Blockchain
MELON, Metaverse Brand Experience Experts, Raises $5M Seed Round
MELON is announcing a $5M seed round. The game development team is behind numerous major music events on Roblox, as well as experiences for partners and clients including the NFL, Chipotle, Mattel, Clarks, and PacSun.
The seed round includes Crush Ventures, the investment arm of Crush Music whose management clients include Miley Cyrus, Sia, Green Day, Lorde, Weezer, Panic! at the Disco, and Fall Out Boy, as well as Gaingels, Comcast Spectacor, and a large SPV led by Matt Finick who has also joined MELON’s board. Finick was formerly CFO at Roblox and at Marvel Entertainment.
The round also includes notable strategic angels such as Paul Yook, health tech pioneer; Deborah Dugan, CEO of Beyond Type 1 and, former CEO of Product (RED) and The Recording Academy of Music; Spencer Baim, Chief Brand Officer at Kinship, former CCO of VICE Media; Ernie Pomeranz, former CFO of Moderna; Jason Ve, Head of BD/Brand Partnerships at 88rising; and Gene Salomon, partner at leading entertainment law firm Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman.
“At Comcast Spectacor, we’re always looking for new ways to engage fans with great events and memorable experiences, and that’s what this investment is all about,” says Tucker Roberts, President of Spectacor Gaming, a gaming and entertainment company connected to Comcast NBCUniversal. “MELON is on the cutting edge of bringing experiences directly to where Gen Z lives–their phones–and we’re looking forward to the continued innovations that Josh and his incredible team will make at MELON.”
“MELON is at the forefront of the creative explosion happening in the metaverse,” notes investor/board member Matt Finick. “They are perfectly positioned to build some of the most impactful experiences across music, film and TV, fashion, and sports over the next few years of critical growth on these developing platforms.”
“We’re extremely fortunate to have such a strong collective of early strategic investors in MELON,” explains Josh Neuman, co-founder/co-CEO of MELON. “The Metaverse and platforms within it are ripe for disruption and we’re looking forward to evolving our creativity and storytelling in collaboration with our partners, as well as via our original IP. With this group, we’re going to be able to strategize and navigate the evolving landscape at the highest level.”
Neuman’s extensive experience at the intersection of media, brands, pop culture, and technology reflects the expertise that has allowed MELON to set the standard for activations and events in Roblox. Before becoming MELON’s co-CEO in 2021, he was a co-founder and key executive of several multi-million dollar music media, branding, and talent companies, including 88rising, Recreation Worldwide (acquired by VICE Media), Control Management (former management of superstar DJ, Tiësto), and Crush Music. He architected a multifaceted partnership between Red Bull and Skrillex, landed Kanye West for Samsung’s launch of the Galaxy Note II, and worked closely with Bono’s Product (RED).
Neuman’s cultural savvy and branding experience complement the extensive gaming and development know-how of company founder/co-CEO Devon Thome. A wunderkind in his mid-20s, Thome has been creating jaw-dropping experiences and innovation in open-world and metaverse environments for years. He made a name for himself in Minecraft before mastering the art of creating games in Roblox, where most of MELON’s work is currently focused.
They lead a team at MELON that has attracted talent from major game studios (EA, Pokémon GO) and lifestyle brands (Urban Outfitters, Marketing Arm, Honda’s former agency of record).
Award-winning executive producer and marketing mastermind Heather Healy is MELON’s SVP of Partnerships and Operations, with nearly two decades of experience running high-profile campaigns. Healy helped launch the careers of Bruno Mars and Foster the People and developed award-winning marketing campaigns and strategic partnerships for Fortune 100 brands. MELON’s VP of Entertainment Partnerships Becky Wilson previously worked at Urban Outfitters where she led key music initiatives, including in-store events, collaborations, and partnerships with notable artists such as Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, SZA, Khalid and LANY.
MELON’s multifaceted team has honed a keen sense for what works in the metaverse, and brands have taken note. In addition, MELON has perfected the art of virtual music events, working with major labels and attracting millions of visitors to events for Tai Verdes, Ava Max, KSI and Zara Larsson. Larsson’s event won the studio a Clio this year.
“Crush Ventures looks to invest in teams that are building the future of how creators and fans will interact. Josh, Devon, and the MELON team have proven to be uniquely capable of building one-of-a-kind games and experiences. We’re thrilled to invest in and partner with MELON as we explore opportunities together for Crush’s talent in the metaverse,” notes Andrew Kahn, Head of Crush Ventures.
Blockchain
Glidelogic Corp. Announces Revolutionary AI-Generated Content Copyright Protection Solution
Blockchain
Ethereum ETFs Aren’t Blockchain But Is A Revolutionary Tech: Top 6 Amazing Reasons To Invest In Them
The financial landscape is rapidly evolving, with the integration of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies becoming more prominent. Among these, Ethereum ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) have emerged as a significant investment vehicle, offering exposure to the Ethereum blockchain’s native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), without requiring direct ownership. However, it’s crucial to understand that Ethereum ETFs are distinct from the blockchain itself and serve different purposes in the investment world.
Understanding Ethereum and ETFs
Ethereum: A decentralized platform that enables the creation and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). It operates using its cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), which fuels the network.
ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund): A type of investment fund that holds a collection of assets and is traded on stock exchanges. ETFs can include various asset classes, such as stocks, commodities, or bonds.
