vlayer.xyz – OVH customer – (United Kingdom)
Developers use .xyz domains to harness the power of blockchain technology and provide transparent solutions. Auditing platform Sherlock.xyz aims to keep your smart contracts bug-free. Security solutions provider Ackee.xyz strives to enhance blockchain integrity through audits and smart contract development. Layer-2 blockchain Atlas.xyz aims to deliver low-cost, reliable solutions for verifiable finance. In this week’s #BlockchainThursday, we’ll introduce you to a platform helping developers integrate real-world data into Ethereum smart contracts: vlayer.xyz.
vlayer.xyz is the online home of vlayer (also known as vlayer Labs), a crypto startup focused on creating “verifiable data infrastructure,” a new category they describe as Solidity “2.0.” Their tools are designed to empower developers to extract, verify, and integrate real-world data into Ethereum smart contracts. The startup aims to simplify complex blockchain operations with innovative functionalities. These include time travel through historical blockchain data and integration with external content. Their platform is designed to address critical industry bottlenecks while improving developer experience, making it easier for web3 applications to incorporate data from traditional online systems. In November 2024, vlayer completed a $10 million pre-seed funding round. The investment was supported by a16z CSX, Credo Ventures, BlockTower Capital, and other notable backers, with additional participation from several angel investors in the blockchain space.1
The startup introduces innovative features to Ethereum’s Solidity programming language, offering developers four key tools: Time Travel, Teleport, Web Proofs, and Email Proofs. These tools are designed to enable smart contracts to interact with historical data, operate across multiple blockchain networks, and verify data from web APIs or email communications. Powered by zero-knowledge proofs, vlayer is designed to offer a trustless and privacy-focused infrastructure intended to enhance usability. With these capabilities, VLayer aims to support new possibilities in decentralized finance, gaming, and real-world asset applications.
Co-founders Hubert Rachwalski von Rejchwald and Marek Kirejczyk bring impressive experience to vlayer. Hubert, previously the founder of AI fraud prevention company Nethone, has extensive experience in building and scaling tech startups. Marek, a seasoned blockchain developer, founded and exited ETHWorks and created tools like Waffle, a library for writing and testing smart contracts. Together, they combine technical experience and entrepreneurial acumen to drive vlayer’s mission of enhancing blockchain infrastructure.
vlayer’s choice of a .xyz domain reflects their commitment to innovation and inclusivity in the blockchain space. As a versatile domain extension favored by forward-thinking projects, .xyz aligns with vlayer’s goal of pushing boundaries and making their technology available to a global audience. The short and memorable domain name, vlayer.xyz, complements their mission of streamlining developer access to verifiable data infrastructure. You can learn more about the startup by following them on X/Twitter @vlayer_xyz and LinkedIn, and by visiting vlayer.xyz.
1.https://www.theblock.co/post/324359/vlayer-funding-ethereum-solidity-2-0PSV.xyz – Simply.com customer – (Denmark)
Investment firms dedicated to advancing cutting-edge technologies use .xyz domains to showcase their forward-thinking initiatives and global impact. San Francisco-based investment firm Dragonfly.xyz backs teams building products in crypto across sectors and stages. VC firm QBITCapital.xyz focuses on driving innovation in Swiss startups. Investment firm BoxOne.xyz supports entrepreneurs aimed at making a positive difference in the world. In this week’s #WebsiteWednesday, we’ll introduce you to a Denmark-based venture capital firm driving innovation and supporting impactful ventures: PSV.xyz.
PSV.xyz is the online home of PSV, a venture capital firm headquartered in Denmark, focused on supporting founders and building companies that aim to shape a conscious future. As a venture house, PSV operates with a mission to clear the path for entrepreneurs creating impactful businesses. The firm’s hybrid structure includes PSV Foundry, PSV Lab, and two venture funds: PSV Tech and PSV Hafnium. This setup helps PSV adopt flexible and innovative approaches to venture investing, extending its impact beyond individual firms or investments.
