The most discussed topic this week is The Merge of Ethereum – the second-biggest blockchain. In addition, we see many successes in cooperation, supporting the development of metaverse, Web3 and NFTs.
Starbucks taps Polygon for its ‘Starbucks® Odyssey’ Web3 experience
Sep 12, Starbucks Coffee Company announced that they are working with Polygon for the blockchain technology to build Starbucks Odyssey. This new Web3-powered experience will allow Starbucks Rewards loyalty program members and Starbucks partners (employees) in the United States. In detail, they allow customers to earn and purchase digital collectible stamps in the form of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). This also promises unlocking access to immersive coffee experiences from unique merchandise and artist collaborations to invitations to exclusive events.
NFT Doodles project raised $54 million and is valued at $704 million
Doodles, the company behind the popular pastel-colored profile picture NFT collection, said Tuesday it had raised $54 million. The round is led by Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian’s VC firm, Seven Seven Six (776), that values Doodles at $704 million. Besides, other investors contributing funds were 10T Holdings, Acrew Capital, and FTX Ventures.
The Ethereum Merge is done, opening a new era for the second-biggest blockchain
The Ethereum Merge is a network update to transition Ethereum from proof of work (PoW) to a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. There is an expected 99% reduction in energy costs associated with processing Ethereum transactions. The merge has transitioned operations off the current Ethereum Mainnet to the new Ethereum Beacon Chain.
Binance project teams up with Google Cloud for Web3 push
BNB Chain, the smart contract blockchain project of Binance, has announced a strategic collaboration with Google Cloud to support Web3 and blockchain startups. The partnership enables BNB Chain users to use Google’s cloud infrastructure as well as its analysis services and encryption of on-chain data. Builders will be connected to technical subject matter experts at Google who specialize in AI, machine learning, and data analytics. They will also be able to participate in Web3 developer workshops and receive access to Google Cloud Skills Boost training and certification.
NEAR Foundation launches $100 million VC fund and lab for web3
Swiss non-profit the NEAR Foundation launched a $100 million venture capital fund & venture lab for web3, it announced on Monday. The VC fund will aim to bring in $100 million during seed to Series A funding rounds. The Venture Lab will focus on attracting creators, talent and franchise owners to build the next generation of web3 platforms and applications.