Sergei Kovalev’s Post

It’s really fascinating to see how many founders are still willing to jump into building something on top of a new technology right at the peak of inflated expectations (look at the hype cycle framework below). We have all seen what happened to 99.9% of VR startups launched in 2016, crypto in 2021, or the metaverse in 2022. Yes, there are some successful VR, crypto, and metaverse startups, but they kicked off at least a few years BEFORE the hype cycle. And now I literally see dozens of pitches about exactly the same thing - “lots of AI agents that will make our lives better” type of stuff, and apparently the vast majority of these startups will end up not good, with acquihires sought as a blessing🙈 If you wanted to do something with AI agents, the best time to start was two years ago or even earlier, so you would have some foundation to build upon by today. That will help you not to fall off the surfing board when this wave hits the coast at hyper speed. Or if you look at it the other way - “when a crowd zigs, you zag” (I don’t remember who said this) - it’s always a bad strategy to go with the crowd. And lastly, don’t forget about the most important thing - start with a problem, and not with “let’s see what I can do with LLMs that is cool enough so I can raise money on a higher valuation fast”😉

Paola Origel, co-founder of Chain Link Capital, leads one of the best-performing fund of funds in the Web3 domain. With her comprehensive understanding of Metaverse tech, paired with a knack for skillfully navigating its hype cycles, Paola's insights provide a clear signal amid the industry's noise. We break down her interview, with Don Stein - link in comments. Here's what you can learn: 💪 Being an Optimist Makes You a Disciplined Investor. Paola champions an all-embracing approach to tech trends. “Our broad view as a fund of funds allows us to simultaneously monitor all emerging trends.” AI, the current tech hotshot, sparkles with its potential for universal application. Yet, Paola anticipates a tech future where blockchain, AI, and the Metaverse inevitably converge. Navigating the tumultuous waves of tech hype can be challenging, especially for developers. However, Chain Link Capital have remained committed to blockchain through downturns. Their strategy? A steadfast optimism in the transformative power of technology. Paola recalls the early days of the Ethereum Foundation, where dedicated builders were crafting the future before Ethereum was in the limelight. Even as the hype has risen and fallen, these pioneers have stayed the course. The lesson, as Paola sees it, is to keep faith in the long-term potential of technology, regardless of the ebb and flow of hype. 🎓 Education is Immersive Tech’s Biggest Opportunity. “Technology is advancing so fast that we can’t let young children graduate from school systems without knowing [how to use] these technologies… Technology and tools like AI and AR/VR have the answer [to many of education’s problems]. IF we use this technology, these superpowers, in the right way.” Introducing immersive technologies into the classroom like journeying inside a body at atom size, revolutionize education. They not only engrave lessons deeply in memory but also ignite student interest, energizing the learning environment. There are still many opportunities here for builders, especially around distribution of content and hardware to the market. 🍎 The Most Important Leap Towards the Metaverse Will Be Realized Through Apple's Headset. “While they may not call it the metaverse, we believe Apple will be driving forward a tighter integration of an increasingly immersive internet experience with the real physical world.” As the metaverse evolves, users will likely seek a decentralized experience that respects data privacy, facilitated by Apple's focus privacy and local data. This immersive shift could also encourage the use of DeFi systems for in-metaverse transactions of digital assets, enhancing privacy, security, and ownership. While Apple's adoption of blockchain remains uncertain, given the App store’s centralization, Paola believes Apple will establish “directional precedents” highlighting blockchain's potential to enhance the metaverse.

