Recap of 64 "Web3+AI" Projects That Raised Funds in the First Half of 2024, Over Half Focused on Infrastructure and Gaming Entertainment
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Recap of 64 "Web3+AI" Projects That Raised Funds in the First Half of 2024, Over Half Focused on Infrastructure and Gaming Entertainment
These projects apply artificial intelligence technology to varying degrees, covering infrastructure involving computing power and algorithms, data and privacy, DeFi, entertainment products such as games, and application categories offering content creation tools, AI Agents/bots, and other services.
Navigating Web3 tides with focused insightsAuthor: Zen, PANews
In the first half of 2024, driven by the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, the U.S. stock market surged forward, with the S&P 500 setting 31 new closing record highs. Nvidia, hailed as the "first AI stock," was frequently in the headlines, its share price soaring 149% and joining the elite $3 trillion market capitalization club.
At this pivotal moment, nearly every tech startup now emphasizes AI in its narrative—even those not exclusively focused on AI highlight their use of AI technologies. Prominent investment firms like a16z have stopped creating dedicated AI funds, as AI now plays a significant role across virtually all startups. Meanwhile, Web3—the other major technological trend in recent years—has naturally converged with AI, making their intersection a compelling frontier. The concept that “AI enhances productivity while Web3 transforms production relationships” continues to inspire broad imagination.
Drawing from the "Weekly Financing Report" column, PANews has compiled statistics on "Web3 + AI projects" that raised funding during the first half of 2024. These projects apply artificial intelligence technology to varying degrees and span categories including infrastructure for computing power and algorithms, data and privacy, DeFi, gaming and entertainment products, and application-layer services such as content creation tools and AI Agents/bots. The following analysis categorizes and reviews a total of 64 "Web3 + AI projects" that secured financing in the first half of 2024 using this framework.
Infrastructure Projects: 20 Funded, with Largest Single Round at $85 Million
Sentient
An AI research organization dedicated to building open-source AI models through community contributions, allowing users to access and contribute to models while receiving rewards based on their input. One of Sentient’s core contributors is Sandeep Nailwal, co-founder of Polygon. The project will be built on Polygon and may use Polygon’s Chain Development Kit (CDK) to launch its own chain, with plans to initiate a testnet in Q3 of this year. Sentient raised $85 million in a seed round co-led by Founders Fund, Pantera Capital, and Framework Ventures.
io.net
A DePIN protocol within the Solana ecosystem aiming to aggregate GPU resources for AI and machine learning (ML) companies, establishing a decentralized GPU network to address AI compute shortages. io.net completed a $30 million Series A round led by Hack VC, with participation from Multicoin Capital, Web3.com Ventures, and others.
Allora Labs
A decentralized AI network built as a Cosmos-based L1 blockchain. In February of this year, Allora rebranded from Upshot, shifting focus from an NFT valuation platform to a decentralized AI network. Allora has raised a total of $35 million to date.
Ritual
A decentralized AI network project that received a multi-million dollar follow-on investment from Polychain Capital, though the exact amount remains undisclosed. Previously, in November 2023, Ritual raised $25 million in a round led by Archetype, with Accomplice and Robot Ventures participating.
Ora
An AI-driven blockchain project aiming to integrate AI into decentralized applications via its "on-chain AI oracle." Ora raised $20 million in funding, with participation from Polychain, SevenX Ventures, HF0, and Hashkey Capital.
Airstack
An AI-powered Web3 developer platform enabling developers to access and utilize on-chain data through natural language queries supported by AI. Airstack has raised a total of $11 million from investors including Superscrypt and Red Beard Ventures.
GaiaNet
A decentralized generative AI tool network that enables individuals worldwide to host and manage AI models on edge computing nodes, addressing issues of privacy protection, accessibility, and democratization of AI technology. GaiaNet closed a $10 million seed round with participation from EVM Capital, Mirana Ventures, and Mantle EcoFund.
ChainML
A Web3-focused AI R&D company aiming to decentralize AI access. It launched Theoriq, an agent foundation layer providing a framework for autonomous AI agents to perform complex tasks. ChainML raised $6.2 million in an extended seed round led by Hack VC, with Foresight Ventures and others participating.
REVOX.ai
A modular on-chain AI network combining AI technology with decentralized architecture to deliver safer and more efficient AI solutions. REVOX.ai raised $6 million from investors including SevenX Ventures, Arweave SCP Ventures, Cointelegraph Acceleration, and 7upDAO.
Prime Intellect
A decentralized AI development platform aimed at democratizing AI technology. Prime Intellect raised $5.5 million in a round co-led by Distributed Global and Coinfund. Funds will support global compute aggregation, development of distributed training frameworks, and collaborative training of open AI models.
