Decrypt Media & Rug Radio Merge to Create Web3 Publishing Co.

Hi NoRamp Community,

Daily News:

1) Crypto Gaming Platform Portal Taps Top Hollywood Agency WME

2) Pudgy Penguins Unveils Web3 Game Powered by zkSync Era

3) Decrypt Media & Rug Radio Merge to Create Web3 Publishing Co.

4) Canapi Ventures Reveals $750m Fund to Support US Fintech

5) Pontera Secures $60M in Fresh Funding Round

Crypto Gaming Platform Portal Taps Top Hollywood Agency WME

• Web3 gaming platform Portal has partnered with top Hollywood talent agency WME to expand its distribution in the gaming sector and receive representation across various entertainment sectors.

• The collaboration aims to integrate new storytelling forms, particularly gaming, with emerging technologies like blockchain, leveraging WME's vast experience and network in the entertainment industry.

• Portal, which connects gamers, streamers, and artists with innovative gaming projects, will benefit from enhanced game distribution and opportunities for artist collaborations, toy ranges, and media deals. The platform has over 200 games and studios and has previously formed interoperability and distribution partnerships with LayerZero, Solana, M80, and Magic Eden.

Pudgy Penguins Unveils Web3 Game Powered by zkSync Era:

• Pudgy Penguins, a popular NFT project, has announced the alpha launch of its Web3 game, "Pudgy World," on the Ethereum Layer 2 network zkSync Era, slated for Q1 of 2024, marking its expansion beyond NFT collectibles to a comprehensive entertainment and lifestyle brand.

• In "Pudgy World," players will be able to explore an open world, customize penguin characters, engage in story-driven journeys, and interact with others. The game introduces two "Hero Characters," Pudgy and Peaches, to guide players and enhance the narrative.

• The game, a first-of-its-kind blend of entertainment IP and zero-knowledge blockchain technology, aims to catalyze Web3 technology adoption. It's accessible to all gamers, with unique benefits for Pudgy Penguins NFT holders and toy owners, including digital character customization via QR codes and licensing royalties for NFT-linked toys.

Decrypt Media & Rug Radio Merge to Create Web3 Publishing Co.:

• Decrypt Media Inc. and Rug Radio are merging to form a large decentralized publishing company, aiming to revolutionize tech-media by combining content creation and consumption.

• The merger will allow Rug Radio’s community members to collaborate with Decrypt's editors on content creation, while Decrypt's staff will gain access to Rug's advanced videocasting tools. Together, they plan to develop an innovative ad-tech network powered by Arbitrum, targeting a reach of over 10 million people monthly.

• The merged entity plans to introduce a new token to create a media ecosystem that benefits consumers, creators, and advertisers, promoting an equitable media environment. The partnership with Arbitrum is designed to pioneer a new phase in web3 advertising and efficient community building on the blockchain.

Canapi Ventures Reveals $750m Fund to Support US Fintech:

• Canapi Ventures, a US-based venture capital firm supported by around 70 financial institutions, has raised $750 million for its latest fund, 'Fund II', bringing its total assets under management to over $1.4 billion. The firm aims to invest in fintechs to foster a more inclusive and equitable financial ecosystem.

• In its first fund, Canapi made 20 investments in areas like fraud and identity, financial infrastructure, and payments, generating about $40 million in annualized revenue and creating 1,500 jobs in fintech and financial services. Notable investments include Nova Credit, Alloy, and Codat.

• With the new fund, Canapi plans to expand its investment scope to include companies addressing challenges in AI governance and financial services-climate technology intersection, and support fintech founders from diverse backgrounds. Canapi has also grown its team, opened new offices in New York City and San Francisco, and provides regulatory guidance through its connections in Washington, D.C.

Pontera Secures $60M in Fresh Funding Round:

• Pontera, a New York City-based fintech specializing in wealth management services for 401(k) participants, has raised $60 million in its latest funding round, bringing its total funding to $160 million. The round was led by Iconiq Growth, with contributions from existing investors like Blumberg Capital and Lightspeed Venture Partners.

• The company, founded in 2012 and formerly known as FeeX, aims to address the "retirement crisis" in the US by enabling financial advisors to analyze, rebalance, and report on workplace retirement accounts, including 401(k)s and 403(b)s, through its platform.

• The new funding, which reportedly values Pontera at over $550 million, will be used to expand its workforce in Israel, where most of its employees are based, and to invest further in product development. Pontera's platform is compatible with a majority of retirement plans and integrates with existing portfolio management tools.

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