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    Ambient Secures $2 Million to Scale Up DePIN for Environmental Monitoring Globally

    With New Investment Round Led by Borderless Capital, The Environmental Data DePin, Eyes Solana Launch and Global Market Expansion Ambient, the world’s largest decentralized network of environmental sensors and ambient data, today announced the successful closure of an oversubscribed $2 million seed funding round. This round was led by Borderless Capital, with participation from Solana Ventures, Parami Investors, Sonic Boom Ventures, and Primal Capital, among others.Accurate data is crucial for addressing the challenges of climate change and air pollution, which is the leading environmental cause of illness and premature death. And while the demand for detailed environmental monitoring is projected to reach $40 billion by 2030, there is a tremendous scarcity of real-time and localized data available for a majority of the world. Using the DePIN model, Ambient has become the fastest growing, decentralized network of climate and ambient sensors across more than 20 countries with real-time data feeds every 5 minutes. Ambient’s reimagined platform will allow individuals to join the network, deploy sensors, and even use their smartphones to monitor and report environmental data and earn rewards. To access Ambient’s data stream API, users can visit https://ambient.network/data About AmbientAmbient is at the leading edge of decentralized environmental monitoring, harnessing the power of its vast sensor network to deliver real-time, actionable environmental data. By utilizing distributed technologies and a community-focused participation model, Ambient not only enhances environmental awareness but also drives impactful change across the globe. Ambient Network is operated by the Cayman Foundation company bearing its name, dedicated to the decentralization, adoption, and security of the network.Website | X | Linkedin About BorderlessBorderless is a leading investment management firm focused on Web3 technology, dedicated to supporting the next generation of innovators who are driving the development of groundbreaking technologies that will enable the creation of value without borders. Borderless comprises a team of builders, partners, and investors who adopt a long-term perspective and strive to unleash the full potential of open, community-driven networks. Since 2018, Borderless has invested in 200+ protocols/companies across infrastructure, business applications, and nascent cryptographic protocols, and has played an integral role in the development of some of the most significant and innovative Web3 communities. Borderless has been a pioneer in DePIN, launching the first dedicated fund in 2021 and investing in over 35 DePIN projects since then. For more information, users can visit their website at: www.borderlesscapital.ioContactPR DirectorKarla [email protected] article was originally published on Chainwire More

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    JPMorgan ‘struggles to find the next catalyst for’ Bitcoin and crypto market

    In a detailed market update, the Wall Street giant pinpointed headwinds that are currently impacting the cryptocurrency market. The analysis focused on the performance of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, the implications of Bitcoin’s fourth halving, and broader regulatory developments.”Perhaps these April showers and its poorer month for the cryptoecosystem will bring May flowers and fresher crypto gains and increased activity, but the first few days of May are not tracking notably better than April and we struggle to find the next catalyst for the cryptoecosystem,” it is said in a report.Despite the recent downturn in April, JPMorgan sees mixed signs with potential upsides as investors are piling back into the market after a brief pause. The report details a $218 million in net sales from U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs on their 80th day of trading, with Fidelity’s FBTC and ARK/21Shares’ ARKB leading the flows. Conversely, GBTC continued to see net redemptions, summing over -$17.4 billion since its conversion. JPMorgan notes this continued outflow despite GBTC recording a rare day of positive inflows earlier in the week.April proved challenging for the crypto markets as total market capitalization declined by 17%, erasing gains from a strong first quarter. Both Bitcoin and Ethereum saw price declines of 15-20%, with altcoins experiencing even steeper drops. Despite this, stablecoins showed resilience with a slight increase in market cap.JPMorgan’s report also highlights the effects of Bitcoin’s fourth halving, which took place on April 19, reducing daily Bitcoin creation from 900 to 450. Historically, BTC halvings are seen as positive price catalysts due to the perceived increase in scarcity. However, the immediate impact was muted, with Bitcoin prices slightly declining post-halving.In terms of regulatory developments, the report mentions Hong Kong’s approval of spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, contrasting with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) hesitancy on similar applications. Still, JPMorgan remains cautious, as disappointing flows and volumes marked Hong Kong’s ETF debut.JPMorgan’s recent report also paints a contrasting picture between Bitcoin and gold for April. Bitcoin saw a 15% dip, while gold climbed 4% to hit new all-time highs. Interestingly, both assets saw their volatility decrease by roughly 12% last month.Ethereum didn’t fare well either, lagging behind Bitcoin for the second straight month with an 18% drop. Its market cap shrank to $368 billion in April, although it’s still up 34% for the year. The drop in Ethereum was accompanied by a 30% drop in its average daily trading volume.Meanwhile, the prospects for Ethereum in the U.S. are looking bleak, especially regarding regulatory approval for spot ETH ETFs. After a few positive discussions with the SEC, insiders are bracing for a likely rejection of the pending ETF applications on May 23. While there has been some improvement in DeFi activity, the bank notes that “the market cap and total value locked also decreased in April.””Stablecoins, however, were a bright spot for the cryptoecosystem as the largest stablecoins saw their market caps rise low-single-digits MoM,“ the bank added. More

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    Ethernity Transitions to an AI Enhanced Ethereum Layer 2, Purpose-Built for the Entertainment Industry

