UAE Mada Capital partners for growth fund for metaverse gaming platform

UAE Mada Capital partners for growth fund for metaverse gaming platform

UAE based MADA Capital, a private investment fund has partnered with Web3 metaverse gaming platform Creta in its ecosystem growth fund.

As per the news release, Mada Capital actively participated in the fund at an early stage, being deeply impressed by Creta’s vision and technological prowess, which outshine competitors.

Creta, alongside Mada Capital, aim to  collaboratively lead the advancement of the web3 and gaming metaverse industries in the global market. Together, they aim to grow the fund, discover and support outstanding producers and content, and expand Creta’s ecosystem by fostering cooperation and nurturing technology.

The ultimate goal of CRETA is to form a coalition of world-class developers, creators, and producers, where numerous creators join and contribute their high-level creations. The company is building a new comprehensive gaming entertainment platform that will lead the next generation game/metaverse content industry.

The Creta Growth Fund aims to accomplish this by expanding the Creta metaverse in several ways, including the creation of content and a pool of talented developers. In doing so, it will bring a large number of talented Web3 developers and content into the Creta ecosystem. Numerous game developers, creators, and producers that the Creta Growth Fund will identify and collaborate with will not only increase the content lineup but will also allow Creta to go beyond the expectations of numerous game fans and creators early on. This will create synergies in PR, marketing, and community outreach that far exceed the size of the fund. As a result, as the ecosystem grows, the number of creators will grow, and their content output will further circulate and expand the Creta ecosystem.

Following the recent agreement, MADA Capital has committed to actively participate in the fund raising process for the Creta Growth Fund to include multi-billion dollar investments.

With big names like gaming legend Yoshiki Okamoto and genius producer Thomas Vu on board and with many more influential developers and producers joining, the launch of the Growth Fund is expected to accelerate the rapid expansion of Creta’s content and developer partnerships. The fund will also accelerate the acquisition of AAA titles, and catalyze the rapid growth of the ultimate Creta ecosystem, which is an ever-expanding, ever-circulating collection of worlds, multiverses, games, creator tools, and community SuperClub.

Creta is a global Web3 metaverse gaming platform headquartered in the UAE with offices in Japan and Armenia. The development of the Creta platform is led by Diverse, a Korean metaverse game developer specializing in high-performance game engines and excellent graphics technology.

The Web3-based metaverse gaming platform uses Locus Chain, public blockchain, and unlike traditional metaverses, it implements a super-sized multiverse where numerous metaverses can be combined and expanded with photo-realistic visual quality. In particular, Creta can significantly reduce infrastructure costs using the high-performance blockchain mainnet Locus Chain to replace most of the role of servers in online games.

Salah Alwaheb, Chairman of MADA Capital, said: “We are delighted to partner with Creta as it grows to become the dominant player in the next generation web3 gaming/metaverse platform market. The Creta Growth Fund will be backed by MADA Capital’s large funds, as well as royal families and high net-worth individuals from the Middle East.”

UAE decentralized Ecommerce platform to incorporate AI and Web3 Technology

UAE decentralized Ecommerce platform to incorporate AI and Web3 Technology

UAE decentralized ecommerce platform, Ayshei ( Aya Shee in Arabic), backed by Medad Holding will be launching in early 2024 as the first fully enabled Web3 AI marketplace.

Ayshei will incorporate cutting-edge features such as online auctions, virtual stores, delivery services, and AI technology, among other distinctive solutions as part of its decentralized ecommerce platform.

CEO of Ayshei, Mohammed Shaiba Al Mazrouei, emphasized that Ayshei.com represents more than just a marketplace—it signifies the dawn of a new era for online commerce in the UAE. Al Mazrouei stated that the platform empowers businesses, fosters innovation, and creates a thriving community. As the first platform to provide full transparency on fee structures and onboarding processes, Ayshei invites users to become early adopters and join the Ayshei Community, a space where limitless opportunities await.

Ayshei is positioning itself as a market enabler for SMEs, startups, and home businesses. The platform will offer an all-in-one virtual store, providing essential services such as a trade license, bank account, payment gateway, logistics (including end-to-end self-storage), and delivery. This approach aims to empower businesses to establish and flourish in the digital realm.