Hello, Since my group, Elysium Solutions (Max Truman, Adam Parkes, Xavier Hacking, and myself), is halfway through our consultancy project with Jan Flac and Y Entertainment, I thought this would be a good time to reflect on our efforts. So far, we have thoroughly enjoyed the tasks that Jan has entrusted us with. We have been highlighting venture capitalists based in Silicon Valley, as well as numerous angel investors within the USA. We worked as a team to determine whether these potential investors would be interested in Y Entertainment, based on investment focuses revolving around AI, blockchain, the Metaverse, and Web3 wallets. Highlighted Investors: Sfermion VC. A venture capitalist company focusing on the immersive internet, Sfermion supports top founders and creators specializing in Web3 and the Metaverse, which aligns with Y Entertainment's current targets. A notable quote from their LinkedIn, "We aim to capitalize on the influx of innovation and resources being deployed into the world of NFTs," underscores why we see Sfermion as an ideal fit for Y Entertainment. They aim to make a significant presence within NFTs and the Metaverse through innovative investments. The beliefs section on their website resonates with Y Entertainment's goals, emphasizing: - Creating a digital twin - Entering the Metaverse - Utilizing blockchain BITKRAFT Ventures. This venture capitalist firm is keen on investing in Web3, the Metaverse, and immersive technologies. BITKRAFT checks all the boxes for what Y Entertainment is looking to achieve. Their slogan, 'Where physical and digital worlds converge,' perfectly aligns with Y Entertainment's objectives. The similarity in views and beliefs between BITKRAFT and Y Entertainment makes them an ideal partnership candidate, which is why we rate them as a 10/10. We believe that BITKRAFT would significantly benefit from an investment, potentially achieving great things together. Their focus areas include: - The Metaverse and AI - Blockchain and Web 3 - Digital assets and NFTs Eric Schmidt. We would love to approach angel investor Eric Schmidt about Y Entertainment. His investment focus aligns perfectly with everything that Y Entertainment offers, from AI to Blockchain and the Metaverse. Having focused on companies at a seed stage, Schmidt has given extraordinary entrepreneurs like Jan a boost at the start of their journey. With 57 prior investments, we hope that Y Entertainment can be his 58th. #YImpact

Connecting the #Virtual and the Real As you remember, the #metaverse industry development is quite ambiguous. It has one of the greatest CAGRs, meaning its perspectives are extremely bright. However, the public interest in the metaverse is fluctuating, and while new #startups flourish, the public hype typical for 2022 is long over. The reason, however, isn’t the metaverse decline. It’s the focus shift. People want to have the metaverse empowering their lives, not just senseless virtual realities. Remember, Internet development was speeded up in the late 90s with the dotcom startups, many of which failed. However, it created an unbreakable bond between virtual and real, as people and organisations who used the Internet for communication became much more successful. A similar story begins here. People want something that will improve their lives, and that’s what defines the market. Today is not the worst time to start a metaverse project if you’re thinking about making your virtual realities, but actually the best. However, think about the practical applications of your virtual world ideas. Maybe they can help people with education? With travel? Or make their everyday experience richer? Or increase their productivity at work while decreasing potential harm? Metaverse connects with other technological developments very well, like blockchain, AI, and robotics, and that’s where you can develop your idea. We’ll help you organise it, make a product offer, create a pitch, find funding, and turn it into a stable, profitable business. Join #Atlantix, and see how cross-industrial projects change the world and improve their lives! #vr #startup

Which types of startups in the gambling industry are garnering the most investments and attention right now? 📣 Blockchain-based Gambling Solutions: The integration of blockchain technology in the gambling industry has opened doors for startups developing decentralized platforms, smart contract-powered games, and transparent betting solutions, offering increased security and fairness. 📣 Virtual Reality (VR) Gambling Experiences: Cutting-edge startups are leveraging virtual reality technology to create immersive and realistic gambling experiences, providing users with a unique and enhanced way to enjoy casino games and betting. 📣 AI-driven Betting and Prediction Platforms: Startups utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to analyze data, provide personalized betting recommendations, and make accurate predictions are gaining traction in the industry. 📣 Gamification and Social Gambling: Startups exploring the fusion of gaming and gambling, implementing gamification elements in their platforms, and creating social gambling experiences are catching the eye of investors looking for engaging and interactive gambling options. 📣 Responsible Gambling Initiatives: As awareness around responsible gambling grows, startups focusing on tools and platforms that promote safe gambling practices, provide self-exclusion features, and implement responsible gambling algorithms are gaining traction in the industry. Investors and industry experts predict that the gambling industry will continue to evolve, creating exciting opportunities for startups across various sectors. As regulations change and technology advances, there is immense potential for disruption and growth in the gambling startup scene. #GamblingIndustry #Startups #Investments #Innovation

