Cryptocurrency
PIN AI secures $10M from a16z CSX, Hack VC, and All-Star angels to launch open platform for personal AI

[PRESS RELEASE – San Francisco, United States, September 9th, 2024]
Innovative startup from Ethereum Core research, Google Brain, Stanford, MIT, and CMU aims to democratize on-device intelligence, empowering users with control over their personal AI, and receiving investment from a16z CSX, Hack VC, and investors from projects like Solana, Polygon, Near, Worldcoin, etc.
PIN AI, a pioneering AI infrastructure company, announces $10 million in pre-seed funding to develop the world’s first open-source Personal Intelligence Network (PIN). A16z CSX, Hack VC, and notable investors, including Blockchain Builders Fund (Stanford Blockchain Accelerator), Illia Polosukhin (Transformer paper author; Founder, NEAR Protocol), Anagram/Lily Liu (President, SOL Foundation), Symbolic Capital (Co-Founder, Polygon), Evan Cheng (CEO, Mysten Labs/SUI), dcbuilder (Worldcoin Foundation), Foresight Ventures (parent company of the Block), Nomad Capital, Tim Shi (Co-Founder, Cresta), Ben Fisch (CEO, Espresso), Scott Moore (Co-Founder, Gitcoin), Alumni Ventures, and Dispersion Capital, have backed the project.
Offering an open-source, web3-enabled alternative to Apple Intelligence, PIN AI’s platform turns smartphones into privacy-focused AI personal assistants. By redirecting profits from users’ data and attention, it empowers users to regain control and monetize their data. The platform leverages personal, contextual data and cryptography, deploying cutting-edge AI models on-device to handle tasks across apps—like shopping, ordering food, wealth management, and interacting with centralized exchanges, DeFi, and prediction markets.
This AI-driven assistant ensures robust privacy and user-controlled data management, disrupting ultra-profitable models of web2 giants, including Apple’s 30% app revenue cut (over $100 billion) and Google’s mobile ads and Android store revenue cuts.
Davide Crapis, Co-Founder leading Protocol Research, said, “We’re building a movement towards an open-source future where personal AI assistants can work on PIN AI’s platform like smart contracts on Ethereum.” He added, “PIN AI will take back the $100b+ profit from tech giants and return it to users, allowing them to control and monetize their data. Our platform offers access to a wider range of AI agents, developed by the open-source community, capable of handling tasks across popular apps.”
PIN AI’s mission is to foster innovation for personal AI agents by offering access to personal, contextual data that reflects individual users’ needs and preferences. Unlike closed ecosystems like Apple, PIN AI’s open platform connects privacy-protected user data via a Layer-2 blockchain. This enables more flexibility in AI application development without the constraints of traditional, closed systems.
Bill Sun, Co-Founder and Chief Scientist, said, “On-device multi-modality models will revolutionize daily life. We are building a personal index for each user to create an on-device model that evolves via distributed training on the user’s phone. Soon, users won’t need to open multiple apps to complete tasks. The personal AI assistant will understand preferences and manage tasks efficiently.” PIN AI’s assistant will connect users with apps and services bidding on its blockchain protocol to fulfill tasks like shopping or crypto activities.
PIN AI shifts data monetization from big tech to users, allowing secure monetization of personal data. Users receive token incentives through data onboarding and intent fulfillment, only providing necessary data with matched Personal AI Agents, while maintaining control of their information.
At launch, PIN AI partners with Worldcoin and is developing a front-end product similar to Siri, expanding its reach and enhancing user experience.
Leading the team are co-founders Davide Crapis and Ben Wu. Crapis, formerly of Ethereum Core Research, leads Protocol Research. Ben Wu, heading Strategy, is an MIT graduate, Y Combinator alum, and serial entrepreneur. The technical leadership includes Bill Sun, a Stanford AI/Math PhD and early Google Brain researcher, as Chief AI Scientist, and Regan Peng, a CMU graduate and former lead at Didi Fintech and Yahoo Data Infra, as Founding Head of Engineering.
PIN AI collaborates with a16z crypto research, Flashbots, Espresso Systems, and academics from Stanford, Columbia, and NYU. Ben Wu emphasized the importance of an open platform, saying, “The open internet has made large language models possible. We need to build an open platform for users on their trusted device, allowing access to their various data, making their Personal AI possible.” Unlike Apple Intelligence, PIN AI’s system can run on low-spec smartphones by dynamically shifting between edge AI (on-device) and server AI to optimize performance, ensuring wide accessibility.
