GizmoLab Report: Cutting-Edge Developments in Web3 📈

A Quick TL;DR:

- Nansen Acquires StakeWithUs to Broaden Staking Offerings

- Metaplanet Buys $2M More Bitcoin, Total Holdings Reach 398 BTC

- Polygon and Fabric Team Up to Fast-Track ZK-Proof Adoption on AggLayer

- Tether, TRON, and TRM Labs Create T3 Unit to Fight Crypto Crime

- Lufthansa, Deutsche Telekom Launch DePIN Nodes on Peaq Network

- PinAI Secures $10M to Optimize Supply Chains Using AI

Nansen Acquires Singapore-Based Staking Firm StakeWithUs in 7-Figure Deal, Expands Blockchain Services 

On-chain analytics platform Nansen has acquired Singapore-based staking service provider StakeWithUs in a seven-figure deal. While the exact financial details remain undisclosed, the acquisition allows Nansen to expand its offerings by incorporating non-custodial staking services for over 20 assets, including Solana, Cosmos, and Akash, among others. StakeWithUs, backed by SGInnovate, provides Nansen users with the ability to stake directly on-chain, targeting both retail and institutional participants.

CEO Alex Svanevik emphasized that the acquisition streamlines staking for users and enhances support for blockchain ecosystems. Nansen also announced its upcoming NSN Points Program, launching in 2025, to reward users for engagement and loyalty through premium features and exclusive insights.

Metaplanet Expands Bitcoin Holdings with $2 Million Purchase, Now Holds 398.832 BTC Worth $26 Million

Japanese investment firm Metaplanet has expanded its Bitcoin holdings by acquiring an additional 38.464 BTC, valued at approximately $2 million. This purchase brings the Tokyo-listed company’s total Bitcoin reserves to 398.832 BTC, worth around $26 million. The decision follows Metaplanet's strategic move to use Bitcoin as a treasury reserve in response to Japan’s economic challenges, such as negative interest rates and a weakening yen.

The firm's stock reacted positively, rising by 4.42% on Tuesday. Metaplanet also revealed plans to generate nearly 300 million yen for further Bitcoin acquisitions and partnered with SBI VC Trade and Hoseki for custody services and asset verification.

Polygon and Fabric Partner to Accelerate Zero-Knowledge Proof Integration on AggLayer, Boosting Blockchain Scalability and Security

Polygon Labs has teamed up with Fabric Cryptography to accelerate the adoption of zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) technology on Polygon’s AggLayer, aimed at improving blockchain scalability and security. Through this partnership, Fabric’s Verifiable Processing Units (VPUs) will be integrated into the AggLayer, which breaks down cryptographic algorithms into mathematical building blocks. According to Polygon co-founder Mihailo Bjelic, this collaboration reduces ZKP implementation from 3-5 years to just 6-12 months, offering faster, cheaper, and more secure transactions for users and developers.

With Polygon’s Plonky2 and Plonky3 systems running on custom hardware, the proof generation process becomes significantly more efficient. This ZK technology also has potential implications for decentralized finance (DeFi), addressing blockchain scalability issues, and driving global DeFi adoption by enabling secure, instant, cross-chain transactions. Despite recent security challenges, including a hack on Polygon’s Discord channel, the platform is forging ahead with key network upgrades.

Tether, TRON, and TRM Labs Launch First-Ever Private Sector Financial Crime Unit to Combat Crypto Crime on TRON Blockchain

Tether, TRON, and TRM Labs have joined forces to establish the T3 Financial Crime Unit (T3 FCU), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at combating illicit activities related to USDT on the TRON blockchain. This collaboration unites TRM Labs’ blockchain intelligence, TRON’s technical prowess, and Tether’s investigation team to enhance public-private cooperation in fighting financial crime. In its first few weeks, T3 FCU froze over USDT 12 million linked to blackmail, fraud, and other scams.

TRM Labs will support ongoing efforts to identify and disrupt illegal activities such as terrorism, theft, and cybercrime, safeguarding the TRON blockchain from bad actors. As stablecoins like USDT play a crucial role in digital asset transactions, the T3 FCU aims to protect the ecosystem’s integrity while promoting a safer crypto environment for all users. Leaders from TRON, Tether, and TRM emphasized the initiative's commitment to security, global collaboration, and disrupting criminal activities.

Lufthansa and Deutsche Telekom Join Forces to Launch DePIN Blockchain Nodes on Peaq Network, Marking a Major Step in Enterprise Blockchain Adoption

Lufthansa and Deutsche Telekom have launched blockchain nodes on the Peaq network, a Layer-1 platform focused on decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) and real-world assets. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in enterprise blockchain adoption, with Peaq aiming to bridge decentralized technologies with real-world infrastructure. The network’s enterprise adoption program, supported by the combined expertise of industry giants like Lufthansa’s Innovation Hub and Deutsche Telekom, signals a promising future for decentralized solutions. By running nodes, these companies will enhance network security and help maintain the blockchain ledger.

Peaq co-founder Leonard Dorlöchter emphasized the significance of this development, which opens doors to further collaborations and innovations in the Web3 space. This move comes amid growing interest in DePIN, as enterprises explore decentralized solutions for sectors such as aviation, telecommunications, and infrastructure. Other blockchain networks like Solana are also seeing an increase in DePIN activity, illustrating the growing momentum behind this technology in 2024.

PinAI Raises $10M in Pre-seed Round to Revolutionize Supply Chain Operations with AI and Data Analytics

PinAI, an AI-driven platform that optimizes supply chain operations, has raised $10 million in a pre-seed funding round. Led by major investors including a16zcrypto, Hack VC, and Stanford Crypto, the funds will support the development of PinAI's advanced forecasting, automation, and real-time analytics tools. These solutions are designed for industries with complex supply chains, offering enhanced efficiency in logistics, demand planning, and inventory management.

By leveraging cutting-edge AI and data analytics, PinAI aims to help businesses reduce operational costs and streamline processes, making supply chain management more agile and responsive. The platform's innovative approach is set to transform industries dependent on intricate logistics networks, providing smarter tools for better decision-making.

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