Which types of startups in the gambling industry are garnering the most investments and attention right now? 📣 Blockchain-based Gambling Solutions: The integration of blockchain technology in the gambling industry has opened doors for startups developing decentralized platforms, smart contract-powered games, and transparent betting solutions, offering increased security and fairness. 📣 Virtual Reality (VR) Gambling Experiences: Cutting-edge startups are leveraging virtual reality technology to create immersive and realistic gambling experiences, providing users with a unique and enhanced way to enjoy casino games and betting. 📣 AI-driven Betting and Prediction Platforms: Startups utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to analyze data, provide personalized betting recommendations, and make accurate predictions are gaining traction in the industry. 📣 Gamification and Social Gambling: Startups exploring the fusion of gaming and gambling, implementing gamification elements in their platforms, and creating social gambling experiences are catching the eye of investors looking for engaging and interactive gambling options. 📣 Responsible Gambling Initiatives: As awareness around responsible gambling grows, startups focusing on tools and platforms that promote safe gambling practices, provide self-exclusion features, and implement responsible gambling algorithms are gaining traction in the industry. Investors and industry experts predict that the gambling industry will continue to evolve, creating exciting opportunities for startups across various sectors. As regulations change and technology advances, there is immense potential for disruption and growth in the gambling startup scene. #GamblingIndustry #Startups #Investments #Innovation

🔸 ABC Conclave 2023 Dubai Highlights Recap ✅ Purpose: Global gathering of blockchain enthusiasts, industry leaders, and innovators. ✅ Focus Areas: Decentralized web, blockchain, and the future of the internet (Web3). ✅ Objective: Drive innovation and shape the future of decentralized technologies. Event Features: 🔸 Expert speakers, workshops, and panel discussions. 🔸 Live demos of blockchain solutions. 🔸 Web2 and Web3 gaming fusion: Esports tournaments and hackathon. 🔸 FOMO lounge for impactful networking. Key Speakers: 🗣 Sergej Kunz, Co-founder, 1inch Network, Germany 🗣 YAT SIU, Co-founder, Executive Chairman, Founder and CEO, Animoca Brands, Outblaze, Hong Kong 🗣Gaurav Singh Mahur Chief of Research and Operations of DTC Group 🗣Ahmed Elmetwally, CEO / General Manager, Private Office of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Ahmed Bin Hamadan Al Nahyan, UAE 🗣Belal Jassoma, Head of Business Development, DMCC, Dubai 🗣Ravindra Kumar, Founder & CEO, Selfchain, India and More! Topics: ✔️ Web3 and Open Metaverse. ✔️ AI and Blockchain synergy for mature enterprise solutions. ✔️ 1inch Fusion: MEV-protected swaps for sustainable DeFi. Industry Insights: ⭐️ Assad Dar, Co-founder - Medieval Empires, on blockchain gaming. ⭐️ Ashish Kumar Singh, VP Expand My Business on Web3's emergence. ⭐️ Mary Pedler, Founder of INPUT, on creating a blockchain oasis. Event Components: ⭐️ High-stakes Esports tournaments. ⭐️ Exclusive FOMO lounge access. ⭐️ Groundbreaking hackathon. Partners: 🤝 Onboarding.club 🤝 LivelyVerse 🤝 OG Club DAO 🤝 Gratie Protocol 🤝 Nadmah 🤝 NFT Tech (NEO:NFT) 🤝 Crypto Nomads 🤝 SojuDAO 🤝 Moledao 🤝 DAOstruct™ 🤝 Copperx 🤝 Blockchained India 🤝 Being Invested 🤝 OneAM Capital 🤝 Wallet Hunter 🤝 Plumdale Co. Web3 Marketing 🤝 Foundership 🤝 Crypto Chain Wire 🤝 Alaska Gold Rush 🤝 Blockchain Founders Fund 🤝 Crypto Risk Office 🤝 Crypto Executives 🤝 Metapac Group 🤝 MysteriaCapital 🤝 Genezi 🤝 Deca4 Advisory 🤝 SingularityDAO Labs 🤝 Medieval Empires 🤝 Lysithea Ventures 🤝 Octopus Network 🤝 Velas Motorsport 🤝 AdLunam Inc. 🤝 Router Protocol 🤝 MetaPlayersGG ($MFPS) 🤝 Hacken, Blockchain Security Auditor 🤝 Uno Re DAO 🤝 Sinverse (Formerly Sin City Metaverse) 🤝 Animoca Brands 🤝 DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) 🤝 and More!

