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    Ethos Announces 1.75M Pre-Seed From Collective Angel Investors to Confirm “Proof-of-Credibility”

    Ethos plans to extend Ethereum’s existing validation functionality to confirm a user’s credibility on-chain, something Ethos calls “social validation”Ethos, the decentralized social (DeSo) application bringing reputation and credibility on-chain, today announces the close of its $1.75M funding round led by a collective group of prominent web3 angel investors including Bharat Krymo, James Hall, 0xQuit, Tre, Dingaling, Sighduck, Dragos, 0xMakesy, Zeneca, and others. The round will be used to finalize the Ethos product before going live on Base later this summer. Founded in 2023, Ethos Network is a credibility protocol that encourages users to stake their Ethereum in other people, enabling crypto participants to understand who they can trust in web3. Ethos participants will receive credibility scores, similar to credit scores but for social capital, and the determination of a user’s credibility score will be decided by Ethos’s most active and credible users.Ethos can be used across all industries whether it be DeFi, NFTs, trading, gaming, community building, DAOs, etc. About Ethos: Ethos is a decentralized social (DeSo) application bringing reputation and credibility on-chain. It allows users to stake their Ethereum in other people so crypto participants understand who they can trust in web3. [email protected] article was originally published on Chainwire More

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    Cartesi and Avail Announce Strategic Integration to Advance Web3 Development

    Cartesi, a modular execution layer protocol that equips developers with access to a full Linux environment, and Avail, a modular blockchain framework designed to unify web3 and optimize data availability (DA) for scalable and customizable applications, are pleased to announce a close collaboration set to significantly advance web3 development.This integration will offer a seamless and intuitive experience for developers by leveraging Cartesi’s RISC-V Linux-based execution capabilities and Avail’s reliable data availability solution, Avail DA. The user-friendly approach will simplify the complexities of decentralized application development, enabling faster and more efficient project deployment.The modular stack allows both protocols to combine their unique properties, resulting in a robust protocol that is more powerful compared to monolithic stacks where all functionalities are integrated. In this sense, the Cartesi-Avail integration will enable developers to benefit from the increased computational power and flexible programming environment of the Cartesi stack, while also utilizing the enhanced data availability capabilities of Avail DA.Cartesi equips developers with access to a full Linux environment through its native virtual machine, and high-performance rollups designed to support next-generation dApps. By bridging the gap between traditional software and blockchain, Cartesi enables developers to create more sophisticated and scalable dApps with ease. Avail DA offers secure data availability guarantees for entire networks of blockchains, enabling them to scale efficiently and in an unlimited capacity. Using validity proofs with data availability sampling provides robust security and enhanced scalability for blockchain applications. About Cartesi: Cartesi is a powerful modular blockchain protocol that supercharges the web3 space. Cartesi equips developers with access to a full Linux environment through its native virtual machine, and high-performance rollups designed to support next-generation dApps. To learn more about Cartesi, users can visit https://cartesi.io/About Avail:Avail is led by Polygon’s former co-founder Anurag Arjun and is building a unification layer to solve rollup fragmentation at scale. Avail addresses this from first principles solving blockchain scalability with Avail DA, a foundational DA layer which implements the same technology planned for Ethereum’s danksharding roadmap, including KZG Commitments and Data Availability Sampling (DAS). Avail Nexus addresses growing fragmentation concerns with permissionless interoperability, leveraging proof aggregation on Avail’s scalable DA layer. Avail’s security is then reinforced with multi-asset staking through Avail Fusion.availproject.orgUsers can learn more about Avail on Discord, Twitter, GitHub, Our BlogContactPR ManagerLindsay (NYSE:LNN) StrebelBlokhaus [email protected] article was originally published on Chainwire More

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    SEC Greenlights First Spot Bitcoin-Ethereum ETF

    The term “19b-4” refers to a specific rule under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that outlines the process for reviewing and approving applications for certain types of ETFs. Simply put, it establishes the formal procedure and requirements for filing applications related to ETFs, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating the SEC’s evaluation process.Hashdex, known for its previous attempt at a spot Ethereum ETF, withdrew its proposal amid a competitive landscape. Now, the fund is shifting to a combined Bitcoin-Ethereum approach, allocating 70.54% to BTC and 29.46% to ETH. To ensure secure custody of these assets, Hashdex plans to partner with Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) Custody Trust Company and Bitcoin Trust.Investors better be watching this development closely, viewing it as a potential milestone in bridging traditional financial markets with the crypto sector.As the SEC’s “decision clock starts ticking,” industry experts like Nate Geraci anticipate heightened interest and scrutiny leading up to the expected approval date.This article was originally published on U.Today More

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    Lif3.com partners with evmOS to deploy “Lif3 Chain,” first Layer-1 solution with curated DeFi contracts

