Phantom, the digital asset wallet service provider, has raised $150 million in a Series C funding round, taking its valuation to $3 billion. The round was led by prominent venture capital firms Sequoia Capital and Paradigm, with additional participation from Andreessen Horowitz and Variant.
The funding will speed up Phantom’s mission of becoming the world’s leading consumer finance platform. According to the Chief Executive Officer, Brandon Millman,
“Our mission has always been to make crypto more accessible, intuitive, and safe for everyone. This latest round of funding allows us to invest further in innovation and ultimately modernize consumer finance.”
A Milestone in Growth and Innovation:
Source: Phantom
Phantom will use the newly acquired capital to launch its upcoming social discovery feature and simplify peer-to-peer payments, enhancing the user experience. The $3 billion valuation is a 150% increase from its $1.2 billion valuation during its Series B funding round in January 2022, which raised $109 million.
Currently, Phantom has more than 15 million monthly active users and handles over $20 billion in annual swap volume. The company said that its revenue and trading volumes for the last two months of 2024—when Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election and market activity was at a peak—were multiples higher than those of competitors Coinbase Wallet and MetaMask.
On November 20, 2024, Phantom temporarily became the second most downloaded application in the utilities section of Apple’s App Store, just when the crypto market cap was close to $4 trillion.
In December 2024, Phantom announced support for the layer-1 blockchain Sui in addition to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana networks. This aligns with Phantom’s strategy of making the platform more inclusive to crypto enthusiasts.
Founded in 2021 in San Francisco, California, by Brandon Millman, Chris Kalani (Chief Product Officer), and Francesco Agost (Chief Technology Officer), Phantom has quickly risen as a key player in the crypto wallet industry. Phantom’s wallet services make it one of the most widely used crypto wallet companies. Among its core products, Phantom now offers non-custodial options for NFTs.
Addressing Token Launch Rumors:
On January 3, 2025, Phantom responded to the rumors surrounding a potential token launch linked to its future social discovery feature. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the company clarified,
“We’ve seen some speculation about an airdrop tied to this feature, so to clarify we do not have any plans to launch a token.”
Future Development:
With a user-centric approach and strong backing from industry-leading investors, Phantom is well-positioned to redefine the digital wallet space. Its focus on accessibility, innovation, and security continues to set new benchmarks for consumer finance in the crypto era.
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Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy’s largest bank by total assets, has made its first move into the cryptocurrency market by purchasing $1 million worth of Bitcoin.
According to Reuters, the transaction for 11 BTC was completed on Monday, January 13.
CEO Carlo Messina described the purchase as “a test.” He explained that while the bank does not aim to become “a Bitcoin player,” it recognizes the need to understand the market.
Messina noted, “The bank has very sophisticated clients that may ask for this kind of investment, and you can’t serve them unless you have a presence in the market.”
This move follows the bank’s steps in 2023 to establish a proprietary trading desk for digital assets. By 2024, Intesa Sanpaolo had begun handling spot cryptocurrency trades.
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Bitcoin’s price has been drawing significant attention from investors in recent weeks. Last month, it reached a new all-time high, surpassing $100,000 for the first time.
This milestone followed nearly two weeks of trading just below $98,000, hinting at a potential plateau before the market gained further momentum.
Since the U.S. elections, Bitcoin’s value has climbed by more than 36%, rising from around $75,600.
Analysts predict the cryptocurrency will continue to break records. Deepwater Asset Management’s managing partner Gene Munster recently stated that favorable market and regulatory conditions could drive Bitcoin to even greater heights in 2025, despite possible pullbacks.
Netradyne, a leading SaaS provider of AI-powered fleet management and edge computing, announced securing $90 million in a Series D funding round. This latest capital influx will be put toward speeding the growth of the company through investments in research and development and aggressive expansion into markets globally.
Point72 Private Investments led the Series D funding, Qualcomm Ventures, Pavilion Capital among those notable participants who would like to see Netradyne emerge further as the world leader in commercial fleet technology.
Total Funding Reaches $308 million:
In this round, Netradyne has raised a total of $308 million in funding so far by investors including SoftBank Vision Fund, Hyundai Cradle, and Reliance Industries, as reported by data aggregator Tracxn. While the company hasn’t disclosed its valuation post-funding, such a significant investment shows confidence from the investor side.
“The successful completion of our Series D funding is a testament to the confidence our investors have in our vision and innovative approach to AI-powered fleet safety solutions,” said Avneesh Agrawal, CEO and Co-Founder of Netradyne.
Reinventing Fleet Safety through AI-Powered Solutions:
Netradyne is reimagining the traditional driver performance and fleet safety approach. Its flagship product, Driver•i, applies over 18 billion vision-analyzed driving miles to recognize positive driving behaviors that are reinforced to minimize accidents and improve driver retention, lower insurance costs, and optimize fleet productivity and tracking.
