Berkeley, CA Developing Own Cryptocurrency And Accompanying ICO 254

In attempts to establish more financial independence from the Trump administration, Berkeley, California is in the preliminary stages of launching its own cryptocurrency.

The coins would be backed by municipal bonds — a security that local governments issue in order to pay for public projects — and distributed using blockchain (the technology that underpins cryptocurrencies). Considering that cryptocurrencies are known for large price fluctuations, officials hope that this use of bonds will discourage the speculation that often leads to sudden spikes and dips.

According to Business Insider, the city could become the first in the nation to hold an initial coin offering (ICO), the process through which cryptocurrency tokens are distributed in exchange for investments. By attracting investors through an ICO, the city hopes to raise funds to assist in efforts combatting homelessness and its affordable housing shortage. There’s also a chance residents could use these coins for goods and services in the city, although that is presently a bit of a challenge — businesses like Steam and Stripe have been unable to secure the use of cryptocurrencies for payments in the past.

Generally speaking, ICOs are facing some apprehension from authorities and regulators. The largely unregulated sector has, in some cases, permitted scammers to take advantage of amateur investors with Ponzi schemes, unrealistic promises, and other types of fraud. However, as noted, Berkeley officials seem to hope the institutional backing of municipal bonds will bestow their ICO with legitimacy.

City councilmember Ben Bartlett, who has been leading the ICO effort, characterizes the project as a form of resistance: “The Trump administration has devoted untold resources and energy to divide us and tear us apart using race, gender, fear, jingoism, xenophobia, and capital,” he told Slate Magazine. “In order to resist we’re going to have to finance it ourselves.”

Berkeley has struggled with many Trump administration policies, especially the new tax bill, which removes incentives for businesses to build more affordable housing in the area. As Business Insider notes, current estimates suggest that the tax code may diminish the future supply of affordable housing by almost 235,000 homes in the next decade.

Bartlett describes a three-part committee that is currently drawing up the blueprints for the ICO. The city government, represented by Bartlett and Mayor Jesse Arreguin, is providing policy guidance. Neighborly, an online municipal bond platform, is assisting with infrastructure and underwriting. And the UC Berkeley Blockchain Lab is conceptualizing the technology.

Though the plan is still in its preliminary stages, and the committee won’t release the full details of the project until this Spring, Bartlett seems optimistic about the success of this unprecedented endeavor: “We innovated recycling and solar here [in California]. We pride ourselves on our frontier mentality,” he said.

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Yoroi Wallet Users Will Unlock ADA Rewards When Shopping Via Upcoming Bring Integration 32

Yoroi Wallet, a premier Cardano ecosystem light wallet, and Bring, the first white-label crypto cashback platform, are announcing a collaboration to introduce a new way to passively accumulate ADA via shopping-based rewards. This collaboration will unite the world of blockchain and real-world retailers, allowing users to earn “cashback” in ADA, Cardano’s native cryptocurrency, for shopping with over 775 global retailers.

This upcoming integration will offer Yoroi users rewarding opportunities from various top-tier brands, including Vaio, JBL, StockX, Samsonite, and Nubul. Users can shop using their credit card or any other payment method and earn up to 10% cashback in ADA. This integration offers a truly seamless, rewarding experience, demonstrating how blockchain can be a part of everyday shopping for the next billion crypto investors. With a simple click of a button on the wallet popup, the user will receive ADA cashback for his credit card purchase.

Vineeth Bhuvanagiri, a Managing Director at EMURGO, said, “Our collaboration with Bring is an exciting development in the world of crypto rewards, creating a new avenue for Yoroi Wallet’s ADA holders to benefit from their assets through qualified shopping purchases at some of the most recognized brand names.”

“Collaborating with Yoroi is a key step toward expanding the reach of our platform and offering users more value,” said Meir (Iri) Zohar, CEO of Bring. “Together, we are unlocking the potential of blockchain technology for mainstream users, making it easier to earn and spend ADA in real-world transactions. We believe this collaboration will accelerate the adoption of Cardano within the retail sector.”

This breakthrough has been made possible, in part, by the support of the Cardano Catalyst program, which provided a grant to fund Bring’s expansion into the Cardano ecosystem, enabling the platform’s continued growth and innovation. The Catalyst program empowers projects that bring blockchain technology closer to mainstream adoption; this new business alliance is a testament to that vision.

The Bring integration in Yoroi marks an essential milestone in the evolution of the Cardano ecosystem. It connects it with the real world in a way that benefits both users and retailers. As blockchain adoption grows, this collaboration will serve as a model for how decentralized technology can be seamlessly integrated into traditional commerce.

