Blockchain Press Releases
Fermah Closes $5.2M Seed Round to Abstract Away the Complexity of ZK Proof Generation
NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Fermah, the universal proof generation layer, has announced the successful closure of its $5.2 million seed round, co-led by the a16z CSX fund and Lemniscap. The round also included participation from Bankless Ventures, Longhash Ventures, P-OPS team, Public Works, ZK Validator, Lambda Class, Daedalus, Zero DAO, Velocity Capital, and Daemon Ventures.
A number of S-tier builders also participated as angels in the round, including former Coinbase CTO and a16z GP Balaji Srinivasan; Celestia’s Mustafa Al-Bassam (CEO) and Nick White (COO); Co-founders of Polygon, Sandeep Nailwal, Jaynti Kanani, and Daniel Lubarov; as well as Aztec’s Zac Williamson (CEO) and Claire Kart (CMO); and several others.
The funding will go towards product development and team expansion, with Fermah currently hiring for a number of key roles, as part of the company’s vision to make zero-knowledge proofs the default substrate for all computation.
Fermah was founded by seasoned cryptographer Vanishree Rao, who has dedicated the last 15 years to designing and building Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs), and holds a PhD in Cryptography from UCLA. Vanishree was also the Lead Cryptographer at O(1) Labs – the team behind Mina Protocol, one of the earliest and most innovative ZK protocols. She has extensive experience working with cryptographic primitives including secure hash functions, advanced digital signature schemes, ZKPs, multi-party computation protocols, key exchange protocols, and program obfuscation.
While ZKP technology is slowly becoming practical enough to power broad, modern applications, the generation of proofs remains extremely resource-intensive, requiring expensive, powerful physical infrastructure. The underutilization of this hardware inflates the price users pay for their ZK transactions. Beyond this, designing, implementing, and maintaining the optimal incentive structure for this infrastructure is extremely onerous.
Fermah – which is optimized for cheap, fast, and reliable ZK proof generation – is addressing this long-standing complexity issue inherent to ZKPs, functioning as a marketplace for ZK proof generation. Fermah generates proofs for any instance in which ZK is used – whether it’s for ZK rollups, ZK bridges, ZK coprocessors, ZKML projects or ZKFHE projects. Fermah is neutral and architected to support all proof systems, including zkVMs, zkEVMs, Groth16, and all other proof systems.
Fermah aggregates demand from various sources, allowing suppliers to leverage economies of scale, enabling a reduction in costs for proof generation. In turn, the range of use cases that can practically leverage ZKP technology expands – creating a flywheel that grows the aggregate demand for proofs, and hence enables further economies of scale to lower costs. This flywheel makes the economics of ZKPs viable across a much broader range of use cases. When combined with Fermah’s several technical breakthroughs, Fermah enables the first efficient marketplace for ZK proof generation.
Roderik van der Graaf, Founder and Managing Partner of Lemniscap, said: “Lemniscap is firmly behind Fermah in their mission to provide fast, cheap, and reliable infrastructure to help developers build category-leading products. By abstracting ZKP complexity, Fermah is lowering the technical barriers to entry, enabling more developers and businesses to integrate these proofs into their systems. This long awaited democratization of ZKPs extends the reach of these advanced cryptographic techniques to a broader range of applications.”
Vanishree Rao, Founder and CEO of Fermah, said: “I’m extremely optimistic that Fermah will revolutionize the ZK space as we know it. With the right team, backers, and experience, we’re poised to bring our vision to fruition. Soon, incorporating zero knowledge into applications will be frictionless. After over 15 years of building ZKPs, I can clearly see that we are approaching an inflection point: the infrastructure is finally in place, and we’re on the precipice of a boom in innovative ZK applications. Fermah will play an integral role in this boom.”
About Fermah
Fermah is the universal proof generation layer. It functions as a marketplace, where the supply side comprises GPUs and FPGAs. On the demand side, Fermah can generate proofs for any instance in which ZK is used. Fermah is optimized for cheap, fast, and reliable ZK proof generation.
