chainwire

Threshold Network’s tBTC is Now live on Sui: Ushering in a new era for Bitcoin DeFi

Texas, United States, July 9th, 2025, Chainwire

Key Takeaways:

  • Resolving Bitcoin’s Utility Paradox: tBTC on Sui Eliminates the Choice Between Security and Utility.
  • Web3 Benefits with Web2 Ease: Experience Bitcoin DeFi with 400ms finality and near-zero fees on Sui’s high-performance network.
  • Unprecedented Capital Efficiency: Bitcoin liquidity flows freely across an ecosystem of protocols, maintaining deep liquidity without fragmentation.
  • Complete Bitcoin DeFi Suite: Immediate access to trading, lending, and leveraged DeFi strategies through tBTC, backed by 1:1 Real Bitcoin.

tBTC Meets Sui: Liberating Bitcoin from Digital Vaults

Threshold and Sui have announced a major integration to bring tBTC, the leading decentralized Bitcoin asset, to the Sui blockchain, engineered for mass adoption. This collaboration unlocks access to over $500 million in Bitcoin liquidity for Sui’s high-performance DeFi ecosystem, known for its near-zero fees, sub-second finality, and exceptional capital efficiency.

Threshold Network’s tBTC is a decentralized, trust-minimized onchain version of Bitcoin that preserves Bitcoin’s core principles while enabling liquidity across DeFi ecosystems. Now live on Sui, tBTC empowers users to trade, lend, and engage in advanced DeFi strategies within a secure, scalable environment, with transaction finality as fast as 400 milliseconds.

Sui will be the first non-EVM chain to support direct minting on the Threshold app, expanding accessibility and reinforcing its position as a premier destination for Bitcoin liquidity. On Sui, tBTC can participate in DeFi strategies within a high-speed, scalable environment—from trading and lending to more specialized use cases, such as serving as collateral on protocols like Bucket, while preserving its core properties.  

“Bitcoin was designed to be used, not locked away,” says Callan “Sap” Sarre, Co-founder and CPO at Threshold Labs. “With tBTC on Sui, we’re combining the security of threshold cryptography with a high-throughput network to create a new standard for Bitcoin utility.

The integration will expand Sui’s growing Bitcoin ecosystem across four Sui-native protocols:

  • Bluefin: Trade tBTC across select pairs and unlock additional APR rewards. 
  • Bucket: Save, spend, and explore Bitcoin-powered DeFi with ease.
  • AlphaLend: Access advanced lending pairs and APR% rewards by supplying tBTC.
  • AlphaFi: Enable high-leverage BTC DeFi strategies with auto-looping vaults.

Additionally, users can also mint tBTC directly on Sui via the Threshold dApp, providing a secure and easy access point to BTCFi. Key benefits of tBTC on Sui include:

  • Sub-Second Finality: Transactions complete in 400 milliseconds.
  • Eliminate Fragmentation: Move Bitcoin seamlessly between protocols with near-zero fees.
  • True Sovereignty: No reliance on centralized custodians.
  • Web3 Power, Web2 UX: Fast, cheap, and user-friendly.

Lastly, Wormhole will serve as the key interoperability provider for tBTC’s expansion to the Sui network. A dedicated bridge enabling users to move tBTC from other networks to Sui will soon be available on the Portal website. This integration will streamline cross-chain activity, making it easier for users to access Bitcoin DeFi across various ecosystems, including Sui, Ethereum, and others.

“We’re excited to support Bitcoin’s growth on Sui through Wormhole’s cross-chain infrastructure,” said Robinson Burkey, Co-Founder of Wormhole. “This integration advances Bitcoin’s interoperability and unlocks new DeFi opportunities while preserving the security and decentralization users expect.”

Enhanced Bitcoin DeFi Experience

Bitcoin DeFi is thriving on Sui, with a significant portion of Sui’s TVL now composed of BTC-backed assets. Since February 2025, a substantial amount of Bitcoin volume has flowed into Sui-native protocols. The integration of tBTC will strengthen this ecosystem by:

  • Unlocking seamless Bitcoin liquidity on Sui through direct tBTC minting.
  • Supporting leveraged DeFi strategies without compromising decentralization.
  • Delivering frictionless DeFi interactions backed by industry-grade infrastructure.

As the world’s most valuable digital asset gains momentum and utility, Bitcoin expands beyond serving as a store of value to power decentralized finance (DeFi) applications.