Crypto tech and gaming startup Futureverse has raised $54 million in Series A funding to further its metaverse aims, in a round led by venture capital firm 10T Holdings with XRP Ledger creator Ripple Labs also participating. Futureverse said it will use the funds for research and development, as well as to further its gaming-focused blockchain called The Root Network. The company also has plans to develop more blockchain games in the future. In December, the company announced that it had acquired eight different crypto companies and merged them under the Futureverse brand, with the goal of creating what it calls an “open metaverse.” Those companies included AI technology firm Altered State Machine and Fluf World NFT project creator Non Fungible Labs. Futureverse has also launched two sports-related games thus far. In April, it released World Cup AI League, a FIFA-licensed mobile soccer game for Android and iOS that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to power the gameplay. The World Cup game has seen over 50,000 downloads on Android thus far. The game went live on iOS last week. Futureverse also created an AI game with NFTs called Muhammad Ali: The Next Legends, with support from the iconic late boxer’s estate. In the fantasy boxing game, players act as a coach and must make strategic choices for their boxer. #web3marketing #metaversemarketing #futureverse #metaversenews #virtualworlds #virtualworld

This report is a must!!! AI & blockchain In Q2 2023, three web3 AI-focused startups raised a total of $11.3 million. In 2022, the category received $36 million throughout the year. While the result might not seem as high as expected due to the boom of artificial intelligence tools and apps, it is important to note that most AI companies, like OpenAI, do not fall under the web3 category. AI-powered search engine for crypto Kaito raised $5.5 million in a Series A round led by Superscrypt and Spartan. AI and blockchain fusion platform AiONE received $3 million in a private token sale. More than that, AiONE’s token was launched on the BNB Smart Chain network. Generative AI engine for web3, games, apps, media, and online communities, Orbofi AI raised $2.8 million in private and public token sales. The round was co-led by Cogitent Ventures, OIG Capital, CSP DAO, Zephyrus Capital, and Halvings Capital. The startup will use the funds to expand its engineering and expansion teams and accelerate its work in the web3 space. In addition, the company plans to launch a mobile app, scheduled to drop in the third quarter of 2023. https://lnkd.in/dUCvG8ed

Born Ready $10M Fund to Boost Crypto Gaming in Asia Here’s everything you need to know: 🚀 Born Ready, the venture arm of Futureverse, ramps up blockchain gaming in Asia-Pacific (APAC) region with a new $10M Ecosystem Fund. 💰 Futureverse the AI and Metaverse company, recently secured $54 million led by 10T Holdings, and launched its Futureverse Base Camp Accelerator Program with $100k in funding. 🌐 Teaming up with Catalyze Research, the new fund is set to back startups in web3, metaverse, gaming, AI, blockchain and content creation. 💼 Catalyze Research is the well known Korean-based web3 and blockchain consulting firm, that drives ecosystem growth on The Root Network. 🔑 Futureverse's strategy is to drive exponential growth on The Root Network, focusing on Korea and unlocking opportunities for startups across the APAC region. 🗣️ Aaron McDonald and Shara Senderoff "We're thrilled to partner with Catalyze to accelerate startups building on The Root Network in the Asia-Pacific region." Read more on on our website here: https://lnkd.in/eaVpu4gg