Being a decentralized platform leveraging web3 technology, Ayshei prioritizes user security and transparency. The platform implements multiple security measures, including profile verification through Emirates ID, UAE Pass integration, high-value product authentications, advanced transaction monitoring, property and car inspections.

The platform will offer intelligent solutions in real estate, auctions, and other domains.

Phoenix Group invests in Lyvely creator platform from the UAE

Phoenix Group invests in Lyvely creator platform from the UAE

Phoenix Group PLC, crypto mining and Web3 Group, has strategically invested in Lyvely, a UAE-based platform poised to reshape how creators and consumers interact and monetize online.

According to the news, Lyvely’s revolutionary platform with the investment will leap beyond the confines of e-commerce, fostering direct-to-consumer relationships through a unique blend of Web2 and Web3 features. Powered by its own digital currency launching in Q1 2024, Lyvely empowers creators with seamless monetization opportunities and grants consumers exclusive access and personalized experiences.

Bijan Alizadehfard, Co-Founder & Group CEO of Phoenix Group, stated, “Phoenix Group’s strategic investment in Lyvely illustrates and supports Phoenix’s Vision to support home grown tech start-ups and the future of innovation. With Lyvely, we are not just acquiring a stake in a company, we’re investing in the future of the digital and creator economy, which has huge potential and is on an exponential growth trajectory. “

“We are proud to invest in Lyvely, a UAE homegrown platform, which represents a revolutionary fusion of Web 2 and Web 3 capabilities, poised to redefine how creators and consumers interact in the digital space. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in our journey, showcasing our dedication to fostering groundbreaking tech startups, backing visionary founders and diversifying our portfolio. More than just a platform, Lyvely’s vision of empowering creators and users alike, perfectly aligns with Phoenix Group’s commitment to leading the tech industry with trailblazing initiatives.” said Alizadehfard.

Farah Zafar, CEO of Lyvely and MD & Group CLO of Phoenix Group, elaborates, “This isn’t just an investment – it’s a strategic alliance between a Web3 powerhouse and tech innovators with the collective vision to revolutionise the way people monetise online and to empower everyone’s digital and web3 footprint. Lyvely’s unique blend of social e-commerce and content monetization, powered by Web3 capabilities, has the potential to disrupt the status quo and empower both creators and users alike. Together, we aim to push the boundaries of digital experiences and lead the way in this rapidly evolving landscape.”

Dave Catudal, Co-founder of Lyvely, expressed his enthusiasm, “Phoenix’s expertise in the cryptocurrency sector perfectly complements our mission at Lyvely. Their investment and support validate our vision and will significantly enhance our technological capabilities and growth trajectory in the Web3 space.”

Phoenix Group is also an investor in M2 crypto currency exchange that launched recently out of Abu Dhabi UAE.

Token2049 launches inaugural crypto event in Dubai UAE

Token2049 launches inaugural crypto event in Dubai UAE

Token2049, global Web3 conference launches inaugural crypto event Dubai UAE on April 18-19 2024. The first round of the event’s speaker lineup has been made public. Speaker names include Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether; Sandeep Nailwal, Co-Founder of Polygon; Arthur Hayes, Co-Founder of BitMEX; Roger Ver, angel investor and founder of Bitcoin.com; Sergey Nazarov, Co-Founder of Chainlink; and Daniel Alegre, CEO of Yuga Labs, amongst 50 other industry leaders.

Alex Fiskum, Co-Founder of TOKEN2049 said, “Following the success of our latest iteration of TOKEN2049 in Singapore, we’re immensely proud and excited to bring the world’s premier crypto event to an entirely new region. Traction for the event so far has been phenomenal with thousands of registrations already, setting the stage for what will no doubt be a completely sold-out event. Today is the first of many exciting announcements to come in the lead-up to the event in April 2024.”

Set to be held at Madinat Jumeirah, TOKEN2049 crypto event in Dubai will see entrepreneurs, investors, developers, industry leaders, and global media gather to discuss the most prevalent topics across crypto and Web3. Throughout TOKEN2049 Week, taking place 15-21 April 2024, attendees will participate in a wide range of side events, workshops, and exclusive networking opportunities.