Strategic Three-Month Campaign

To support the launch of Threshold’s tBTC on Sui, Threshold and Sui are kicking off a three-month campaign to facilitate long-term adoption. The initiative includes protocol-level developer support and ecosystem-wide activations to ensure the Bitcoin Standard flourishes in modern DeFi applications. This also includes limited-time incentives on select Sui DeFi Protocols, namely Bucket, AlphaLend, and Bluefin.

“BTC is expected to bring a massive amount of Bitcoin liquidity to Sui, creating a bridge that truly matters for institutions and everyday people who love Bitcoin,” said Adeniyi Abiodun, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Mysten Labs, the original contributors to Sui. “This integration opens another door to accessible, sovereign BTCfi participation.

Getting Involved

Bitcoin was never meant to sit idle. With tBTC on Sui, it won’t have to. Users can get involved in this campaign by:

Learn more about Sui and the Threshold Network at sui.io and https://threshold.network, or follow them on X at @SuiFoundation and @TheTNetwork.

About Threshold Network

Threshold Network is the decentralized protocol behind tBTC, a fully non-custodial, 1:1 Bitcoin-backed asset secured by a 51-of-100 threshold signer model. tBTC enables native BTC to move across chains like Ethereum, Base, BOB, and Arbitrum without requiring custodians or compromising security. With over $ 500 M in TVL and over $ 3.6 B in bridge volume, Threshold offers the most battle-tested, trust-minimized Bitcoin infrastructure in DeFi. For more information about Threshold Network, users can visit https://threshold.network.

About Sui

Sui is a first-of-its-kind Layer 1 blockchain and smart contract platform designed from the ground up to make digital asset ownership fast, private, secure, and accessible to everyone. Its object-centric model, based on the Move programming language, enables parallel execution, sub-second finality, and rich on-chain assets. With horizontally scalable processing and storage, Sui supports a wide range of applications with unrivaled speed at low cost. Sui is a step-function advancement in blockchain, providing a platform on which creators and developers can build amazing, user-friendly experiences. For more information about Sui, users can visit https://sui.io. 

Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those discussed. Nothing in this press release should be considered investment advice.

Contact

RC Threshold
[email protected]

MultiBank Group Announces Early Access Waitlist for Pioneering $MBG Token

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, July 9th, 2025, Chainwire

MultiBank Group, the world’s largest financial derivatives institution headquartered in Dubai, has opened the waitlist for its highly anticipated $MBG Token, ushering in a new era that bridges traditional finance and blockchain technology. The presale will take place in July 2025, with priority access now available at: token.multibankgroup.com.

Unlike typical speculative offerings, the $MBG Token stands apart as a next-generation utility token, supported by tangible assets worth $29 billion and daily trading volumes exceeding $35 billion (as of April 2025). It is designed to introduce genuine revenue streams, advanced infrastructure, and market-level trust to the digital asset space.

The $MBG Token is built on MultiBank Group’s robust ecosystem, which spans four core domains:

  1. MultiBank TradFi – A CFD powerhouse that generated $362 million in revenue and $285 million in EBITDA in 2024.
  2. MEX Exchange – Debuting later in 2025, this institutional platform for both digital and traditional assets is valued independently at $23.7 billion, with a five-year projected volume of $460 billion per day.
  3. MultiBank.io RWA – An asset tokenization platform launching with $3 billion in ultra-luxury real estate, including The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dubai, Creekside at Keturah Resort, and Keturah Reserve, and scaling toward $10 billion.
  4. MultiBank.io – A fully regulated spot exchange set to expand into crypto derivatives this July.

Fueled by real-world trading fees and commissions, the $MBG Token aims to power a $440 million buyback and burn program over a four-year period, driving sustained demand and long-term value for token holders.

With an impeccable compliance record—licensed by more than 17 regulators and with zero violations since 2005—MultiBank Group brings an unmatched level of credibility and stability to the digital currency arena.

“This is not just another token launch. It’s a transformative moment for the global financial ecosystem,” said Naser Taher, Founder and Chairman of Multibank Group. “With $MBG, we’re bringing institutional strength and real-world utility to the blockchain.”

Users can secure their early access to the $MBG Token by joining the waitlist today at token.multibankgroup.com.

ABOUT MULTIBANK GROUP

MultiBank Group, established in California, USA in 2005, is a global leader in financial derivatives. With over 2 million clients in 100+ countries and a daily trading volume exceeding $35 billion, it offers a broad range of brokerage and asset management services. Renowned for innovative trading solutions, robust regulatory compliance, and exceptional customer service, the Group is regulated by 17+ top-tier financial authorities across five continents. Its award-winning platforms provide up to 500:1 leverage across Forex, Metals, Shares, Commodities, Indices, and Cryptocurrencies. MultiBank Group has received over 80 international awards for trading excellence and regulatory compliance. For more information, users can visit MultiBank Group’s website.

