Funding Roundup: a16z announces Crypto Startup Accelerator participants

A series of raises were announced as 21 projects gear up to take part in a16z’s CSX

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If it feels like Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) has been dominating crypto venture funding recently, there’s a reason.

This week, a16z announced the latest cohort for its Crypto Startup Accelerator (CSX), featuring 21 startups from around the world. The projects focus on everything from AI to layer-1 solutions, and are all set to converge in New York.

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I want to talk about just two of the 21 this weekend. I’m highlighting PIN AI, which also announced a $10 million pre-seed round. The project plans to launch an open platform for personal AI. 

Read more: Funding Roundup: a16z backs Story’s $80M raise

“PIN AI converges AI and crypto in meaningful ways, offering a privacy-focused, on-device AI assistant that democratizes on-device intelligence for all of us,” the project’s post said.

A16z, of course, took part in the round. Hack VC, Foresight Ventures and Nomad Capital were among other investors.  

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Another one on Startup Accelerator’s list is Blocksense, which announced a $4 million raise.

The project’s goal is “redefining decentralized data infrastructure.”

Permutation led the round, with Tykhe Block Ventures and others participating in the pre-seed round. 

“Blocksense’s approach to oracle solutions is poised to dismantle the monopolistic structures currently dominating the industry. By leveraging cutting-edge zero-knowledge cryptography, Blocksense offers an unmatched combination of cost efficiency, scalability and security,” Blocksense said in a press release.

Other notable rounds:

  • DRiP said it raised $8 million in seed funding. NFX led the round, with participation from Coinbase Ventures and Progression.
  • IN1, a fintech startup which focuses on both fiat and crypto, said it raised $6 million in a seed round. Brainstorm was disclosed as one of the investors in the round.
  • Fountain announced a $3.5 million seed round. Foundation Capital, Primal Capital and Druid Ventures all took part in the round.
  • Real-world asset tokenization platform OpenEden announced it received an investment from Binance Labs. The amount wasn’t disclosed.

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