The future of ADA just became even more rewarding. The integration is expected to go live later this year.

About EMURGO

EMURGO is a blockchain technology company and a founding entity of the Cardano blockchain that provides products and services to drive the adoption of Cardano’s Web3 ecosystem. Originally established in Japan, EMURGO exists to facilitate commercial growth of the Cardano ecosystem and unlock the full potential of the ecosystem through partnerships, investments, education, and infrastructure development.

To connect and learn more, visit https://emurgo.io.

About Bring

Bring is the creator of the world’s first white-label crypto cashback service for web3 wallets and exchanges. By partnering with Bring, wallets and exchanges offer their users to earn a variety of cryptocurrencies, in the form of cashback, from 775+ retailers in fashion, electronics, jewelry, travel, software, home decor, beauty, and more.

Ape On Launches Innovative Token Locking for Secure Project Launches on Solana 32

Ape On, the most secure and efficient token launch platform, is reshaping decentralized finance (DeFi) on the Solana blockchain. With its unique token locking feature powered by Jupiter Lock, Ape On is designed to provide unmatched security and transparency, making it the best and safest way to launch and buy tokens in the crypto space.

Token Locking for Enhanced Transparency

Ape On offers a revolutionary token locking mechanism that allows project creators to lock their tokens for a designated period, ensuring that investors are protected from early token dumps. This powerful feature builds long-term trust between creators and the community, making Ape On the safest platform for investors to participate in early-stage projects. With token locking, investors can confidently engage in projects knowing their investments are secure.

“As the most trusted platform for launching and buying tokens, Ape On sets a new standard in the Solana ecosystem,” said Joe George, CMO of Ape On. “Our token locking feature guarantees that creators are committed, while investors have the peace of mind that their assets are protected from potential market manipulation.”

Addressing Solana’s DeFi Needs

As DeFi continues to evolve, Solana’s low transaction fees and high-speed processing make it an ideal environment for innovative platforms like Ape On. However, despite its technical strengths, Solana’s ecosystem needs secure, transparent investment methods to encourage long-term participation and project stability. Ape On’s token lock and transparent launch process fill this gap by promoting fairness and trust in the growing Solana ecosystem.

“Ape On is more than just a token launchpad—it’s a secure, community-driven platform that ensures both creators and investors are protected,,” George added. “We’re proud to be the safest and best place to launch and buy tokens in the entire crypto market.”

Additional Platform Features

Badge System for Transparency: Ape On introduces a badge system that provides clear project status updates, offering investors easy-to-understand indicators for assessing a project’s reliability.
Influencer and Creator Rewards: Ape On also incentivizes influencers and creators, sharing 20% of liquidity provider rewards with influencers who help onboard users to the platform, and 10% with token creators.
Cost-Effective and Fast Launches: With Solana’s low transaction costs, Ape On makes launching tokens fast and affordable for creators, ensuring a smooth deployment process within seconds.

Mainnet Launch on 20th October

Ape On is set to go live on mainnet on October 20th, with RPC infrastructure powered by Heliuslabs, locked and ready for the big day. The platform’s debut on mainnet marks the beginning of a new chapter in secure token launches on Solana.

About Ape On

Ape On is a next-generation platform on the Solana blockchain, offering the best and safest way to launch and buy tokens. With its Jupiter-powered token locking mechanism, Ape On provides security and transparency, setting the gold standard for token launches in DeFi. By focusing on long-term stability and community trust, Ape On fosters growth in the crypto ecosystem.

Building connections in the Web3 world: How Homnifi empowers community 35

In the digital age, building strong communities has taken on new meaning. The rise of Web3 and blockchain technologies is changing how people connect, share, and collaborate across borders. Homnifi, a platform aimed at amplifying the impact of these technologies, has taken community-building a step further by rewarding users who bring others into the fold.

But beyond the rewards lies a deeper connection—a shared sense of purpose and the power of a growing network.

The power of community

Human beings are naturally inclined to form connections. Whether it’s through shared interests, goals, or experiences, communities are built and thrive when people come together. In the context of Web3, this sense of community is even more vital. The decentralized nature of blockchain means that each participant has a role in increasing the value of the network on its way to success.

Homnifi taps into this dynamic by encouraging users to invite others to join the platform through a balanced reward system.

