Crypto Startup Accelerator (CSX), Credo Ventures, BlockTower Capital, Zachary Williamson, Joe Andrews.
VLayer is a decentralized data infrastructure that uses zero-knowledge proofs to enable verifiable integration of on-chain and off-chain data in Solidity smart contracts. Its main features include: "Time Travel" for historical state access, "Teleport" for cross-chain interaction, "Web Proofs" and "Email Proofs" based on zkTLS for content verification. VLayer introduces Prover and Verifier smart contracts to ensure secure and modular decentralized application (dApp) development on Ethereum.
Pre-seed and Seed Financing Rounds
Pharos raised $8 million in a seed financing round, with investors including Hack VC, Lightspeed Faction, SNZ Holding, Reforge, Dispersion Capital, Hash Global, Generative Ventures, MH Ventures, Chorus One, Legend Star.
Pharos is a deeply parallel Layer-1 blockchain network designed to support high-speed, scalable and decentralized applications. It supports EVM compatibility, allowing Ethereum dApp developers to leverage familiar toolchains while benefiting from Pharos features such as 1-second finality, reduced storage costs, and enhanced security using AsyncBFT consensus. Pharos aims to drive innovation in DeFi, Real World Assets (RWAs), Decentralized Physical Infrastructure (DePIN), and cross-chain interoperability by providing a unified account system.
Cytonic raised $8.3 million in a seed round from investors including Lattice Fund*, Lemniscap*, IOBC Capital, Nomura, Lyrik Ventures, Public Works, and Arthur Hayes.
Cytonic is a Layer 1 blockchain built for Web3 compatibility, designed to enable seamless access to DeFi protocols and integrate with existing development tools in multiple ecosystems, including EVM and non-EVM chains. Providing zero-threshold access, wallet integration, and atomic parallelism for scalable consensus, Cytonic aims to create an open blockchain technology ecosystem. Its native token is backed by PoS validators, and Cytonic's unique multi-virtual machine (VM) approach enables interoperability without ecosystem dependencies.
Pond raised $7.5 million in a seed round from investors including Archetype*, Cyber Fund, Delphi Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, Anagram, NxGen, Near Foundation, Web3com Ventures, Aquanow (AQN), Presto Labs, PAKA, Nonce Classic, Comfy Capital, Santiago R. Santos, Illia Polosukhin, Spencer Noon, Dean Eigenmann, Suji Yan.
Pond is a Web3 platform that pioneers AI model development in the crypto space, allowing developers to collaboratively create, own, and monetize AI models through a decentralized model layer. With a team of experts from top tech companies and academic backgrounds, Pond provides advanced models and data infrastructure to make AI technology accessible to both Web2 and Web3 developers. It focuses on crypto-native AI applications such as security, DeFi, trading, and MEV solutions, and provides revenue sharing for creators. Notable projects include a security model with GoPlus and a DeFi fee solution with OpenGradient.
Rekt raised $1.5 million in a seed round of financing, with investors including Gmoney, Luca Netz, Bharat Krymo, Cozomo de’ Medici, and Deeze.
Rekt Brands Inc. is the parent company of the Rektguy NFT project, Rekt Drinks, and Rekt brand intellectual property (IP). Stemming from the success of the Rektguy NFT collection created by artist Ovie Faruq (OSF), Rekt has evolved into a Web3-driven brand that blends NFT culture, consumer products, and community equity models. Rekt Drinks is its first consumer product, a lemon-flavored, non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic sparkling water.
SkyX has raised $1 million in a pre-seed round from investors including Escape Velocity*, EoT Ventures*, Waterdrip Capital*, Daedalus, Peaq, J17 Capital.
SkyX Global focuses on advanced drone technology, providing aerial solutions for industrial applications such as oil and gas, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection. By leveraging AI and data analytics, SkyX enables efficient real-time monitoring and data collection, improving safety and operational efficiency.
Vlayer has raised $10 million in a pre-seed round from investors including a16z Crypto Startup Accelerator (CSX), Credo Ventures, BlockTower Capital, Zachary Williamson, Joe Andrews.
VLayer is a decentralized data infrastructure that uses zero-knowledge proofs to enable verifiable integration of on-chain and off-chain data in Solidity smart contracts. Its main features include: "Time Travel" for historical state access, "Teleport" for cross-chain interaction, "Web Proofs" and "Email Proofs" based on zkTLS for content verification. VLayer introduces Prover and Verifier smart contracts to ensure secure and modular decentralized application (dApp) development on Ethereum.
Betski raised $345,000 in a pre-seed round of financing.
Betski is an all-in-one sports betting and casino platform where users can become "dealers" by betting $BETSKI tokens and share platform revenue. It supports traditional and crypto payments, and NFT membership cards provide additional benefits. Betski supports sports betting, e-sports, casino games and lotteries, aiming to create a rewarding and community-driven betting experience and provide governance rights to token holders.
GameBeast Studio raised $2 million in a seed round from Tido Capital*, T-Fund*, K300 Ventures, Notch Ventures, Asva Capital, Aza Ventures, BuzzBridge Capital.
GameBeast is a Web3 gaming platform that integrates mini-games, turn-based card games, and AAA games into a unified ecosystem. It provides users with in-game rewards, revenue sharing rights, and exclusive benefits through a VIP Pass membership model. GameBeast is designed as a multi-platform gaming hub that combines community-driven engagement and decentralized incentives to expand access and support cross-platform gaming through multiple interfaces.
