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Blockchain Press Releases

SocialFi Infrastructure OpenSocial Protocol Raises $5M to Fuel the Growth of SocialFi Super Apps, with $15M Ecosystem Fund Backed by EVG

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The round was led by Portal Ventures, SNZ Capital and renowned angel investors, who all share the same vision that SocialFi is primed to become the largest consumer use case for mass adoption in Asia

HONG KONG, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, OpenSocial Protocol (OpenSocial), a composable infrastructure layer for building social applications, announced the successful completion of a $5M seed funding round. OpenSocial is a multichain SocialFi infrastructure protocol empowering developers and creators to effortlessly build social dApps. Led by infrastructure investors Portal Ventures and SNZ Capital (early backers of Ethereum, Chainlink, Cosmos, Arbitrum, Polkadot and Dfinity), the round opened in December 2023 and closed in January 2024. 

Other investors included Animoca Brands (HK), Awesome People Ventures (US), Arche Fund (Vietnam), Decima Fund (Japan), Moonrock Capital (EU), OKX Ventures, Orange DAO (US), Panony, Summer Ventures (HK); and renowned web3 entrepreneurs include Smokey the Bera, Brian Fabian Crain, Mike Dudas, Martin El-Khouri, Roham Gharegozlou, Don Ho, Mable Jiang, Adam Jin, Serge Kassardjian, and Jason Yano.

OpenSocial Protocol is founded by Everest Ventures Group (EVG), one of the largest web3 operating groups in Asia focused on consumer applications. They have 300 full-time builders with backgrounds from Alibaba, ByteDance, Tencent and NetEase and 2M+ users across its products. EVG is also an early supporter of Animoca Brands, the Sandbox and Dapper Labs.

EVG set aside a $15M ecosystem fund for developers to build on OpenSocial. EVG has also deployed 30 of its best in-house builders to develop OpenSocial. There are also 50 additional developers building dApps on top of OpenSocial, outside of EVG.

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What is OpenSocial Protocol?

OpenSocial is an open-source social infrastructure layer to power native web3 social experiences.  Founded in 2023, OpenSocial aims to empower thousands of community dApps with infrastructure and UI-layer composabilities, true ownership of intellectual property and relationship, and better-aligned monetisation and financial incentives.

The modular design with easy-to-deploy social tools on a multichain approach enables developers and creators to assemble dApps quickly and economically.

These modules can be either on-chain or off-chain and include: feed, chatroom, text/video/audio/posts, comments, reactions, voting, share, on-chain social graphs (social data and structure), tribes (user and topic based communities), megaphones (an advertising engine), as well as plug-ins (token issuance, DAO tools, betting, voting, bounties, matching, mini-games).

“These modules and tools are designed to provide both an emotionally captivating and financially rewarding social experience covering accessibility, ownership and monetization opportunities to end users and communities,” noted Sean Tao, Co-Founder of OpenSocial Protocol. 

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Another unique web3 mechanism to be unveiled soon is the portability, self-ownership and self-sovereignty of identities and communities within different ecosystems and products.

Why social, why now?

Social has the potential to become the largest consumer use case for mass adoption of web3. The evolution of the internet’s use cases provide a precedent. Social was not a core use case in the first 6 years of the consumer internet (1997-2003) as marketplaces, portals, and games dominated but it emerged to social giants of today as a leading use case in the second phase of post dot.com bubble (2004-2010) as costs declined and adoption grew. SocialFi projects struggle to reach their full potential without the right technology and consumer readiness, similar to Social’s early path in web2. Asian social app adoption is an important factor in EVG’s decision to launch OpenSocial too.

“Importantly, Asia represents more than half of the world’s social media users, with nearly 3 billion people actively using social platforms every day. We think SocialFi’s ‘Axie moment’ will happen this cycle and likely take place in Asia. And the SocialFi trend in Asia will prove that social is a layer not media,” said Allen Ng, CEO of EVG and Co-Founder of OpenSocial Protocol.

“We are thrilled to have such powerful network effects from our very strategic investors. We come from a venture studio operation with backgrounds from Bytedance, Tencent, Alibaba that understand user preferences. OpenSocial’s design principles and dApps strategies are very different from the western-centric players, leveraging on our learning and advantages in Asia, we envision powering hundreds if not thousands of community dApps in 5 years,” said Tao.

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dApps already available on OpenSocial

With the $15M ecosystem fund to empower the next-generation super apps, OpenSocial has already launched its first dApp SoMon (“Social Monster”), a truly decentralized topic-based forum owned by users and communities with degen mechanics and sustainable rewards.