TOKEN2049 Dubai has also revealed the names of a handful of the title sponsors confirmed thus far. The list includes a number of industry-leading cryptocurrency exchanges and marketplaces such as BingX, CoinW, Zeebu, the Web3 powered neobank, tailormade for telecom settlements; M2, an Abu Dhabi based crypto investment platform, TRON, decentralizing the web and and DWF Labs – a global digital asset market maker and multi-stage Web3 investment firm.

TOKEN2049 Dubai will welcome exhibitors from around the world to showcase their projects at the conference. Building on the success of TOKEN2049 Singapore, which took place in September 2023 and brought together over 300 exhibitors and more than 10,000 attendees, with 80 percent coming from overseas, TOKEN2049 is set to break records in the MENA region and further cement its position as the leading global Web3 event series.

Decentralized exchange gets a push in the UAE

Decentralized exchange gets a push in the UAE

UAE based Finschia Foundation, an independent non-profit organization, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, established in March 2023 to expand public blockchain and Web3 technologies, and NEOPIN, DeFi multichain platform have partnered to provide decentralized exchange services.

Finschia and NEOPIN will collaborate to develop the Finschia Network Swap (hereinafter referred to as FNSwap). NEOPIN is currently developing FNSwap, which will be the first Automated Market Maker (AMM) Decentralized Exchange in the Finschia ecosystem.

NEOPIN has been building blockchain expertise and technology since 2017, participating as a node validator for various global blockchains, including Ethereum, Tron, Cardano, and Cosmos. In 2022, the company launched the CeDeFi protocol NEOPIN to provide a secure and convenient environment for using the DeFi protocol.

This year, the company was selected as an innovation program company by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) in the UAE to attract direct and indirect investment, and is working with the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), a special financial zone in the UAE, to create the world’s first DeFi regulation as a public-private partnership.

As per the news, FNSwap is envisioned as a community-first, community-owned centered and fair platform, offering various range of DeFi products and incentives. These include token swapping, earning fees and rewards by depositing tokens into through token deposits in pools, gaining incentives incentive acquisition through token staking, and token transfers with EVM-based chains via bridge.

FNSwap is set to launch in the near future, providing users with a stable and convenient platform to access DEX services within the Finschia ecosystem.  Later it will be expanded by creating an environment where various Finschia dApp services can easily list tokens and users can trade conveniently.

According to the news, the Foundation will continuously provide necessary technical support and integration for the development of a diverse array of ‘money legos’, starting with supporting the basic token swap services. This support aims to facilitate the onboarding of DeFi services, propelling the platform towards becoming the №1 DeFi platform in Asia.

CoinBase launches Blockchain powered Project Diamond out of ADGM reglab

CoinBase launches Blockchain powered Project Diamond out of ADGM reglab

CoinBase Asset Management, has launched Blockchain powered Project Diamond, with the execution of the first debt instrument on the platform as it prepares to enter the Abu Dhabi Global Market (“ADGM”) RegLab sandbox.

Project Diamond’s initial use cases will be for registered institutional users outside the U.S. only. Project Diamond harnesses the power of the Coinbase technology stack: Coinbase Prime custody, Web3 Wallet, the Project Diamond platform, and USDC, all connected to the Base layer-2 blockchain.

Project Diamond has received in-principle approval from the Financial Services Regulated Activity (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to conduct the regulated activity of Developing Financial Technology Services within the RegLab.

The goal of Project Diamond is to enable institutional use of next generation financial technology. Project Diamond is a platform to create, buy, and sell digitally native assets leveraging the power of the Coinbase technology stack and Base, an Ethereum layer-2 blockchain.

On November 10, the first digital debt instrument on Project Diamond was successfully issued, distributed, and matured on the platform as a technical demonstration of feasibility to the Financial Services Regulatory Authority as it prepares to join the ADGM RegLab sandbox.

Coinbase Asset Management is building Project Diamond to enable a future where institutions can create, distribute and manage a wide range of digitally-native assets directly onchain. On our journey, we seek world class partners to join us in imagining and creating the future of the global financial system. Together, we will make finance scale like software.

In April 2023, CoinBase global crypto currency exchange,revealed that it was in talks with UAE’s regulator in Abu Dhabi, FSRA ( Financial Service Regulatory Authority)  part of ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) to expand its regulated operations to the UAE.

