UAE based DWF Labs, the new generation crypto market maker and investor announced the launch of their $250 million Liquid Fund to accelerate the adoption and expansion of mid and large cap crypto projects.

As per the announcement, the firm already invested over $11 million into promising blockchain projects and will sign two major investment deals worth $25 million and $10 million as part of this $250 million Liquid Fund, with more announcements coming up in the pipeline.

This initiative aligns with DWF Labs’ commitment to supercharge real growth in the wider crypto landscape, with investment sizes ranging from $10 million to $50 million per project. The fund will provide strategic crypto venture capital and ecosystem support, ensuring sustainable growth for projects that drive real-world adoption and help promote change in the industry.

Unlike traditional investments, each deal will also include a full-scale ecosystem growth strategy tailored to the needs of the project. This includes, stablecoin TVL and Ecosystem Expansion, Supporting liquidity and DeFi activity for L1/L2 networks. It will also include lending markets development, PR and Brand amplification, and comprehensive GTM strategy.

“Through this fund, we are doubling down on our mission to accelerate Web3 innovation and adoption,” said Andrei Grachev, Managing Partner at DWF Labs. “We believe that strategic capital, coupled with hands-on ecosystem development, is the key to unlocking the next wave of growth for the industry.”

Avalanche Blockchain, has joined the new Web3 ecosystem in Dubai UAE, TheBlock, whose membership targets startups and enterprises alike. TheBlock is bringing together an array of experts, investors, and innovators to accelerate Web3 initiatives and foster industry-wide growth. As per their website their experts include regulators, innovators, and enterprises in a single collaborative framework to accelerate Web3 adoption.

Avalanche is not the first entity to join. So far members include Dubai World Trade Center, Realiz, Polymesh, Fuze, BlackLane, Crystal, Vero, and Black Manta Capital Partners.

Avalanche has become the first Apex member of TheBlock, marking a key development in the expansion of blockchain technology within the region.

TheBlock provides blockchain companies with the resources, regulatory guidance, and strategic partnerships necessary to establish and expand their presence in the UAE. By offering tailored membership programs and direct access to investors, developers, and regulators, TheBlock facilitates business growth within the Middle East’s evolving digital asset landscape.

Avalanche is recognized for its high-performance blockchain infrastructure, offering exceptional speed, scalability, and security. With near-instant transaction finality and cost-efficient solutions, Avalanche is enabling the development of real-world applications that scale effectively.

Prior to TheBlock, Dubai notably had Crypto Oasis as one of the pioneering Web3 ecosystems based out of DMCC. There is also the recent Blockchain Abu Dhabi Center in Abu Dhabi as well.

As the world races toward a decentralized future, the Unchained Summit 2025 is set to take center stage in Dubai, hosting what promises to be a transformative gathering for the Web 3.0 ecosystem. Scheduled for April 28th and 29th at the luxurious Kempinski Central Avenue, this upcoming crypto conference in Dubai aims to redefine the global impact of blockchain technology, decentralized finance (DeFi), and the broader Web 3.0 landscape.

Tuesday, 11 March 2025, UAE: Organized by Aeternum, a rising B2B events company specializing in emerging tech, the Unchained Summit is poised to unite over 1,500 attendees, including visionaries, investors, developers, and policymakers; to spark meaningful dialogues, catalyze innovation with the help of curated topics and one-on-one networking.

The global momentum for crypto regulation and adoption is stronger than ever. Following major policy discussions, including the recent White House Crypto Summit featuring industry leaders, Unchained Summit will further drive the conversation by uniting the ecosystem’s top minds in Dubai.

The summit’s lineup features prominent figures from the Web 3.0 ecosystem, including:

• Greg Scanlon, VP Quantitative Blockchain, Franklin Templeton Digital Assets
• May Zabaneh, VP of Product – Blockchain, Crypto & Digital Currencies, PayPal
• Richard Muirhead, Chairman & Managing Partner, Fabric Ventures
• Rushi Manche, Co-Founder and Lead Architect, Movement Labs
• Jack Platts, Co-Founder, Hypersphere Ventures
• Shuyao Kong, Co-Founder, MegaETH, among others.