PSV operates through a unique hybrid framework designed to maximize its reach and adaptability. PSV Foundry focuses on an evergreen investment strategy, reinvesting returns into underserved markets and pioneering new initiatives through grants and partnerships. PSV Lab serves as an incubator for new ideas and projects, leveraging PSV’s resources and expertise. The firm’s two funds, PSV Tech and PSV Hafnium, concentrate on specific sectors. PSV Tech supports early-stage, software-driven companies, guiding them from initial proof to scalable business models. PSV Hafnium is dedicated to deep tech investments, prioritizing innovations that address societal challenges and enhance human and planetary welfare.
PSV Foundry was originally established as a state-funded venture arm in the early 2000s, spun out from DTU – The Technical University of Denmark. For nearly two decades, it operated as a pre-seed stage investor, providing early support to hundreds of startups, including Trustpilot, a global platform that hosts reviews of businesses, empowering consumers to make informed decisions. These investments not only gave these companies a solid foundation for growth but also returned more than 500 million DKK to Danish society.
Since 2020, PSV has managed, developed, and exited its legacy portfolio, leading over 100 exits with a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for both founders and the Danish public. This experience has honed PSV’s ability to position and mature companies for exits, strengthening the fund value creation it now offers to fund managers. The financial foundation built during this period continues to enable PSV to circulate long-term capital into the ecosystem today.
PSV’s portfolio features a range of companies that reflect its focus on innovation and impact. Some examples include:
These companies illustrate PSV’s commitment to supporting ventures that address diverse market needs.
Christel Piron is the CEO of PSV Foundry, overseeing the firm’s efforts to support early-stage companies through their initial stages of growth and funding. Her career has focused on innovation, strategic business development, and venture capital. Previously, she was the CEO of Pharmavie, a venture capital company in the life sciences sector, where she led initiatives to develop, acquire, and exit several businesses in Scandinavia. Following this role, she directed PwC’s Strategic Development department, implementing strategies and development tools for over 30 companies facing challenges such as digital transformation. Christel also has experience on more than 25 boards in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, with a particular focus on guiding companies through transitions from private ownership to venture capital backing.
PSV’s choice of .xyz for their website, PSV.xyz, suggests an alignment with their innovative and forward-thinking approach. The .xyz domain aligns with PSV’s mission to challenge traditional methods and support ventures that drive progress across various industries. Its simplicity and modern appeal make it a fitting choice for a venture capital firm that emphasizes adaptability and collaboration across diverse ecosystems. You can learn more by following the firm on LinkedIn and by visiting PSV.xyz.
SerumCity.xyz – GoDaddy customer – (United Kingdom)
Groundbreaking games debut on .xyz and XYZ Registry domains like .Game, and .Quest. Horror game AQuietPlace.Game brings the Paramount Pictures franchise to your console and helps players navigate a world of silence and danger to survive against deadly creatures. Exploration game Pixels.xyz enhances its immersive experience by integrating blockchain technology. Multiplayer fighter GangBeasts.Game challenges players to engage in chaotic and zany battles across hazardous environments. Today, we highlight a city builder that brings web3 storytelling and community-driven gameplay to the Yugaverse: SerumCity.xyz.
SerumCity.xyz is the online home of Serum City, a narrative-driven play-to-earn city-building game set in the expansive Yugaverse of the Bored Ape Yacht Club and Mutant Apes. Developed by web3 production studio Novel Labs (NovelLabs.xyz), in collaboration with Faraway Gaming Studios, Serum City offers players an immersive web3 gaming experience. The game explores the class dynamics between the ruling Bored Apes and the Mutant Apes, who were cast to the outskirts of society after taking the transformative Serum. The project represents a significant expansion of the Mutant Cartel universe and highlights Novel Labs’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of blockchain gaming.