“This funding provides us with the resources to accelerate growth, expand our technology capabilities, and deliver even greater value to our customers worldwide. With this support, we are poised to scale our innovations globally, deepen our impact, and continue advancing safety and efficiency across the transportation industry, redefining what’s possible for fleets and communities alike,” Agrawal added.
Support from Long-Term Investors:
Sri Chandrasekar, managing partner at Point72 Private Investments, pointed out that this partnership is focused on safer roads and professional drivers.
“Since our initial investment in 2018, we’ve witnessed Netradyne’s impressive growth and believe their technology is well-positioned not only to empower fleet managers but also to foster a culture of safe driving,” Chandrasekar stated. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Avneesh and the Netradyne team as they advance their mission to transform the global transportation industry.”
Comprehensive AI Capabilities for Fleet Management:
Netradyne’s Driver•i solution offers a robust driver performance assessment by analyzing 100% of drive-time data. Powered by advanced AI, it identifies positive and negative behaviors of drivers with accuracy, building trust and permitting effective in-cab coaching. These capabilities protect drivers from false claims, reduce collisions, lower insurance costs, improve productivity, and ease compliance management.
Impressive growth and wide geographical reach:
Since its inception in 2015, Netradyne has grown incredibly well, with over 3,000 customers and more than 450,000 active subscribers across the globe. The company operates in regions including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and India. Plans for expansion into Europe and Japan are already underway.
Netradyne’s customers include some of the biggest names in various industries, including e-commerce, food and beverage, oil and gas, transportation, utilities, field services, passenger transit, and construction.
Bright Future for Netradyne:
This funding milestone reflects the company’s commitment to driving innovation and reshaping fleet management through AI and edge computing technologies. As it continues further expansion and technological advancements, Netradyne is well-positioned to transform fleet safety and performance across global markets.
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Ahead of the Lunar New Year, fashion brands from around the world are unveiling exclusive collections and campaigns that celebrate the rich cultural traditions and symbolism of this festive season. This year, Maisons are embracing the Year of the Snake, along with themes of renewal, family, and hope.
Prada’s “We, The Snake” campaign for the 2025 Lunar New Year offers a symbolic and metaphorical vision that weaves together themes of belonging and transformation. Featuring an eclectic cast of ambassadors, including Jia Ling, Li Xian, Ma Long, and Ma Yili, the campaign showcases human silhouettes linked together like a snake, embracing interconnectedness.
Similarly, Alexander McQueen’s Lunar New Year campaign is set against a backdrop of a sprawling cityscape. Led by Chinese actor Zhang Youhao, the campaign tells the story of new beginnings, as the characters leave behind the past and look toward a hopeful future on the eve of the Lunar New Year, navigating the streets to catch the rising sun — a symbol of renewal that comes with the new year. Other brands such as Bottega Veneta, Loewe, and Gucci have also launched celebratory campaigns, with the addition of exclusive Lunar New Year capsule collections. Whether through limited-edition accessories, ready-to-wear pieces, or bespoke artworks, these collections creatively incorporate serpentine embroideries and rich reds to honour the Year of the Snake.
Dior X Kaws Collaboration
This New Year, Dior unveiled a captivating new collaboration between artistic director Kim Jones and renowned New York artist Kaws, which hit boutiques on 2 January. The collection — which builds on their partnership from Dior’s Spring/Summer 2019 show — blends Dior’s classic codes with Kaws’ pop-inspired aesthetic with this iteration incorporating a dynamic snake motif. The graffiti-style snake playfully forms the Dior lettering and “CD” initials on neon-hued jackets and sporty tracksuits. Dior’s B35 NXXT sneakers and bags from the Rider 2.0 line are reimagined in bold colours of bright orange and highlighter yellow.
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren is ushering in the Year of the Snake with a special collection of Lunar New Year essentials, celebrating the occasion with a festive twist on the brand’s timeless silhouettes. The capsule includes standout pieces like the Polo Ralph Lauren Corduroy Shirt, and a tang suit-style shirt made from fine-wale corduroy and fastened with Chinese knot buttons. The collection also showcases re-interpretations of the popular Polo Bear Sweatshirt, featuring a festive Polo Bear graphic suited up in a red outfit, gold-embellished slippers, and clutching a red packet. Lastly, the Lunar New Year Crest Blazer is a sleekly tailored jacket, adorned with a bullion-embroidered crest that pays homage to the holiday’s traditions.
Loewe
Loewe continues its annual tradition of honouring Chinese craftsmanship with a special capsule collection for the Lunar New Year, this year drawing inspiration from the ancient art of Chinese cloisonné (a technique of creating intricate patterns on metal objects using metal wires and coloured glass paste). To bring this art form to life, Loewe has collaborated with Xiong Songtao — a Master of Chinese Arts and Crafts and third-generation enameller — to create the collection’s jewellery and hardware finishes. Loewe’s Nest bag is adorned with a snake head and lotus details, while a range of necklaces feature cloisonné pendants in auspicious images of snakes, monkeys, and clouds. Its ready-to-wear collection includes special edition bags inspired by the cloisonné technique, like cloud-shaped clutches, coiled snake keychains, and animated versions of the Puzzle Bag and Pebble Bucket.
