Klaytn and Finschia have proposed a merger that could bolster crypto, web3, and decentralized applications (dApps) in Asia. This fusion aims to leverage the strengths of both entities to create what could be the continent’s foremost blockchain ecosystem. Klaytn boasts a substantial network across Korea, Singapore, and Vietnam. Finschia, with a strong presence in Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Abu Dhabi, plans to integrate resources with Klaytn. Klaytn Looks to Solidify Asian Web3 Prospects This merger, if approved, would create a network with over 250 million user touchpoints, more than 420 dApp ..read more

Metaverse company Improbable has divested one of its key gaming ventures, The Multiplayer Group (MPG), to Keywords Studios for a substantial £76.5 million ($97.1 million). The deal is surprising, considering that the metaverse and web3 sectors have been struggling as of late. Keywords Studios is primarily known for developing games for third-party developers. The acquisition of MPG bolsters Keywords’ position in the gaming industry. Improbable Sells Gaming Venture to Keywords However, the acquisition came at a time when Keywords Studios was experiencing financial shifts. Despite its aggressive ..read more

The collapse of WeWork on Nov. 6 has left a gap in the coworking industry that other firms are eagerly snapping up. Once synonymous with flexible working arrangements, WeWork filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in New Jersey amid a mountain of debt. Unlike other coworking companies, which share profits from membership fees with landlords, WeWork chose to collect all membership fees and take out long-term property leases. While this approach meant the company prospered, it also exposed the company to short-term risks like the pandemic, implied John Arenas of Serendipity Labs, a WeWork competitor. S ..read more

SBI Holdings, a leading Japanese financial firm, has announced its intention to launch a ¥100 billion ($660 million) fund dedicated to startups specializing in web3, artificial intelligence (AI), and the metaverse. This fund, set to launch within 2023, is a rare instance of large-scale venture capital in Japan, a country known for its mature crypto regulations. Web3, AI, and Metaverse Startups in Japan Get a Boost The fund is expected to invest several hundred million to several billion yen per company, with a total of 150 to 200 companies projected to receive investment. Notably, this initiat ..read more

Hoping to catalyze the growth of Asia-based blockchain and AI initiatives, the DFINITY Foundation has unveiled the ICP Asia Alliance and a $20 million grant fund. This strategic launch underscores Asia’s pivotal role in the global web3 ecosystem and ICP’s commitment to fostering growth in the region. Asia Shows Strong Potential for Web3 Adoption The DFINITY Foundation, a non-profit R&D organization, is a major contributor to the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) web3 blockchain. The newly formed ICP Asia Alliance is poised to lead the vibrant web3 and AI ecosystem in Asia, primarily focusin ..read more

Microsoft has recently unveiled a fresh category of ads called “Conversational Ads.” With Bing Chat as the platform, these new ads aim to enhance user engagement and deliver a shopping assistant experience. As the crypto industry veers towards Web3, a decentralized web, this development opens up new possibilities for Web3 marketers. Conversational Ads: A Glimpse Into the Future To redefine digital advertising, Microsoft introduced Conversational Ads. This is the first ad product crafted exclusively for Bing’s AI-powered chat. It integrates AI to bridge the gap between advertisers and consumers ..read more

The web3 spin-off of the iconic Shark Tank series started a Twitter debate after the episode preview. Titled “Killer Whales: Sink or Swim Crypto Pitches,” the show intends to promote crypto and other web3 startups. However, Twitter users are divided over the panel of judges, whom some have boldly labeled as “scammers.” Web3 TV Show Began Filming in June The web3 show mirrors the popular Shark Tank series, known to have its local versions in various countries. Killer Whales boasts a worldwide broadcast to over 55 countries through major streaming platforms, including the HELLO TV app ..read more

Sony Network Communications Inc. has recently solidified its commitment to web3 infrastructure by investing $3.5 million in Startale Labs, a promising tech company dedicated to developing the web3 sector. This strategic partnership aims to establish a global web3 infrastructure, leveraging Sony’s extensive experience in telecommunications and other sectors as well. Sony and Startale’s ‘Web3 for Billions’ Strategy Startale Labs, a core contributor to the Astar Network, is on a mission to build “Web3 for Billions.” With Sony’s financial backing, the company plans to double its workforce from 15 ..read more

Coinbase Founder Brian Armstrong is seeing immense interest from the crypto community with over 150 project applications in response to his call for innovative ideas. Armstrong tweeted, “We’ve gotten more than 150 applications so far! Awesome to see.” Among these ideas, Armstrong hinted at introducing an eleventh startup concept that has sparked much curiosity—a web3 version of LinkedIn. Revolutionizing Projects on Web3 In his tweet, Armstrong elaborated on the idea of LinkedIn in web3. He emphasized the potential for companies to issue “soulbound NFTs to verify employment or credent ..read more

Ethereum technology provider ConsenSys has just released a State of Global Web3 perception report, gauging crypto and data privacy awareness. The findings are generally positive despite the current lack of activity in digital asset markets.  ConsenSys has just published a survey spanning 15 countries and over 15,000 people. It aims to provide a global and regional view of people’s perceptions of web3, crypto assets, NFTs, blockchain, and the metaverse. Privacy is a Priority for Web3 Sector The study revealed that 92% of respondents globally are aware of cryptocurrencies. However, only 8 ..read more