ICO Portfolio is Down by 66% in the First Half of 2018 2143

In the first half of 2018, 86% of the leading initial coin offerings (ICOs) that listed on a cryptocurrency exchange in 2017 are below their initial listing price and a portfolio of these ICOs is down by 66% since the peak of the market at the beginning of this year, according to a study from EY, Initial Coin Offerings: The Class of 2017 – one year laterthat examined the ICOs’ progress and investment returns.

The study finds 30% have lost substantially all their value. There were gains among The Class of 2017 since their ICO, with most gains (99%) concentrated in the top 10 ICO tokens, the majority of which are in the blockchain infrastructure category.

  • 86% of tracked ICOs are below listing price; 30% lost substantially all their value
  • ICOs claim to have raised US$15b in first half of 2018
  • Top 10 ICOs listed in 2017 account for essentially all of the gains since issuance, with a majority in blockchain infrastructure

The latest study follows an initial analysis in December 2017, when EY analyzed top ICOs representing 87% of the ICO funding last year. It found that a lack of fundamental valuation and due diligence by potential investors was leading to extreme volatility in ICO performance, which is still an ongoing issue. The study announced today found that ICOs claimed to have raised more than US$15b in 2018, compared with US$4.1b1 in 2017.

However, EY found that only 29% (25) of the 2017 ICO projects that EY assessed have progressed to prototypes or working products – an increase of just 13% from December 2017. The remaining 71% have no offering in the market.

Paul Brody, EY Global Innovation Leader, Blockchain, says:

“Despite the past year’s hype around ICOs, there appears to be a significant lack of understanding around the risks and rewards of these investments. In addition, there is a disparity between those who invest in ICOs and the ICO project developers regarding the anticipated timelines of ROI. While ICOs are an entirely new way to raise capital, those participating should understand that there are factors – such as the slow progression toward working product offerings – that can introduce greater risk in ICO investing.”

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Freename Launches .etherlink Domain for Next-Gen Web3 Identity 3925

Freename, the leading multi-chain Web3 namespace platform, has integrated with Etherlink, a Layer 2 blockchain powered by Tezos Smart Rollups, to launch the new top-level domain “.etherlink”. The launch marks an important step in expanding blockchain domain adoption, enabling users to easily create Web3 identities and manage digital assets. To celebrate the launch, every user can use the coupon code ETHERLINK10 to purchase .etherlink domains or apply it as a discount for premium domains during the first three months of the promotion.

The .etherlink domain will serve as a cornerstone for digital identity management on Etherlink’s Layer 2 blockchain, empowering both Web2 and Web3 users to secure their digital presence through blockchain technology while maintaining traditional domain functionality.

Etherlink is a permissionless Layer 2 blockchain that inherits the security of the Tezos Layer 1, and features a decentralized governance model, fraud proofs, and censorship resistance. With today’s launch, Freename, as a multichain Web3 namespace and ICANN-accredited registrar, is also leveraging Etherlink to bridge Web2 and Web3, enabling Web2 domains to be tokenized and secured on the Etherlink network alongside other major blockchains. This ensures brand protection and domain security for Web2 businesses while seamlessly integrating them into a multi-chain ecosystem. Users can simply mint domains directly on the Etherlink network and manage them alongside traditional Web2 domains, supporting over 50 blockchain networks.

“On-chain users need tailored solutions for digital identity. In a multi-chain world, interoperability is essential. With the Etherlink integration and .etherlink TLD launch, we’re enabling the Etherlink and Tezos communities to secure dynamic identities that evolve with their Web3 journey.” Said Gherardo Varani, Head of BD at Freename. “The .etherlink TLD and our ability to tokenize Web2 domains on-chain will redefine brand protection and domain ownership, offering users the best of both worlds.”