Ethereum ETFs: The Intersection of Traditional Finance and Cryptocurrency
An Ethereum ETF provides a way for investors to gain exposure to the price movements of Ether without directly purchasing the cryptocurrency. This is achieved through an ETF structure, where the fund holds assets linked to the value of Ether, and investors can buy shares of the ETF on traditional stock exchanges.
Key Features of Ethereum ETFs:
- Indirect Exposure: Investors gain exposure to Ether’s price changes without needing to manage or store the cryptocurrency themselves.
- Regulatory Compliance: Unlike the relatively unregulated cryptocurrency market, ETFs operate under the oversight of financial regulators, offering a layer of investor protection.
- Accessibility: Ethereum ETFs are available through traditional brokerage platforms, making them accessible to a broader range of investors.
Why Invest in an Ethereum ETF?
- Diversification: Including an Ethereum ETF in a portfolio can provide exposure to the cryptocurrency market, potentially enhancing diversification beyond traditional assets.
- Convenience and Familiarity: ETFs are a familiar investment product, simplifying the process of investing in cryptocurrencies.
- Professional Management: ETF managers handle the investment decisions, including the buying and selling of assets, which can be advantageous for those less familiar with the cryptocurrency space.
- Regulatory Oversight: ETFs are subject to regulatory scrutiny, potentially offering more safety and transparency compared to direct cryptocurrency investments.
- Potential for Growth: As the cryptocurrency market grows, ETFs linked to assets like Ether may benefit from rising prices.
Key Differences Between Ethereum and Ethereum ETFs
While both are related to the Ethereum blockchain, Ethereum itself and Ethereum ETFs represent different forms of investment:
- Ethereum (ETH):
- Direct ownership of the cryptocurrency.
- Full exposure to Ethereum’s features, including staking and network participation.
- Traded on cryptocurrency exchanges.
- Highly volatile and largely unregulated.
- Ethereum ETF:
- Indirect exposure through shares representing Ether’s value.
- Traded on traditional stock exchanges under regulatory oversight.
- Offers a more stable and familiar investment structure.
- Typically lower volatility compared to direct cryptocurrency ownership.
Future Considerations for Ethereum ETFs
The approval and launch of Ethereum ETFs mark a significant milestone in bringing cryptocurrencies closer to mainstream finance. They offer a convenient and regulated means for investors to gain exposure to the growing digital assets market. However, they also come with limitations, such as not allowing direct participation in the Ethereum ecosystem’s innovations, like dApps and smart contracts.
As the market evolves, we may see more sophisticated financial products that better capture the full potential of the Ethereum ecosystem. For now, Ethereum ETFs provide a balanced option for those interested in cryptocurrency exposure within the framework of traditional finance.
In conclusion, while Ethereum ETFs offer a gateway into the world of digital assets, they should be viewed as complementary to, rather than a replacement for, direct investment in the underlying blockchain technologies. Investors should carefully consider their investment goals, risk tolerance, and the unique attributes of both Ethereum and Ethereum ETFs when making investment decisions.
Source: blockchainmagazine.net
The post Ethereum ETFs Aren’t Blockchain But Is A Revolutionary Tech: Top 6 Amazing Reasons To Invest In Them appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
Nexo, a leading institution in the digital assets industry, has reinforced its commitment to data security by renewing its SOC 2 Type 2 audit and attaining a new SOC 3 Type 2 assessment without any exceptions. This rigorous audit process, conducted by A-LIGN, a respected independent auditor specializing in security compliance, confirms Nexo’s adherence to stringent Trust Service Criteria for Security and Confidentiality.
Key Achievements and Certifications
- SOC 2 and SOC 3 Compliance:
- SOC 2 Type 2: This audit evaluates and reports on the effectiveness of an organization’s controls over data security, particularly focusing on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems and data.
- SOC 3 Type 2: This public-facing report provides a summary of SOC 2 findings, offering assurance to customers and stakeholders about the robustness of Nexo’s data security practices.
- Additional Trust Service Criteria:
- Nexo expanded the scope of these audits to include Confidentiality, showcasing a deep commitment to protecting user data.
- Security Certifications:
- The company also adheres to the CCSS Level 3 Cryptocurrency Security Standard, and holds ISO 27001, ISO 27017, and ISO 27018 certifications, awarded by RINA. These certifications are benchmarks for security management and data privacy.
- CSA STAR Level 1 Certification:
- This certification demonstrates Nexo’s adherence to best practices in cloud security, further solidifying its position as a trusted partner in the digital assets sector.
Impact on Customers and Industry Standards
Nexo’s rigorous approach to data protection and compliance sets a high standard in the digital assets industry. By achieving these certifications, Nexo provides its over 7 million users across more than 200 jurisdictions with confidence in the security of their data. These achievements not only emphasize the company’s dedication to maintaining top-tier security standards but also highlight its proactive stance in fostering trust and transparency in digital asset management.
Nexo’s Broader Mission
As a premier institution for digital assets, Nexo offers a comprehensive suite of services, including advanced trading solutions, liquidity aggregation, and tax-efficient credit lines backed by digital assets. Since its inception, the company has processed over $130 billion, showcasing its significant impact and reliability in the global market.
In summary, Nexo’s successful completion of SOC 2 and SOC 3 audits, along with its comprehensive suite of certifications, underscores its commitment to the highest standards of data security and operational integrity. This dedication positions Nexo as a leader in the digital assets space, offering unparalleled security and peace of mind to its users.
Source: blockchainreporter.net
The post Nexo Reaffirms Commitment to Data Protection with SOC 3 and SOC 2 Compliance appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
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