About Lemniscap
Lemniscap is an investment firm specializing in investments in emerging crypto assets and blockchain startups. Since its founding in 2017, Lemniscap has funded multiple investments in the crypto blockchain space, on the core belief that blockchain technology will upend traditional business models, resulting in profound changes in the world economy. The Lemniscap team consists of talented people with backgrounds in financial markets, PE/VC, technology and entrepreneurship. For more information, visit https://lemniscap.com.
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2506129/Fermah.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fermah-closes-5-2m-seed-round-to-abstract-away-the-complexity-of-zk-proof-generation-302252159.html
Blockchain Press Releases
Blockchain for Good Alliance Hosts Web3 Oscar, Celebrating Innovators Advancing UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The highly anticipated Web3 Oscar, a prestigious event hosted by the Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA), celebrating blockchain projects driving real-world impact aligned with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Industry leaders gathered in Bangkok to honour innovators shaping a sustainable future.
The event was part of BGA’s November lineup, featuring two major initiatives for global change through blockchain: the Sustainable Innovation Summit and the Web3 Oscar Awards.
Sustainable Innovation Summit: A Hackathon for Social Impact
Held from September 9 to November 11, 2024, the Sustainable Innovation Summit hosted a hackathon with a $100,000 prize pool, inviting participants worldwide to create blockchain solutions addressing key issues such as poverty, clean water access, and gender equality. The summit concluded with a Demo Day at the Grand Hyatt Erawan in Bangkok, where finalists showcased their projects to blockchain pioneers, investors, and industry leaders, with opportunities for incubation support and equity-free funding.
Rising Stars
In a cinematic presentation style, 10 shortlisted projects from across the globe, participating in the Sustainable Innovation Summit’s 17 SDGs Challenge, took the stage. Each team presented their blockchain solutions to address sustainability challenges, telling the story of a “hero” confronting a global crisis (one of the 17 SDGs), with blockchain as the “tool” they wield for change.
Winners for the 17 SDGs Challenge:
- 1st Place: Grand Social Impact Award 🥇 EthicHub
- 2nd Place: Outstanding Social Innovation Award 🥈 Plastic Odyssey
- 3rd Place: Emerging Impact Award 🥉 ResearchHub
Rising Star Awards (top 10 projects, in no specific order):
- Wavy Health
- LAKE (LAK3)
- KulaDAO
- erable°
- arkreen
- UCO Network
- Edu3Labs
Web3 Oscar Awards: Honouring Leaders in Blockchain for Social Good
Coinciding with the hackathon’s Demo Day on November 11, the BGA Web3 Oscar Award recognizes individual contributions to blockchain for social good across three categories, with up to 7 total winners.
Each category highlights individual efforts aligning with BGA’s mission.
The Collaboration Bridge Award honours individuals who have played a vital role in guiding the strategic direction of the Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA). This year’s recipients are:
- Harn, CEO of Trigger Asset Management
- Mariana de la Roche Wills from INATBA (International Association for Trusted Blockchain Applications) and de la Roche W. Consulting
The Public Welfare Contribution Award celebrates individuals who have harnessed #BlockchainForGood. This award was presented to:
- BreeAnne Yek, Consultant at The Verdant Room
- Milica Dimitrijevic from Positiveblockchain.io
These individuals have demonstrated remarkable dedication, guidance, and pioneering work, significantly advancing the mission of the Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA) in promoting sustainable development through blockchain technology.
In her closing remarks, Helen Liu, Co-founder and COO of Bybit and founder of BGA, explained how blockchain can bring people together to make a real difference worldwide. Her vision for leveraging blockchain to create worldwide impact was both inspiring and forward-thinking.
About Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA)
The Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA) is a long term collaborative non-profit initiative with key partners with the main aim to contribute to societal good by using blockchain technology to solve real world problems. By convening leaders, innovators, and organisations from across the blockchain community, BGA seeks to drive innovation, collaboration, and action towards a more sustainable and equitable world.