The platform leverages Etherlink’s breakthrough transaction costs of $0.001, offering users an affordable and scalable way to interact with the blockchain and DNS. Through integration with Tezos Smart Rollups, users benefit from enhanced security and cross-chain compatibility with other major EVM networks. Etherlink’s architecture ensures unparalleled security and decentralization by eliminating centralized bridges and administrative keys, making it a highly reliable and censorship-resistant platform for blockchain-based operations.

Impact on the Etherlink Ecosystem

“Domains are the foundation of digital identity, and with Freename’s integration, we’re transforming how the Etherlink community connects and transacts,” said Cédric Roche, Business Development & Technical Support Director at Nomadic Labs, a Tezos R&D Hub in Paris. “This is about more than just replacing wallet addresses – it’s about building a more intuitive and accessible Web3 where traditional businesses and crypto-native users can seamlessly interact.”

This integration marks a significant milestone for the growing Etherlink ecosystem and comes at a busy period for the Tezos ecosystem, following the recent launch of the uranium.io marketplace on Etherlink and the unveiling of the Tezos X roadmap in mid-2024. The .etherlink domain provides native Web3 identities for decentralized applications, smart contracts, and community members within the Etherlink network. Community members can now create memorable addresses for their wallets, replacing complex hexadecimal strings with human-readable names.

The domains also enable Etherlink projects to establish branded Web3 presences, fostering trust and recognition within the ecosystem. With Freename’s DNS technology, Etherlink users can seamlessly bridge their Web2 and Web3 identities, opening new possibilities for decentralized applications and services. Freename’s partnership with Etherlink exemplifies its commitment to supporting the integration of Web2 and Web3 technologies, empowering users with a secure, scalable, and decentralized domain ecosystem.

About Freename

Freename is the leading multi-chain Web3 namespace platform and ICANN-Accredited Registrar, enabling users to mint and manage domains and TLDs across major blockchain networks. Freename bridges Web2 and Web3 DNS, providing innovative tools for domain security, brand protection, and decentralized ownership.

About Etherlink

Etherlink is an EVM-compatible, non-custodial Layer 2 blockchain powered by Tezos Smart Rollups. Known for its ultra-low transaction costs, robust security, and decentralized governance, Etherlink is setting new standards for Layer 2 blockchain technology.

Vottun Brings Tokenization to Web3 Development; Launches Flagship Low-Code Platform for Builders 4449

As an EU-licensed service provider, Vottun’s latest push for blockchain innovation through a ‘Code-to-Earn’ model is aimed at onboarding the next million developers to Web3
Backed by Draper, Macclin Capital, and Nebula Ventures among others, Vottun expects to significantly ramp up its developer count from 3,000 to 20,000, with a special focus on attracting talent from emerging economies

Vottun, a multi-chain developer platform, has announced the launch of its tokenized ‘code-to-earn’ platform aimed at empowering the next million Web3 developers to effortlessly build next-generation dApps. By eliminating the need for blockchain expertise and incentivizing innovation, Vottun aims to encourage greater participation globally and create a more level playing ground for developers to create dApps, tokens, and DeFi tools while earning rewards for their work.

As a developer-first platform, Vottun is especially focused on attracting developers from emerging economies, providing them with an accessible and rewarding pathway into the Web3 ecosystem. Developers can select from custom templates designed for blockchain projects, or start from scratch using dynamic APIs, and build dApps with limited to no exposure to development. Additionally, Vottun welcomes crypto enthusiasts without development skills to actively engage and participate in new projects, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of collaboration and creativity. With a thriving community of over 50,000 members actively participating in airdrops, challenges, and other fun and engaging activities, developers can launch their ventures with the support of a passionate and dynamic network. In short, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on creating business value from Web3.

“Growing the Web3 ecosystem requires a solid backbone of developers, whose ideas can be easily transformed into working systems,” said Luis Carbajo, CEO & Co-Founder of Vottun. “By breaking down barriers in Web3 development and incentivising efforts toward product development, we aim to encourage the next million Web2 developers to launch innovative dApps and thus drive greater adoption of blockchain use cases globally.”