Martin de Rijke, one of the speakers attending the event, said, “Maple Finance is transforming institutional credit in crypto, providing a scalable on-chain infrastructure for transparent and efficient lending. As Head of Growth, I lead Maple’s expansion by forging strategic partnerships and scaling adoption among institutional borrowers and lenders. At Unchained Summit Dubai, I will share insights on the evolving credit landscape in crypto, the role of on-chain finance in institutional markets, and what’s next for decentralized lending.”

Among the attending organizations is Mesh, a platform that facilitates crypto transactions by integrating with over 300 exchanges and wallets. Bam Azizi, CEO and Founder of Mesh, commented, “Just as the internet transformed communication and commerce, crypto is shaping the future of payments. I look forward to engaging with the industry leaders, investors, and companies that will shape the financial system of our future. This is the time to create scalable, consumer-ready solutions and I can’t think of many places better than the Unchained Summit to have these discussions.”

The event’s structure prioritizes networking, with dedicated lounges, curated topics, fireside chats led by Founders and Investors, and an exclusive afterparty where attendees can unwind and forge partnerships. Over 300 investors are expected to attend, representing venture capital firms and funds eager to back Web 3.0 projects. For startups, the summit offers a rare chance to secure funding and mentorship in a single setting. For seasoned professionals, the event provides a platform to explore reconnect with the Crypto community, alongside learn from trends like asset tokenization, decentralized AI, and the intersection of Web 3.0 with traditional finance.

Sharath Kumar, Founder and CEO of Aeternum, organizer of Unchained Summit, said: “Unchained Summit distinguishes itself with a highly curated attendee profile, ensuring the presence of key decision-makers from across the Web 3.0 ecosystem. With a strategic focus on connecting VCs, crypto-focused hedge funds, and institutional investors with the most promising emerging projects, the summit aims to facilitate meaningful engagement beyond conventional networking. This will be achieved through pre-arranged one-on-one meetings, targeted investor introductions conducted in the lead-up to the event, and continued engagement opportunities post-event, positioning Unchained as a premier platform for high-value connections and strategic partnerships.”

Trescon’s flagship event, HODL 2025 (formerly World Blockchain Summit), the world’s longest-running crypto and web3 summit series, is set to return to Dubai at the Madinat Jumeirah, on 14-15 May, 2025 bringing together 5,000 Web3 innovators and investors.

The event will showcase cutting-edge advancements in blockchain, crypto, DeFi, and digital assets, offering unparalleled networking and business opportunities in one of the world’s most forward-thinking tech hubs. HODL 2025 will host leading blockchain pioneers, crypto innovators, top-tier investors, and government representatives, making it the most anticipated Web3 business conference in the region. Designed to facilitate serious deal-making, strategic partnerships, and high-value networking, HODL is where ground-breaking ideas meet real-world implementation.

With its focus on institutional blockchain adoption, investment opportunities, regulatory frameworks, and next-generation DeFi models, HODL has built a reputation as the go-to event for C-suite executives, venture capitalists, and blockchain innovators seeking tangible business outcomes.

Speaking on the significance of HODL, Mohammed Saleem, Chairman and Founder of Trescon, emphasised: “HODL 2025 will be the ultimate convergence of blockchain leaders, investors, and innovators, setting the stage for breakthrough ideas and partnerships that will shape the future of Web3. This is where the next generation of blockchain businesses will be built.”

Adding to this, Corbin Fraser, CEO of Bitcoin.com and a speaker at the Summit, highlighted Web3’s role in driving innovation and advancing the crypto economy, “Builders are breakwaters, turning volatility into crypto stability.”

Joining Corbin Fraser at the summit, the distinguished lineup of speakers includes:

Roger Bayston, Executive Vice President Head of Digital Assets, Franklin Templeton

Viktor Fischer, Managing Partner, RockawayX

Jigar Patel, Global Head of FinTech & Internet, Morgan Stanley

Katherine Dowling, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer, Bitwise Asset Management

Gracy Chen, CEO, Bitget

Jason Allegrante, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Fireblocks

Sumit Gupta, CEO, COINDCX

Teddy Liu, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, JINGDONG Coinlink Technology Hong Kong Limited

Vijay Tirathrai, Managing Director & Regional Head of MENAPT, TechstarsRonit Ghose, Global Head – Future of Finance, Citi Global Insights

Backed by industry leaders, HODL 2025 is set to drive the future of Web3 and blockchain innovation. The event is proudly supported by leading sponsors, including Gofaizen & Sherle (Gold Sponsor), Sky Gate Network, and FMCPAY (Bronze Sponsors).