UAE Aya climate focused Web3 Launchpad one step away from receiving full VARA license

UAE Aya climate focused Web3 Launchpad one step away from receiving full VARA license

UAE Aya licensed under Web3 Innovations FZE, an entity of Enjinstarter, a Web3 Launchpad and advisory that it has been granted a virtual asset services provider license pending fulfillment of pre-operating conditions and qualifying for operational approval.

The license one fully received will allow Aya to provider Virtual asset Management and investment services. VARA has listed Aya on its registry but states it is still pending full license.

As per AYA press release, the license remains non-operational until the company fully satisfies all remaining conditions and select localization requirements defined by VARA, following which it will be able to commence operations, subject to regulatory re-verification and approval.

Prakash Somosundram, co-founder and CEO of Enjinstarter and AYA Foundation stated, “It’s an honor to be participating at the world’s most influential climate conference and adding our voice to the collective climate change conversation.  “This is a great day for AYA and a huge milestone for us. The VASP license process demonstrates our compliance with the VARA process as we leverage Web3 to help bridge the climate financing gap. We are thankful to VARA for taking a collaborative approach towards understanding our business and working closely with us throughout the application process. We are now poised to leverage the license approval and accelerate operational set-up to deliver impact as soon as we conclude the outstanding regulatory pre-requisites.”

Ayay a climate focused launchedpad aims to support the next generation of sustainability innovation. Acting as a green financing bridge, AYA will connect retail investors, high-net-worth individuals, and institutional investors with startups working in areas such as reforestation, nature credits, mangrove conservation, and sustainable agriculture. It will also provide startups with access to innovative technologies and incubation services. AYA’s pipeline already includes UCO Network, a platform to optimize the collection, processing, and trading of used cooking oil while rewarding responsible actions, and other nature-based projects looking to leverage blockchain and Web3 for climate action.

As one of its first initiatives, AYA is collaborating with UAE-based The Storey Group on a campaign to plant mangroves in Dubai. Everyone who joins the AYA community will have a mangrove tree planted in their name and will receive a digital certificate with the exact coordinates of the tree.

“AYA’s main contribution to the fight against climate change is as a platform to scale the pace of climate innovation and action,” said Vasseh Ahmed, managing director of Enjinstarter MENA. “We are looking to work with founders and projects that have a unique proposition within our key focus areas by helping them build their product narrative, raise capital, and launch their projects. We already have projects in the pipeline and look forward to working with them.”

Updated November 12th with link to pending status on VARA website.

UAE based Seagrass and The Hashgraph Association Announce Launch of Co-Funded Carbon Credit Web3 Identity Wallet 

UAE based Seagrass and The Hashgraph Association Announce Launch of Co-Funded Carbon Credit Web3 Identity Wallet 

The Hashgraph Association, the non-profit organization accelerating the broad adoption of the DLT ( Distributed Ledger Technology) network Hedera globally, has today announced a co-funding initiative with UAE based Seagrass, a climate action company and subsidiary of E.ON, one of Europe’s largest operators of energy networks and energy infrastructure. 

This initiative facilitates the building of the Seagrass Wallet, a proof-of-concept Web3 identity wallet that provides users with a decentralized digital identity and wallet that relates to their carbon projects. 

Seagrass which is based in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) financial centre UAE holds a license to arrange trades in environmental instruments from ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority. Seagrass chose the UAE because of its position as the cross roads and stands where carbon credits are originated as well as demanded.

Seagrass aims to unlock the potential of the carbon markets and transform carbon finance, which can make an important contribution to the net-zero transition. This collaboration supports its goal of bringing together supply from certified projects with large-scale demand from buyers with ambitious climate strategies on a centralized marketplace driven by technology, transparency and integrity.

The Web3 identity wallet provides transparency on environmental, economical and project data to buyers and developers. Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) architecture enabled by Hedera ensures users will have a decentralized digital identity and crypto wallet that is compliant with European standards. This leading-edge Web3 digital wallet creates, stores, and presents digital identities with verifiable credentials, alongside the storage and exchange of assets.

The digital identity would put users who had been onboarded by Seagrass in charge of their credentials, potentially allowing them to save time and reduce costs by interacting with other market participants without having to go through fresh due diligence or know-your-client checks.