But why is this important? At its core, a strong community enhances the value of any network. The more people who participate, the more robust the network becomes. In the context of Homnifi, every new user who joins strengthens the platform, making it more valuable and resilient.

The psychology behind rewards

Homnifi’s referral program is a reflection of the platform’s commitment to building a thriving global community – a community that’s not bound by borders but connected through the power of blockchain.

When users manage to invite others into the community, they are rewarded—not just with incentives but with the satisfaction of contributing to a larger cause. This taps into a fundamental aspect of human psychology: the desire to belong and to see the impact of one’s actions.

By rewarding referrals, Homnifi encourages users to share their positive experiences with others. It’s a gateway to sharing a unique opportunity to be part of something bigger. When users feel appreciated and see tangible benefits from their contributions, they are more likely to remain engaged and continue to support the community.

Connecting the world without boundaries

One of the most powerful things about blockchain technology is its ability to connect people across the globe without the need for intermediaries. Homnifi leverages this capability to create a platform where users can interact, share ideas, and collaborate without the usual barriers of geography or language.

Through the distributed nature of blockchain, Homnifi fosters an inclusive and accessible community. Users can connect with others who share their interests, no matter where they are in the world. This global reach is what makes Homnifi’s blockchain-based platform so powerful. Not only does it enable the creation of more opportunities in the digital space, but it also makes those opportunities available to all, regardless of their location, educational attainment, or economic background.

Final thoughts

Homnifi’s approach to community-building through rewarding referrals is a testament to the power of connection in the Web3 era. By tapping into the psychology of rewards and taking advantage of the positive effects of network building, Homnifi is creating a platform where users feel valued and empowered to contribute to something larger than themselves. In a world where digital interactions often feel fabricated and impersonal, Homnifi is building bridges that connect people across boundaries, creating a vibrant and inclusive community in the process.

About Homnifi

Homnifi is a dynamic and secure digital platform that enables a 360-degree experience of the world of web3. It provides easy access to the evolving digital space through its wide spectrum of solutions, simplifying the user journey and making web3 available to everyone.

Discover Homnifi’s full suite of hardware and software solutions by visiting their website at https://homnifi.com/.

Drop Protocol Secures $4M in Seed Round Led by CoinFund 36

Today, Drop Protocol, a liquid staking protocol for Interchain assets and an inaugural member of the Lido Alliance, successfully closed a $4 million seed funding round. The round was led by CoinFund, with additional backing from CMS Holdings, Anagram, Interop Ventures, Cosmostation, and others. Notable angel investors include Vasiliy Shapovalov (Co-founder of Lido DAO), Mustafa Al-Bassam (Co-founder of Celestia Labs), and Jon Kol (CEO of Abacus Labs, a core contributor to Hyperlane). The Drop team is led by former Lido and P2P contributors, and the protocol is built as an Integrated Application on Neutron.

As a liquid staking app, when users stake with Drop, they receive dAssets, which are receipt tokens representing a staked position. For example, if a user stakes ATOM with Drop, they receive dATOM. dAssets auto-compound staking rewards and can be used throughout the Drop ecosystem to earn additional yield. Drop has a security-obsessed culture. Drop’s modular smart contract architecture, built as an Integrated Application on Neutron, contributes to the overall security of the protocol.

Since its launch, Drop has attracted over 10,000 unique users and enabled $20M worth of digital assets to be deployed across different dApps and DeFi opportunities. As a member of the Lido Alliance, Drop enjoys access to distribution, liquidity, networking opportunities, and strategic and technical insights via Lido, positioning it ahead of other Interchain liquid staking providers.

In recent years, the Interchain, a network of blockchains connected by IBC, has grown tremendously and given rise to some of the industry’s most important technologies. However, the equivalent of billions of dollars in digital assets securing these blockchains remains locked and unusable. Drop’s mission is to strengthen the economic viability of sovereign blockchain economies by transforming previously stagnant, unproductive digital assets into flowing streams of opportunity.

Unlike Ethereum’s thriving decentralized economy whereby ~30% of all staked ETH is liquid staked and deployed productively across dApps, liquid staked assets on major Interchain networks such as Celestia and Cosmos Hub make up less than 2% of all staked assets.

“Blockchain technology will play a fundamental role in the future of Internet products and services, and tomorrow’s blockchain economies won’t be built on the back of static, unproductive assets as they are today. The future is liquid, and with the support of Drop’s robust partner network, we’re accelerating toward it,” said Mitya Argunov, co-founder of Drop Protocol.

