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MELON, Metaverse Brand Experience Experts, Raises $5M Seed Round

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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 GaingelsComcast 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

Pantera Capital Plans to Raise $1 Billion for New Fund Offering Exposure to Crypto Assets

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Pantera Capital is reportedly planning to raise $1 billion for a new fund that offers exposure to various crypto assets, as reported by Blockchain.News. This ambitious fundraising initiative underscores Pantera’s continued confidence in the potential of the cryptocurrency market and its commitment to providing investors with diversified investment opportunities in the digital asset space.

The new fund from Pantera Capital aims to capitalize on the growing demand for exposure to cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based assets among institutional and retail investors. By offering a comprehensive portfolio of crypto assets, the fund seeks to provide investors with access to a wide range of investment opportunities, spanning cryptocurrencies, tokens, and other digital assets.

Pantera’s decision to raise $1 billion for the new fund reflects its optimistic outlook on the long-term growth prospects of the cryptocurrency market. With increasing mainstream adoption and institutional interest in cryptocurrencies, Pantera sees significant potential for value creation and capital appreciation in the digital asset space.

As one of the leading blockchain-focused investment firms, Pantera Capital is well-positioned to attract capital from investors seeking exposure to the cryptocurrency market. The firm’s track record of successful investments and its experienced team of investment professionals are likely to bolster investor confidence and support for the new fund.

Pantera Capital’s plans to raise $1 billion for its new fund underscore its commitment to driving innovation and growth in the cryptocurrency market. As the fund attracts capital and deploys it into promising investment opportunities, it is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of the digital asset ecosystem.

Source: blockchain.news

The post Pantera Capital Plans to Raise $1 Billion for New Fund Offering Exposure to Crypto Assets appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

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Blockchain

Existing Blockchains Can’t Adopt Post-Quantum Cryptography Without Significant User Impact, Says Johann Polecsak

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Johann Polecsak argues that existing blockchains face significant challenges in adopting post-quantum cryptography without causing substantial disruption to users. This assessment highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of transitioning to new cryptographic standards in blockchain networks.

Post-quantum cryptography refers to cryptographic algorithms that are resistant to attacks from quantum computers, which have the potential to break traditional cryptographic schemes. While post-quantum cryptography offers enhanced security, implementing it in existing blockchain networks poses technical, operational, and usability challenges.

Polecsak suggests that transitioning to post-quantum cryptography could require significant changes to blockchain protocols, consensus mechanisms, and user interfaces. These changes may disrupt existing workflows, require modifications to software and hardware infrastructure, and necessitate coordination among network participants.

Furthermore, Polecsak emphasizes the importance of ensuring backward compatibility and interoperability during the transition to post-quantum cryptography. This is crucial to prevent fragmentation of the blockchain ecosystem and maintain continuity for users and applications.

Polecsak’s assessment underscores the complexities and trade-offs involved in adopting post-quantum cryptography in existing blockchain networks. While the transition promises improved security against quantum threats, it requires careful planning, coordination, and investment to minimize disruption and ensure a smooth transition for users and stakeholders. As the field of post-quantum cryptography continues to evolve, blockchain projects will need to carefully evaluate their options and strategies for implementing these new cryptographic standards.

Source: news.bitcoin.com

The post Existing Blockchains Can’t Adopt Post-Quantum Cryptography Without Significant User Impact, Says Johann Polecsak appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

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Blockchain

Tech Trends Shaping Retail: From AI to Blockchain

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Various technology trends are discussed that are shaping the retail industry, from artificial intelligence (AI) to blockchain. These trends are driving significant changes in how retailers operate and engage with customers, offering new opportunities for innovation and growth.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is highlighted as a key technology trend that is revolutionizing various aspects of the retail industry. AI-powered solutions enable retailers to analyze vast amounts of data, personalize customer experiences, optimize supply chain operations, and enhance decision-making processes. From chatbots and virtual assistants to predictive analytics and recommendation engines, AI is enabling retailers to deliver more personalized and efficient services to their customers.

Blockchain technology is another trend shaping the retail industry, offering benefits such as enhanced transparency, security, and traceability in supply chains and transactions. By leveraging blockchain, retailers can improve inventory management, streamline payments, prevent counterfeit products, and enhance trust and accountability throughout the supply chain. Additionally, blockchain enables retailers to create decentralized marketplaces and loyalty programs, providing new opportunities for customer engagement and loyalty.

Other technology trends discussed in the article include augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), which are transforming the way consumers shop and interact with products online and in-store. By enabling immersive shopping experiences, AR and VR technologies allow retailers to showcase products more effectively, reduce returns, and increase customer engagement and satisfaction.

Technology trends such as AI, blockchain, AR, and VR are reshaping the retail landscape, driving innovation, and enabling retailers to meet the evolving needs and expectations of consumers in an increasingly digital world. As retailers continue to embrace these technologies, they are poised to unlock new opportunities for growth and differentiation in the competitive retail market.

Source: 365retail.co.uk

The post Tech Trends Shaping Retail: From AI to Blockchain appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

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