The funding will expand research, grow the team of AI and blockchain experts, and accelerate the deployment of PIN AI’s technology. The company will join the a16z CSX Fall 2024 cohort in New York City.
About PIN AI
PIN AI is developing an open-source personal AI operating system that leverages smartphone and app data to empower users with control and privacy. The company’s approach aims to connect AI developers with users, promoting data sovereignty and developer empowerment. PIN AI collaborates with Ethereum Core Research and is committed to privacy and innovation.
For more updates, visit pinai.io, X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, Discord, and Linkedin.
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Cryptocurrency
BTC Bull Token Gains Traction as Analyst Expects it to Pump

The crypto presale space is crowded, but one project stands out: BTC Bull Token.
With a unique Bitcoin rewards system and a fast-growing community, it’s no surprise a leading analyst has dubbed BTC Bull Token (BTCBULL) one of the “best Bitcoin presales” of the year.
BTC Bull Token – The Meme Coin Transforming Bitcoin Investing
BTC Bull Token is a meme coin with actual utility, designed to celebrate – and reward – Bitcoin’s success.
Think of BTCBULL as a gateway to Bitcoin’s price movements without the need to hold BTC directly.
Over time, you’ll be rewarded with Bitcoin airdrops to your crypto wallet.
On top of that, the team plans to periodically burn some of the BTCBULL supply, making the remaining tokens scarcer.
This approach has caught the attention of some top crypto analysts.
One of them is NASS CRYPTO, a YouTuber with over one million subscribers who frequently covers pre-launch projects.
In a video released last week, he praised BTCBULL’s massive fundraising success.
NASS also discussed the project’s tokenomics, which are detailed on the official website.
He even pointed out that BTCBULL holders can stake their tokens to earn high APYs.
While he didn’t offer a specific price outlook, NASS made his optimism about the token’s future abundantly clear.
BTCBULL Presale Offers Early Access to Crypto’s Next Big Rewards Ecosystem
BTC Bull Token’s presale is still ongoing.
This presale provides a chance to purchase tokens at a fixed price before they hit the open market, where the price can fluctuate wildly.
It’s like securing VIP tickets before they’re available to the public – you’re potentially locking in a better deal.
The buying process is straightforward: you need a compatible crypto wallet (like Best Wallet) and some ETH, USDT, BNB, or even a credit card.
Once the presale ends, a Token Generation Event (TGE) will enable you to claim your BTCBULL tokens.
Then comes the exciting part: the first DEX listing.
This is where BTCBULL becomes accessible to a broader audience and when a potential price pump could happen.
The project’s whitepaper also outlines plans for future listings on CEXs, which would significantly enhance accessibility.
To support this, the team has allocated 10% of the BTCBULL supply to ensure ample liquidity.
Why BTC Bull Token Could Rally Later This Year
Bitcoin itself hasn’t been having the best month.
The coin is hovering around $82,400, down 15% from last month and 24% from January’s all-time high.
Economic uncertainty, institutional investors pulling back from Bitcoin ETFs, and a slowdown in meme coin trading have all contributed to the crypto slump.
It’s as though a storm of negative factors has converged at once.
But crypto is known for its wild swings – and what goes down often comes back up, and fast.
A shift in sentiment – whether from easing economic fears or positive Bitcoin-related news – could cause the market to rebound.
For example, imagine if the U.S. government announced plans to invest in Bitcoin – that could trigger a price rally.
And it would also benefit BTC Bull Token.
Should BTC start climbing around the same time BTCBULL hits exchanges, early investors could see impressive returns, potentially turning a small presale investment into major profits.
Of course, this is entirely hypothetical, and market conditions can change in the blink of an eye.
Still, BTC Bull Token is a project to watch closely in the near term.
Disclaimer: The above article is sponsored content; it’s written by a third party. CryptoPotato doesn’t endorse or assume responsibility for the content, advertising, products, quality, accuracy, or other materials on this page. Nothing in it should be construed as financial advice. Readers are strongly advised to verify the information independently and carefully before engaging with any company or project mentioned and do their own research. Investing in cryptocurrencies carries a risk of capital loss, and readers are also advised to consult a professional before making any decisions that may or may not be based on the above-sponsored content.
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Cryptocurrency
Metaplanet Launches ¥2 Billion Zero-Interest Bond to Fund Bitcoin Purchases

Metaplanet Inc. announced on March 18 that it had issued ¥2 billion ($13.3 million) in zero-interest ordinary bonds to finance further Bitcoin acquisitions.