Miu Miu
Miu Miu celebrates Lunar New Year with The Encounter (如期而遇), a whimsical short film directed by the renowned filmmaker Shujun Wei. Starring Miu Miu ambassadors — Liu Haocun and Zhao Jinmai — the pair embark on a fantastical adventure into a dreamlike world, all while paying tribute to the Year of the Snake. The accompanying collection mirrors the joyful and optimistic spirit of the film, offering a playful yet refined take on celebratory fashion. Preppy tweeds and jewel-encrusted denim are paired with the brand’s signature footwear: ballet flats, kitten heels, and exclusive sneakers from the New Balance X Miu Miu collection. The release also features a fun nod to the occasion with crochet-knit serpent charms and personalised Chinese knots at select stores.
Bottega Veneta
For the Lunar New Year, Bottega Veneta unveils a stunning campaign set in Liuyang, Hunan, the birthplace of fireworks, symbolising a blend of cultural heritage and artistic craftsmanship. The campaign — captured by the acclaimed Wing Shya — features ambassadors Yo Yang and Shu Qi alongside actor Fan Wei, who wear pieces from the latest ready-to-wear collection as well as exclusive Lunar New Year designs. The collection is marked by signature leatherwork elevated with snake-inspired details in shades of deep red and earthy tones. Snake-tongued zippers and subtle serpent-like buckles are fitted onto the House’s most popular bags. The ready-to-wear collection highlights intricately woven dresses speckled with red and black sequins, offering a luxurious interpretation of the new year.
READ MORE: The Biggest Menswear Losses of 2024
Loro Piana
Loro Piana marks the Year of the Snake with a refined Lunar New Year Capsule that reimagines several of the brand’s iconic pieces, paying tribute to the symbol of wisdom. At the heart of the collection is the Bomber jacket, first introduced in 2003 and a staple of the brand’s sailing-inspired aesthetic. This season, the Bomber is reinterpreted in seven distinct versions, including a luxurious merino shearling version, a sophisticated Silk Wool Cash Bomber for women, and a New Year knit version with suede leather inserts. Other pieces featured in the collection are baseball caps and silk accessories embellished with regal snakes and Loro Piana’s signature fiore di cardo thistle motif, symbolising strength and resilience.
Gucci
To celebrate Lunar New Year, Gucci has released a new campaign and collection featuring Global brand ambassadors Ni Ni and Xiao Zhan. The campaign is rooted in family and tradition, capturing intimate moments as two families come together to partake in the joyous rituals of the festive season. For the collection, Gucci spotlights its snake motif, a longstanding symbol within the House’s heritage. The serpent is prominently featured across a range of ready-to-wear pieces and accessories, available in shades of red, blue, and beige. Fluid, snake-like patterns are stripped across bomber jackets and mini-dresses. Meanwhile, snake detailing can also be seen on Gucci’s Re-Web sneakers and GG monogrammed bags.
Burberry
Burberry rings in the auspicious new year with a striking new campaign, starring actress and brand ambassador Zhang Jingyi, who also fronts the capsule collection. Shot by photographer Walter Pfeiffer, the campaign also highlights serpentine handwoven bamboo art sculptures created by acclaimed Chinese artist Qian Lihuai. The capsule collection blends traditional Burberry styles with the festive season, offering a range of versatile apparel including outerwear, a trench dress, and jersey separates. A seasonal version of the iconic Burberry Check is introduced in red, to represent luck and prosperity. Additionally, a rounded B snake motif adorns oversized cashmere scarves, sweaters and sporty Bubble Sneakers.
Fendi
Fendi’s Lunar New Year capsule collection also marks the House’s centenary. In honour of this momentous occasion, Fendi has launched the Fendi Eyes capsule collection — a playful reimagining of their “monster eye” motif, which was first introduced in the Spring/Summer 2014 collection. The capsule brings a fresh, festive energy to some of the brand’s most sought-after pieces, including the Mini Peekaboo and Baguette bags, which are now adorned with vibrant “Fendi Eyes” in colours of black, pink, and yellow. Men’s pieces include the Peekaboo ISeeU Small and Baguette Soft Trunk bags crafted from black Cuoio Romano leather, as well as accessories like the Fendi Strike Mini backpack. In addition to the playful eye motifs, the collection revisits Fendi’s orchid print, which originally debuted in the Spring/Summer 2015 collection, adding a floral touch to select womenswear pieces.
Giorgio Armani
Going for a pared down approach, Giorgio Armani‘s New Year capsule collection combines classic elegance with the festive charm of the season, featuring global brand ambassador Hu Ge. Inspired by the snake’s symbolism of wisdom, agility, and grace, Giorgio Armani incorporates delicate embroidery and refined graphic designs onto an array of crew necks, outerwear, and shirts, for an understated nod to the Lunar New Year.