Contact

Mr
Nikolas Neofytou
MultiBank Group
[email protected]

Status Unveils First Gasless L2 on Linea With 100% Community Yield Allocation Mechanism

Zug, Switzerland, July 9th, 2025, Chainwire

The new Status L2 rewrites rollup economics by replacing sequencer fees with native yield and native app revenues, unlocking friction-free onboarding for games, social apps and DeFi.

Status (SNT), a pioneer in decentralised communication since 2017, has launched the world’s first natively gasless Layer 2 on testnet, built on Consensys’ Linea stack, the leading high-performance zkEVM rollup. This marks a major milestone for Ethereum scalability and sustainability as Status Network introduces a radically different revenue model: eliminating transaction fees entirely while funding builders and liquidity providers through bridged yield and native app fees. Users can follow Status for updates: https://x.com/StatusL2

As transaction costs across L2s are currently trending towards zero, Status Network breaks from sequencer fee dependence and instead earns revenue from yield-bearing bridged assets and native application activity. 

“We designed Status Network so developers can ship games, seamless social experiences, and DeFi protocols without forcing users to preload gas or builders to manage paymaster contracts,” said Cyprien Grau, Lead at Status Network. “By rehypothecating yield-bearing TVL and sharing every cent of net yield with the community, we’re aligning incentives for all L2 stakeholders: builders get funding, LPs get sustainable returns, and users get a true free-to-play blockchain.” 

Status Network carries forward the founding principles of the original Status app: privacy, sovereignty, and open access. It’s designed as a seamless, high-performance platform where communities can exchange, build, and govern freely. Users can learn more about Status Network: https://status.network/

A Business Model Built for the Next Decade

Yield, not gas: Bridged ETH and stablecoins are converted into yield-bearing equivalents (e.g., stETH, sDAI). The protocol captures that yield along with fees from native apps rather than relying on sequencer revenues.

Sustainable flywheel: Gasless UX and organic yield attract more users, deposits, and app usage, generating a higher native L2 yield, attracting yet more users. And, pending governance approval, part of that native yield can be used to fuel SNT buy-backs and burns, further aligning the Status community with the success of the network.

The ongoing development of Status L2 follows the vision laid out in the original Status whitepaper and was initiated through a community vote by SNT holders, alongside the SNT staking initiative.

Ethereum Alignment

Through its built-in public funding pool, Status Network will fund open-source protocols and public goods building on Ethereum. As Linea’s first external collaborator, Status is co-developing the bridged yield feature, which will soon be available to all Linea-based L2s, further contributing to the zkEVM stack’s long-term sustainability. Status will also play a crucial role in both the Linea and broader Ethereum ecosystems; further details will be disclosed soon.

“We’re proud to see Status Network launch the first gasless Layer 2 powered by the Linea zkEVM technology stack,” said Declan Fox, Head of Linea. “We aim to build better economics and governance, in alignment with Ethereum’s core values. Status supports builders and public goods while providing free transactions at scale – exactly the kind of mission-driven approach we aim to empower. With the Linea stack’s high throughput, low latency, and fast finality, we’re enabling the performance needed for apps to grow, thrive, and get funded, whilst anchoring into the same root of trust: Ethereum.”

Built for Games, Social & DeFi – With Better Privacy

With fees replaced by native yield, users can interact with apps without needing to bridge tokens or top up gas, creating a frictionless experience. Games can finally deliver true free-to-play mechanics and support non-financial onchain actions without maintaining gas-sponsoring infrastructure. Social apps benefit from streamlined user onboarding and Web2-like UX, and DeFi protocols tap into yield-boosted liquidity from day one. Early builders include mobile fishing RPG Cats Fishing, free onchain gacha PonziHero from Spla Labs, and metaverse casino Hash Vegas. Native DeFi apps will be announced in the coming weeks.

As anyone can get started without a wallet balance or history, gasless transactions strongly enhance account anonymity, enabling better privacy for transfers and applications.

Availability & Roadmap

Status Network’s public testnet v1 is now live with fully gasless transactions. Testnet v2, featuring RLN-based spam protection and native yield routing, launches in October 2025, alongside a pre-deposit campaign to kickstart the bridged yield. Mainnet launch is targeted for Q1 2026. Developers can start building today at https://statusnetwork.typeform.com/partner

About Status Network

Status Network is the first Ethereum L2 with gas-free transactions at scale. Funded by native yield and app fees, it redistributes 100% of net revenues to its community, powering sustainable liquidity incentives, a public funding pool, and SNT buy-backs. Built on the Linea zkEVM stack, it enables frictionless onboarding for games, social apps, and DeFi while remaining fully aligned with Ethereum security and values.