NodeOps
A blockchain node management platform providing AI infrastructure for node operators and developers, streamlining Web3 protocol development and operations. NodeOps completed a $5 million seed round led by L1D.
Tensorplex Labs
Infrastructure supporting decentralized AI networks, aiming to accelerate the growth of open, decentralized AI ecosystems like Bittensor. Tensorplex Labs raised $3 million in a seed round led by Canonical Crypto and Collab+Currency, with Amber Group among the participants.
Hemera
A Web3 infrastructure startup whose Hemera Protocol is a large language model (LLM) operating system designed for developers. SocialScan, one of its community-owned AI applications, runs on this protocol. Hemera raised $2.6 million in a seed round led by LIF Capital and Nomad Capital.
PrivateAI
A decentralized AI protocol launching an AI-native distributed data platform to build the world’s first domain-specific LLM for the longevity industry. PrivateAI completed a strategic round with participation from DAO Maker, though the funding amount was not disclosed.
Optopia.ai
An AI Layer2 network that launched its mainnet in May. Optopia.ai aims to simplify Web3 operations via AI agents, lower user entry barriers, and empower AI agents through a token economic model. The project completed its seed round with participation from G·Ventures and Kucoin Ventures.
KIP Protocol
A Web3 base-layer protocol focused on AI, aiming to develop a secure and efficient decentralized infrastructure enabling AI creators—data owners, model builders, and app developers—to deploy their work on Web3 while retaining full digital property rights. KIP Protocol’s strategic round was led by Animoca Ventures; the funding amount was not disclosed.
AINN Layer2
A Bitcoin Layer2 project enabling large-scale decentralized AI applications. AINN Layer2 has received investments from institutions including Amber Group.
NavyAI
A Solana-based AI model training platform focused on AI model training and self-learning, offering cost-effective solutions to reduce AI bias. By leveraging decentralized GPU resources, NavyAI allows users to access and train virtual AI models, improving AI accessibility and fair innovation. NavyAI completed its seed round with participation from X Ventures; the amount was not disclosed.
Meson Network
A decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) emphasizing DePIN + AI. Its "DePIN" nodes are developed with user-friendly technology compatible with various hardware, including personal laptops, servers, and IoT devices. Meson Network reached a $1 billion valuation in a strategic round led by Presto Labs; the funding amount was not disclosed.
Compute Labs
An RWA tokenization protocol using computing power as a core asset. Incubated by NVIDIA Inception VC Alliance, Compute Labs develops enterprise-grade AI compute tokenization protocols (CTP) and GPU restaking solutions to deliver AI compute yields to investors. CTP is currently live on the Solana testnet, with the mainnet expected to launch in Q3 and TGE scheduled before year-end.
Data Projects: 10 Funded, Many Focused on Privacy and Security
OpenLedger
A decentralized, permissionless data infrastructure enabling builders to create smarter, more efficient models using verifiable data. OpenLedger raised $8 million in a seed round led by Polychain Capital and Borderless Capital. Mainnet launch is expected by year-end.
FLock
A Web3-native privacy solution for AI. Its "Federated Learning Blocks" (FLocks) research initiative uses blockchain as a coordination platform between data holders, enabling machine learning while keeping data local and private. FLock raised $6 million in a seed round led by Lightspeed Faction and Tagus Capital, with OKX Ventures participating.
Hyperline
A Web3-native data lake development company building shared storage and compute engines for Web3 developers creating AI products and analytics applications. Hyperline raised $5.2 million in a seed round led by Slow Ventures.
Cookie3
A MarketingFi and AI data layer targeting Web3 enterprises, creators, and users. Cookie3 announced a $5.5 million token sale round with investors including The Spartan Group and Animoca Brands.
Privasea
An AI-driven data security solution integrating FHEML into a distributed compute crowdfunding network, combined with proprietary Depin mining hardware to form an FHE compute network supporting all L1s and L2s. Privasea's strategic private round included OKX Ventures, Laser Digital (Nomura Holdings), and Tanelabs (supported by SoftBank). It also raised $5 million in a seed round.
0xScope
A Web3 knowledge graph protocol that has released 0xScope V2. Its future focus is providing data support for Web3 AI applications via a proprietary Web3 data layer, bridging AI and Web3. 0xScope raised $5 million in a Pre-Series A round led by HashKey Capital, with OKX Ventures and GSR Markets participating.
Ta-da
An AI data marketplace centered on a "gamified Web3" application model. Ta-da raised $3.5 million from investors including Morningstar Ventures, MultiversX, and GBV Capital.
Inference Labs
A Web3 AI startup focused on making AI more accessible, with emphasis on decentralization and privacy-centric technologies. Inference Labs raised $2.3 million in a Pre-Seed round led by Digital Asset Capital Management, Delphi Ventures, and Mechanism Capital.