READ MORE: Autumn/Winter 25 Menswear Show Season: What to Expect
Chloé
Chloé‘s interpretation of Lunar New Year features bold updates to its bohemian-style silhouettes, with coiling serpent designs reminiscent of a snake-embroidered dress designed by the late Karl Lagerfeld. The collection pays homage to Chloé’s heritage — minimalist baby tees feature a snake illustration first designed by Lagerfeld for Chloé’s Spring/Summer 1969 collection; charms and brass jewellery are reimagined as circular serpents; and its popular Bracelet Hobo Bag and Camera Bag are introduced in red and black colourways.
Roger Vivier
Roger Vivier‘s limited-edition 2025 Lunar New Year Collection showcases the colour red, with striking versions of their signature shoes. Brand ambassador Allen Ren stars in the accompanying campaign, sporting limited-edition gold and red Viv’ on the Run sneakers. Designed by creative director Gherardo Felloni in Paris, the collection also includes patent red Très Vivier babies, featuring a lacquered daisy buckle, ideal for both casual and formal occasions.
Max Mara
Max Mara puts forth a sophisticated take on its Lunar New Year collection. Each piece in this exclusive lineup is thoughtfully designed to embody an element of the fashion industry’s latest trend — quiet luxury — while adding a contemporary twist to the House’s signature pieces. The collection is anchored in lavish outerwear, featuring bold red versions of signature styles like the Teddy Bear Icon coat and the 101810 Icon Coat. The latter is further elevated with a custom silk twill lining and intricate floral embroidery on the back. Its more simple offerings of sweaters and T-shirts are adorned with delicate floral prints, with the letter “M” re-envisioned in embroidered forms.
Acne Studios
Acne Studios’ 2025 Year of the Snake collection blends the bold energy of the serpent with the brand’s signature avant-garde style, starring brand ambassador Sandra Ma. The Stockholm-based brand offers a mix of red tones, python prints, and intricate textures, that exude contemporary luxury style. Notable pieces include a crimson ruffle strap dress featuring red python-print detailing, printed snakeskin jeans in a relaxed fit, and silk scarves with a graphic serpent design. Acne Studios also introduces accessories that perfectly complement the collection’s spirit. A rich red gradient wool mohair scarf and multipocket bag add a streetwear touch to the lineup, while the Bowlina bag comes in an embossed leather version.
Tory Burch
In celebration of the Lunar New Year, Tory Burch unveils a special limited-edition collection for 2025, honouring the Year of the Snake with a festive mix of elegant accessories and embellished ready-to-wear pieces. A standout piece from the collection is a handbag with a crystal-encrusted serpent winding around the clasp, as well as a satin mini tote with enamel handles inspired by the reptile’s graceful curves. Tory Burch’s statement jewellery also gets a Lunar New Year makeover with a delicate golden snake pendant, matching earrings, and a coiling bejewelled snake ring.
For more on the latest in style and fashion reads, click here.
Published: January 17, 2025 at 4:18 am Updated: January 17, 2025 at 4:18 am
by Ana
Edited and fact-checked:
January 17, 2025 at 4:18 am
To improve your local-language experience, sometimes we employ an auto-translation plugin. Please note auto-translation may not be accurate, so read original article for precise information.
In Brief
Bitlayer has launched the “Finality Bridge,” allowing users to convert BTC into YBTC with minimal reliance on intermediaries and enabling greater participation in liquidity mining, staking, and lending within its ecosystem and beyond.
Layer 2 scaling solution for Bitcoin, Bitlayer announced the launch of its trust-minimized bridge, the “Finality Bridge,” which allows users to securely convert BTC into YBTC with minimal reliance on intermediaries, enabling broader participation in decentralized finance (DeFi) activities such as liquidity mining, staking, and lending within the Bitlayer ecosystem and beyond.
The Finality Bridge is designed to facilitate the seamless integration of Bitcoin into the Bitlayer network, ensuring that BTC can be utilized in a decentralized and programmable financial environment. Operating alongside the Bitlayer rollup, the bridge prioritizes both security and efficiency in Bitcoin transfers. At its core, the protocol leverages a combination of BitVM smart contracts, fraud proofs, and zero-knowledge proofs to maintain trust minimization and transaction integrity.
YBTC, the token issued through the Finality Bridge, serves as a trust-minimized representation of Bitcoin within smart contract-based ecosystems. When users lock BTC into a BitVM smart contract, they receive an equivalent amount of YBTC on the Bitlayer rollup or other supported environments. Each YBTC maintains a strict 1:1 peg with Bitcoin, ensuring that it remains a secure and reliable asset rather than a derivative. This structure reinforces YBTC’s stability, backed by the trust-minimized framework of the BitVM smart contract, allowing Bitcoin to be actively used in decentralized applications (dApps) while preserving its intrinsic value.