Other Investment Rounds
BIO Protocol raised an undisclosed amount in a round from investors including Binance Labs Fund.
BIO is a decentralized science (DeSci) protocol that aims to advance biotech research through community-owned DAOs, tokenized scientific IP, and open access to funding. It provides financial support for early-stage science, enabling stakeholders to fund, develop, and trade IP assets through the creation and governance of biotech DAOs. BIO's mission is to accelerate scientific innovation through blockchain technology, making it more accessible and collaborative.
Prosper has raised an undisclosed amount in a round of funding from investors including Waterdrip Capital.
Prosper is a decentralized protocol that connects Bitcoin mining to the blockchain by providing hashrate-based tokens ($PROS) that represent real-time Bitcoin mining power. Through a community-driven foundation, Prosper directly owns and manages institutional-grade mining machines, rewarding token holders with Bitcoin output at cost. Users can stake $PROS, earn Bitcoin rewards, and participate in governance to influence the development of the protocol. Prosper's mission is to integrate Bitcoin hashrate with Web3 and support long-term ecosystem growth.
Bion has raised an undisclosed amount in a funding round from investors including TON Ventures.
Bion is a Web3 shopping platform that offers cashback rewards from over 100 brands. Users can earn up to 40% in crypto rewards and get additional bonuses by inviting friends. It uses blockchain to enhance the shopping experience and provides incentives through personalized links. The platform focuses on combining Web3 features with everyday shopping to bring additional value to users.
Usual Labs has raised $1.5 million in a funding round from investors including Echo, Comfy Capital, and Jed Breed.
Usual Labs is a startup that is building a USD0 stablecoin ecosystem. USD0 is a stablecoin backed by real-world assets.
CoW Protocol has raised an undisclosed amount in a funding round from investors including Greenfield Capital.
CoW Protocol is a fully permissionless trading protocol that utilizes Batch Auctions as its price discovery mechanism. The CoW Protocol implements Coincidence of Wants (CoWs) by maximizing liquidity and leveraging all available on-chain liquidity.
Blum raised an undisclosed amount in a round of funding from investors including The Open Platform (TOP).
Blum is a hybrid exchange that provides seamless access to centralized and decentralized exchanges (CEX and DEX) through a single platform. It supports over 30 chains and allows users to trade without switching networks or paying gas fees in native tokens. Blum offers a gamified experience through a Telegram mini-app, including AI assistant assistance, localized P2P trading, simple derivatives, and unified CEX/DEX trading. In addition, it also offers self-custody and MPC wallet options.
HackQuest raised an undisclosed amount in a round of funding from investors including KIP Protocol.
HackQuest is a Web3 education platform that provides official developer education and ecosystem building in partnership with more than 10 leading public chains including Mantle Network, Solana, and Arbitrum. The platform aims to expand its courses and work with institutions such as Nanyang Technological University to support a wider range of Web3 builders to launch their projects.
AgentLayer raised an undisclosed amount in a round of funding, with investors including BingX Labs.
AgentLayer is a decentralized AI-driven platform that creates autonomous agent networks for a variety of tasks in industries such as finance, healthcare, and entertainment. Providing rewards and governance through $AGENT tokens, leveraging Proof of Provenance (PoP) for verification, and supporting AI integration on platforms such as Telegram, AgentLayer allows developers and non-technical users to build, deploy, and interact with AI agents. Its platform supports seamless integration with Ethereum Layer 2, emphasizing security, modularity, and scalability for Web3 applications.
Klaster Protocol has raised an undisclosed amount in a round of M&A funding from investors including Biconomy.
Klaster is a blockchain cluster protocol designed to enhance existing decentralized applications (dApps) by enabling cross-chain communication and seamless sovereign multi-chain asset support. It allows smart contracts to call EVM functions on any chain on Chainlink's Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP)-enabled network, ensuring composability and atomicity. Klaster supports account abstraction, bridging, and cross-chain orchestration to provide a unified experience for Web3 developers and users.
Phi has raised an undisclosed amount in a round of strategic funding from investors including Neoclassic Capital*, Decima, Cyber, PAKA, Incubate Fund.
Phi is a social gaming platform focused on "on-chain identity" that easily visualizes on-chain identity through ENS and verified wallet activity. The protocol allows users to generate personalized spaces and claim in-game items based on wallet activity. With these items, users can build their own Web3 worlds and showcase their on-chain identities.
Fragmetric raised an undisclosed amount in a funding round with investors including Anatoly Yakovenko, Tristan, Lily Liu, 3nes, Richard Ma.
Fragmetric is a Solana-based liquid restaking protocol that aims to enhance the security and economic growth of the Solana ecosystem. Through $fragSOL, the first liquid restaking token (LRT), users can earn yield on staked SOL and liquid staking tokens and participate in DeFi. The platform leverages Solana's token expansion capabilities to optimize the distribution of staking, MEV, and NCN/AVS rewards, enabling users to stake $fragSOL as collateral, provide liquidity, or trade on DEX. The protocol aims to build a strong restaking ecosystem through standardized LRT and community contributions.
CoinBest raised an undisclosed amount in a round of M&A funding with investors including OSL Group.
CoinBest is a Japanese cryptocurrency exchange that provides spot trading, mining support, NFT services, and blockchain development solutions. It provides security through cold wallets, multi-signature authorization, and asset isolation of customer funds. CoinBest emphasizes secure digital asset management within a compliant framework.
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