Vottun’s multi-chain approach integrates seamlessly with leading blockchain networks and partners, including DEXTools, Fireblocks, Circle, and Certik, ensuring robust support for developers and enterprises. With its comprehensive tech stack for multi-chain interoperability and an EU-licensed service provider, Vottun aims to offer the right infrastructure and support to unlock untapped potential and eventually diversify blockchain development globally. The company presently boasts of a 3,000-strong developer community with a goal of onboarding over 20,000 in the next 12 months, a feat that will see it double the total number of all developers currently active in Web3.

Private LCO on PAID

Vottun is slated to hold its Private LCO from January 21st-22nd on the PAID launchpad, as it prepares for its much anticipated TGE later this quarter. Already a partner to retail users and enterprises globally, Vottun was recently in the news for its collaboration with Arbitrum to advance blockchain scalability and interoperability. The company’s client roster includes some of the world’s top brands, including Nestle, PwC, The World Bank, and Chupa Chups, among others.

Developers and blockchain enthusiasts are invited to explore Vottun’s platform and become part of its growing community at www.vottun.com/.

About Vottun

Vottun is a blockchain innovation company focusing on enhancing the Developer Ecosystem by providing developers with everything they need to build, scale, and launch cross-chain dApps. The company’s mission is to support developers transitioning from working in the world of web2 — from those with no prior blockchain programming experience to web3 enthusiasts — by giving them cutting-edge tools to begin building dApps, Tokens, Marketplaces, and DeFi projects, to create valuable new business models, processes and services in web3.

Botify: Emerging as the Shopify of Crypto 4824

In just six days, Botify has emerged as a disruptive force in the blockchain and AI space, growing from a modest $300k market cap to an astonishing 86x at $26M. This rapid growth cements Botify as one of the most promising crypto projects today, drawing comparisons to Shopify and its game-changing impact on e-commerce.

What is Botify?

Botify is redefining automation with a no-code platform that allows users to easily create, deploy, and monetise AI-driven bots. Whether managing social media, automating trading strategies, or running business operations, Botify’s platform empowers users to integrate AI agents into their workflows without any coding knowledge. It’s more than just a bot platform—it’s an ecosystem for innovation and profitability.

Key highlights of the project include:

  • AI Agents Building AI Agents: Botify introduces self-evolving AI agents capable of identifying trends, conceptualising new bots, and autonomously deploying them.
  • Revenue Sharing for $BOTIFY Holders: A sustainable model where every transaction on the platform rewards $BOTIFY holders, creating an ongoing passive income stream.
  • Tokenized Bot Marketplace: Users can list their bots on the marketplace, where others can purchase or deploy them, driving continuous adoption.
  • Integration with Blockchain: By merging AI with blockchain, Botify offers unparalleled transparency, security, and efficiency.

Drawing Parallels: Shopify vs. Botify

Shopify transformed the e-commerce landscape by providing a simple, accessible platform for businesses to launch online stores. Similarly, Botify is revolutionising crypto by enabling anyone—regardless of technical expertise—to create and deploy AI-driven bots.

Shopify’s Market Cap: Currently, Shopify holds a market cap of approximately $75 billion, proving the immense value of simplifying a complex industry.

Botify’s Market Cap: At $26M, Botify is just getting started but showcases massive potential for exponential growth.

The Growth Potential

With the no-code market projected to grow from $50 billion in 2025 to over $187 billion by 2030, Botify is strategically positioned to capture significant market share. By merging AI-driven automation with blockchain technology, Botify opens doors for both crypto enthusiasts and traditional businesses to embrace automation.

This growth trajectory isn’t speculative—it’s already happening. The project’s 86x performance in under a week demonstrates the appetite for tools that simplify AI and blockchain adoption. With future innovations like physical AI integration, tokenized bot launches, and a global business SaaS model, Botify is set to disrupt industries far beyond crypto.

