Hana Securities Opens Doors to Fractional Investments in Digital Comics

ZTX Collects $13 Million in Seed Funding for Web3 Metaverse PlatformSingapore-based Web3 metaverse platform ZTX, a joint blockchain venture by ZEPETO and Jump Crypto, has raised a total of $13 million in its most recent seed funding round. The platform, currently undergoing development, will serve as an immersive three-dimensional open world where Web3 creators can interact and trade digital assets.Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash“We’re excited to share news about our fundraising round,” said Chris Jang, Co-CEO of ZTX. “We have been building steadily and discreetly for well over a year, and with our token launch happening in the coming months we want to emphasize the commitment that our investors, just like our team, have toward our vision to provide an infrastructure layer to creators.”Global backing for ZTXThe latest funding round led by Web3 infrastructure firm Jump Crypto attracted investors from around the world, such as Parataxis Capital, MZ Web3 Fund, Collab+Currency, and more, due to its promising outlook in the Web3 sphere.“We believe that ZTX has the potential to create a unique world, setting it apart from all other Web3 metaverse projects. The seamless integration of digital asset creation and trading in the metaverse with Web3 technology is truly exciting, making their application within Web3 applications a natural fit. Moreover, the ZTX team’s expertise in both the metaverse and Web3 is exceptional, and we have high expectations for their future endeavors,” said Yuki Kanayama, General Partner at MZ Web3 Fund.Strong foundation and team expertiseZTX’s creator ZEPETO also offers solid promise as South Korea’s leading metaverse platform that touts over 400 million lifetime users. It is the fourth-largest metaverse platform in the world, holding its spot among the same ranks as Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft. It has also partnered with major brands such as Gucci and Starbucks along with celebrities like the K-pop girl group Blackpink.Made up of industry veterans from tech and Web3 giants like Apple, Roblox, Solana, Cosmos, and more, the ZTX team plans to utilize its various underlying advantages to globalize Web3 and bring it to a wider mainstream audience.The team has consistently been building the ZTX ecosystem from the ground up. In a recent development, the platform ran its first private, invite-only beta test last month, dubbed “Playtest”. It has also worked with Dust Labs, the software provider for NFT projects such as DeGods and y00ts, to launch ZTX Partner Wearables, a community-driven initiative that provides tools to IP partners for creating 3D assets and contributing to the expansion of the narrative within an open-world environment.“As a crypto-focused venture fund, we back visionary teams who are using decentralized technology to shape the next wave of consumer products. We are thrilled to be part of this round, supporting ZTX’s exceptional team and their unique advantages. ZTX can provide a distinct infrastructure layer for diverse NFT projects and Web3 builders with its creator-focused tooling, and we look forward to helping ZTX succeed in its ambitious mission,” said Stephen McKeon, Partner at Collab+Currency.Future projectZTX’s upcoming activities include the launch of the Genesis Home Mint, featuring 4,000 bespoke 3D District Homes. This collection offers benefits such as a district membership in one of the four districts — Arts, Financial, Fashion, and Games — as well as exclusive access to future releases, events, and enhanced gameplay experiences within ZTX.

Samsung Plans to Expand Its Business Through NFTsSamsung Research, the research arm of Samsung Electronics, set up a new task force earlier this year to launch new projects to combat slowing demand for home appliances.Photo by Markus Winkler on PexelsSamsung’s endeavors in NFTsOne of its projects will involve non-fungible tokens (NFTs), in which Samsung has been showing its continued interest. Last February, Samsung Electronics displayed NFT artworks on their high-end televisions, and more recently, the high-tech company signed a memorandum of understanding with Hana Financial Group to develop NFT-related products.TVs to offer NFT art trading functionalityIt is predicted that in the first half of this year, Samsung will release a premium television with an application that allows TV viewers to trade NFT artworks. It is analyzed that the leading hardware manufacturer now attempts to expand its business models through NFTs and other content services while maintaining its dominance in the TV market.

Chung-Ang University to Issue Blockchain-Based CertificatesChung-Ang University, a post-secondary institution in South Korea, on Monday announced plans to implement a system that distributes blockchain-based digital OmniOne badges to students upon accomplishment of tasks such as the completion of courses or extracurricular activities. By doing so, the school aims to leverage blockchain technology to secure digital records of students’ educational backgrounds, thereby creating a more solid foundation for the cultivation of young global talent.Photo by Josefa nDiaz on UnsplashElevating identity verificationThe badges are a blockchain-based software as a service (SaaS) tailored for identity authentication and built on Raon Whitehat’s decentralized identity platform, OmniOne. Raon Whitehat is the blockchain service provider of Korean tech security firm RaonSecure.As a certification tool customized for Chung-Ang students, the badges can showcase progress and achievements in learning, skills, and experience as well as keep records of awards, licenses, and endorsements.“By providing blockchain-powered digital badges, we aim to support individuals in building their expertise and competencies,” said Park Sang-gue, the school’s President.Bringing blockchain technology to the campusThe school said it would run a trial for the system from the end of this month to January next year, then officially implement it starting in next year’s spring semester. It will be applied first to the LG PerfecTwin education curriculum, which the school jointly operates with IT solutions provider LG CNS, and the industrial security convergence program. Students can pass exams and successfully participate in discussions to receive digital badges, which can be managed on the university’s e-portfolio portal.The university also plans to eventually bring the badges to other subjects like artificial intelligence (AI) and the metaverse, then expand the system outside of the classroom so students can use the badges when going through employment processes, academic competitions, and certification acquisitions.Chung-Ang is also working to establish a system where non-fungible token (NFT) degrees and digital badges can be managed together in a single digital wallet. It had formerly worked with Raon Whitehat last year to issue NFT degrees to some 2,000 graduates.Furthermore, the school plans to solidify a support system for global talent development by collaborating with overseas educational institutions and global corporations.“We will provide a safe and convenient learning experience, continuously expand domestic and international partnerships, and create a foundation for students to grow as global talents,” President Park emphasized.