How Does The Finality Bridge Function?
The Finality Bridge operates through a structured protocol that governs interactions between participants and two key smart contracts—one deployed on Bitcoin and the other on the target blockchain. This dual-contract architecture enables Bitcoin to be securely transferred into programmable environments, utilizing a trust-minimized framework to ensure both security and efficiency.
The protocol is supported by multiple participant roles, each essential to the smooth operation of the bridge. A Peg-in User is a Bitcoin holder who deposits BTC into Bridge Contract A on Bitcoin and mints an equivalent amount of YBTC on Bridge Contract B, which is deployed on the target chain. Each bridge instance has a single peg-in user. In contrast, a Peg-out User holds YBTC and burns their tokens on Bridge Contract B to withdraw an equal amount of BTC from Bridge Contract A. The number of peg-out users corresponds to the total number of withdrawal transactions initiated from Bridge Contract A.
A Broker acts as an intermediary, providing short-term liquidity to facilitate peg-out requests. By fronting the required funds to peg-out users, brokers ensure smooth transactions and later reclaim the equivalent BTC from Bridge Contract A while earning a service fee. Meanwhile, a Vigilante is a network participant responsible for monitoring on-chain activity to detect fraudulent behavior, such as invalid fund reclamation attempts. When necessary, vigilantes initiate challenges to uphold the integrity of the protocol and prevent unauthorized transactions.
We are excited to unveil Finality Bridge – a groundbreaking trust-minimized bridge for Bitcoin!
Finality Bridge empowers users to securely mint BTC into YBTC with minimal trust assumptions, enabling… pic.twitter.com/qmd8thh5VU
— Bitlayer (@BitlayerLabs) January 17, 2025
The protocol relies on two key smart contracts to function effectively. Bridge Contract A, deployed on Bitcoin, serves as the trust-minimized custodian of locked BTC for each bridge instance. This contract forms the core of the Finality Bridge’s security model and is built using the BitVM smart contract framework. Rather than operating as a single, monolithic contract, it consists of independently deployed contract instances, each created on demand for a specific bridge instance. Bridge Contract B, deployed on the target blockchain, such as the Bitlayer rollup, acts as the management console for YBTC, overseeing its issuance and interaction within the ecosystem.
As the Bitcoin ecosystem evolves, the Finality Bridge represents a notable step toward enhancing Bitcoin’s interoperability with the broader blockchain landscape. By integrating Bitcoin’s security model with cryptographic innovations, the bridge enables more scalable and trustless solutions. This approach not only expands Bitcoin’s role in DeFi but also reinforces the principles of decentralization and transparency, ensuring seamless integration with the growing blockchain ecosystem.
Bitlayer functions as a Layer 2 protocol built on BitVM, combining the security of Bitcoin’s blockchain with Turing completeness for more versatile programming capabilities. The project has established itself as a notable player in the DeFi space, with a total value locked (TVL) exceeding $439 million, according to DeFiLlama.
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines, please note that the information provided on this page is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of advice. It is important to only invest what you can afford to lose and to seek independent financial advice if you have any doubts. For further information, we suggest referring to the terms and conditions as well as the help and support pages provided by the issuer or advertiser. MetaversePost is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice.
About The Author
Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in cryptocurrency, zero-knowledge proofs, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.
More articles
Alisa Davidson
Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in cryptocurrency, zero-knowledge proofs, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.
The Deadpool & Wolverine star and his Wrexham AFC co-owner, Rob McElhenney, were named Thursday, January 16, among a group of investors set to take over the top Colombian team, Club Deportivo La Equidad Seguros.
According to Bloomberg and ESPN, the group of investors is led by real estate investor Al Tylis and soccer executive Sam Porter, who both own a stake in the Mexican soccer team Necaxa. Other investors include actress Eva Longoria, supermodel Kate Upton and Upton’s husband, MLB pitcher Justin Verlander.
“We welcome Al Tylis and Sam Porter, who arrive with a clear, long-term vision to continue strengthening our club,” La Equidad shared in a statement via X on Thursday. “This is the first step towards a future full of opportunities.”
“Al Tylis and Sam Porter not only have extensive experience in the sports world but they also have the support of recognized figures such as Eva Longoria, Rob McElhenney, Ryan Reynolds, Justin Verlander, Kate Upton, Shawn Marion and Scott Galloway,” the statement continued.
Reynolds, 48, and McElhenney, 47, took over ownership of Welsh team Wrexham in 2021, helping the club achieve worldwide visibility in part thanks to their FX docuseries, Welcome to Wrexham. Tylis bought a small stake in Wrexham in April 2024, while Reynolds and McElhenney invested in Necaxa, reported Bloomberg.
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.Courtesy Sony Pictures Ent.
News of Reynolds’ latest investment came the same day as he was named a defendant in a $400 million lawsuit filed by Justin Baldoni, his wife Blake Lively’s It Ends With Us costar and director.