Contact

Public Relations
Laura Guzik
IFT – Status
[email protected]

NEXBRIDGE and NEXPLACE Raise $8M Series A to Launch Integrated Bitcoin Capital Markets Ecosystem

San Salvador, El Salvador, July 9th, 2025, Chainwire

The raise will accelerate the development of a dual infrastructure: NEXBRIDGE, a regulated issuer of asset-backed digital assets, and NEXPLACE, a next-generation trading platform.

NEXBRIDGE and NEXPLACE today announced the closing of a $8 million Series A funding round led by Fulgur Ventures. The capital will fast-track the expansion of a Bitcoin-native financial infrastructure that merges regulated issuance with seamless trading for retail and institutional clients worldwide.

Early access to NEXPLACE is now available — users can join the waitlist here.

NEXBRIDGE will use the proceeds to launch new digital assets and pursue additional listings across licensed exchanges. NEXPLACE will accelerate development and go-to-market execution ahead of its H2 2025 launch, while advancing further licensing efforts in key jurisdictions.

NEXBRIDGE and NEXPLACE currently operate as separate entities, but share the same shareholder group and strategic roadmap— with plans to consolidate under a single holding once the necessary corporate and jurisdictional steps are completed.

“Our vision for BitcoinFi is simple: bring the safeguards of traditional capital markets onto Bitcoin rails and make digital assets accessible with 24/7 efficiency— through compliant, global infrastructure,” said Michele Crivelli, Founder & CEO of both companies. Today we focus on secure access to familiar exposures like bonds or equities—made available through NEXPLACE and other licensed venues, with our own platform built to evolve and unlock advanced features over time. Tomorrow, we’ll enable businesses to raise capital on-chain through native, regulated digital instruments designed to move funds directly to the issuer, without traditional intermediaries.”

A new on-chain market architecture

NEXBRIDGE issues regulated digital assets backed by real underlying value, offering both familiar exposures and new formats for accessing them. In November 2024, NEXBRIDGE launched USTBL—the first public, regulated digital asset backed by U.S. Treasury Bills and issued on Bitcoin infrastructure via the Liquid Network. Initially listed on Bitfinex Securities, USTBL is now preparing to expand across additional licensed exchanges.

Following this, El Salvador’s digital‑asset regulator (CNAD) approved a broader range of products—spanning from single-stock exposures to multi-asset strategies—set to launch on NEXPLACE and other licensed venues, including through NEXBRIDGE’s own OTC desk.

NEXPLACE, licensed as a Digital Asset Service Provider, offers a unified venue for trading a wide range of digital assets—from native cryptocurrencies and utility tokens to asset-linked instruments. Advanced features—such as using eligible tokenized assets as collateral for derivatives—will be gradually rolled out following launch.

Unlike models where tokenized assets are mere digital wrappers of off-chain products, NEXBRIDGE issues digital assets that are regulated at the token level. Each issuance is formally approved by CNAD, receives a unique instrument identifier, and includes public disclosures such as proof-of-reserve attestations and a dedicated termsheet detailing key information. In this model, transparency and regulatory oversight apply directly to the digital asset users hold and trade—not just to the structure behind it.

While initial distribution will occur primarily via NEXPLACE, the infrastructure is designed for openness. NEXBRIDGE’s regulatory architecture allows its assets to be listed on other licensed trading venues—ensuring portability.

This dual model bridges two worlds: providing secure, regulated access to digital markets for global users—especially those in fast-growing emerging economies—while giving institutions a simplified interface to manage both crypto and asset-linked positions with full transparency.

“This raise helps us unlock a new generation of asset-linked digital products—especially for users in markets where access to dollar-based exposure has been limited,” Crivelli added. “Each token we issue is directly regulated, with its own public termsheet, governance, and oversight—rather than being a passive mirror of an off-chain asset. That’s a structural shift – and a foundation we can build on.”

Strategic alignment and investor support

Fulgur Ventures, the lead investor, supports Bitcoin‑native infrastructure with real‑world applications.

“Bitcoin continues to establish itself as a unique, scarce digital asset—now increasingly relevant to institutional finance,” said Oleg Mikhalsky, Partner at Fulgur Ventures. “Traditional financial institutions are beginning to recognize Bitcoin not only as a store of value but also as a settlement layer for both monetary transactions and tokenized instruments. NEXBRIDGE and NEXPLACE demonstrate a meaningful, real-world use case enabled by the Liquid Network that reinforces Bitcoin’s role in capital markets—a development Fulgur is proud to support.”

