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    Ancient8 Secures Optimism Grant to Empower Builders and Transform Onchain Gaming

    Ancient8 has received a major grant from Optimism’s Governance Fund, an important step forward in their mission to shape the future of Web3 gaming. As a proud member of the Superchain, Ancient8 is eager to step onto the acceleration phase of establishing a solid innovative ecosystem of developers, gamers, and creators, leveraging the interoperability offered by the Superchain.This collaboration with Optimism highlights their mutual goal of creating scalable, decentralized, and user-friendly solutions. With the Ancient8 Layer2 chain proudly built on the Superchain, they’re fully integrated with Optimism’s infrastructure and well-positioned to leverage its powerful ecosystem.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2p5cw5TPD4&ab_channel=Ancient8How the Grant Will Be Used The Optimism grant will drive their efforts to expand the Ancient8 ecosystem, empower builders, and onboard a broader community to Web3. Key areas of focus include:1 . Empowering Existing ProjectsThis grant is a key step toward advancing the vision Ancient8 has been working on from the start – paving the way for a stronger Web3 gaming ecosystem and fostering greater adoption by collaborating with Optimism and the Superchain. In the months ahead, their focus will be on empowering developers, expanding the Ancient8 ecosystem, and strengthening collaboration across the Superchain. Here’s how Ancient8 plans to move forward:Built on the Superchain, Built for the FutureAncient8 is built on the Superchain, aligning with Optimism’s vision of scalable and inclusive blockchain solutions. With this grant, they will amplify efforts to onboard millions of gamers and builders into Web3, fostering a vibrant and innovative gaming ecosystem.As part of these efforts, Ancient8, in collaboration with Kyros Ventures, ZKP Labs, and Orochi Network, is hosting the Ancient8 Builder Jam Hackathon, a Web3 hackathon to empower innovators, builders, and entrepreneurs to turn bold ideas into reality, offering prizes of up to $400,000. Readers can join the movement to shape the future of Web3 gaming by participating in the Builder Jam Hackathon at https://builderjam.ancient8.gg/.About Ancient8Ancient8 is building an ETH gaming Layer 2 built with OP Stack. They offer a suite of Web3 gaming infrastructure tools that serve as the distribution and marketing channel for games globally. With Space3 Game Publishing Platform, Ancient8 Gaming Guild, ReneVerse Web3 Ads engine, A8ID, and Gosu Network, Ancient8 is dedicated to onboard millions of gamers to Web3 gaming, while providing support to game developers looking to reach more players. Ancient8’s products have helped 100+ Web3 games and 200K+ users better navigate Web3.Ancient8 has raised $10M in total financing from leading investors including Pantera, Dragonfly, Hashed, Makers Fund, Mechanism, Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN), IOSG, Jump, and Animoca.Website | Twitter | LinkedIn | Blog | Discord | Facebook (NASDAQ:META) | Telegram | YouTubeContactCore contributor at @ancient8_ggZane [email protected] article was originally published on Chainwire More

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    This new indicator shows Bitcoin bull market ‘still has room to run’

    The investment firm said Monday that its Crypto Euphoria Needham Diagram (CEND) suggests that despite Bitcoin’s recent rally to record highs, the market is not yet in the extreme euphoria phase that typically precedes a peak.The CEND index is designed to track where the crypto market stands within its cycle, combining seven metrics that gauge levels of retail enthusiasm, institutional sentiment, and market dynamics. By assigning scores to these inputs, the tool quantifies overall market sentiment, offering a structured approach to identifying periods of excessive optimism or disinterest.“The higher the score, the more euphoric the crypto markets and hence the more likely the market is to a peak,” Needham explains.Recently, the CEND hit its highest score of 2024 at 55, surpassing levels from earlier in the year during the “meme coin” mania but still far below the 82 recorded at the peak of the 2021 cycle.According to Needham, this gap indicates that the market has not yet reached the level of euphoria associated with a cycle top.“If this crypto cycle sees a full cycle as in prior years, we would expect the CEND to reach higher levels than currently and closer to those seen in 2021–which indicates to us that this market still has room to run longer term,” the firm continued.Among the key inputs to the CEND, app rankings for platforms like Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) and Robinhood (NASDAQ:HOOD) have surged this year, signaling a revival of retail interest. Bitcoin’s MVRV Z-score, a measure of market value relative to realized value, has also been climbing, suggesting that the market is entering the middle to later stages of the cycle.Bitcoin dominance remains high, reflecting continued consolidation into the leading cryptocurrency rather than riskier altcoins—a trend consistent with earlier stages of bull markets.“Typically, bitcoin dominance reaches its highest levels near the bottom to the beginning of a bull cycle and reaches its lowest point near the top of the cycle,” Needham’s note states. “We note the introduction of bitcoin ETFs in 2024 could skew this metric more this cycle than prior cycles.”Other metrics, including DeFi leverage, are also on the rise, while Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) search interest for “Bitcoin” and “crypto” is recovering but still lags the peaks seen in 2021.Additional indicators in the CEND include Wall Street’s sentiment on crypto-linked stocks and premiums tied to Bitcoin holdings in publicly traded vehicles. The increasing consensus of “Buy” ratings on crypto-related stocks, such as brokerages and miners, points to rising market optimism.Meanwhile, MicroStrategy Incorporated (NASDAQ:MSTR)’s stock premium relative to its Bitcoin holdings has become a new proxy for market sentiment in this cycle. More