According to the filing obtained by Us Weekly on Thursday, Baldoni, 40, is accusing Lively, 37, Reynolds, and Lively’s publicist, Leslie Sloane, of civil extortion, defamation, false light invasion of privacy and other claims. In the suit, Baldoni claimed he was pressured by Reynolds and a “megacelebrity friend” of Lively’s to accept the actress’ changes to the film’s script.
Related: Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s Reported ‘It Ends With Us’ Drama Explained
UPDATE 1/16/25 at 12:43 p.m. ET: Justin Baldoni’s Wayfarer Studios filed a $400 million lawsuit against It Ends With Us costar Blake Lively and her publicist, Leslie Sloane, on Thursday, January 16. In the 179-page filing obtained by Us Weekly, Baldoni claimed that Lively was “determined” to make him a “real-life villain in her story.” […]
Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, shared in a statement to Us, “This lawsuit is a legal action based on an overwhelming amount of untampered evidence detailing Blake Lively and her team’s duplicitous attempt to destroy Justin Baldoni, his team and their respective companies by disseminating grossly edited, unsubstantiated, new and doctored information to the media.”
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The statement continued, “It is clear based on our own all out willingness to provide all complete text messages, emails, video footage and other documentary evidence that was shared between the parties in real time, that this is a battle she will not win and will certainly regret. Blake Lively was either severely misled by her team or intentionally and knowingly misrepresented the truth.”
Related: Every New Claim in Justin Baldoni’s $400 Million Blake Lively Lawsuit
Justin Baldoni’s legal battle with It Ends With Us costar Blake Lively continues with a brand-new explosive lawsuit. According to the filing obtained by Us Weekly on Thursday, January 16, Baldoni, 40, is accusing Lively, 37, her publicist, Leslie Sloane, and Ryan Reynolds of civil extortion, defamation, false light invasion of privacy and other claims. […]
The lawsuit follows one filed by Lively against Baldoni on December 31, 2024, accusing him of sexual harassment, retaliation, breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy and lost wages.
Us reached out to Lively’s rep, fellow defendant Sloane, for comment Thursday but did not hear back.
In 2024, the Web3 ecosystem experienced notable shifts, with Base and Solana emerging as leaders in ecosystem growth, while Layer 2 decentralized applications (dApps) maintained a steady 20% annual expansion.
Ethereum’s Dominance and Emerging Contenders:
Ethereum remained the largest public blockchain, with more than 2,500 applications and $1.78 billion in funding across 282 deals. However, the same year also spotlighted the rapid ascension of other ecosystems. According to Coinbase-developed Base and Solana, project numbers soared at 164.8% and 69.6%, respectively. Low gas fees, fast transaction times, and the integration of artificial intelligence into blockchain technology support this upward trend. Some of the notable projects of this kind are Virtuals Protocol and Pump.Fun.
Base’s Meteoric Rise:
Picture Courtesy: cryptoast.fr
Base’s trajectory was especially remarkable during 2024. Having stood at seventh in early 2024, Base shot up to become the world’s second-largest blockchain ecosystem, thus capturing 16.8% of global crypto investor interest. This ascent enabled Base to overtake Ethereum in popularity. This trend proved that exchange-backed blockchain solutions have gained increasing acceptability.
Solana’s Continued Ascendancy:
Picture Courtesy: forkast.news
Solana retained the top position with 38.8% investor interest in worldwide crypto investment. Its strong developer community and high-performance capabilities have solidified its status as a preferred platform for various applications, including decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Mature Layer 2 ecosystems, including Optimism and Arbitrum, saw a deceleration in venture capital inflows. While this was happening, their dApp ecosystems continued to grow at a rate of 20% per year, indicating that they are turning towards self-sustaining growth models less dependent on external funding.
Investment Trends and Sectoral Highlights:
The Web3 industry witnessed a total financing amount of $10.112 billion in 2024, marking an 8.3% increase compared to 2023. The infrastructure sector led with $3.995 billion in funding. Early-stage investments (under $5 million) dominated, with 627 projects completed, reflecting a 20.6% increase from the previous year. Notably, the social sector emerged strongly, with total financing surging 650% quarter-on-quarter.
Outlook for 2025:
Looking forward, the first half of 2025 is expected to be diversified in terms of development within the crypto market. Key focus areas include Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN), Real-World Assets (RWA), artificial intelligence integration, and consumer-grade infrastructure. High-performance public chains like Solana and the Move ecosystem are expected to deliver impressive performance. At the same time, the Ethereum ecosystem is expected to develop steadily under regulatory integration, promoting industry standardization and deeper integration with the real economy.
In summary, 2024 was a transformational year for the Web3 ecosystem, one marked by the fast growth of Base and Solana, steady Layer 2 dApp growth, and evolving investment trends. These developments will keep laying the grounds for innovation and growth in 2025.