Blockstream — the Bitcoin infrastructure firm behind the Liquid Network layer-2 that powers asset issuance and settlement — emphasized the partnership’s strategic potential.

“By powering NEXBRIDGE’s digital asset issuance and NEXPLACE’s trading platform with the Liquid Network, we’re helping shape a new generation of capital markets—anchored to Bitcoin’s security, built for global scale, said Adam Back, Co‑founder & CEO of Blockstream.

Early access to NEXPLACE is now available — users can join the waitlist here.

About NEXBRIDGE

NEXBRIDGE Digital Financial Solutions is a regulated issuer headquartered in El Salvador. It creates and offers asset-linked digital assets under the country’s Digital Asset Issuance Law, with settlement secured through the Bitcoin-based Liquid Network.

About NEXPLACE

NEXPLACE is a next-generation digital asset exchange set to launch publicly in the second half of 2025. It enables seamless trading across cryptocurrencies and regulated digital assets—within a unified venue designed to evolve with market needs.

About Fulgur Ventures

Fulgur Ventures is a Bitcoin native investment firm focused on infrastructure and applications that unlock Bitcoin’s role in global financial systems.

Contacts

Press Contact Marketing & Communication Department
NEXBRIDGE
[email protected]
Press Contact Marketing & Communication Department
NEXPLACE
[email protected]

Bybit Unveils Bold New Brand Identity with #IMakeIt Campaign — Ushering in a New Era for 70M+ Global Users

DUBAI, UAE, July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, today announces a transformative rebranding experience, marking a pivotal moment in its six-year journey. With the launch of the #IMakeIt campaign and a striking new visual identity, Bybit signals a renewed commitment to reshaping the financial landscape and empowering its vibrant community of over 70 million users worldwide.

A New Chapter: Where Boundaries Dissolve

Since its inception, Bybit has been at the forefront of innovation, bridging the worlds of centralized and decentralized finance, crypto and equity, and welcoming everyone from beginners to seasoned professionals. Today, Bybit reaffirms its mission: to not just serve traders, but to redefine what and how people can trade. In a world where everything is possible, Bybit is reshaping what “possible” means.

“At Bybit, we believe that every user has the power to shape their own financial destiny. The #IMakeIt campaign and our new visual identity reflect our commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and empowerment,” said Claudia Wang, Head of Marketing, Bybit.  “We’re here to dissolve boundaries, unlock possibilities, and guide our community into a future where everything is possible. This is more than a refresh—it’s a bold step forward, inspired by our users and driven by our vision to reshape global finance.”

Building What’s Next: The New Bybit Story

This brand reset is about leading the next evolution in finance, empowering users to shape their own financial futures, and making digital assets and decentralized tools usable, powerful, and inclusive.

  • Vision: Reshaping global finance by unlocking possibilities for everyone.
  • Mission: Resetting the status quo by reshaping the ecosystem into a discipline-driven, inclusive, transparent, guided yet built to endure.

The Heart of the New Brand: “I”

At the core of Bybit’s new identity is the letter “I”—symbolizing identity, innovation, and intention. It’s personal, powerful, and represents every user shaping the future alongside Bybit.

What’s Changed: More Than a Visual Update

This transformation is a full-scale reset of Bybit’s identity and purpose. At the heart of the rebrand is a reimagined approach to how Bybit communicates, connects, and empowers—not just traders, but all users. The new tone is bold yet human, global yet locally tuned, guiding users through clarity, empowerment, and innovation. Storytelling now leads the brand, with a focus on reshaping what’s possible in finance for everyone, everywhere.

Phased Rollout: Where You’ll See the Change

  • Early July: Public brand launch with a global campaign, social media activations, and a livestream event.
  • Mid-July: App refresh, including UI and icon updates across both Lite and Pro experiences.
  • Coming Soon: Website refresh, featuring a new homepage, onboarding flow, and key product pages.
  • August Onwards: Consistent rollout across regional adaptations, videos, templates, internal tools, and global events.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #IMakeIt

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

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G-Knot Appoints Fintech, Crypto Veteran Wes Kaplan as CEO to Launch the First Finger Vein Biometric Wallet

New York, New York, July 8th, 2025, Chainwire

Strategic leadership appointment positions G-Knot to redefine digital security and identity management 

G-Knot, a pioneering biometrics technology company developing the world’s first finger vein crypto wallet, today announced the appointment of Wes Kaplan as the company’s CEO. Kaplan, a globally recognized leader with expertise across fintech, digital assets, and traditional finance, will spearhead the global commercialization of G-Knot’s revolutionary biometric solutions. This strategic move comes as G-Knot prepares to launch its flagship crypto wallet product, setting a new standard for security in the crypto industry. 

