Web3

Futureverse Founder on Combining AI and the Metaverse, $54M Raise
Futureverse, a startup formed out of 11 different firms, has raised $54 million in Series A round led by 10T Holdings, and includes participation from Ripple Labs. The startup's founder Aaron McDonald joins "First Mover" to discuss the funding round and his outlook on AI, Web3 and metaverse developments.

Web3 Funding from Venture Capital Funds Slumps in Second Quarter: Crunchbase Data
Crypto-specific investment firm CoinFund has raised $158 million to support pre-seed and seed stage investments in new startups across the Web3 sector. The news was first reported by Bloomberg. The Hash" panel discusses the outlook of institutional investor confidence in a bear market, as Web3 funding from venture capital funds has plunged 76% in the second quarter when compared to the same period a year ago, according to data from Crunchbase.

Aku Creator Micah Johnson on Starbucks Partnership, Web3 Outlook
Starbucks' Web3 loyalty program Odyssey is launching a new 'Journey' for its next digital collectible Stamp, in collaboration with NFT collection Aku. Aku creator and former MLB Player Micah Johnson shares his insights into the Starbucks partnership and what to expect from "Aku Adventure." Plus, Johnson's take on the future of Web3 in entertainment and the downturn in the NFT market.

NFTs go High Fashion: Gucci Partners With Christie's on New Collection
256-year old auction house Christie’s is teaming up with luxury fashion brand Gucci to release a digital art non-fungible token (NFT) collection. "The Hash" hosts discuss the latest move bringing together the worlds of fashion and Web3.

This Digital Toy Company Is Integrating Kid-Friendly AI Chatbot Into NFTs
OnChain Studios, the Web3 collective behind non-fungible token (NFT) company Cryptoys is planning to integrate a kid-friendly artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot into its character-based digital collectibles. "The Hash" panel discusses the outlook for the AI software and the future of kids interacting with digital toys.

Future of Web3 Gaming
Web3 games are gaining traction but have only captured a small fraction of the players compared to top Web2 games, according to CoinGecko data. Meanwhile, Alexis Ohanian recently tweeted the play-to-earn business model will "become standard for video games" in 5 years. Alliance DAO Core Contributor, and PHD in game studies, Will Robinson, discusses his take on the future of Web3 gaming.

Coinbase Soars Amid Spot Bitcoin ETF Optimism; Former FTX Executive in the Hot Seat
“CoinDesk Daily” host Jennifer Sanasie discusses the hottest stories in crypto, including a closer look at why Coinbase's stock is jumping in the last 24-hours. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan are reportedly investigating a former FTX executive over possible campaign law violations. Algofi, the largest decentralized finance protocol on layer-1 blockchain Algorand, said it will shut down. And, a Web3 TV show helmed by the co-creator of “Rick and Morty” gets a premiere date.

What to Expect From EU’s Metaverse Strategy
The European Commission's metaverse strategy slated to drop later today could point the way ahead on some key Web3 issues like property rights, technological standards and privacy. Metaverse EU Editor Patrick Grady discusses what to expect from the proposal and the implications for AI.

Justin Sun on Hong Kong Outlook, State of Crypto Regulation
Hong Kong continues to draw in crypto enthusiasts by embracing Web3 and creating more transparent regulatory frameworks. TRON founder and Huobi Global Advisor Justin Sun discusses the outlook for crypto in Hong Kong, an update about the progress on securing Huobi's crypto trading license in the region, and his take on the U.S. crypto regulatory landscape.

Animoca Brands Executive Chairman Yat Siu Discusses Crypto Regulation in Hong Kong
Animoca Brands co-founder and executive chairman Yat Siu joins "First Mover" to discuss the state of crypto regulation in Hong Kong as the city establishes a task force that promotes Web3 development. The establishment of a regulatory framework "gives it legitimacy," Siu said.