“Drop is bringing modularity to Interchain security by allowing staked collateral to trade freely. This creates more adaptable blockchain ecosystems and brings in the native security economy of an IBC chain into its application ecosystem. Lido DAO token holders have signaled their endorsement of the project and its potential to grow stETH adoption outside of Ethereum, by building with assets on IBC that bring similar benefits to their own domains. The initiative underscores Lido Alliance and Drop’s commitment to advancing decentralization across the Web3 industry,” said ADCV, a Contributor at Lido DAO.

With Drop, users can auto-compound staking rewards while retaining the ability to deploy their assets in various dApps for additional yield and benefits, earn DROP rewards, remain eligible for airdrops, support ecosystem growth, and exit their position at any time. As a result, Interchain dApps benefit from new users and asset inflow, while networks benefit from increased economic activity without sacrificing network security.

Investor quotes:

“CoinFund is proud to back Drop as it brings capital efficiency to the Interchain, making billions of dollars eligible to flow into DeFi. Modular chains require higher staking participation to ensure security but that shouldn’t come at a cost to their ecosystem. Mitya is a talented and ambitious founder, and we’re looking forward to witnessing the team empower the growth of interchain DeFi,” said Alex Felix, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner at CoinFund.

“CMS is excited to back Drop Protocol as they work to bring liquid staking to the Cosmos and Celestia ecosystems. Drop’s cross-chain approach aligns with our own chain-agnostic posture, and we look forward to supporting Drop as they continue to build,” said Tucker Watson, Head of Investment Analysis at CMS Holdings.

For more information on Drop, visit drop.money.

About Drop

Drop is a secure liquid staking protocol focused on strengthening the economic viability of Interchain economies by transforming stagnant, frozen assets into flowing streams of opportunity. Built as an Integrated Application on Neutron, Drop’s smart contract architecture leverages the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol and Neutron’s Interchain Transactions (ICTX) and Interchain Queries (ICQ) modules, enabling the protocol to provide trust-minimized liquid staking services and scale with minimal additional overhead and risk.

About CoinFund

CoinFund is one of the world’s first cryptonative investment firms and a registered investment adviser founded in 2015. The firm champions the leaders of the new internet, powered by foresight as active investors to achieve extraordinary outcomes. CoinFund invests in seed, venture, and liquid opportunities within the blockchain sector with a focus on digital assets, decentralization technologies, and key enabling infrastructure. For more information, visit www.coinfund.io.

About Neutron

Neutron is the Integrated Application network that couples access to powerful appchain infrastructure with the development speed, cost efficiency, and composability of smart contracts. Built with the Cosmos SDK and native support for CosmWasm, it enables developers to create smart contracts affordably and securely with high interoperability across apps and chains.

About the Lido Alliance Framework

The Lido Alliance Framework is an initiative by the Lido DAO that supports and endorses protocols aimed at decentralizing Ethereum validation.

Paxos Plans Expansion to Stellar Network in Collaboration with Stellar Development Foundation 46

Today at Meridian 2024 – the annual conference of Stellar – Paxos announced it will integrate with the Stellar network, an open-source blockchain used for a variety of payment and remittance applications. This represents another expansion of Paxos’ tokenization platform to a trusted and growing blockchain.

The collaboration between Paxos and Stellar will further facilitate institutional adoption of stablecoins issued by prudentially regulated institutions. Institutional adoption of these stablecoins is a crucial component of achieving wide scale use and utility of digital dollars. Enterprises and institutions need safe, compliant and trustworthy tokens in order to engage with the open economy.

Onstage, Paxos CEO and Co-Founder Charles Cascarilla commented, “We are excited to partner with Stellar to make trustworthy stablecoins more accessible to global institutions. Stablecoins will revolutionize the global financial system and open access to people around the world. This collaboration will accelerate adoption of stablecoins by users around the world.”

Denelle Dixon, Chief Executive Officer of the Stellar Development Foundation, added, “As a trusted, regulated financial institution, Paxos is an exciting addition to the Stellar ecosystem and we look forward to working with them to increase the adoption of tokenized assets. The Stellar network is a leader in tokenization because of its speed, low-cost, and its powerful, built-in features and controls.”

Paxos’ highly regulated approach ensures that its tokenization offerings comply with financial regulations in each region of operation. With trust and credibility built into its platform, Paxos supports leading enterprises and institutions with their tokenization and digital asset infrastructure needs.

Paxos plans to bring assets to the Stellar network by late 2024.