G-Knot is the exclusive licensee of eTunnel Inc., a Seoul-based global leader in biometric research and development, and is built on over a decade of research and development of cutting-edge finger vein technology. G-Knot leverages unforgeable biometric data to eliminate vulnerabilities, such as compromised private keys and recovery phrases, addressing a critical pain point in the digital asset industry. With cryptocurrency hacks resulting in over $1.4 billion in losses in 2025 alone, G-Knot’s finger vein crypto wallet introduces a transformative solution for secure self-custody. G-Knot’s goal is to bring its technology to market through consumer and enterprise-grade products, starting with the launch of the world’s first finger vein crypto wallet. This product is the first of many commercial use cases for biometric identification technology.

“G-Knot is poised to redefine security in the digital age, and I am thrilled to lead this mission,” said Wes Kaplan, CEO of G-Knot. “We are entering the market to solve the security challenges plaguing the cryptocurrency space. By replacing the need for recovery phrases with users’ unique biometric authentication, we’re not only solving today’s issues but also paving the way for broader applications in decentralized finance and identity management.”

The biometric technology that powers G-Knot has been validated at the highest levels, earning global recognition for reliability and innovation. In September 2024, G-Knot’s technology, developed by eTunnel, secured a prestigious contract with the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to deploy biometric smart cards across UN organizations. Today, G-Knot is the only provider of commercial finger vein biometric solutions in the world.

“Kaplan’s proven track record in scaling innovative financial tech makes him the ideal leader to bring eTunnel’s technology to market,” said Youngkuk Kim the CEO of eTunnel. “As eTunnel continues to advance biometric research, G-Knot, under Wes’s leadership, will leverage the gold standard of biometric technology to deliver enterprise-grade and consumer-focused products that address the growing security needs of an increasingly digital world.”

Kaplan is a seasoned technology leader with deep experience across fintech, digital assets, and traditional finance. He has held executive roles at top firms including Cointelegraph, AscendEX, and Tradewind Markets, and began his career at J.P. Morgan and BNY Mellon. Most recently, Wes served as CEO of Cointelegraph, a premier global cryptocurrency media organization. His appointment signals G-Knot’s ambition to bridge the gap between cutting-edge biometrics and DeFi to create new and more secure opportunities for retail and institutional adoption. 

About G-Knot

G-Knot is a pioneering biometric technology company redefining security and identity management for the digital age. G-knot was established to commercialize over a decade’s worth of biometrics development and innovation from its parent company, eTunnel Inc., a leading biometrics research and development firm based in Seoul, South Korea. G-Knot is bringing this technology to market through consumer and enterprise-grade products, starting with the launch of the world’s first finger vein crypto wallet. This product, designed to address critical security and usability issues in the cryptocurrency industry, is the first of many commercial use cases for biometric identification technology. The company is led by CEO Wes Kaplan, a seasoned technology leader with deep experience across fintech, digital assets, and traditional finance.

Contact

Sandra Rodriguez
Wachsman
[email protected]

GUNZ Announces $GUN Token Expansion to Solana

Robinson Point, Singapore, July 7th, 2025, Chainwire

GUNZ, the L1 blockchain ecosystem that powers the groundbreaking AAA game Off The Grid (OTG), today announced the expansion of its $GUN token to the Solana blockchain. This strategic move brings part of the $GUN token’s circulating supply to Solana, enhancing accessibility for U.S. (and global) users while reinforcing GUNZ’s leadership in the blockchain gaming sector. On the 10th of July $GUN lands on Solana, bringing lightning-fast access and next-gen infrastructure to a whole new wave of gamers and community members.

Strategic Alignment with Solana: A Multi-Chain Vision

Under the bold banner, “$GUN is Coming to Solana,” GUNZ is embracing Solana’s high-speed, low-cost blockchain infrastructure and robust ecosystem to amplify its multi-chain strategy, aptly summarized as “Too Big for One Chain.” This move represents the latest step in a clear multichain strategy, setting the stage for additional expansions to other prominent blockchains in the future. The bridging process to Solana will be facilitated by LayerZero, a leader in blockchain interoperability and seamless cross-chain transactions.

Currently, $GUN is available on multiple blockchains and platforms, including GUNZ Layer 1 and AVAX C-chain.