The proof-of-concept has been designed to be compatible with Seagrass Carbon Map, a live application available to buyers and sellers on the Seagrass marketplace that provides users with sophisticated data on the impact of nature-based projects and enables deep, ongoing engagement between project developers and carbon credit buyers. Seagrass Wallet is currently in testing and will be made available to clients in 2024.

Thomas Birr, Chief Strategy and Innovation officer at E.ON and Managing Director of Seagrass’ shareholding company, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with The Hashgraph Association and Hedera on the use of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) to unlock opportunities in the carbon markets via Seagrass.  I look forward to seeing its implementation and use in 2024.”

Kamal Youssefi, President of the Board of The Hashgraph Association, said: “As we build a vibrant innovative ecosystem for startups, enterprises, and government institutions around the world, we simultaneously focus on the realization of a net zero carbon future. Combining the power of Hedera’s DLT with Seagrass’ commitment to scale the carbon markets via liquidity, integrity, and digital access for all, it also builds value on the wider engagement with E.ON.”

South Korean WeMade game developer and DIFC Innovation hub to build WEMIX Play Web3 community

South Korean WeMade game developer and DIFC Innovation hub to build WEMIX Play Web3 community

South Korean game developer, Wemade, and UAE DIFC (Dubai International Financial Zone), Innovation Hub partner to build WEMIX Play web3 gaming community to support Dubai Program for Gaming 2033.

The Wemade-DIFC Innovation Hub collaboration plans to focus on core initiatives, including establishing WEMIX PLAY Center within the DIFC Innovation Hub for WEMIX PLAY. Wemade and DIFC Innovation hub will onboard game companies and facilitate the raising of $100 million Web3 gaming fund to  support the developers, studios and entrepreneurs.

Dubai is a leading business hub with advanced financial services and policies for fostering economic growth, investor attraction, blockchain, and cryptocurrency. Aided by DIFC Innovation Hub, Wemade aims to maintain close communication with UAE crypto-regulating bodies for making the Middle East business strategy as per up-to-date trends.

Wemade is also working on an application for Crypto Token Recognition from the Dubai Financial Services Authority, the DIFC’s Financial Regulator. Tokens conferred with this status will allow financial institutions in the DIFC to carry out transactions with them, to be used by over 4,900 companies in the special economic zone.

Dubai Chambers collaborates with Korean Blockchain game developer Wemade for UAE gaming ecosystem

Dubai Chambers collaborates with Korean Blockchain game developer Wemade for UAE gaming ecosystem

The Biggest South Korean blockchain enabled game developer, Wemade has announced its collaboration with UAE’s Dubai Chambers to develop the blockchain gaming ecosystem in Dubai and UAE.

The two are in talks to contribute to game development industry initiatives. A meeting between Henry Chang, the CEO of Wemade and  H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers  marked the next phase of Wemade’s efforts to support and grow blockchain gaming ecosystems in Dubai and the UAE.

As an advocate for the interests of Dubai’s business community, Dubai Chambers serves as a bridge connecting the local business community with Dubai’s dynamic government and is committed to ensuring a thriving environment in which businesses can flourish. The chamber seeks to facilitate and improve the ease of doing business in the emirate and advance Dubai’s position as a highly competitive global commercial center.

“The UAE is among the most dynamic regions building the next generation of games and gaming industry talent with Dubai and key stakeholders including Dubai Chambers playing an important role,” said Henry Chang, CEO, Wemade. “Wemade will focus on working with Dubai Chambers to explore how we can contribute our expertise and technology to support key initiatives including the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033.”

H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, commented: “We are pleased to initiate this collaboration with Wemade, which will contribute to driving innovation in the UAE’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. Dubai’s growing influence in the global gaming and blockchain arenas reflects our dedication to fostering an ecosystem that is rich in technological expertise. We remain committed to further strengthening the emirate’s position as a leading global hub at the heart of the digital economy.”

Unveiled recently by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 set out major industry goals. These are: to position Dubai among the top 10 cities in the global gaming industry; generate 30,000 new jobs in the gaming sector; significantly boost the sector’s contribution to the growth of Dubai’s digital economy; and increase the GDP by approximately US$1 billion by 2033.