Dubai is set to host Unchained Summit 2025, a highly curated gathering of leaders and innovators in Web 3. Scheduled for April 28 – 29, 2025, at Kempinski Central Avenue, the summit will serve as a platform for in-depth discussions and meaningful connections, bringing together key voices influencing the evolution of Web 3.0 globally.

Dubai has established itself as a hub for Web 3.0, driven by a proactive regulatory framework and a growing ecosystem of innovators. With clear policies supporting blockchain development and oversight from entities like the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), the city has become a key destination for Web 3.0 companies looking to scale globally.

Unlike large-scale conferences that prioritize hype, Unchained Summit is designed for high-value, strategic networking. It brings together key decision-makers and curated investor-startup connections, ensuring that emerging Web 3.0 projects engage directly with leading VCs actively seeking new ventures.

Beyond networking, the summit features high-impact discussions on institutional adoption, regulation, blockchain infrastructure, payments, and scaling. Investors gain direct access to promising startups, while builders and innovators connect with industry leaders who understand blockchain’s complexities and are ready to explore solutions that drive real progress.

A Powerhouse Speaker Lineup:

The summit will showcase an impressive lineup of speakers, including:

  • Ronghui Gu, Co-Founder, CertiK
  • Sreeram Kannan, Founder & CEO, EigenLayer
  • Luca Schnetzler, CEO, Pudgy Penguins
  • Katherine Dowling, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer, Bitwise Asset Management
  • Greg Scanlon, VP, Franklin Templeton Digital Assets
  • Yat Siu, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Animoca Brands, and many more.

Unchained Summit will also see participation from major industry players such as Bitwise Asset Management, Franklin Templeton, PayPal, and CertiK, alongside some of the most prominent investors in Web 3.0. Leading venture capital firms, including Fenbushi Capital, Hypersphere Ventures, Lemniscap, and Big Brain Holdings, will be in attendance, actively scouting for high-potential projects and investment opportunities.

Talking about enhancing security protocols in a dynamic landscape, Ronghui Gu, said, “In the fast-evolving blockchain space, security protocols must continuously adapt to emerging threats. Recent incidents, such as the Bybit exploit, underscore the urgent need for proactive risk management. CertiK’s approach — combining continuous monitoring, real-time threat analytics, and rigorous smart contract audits — ensures vulnerabilities are identified and mitigated before they can be exploited. This commitment to dynamic security sets an industry benchmark and offers an interesting topic for discussion at Unchained Summit.”

Sharath Kumar, CEO of Aeternum, organizer of Unchained Summit, emphasized: “April is a buzzing month for Web 3.0, with Dubai hosting numerous events. However, the sheer volume often dilutes quality and impact. At Aeternum, we are committed to standing out by curating an event that connects high-potential startups with serious investors. Unchained Summit prioritizes funding opportunities for new projects, bringing together the region’s most influential VCs, institutional investors, and policymakers. By combining strategic networking with high-impact content, we ensure that founders meet the right backers to accelerate growth and drive real innovation in Web 3.0.”

Tickets to the event are available on the official website: unchainedsummit.com

The DavosWeb3 Roundtable successfully concluded its inaugural gathering in the heart of Davos, where 100 of the brightest minds in Web3 converged to shape the future of decentralized technologies. The event acted as a launchpad for visionary collaborations, groundbreaking insights, and tangible commitments toward building a more inclusive and innovative global ecosystem.

From seasoned blockchain pioneers to emerging Web3 entrepreneurs, delegates engaged in deep discussions on scalability, tokenomics, interoperability, decentralized finance (DeFi), and the evolving role of Web3 in driving economic transformation worldwide. By combining structured networking sessions and interactive roundtables, the roundtable created unprecedented opportunities for participants to forge meaningful connections and partnerships.