This alignment radically increases accessibility to the token and unlocks new opportunities for partnerships, campaigns, and community engagement by leveraging Solana’s global reach.

To celebrate this milestone, GUNZ will launch a limited-edition Solana-themed NFT content pack. Details on how to claim this exclusive offering will be announced soon, adding excitement for the growing Off The Grid community.

Off The Grid and the GUNZ Ecosystem: A Clarified Vision

GUNZ is renowned for Off The Grid, the first AAA game with an onchain economy, available across platforms like Epic Games Store, Xbox, PlayStation, and soon Steam. Within OTG, the $GUN token serves as a utility token, enabling players to purchase in-game items, engage in asset trading, and participate in blockchain-powered gameplay interactions. Following the Solana integration, players will be able to deposit Solana-based $GUN directly into their in-game wallet, enabling fast, reliable, and convenient transactions within OTG’s immersive digital economy.

With over 17 million wallets registered in the GUNZ ecosystem, GUNZ is poised for strong growth. This milestone will boost ecosystem activity and token utility.

Leadership Perspective

“Launching $GUN on Solana reflects our long-term commitment to building a truly global, player-first ecosystem,” said Vlad Korolov, CEO at Gunzilla Games. “Solana’s speed and scalability allow us to reach new communities with greater efficiency and reliability. This is more than a technical upgrade—it’s a major step toward making blockchain gaming seamless, inclusive, and ready for the mainstream.”

Looking Ahead

GUNZ is set to share additional updates in the coming weeks, including details on the highly anticipated Steam release of Off The Grid and further global token availability. As the ecosystem gears up for mass adoption, the crypto community is encouraged to stay tuned for announcements that will solidify GUNZ’s position as a trailblazer in blockchain gaming.

Risk & Regulatory Disclosure

$GUN is an in-game utility asset. It has not been registered, qualified, or approved as a security, capital-markets product, or digital payment token in any jurisdiction. No regulator has reviewed this material. This release is not an offer, solicitation, or investment advice, and $GUN is not offered to U.S. persons. The token’s value may fall to zero and is not covered by investor-compensation schemes (including those under EU MiCAR). Always verify eligibility before acquiring or using $GUN.

About Gunzilla

Founded in 2020, Gunzilla Games is an independent AAA video game developer and publisher behind Off The Grid — a groundbreaking battle royale now live on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Gunzilla is also the creator of GUNZ, a gamer-first blockchain ecosystem, and the proud owner of Game Informer, the largest gaming media outlet.

Driven by a passion for innovation, Gunzilla is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming—delivering cutting-edge experiences that empower players, developers, and the industry as a whole.

For more information, users can visit GunzillaGames.com.

Official X of Gunzilla Games – https://x.com/GunzillaGames

Official X of GUNbyGUNZ – https://x.com/GUNbyGUNZ

Official X of Off The Grid – https://x.com/PlayOffTheGrid

Contact

Legal Officer
Marina Danylyuk
POSEIDON 133 PTE. LTD
[email protected]

NEXST Launches Web3 VR Entertainment Platform with K-Pop Group UNIS as First Global Partner

Dubai, UAE, July 7th, 2025, Chainwire

Revolutionizing fandom with AI, VR, and Web3 technology

Leading the next wave of immersive digital entertainment, NEXST proudly announces the launch of its groundbreaking VR division, powered by cutting-edge AI, VR, Web3, and Real-World Assets (RWA). The platform’s first major collaboration features rising global K-Pop sensation UNIS, making their virtual debut in a revolutionary new format.

As a next-generation AI-driven entertainment platform, NEXST is on a mission to reshape how fans connect with artists. With immersive VR content, real-time interactivity, and digital ownership through Web3, NEXST offers fans an entirely new way to experience music and storytelling.

“We believe the future of entertainment is immersive, decentralized, and artist-centric,” said Axel Gutman, Co-Founder of NEXST.

“Welcoming UNIS to the NEXST VR LIVE platform is just the beginning. We’re excited to announce more collaborations with global artists and top K-Pop stars in the coming months.”

Introducing NEXST VR LIVE: Immersive Web3-Enabled Experiences

NEXST VR LIVE is a dedicated division focused on creating immersive XR experiences using Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). This initiative bridges globally famous artists, beloved IPs, and interactive VR environments—seamlessly integrated with Web3 technology.

Key features include:

  • Virtual concerts and performances with world-class artists
  • Interactive fan experiences powered by AI
  • Web3 integration that allows fans to own, trade, and participate in the entertainment economy
  • A smooth Web2-to-Web3 transition for mainstream fans

Inaugural Artist Announcement: K-Pop Powerhouse UNIS Joins NEXST VR LIVE!