Serum City is an episodic game that unfolds in seasons, each introducing new gameplay features and storylines. Season 2 brings exciting updates, including new buildings, mechanics, and a competitive player-vs-player mode set in “The Clink.” Players can earn rewards like $Serum points, which will transition into governance tokens for the Serum DAO. The game emphasizes community-driven storytelling and interoperability, allowing items earned or crafted in Serum City to have utility across other games and platforms. Serum City creates a dynamic and evolving experience for its players by incorporating innovative mechanics such as resource gathering in smuggling tunnels and crafting at the Pawnbroker.
Novel Labs is the creative force behind the Mutant Cartel, the Mutant Hounds, and now Serum City. Known for their storytelling and community-focused approach, Novel Labs has built an active and passionate community within the Bored Ape universe. Their projects emphasize interoperability and collaboration, fostering a shared sense of ownership and creativity among players. With Serum City, Novel Labs demonstrates how blockchain gaming can go beyond traditional boundaries to offer unique, story-driven experiences.
The choice of .xyz domains for SerumCity.xyz and NovelLabs.xyz reflects their vision of innovation and accessibility. .XYZ symbolizes a forward-thinking approach, aligning with web3 ideals of inclusivity and exploration. It provides a short, memorable, and global domain option, making it an ideal fit for groundbreaking projects like Serum City and its developer, Novel Labs. Serum City and Novel Labs combine gameplay, blockchain technology, and visionary storytelling to demonstrate how web3 gaming is evolving to captivate audiences and foster vibrant communities. You can learn more about Serum City by following the game on X/Twitter and by visiting SerumCity.xyz. Discover more about Novel Labs by following them on X/Twitter and LinkedIn, and by visiting NovelLabs.xyz.
Bot.Auto – Name.com customer – (United States)
Artificial intelligence pioneers leverage .xyz and XYZ Registry domains like .Auto and .Security to drive transformative advancements across industries. AI-powered platform Outfield.xyz transforms orchard management with drone technology and data analytics. Tech company Hi.Auto aims to innovate the fast food restaurant industry. Cybersecurity platform Abstract.Security leverages AI to enhance enterprise security analytics. In this week’s #AIMonday, we’ll introduce you to a tech startup harnessing AI to revolutionize autonomous trucking: Bot.Auto.
Bot.Auto is the online home of Bot Auto, a Houston, TX-based tech startup specializing in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, with a focus on developing next-generation autonomous trucking solutions. The company’s mission is to revolutionize the transportation industry by creating safer, more efficient, and sustainable logistics. In September 2024, Bot Auto announced the successful completion of its oversubscribed Pre-A funding round, raising $20 million.1
The innovative company is committed to leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to create autonomous trucks designed for operational efficiency and safety. The company’s “Transportation-as-a-Service” (TAAS) business model utilizes fleets of self-driving trucks equipped with advanced machine learning algorithms and state-of-the-art sensors. This approach helps Bot Auto optimize goods transportation while reducing environmental impact. The Bot Auto team harnesses the latest advancements in AI and AV technology with a goal to position the company as a leader in the evolution of logistics.
Bot Auto is led by Dr. Xiaodi Hou, whose background includes extensive work in artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, and autonomous vehicles. Dr. Hou holds a Ph.D. in Computation and Neural Systems from the California Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Before founding Bot Auto, he co-founded TuSimple, a company focused on developing autonomous trucking solutions, where he served as CTO and CEO. Dr. Hou has presented at events such as Web Summit and Nvidia’s GTC conference, and his work has been covered by publications including Wired2 and Forbes.3
Bot Auto uses the branded email address [email protected] for business communications, underscoring their commitment to professionalism and trustworthiness. Branded email addresses provide a clear association with the company’s identity, fostering confidence among partners, clients, and stakeholders. Bot Auto reinforces its credibility and ensures secure and reliable communication by utilizing a domain-aligned email.
