Blockchain
Liquid.com announces first close of ongoing Series C funding, hits tech unicorn status
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Global cryptocurrency platform Liquid.com (“Liquid”) today announced the first close of an ongoing Series C funding that puts the company valuation at over US$1 billion.
This valuation establishes Liquid as one of only two tech unicorns in Japan’s startup space. Founded in 2014, Liquid has achieved unicorn status in less than five years.
This latest round of funding is led by investment firm IDG Capital, with participation from the world’s largest maker of cryptocurrency mining rigs, Bitmain Technologies. This investment in Liquid marks an addition to IDG’s current portfolio of crypto investments, which include Coinbase, Ripple, Bitmain and Kakao’s crypto unit. This deal marks the latest investment for Bitmain this year into a regulated digital asset trading platform, following their investment into ErisX, another derivatives and digital asset trading platform aiming to be a licensed Commodity Futures Trading Commission-regulated futures market and clearinghouse.
Liquid has previously raised more than US$20 million from venture funding, which includes leading Japanese investment firms JAFCO, SBI, B Dash Ventures, Mistletoe, and ULS Group. In 2017, Liquid raised more than US$100m in a pre-discounted ICO raise, which was the first regulated ICO to be done in Japan.
Proceeds from the ongoing Series C funding will be used to fuel global expansion, product development of the core trading exchange business and entering into the security token market.
Liquid CEO Mike Kayamori said: “As we enter into a new age of digital disruption in financial services, consumers are increasingly placing a higher value on digital assets and technologies they can trust and use with greater ease. Our vision is to make financial services accessible to all, which means bringing more people into the digital asset space so that anyone can be a part of it. This first round of Series C funding from our two highly respected investors, IDG Capital and Bitmain, puts us in an incredibly strong position to make a global impact in 2019.”
Bitmain Co-founder Jihan Wu said: “Japan is one of the leading nations in putting crypto industry under proper regulations, and Liquid Group has proven itself to be the exemplary player within such compliant rules. This is a very important and unique moat amid global competition.”
General Partner of IDG Capital Young Guo said: “IDG has been actively investing in the global crypto space since 2012, identifying some key players early. We came to realize that Tokyo has emerged as a top destination for crypto innovation and it is our honor to back such visionary pioneers as Liquid Co-founders Mike Kayamori and Mario Gomez Lozada to carry out this innovation.”
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Humanity Protocol Collaborates with OKX Wallet to Redefine Decentralized Identity Verification and Reward Users
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Blockchain
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain (BRICS, Hungri Games, Nano Labs, MetaHorse Unity)
Building Customer Trust in AI with Blockchain
Blockchain is emerging as a critical tool in addressing the trust deficit in artificial intelligence. By leveraging decentralized ledgers, companies can provide transparent data provenance, ensuring that AI algorithms operate ethically and without bias. This integration allows customers to verify the origins of data used in AI models, fostering greater confidence.
Businesses deploying blockchain for AI governance must prioritize simplicity and accessibility in their implementations. While the technology’s potential is immense, it is essential to communicate its benefits in a manner that resonates with non-technical stakeholders.
Source: Harvard Business Review
Blockchain at a Crossroads: Balancing Promise and Peril
As blockchain technology matures, it finds itself at a crossroads. On one side, the promise of decentralization continues to captivate industries, offering solutions for supply chain management, finance, and digital identity. On the other, challenges such as regulatory scrutiny, scalability issues, and energy consumption threaten to impede its growth.
The path forward will require a concerted effort from developers, regulators, and industry leaders. Collaborative frameworks that address these challenges while preserving blockchain’s core principles of decentralization and transparency are key to ensuring its sustained relevance.
Source: Cointelegraph
BRICS vs. USD: Blockchain’s Role in Economic Shifts
The BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) are exploring blockchain-based solutions to reduce their reliance on the US dollar in international trade. By adopting decentralized technologies, these nations aim to foster economic independence and promote stability in the face of geopolitical tensions.
This initiative exemplifies blockchain’s potential to redefine global financial systems. However, its success hinges on addressing interoperability issues and fostering international collaboration. The evolution of blockchain-based trade networks could mark the beginning of a new era in economic diplomacy.
Source: CoinGeek
Hungri Games Expands MetaHorse Unity to Base Blockchain
Hungri Games has announced the expansion of its MetaHorse Unity project to the Base blockchain, aiming to enhance the gaming experience with improved scalability and lower transaction costs. This move aligns with the growing trend of integrating blockchain into gaming to create transparent and secure ecosystems.
By adopting Base, a layer-2 blockchain, MetaHorse Unity seeks to offer players a seamless and cost-effective gaming experience. The partnership highlights the potential of blockchain to transform the gaming industry, enabling innovative monetization models and fostering player engagement.
Source: CoinTrust
Nano Labs Purchases Trump Tokens to Celebrate Presidency
Nano Labs commemorated former President Donald Trump’s legacy with the acquisition of 47 Trump Tokens. This symbolic gesture underscores the intersection of blockchain technology and cultural milestones, showcasing how tokens can represent historical and social narratives.
The purchase also highlights the increasing role of blockchain in creating unique, tradable assets that capture moments in time. As tokenization continues to gain traction, it is redefining how value and significance are assigned in the digital age.
Source: PRNewswire
Final Thoughts: Blockchain’s Expanding Horizons
This week’s developments highlight the diverse applications of blockchain technology, from fostering trust in AI to reshaping global economic systems. As the industry navigates challenges and opportunities, collaboration and innovation will be crucial in unlocking blockchain’s full potential.
While hurdles such as scalability and regulation persist, the technology’s ability to drive transparency, security, and inclusivity remains unparalleled. The coming years will undoubtedly see blockchain continue to evolve, solidifying its role as a transformative force across sectors.
The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain (BRICS, Hungri Games, Nano Labs, MetaHorse Unity) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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