Why Botify is the Future

Botify isn’t just following trends—it’s setting them. By positioning itself as the Shopify of AI and blockchain, the project aims to become the go-to solution for businesses, developers, and crypto users looking to automate processes, innovate, and scale. With a strong foundation and an ambitious roadmap, Botify has the potential to be a $1 billion+ market leader in the coming years.

For those looking to invest in the future of automation, Botify offers a chance to participate in a revolution that is just beginning.

Website – www.botify.cloud/
X – x.com/Botifydotcloud
Gitbook – botify-cloud.gitbook.io/whitepaper
Telegram – t.me/botifycloud

Linklogis Officially Launches AI Agent, Capitalizing on Emerging Growth Opportunities in the AI Industry 6653

As the AI agent emerges as a new frontier in the development of the AI industry, Linklogis Inc. (09959.HK, “Linklogis”) has officially launched the industry’s first AI supply chain document check platform, the “BeeFeather AI Document Check Platform” (referred to as the “BeeFeather Platform”). This milestone marks a significant step forward in the company’s advancement within the AI sector.

The BeeFeather Platform, a lightweight one-stop AI platform for supply chain finance developed by Linklogis, serves as a flagship example of its AI Agent product line. It has already been successfully deployed and applied across multiple financial institutions. This groundbreaking achievement is a result of Linklogis’ deep understanding of trade banking operations and its proficient application of cutting-edge large language model technologies. The BeeFeather Platform integrates the capabilities of the General Problem Solver, LDP, and LDP-GPT, expertly breaking down complex document review and parsing workflows. It precisely identifies pain points at each stage and applies tailored large language models to address them, significantly reducing document processing times while boosting operational efficiency and business resilience. For instance, in its collaboration with Standard Chartered Bank, the BeeFeather Platform enabled intelligent risk assessment and process optimization in trade finance and payment management. This helped the bank’s clients significantly reduce operational costs and improve delivery efficiency.

An AI Agent refers to an intelligent entity based on large language models (LLMs) that can autonomously understand, plan, make decisions, and execute complex tasks. Unlike traditional large language models, which primarily provide guidance on “how to do something,” an AI Agent goes a step further by actively assisting in performing the tasks itself.

Linklogis’ AI Agent platform is built around three core technology modules: the General Problem Solver, LDP, and LDP-GPT. These three components work in synergy within the technical ecosystem, collectively supporting the intelligent transformation of supply chain finance scenarios.

The General Problem Solver is a crucial intelligent tool module within the AI Agent platform. It specializes in language processing, semantic understanding, and document generation, enabling tasks such as multilingual translation, semantic content analysis, and high-quality document creation. In the context of supply chain finance, the General Problem Solver significantly improves the AI Agent’s efficiency and accuracy in document processing, cross-border business communication, and customer service. Through the General Problem Solver, users can interact with the AI Agent in natural language, achieve quickly querying, analyzing, and generating financial documents.

LDP (Linklogis Document Parsing) is the core data input module of the AI Agent platform. Utilizing proprietary algorithms, LDP integrates advanced image processing from visual models with deep text understanding from language models, enabling accurate parsing of complex documents and converting unstructured data into structured information. This ensures a reliable data foundation for the AI Agent’s task planning and execution. In supply chain finance scenarios, such as document review and invoice parsing, LDP significantly improves the efficiency of data extraction and validation, meeting a wide range of business needs.

LDP-GPT is the brain of the AI Agent, serving as the core large language model for vertical industries. It combines deep learning with intelligent decision-making capabilities to support complex tasks such as risk assessment, operational optimization, and knowledge-based question answering, all tailored to specific industry contexts. LDP-GPT further enhances the AI Agent’s task planning abilities, enabling the delivery of customized solutions in supply chain finance and fully addressing customer needs. Linklogis is accelerating the full-stack development of its vertical domain large language model, LDP-GPT, covering everything from pretraining and fine-tuning to distributed training and inference frameworks for deployment. Linklogis is also exploring the application of RAG-based vertical knowledge base question answering and intelligent writing technologies in financial institutions, driving innovation and unlocking new possibilities for the industry.