Bot Auto’s use of an exact-match domain name, Bot.Auto, strengthens its brand identity and online presence. The.Auto domain extension aligns with the company’s focus on autonomous trucking, offering a concise and memorable web address that immediately conveys their industry expertise. Their .Auto domain also underscores the company’s connection to innovation and its role in transforming the transportation landscape, making it a strategic choice for their website and overall branding efforts. You can learn more by following the company on LinkedIn @bot-auto and by visiting Bot.Auto.
1.https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240926127309/en/Bot-Auto-Secures-20M-in-Pre-A-Funding-to-Commercially-Deploy-Autonomous-Trucking 2.https://www.wired.com/story/tusimple-self-driving-truck-cameras-computer-vision/ 3.https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2024/09/26/the-brains-behind-failed-robotruck-startup-tusimple-is-making-a-comeback/Fission.xyz – GoDaddy customer – (United States)
Pioneering investment firms and platforms use .xyz domains to spotlight their mission and showcase innovative investment opportunities. VC firm QBITCapital.xyz focuses on driving innovation in Swiss startups. Investment firm Dragonfly.xyz backs teams building “generational companies” and products in crypto across sectors and stages. Venture firm Thursday.xyz drives innovation across frontier technologies such as AI, neurotechnology, and energy. In this week’s #BlockchainThursday, we’ll introduce you to a platform revolutionizing private equity investing with blockchain technology: Fission.xyz.
Fission.xyz is the online home of Fission Labs, a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform focused on private equity investing. Fission Labs helps users access venture-backed tokens representing fractional ownership in late-stage private companies like SpaceX, Stripe, and OpenAI. The platform aims to help users buy, trade, lend, and provide liquidity for these tokens by leveraging blockchain technology, opening up new opportunities to participate in high-return asset classes. Fission Labs is backed by investors such as SALT Fund, Kraynos Capital, and Anthony Scaramucci, and is on a mission to make private markets more liquid and accessible to a global audience. In October 2024, Fission Labs announced that it had secured $1.6 million in pre-seed funding to support its development efforts.1
Fission Labs’ main offering is the TECH token, which helps investors own a small piece of equity in late-stage private companies. These tokens are backed by real assets held in a regulated Cayman holding company, aimed at promoting a clear and secure investment process. Investors can buy or sell TECH tokens through Fission’s built-in trading platform, designed to provide stable prices and smooth transactions based on the token’s estimated value.
Fission also offers tools designed for earning additional income. Investors can add their TECH tokens to liquidity pools to earn trading fees or lend their tokens to earn interest. Fission aims to make private equity more accessible by reducing traditional barriers like high entry costs and limited options to sell. The platform provides daily value updates, diversified portfolios, and operates within a defined legal framework.
The Fission Protocol is built on a custom token system that forms the foundation of Fission Labs’ platform. This system helps with key functions like creating (or “minting”) tokens, trading them, lending them, and providing liquidity. The protocol aims to ensure security, transparency, and greater control for investors with its use of blockchain technology. Fission focuses on established, late-stage companies (those in Series C funding or later), which tend to be less risky than early-stage startups while still offering strong potential for returns compared to traditional investments.
Jonathan Shaffer, CEO and co-founder of Fission Labs, brings extensive experience in private investments and financial technology. Before founding Fission, he worked at Point72, where he focused on strategic private investments in fintech and digital assets. His career also includes roles as a long/short public equities investor covering technology and consumer sectors, and as a lead analyst for the 3D printing industry at Credit Suisse.
Fission Labs’ choice of a .xyz domain reflects its forward-thinking approach and alignment with innovation. .XYZ is recognized for its association with cutting-edge technology, creativity, and global accessibility, making it a natural fit for a platform focused on reshaping private equity through decentralized finance. The company establishes a modern and memorable online presence with Fission.xyz, which appeals to both traditional and crypto-native investors while highlighting its role in advancing digital finance. You can learn more by following the platform on X/Twitter @FissionXYZ and LinkedIn @fissionxyz, and by visiting Fission.xyz.
1.https://www.prnewswire.com/news/fission-labs/