    Global brands and talent will be able to use Ethernity’s technology to store their IP on-chain and engage with their fans through next-generation content and experiencesEthernity, the renowned platform for authenticated and licensed NFTs with icons like Lionel Messi and Shaquille O’Neal, announces its groundbreaking evolution into a pioneering Layer 2 solution on the Ethereum blockchain. This evolution is poised to transform the web3 entertainment landscape, directly addressing the challenges faced by major brands like Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Marvel, and Warner Brothers in embracing blockchain technology.Ethernity’s interactions with global entertainment brands uncovered significant barriers to their adoption of web3, ultimately inspiring the development of the Ethernity Chain. Chief among their concerns were privacy, cost and complicated interfaces, all of which have been addressed by this evolution; Ethernity’s Layer 2 solution enhances security, offers reduced gas fees, and includes a plug-and-play toolkit, making it easier for global entertainment brands to integrate their franchises into the blockchain. To ensure proprietary data and creator IP are protected, the Ethernity Chain incorporates advanced AI capabilities – including comprehensive Digital Rights Management (DRM) controls – that combat counterfeit asset trading and provide a secure environment for both users and brands.Key Features of the Ethernity ChainFor more information about Ethernity and its transition to Layer 2, please visit https://ethernity.io. About EthernityEthernity is a leading Cayman Islands based technology company specializing in innovative web3 solutions including their upcoming Ethereum Layer 2 solution specifically built for global entertainment brands aiming to transition their intellectual properties to the blockchain. By capitalizing on our established partnerships, deep expertise, and robust infrastructure, Ethernity is set to spearhead the world’s leading web3 entertainment ecosystem. We offer an AI enhanced, secure, eco-friendly, and intuitive platform that caters to the evolving needs of the next generation of entertainment enterprises and products.ContactCMOJames AitkenEthernity [email protected] article was originally published on Chainwire More

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    Fed may need to hold rates steady all year, Kashkari says

    “I would need to see multiple positive inflation readings suggesting that the disinflation process is on track” to support a rate cut, Kashkari said at a Milken Institute conference. He noted that he will also be tracking developments in the labor market, where a “marked” turn to weakness could also justify a rate cut.The bar for a rate hike is “quite high but it’s not infinite,” Kashkari said. “There is a limit when we say, ‘OK, we need to do more.’ I think it’s much more likely we would just sit here for longer than we expect, or the public expects right now, until we see what effect our monetary policies have.”In March he thought the Fed would need to deliver two rate cuts this year, he said, and by next month when Fed policymakers publish fresh projections he may mark that forecast down to just one cut or even no cuts, depending on the data. More

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    TradeSta Unveils Non-Custodial Web3 Trading Platform

    TradeSta, a newly announced non-custodial Web3 trading platform, is set to redefine digital asset trading. Developed by industry veterans Kieron Cartledge and Hasan Zahr, TradeSta promises a secure, user-driven experience that prioritizes privacy and full control over personal assets. With over 10,000 people already signed up, the platform’s waitlist is now live, and its STA Token private sale in full swing, it is set to launch their public sale this quarter. Additionally, the community is encouraged to join the conversation on TradeSta’s Telegram group to stay updated on the latest developments and participate in the upcoming pre-sale.With a user-centric approach, TradeSta is committed to providing traders with a secure and transparent environment to trade cryptocurrencies. The platform is uniquely designed to support real-time trading without the intervention of third parties, ensuring that users have direct control over their transactions. TradeSta also places a high priority on continuous technological upgrades to enhance user experience and platform performance. For more details, users can visit www.tradesta.io or docs.tradesta.io. ContactsCEOKieron [email protected] [email protected] article was originally published on Chainwire More

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    Yes, Bitcoin (BTC) Recovered, But Bears Are in Control

    Bitcoin recently tested the 26-day EMA, an important technical threshold. This level is proving to be a formidable barrier, and there is a real possibility that BTC may not break through. If this resistance holds, Bitcoin could see a retest of the $58,000 mark, which has emerged as a strong support level over recent months. Additionally, the 100-day EMA is lurking around $60,000, reinforcing this critical price zone.The volume is somewhat neutral with a slight downward trend, which does not lend enough strength to suggest a bullish reversal is imminent. This aligns with broader market sentiment, as captured by various risk indicators that continue to point toward heightened caution.Liquidation of long positions has also been observed, cooling down the momentum on perpetual markets. While this consolidation phase is ongoing, Bitcoin enthusiasts and traders are closely monitoring whether BTC can secure a breakthrough above the $65,000 resistance level. Such a move could potentially reinvigorate market sentiment and pave the way toward $70,000.However, the overarching narrative remains bearish. Bitcoin’s inability to break through key EMAs such as the 26 and 50, coupled with ongoing high-risk signals from market indicators, suggest that bears currently have the upper hand. We are now watching to see if Bitcoin can maintain its hold above the $60,000 mark or if it will succumb to another round of sell-offs, confirming the bearish trend.This article was originally published on U.Today More

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    FDIC’s Gruenberg vows reforms after ‘sobering’ review of workplace conduct

    WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Chairman Martin Gruenberg told agency staff Tuesday that an external review of the agency’s culture yielded a “sobering look” at the workplace, including hundreds of allegations of mistreatment.Gruenberg added he was “very sorry” to anyone who experienced sexual harassment or other misconduct at the bank regulator, and vowed to implement recommendations from the review, which will be made public later today. He also apologized for “any shortcomings on his part,” adding he is ultimately responsible for the workplace culture. More

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    US Fed issues enforcement action with First Citizens Bank Of Butte -statement

    WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Federal Reserve Board has issued an enforcement action with First Citizens Bank of Butte in Montana, the board said in a statement on Tuesday.The enforcement action addresses issues with board management, anti-money laundering and suspicious activity reporting, according to a written agreement between the Fed and the First Citizens Bank of Butte. More