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    usdx.money Secures $45m New Financing at $275m Valuation

    usdx.money, a stablecoin infrastructure project, announced it has raised $45 million in the latest round of financing. The round puts the project’s valuation at $275 million. Investors for this round include NGC, BAI Capital, Generative Ventures, and UOB Venture Management, with a portion of the investments made in the form of warrants. Its pre-existing investors are Dragonfly Capital and Jeneration Capital.usdx.money aims to build the next-generation stablecoin infrastructure, with USDX as its first stablecoin product. After concluding a successful funding round, usdx.money is accelerating its ecosystem efforts for increased adoption of USDX, with a focus on:usdx.money is a secure, decentralized, and bankless synthetic stablecoin issuer, dedicated to building the next generation of stablecoin infrastructure. By connecting decentralized finance (DeFi), centralized finance (CeFi), and traditional finance (TradFi), usdx.money provides efficient and stable financial solutions to meet the diverse needs of its users.About the support teamusdx.money is powered by Stables Labs and is committed to driving rapid growth in the stablecoin space through innovative technologies and proven solutions.For more information, users can visit usdx.money.ContactMarketing [email protected] article was originally published on Chainwire More

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    PlayBlock Breaks Daily Trading Volume Records as New CopyTrader Feature Drives Surging Demand

    Playnance has announced a significant surge in daily trading volume on its innovative blockchain, PlayBlock, over the past 10 days. The launch of its pioneering CopyTrader feature has been a key driver of this growth, with data revealing a strong correlation between the introduction of CopyTrader and the platform’s soaring daily turnover. Traders worldwide are turning to Playnance, leveraging CopyTrader to enhance their performance while contributing to the ecosystem’s rapid expansion.Notable Milestones AchievedIn the last 10 days, PlayBlock has achieved:CopyTrader: Innovating Blockchain TradingThe newly launched CopyTrader feature is changing the game for traders, offering:Playnance’s flagship dApp, UpVsDown.com, continues to drive the ecosystem’s success. Known for its dynamic prediction market gameplay, UpVsDown.com has seen increased activity correlated with the CopyTrader feature, offering:PlayBlock continues to set new standards in blockchain technology, combining:As CopyTrader adoption grows, Playnance is committed to expanding its ecosystem, enhancing tools, and supporting its rapidly increasing global community. The platform’s ability to correlate innovative features like CopyTrader with tangible growth highlights its potential to redefine blockchain trading.About PlaynanceWith headquarters in Ramat Gan, Israel, and offices in Dubai, UAE, Playnance is a Web3 leader delivering advanced blockchain solutions for trading, gaming, and decentralized finance. Anchored by its Layer-3 blockchain, PlayBlock, and its flagship dApp, UpVsDown.com, Playnance is driving global Web3 adoption through innovation and record-breaking performance.Users can follow Playnance On X for more information on PlayBlock and the Playnance ecosystem, visit their official website, explore UpVsDown, and experience the new CopyTrader feature.ContactFounder & [email protected] article was originally published on Chainwire More

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    Nano Labs Ltd Announces $50M BTC Purchase Plan

    As an active participant in the Web 3.0 space, Nano Labs has consistently expanded its presence through innovative product offerings, including its B series for BTC mining and V series for ETC (“ETH”) mining. The Company views BTC as an increasingly pivotal role in the digital asset ecosystem, driven by recent market trends, favorable policy shifts, and growing institutional adoption.By incorporating BTC into its strategic asset portfolio, Nano Labs aims to strengthen its market position and contribute to the broader adoption and growth of the digital economy.The Company cautions investors that the purchase plan may be affected by various factors, including but not limited to: market conditions, regulatory changes, the Company’s financial position, and other business considerations. The Company is not obligated to execute this purchase plan and may modify, suspend, or abandon it at any time without notice. More

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    Bybit CEO to Discuss Improving Bitcoin Accessibility in the UAE at Bitcoin MENA

    Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, will participate in the anticipated Bitcoin MENA event, taking place in Abu Dhabi from December 9 to 10, 2024. This event will bring together industry leaders, investors, and enthusiasts to explore the future of Bitcoin in the Middle East.Bybit has consistently demonstrated its dedication to enhancing cryptocurrency accessibility in the UAE. Recent achievements, such as securing a provisional license from the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) and launching Shariah-compliant Islamic accounts, highlight the platform’s commitment to catering to the diverse needs of the region.Bybit CEO to Speak on Bitcoin AccessibilityBen Zhou, Co-Founder and CEO of Bybit, will take the stage as a panelist during the “Improving Access to Bitcoin in the UAE” session on December 10, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM (GST). This session will examine the Bitcoin adoption trend in the UAE, addressing key challenges and opportunities to enhance accessibility. Ben will join other prominent figures to share his insights on:Attendees at Bitcoin MENA are also invited to visit the Bybit team at Bitcoin MENA to explore #Super6Bybit activities, discover potential rewards, and get a firsthand look at Bybit’s offerings. Key highlights include:About BybitBybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving over 50 million users. Established in 2018, Bybit provides a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, 24/7 customer service, and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One’s reigning Constructors’ and Drivers’ champions: the Oracle (NYSE:ORCL) Red Bull Racing team.For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit PressFor media inquiries, please contact: [email protected] more information, please visit: https://www.bybit.comFor updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social MediaContactHead of PRTony [email protected] article was originally published on Chainwire More

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    Bitcoin price today: steady at $96k, XRP surges on regulatory hopes

    The world’s biggest cryptocurrency fell into a trading range of between $90,000 and $100,000 over the past two weeks after hitting a series of record highs. While Bitcoin still remained in sight of an over $99,000 peak, some optimism over its prospects cooled in anticipation of more cues on U.S. policy. Bitcoin rose 0.2% to $96,513.2 by 00:49 ET (05:49 GMT). A recent rally in crypto markets was driven chiefly by optimism over a Donald Trump presidency, which is expected to entail friendlier crypto regulation. Bitcoin’s rangebound performance over the last two weeks was also driven by a measure of profit-taking at record highs.Traders were now seeking more clarity on what Trump’s policies will entail for crypto, after he promised to make the U.S. the crypto capital of the world, and even floated the idea of a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve. Trump’s picks for Treasury Secretary and Secretary of Commerce both hold pro-crypto views, while reports suggested that he may also choose a pro-crypto candidate to Chair the Securities and Exchange Commission. XRP surged nearly 33% to $2.46 on Monday, flipping stablecoin Tether to become the third-largest crypto by market capitalization, at $140.13 billion, data from Coinmarketcap showed. The token was fueled largely by speculation that a looming change in leadership at the SEC will see the regulator drop its long-running lawsuit against XRP issuer Ripple.SEC Chair Gary Gensler said he will resign as Trump takes office in January, with recent reports suggesting that former Commissioner Paul Atkins could replace him. Atkins has openly expressed support for digital assets. Traders also speculated that Trump could shift crypto regulation over to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission from the SEC. The CFTC is expected to have a less strict stance on regulating the industry. Broader crypto prices were mostly rangebound on Monday, as traders sought more cues on policy. Risk appetite was also rattled by Trump threatening to impose steep tariffs on the BRICS bloc of countries.World no.2 crypto Ether fell 0.5% to $3,667.0.Solana and CardanoA lost between 3% and 5%, while Polygon rose 4.3%. Among meme tokens, Dogecoin rose 2%. More

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    Philippine Entrepreneur Combines Blockchain Innovation with Environmental Conservation through Ora Coin Foundation

    Cebu-based entrepreneur Brian Christopher Aguilar has emerged as a notable figure in the cryptocurrency sector, leveraging blockchain technology to support environmental sustainability. As the founder of Ora Coin Foundation, Brian has turned his humble beginnings into a remarkable empire now valued at PHP 1.3 billion and growing—all within just a few months. His groundbreaking initiative, the One Billion Tree Planting Initiative, across South East Asia and Middle East, aims to leave an indelible mark on the planet and secure a brighter future for generations to come.Brian’s journey began with his dream to combine technology and environmental stewardship. Ora Coin, the cryptocurrency he created with his partner Mr. Lataza, is more than just digital money. Each of its 21 million rare tokens represents an opportunity to combat deforestation and promote ecological balance. For every coin, a tree is planted under the foundation’s watchful eye, tracked with a 3D GPS monitoring system. But Brian’s vision doesn’t stop at planting; it includes a unique feature where tree sponsors can interact and meditate with their trees online, creating a deeper connection between humans and nature.In partnership with Cebu Technological University, a leading state college in the Philippines, Brian’s mission has gained significant momentum. This collaboration has not only ensured scientific rigor in the project but also empowered local communities and students to participate in environmental conservation efforts. Together, they are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in eco-friendly blockchain innovation.Before Ora Coin, Brian was no stranger to entrepreneurship. He made a name for himself in Hong Kong, running the successful Healthy Chicken Group, renowned for its star product, KALE. Starting as a musician, Brian’s story is one of grit, resilience, and a commitment to meaningful impact.Now leading one of the most inspiring initiatives in both cryptocurrency and environmental activism, Brian is proving that businesses can thrive while giving back to the planet. As the One Billion Tree Planting Initiative marches forward, Ora Coin Foundation is not just planting trees—it’s planting hope for a better world.ContactFounderBrian Christopher AguilarOra Coin [email protected] article was originally published on Chainwire More