For more information
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.blockchainforgood.xyz
Twitter: www.twitter.com/chainforgood
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2558063/Blockchain_Good_Alliance_Hosts_Web3_Oscar_Celebrating_Innovators_Advancing_UN_s.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2386817/Blockchain_For_Good_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/blockchain-for-good-alliance-hosts-web3-oscar-celebrating-innovators-advancing-uns-sustainable-development-goals-302305827.html
Blockchain Press Releases
Vantage Australia Celebrates 15 Years of Trading Innovation with Groundbreaking Anniversary Video
SYDNEY, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Celebrating 15 years of excellence, leading multi-asset broker Vantage Markets (or “Vantage”) has launched a video titled “The Ultimate Trading Machine*”, a tribute to 15 years of innovation, precision, and the relentless pursuit of empowering traders globally. The video encapsulates Vantage’s journey and reflects the bold, ambitious spirit of the brand.
“In the pursuit of excellence, precision and speed are everything,” the video states. For 15 years, Vantage has been at the forefront of innovation, continuously evolving to meet the needs of traders. That includes launching tools like the proprietary mobile app and integration with TradingView. In the latest assessment done by Investing.com, Vantage emerged top across multiple key metrics, including leverage, spread value, spread stability, no-slippage rate, market depth, and swap competitiveness, conducted during one of the most volatile periods – the U.S. elections. Vantage has consistently set new standards, solidifying its position as a global leader in online trading.
Since its inception, Vantage has secured licences in the UK, Australia, South Africa, the Cayman Islands, and Vanuatu, establishing itself as a trusted and regulated name in the industry. Through the years, Vantage has been committed to being a model brand for traders, forging partnerships with esteemed organisations such as NEOM McLaren Extreme E, UNESCO, and UNHCR, ensuring that it contributes positively to society as well.
Jack Kelly, Head of Sales, Vantage Australia, said, “Celebrating 15 years of Vantage is not just about looking back at our accomplishments, but about recognising the collective ambition and dedication of our traders and team. This milestone video encapsulates our journey towards setting new standards in trading innovation and customer experience. As we continue to push the limits of what’s possible, we remain committed to empowering our traders with the tools and support they need to thrive in the fast-evolving market.”
Vantage’s journey continues with a focus on setting new industry standards, delivering cutting-edge features, and empowering traders to succeed.
Experience Vantage’s 15-year journey and see “The Ultimate Trading Machine” in action here.
Learn more about Vantage’s 15 anniversary here.
About Vantage
Vantage Markets (or Vantage) is a multi-asset broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Forex and Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products on, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.
With over 15 years of market experience, Vantage transcends the role of broker, providing a trusted trading ecosystem, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that empowers clients to seize trading opportunities. Download the Vantage App on App Store or Google Play.
trade smarter @vantage
|
Vantage Global Prime Pty Ltd (ACN 157 768 566) (“Vantage”), located at 12/15 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2000, and is authorised and regulated by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) AFSL no. 428901.
Trading derivatives carries significant risks. It is not suitable for all investors and if you are a professional client, you could lose substantially more than your initial investment. When acquiring our derivative products, you have no entitlement, right or obligation to the underlying financial assets. Past performance is no indication of future performance and tax laws are subject to change. The information on this website is general in nature and doesn’t take into account your personal objectives, financial circumstances, or needs. Accordingly, before acting on the advice, you should consider whether the advice is suitable for you having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. We encourage you to seek independent advice if necessary. You should consider whether you’re part of our target market by reviewing our Target Market Determination (TMD), reading our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), and other legal documents to ensure you fully understand the risks before you make any trading decisions. We encourage you to seek independent advice if necessary. * ‘The Ultimate Trading Machine’ is a marketing term and does not imply guaranteed performance. |
Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj6BCemLANY
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2506103/Vantage_15_Logo_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vantage-australia-celebrates-15-years-of-trading-innovation-with-groundbreaking-anniversary-video-302305344.html
Blockchain Press Releases
Vantage Markets Named Leading Broker in Investing.com’s Latest Rankings for 2024 during the US Election Period
SYDNEY, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Vantage Markets (or “Vantage”), an award-winning multi-asset broker, has once again solidified its reputation for excellence, outperforming competitors across multiple key categories in Investing.com’s latest brokerage test.
Investing.com, one of the world’s leading financial publishers, provides real-time financial news, analysis, and data, serving over 60 million monthly users across global markets. Its brokerage tests are highly regarded in the industry, offering comprehensive insights into broker performance based on rigorous evaluation criteria.