For more insights and updates on Metaverse, DeFi, Blockchain, NFT & Web3, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter. Stay informed on the latest trends and developments in the decentralized world!
We live in a world where technology continues to push boundaries, unlocking new possibilities. Yet, the challenges of scalability, real-time efficiency, and trust in decentralized systems remain unresolved. These challenges are particularly critical for Decentralized Artificial Intelligence (deAI) and Decentralized Science (DeSci) applications, which demand immense computational resources, real-time data processing, and secure, verifiable systems to manage their complex operations.
The Problem
Traditional blockchain networks struggle to meet the demands of modern applications. Their inherent limitations, such as slow transaction confirmation times and the need for global on-chain consensus, prevent them from delivering the low-latency, high-throughput performance required by real-time systems. This inability to scale efficiently makes it difficult for applications like deAI and DeSci to operate at their full potential. Additionally, the need for trust and verifiability in off-chain processes creates further roadblocks, as ensuring data integrity and fair attribution remains a significant challenge.
The Solution
HETU Protocol has introduced an innovative solution to address these issues through intersubjective attribution and causality-based event ordering. By using Verifiable Logical Clocks (VLCs) and partial ordering mechanisms, HETU enables scalable, efficient, and context-aware interactions across decentralized networks. This breakthrough allows for off-chain consensus and timestamping, which dramatically enhances scalability and real-time finality while maintaining the essential elements of trust and security.
Spheron Network’s Contribution
Recognizing the transformative potential of HETU Protocol, Spheron Network is proud to partner with HETU to advance the future of decentralized technologies. Spheron’s mission is to provide scalable, decentralized compute infrastructure that connects GPU providers directly with developers and businesses. By aggregating GPU resources from data centers and individual providers, Spheron creates a permissionless super-compute network that delivers on-demand, cost-effective solutions for AI workloads and other compute-intensive applications.
This partnership brings together HETU’s groundbreaking approach to consensus and Spheron’s unparalleled decentralized compute network, enabling the two projects to tackle the pressing challenges in DeSci and deAI. Together, they aim to build a robust foundation for decentralized applications that demand both scalability and trust.
Collaborative Efforts in Decentralized Science
Spheron and HETU Protocol are committed to working together to advance the field of Decentralized Science through:
Joint Research: The two teams will pool their expertise to explore innovative solutions that address critical challenges in DeSci. This includes developing methods to improve the scalability and efficiency of decentralized systems, ensuring that scientific applications can benefit from these advancements.
Engineering Integration: Spheron’s decentralized compute network will integrate seamlessly with HETU’s intersubjective consensus mechanisms, creating a unified system capable of handling complex scientific workloads. This engineering collaboration will allow researchers and developers to leverage the combined strengths of both networks for their applications.
Marketing Activities: Both projects will work together to raise awareness about the importance of decentralized systems in advancing science and technology. Through co-branded campaigns, community engagement, and educational content, they aim to drive adoption and inspire innovation.
Why This Partnership Matters
The collaboration between Spheron and HETU Protocol is a pivotal step toward building decentralized systems that are not only scalable but also efficient and secure. By combining HETU’s novel approaches to consensus with Spheron’s powerful compute infrastructure, this partnership addresses key limitations in existing technologies. The result is a more robust and reliable ecosystem for applications in DeSci, deAI, and beyond.
HETU’s vision of creating context-aware and trust-minimized systems aligns perfectly with Spheron’s commitment to providing permissionless, scalable infrastructure. Together, they are paving the way for the next generation of decentralized technologies, empowering developers, scientists, and innovators to push boundaries without being held back by traditional constraints.
As the collaboration unfolds, Spheron and HETU Protocol will continue to explore new avenues for growth and innovation, demonstrating the true potential of decentralized systems. By addressing the challenges of scalability and trust, they are not just advancing technology but also fostering a future where decentralized applications thrive in harmony with human values and understanding.
Revolutionary Web3 Gaming by HeLa Space and Funton.ai Collaboration
The gaming industry is on the brink of a monumental shift, driven by innovations in blockchain technology and artificial intelligence. Two pioneers, HeLa Space and Funton.ai, have come together to explore new horizons in gaming with their innovative approach to Web3 technology. This collaboration promises to not just redefine the gaming landscape but also to empower gamers worldwide with enhanced experiences and new opportunities.
The Power of Web3 in Gaming
Web3 technology is changing the way we interact with the digital world by leveraging the full potential of decentralized networks. Unlike Web2, which relies heavily on centralized servers and platforms, Web3 offers:
Increased security and privacy through blockchain’s decentralized natureEnhanced user control and ownership over digital assetsInteroperability across different platforms and applications
By embracing these elements, HeLa Space and Funton.ai aim to create gaming experiences that are not only more immersive but also more liberating for players.