Industry experts highlight that AI Agent technology is transforming traditional industries and technological frameworks, with the vertical AI Agent market poised to become the next major growth area, potentially surpassing the scale of SaaS. Experienced investors believe that Linklogis, with its deep expertise in supply chain finance and extensive experience serving both upstream and downstream clients, is uniquely positioned to seize new market opportunities driven by globalization and technological advancements, positioning Linklogis as a potential leader in the future.

Holdstation Introduces AI Agent Launchpad With $2M Grant on ZKsync 7147

Holdstation has launched A(i)gentFi, an innovative platform designed to enable the creation, management, and monetization of autonomous AI agents. As the first AI agent Hub on ZKsync, A(i)gentFi aims to bridge the gap between artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, supporting a new wave of decentralized applications and user-focused solutions.

What is A(i)gentFi?

A(i)gentFi is a one-stop shop on ZKsync dedicated to the creation and development of AI agents —autonomous AI entities capable of performing complex tasks such as trading, market analysis, and content creation. These agents operate without human intervention, making them powerful tools for innovation in decentralized finance and beyond.

Represented by the iconic green apple, A(i)gentFi positions themselves as the “agent of all AI agents,” prioritizing real-world applications such as DeFi automation, yield farming, and tokenized AI ownership. By focusing on these areas, A(i)gentFi offers both developers and users practical and impactful solutions to drive AI and blockchain adoption.

What Sets A(i)gentFi Apart?

A(i)gentFi distinguished themselves from platforms like Virtuals.io by adopting a DeFi-first approach. While Virtuals.io focuses on gaming and entertainment, A(i)gentFi emphasizes utility, scalability, and efficiency in areas such as:

  • DeFi Automation: Streamlining complex DeFi processes for enhanced user experience.
  • Revenue Sharing: Implementing mechanisms that reward participants and foster sustainable ecosystem growth.
  • Tokenized AI Ownership: Allowing users to co-own AI agents, fostering innovation and collaboration.

In addition, A(i)gentFi incorporates an innovative fee-sharing mechanism, enabling HOLD token stakers to benefit from platform activities. This approach fosters sustainable growth while incentivizing participation across the ecosystem.

The $2M Grant Program

With the support of ZKsync and Holdstation, A(i)gentFi launched a $2M grant program to accelerate AI innovation. This initiative supports developers, DAOs, and creators in building advanced AI and blockchain projects on the A(i)gentFi platform.

Key Highlights:

  • Funding in HOLD: Financial support for innovative AI Agents.
  • Technical Assistance: Access to infrastructure, tools, and expert guidance to streamline project development.
  • Focus on Impact: Priority for projects that align with A(i)gentFi’s mission, such as DeFi automation and tokenized AI ownership.

Benefits of the Grant Program:

  • Visibility: Funded projects gain exposure within the Holdstation and ZKsync ecosystem and broader crypto community.
  • Collaboration Opportunities: Access to a vibrant network of innovators for partnerships and knowledge sharing.
  • Long-Term Growth: Potential for additional funding and deeper integration within the ecosystem.

These ecosystem advancements are closely tied to the development of Holdstation, which embodies the ethos of “product fit the community,” ensuring meaningful engagement and value creation across users.

The Ecosystem is for A(i)gentFi

Holdstation delivers decentralized finance to everyday users with an innovative ecosystem. Boasting 360,000+ monthly active users, $38 billion in trading volume, and $3.1 million in fees, it ranks among the top four global DEXs and leads on zkSync. It also holds 7th place in Worldchain’s rankings, with over 36 million user impressions showcasing strong engagement.