    Lif3.com (LIF3/USD)(LIF3/USDt), the revolutionary omni-chain DeFi Layer-1 ecosystem that operates on Ethereum, Polygon, BNB Chain, and Fantom through LayerZero bridging, is thrilled to announce its premier partnership with evmOS to launch the world’s first Layer-1 solution, “Lif3 Chain” designed for public permissionless use with curated contract deployment. The partnership sets a new standard in blockchain technology, DeFi safety, allowing for seamless, secure, and efficient deployment of smart contracts while maintaining the highest levels of transparency and accessibility. The evmOS integration marks a further milestone in the evolution of decentralized applications, allowing opportunities for developers and enterprises worldwide.Lif3.com is revolutionizing the blockchain industry with its omni-chain DeFi ecosystem and curated Layer-1 blockchain, now enhanced by their pioneering partnership with evmOS to launch the world’s first public, permissionless use Layer-1 solution with curated contract deployment. The self-custody Lif3 Wallet, available on the App Store and Google Play, empowers users by unlocking the full potential of Web3, transforming consumer DeFi, Gaming, iGaming, music, entertainment, and more.($LIF3) is currently listed on Bitfinex, Bitmart, and MEXC.For more information on LIF3, users can contact:Email: [email protected] | Telegram | Discord | News and UpdatesLogos and brandingUsers can explore Lif3 Chain Mainnet Preview with Blockscout: Lif3 Blockscout portal https://lif3scout.com/About Quantum Fintech GroupQuantum Fintech Group is a private investment group founded in 2020, and is focused on providing superior returns in the alternative asset space focusing specifically on blockchain investments.X: https://x.com/quantumftgAbout evmOSevmOS is an interoperable EVM blockchain designed for cross-chain dApp development.With groundbreaking roadmap features, such as Outposts and the evmOS dApp Store, evmOS allows developers to take advantage of the IBC and connect their smart contracts to the interchain ecosystem. The evmOS chain is built with evmOS and remains its flagship demonstration.evmOS is a production-ready modular solution designed to bring EVM compatibility to web3 businesses. Built with Cosmos SDK, evmOS comes with IBC, CometBFT and enables projects to fully customize their chain logic and go beyond standard generic smart contract platforms. With continuous upgrades and maintenance, evmOS empowers anyone to deliver unmatched experiences with their EVM blockchains.Helpful ResourcesevmOS dApp Store | Website | Developer DocumentationDiscord | GitHub | X | Telegram | Blog | CareersContactMedia RelationsChantel EllowayLif3 Labs [email protected] article was originally published on Chainwire More

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    University of Buenos Aires and Archisinal Partner to Revamp UBA Law Facilities Using Polkadot

    Web3 data platform Archisinal has announced a collaboration with the Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Lab (UBA IALAB) of the University of Buenos Aires. The entities have partnered to develop a Polkadot-based project that will revamp the UBA law facilities.Archisinal will work with UBA’s Web3, Blockchain & IA Lab to apply blockchain technology to design and urbanism. Students, architects, and members of the academic community who wish to be part of the project are invited to participate in a contest to transform the faculty’s Hearing Room into a smart classroom.Through its blockchain platform, Archisinal will leverage Polkadot’s blockchain framework and oversee the contest. It will determine the steps required to execute the work and conduct the project with the aid of collective financing delivered using blockchain.The project will serve as a pilot for Archisinal to validate the value behind its project, allowing it to prove its MVP in a university and collaborative environment. The initiative provides an exemplary use case for blockchain’s application within the academic sector. It will drive and promote community aid within Buenos Aires while contributing to the maintenance and refurbishment of public infrastructure.The University of Buenos Aires has already begun exploring the benefits of applied blockchain technology through its Web3, Blockchain & AI Lab. Archisinal, which is deeply rooted in the Polkadot ecosystem, will build upon this foundation and identify new applications for blockchain technology at UBA.In January 2023, UBA IALAB, together with adLIB! and its Director Marina Marchesotti, established a partnership with Polkadot Blockchain Academy. This academic proposal, created by Dr. Gavin Wood, held its second edition at the UBA Faculty of Law. The partnership with Polkadot Blockchain Academy has brought numerous benefits to the academic and Polkadot communities through their continuous and close collaboration.Archisinal’s collaboration with UBA will provide the impetus for a number of future university initiatives that are in the pipeline. Recent winners of a scholarship program from Decentralized Futures of the Web3 Foundation, Archisinal have won three hackathons in 2024.The partnership between UBA IALAB and Archisinal will serve as a case study for blockchain implementation, aiding academic research and developing future industry leaders. In the process, it will add value to law students by creating a technological and innovative space at one of Argentina’s leading educational institutions.About ArchisinalArchisinal is a pioneer in interactions with real-world assets in the built environment. Through leveraging blockchain and AI, Archisinal eliminates the need for trust by democratizing data. Archisinal enables developers and collaborating parties to easily monitor and interact with Real-World Assets (RWAs) with full transparency, aiding accountability, transparency and dispute resolution.Learn more: https://www.archisinal.io/About University of Buenos AiresThe University of Buenos Aires is a public research university situated in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Established in 1821, it has educated 17 Argentine presidents, produced four of the country’s five Nobel Prize laureates, and is responsible for around 40% of the country’s research output.Learn more: https://www.uba.ar/ContactFounderThomas [email protected] article was originally published on Chainwire More