Introduction to HeLa Space and Funton.ai
HeLa Space: Innovators in Game Development
HeLa Space is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge games that seamlessly integrate with blockchain technology. Their team of experts focuses on:
Creating immersive game worlds using virtual reality and augmented realityDeveloping games that utilize cryptocurrency for in-game transactionsEncouraging a play-to-earn model where players can monetize their skills
By incorporating these elements, HeLa Space ensures that players gain both a thrilling gaming experience and tangible rewards.
Funton.ai: Revolutionizing AI in Gaming
On the other hand, Funton.ai harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to enhance game interactivity and responsiveness. Their key contributions include:
Creating intelligent NPCs (non-player characters) that adapt to player actionsUtilizing AI for game personalization tailored to individual gamers’ preferencesCombining AI and blockchain for real-time analytics and insights
These innovations ensure that the gaming experience is not only unique for each player but also progressively gets better as the AI learns and adapts.
The Impact of Their Collaboration
The partnership between HeLa Space and Funton.ai is set to revolutionize the gaming industry by creating an ecosystem where blockchain and AI work hand-in-hand to offer:
Seamless integration: Combining blockchain’s decentralization with AI’s adaptability for unparalleled gaming experiences.Player empowerment: Ensuring players truly own their progress and assets, thanks to NFTs and smart contracts.Innovative revenue models: Allowing players to earn real-world value through their achievements and efforts in-game.
By focusing on these core areas, the collaboration is poised to set a new standard for what gamers can expect from their interactions with game worlds.
Practical Applications and Future Prospects
With the integration of Web3 technologies, HeLa Space and Funton.ai are set to produce some tangible applications in gaming, including:
Play-to-Earn Opportunities
In this model, gamers not only engage in thrilling gameplay but also get to earn real money as they progress. They can achieve this through:
Completing in-game objectives and earning cryptocurrencyTrading in-game assets as NFTs on open marketplacesParticipating in e-sport events and competitive challenges
Enhanced Game Narratives and Worlds
Leveraging AI, the games developed will feature richly detailed environments and stories that react dynamically to player choices, thus:
Offering new quests and challenges based on past player behaviorCreating personalized story paths that make every playthrough unique
Sustainable and Decentralized Gaming Economies
By integrating blockchain, the collaboration helps build a self-sustaining economy inside the games, where:
Players have full control over asset ownership, with transparent transactions secured on the blockchainIn-game economies are free from centralized oversight, encouraging true player-driven marketplaces
Concluding Thoughts
The union of HeLa Space and Funton.ai marks an exciting chapter for Web3 gaming. Their partnership not only promises a transformative impact on game design and interactivity but also empowers players by offering them true ownership and new opportunities within game environments.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is collaborations like this that will shape its future, promising a world where games are fairer, more personalized, and more deeply interconnected with the realities of emerging technologies. Enthusiasts and experts alike eagerly anticipate what this dynamic duo will bring to the gaming table in the coming years.
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About Web3Wire Web3Wire – Information, news, press releases, events and research articles about Web3, Metaverse, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Cryptocurrencies, Decentralized Finance, NFTs and Gaming. Visit Web3Wire for Web3 News and Events, Block3Wire for the latest Blockchain news and Meta3Wire to stay updated with Metaverse News.
Elon Musk is going all Russell Crowe in response to an explosion during his latest rocket launch … he says the fireball in the sky was entertaining as hell!!!
The billionaire is shrugging off yet another explosion during a test launch for Starship, the biggest rocket ever made.
Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed! pic.twitter.com/nn3PiP8XwG
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 16, 2025
@elonmusk
SpaceX’s launch from the Texas coast Thursday saw the Starship capsule explode … making the rocket look like a meteor shower.
Elon shared video of the rocket’s bits and pieces falling back to earth … which folks down in Turks and Caicos saw when they looked up into the sky.
The explosion happened about 9 minutes into the launch, after it detached from the Super Heavy Booster.
Elon has a pretty rosy outlook, posting … “Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed!” Starship will eventually have astronauts but no one was on board this time.
SpaceX lost all communications with the rocket and said, “Starship experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly during its ascent burn.” Nerd talk for a rocket exploding into a million pieces.
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SpaceX
The launch wasn’t all bad … the Super Heavy booster essentially flew in reverse back to Earth … returning to the launch pad, where it was grabbed by the launch and catch tower’s chopstick arms.
Elon says SpaceX will learn from the explosion and make adjustments for the next launch … and he says an oxygen/fuel leak seems to be the culprit here.
Starship’s goal is to take humans to Mars one day … but we’re not there yet!!!
If you’ve ever experienced the thrill of playing classic Atari games—or if you’re simply curious about how Web3 is redefining collectibles—you’re in for...
We are excited to unveil Finality Bridge – a groundbreaking trust-minimized bridge for Bitcoin!
Trust Minimization
Finality Bridge empowers users to securely mint BTC into YBTC with minimal trust assumptions, enabling… pic.twitter.com/qmd8thh5VU
pic.twitter.com/nn3PiP8XwG