Four dynamic roundtables addressed core themes pivotal to the future of decentralization:
Roundtable 1: “Forget Slogans, Can Crypto Coexist with Fiat?”
Thought Leaders: Vikram R Singh, Bibin Babu, Himanshu Gulathi, Olav Chen
This roundtable explored how crypto and fiat could feasibly integrate to bolster financial inclusion, stability, and consumer trust.
Roundtable 2: “Web3 Stops Discussing ‘Use Cases’ During Bull Markets?”
Thought Leaders: Jan Camenisch, John Shipman, Yat Siu, Sandy Carter
Thought Leaders examined the cyclical tendency of the Web3 community to overlook real-world use cases when the market surges, emphasizing the importance of consistent innovation and user adoption beyond speculative hype.
Roundtable 3: “Is Bitcoin Living Up to Satoshi Nakamoto’s Vision?”
Thought Leaders: Aly Madhavji, Kapil Dhiman, Patrick B, Punith B
Experts assessed Bitcoin’s evolution—its core principle of decentralization, security, and trustlessness—while debating how the original vision continues to influence new protocols and financial models.
Roundtable 4: “What Trumponomics Could Mean to Cryptonomics?”
Thought Leaders: Harshal Madnani, Dayakar Reddy, Itay Azaraty, William Bao Bean
A forward-looking discussion on how macroeconomic policies and political shifts might interact with the rapidly evolving crypto landscape, including possible regulatory considerations.
Signing of the Davos Declaration

A highlight of the roundtable was the signing of the Davos Declaration, a pledge and charter affirming the Web3 community’s commitment to innovation, inclusion, sustainability, and integrity. Global Web3 leaders united under this historic document, underscoring a shared vision to nurture responsible growth across decentralized ecosystems.

Founding members of DavosWeb3 unveiled a visionary whitepaper titled “Ushering a New Billion into the Global System: The Next Frontier.” It proposes actionable strategies to accelerate global adoption of decentralized technologies and drive economic inclusion. Copies of the whitepaper will be distributed to media outlets, universities, trade bodies, and industry associations worldwide. To request a copy, please email: contact@davosweb3.com

The event organizers extended their heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, patrons, and delegates who made this landmark event possible. Leading Web3 organizations powering this Roundtable included: Antier, Aptos, DroomDroom, Ecotrader, Flex Ecosystem, Internet Computer (ICP), Kandola Network, OmniFlix, Paycio, Pertin-ant, Quranium, Reflexical, RhinoSpider, Social888, Surge, Syscoin, Unstoppable Domains, Xade Finance, Xai Games.


“The Web3 revolution is here, and DavosWeb3 Roundtable is more than just an event—it’s a movement,” said Ajeet Khurana, founding member of DavosWeb3. “By gathering the most influential minds in Web3, we have collectively charted a course for a future shaped by inclusion, innovation, and integrity.”

The community formed at the Roundtable will continue to collaborate on projects, partnerships, and educational efforts aimed at ushering in the next wave of decentralized solutions. Future events are already being planned to sustain the momentum generated in Davos.


For more information, or to be part of the continuing DavosWeb3 initiatives, please contact: contact@davosweb3.com

Qatar Investment Authority has funded Rasmal Ventures LLC as part of its Fund of Funds Program. The funding is received into Rasmal Venture’s inaugural, home-grown venture capital fund, Rasmal Innovation Fund I LLC, which targets high-performance startups and scales up across a variety of innovative technology sectors, including fintech, B2B SaaS, HealthTech and AI.

Rasmal Innovation Fund I LLC is the first fund announcement as part of QIA’s $1 billion Fund of Funds program announced as open to applicants in February 2024.

To date, the Rasmal Innovation Fund I LLC has closed funding from QIA’s Fund of Funds, corporates, family offices and individual high-net-worth investors with an aim to reach $100 million in investment commitments. The fund is only open to professional investors as defined in QFCRA regulation.

Alexander Wiedmer, Co-Managing Partner of Rasmal Ventures, said, “As the first private VC fund based in Doha, we have forged strong partnerships with leading Qatari institutions to work closely with exceptional founders, stimulate innovation, and meet the region’s unique needs. While still in the early stages of capital deployment, we take pride in our first investments in proprietary tech startups. The trust QIA and our other investors placed in us is a testament to our team’s capabilities and dedication. We will continue to grow our presence across the region and execute our highly selective investment strategy to establish ourselves as a key player in the MENA VC landscape.”