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    Russia seen hiking rates by 200 bps to 18% in July as inflation quickens: Reuters poll

    MOSCOW (Reuters) – The Russian central bank will hike rates by 200 basis points to 18% later this month as it tries to quell stubbornly high inflation that analysts now expect to end 2024 well above the bank’s 4% target, a Reuters poll showed on Tuesday. The bank has become increasingly hawkish, promising high rates for a long time, as inflation has continued to quicken. The economy ministry reported annual consumer inflation at 8.61% as of June 24. Ten of 16 analysts and economists polled by Reuters in late June and early July predicted that the Bank of Russia would raise its key rate to 18% on July 26. Three analysts forecast a hike to 17.5% and three predicted the bank would limit its monetary tightening to a 100-basis-point increase. “Domestic demand, lending and inflation are not slowing down, despite the 16% key rate, so the Bank of Russia has to tighten monetary policy,” said Mikhail Vasilyev, chief analyst at Sovcombank, predicting a 200 basis point hike. “In general, borrowers should be prepared for money in the economy to remain expensive for a long time, and likely get even more expensive.” The consensus forecast showed that analysts expect rates to end the year at 17.75%, up from 16% in the previous poll. “The absence of explicit signs of slowing inflation is forcing the central bank to maintain a tight course,” said BCS World of Investments analysts. Year-end inflation was forecast sharply higher at 6.4%, up from 5.6% in the previous poll and well above the central bank’s target and expectation. Annual inflation stood at 7.4% in 2023, down from 11.9% in 2022.The poll showed that economists now expect Russia’s gross domestic product to grow 3.1% this year, marginally higher than last month’s poll.Analysts expect the rouble, currently trading at about 87 per dollar, to weaken to 97.5 over the next year. (Reporting and polling by Alexander Marrow in London and Elena Fabrichnaya in Moscow; Editing by Sharon Singleton) More

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    Athena Ins Introduces Decentralized Insurance for DeFi Risks

    Athena Ins is transforming the decentralized insurance landscape with its advanced protocol, providing users with the means to insure against decentralized finance (DeFi) risks. This innovative platform allows individuals to subscribe to insurance coverage protecting their DeFi investments from various threats, including hacking, smart contract vulnerabilities, and stablecoin instability.Unlike traditional insurers, Athena Ins operates through smart contracts, eliminating the need for centralized intermediaries and ensuring transparency and decentralization. Users can easily secure their deposits on DeFi protocols and receive compensation in the event of a covered incident, marking a significant advancement in DeFi safety and maturity.Key Features of Athena InsSeveral characteristics distinguish Athena Ins in the decentralized insurance market:Athena Ins has partnered with Angle, a DeFi protocol funded by A16Z, to enhance investor security. Thanks to this strategic partnership, Angle users can benefit from innovative insurance offered by Athena Ins, providing protection against the risk of depegging of Angle’s native stablecoin, USDA.ATEN: The Token at the Heart of the Athena Ins Ecosystem with Multiple BenefitsAt the center of the Athena Ins ecosystem is ATEN, a versatile native token that plays an essential role in the functioning and evolution of the protocol. Much more than just a cryptocurrency, ATEN gives its holders real decision-making power and significant influence over the platform.ATEN holders are the main actors in Athena Ins governance. Through a democratic and transparent voting system, they have the power to shape the future of the protocol by actively participating in strategic decisions.From adjusting technical parameters to allocating reserve funds and major updates, every vote counts in building an ever more efficient decentralized insurance ecosystem tailored to the community’s needs.A Key Role in the Insurance Coverage LifecycleATEN is essential for creating new insurance contracts on the platform. Furthermore, ATEN holders actively participate in incident management processes. They assess and validate compensation claims, ensuring fair and transparent claim processing.A Deflationary Economic Model for Sustainable ValueThe Athena Ins protocol incorporates an ingenious burning mechanism that regulates the circulating supply of ATEN. During incident settlements,a deductible is collected on each refund to buy tokens and permanently remove them from the market by destroying them, creating deflationary pressure on the overall supply.This approach aims to support ATEN’s long-term value and align the interests of holders with the platform’s growth and stability.ATEN’s economic model has been meticulously designed to support sustainable and balanced growth of the Athena Ins ecosystem. A total of 3 billion tokens will be progressively circulated, strategically distributed among various stakeholders.The team, ecosystem, liquidity, advisors, reward programs, as well as presale and public sale investors, all play a crucial role in the protocol’s development and mass adoption. With transparent and fair tokenomics, Athena Ins lays the foundations for a thriving and sustainable decentralized insurance ecosystem.Arbitrum Blockchain at the Core of DeploymentAlthough Athena Ins aspires to adopt a multi-chain approach, the protocol was initially deployed on the Arbitrum blockchain. This initial integration with one of the most mature and developed DeFi ecosystems facilitates the protocol’s adoption and accessibility.Ethereum users can thus benefit from Athena Ins insurance coverage while keeping their assets on this leading blockchain. Other major blockchains like BNB Chain and Polygon have also been integrated.Successful Presale and Future PlansAthena Ins completed a public presale raising $375,000, with a second public token sale planned. While ATEN is not yet listed on any exchange, plans are in place for future listings.ConclusionWith its intelligent decentralized insurance system and versatile ATEN token, Athena Ins stands out as a key player in DeFi. Its innovative approach promises to make crypto investments safer and democratize access to on-chain insurance products.About Athena InsAthena Ins is a decentralized insurance protocol designed to protect DeFi investments against hacking, stablecoin depegging, and smart contract vulnerabilities. Built on the EVM blockchain, Athena Ins eliminates intermediaries, automating claims management through smart contracts. Athena Ins stands as a comprehensive solution to DeFi security challenges, offering innovative and transparent decentralized insurance. Its dynamic pricing, flexibility for liquidity providers, and robust risk management make it a vital player in the DeFi ecosystem. Join Athena Ins for secure and peace-of-mind investing in the DeFi sector. For more information, user can visit www.athenains.io.ContactMedia teamAthena [email protected] article was originally published on Chainwire More

