Algorand Foundation Launches $300M DeFi Fund

The fund, called Viridis, will focus on financing the development of DeFi on Algorand’s network

article-image

Source: Shutterstock

share

key takeaways

  • Algorand’s native crypto (ALGO) hit a two-year high this week, trading at $2.42
  • Some 150 million ALGO have been allocated to the fund, worth roughly $300 million, as of press time

Algorand Foundation, the blockchain project behind Algorand, announced the launch of a $300 million fund focused on the decentralized finance (DeFi) space on Friday.

The fund, called Viridis, will focus on financing the development of DeFi on Algorand’s network, the organization said in a statement. More specifically, Viridis will focus on decentralized exchanges, non-fungible token platforms, money markets, synthetic asset applications and options markets.  

In addition, the foundation announced two ‘SupaGrants’ which create additional DeFi infrastructure such as an oracle network and a bridge network, totalling $10 million for both. Some 150 million of Algorand’s native token ALGO has been allocated to the fund, which is worth roughly $300 million, as of press time.

Algorand

“Algorand is a proven blockchain network that meets the rigorous speed, security, and stability requirements needed to launch enterprise-ready applications. The Algorand ecosystem has experienced significant growth this year in NFTs, DeFi, and beyond,” Stephen Duignan, Head of Marketing, told Blockworks in a statement. “More than half a billion dollars flowed into the ecosystem in the first half of 2021 alone.”

Founded by computer scientist Silvio Micali in 2017, Algorand’s native token (ALGO) has jumped 58.89% in a week. ALGO hit a two-year high on Thursday, trading at $2.42, according to Messari. Following the foundation’s announcement, ALGO slid to $2.01, respectively.

“As we look ahead, there will be increased adoption of Algorand-based DeFi applications and decentralized governance that will continue this momentum,” Duignan added.

Are you a UK or EU reader that cant get enough investor-focused content on digital assets?Join us in London on November 15th and 16th for the Digital Asset Summit (DAS) London. Use code ARTICLE for £75 off your ticket. Buy it now.

Tags

Upcoming Events

Javits Center North | 445 11th Ave

Tues - Thurs, March 18 - 20, 2025

Blockworks’ Digital Asset Summit (DAS) will feature conversations between the builders, allocators, and legislators who will shape the trajectory of the digital asset ecosystem in the US and abroad.

recent research

Flashnote Template Presentation (2).jpg

Research

With the recent election, it’s clear that there will be a meaningful shift in crypto regulations and legislation. Trump is likely as pro-crypto as a president can be. He launched (multiple) of his own NFT collections and is launching an Aave wrapper called World Liberty Fi. He has also spoken out and mentioned that he wants to make the United States "the crypto capital of the planet" and transform it into the "Bitcoin superpower of the world". He proposed creating a strategic national Bitcoin stockpile alongside support from Senator Cynthia Lummis, promising to retain 100% of all Bitcoin held by the U.S. government. More importantly, we’re likely to see deregulation across the board in a lot of industries, with crypto being one of them - as Trump has committed to keeping the crypto market largely unregulated. Crypto, DeFi in particular, has historically been knee-capped by overreaching and hostile governmental agencies and regulation by enforcement, as evidenced by the plethora of Wells notices and lawsuits over the past few years. With Donald Trump winning the presidency, Republicans taking control of the Senate, and being on the verge of securing the House, we think it’s likely that crypto realizes positive regulatory clarity. Below, you can find our analysts’ takes:

article-image

Solana is the crowd favorite to potentially flip Ethereum somewhere down the line, and it tends to feel realistic at times

article-image

Of course, a lot has happened since the 600+ survey respondents shared their thoughts between Aug. 15 and Oct. 1

article-image

AI’s future shouldn’t be decided by a handful of tech giants

article-image

A look at software wallet Exodus may show how an SEC shakeup could have a real impact on industry companies

article-image

Co-chairing Trump’s transition team to help fill administration positions is Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick

article-image

Reflect is a delta-neutral currency protocol that lets tokens accrue yield without touching the banking system