PublicAI
A Web3 decentralized AI training network aiming to generate vast amounts of high-quality training data at scale using blockchain, rewarding anyone who contributes data. PublicAI raised $2 million in a seed round with participation from Solana Foundation and Everstate Capital.
AIT Protocol
An AI data infrastructure built on blockchain, primarily for data annotation and AI model training. It enables crypto users to earn rewards by contributing to AI model development and training. Recent investors in AIT Protocol include Animoca Brands.
DeFi Projects: 6 Funded, Intent-Driven Models Prevail
Aperture Finance
An AI-driven DeFi platform simplifying DeFi operations through innovative intent-based execution, allowing users to specify desired outcomes. Aperture Finance has raised $12 million in total funding, backed by Skyland Ventures, Blockchain Founders Fund, and Krypital Group.
onaji
A machine learning platform for smart contract blockchains, having built a platform to train and deploy AI models capable of autonomously engaging in DeFi on Ethereum and Layer 2s. onaji raised $2.5 million in a Pre-Seed round led by Stratos, with Maven11, Uniswap Labs, and IOSG Ventures participating.
XRADERS
An AI-driven trading management and social platform on BNB Chain. XRADERS raised $2.1 million across Pre-Seed and seed rounds, with FBG Capital among the investors.
0xGen
An AI-driven DeFi platform. 0xGen completed a strategic round with participation from Principle68, Bella Protocol, and Phoenix Chain.
AgentFi
An AI-driven DeFi protocol in the Blast ecosystem. AgentFi’s first product leverages the ERC-6551 standard, using wallet accounts linked to NFTs to offer on-chain trading and yield-generating automated services. AgentFi completed its first funding round led by Generative Ventures.
Sharpe
An AI-driven crypto application designed for professional traders, offering a unified platform for intelligent investing and automating digital assets. Sharpe completed its seed round with participation from Animoca Brands and GBV Capital; the amount was not disclosed.
Gaming & Entertainment Projects: 15 Funded, AI-Integrated GameFi Emerges as Trend
MetaCene
A Web3 MMO gaming platform featuring PVE and PVP gameplay, supporting guild DAO governance, a sustainable economy, and in-game AIGC editing tools. MetaCene raised $10 million in a Private Series A round led by Folius Ventures and SevenX Ventures.
Raiinmaker
Raiinmaker is building decentralized AI tools and Web3 infrastructure to support sports, gaming, and entertainment projects. Users can train AI via iOS or Android devices and receive rewards proportional to their impact on AI models. Raiinmaker has raised $10 million in total, including a $7.5 million seed round co-led by Jump Capital and Cypher Capital.
DeepLink
A decentralized AI cloud gaming protocol providing ultra-low latency rendering for AAA games and cloud internet cafes. Leveraging AI, blockchain, and streaming technology, DeepLink supports 1ms latency and 8K resolution gaming. DeepLink raised a total of $8 million across angel and Series A rounds, achieving a $100 million valuation, with investors including戈壁创投 (Gobi Partners), Hycons, DBC, and ROCK Ventures.
ArenaX Labs
Developer of AI Arena, an AI-driven Web3 competitive game. AI Arena allows users to train their own AI characters for battle, with outcomes determined by training skill, aiming to help users understand how AI works and learns. ArenaX Labs raised $6 million in a new round led by Framework Ventures, with SevenX Ventures participating.
Today
A Web3 social simulation game developing generative AI-powered smart NPCs and no-code creator tools. Today raised $5 million in a seed round led by Sfermion and Big Brain Holdings.
Studio 369
Developer of the blockchain video game "MetalCore," which is building a dynamic quest system using AI to generate unique missions and objectives. Open beta testing is expected by the end of 2024. Studio 369 raised $5 million in a new round from investors including Delphi Digital, Bitkraft Ventures, and Sanctor Capital.
Play AI
An AI and blockchain solutions provider focused on gaming and VR, offering platforms such as Play Markets for data collection, Play Dojo for AI improvement, and Play Hub for seamless AI agent integration. Play AI raised $4.3 million in its first round from P2 Ventures, Jump Crypto, and others.
Sortium
A Web3 gaming studio focused on generative AI, integrating AI tools into existing game production ecosystems to automate challenging content creation tasks. Sortium raised over $4 million in a round led by Signum Growth, with ARK Investment Management LLC (led by Cathie Wood) participating.
GOALAI
A Web3 football fantasy game leveraging blockchain NFTs to integrate real-world football communities, clubs, fans, and matches, applying AI to unlock potential and commercial value for Web3 football enthusiasts. GOALAI raised $3 million in a round led by IDG Capital, with KuCoin Ventures participating.