There are various platforms and SocialFi use cases powered by OpenSocial that are soon to launch, including Zeek – a decentralized collaboration network for on-chain social bounty and reputation, backed by OKX Ventures and Animoca Brands.

OpenSocial’s investors are excited

“OpenSocial combines lessons from leading Asia consumer internet businesses like WeChat with a deep understanding of crypto native preferences. The team is building an infrastructure layer that will power an ecosystem of new, community-driven social experiences. Users demand novel financialized experiences – OpenSocial makes that possible,” said Evan Fisher, Founder & Managing Partner of Portal Ventures.

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“In the last five years, EVG has grown from a start-up to one of the largest web3 consumer groups in Asia. OpenSocial is the flagship project of EVG and the team is building multiple dApps on top, which we believe could be the right product at the right time for the right team to deliver. SocialFi is a very challenging and competitive sector with huge potential, while OpenSocial along with SoMon, Zeek and others dApps, has a great chance to be the game changer,” Gavin Wang, CIO of SNZ Capital.

“We are proud to back OpenSocial in its endeavor to empower creators and developers to build social capital and innovate at the forefront of SocialFi. I am confident that OpenSocial will enable the first transformative steps in how we engage digitally, and look forward to incubating unique Japanese collaborations leveraging OpenSocial,” noted Ken Kitahara, Co-founder & General Partner of Decima Fund.

“OpenSocial is well-positioned to fill the social need with its modular, community-owned approach tailored for mobile-first markets like Vietnam. I believe that through OpenSocial’s infrastructure, we will see many innovative Vietnamese social applications emerge that strengthen real-world connections and celebrate local culture in new ways,” said Thanh Le, Founder of Ninety Eight.

About OpenSocial

OpenSocial Protocol (OpenSocial) is a multichain SocialFi infrastructure empowering developers and creators to effortlessly build social dApps. Leveraging its robust social graph and modular design, OpenSocial enables transparent content promotion to specific user groups, ensuring fair value distribution among all stakeholders. OpenSocial offers the best data, tooling, and financial layer and its vision is to enable the largest multi-chain social economy.

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OpenSocial Protocol is founded by Everest Ventures Group.

Website: www.opensocial.co

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OpenSocialLabs

About EVG

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Everest Ventures Group (EVG) is a web3 operating group driving mass adoption of web3.  With a global team of 300, we have built and launched a diverse portfolio of products for the future of digital interaction across use cases, such as Aspen Digital, Mugen Interactive, Kiki, LiveArt, Blocktempo, Cassava Network, and Adverse. As an early investor and lead advisor we have contributed to unicorns, and 150+ defining projects such as Celestia, Wormhole, Berachain, Dapper Labs (Flow), Animoca Brands, Immutable, The Sandbox, Yuga Labs, Kraken, Lukka, Dunamu and Blocklords.

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Website: https://www.evg.co/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EVGHQ/

MEDIA CONTACT:

Gemma
[email protected]

 

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Blockchain Press Releases

Compass Mining Scales Texas Operations with 25 MW Bitcoin Mining Facility, Plans Further Expansion

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Energizes Over 50 MW in 2024 Across Six States, with 35 MW Coming Online by January 2025

WILMINGTON, Del., Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Compass Mining (“Compass” or the “Company”), a leading provider of Bitcoin mining hardware, hosting, and operational solutions, proudly announces the addition of a new 25 megawatts (MW) Bitcoin mining facility in Texas to its growing network of North American operations. The facility is already fully built out and will be operational with an initial 5 MW of capacity by year’s end, scaling to 25 MW in early January 2025. Compass also plans to expand the facility’s capacity to 60 MW by Q3 2025.

The new Texas facility will house a mix of relocated machines from Compass’s existing sites, as well as newly deployed units, ensuring continuity for current customers while offering new clients a seamless and turnkey Bitcoin mining experience. By January 2025, new customers purchasing machines through Compass’s platform will have the option to deploy them at the “Texas 6″ site.

“Our new Texas facility represents another milestone in our mission to make bitcoin mining more accessible for everyone,” said Paul Gosker, CEO of Compass Mining. “We bring a wealth of experience from successfully operating at multiple locations across Texas, navigating the unique grid dynamics and leveraging local resources. For this site, we will provide our support and expertise, including assisting our site partner in hiring expert technicians who meet Compass’s high standards. This ensures high uptime and reliability, delivering the quality our customers expect.”