To further enhance the launch of AI agent projects on A(i)gentFi, Holdstation has introduced key initiatives:

  • Holdstation Swap: Streamlines token interactions and enhances liquidity for AI agent projects after the bonding curve process.
  • $2M Grant Program: Offers financial and technical support to developers building AI agents on zkSync, fostering innovation and growth.
  • Seamless UI/UX: Ensures intuitive integration between A(i)gentFi and Holdstation’s platform, enhancing user and developer experience.

These ecosystem advancements are closely tied to the development of Holdstation, which complete the ethos “product fit the community”

The Role of HOLD in A(i)gentFi

HOLD, Holdstation’s governance token, serves as the backbone of A(i)gentFi, ensuring seamless integration and growth within the platform. Key features include:

  • Governance: Enabling holders to shape platform decisions and policies.
  • Utility: Serving as the primary currency for agent launches and transactions.
  • Staking Rewards: Allocating trading fees to HOLD stakers as passive income.
  • Grants: Incentivizing AI-driven projects on ZKsync with funding in HOLD.

As A(i)gentFi expands, HOLD’s role as a governance and utility token is expected to grow, cementing the importance within the AI agent ecosystem.

The Path Forward

A(i)gentFi represents Holdstation’s commitment to innovation and decentralized AI solutions. With ZKsync’s support, a robust fee-sharing model, and a focus on real-world applications, A(i)gentFi is poised to redefine blockchain-powered AI.

As AI agents continue to grow in prominence, A(i)gentFi offers a platform that empowers developers and users alike, fostering collaboration, innovation, and adoption. Holdstation invites the community to join this journey and shape the future of decentralized AI.

B2CORE Announces Multi-Platform Upgrades for Forex and Crypto Brokerages 7948

B2CORE, a leading CRM software provider for the financial sector, continues revolutionising brokerage operations with its integrated platform. Recognised as the top CRM solution at FMLS 2024, the company is committed to delivering innovative tools that empower brokerages worldwide.

The company has introduced significant upgrades across its web, IB, iOS, and Android platforms, focusing on improving user experience and operational efficiency.

B2CORE 16th: Advanced Back-Office Capabilities

With Release 16th, B2CORE has integrated the cTrader Bonus System, enabling brokers to create custom bonus programs easily. The platform now features an Arabic user interface, expanding its reach into the MENA region. Enhanced account security comes through implementing Time-Based One-Time Passwords (TOTP).

Administrators now enjoy increased control, with the ability to customise exchange request settings precisely. New analytical tools like RudderStack and Amplitude provide deeper insights into user activities, allowing for more strategic operational decisions. The release also refines features such as Manager Logic and the Favorite Trading Account Widget.

Better Mobile Management on iOS & Android

The company’s mobile applications for iOS and Android now offer full desktop functionality, allowing seamless management of transactions, finances, and trading. The iOS 1.25.0 update introduces a redesigned deposit interface, improving navigation and transaction speed. The new Android app caters specifically to markets with high Android device usage, such as those in Asia.

B2CORE IB 5: Better Partner Management

B2CORE IB Release 5 brings game-changing upgrades for brokers and their partners:

  • Advanced Spread Calculation: A new feature for calculating MT5 spreads enables more accurate rebates and service expansion.
  • Flexible Volume Tracking: Extended tier options now include trading volumes in USD, active traders, and lot volumes.
  • Improved Infrastructure: Upgraded server capabilities with WebAPI 2.x and transitioning from MongoDB to Postgres ensure enhanced performance and reliability.

The B2CORE Advantage

Creating a custom CRM system is a complex and expensive endeavour:

  • Requires at least 25 staff members
  • Takes up to 2 years to complete
  • Initial costs start at $200,000 monthly
  • Potential two-year investment of $5 million (excluding additional expenses)

B2CORE offers a comprehensive solution that can be implemented in just three days at a fraction of the cost of developing an in-house system.

The company invites brokerages to take control of their financial operations by exploring this powerful CRM solution.

Interested parties are encouraged to visit the web page or request a personalised demo.