In today’s edition: D3, Identity Digital, Variational, Uniswap Labs, Across.
D3 Global, a next-gen internet infrastructure company developing the first authoritative domain network, on Wednesday announced a strategic registry partnership with Identity Digital, a leader in connecting the online world with domain names and related technologies. The partnership aims to tokenize new domains for billions of users on the Domain Name System (DNS) to deliver interoperability Web2 and Web3. D3 is also launching two new programs to expand the ecosystem, the D3 Developer Program and the D3 Proof of Ownership Protocol Program, which will support efforts to bridge Web2 and Web3 systems.”
Variational, a protocol enabling leveraged peer-to-peer trading for customizable crypto derivatives, announced Wednesday it has secured $10.3 million in seed funding. The round was co-led by Bain Capital Crypto and Peak XV Partners (FKA Sequoia India) with support from Coinbase Ventures, Dragonfly Capital, North Island Ventures, HackVC, Brevan Howard, and many other VCs, angel investors, and industry leaders.
Uniswap Labs has integrated Across’s intent-based bridging to enable secure, fast transfers of ETH, stablecoins and WBTC across nine chains – all within the Uniswap app. According to the team: “Doing so, Uniswap Labs and Across are laying the groundwork for any-asset to any-asset swapping. The upcoming ERC-7683 standard, co-authored by Uniswap Labs and Across, will further help unify the Ethereum ecosystem by standardizing how cross-chain interactions are expressed as Intents.”
Mantra, an institutional-grade layer 1 blockchain for tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), announced the official launch of its mainnet. According to the team: “As a purpose-built layer-1 blockchain specifically designed to integrate traditional finance with blockchain technology, the Mantra Chain mainnet aims to quickly become the preferred ledger of record for RWAs. The Mantra Chain mainnet consists of a customizable suite of tools that is built with reliable network security and regulatory compliance at heart.”
BlockFills, a digital-asset technology and trading firm for institutions and professional traders, has appointed Amy Shelly as chief financial officer (CFO). According to the team: “The firm is preparing to launch international offices, expand the BlockFills product offering and position itself for major growth in the institutional digital assets space. Shelly has 30+ years of financial services management experience, including six years as CFO for the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC), the world’s largest equity derivatives clearing organization. A licensed CPA, Shelly has garnered numerous recognitions.” Separately, founding partner Neil Van Huis was promoted to chief strategy officer.
GOAT Network announced the launch of Founders Club, a program designed to empower individuals and teams to contribute to the development and growth of GOAT Network. According to the team: “Founders will have the opportunity to participate in key tracks, collaborate on projects and become valued members of the GOAT ecosystem. Members can choose between three distinct tracks tailored to different stages of project development, from ideation to adoption. In addition, GOAT Network’s testnet is now live for builders and developers.”
Protocol Village is a regular feature of The Protocol, our weekly newsletter exploring the tech behind crypto, one block at a time. Sign up here to get it in your inbox every Wednesday. Project teams can submit updates here. For previous versions of Protocol Village, please go here.