The development is part of the company’s broader strategy to expand its holdings of the number one cryptocurrency.
Details From the Bond Issuance
According to the announcement, the 9th series of ordinary bonds, allocated entirely to EVO FUND, carries a face value of ¥50 million per bond.
The instruments bear no interest and will be redeemed at face value on September 17, 2025. Early redemption is allowed, provided the bondholder gives at least one business day’s notice.
Additionally, the company can redeem portions of it if proceeds from the exercise of its 14th to 17th series of stock acquisition rights reach a sufficient threshold. This development follows a previous bond sale on March 12, in which the firm raised another ¥2 billion to fund further Bitcoin purchases.
Metaplanet Buys Additional 150 BTC
On the same day, the Japanese investment firm disclosed that it had also acquired an additional 150 BTC for approximately $12.5 million at an average price of $83,508. This buy increased the firm’s total holdings to 3,200 BTC. The company’s reserves were acquired for about $266.2 million and are worth approximately $265.9 million at current market prices.
The firm tracks the effectiveness of its Bitcoin accumulation strategy using a metric known as Bitcoin Yield (BTC Yield). Between January 1 and March 18, 2025, it has recorded a BTC yield of 60.8%.
The latest buy follows a series of aggressive Bitcoin purchases by the company. Last week, Metaplanet bought 162 BTC for approximately $13.5 million at an average price of $83,123. Other recent acquisitions include 497 BTC for $43.9 million on March 5, 156 BTC for $13.4 million on March 3, 68 BTC for $6.6 million on February 20, and 269 BTC for $26 million on February 17.
CEO Simon Gerovich announced in January plans to secure 10,000 BTC by the close of this year and 21,000 BTC by the end of 2026. Meanwhile, Google Finance data shows that Metaplanet’s shares closed down 0.49% at ¥4,030 on Tuesday in Japan. However, the stock has gained 12.73% year-to-date and has climbed 1,819% over the past 12 months.
On March 18, the firm also surpassed Chinese gaming company Boyaa Interactive International as Asia’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder. It also holds the 12th position worldwide.
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Cryptocurrency
Ripple v. SEC Lawsuit Speculation: Can This Key Development Lead to a Resolution?

TL;DR
XRP supporters hope Paul Atkins’ eventual SEC leadership will bring a favorable resolution for the Ripple case, given his pro-crypto stance in the past.
One legal expert predicts a settlement before April 16, while ongoing uncertainty continues to weigh on XRP’s price, currently down 33% from its local high.
The New Chairman Might Soon Take the Helm
Contrary to the closed or paused cases between the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and numerous crypto entities, the legal battle against Ripple remains unresolved. The topic is among the most discussed in the space, and as such, it has become the subject of multiple speculations.
Most recently, some X users have raised hopes that the eventual appointment of Paul Atkins as the regulator’s new Chairman could contribute to a favorable resolution for Ripple.
The American, nominated by US President Donald Trump, is reportedly scheduled for a committee hearing on March 27. The Senate will then vote on his appointment, and if confirmed, he will become the next leader of the SEC.
Atkins is known for his pro-crypto stance, which might explain why XRP proponents are awaiting his arrival at the scene. He has also previously criticized the SEC for its approach toward the digital asset industry. Speaking on a podcast in 2023, Atkins claimed that the FTX crisis became an “international debacle” because the agency didn’t enforce a clear regulatory framework for the sector.
An Outcome in Less Than a Month?
Not long ago, American attorney Fred Rispoli also put his name on the list of people expecting a resolution in the short term. He claimed that Ripple and the SEC might reach a mutual agreement before April 16 (a date that marks the firm’s scheduled filing of their appellate brief).
For her part, Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terrett revealed that she has inside information that the lawsuit “is in the process of wrapping up and could be over soon.”
According to her sources, the SEC had been thoroughly examining the tussle and is now “seemingly unsure” whether Ripple violated any rules. Recall that Judge Torres found that the company’s institutional sales of XRP tokens breached federal securities laws and ordered a fine of $125 million.
The Delay Isn’t Helping XRP
Some market observers believe the ongoing case is among the obstacles preventing Ripple’s native token from launching a new bull run.
The US lawyer Bill Morgan shared a similar thesis, warning the community that the continued uncertainty about the case’s outcome may “exert a negative pressure” on XRP.
Currently, the asset’s price is hovering around $2.25 (per CoinGecko’s data), a 33% decline from the local top of almost $3.40 registered in mid-January.
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