We are thrilled to announce the launch of Batch #5 of the OnePiece Labs Bitcoin Runes Incubator program! This cutting-edge initiative is specifically designed to identify and advance early-stage Runes projects poised to transform the Bitcoin ecosystem through the Runes Protocol. Supported by our dedicated co-hosts, participants will gain access to critical resources and guidance, fostering growth and innovation in their ventures. The incubator serves as a powerful launchpad, helping emerging projects navigate challenges such as limited infrastructure, domain expertise, and financial constraints, and propelling them toward success in the blockchain space.
This batch brings together some of the most promising startups in the Bitcoin ecosystem, each harnessing the potential of the Runes Protocol to drive innovation. From simplifying Bitcoin token transactions and reducing network clutter to providing flexible and efficient solutions, these projects are leading the way in enhancing the Bitcoin blockchain. With a focus on streamlining processes and improving user experience, they are set to make a significant impact on the future of Bitcoin technology.
Dedicated Support: Our startups will benefit from 10 weeks of intensive support, including access to the OPL Mentor Network and the OPL Alumni Network.
Funding Opportunities: Each startup will have the chance to receive up to $50,000 in grants, with additional follow-up investment opportunities of up to $2,000,000 from OnePiece Labs, Franklin Templeton, OKX Ventures, and Merlin Chain Foundation.
Corporate Service Credits: We are offering $50,000 in service credits from leading tech platforms such as AWS, Brex, and Github.
BitGenie, led by Nadia Wu and Danchen Huang from WOO Innovation Hub, BitGenie is an innovative asset hub and trading platform focusing on Bitcoin and emerging assets like Ordinals and BRC20 tokens. Launched in May 2024, the platform boasts over 10,000 traders, $33M TVL, and 230K+ users onboarded through their Telegram Mini App. Supported by the WOO Innovation Hub and Merlin Chain, BitGenie aims to be the top choice for secure and efficient Bitcoin trading. Currently, they are focused on filling the gap in trading solutions for Bitcoin's evolving asset classes.
Cygnus Finance, founded by Eric Cheung, Cygnus Finance is revolutionizing the yield layer by integrating non-EVM systems with the EVM ecosystem. Their platform features a yield-bearing Liquidity Validation System designed for global digital asset acquisition. With over $80M TVL and 150K+ users, Cygnus is raising $15M. Backed by OKX Ventures and Optimism Foundation, Cygnus Finance aims to provide real yield and validation across diverse digital assets through its innovative ZK rollup solution.
Espionage Labs, spearheaded by Evan Greenberg and Daniel Dilanian, Espionage Labs is creating a Runes Launchpad that simplifies meme coin creation and marketing. Currently in development on the Merlin Testnet, their technology is set to enhance virality in the meme coin space by streamlining the Runes process. Espionage Labs aims to address the complexities of Runes creation and marketing with advanced tools for a seamless and viral experience.
Flashboys, led by Patrick Hale, Flashboys leverages Bitcoin's mempool data for real-time transaction front-running and arbitrage. Their platform democratizes advanced trading strategies and enhances trade protection. With over 50,000 transactions in the mempool and partnerships with tier-1 industry players, Flashboys is in its Pre-Seed funding round of $1.5M at a $15M valuation. They aim to provide unparalleled access to Bitcoin's mempool with advanced trading tools.
Ordinal Hive, founded by Alfonso Lua, Ordinal Hive is developing a comprehensive trading suite for Ordinals. The platform aggregates data from major marketplaces to deliver real-time analytics and competitive pricing. With 12k on the waitlist, 14k Twitter followers, and 250k trades performed, Ordinal Hive has raised $1.5M in Seed Round at a $30M FDV. The platform is set to offer a unified solution for high-volume Ordinals trading.
Runiverse, led by Alex Read and Jon Lourie, Runiverse offers a non-custodial Rune staking platform with a gamified APY to incentivize community engagement. The platform allows users to securely stake their assets while benefiting from dynamic rewards. With a waitlist of over 500 in just 72 hours, 30+ LOIs, and partnerships within the Runes ecosystem, Runiverse is gearing up for a Testnet launch in Q4 2024. Their platform redefines Rune staking on Bitcoin with secure, user-controlled options and gamified rewards.
Shimoto, founded by Justyn Eddins, Shimoto simplifies the creation, transfer, and swapping of fungible tokens on Bitcoin using the Runes protocol. The platform addresses the need for user-friendly solutions in the Bitcoin token economy and is currently raising a Seed round. Shimoto aims to drive adoption and ease of use for Bitcoin tokens with its intuitive platform.
Vishwa, with a team of Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and academic experts from Stanford, Berkeley, and CMU, offers omni-liquidity PayFi infrastructure on Bitcoin Layer 1. Their technology emphasizes decentralization and user control, achieving breakthroughs in liquidity and security, including self-custody and omni-chain asset swapping. Vishwa's infrastructure provides instant, secure, and decentralized liquidity, transforming interactions within the Bitcoin ecosystem.
The incubator program will run for 10 weeks, and culminating in a Demo Day on November 14th, 2024. During this final event, startups will present their ventures to a broad network of investors.
Application Close: August 26th, 2024
Program Start: September 2nd, 2024
Duration: 10 Weeks
Demo Day: November 14th, 2024
Grant: Up to $50,000
Location: Virtual/Silicon Valley
We are thrilled about the groundbreaking innovations coming from this batch, centered around the Bitcoin Runes Protocol. These projects are set to redefine the Bitcoin ecosystem, and we eagerly anticipate their impact on the future of blockchain technology.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue to support and celebrate these pioneering efforts.
Let’s dive into this exciting new chapter of Bitcoin Runes and innovation together!
