AliExpress Partners With ‘The Moment3!’ NFT Project

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.

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), an international finance center and free zone, and Solana Foundation have forged a collaboration aimed at advancing the development of blockchain ecosystems. Nurturing DLT innovationThe primary objective of this partnership, which was announced earlier this week, is to enhance Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) solutions and propel innovation within the blockchain sphere. Hamad Al Mazrouei, CEO of ADGM Registration Authority, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating:"We are excited to partner with Solana to pioneer the future of technology, and further enhance the level of knowledge in the space of blockchain by emphasizing the value of regulation and compliance in ensuring robust and sustainable development." Lily Liu, president of the Solana Foundation, shared her optimism about the partnership on the X social media platform, stating:“I spent the day with the @ADGlobalMarket leadership, and have come away with great optimism about their progressive, consultative approach to regulation.”Photo by Shubham's Web3 on UnsplashEmerging crypto hubAbu Dhabi is swiftly emerging as a prominent hub for crypto and blockchain ventures, attracting top firms globally due to its strategic location and supportive government policies. The ADGM has approved a raft of licenses for leading digital asset sector firms. New York-headquartered blockchain and tokenization infrastructure platform Paxos secured an in-principle license back in November. That same month, retail and social trading platform eToro and virtual asset firm M2 both secured trading licenses from ADGM. In September, Standard Chartered-backed digital asset marketplace Zodia Markets secured in-principle approval.Framework for DAOs and foundationsAbu Dhabi Global Market has created an enabling environment for such partnerships to flourish. The emirate has recently launched a $2 billion initiative dedicated to fostering startups in the Web3 and blockchain technology sectors, underscoring its commitment to nurturing the growth of the crypto and blockchain industry. Last year, ADGM introduced regulations to streamline the establishment of blockchain startups in its international free trade zone, aiming to attract investments and enhance market competitiveness and efficiency. In particular, it rolled out a framework for the establishment of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and blockchain foundations. To establish a distributed ledger technology (DLT) foundation, founders are required to submit a signed Charter to the Registrar, affirming compliance with all relevant laws and financial obligations. Notably, ADGM's regulatory framework for DLT foundations has already yielded significant results, with the recent announcement of the Berlin-based IOTA Foundation unveiling a $100 million foundation in Abu Dhabi. This latest Solana Foundation collaboration is further evidence of the fruits of that framework. In addition to regulatory advancements, Abu Dhabi Global Market introduced a virtual platform in 2022 to connect individuals with virtual asset firms, consolidating its status as a crypto hub. This initiative has attracted several crypto firms to the UAE, drawn by the region's plans to establish itself as a leading crypto hub. Dubai, Abu Dhabi's neighboring emirate, has also witnessed a surge in crypto firms, buoyed by the proactive approach of Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority, which serves as a global model for regulator-industry collaboration.   

Seoul to Host Web3 Festival This Summer, Igniting the Future of TechThe Seoul Metropolitan Government, together with blockchain company Baobab Partners and the Seoul Design Foundation (SDF), will host the Seoul Web3 Festival (SWF2023) from July 31 to August 2 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), according to the South Korean capital’s press release.Photo by Mathew Schwartz on UnsplashSeoul and Web3 communitySWF2023 marks the inaugural event hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in conjunction with the private sector, aiming to actively engage with the flourishing global Web3 community. The festival aims to enhance Seoul’s standing as a leading global city for pioneering technology and innovation.Under the slogan “Change, Chance, Challenge,” the festival offers an array of programs including a three-day hackathon, demo day for startups, an after-party for networking, and the introduction of the DDP 45133 project — an initiative converting the DDP building’s external panels into non-fungible tokens (NFTs).Three-day hackathonThe three-day hackathon will bring together teams consisting of two to six university students and tech professionals, both local and international. These teams will collaborate to develop practical Web3 solutions. With around 400 participants from 100 teams anticipated, the top ten teams will be selected based on criteria including applicability, business potential, teamwork, and innovation.Demo dayTo support the growth of Web3 technologies and blockchain companies, a demo day will be incorporated into the festival. Korean and international companies interested in participating need to complete an online application process. Out of the applicant pool, eight to ten teams will be chosen to showcase their products and services on-site during the demo day.The festival presents an opportunity for networking with accelerators, venture capitalists, and potential buyers, allowing selected companies to attract investments and establish growth foundations within the blockchain industry.DDP NFT projectThe DDP 45133 Project, managed by the SDF, aims to digitize the 45,133 silver panels of the DDP structure into NFTs. Owning an NFT of a DDP panel offers several benefits, such as the chance to join the DDP community. The Foundation sees this project as a way to highlight one of Seoul’s iconic landmarks and an innovative example of public facility shared ownership.Participating partnersAmong SWF2023’s partners are Korean companies Hexlant and Fingerlabs, along with global collaborators like Crypto.com, Cronos Labs, LBK Labs, and HK Central Research.Benefits for top-performing teamsTop-performing teams from the hackathon and demo day stand to gain support through accelerator programs provided by global companies. This could include valuable resources like mentorship, early-stage investments, networking opportunities, and support for overseas expansion, fueling the growth and success of the participating teams.The application window for SWF2023 will be open from May 23 to June 30, with interested parties able to apply via the official website: www.swf2023.com.With its spotlight on Web3 innovations, SWF2023 aims to familiarize the public with emerging trends, while offering a springboard for blockchain projects to secure investments.