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    Bitcoin price today: stays below $63k amid Mt Gox fears, rate jitters

    Fund flow data showed digital assets marking a third straight week of outflows, although sentiment appeared to be improving after steep outflows through June. Bitcoin climbed 0.1% in the past 24 hours to $62,736.2 by 08:28 ET (12:28 GMT). The world’s biggest cryptocurrency was nursing steep losses through June, and remained within a trading range of $60,000 to $70,000 seen through most of the second quarter.Sentiment towards Bitcoin showed limited signs of improving, especially as the managers of Mt Gox said they will begin distributing Bitcoin stolen during a 2014 hack in early-July, returning the tokens to clients of the exchange. Mt Gox was seen mobilizing about $9 billion worth of Bitcoin earlier this year, although it remained unclear how much the distributions will entail. But traders speculated that receivers of Bitcoin will be more inclined to sell, given that the token grew exponentially in the past decade.Such a scenario presents outsized selling pressure on Bitcoin, which is likely to pressure prices. Among broader crypto tokens, altcoin prices tread water as traders remained averse to crypto ahead of key signals on U.S. interest rates.Ether fell 0.25%, while ADA and XRP rose more than 4% and 1%, respectively.Among meme tokens, DOGE slipped 0.6%, while SHIB added 1.1%.Market focus was squarely on an address by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell later on Tuesday.Beyond that, the minutes of the Fed’s June meeting are due on Wednesday, while key nonfarm payrolls data is due on Friday.Crypto took limited support from increased expectations of a September rate cut by the Fed, as traders remained largely biased towards the dollar.Bitcoin bulls may enjoy the upcoming few weeks as potential seasonal cycles could boost the price of the largest cryptocurrency after months of declines and rangebound trading.Historically, July has been a bullish month for crypto and risk assets. On July 1, 2024, U.S.-listed ETFs saw nearly $130 million in inflows, marking the highest since early June, following more than $900 million in outflows throughout the month.“Bitcoin has a median return of 9.6% in July and tends to bounce back strongly, especially after a negative June (-9.85%),” said Singapore-based QCP Capital in a Telegram broadcast.“Our options desk also saw flows positioning for an upside move last Friday into the month-end, possibly in anticipation of the ETH spot ETF launch. Many signs point to a bullish July,” QCP added.Over the past decade, Bitcoin has averaged gains of more than 11% in July, with positive returns in 7 out of 10 years. Crypto fund Matrixport highlighted in a 2023 report that July returns from 2019 to 2022 were approximately 27%, 20%, and 24%, respectively.Data from digital asset manager Coinshares showed on Monday that capital outflows from crypto investment products slowed sharply in the week to July 1.But trading volumes remained well below 50% of their weekly average so far this year, as retail interest in crypto once again appeared to be cooling.Ether-linked products saw the heaviest outflows in the week, despite reports suggesting that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could approve a spot Ether ETF as soon as this week. More