About Paxos

Paxos is the leading regulated blockchain infrastructure and tokenization platform. Its products are the foundation for a new, open financial system that can operate faster and more efficiently. Today, trillions of dollars are locked in inefficient, outdated financial plumbing that is inaccessible to millions of people. Paxos is replatforming the financial system to enable assets to instantaneously move anywhere in the world, at any time, in a trustworthy way.

Paxos partners with leading global enterprises to tokenize, custody and trade assets. Its blockchain solutions are used by leaders like PayPal, Interactive Brokers, Mastercard, Mercado Libre and Nubank. Paxos is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York Department of Financial Services and is the issuer of numerous digital assets including PayPal USD (PYUSD), Pax Dollar (USDP) and Pax Gold (PAXG). Its regulated affiliate company Paxos International issues the yield-bearing stablecoin Lift Dollar (USDL). Prudentially regulated by the NYDFS in the US, the MAS in Singapore and FSRA in Abu Dhabi Global Market, Paxos is a top-funded fintech company with more than $540 million raised from leading investors including Oak HC/FT, Declaration Partners, Founders Fund, Mithril Capital and PayPal Ventures.

Comet Space Unveils Poomb Creatures: A Web2 + Web3 Game with Tap-to-Earn 2.0 and Physical Mining Toy 49

Comet Space, an international game development company, publisher, and investor, proudly launches its flagship Web3 game, Poomb Creatures, a groundbreaking project combining Web2 and Web3 technologies with innovative Tap-to-Earn 2.0 mechanics.

Poomb Creatures: The New Standard in Blockchain Gaming

Poomb Creatures is more than a game—it’s an evolving ecosystem, blending the best of casual gaming with blockchain technology. With fully secured funding, Poomb Creatures promises a stable and reliable experience for players, differentiating itself from typical blockchain games that rely heavily on market volatility.

Bridging Web2 and Web3 with Seamless Integration

One of the core strengths of Poomb Creatures is its Web2 and Web3 integration, allowing players to log in via email or social media, participate in the gaming world without needing to interact directly with cryptocurrency, yet still have the option to earn, mint NFTs, and trade through the game’s advanced blockchain infrastructure.

Tap-to-Earn 2.0 and the Physical Toy Revolution

Poomb Creatures introduces the world’s first Tap-to-Earn 2.0 system through its Mining Machine, a physical toy that brings real-world value into gameplay. This innovative device allows users to farm COGA tokens—the in-game currency—by tapping their toy at scheduled intervals. Limited to 600 units, the Poomb Mining Machine is set to redefine gaming, offering unique mining opportunities tied to real-world assets. Pre-orders are expected in Q4 2024, with no future restocks planned.

From Pre-Launch to Global Success

The game launched with a highly successful Telegram Pre-Launch, rewarding early users with 150,000 COGA tokens. Since then, the Poomb Creatures Telegram Clicker Game has gained significant traction, allowing players to earn additional tokens by completing tasks like inviting friends and following the project’s social channels.

Coming Soon to App Store and Google Play

Poomb Creatures will soon be available on both iOS and Android platforms, with the full launch set for December 2024. Players will enjoy AI-powered Tamagotchi-style pets, multiple mini-games (including PvP runners and battles), and an NFT marketplace, offering extensive opportunities for engagement and rewards.

AI Integration in Poomb Creatures

The game features two core AI advancements:

  • Talking Poomb Pet, which helps onboard new users through interactive character dialogue.
  • Poomb School, a built-in tutorial for understanding cryptocurrency, designed to help players maximize their in-game earnings and better navigate the blockchain world.

COGA Token: The Core of the Ecosystem

The COGA token serves as the backbone of Poomb Creatures and other Comet Space projects (link). Built on the TON and Solana blockchains, it offers high scalability, ensuring long-term stability for players and investors.

Upcoming Token Presales

Three stages of token presales are planned: two private rounds followed by a public sale on Launchpad. COGA token listings on major exchanges are set to roll out by Q1 2025, creating opportunities for early investors to be part of the ecosystem’s rapid growth.

NFT Marketplace and Mining Opportunities

Players can engage in NFT trading, purchase in-game assets, and exchange COGA tokens for in-game currency. The NFT marketplace is set to launch in Q1 2025. The Poomb Mining Machine offers a unique mining experience, allowing users to mine COGA tokens while playing the game.

About Comet Space

Comet Space is an international game development company specializing in mobile, Web3, and AI-based projects. As a publisher and investor, Comet Space focuses on shaping the future of blockchain-based entertainment through innovative, next-gen digital products.