Blockchain
Shiba Inu raises $12 million in token round for its new blockchain
The team behind the well-known memecoin Shiba Inu (SHIB +2.03%) has raised $12 million by selling its yet-to-be-released token, TREAT, to venture capital investors outside the United States. These investors include Polygon Ventures, Mechanism Capital, Big Brain Holdings, Shima Capital, Animoca Brands, Morningstar Ventures, Woodstock Fund, DWF Ventures, Stake Capital, and Comma 3 Ventures, as announced by Shiba Inu on Monday.
Although some of these investors, like Mechanism Capital and Shima Capital, seem to be based in the U.S., Shiba Inu’s lead developer, known as Shytoshi Kusama, stated that none of the investors are U.S.-based, although full entity names may not be disclosed when questioned.
The fundraising for this round began a few months ago and concluded earlier this month, according to Kusama. However, he declined to comment on the valuation. Still, a source with direct knowledge of the matter revealed that it was a staged round, with each stage occurring at valuations of $75 million, $100 million, and $200 million, respectively.
Kusama mentioned that the token round includes both pre-seed and seed rounds.
The TREAT token, according to Shiba Inu, will function as the “utility and governance token” of its new privacy-focused Layer 3 blockchain, which is being constructed on Shibarium, its Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain.
TREAT will be the last non-stable token from the Shiba Inu ecosystem, said Kusama, adding that the ecosystem will introduce a new token called Shi later this year. The ecosystem currently includes popular tokens like the SHIB memecoin, BONE, Shibarium’s governance token, and LEASH. Despite the fact that the TREAT token has not been released yet, CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap are already displaying some trading volume for certain TREAT tokens. Kusama referred to this as a “scam.” The genuine TREAT token will be minted by The Shiba Inu Mint S.A., a Panama corporation, according to Kusama.
Shiba Inu is developing its new Layer 3 blockchain using fully homomorphic encryption technology from cryptography company Zama, which recently raised $73 million in funding. FHE is considered the “holy grail” of cryptography, enabling end-to-end data encryption, even during processing. “This new encryption chain aims to address multiple issues in crypto, including privacy and trust for Shiba Inu’s extensive community of tens of millions and the next billion crypto-curious individuals,” said Shiba Inu.
The new blockchain is intended to comply with regulatory requirements. “It’s important that we maintain a project that conforms to international law while protecting the privacy of data, and security of individuals,” Kusama said. “By allowing people to both be private yet still gain credentials to verify their identity, our entire system extends security and compliance at the same time.”
Kusama declined to disclose the name of the Layer 3 blockchain to “ensure that there are no scammers” like fake TREAT tokens.
The new blockchain is scheduled to release a testnet in the third quarter of this year and the mainnet “after thorough testing,” according to Kusama.
Source: theblock.co
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Blockchain
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – January 24, 2025 (IBM, SAP, Oracle, Bitfury Group, Auxesis Services Technologies, Binance, European Central Bank)
The blockchain and cryptocurrency industry continues to evolve at breakneck speed, reshaping global finance, technology, and governance. From central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) to cutting-edge tools simplifying blockchain development, today’s updates offer a glimpse into how blockchain technology is transforming industries. Here’s your daily briefing on the latest news in blockchain, crypto, and Web3.
Blockchain in Retail: Competitive Intelligence and Trends
A new report analyzing blockchain adoption in the retail sector forecasts significant growth between 2025 and 2034, with major players like IBM, SAP, Oracle, Bitfury Group, and Auxesis Services Technologies leading the charge. The report highlights blockchain’s role in enhancing supply chain transparency, combating counterfeit goods, and enabling seamless loyalty programs.
Why This Matters:
Blockchain’s ability to enhance traceability and trust in supply chains makes it an ideal solution for the retail industry. With consumer demand for transparency growing, retailers are under pressure to provide verifiable data about the origins of their products—a gap blockchain is poised to fill.
Commentary:
Retailers that fail to adopt blockchain solutions risk falling behind as industry leaders use this technology to build trust and customer loyalty. As adoption grows, smaller players may also turn to blockchain-powered SaaS platforms to stay competitive.
Source: GlobeNewswire
ECB’s Digital Euro Pitch in Response to Growing Crypto Adoption
The European Central Bank (ECB) has pitched the idea of a digital euro, citing the growing influence of cryptocurrencies and global pushes toward digital currencies. The ECB framed the digital euro as a stable, secure alternative to decentralized crypto assets, addressing the region’s need for innovation while preserving monetary sovereignty.
Why This Matters:
CBDCs like the digital euro could redefine global finance, providing a government-backed alternative to private cryptocurrencies. For the EU, this initiative represents both a competitive response to projects like China’s digital yuan and a hedge against the risks posed by unregulated crypto markets.
Commentary:
The digital euro has the potential to address inefficiencies in cross-border payments and financial inclusion. However, its success will depend on balancing innovation with privacy—a concern central to public trust in government-backed digital currencies.
Source: Reuters
Simplifying Blockchain Development with Enso
Enso, a new development tool, promises to revolutionize blockchain coding by making the process more intuitive and accessible. Dubbed the “Intent Revolution,” Enso eliminates the need for complex, code-heavy development by allowing developers to articulate “intentions” that the platform then translates into blockchain logic.
Why This Matters:
The barrier to entry for blockchain development has long been its technical complexity. Enso’s approach could significantly lower this barrier, enabling a broader range of developers—and potentially businesses—to participate in blockchain innovation.