Neom, Saudi Arabia’s futuristic city being built on the shores of the Red Sea has partnered with Saudi Arabian NTDP ( National Technology Development Program) and Outlier Ventures, a global Web3 accelerator, to launch the first Web3 accelerator and the FutureSpark Base Camp Demo Day.

Naif Abu Saida, Director of Web3 at Neom stated in a LinkedIn post, ” The future is here, and it’s powered by Web3.  Since the beginning of our Web3 journey at NEOM, we’ve been working tirelessly to bring innovation to the forefront, and today, we’re proud to unveil the Kingdom’s first Web3 accelerator!”
NEOM, in collaboration with NTDP and, Outlier Ventures, presented FutureSpark Base Camp Demo Day in Riyadh. This event featured nine cutting-edge startups from the local and global Web3 ecosystem, highlighting the talent and innovation shaping the future of technology.

The Demo Day took place on January 20th 2025, Abu Saida noted,” On Monday, we wrapped up an amazing day at the FutureSpark Base Camp Demo Day! The energy in the room was incredible as nine talented startups showcased their hard work and bold ideas. A huge shoutout to the teams for their inspiring presentations and for sharing how they’re breaking new ground in Web3 technology. It’s exciting to see how their innovations could shape the future of the digital world. We’re also deeply thankful to our partners, National Technology Development Program NTDP and Outlier Ventures, for their tremendous effort to make this program a success story.”

According to Abu Saida this is just the beginning. The FutureSpark Base Camp cohort is one of many cohorts to come, supporting Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing Web3 ecosystem and paving the way for more innovation.

Outlier Ventures developed Base Camp Program in KSA

This is not the first program that Outlier Ventures has participated in. In 2024 it announced the launch of its Riyadh KSA Base Camp Program. The Base Camp Program, will start in early September 2024 for a duration of 12 weeks. Investments will reach up to $100,000 to help startups who are accepted relocate to Saudi Arabia. As per Outlier Ventures website, the Riyadh-based program would take the strongest founders across the region’s most promising technology verticals, giving them the resources they need to build industry-defining startups.

Neom partnered with Animoca brands to build solid Web3 infrastructure

In 2024, Animoca Brands and Saudi Arabian NEOM Investment Fund signed a strategic partnership that included a $50 million convertible notes financing from NEOM into Animoca. In early January of 2025, Animoca Brands announced that the next step of the partnership is fast approaching and it includes building a solid web3 infrastructure using innovative technologies.

Allora Network, an AI decentralized network has collaborated with stc Bahrain, a world-class digital enabler, through its Web3 Launchpad Program under the Pearling Path initiative.

As per the blog, the collaboration highlights Allora’s commitment to partnering with leading innovators like stc Bahrain to advance decentralized AI, fostering innovation and growth across the GCC region and beyond.

As part of this collaboration, stc Bahrain will join the Allora Network as a validator node, contributing to the network’s security, reliability, and consensus. By joining the Allora Network as a validator node, stc Bahrain takes on a critical role in bolstering network security and maintaining consensus. This collaboration reflects stc Bahrain’s commitment to harnessing the transformative capabilities of decentralized AI, powered by Allora’s advancements in crowdsourced intelligence, reinforcement learning, and regret minimization.

Allora powers innovative, secure, and decentralized applications, driving cutting-edge protocols and unlocking new use cases for advanced solutions.

Mr. Saad Odeh, Chief Wholesale Officer at stc Bahrain, commented, “At stc Bahrain, we are dedicated to embracing emerging technologies that redefine industries and contribute to Bahrain’s Vision 2030 goals. Allora Network’s cutting-edge AI capabilities are a valuable addition to our Web3 Launchpad Program, further cementing Bahrain’s position as a hub for innovation and digital transformation.”

Nick Emmons, Co-Founder and CEO of Allora Labs, added, “We are thrilled to partner with stc Bahrain under the Web3 Launchpad Program. Their role as a validator node directly strengthens the security, consensus, and reliability of the Allora Network, which is essential for fostering trust and driving growth in decentralized infrastructure. Together, we strive to advance blockchain technology and explore AI innovations within and beyond telecommunications.”