In this latest assessment, the test evaluated multiple key metrics, including leverage, spread value, spread stability, no-slippage rate, market depth, large order cost, and swap competitiveness, conducted during one of the most volatile periods – the U.S. elections—with test data focused on the product movement of Gold (XAUUSD).
Leverage
Vantage excelled in providing flexible, highly competitive leverage of up to 1:2000 (in selected regions), granting traders access to powerful financial instruments with a range of options tailored to their trading needs. This balance of flexibility and control is essential to Vantage’s philosophy of empowering traders with tools that support intelligent risk management.
Spread Value and Spread Stability
Based on ECN account data, the test highlighted Vantage’s exceptionally low spread values at 9.1 as compared to other brokers, offering traders cost-effective access to the markets. Furthermore, spread stability consistently held within a range of 8-9 points, a critical factor during market turbulence. This stability reflects Vantage’s robust infrastructure and dedication to providing reliable trading conditions regardless of market fluctuations.
No-Slippage Rate
Vantage demonstrated an unmatched 79% no-slippage execution rate on STP accounts, showcasing its ability to minimise the disparity between requested and executed prices. By reducing unexpected deviations, Vantage ensures that traders’ strategies remain intact without unexpected deviations, enhancing trust and transparency in trade execution.
Market Depth
In a rigorous test of order placements during high-volatility news events, Vantage exhibited unparalleled market depth, handling large lot sizes with minimal slippage. This level of market depth and stability reflects the strength of Vantage’s liquidity network, providing traders with a seamless experience even during peak market activity.
Large Order Cost
During the high-volatility US Election period, Vantage excelled with a larger order cost of -26.6, offering competitive pricing and minimising trading expenses for large transactions. This is at the back of Vantage’s commitment to ensure that traders enjoy cost-efficiency even in dynamic and fast-moving markets.
Swap Competitiveness
Vantage continues to deliver value with industry-leading swap rates, offering -30.8 for long positions and 22 for short positions. Known for offering some of the industry’s best swap rates, Vantage ranks highly with advantageous rates on both sides of the market, providing traders added value, especially for long-term positions.
The recognition by Investing.com is a true testament to Vantage’s drive for excellence and reinforces its position as a leader in the global trading landscape. For traders across the world, these results are not only a reflection of Vantage’s superior trading conditions but also a promise of its unwavering commitment to fostering a high-performance trading environment.
Jack Kelly, Head of Sales, Vantage Australia said, “Here at Vantage Australia, we’re thrilled to see our dedication to delivering a high-quality trading experience recognised in Investing.com’s latest rankings. This achievement highlights the passion and precision we bring to our work every day. As we look ahead, we remain focused on refining our offerings and ensuring our traders have the best tools and support to navigate the markets with confidence.”
For more information, visit Investing.com.
About Vantage
Vantage Markets (or Vantage) is a multi-asset broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Forex and Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products on, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.
With over 15 years of market experience, Vantage transcends the role of broker, providing a trusted trading ecosystem, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that empowers clients to seize trading opportunities. Download the Vantage App on App Store or Google Play.
trade smarter @vantage
|
Vantage Global Prime Pty Ltd (ACN 157 768 566) (“Vantage”), located at 12/15 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2000, and is authorised and regulated by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) AFSL no. 428901.
Trading derivatives carries significant risks. It is not suitable for all investors and if you are a professional client, you could lose substantially more than your initial investment. When acquiring our derivative products, you have no entitlement, right or obligation to the underlying financial assets. Past performance is no indication of future performance and tax laws are subject to change. The information on this website is general in nature and doesn’t take into account your personal objectives, financial circumstances, or needs. Accordingly, before acting on the advice, you should consider whether the advice is suitable for you having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. We encourage you to seek independent advice if necessary.
You should consider whether you’re part of our target market by reviewing our Target Market Determination (TMD), reading our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), and other legal documents to ensure you fully understand the risks before you make any trading decisions. We encourage you to seek independent advice if necessary. |
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2557618/1920x1080_PR.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2506103/Vantage_15_Logo_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vantage-markets-named-leading-broker-in-investingcoms-latest-rankings-for-2024-during-the-us-election-period-302305176.html
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