Commentary:
Simplifying blockchain development is a critical step in driving adoption. Tools like Enso are not just about ease; they democratize access to blockchain innovation, allowing smaller players to compete with industry giants.
Source: DL News
French Crypto Co-Founder Freed After Kidnapping Incident
In an alarming story, a co-founder of a prominent French cryptocurrency company was kidnapped but has since been freed after a swift operation by French authorities. While the specifics of the case remain under wraps, reports suggest that the incident stemmed from disputes related to crypto investments.
Why This Matters:
This incident underscores the risks associated with the crypto industry, particularly for high-profile figures. With cryptocurrencies often linked to high-value transactions, individuals in the sector may face heightened personal security threats.
Commentary:
As the crypto industry matures, security—both digital and physical—must become a priority for individuals and organizations. Expect to see increased demand for personal security services tailored to crypto executives.
Source: France24
Ex-Visa CFO Joins Blockchain Firm Amid Trump’s Crypto Push
Former Visa CFO, Charlotte Hogg, has joined the board of a leading blockchain firm, signaling increasing alignment between traditional finance and blockchain. The move comes as Trump’s administration accelerates its crypto-related policies, placing blockchain at the forefront of financial innovation.
Why This Matters:
Hogg’s appointment highlights the growing convergence of traditional finance and blockchain technology. The expertise of seasoned financial executives could lend credibility to blockchain firms, making the sector more appealing to institutional investors.
Commentary:
Bringing in talent from established financial institutions is a strategic move that positions blockchain companies for mainstream adoption. With figures like Hogg on board, the narrative of blockchain as a speculative industry is shifting toward one of legitimacy and innovation.
Source: CFO Dive
CZ, Crypto’s Wealthiest Man, Focuses on Philanthropy
Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the CEO of Binance and one of the wealthiest figures in crypto, has announced a renewed focus on philanthropy. CZ’s latest initiative involves leveraging blockchain technology to increase transparency and efficiency in charitable giving, with an emphasis on combating poverty and improving global education.
Why This Matters:
Blockchain-based philanthropy offers a unique opportunity to ensure donations are used effectively, addressing long-standing concerns about corruption and mismanagement in the charity sector. CZ’s initiative could set a new standard for transparency in philanthropy.
Commentary:
CZ’s pivot toward philanthropy not only reflects the growing maturity of the crypto industry but also highlights blockchain’s potential to solve real-world problems. As trust becomes a cornerstone of crypto adoption, initiatives like this can have a far-reaching impact.
Source: Yahoo Finance
Key Trends Shaping Blockchain and Crypto Today
Today’s stories illustrate several key trends in blockchain and crypto:
- Institutional Alignment: From the ECB’s digital euro to Charlotte Hogg’s new role, traditional finance is increasingly embracing blockchain technologies.
- Simplifying Innovation: Tools like Enso reflect a push to make blockchain development more accessible, which will drive adoption across industries.
- Security Concerns: The kidnapping of a French crypto executive serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by industry leaders.
- Social Impact: CZ’s philanthropic efforts demonstrate how blockchain can drive social good, particularly in areas like education and poverty alleviation.
Looking Ahead
As blockchain and cryptocurrency continue to evolve, the industry is moving beyond speculative trading toward meaningful applications. Whether it’s through enhancing supply chain transparency, driving financial inclusion, or simplifying development, blockchain’s potential remains immense. However, challenges like regulation, security, and public trust must be navigated carefully to ensure sustained growth.
This concludes Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain for January 24, 2025. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s briefing as we continue to track the trends and innovations shaping the future of blockchain and cryptocurrency.
The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – January 24, 2025 (IBM, SAP, Oracle, Bitfury Group, Auxesis Services Technologies, Binance, European Central Bank) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Blockchain
Simplifying Crypto Payments: Introducing Bybit Pay
Simplifying Crypto Payments: Introducing Bybit Pay
Blockchain
Andrew Cardno to speak on the session titled “The Seven Forces Transforming Our Industry (Whether We Like It or Not)”
Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) is pleased to announce a must-attend session at the upcoming January 28–30, 2025, Raving Next: Indian Gaming Strategic Operations and Leadership Conference at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, CA. This event will feature Andrew Cardno, CTO of QCI, as he delivers an in-depth exploration of the rapid technological evolution reshaping tribal gaming, including the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics on gaming floors and team members.
The signature session, titled “The Seven Forces Transforming Our Industry (Whether We Like It or Not),” will take place on January 29, 2025, from 1:15 – 2:00 PM (Mainstage). Mr. Cardno’s presentation will discuss how casino operators can adopt these advanced tools while preserving core traditions and staying ahead of the competition.
“AI and robotics are no longer futuristic concepts in the tribal gaming space—they are here now,” said Andrew Cardno, CTO of QCI. “Our goal is to help operators confidently integrate these technologies and develop robust plans for sustainable success.”
The session will also feature insights from Deana Scott, CEO of Raving Consulting, who will offer guidance on seamlessly incorporating new technologies into tribal enterprise strategies, ensuring both guest experience and workforce well-being remain top priorities.
“This isn’t about technology for technology’s sake,” noted Deana Scott. “It’s about finding the best fit for each tribal enterprise, ensuring the heart of our industry—our people and culture—remains at the forefront of decision-making.”
Attendees can expect to leave with practical approaches to integrating and leveraging emerging technologies in ways that reinforce the unique strengths of tribal gaming, enhance operational efficiency, and empower team members.
The post Andrew Cardno to speak on the session titled “The Seven Forces Transforming Our Industry (Whether We Like It or Not)” appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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