Allora blog notes, “As the Web3 and AI ecosystems continue to expand, our collaboration with stc Bahrain strengthens the foundation for a robust, innovative, and decentralized digital economy. By working together to foster a collaborative environment for emerging technologies, we are proud to contribute to Bahrain’s Vision 2030 program, advancing progress toward a more innovative and sustainable future.”

UAE based Sigma Capital, a Web3 early-stage venture firm, has launched a $100 million fund dedicated to accelerating the next wave of Web3 innovation in the Middle East and globally. As per the press release, the fund launch spotlights the UAE’s growing role as a global hub for the Web3 & Blockchain sector.


The fund will focus on early-stage venture investments in transformative areas such as DeFi, blockchain infrastructure, real-world asset tokenization, gaming and the metaverse.

Sigma Capital will actively manage a portfolio of liquid tokens, seizing market opportunities to generate consistent returns. The fund will also leverage high-yield DeFi strategies to optimize portfolio performance and invest in high growth crypto venture funds that broaden exposure to emerging innovations.


Vineet Budki,an expert in the Web3 space, and the former CEO and Managing Partner of Cypher Capital, also a Web3 VC based out of UAE, will lead the fund.

Vineet spearheaded over 300+ investments in high-profile projects, including Mysten Labs, Sei Network, Casper Labs, Web3Auth, Casper labs, Manta network, Mocaverse, Peak network and MyPetHooligan.


The Sigma Capital Team has years of experience in the Blockchain investing space and have been invested or partnered with multiple reputed players in the Blockchain space which include Polygon Technology, Morningstar Ventures, Blockchain Founders Fund, Woodstock Fund and many others.


Vineet Budki, CEO and Managing Partner of Sigma Capital, said, “We envision a digital economy that is more open, inclusive, and innovative. The UAE’s dynamic economy and forward-thinking regulatory environment provide the perfect backdrop for Web3 innovation. This fund empowers startups with capital, equips them with access to our extensive network and expertise, and enables them to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.”


Sandeep Naliwal, Founder Polygon Technology one of the leading players in the Blockchain space noted, “ Vineet’s track record as a visionary leader in Web3 speaks for itself. His deep understanding of market dynamics and foresight in nurturing high-impact projects have been pivotal in advancing the ecosystem. The launch of Sigma Capital’s $100 million fund is a testament to his expertise and the UAE’s emergence as a global hub for blockchain innovation. I have no doubt this fund will catalyze the next wave of groundbreaking startups and solidify the region’s role in the decentralized economy.”


Sigma Capital plans to deploy investments across 100 early-stage projects, 25 liquid tokens, and 10 fund-of-fund allocations over the next three years. The firm’s strategic edge lies in its proven expertise and global reach, leveraging its network to provide access to key exchanges, market makers, exchanges, launchpads and opinion leaders.

Danilo S. Carlucci, Founder & CEO at Morningstar Ventures, and a key partner in the fund sdded, “Since our establishment in Dubai in 2020, Morningstar Ventures has been committed to supporting transformative projects and bold founders that push the boundaries of blockchain innovation. Sigma Capital’s $100 million fund is a testament to the region’s growing influence in blockchain and financial technology. It will support the growth of Web3 startups and further solidify the region’s position as a leader in financial innovation.”


Sigma Capital collaborates with Web3 hubs across 10 global cities, providing portfolio companies with deep market insights and comprehensive support to enable success in a competitive market. By combining a diversified approach with deep market access, Sigma Capital aims to drive sustainable growth in both the Global and GCC Web3 ecosystem.


The firm’s dual presence in Dubai and Singapore, coupled with regulatory oversight from the Cayman Islands, ensures access to global opportunities while maintaining a strong compliance framework.

In December 2024, The Hashgraph Group (THG), the Swiss-based international business, technology, and investment firm that operates exclusively within the Hedera ecosystem, secured a fund management license through its subsidiary Hashgraph Ventures Manager Ltd in ADGM planned to launch a $100 million global venture fund (Hashgraph Venture Fund-I). The strategic Web3 venture fund would focus on generating attractive long-term returns by investing in proven early-stage and well-established companies utilizing deep technologies to build and commercialize enterprise-grade solutions and products for the Web3 economy.