Compass’s strategy combines vertical integration through proprietary facilities, such as the new Iowa 4 site, with partnerships at third-party facilities renowned for high uptime and reliability. This dual approach allows the company to maintain operational flexibility while delivering reliable hosting solutions. The company has energized a total of approximately 50 MW of power capacity across mining facilities in Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Kentucky, Nebraska, and Texas in 2024, with plans to add another 35 MW by January 2025.

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About Compass Mining

Compass Mining is a customer-first company that provides a platform for individuals and businesses to purchase Bitcoin mining hardware, host machines, build and manage mining facilities, and access a range of ancillary services. With a commitment to exceptional customer support and transparency, Compass Mining sets the benchmark for bitcoin mining hosting. Its mission is to make Bitcoin mining accessible to everyone. To learn more about Compass Mining or to start mining today, visit compassmining.io.

Media Contact

BlocksBridge Consulting
[email protected] 

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Blockchain Press Releases

Surprises Guaranteed: Bybit Card Dishes Out Rewards in Holiday Giveaway

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DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, will be extending the festive fun with lavish virtual gifts for Bybit Card holders. From Dec. 20, 2024 to Jan. 31, 2025, with every swipe of their Bybit Card, users may get a chance to unwrap mystery gift boxes, including 1,000 in USDT and other exciting airdrops from DOGE to BTC—all rewards, no catches.

For each 100 USDT spent in eligible purchases with the Bybit Card, users will receive a lucky draw ticket to redeem a gift box on Bybit. Each gift box promises a crypto reward—from Christmas baubles in DOGE, SOL, ETH, XRP and BTC airdrops, all the way up to the grand prize of 1,000 in USDT. Registration is required and the special Holiday Giveaway ends at the end of Jan. 2025.

For users looking for a convenient way to utilize their crypto assets for daily spendings and debit payments, it is not too late to apply for the Bybit Card. The application and verification process takes minutes, and a virtual card will be issued as soon as the card is approved, enabling seamless digital payment on Apple and Android devices in applicable regions.

“The Bybit Card takes the hassle out of crypto off-ramp for regular users and weaves rewards and benefits into daily spendings. On top of regular cashbacks, we are introducing extra perks as our token of thanks to wrap up an eventful year in crypto,”  said Joan Han, Sales and Marketing Director at Bybit.

The Bybit Card made expansive global footprints 2024 as crypto adoption continues to rise in the past year. Trusted and frictionless crypto payment solutions are in demand in various parts of the world, and Bybit is one of the natural habitats of crypto native consumers. Spanning from Buenos Aires to Amsterdam, the Bybit Card community is growing and so are the perks:

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  • Up to 10% cashback in USDT, BTC and ETH on eligible purchases
  • Zero fees for instant virtual card issuance
  • Zero annual or hidden fees
  • Up to 8% APY

Enjoy this festive season in all its splendor. Eligible Bybit Card holders from all regions are welcome; terms and conditions apply: Bybit Card Holiday Giveaway: Swipe, Spend & Sparkle!

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk #theBybitCard

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

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Blockchain Press Releases

Bybit P2P Unlocks 20,000 USDT Prize Pools for Select Users in South Asia and Africa

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DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, will be concluding 2024 with lucky spins all around for eligible users on Bybit P2P. With a chance at two grand bonus pools of 10,000 USDT each, select users in parts of South Asia and Africa stand to make the most of their P2P trades at Bybit.

From now to Dec. 31, 2024, eligible users may create their own P2P trading bonus at Bybit and unlock 100% chance of winning:

Successful participants may complete one or more referral, deposit, or trading tasks to earn up to 10 Lucky Draw Tickets. Tasks start at beginner level including a first-time deposit of 10 USDT. With a Ticket, users get to spin the wheel of fortune for a guaranteed airdrop from the 10,000 USDT Prize Pool.

As communities in the Global South start to build and diversify their wealth, millions are in dire need of modernized and inclusive financial infrastructures. The digital asset class offers an alternative for grassroot investors in emerging markets, demonstrating transformative power to shape the future of growth.

Bybit’s peer-to-peer trading platform provides user-friendly and trusted tools for P2P merchants and buyers. Users can compare and execute trades at an optimal price agreed upon by both parties, carried out on Bybit’s ultra smooth trading platform at zero fees. Supporting over 60 fiat currencies and over 300 payment methods, Bybit P2P contributes to democratizing access to the digital economy.

Users who have completed Bybit Identity Verification Level 1 may log in to confirm their eligibility. Terms and conditions apply.

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#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

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