Stage
A Web3 music platform aiming to ensure fair compensation and deep engagement for both artists and fans through Web3 integration, introducing play-to-earn models, RWA, and AI-generated music. Stage raised $2.4 million with participation from the Solana Foundation.
Cellula
A cross-chain AI game using virtual Proof-of-Work (vPOW) for asset distribution, providing continuous incentives within its ecosystem. Cellula raised $2 million in a Pre-Seed round co-led by SevenX Ventures and OKX Ventures. Previously, it also received strategic investment from Binance Labs via the Binance Incubation Program.
EventCHI
A Dutch blockchain ticketing platform. By seamlessly integrating AI and blockchain, EventCHI provides a unified platform for cashless payments, NFT tickets, and smart features. EventCHI completed a seed round raising over €1.6 million.
Saltwater Games
A UK-based game studio and publisher composed of three studios: Nexus Labs, Maze Theory, and Saltwater Labs. Saltwater Labs focuses on innovating with Web3 and AI emerging technologies. It has received investment from Animoca Brands.
CARV
A modular data layer focused on gaming and AI industries. As the sole author of ERC7231, CARV has built CARV Protocol, integrated with over 40 chains, Google Cloud, and various identity, storage, infrastructure, and AI ecosystems. It is supported by Vertex Ventures (Temasek), ConsenSys, Tribe Capital, IOSG Ventures, HashKey Capital, and Animoca Brands.
Sleepless AI
A Web3 + AI gaming platform that completed a new funding round led by Folius Ventures; the amount was not disclosed. Sleepless AI was the winner of the Binance MVB V Accelerator and previously received investment from Binance Labs and Foresight Ventures.
Application & Product Projects: 13 Funded, Many Focus on Creator Economy
MediConCen
A Hong Kong-based blockchain insurtech company leveraging cutting-edge AI and blockchain technology to digitize paper-based and manual claims processes. MediConCen raised $6.85 million (approximately HK$53.43 million) in a Series A round led by HSBC Asset Management, with participation from Gao Mei Capital. Total funding has reached $12.7 million.
MyShell
A Web3 AI platform focused on creators, enabling content creators and consumers to generate AI agents or bots. MyShell raised $11 million in a round led by Dragonfly.
Bluwhale
An AI Web3 startup adopting a novel approach that returns control and monetization rights to wallet holders, allowing them to choose whether to engage with marketers and monetize their data. Bluwhale raised $7 million in a seed round led by SBI.
Adot
A decentralized AI search engine. Adot (a.xyz) has raised a cumulative $6 million, with participation from Hash Global, SevenX Ventures, and Mask Network.
Sahara
A decentralized AI network that is trustless, permissionless, and privacy-centric, creating customized autonomous knowledge agents (Sahara KA) for individuals and enterprises, enabling everyone to monetize and automate opportunities using their knowledge capital via AI. Sahara raised $6 million in a seed round led by Polychain Capital, with Samsung Next participating.
YogaPetz
A decentralized mind-body-spirit ecosystem integrating AI. YogaPetz raised over $5 million from a seed round and NFT sales, with the seed round co-led by Animoca Brands, Newman Group, and Soul Capital Partners.
SOAI
An AI social platform focused on reshaping the virtual companion industry through advanced AI technology, creating personalized AI soulmates for billions globally. SOAI raised $5 million in an institutional angel round, with Archer Capital investing $3 million and XForce Capital $2 million.
Bythen
A human-AI interaction protocol building an AI product protocol to create autonomous, AI-powered 3D avatar agents. Bythen raised $3 million in a seed round with participation from East Ventures and BEENEXT.
Talus Network
A blockchain platform focused on decentralized AI, leveraging Move’s capabilities to emphasize security, speed, and enhanced developer experience, fostering a diverse ecosystem of intelligent agents for dApps. Talus Network raised $3 million in a round led by Polychain Capital, with dao5 participating.
SmartLoC
A blockchain- and AI-based B2B payment solution focused on optimizing how enterprises conduct financial transactions globally using IoT, blockchain, and AI. SmartLoC raised €1.8 million in a round led by High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF).
imgnAI
A crypto AI platform launching an image generation bot platform in late 2022. imgnAI tokens on its website unlock premium features and allow direct minting of images as NFTs. The platform raised $1.6 million in a seed round led by Hack VC.
LinkTo
A Web3 traffic aggregation marketing platform introducing advanced ad delivery technologies and AI algorithms to help brands and advertisers precisely target and effectively reach audiences, while ensuring data security and user privacy. LinkTo completed its seed round with participation from Adaverse.
Creator.bid
A blockchain- and AI-driven digital content monetization and ownership platform enabling creators to build AI-powered digital assets for monetization and content management, providing tools to enhance autonomy over their work and income. Funding amount for Creator.bid was not disclosed, with Mechanism Capital among the investors.
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