Kicking off the launch is UNIS, the powerhouse K-Pop girl group formed through SBS’s hit survival show UNIVERSAL TICKET. Since their 2024 debut with WE UNIS and breakout single SUPERWOMAN, UNIS has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their energy, vocals, and fierce Gen Z appeal.

By partnering with UNIS, NEXST taps into a vibrant, global fanbase—helping transition millions of Web2 music fans into the Web3 world.

$NXT Token: Powering the Web3 Entertainment Economy

The $NXT token powers the NEXST entertainment platform with real-world and digital utilities that enhance fan engagement, access, and ownership.

  • Exclusive Access: Unlockig VR concerts, discounted live tickets, VIP events, and early content drops.
  • AI & Fan Interaction: Accessing premium AI agent features, advanced LLM tools, and participate in artist growth via fan voting.
  • GameFi Rewards: Earning $NXT through gameplay, unlock in-game NFT items, and receive exclusive airdrops.

Details about the $NXT will be released soon via NEXST’s official social channels.

The Road Ahead: NEXST’s Vision for a Connected Future

NEXST will continue to push the boundaries of innovation by integrating AI, VR, and Web3 technologies across various entertainment domains, including music, live performances, and fan communities. Following UNIS, we aim to deepen collaborations with a diverse array of global artists and IPs, consistently delivering next-generation entertainment experiences that foster deeper connections between fans and artists.

We invite you to anticipate more groundbreaking events, collaborations, and updates as we collectively build the future of entertainment.

About NEXST

NEXT INNOVATIONS TECHNOLOGY L.L.C is a cutting-edge entertainment platform developer based in the UAE, dedicated to pioneering next-generation digital experiences.

Staying Connected with NEXST

About UNIS

UNIS is an 8-member South Korean girl group formed through SBS’s survival audition program UNIVERSE TICKET. After debuting on March 27, 2024, with their first mini-album WE UNIS, they have remained highly active, releasing their first single album CURIOUS in August of the same year and unveiling SWICY in 2025. Since their debut, they have continued to expand their global presence through various music shows and events.

UNIS Official Channels

Contact

PR
Yumiko Skurr
NEXST
[email protected]

The Open Platform is first unicorn in Web3 ecosystem in Telegram at $1bn valuation

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, July 3rd, 2025, Chainwire

The Open Platform raises $28.5M in Series A equity funding round, showcasing investor confidence in TON’s ecosystem

  • The equity round was led by Ribbit Capital, a leading fintech and crypto investor, with Pantera Capital also participating. 
  • The investment underscores strong confidence in The Open Platform’s continued development of the blockchain ecosystem in Telegram, being built on TON.
  • The involvement of prominent investors and the raised capital will support the launch of TOP’s portfolio companies across the U.S., EU, and other key regions.

The Open Platform, the leading tech company developing TON-based innovations in Telegram, has announced the completion of its Series A and subsequent extension funding rounds, reaching a $1 billion valuation and becoming the first unicorn in the TON-based ecosystem in Telegram.

The Open Platform raised $28.5 million in an extended Series A funding round, led by Ribbit Capital, with Pantera Capital also participating. Including this latest raise and previous seed investments, The Open Platform has now secured over $70 million in total funding. These investments demonstrate the confidence that leading investors have in The Open Platform’s ability to spearhead the growth of the blockchain ecosystem in Telegram. This ecosystem is being built on TON Blockchain – a fully decentralized and highly scalable blockchain that is the exclusive blockchain partner of Telegram Messenger.

The current strategic focus of The Open Platform centers on geographical expansion. The involvement of prominent investors, along with the newly raised capital, will support the launch of TOP’s portfolio companies across the U.S., EU, and other key regions — in alignment with TON Foundation’s global vision. This expansion will involve significant investment in go-to-market strategies, regulatory licensing, compliance infrastructure, and security enhancements, all aimed at ensuring sustainable growth and long-term success in these new jurisdictions.

Andrew Rogozov, CEO and Founder of The Open Platform, said, “This investment supports our long-term strategy to scale the adoption of blockchain-based products by leveraging the power of Telegram as a distribution channel. By combining TON Blockchain with Telegram’s global reach, we’re building both the infrastructure and the consumer-facing apps needed to onboard a billion users to crypto.”

The Open Platform is driving the growth of the TON-based ecosystem within Telegram, building both core infrastructure and consumer-facing apps across finance, gaming, and entertainment. Products that The Open Platform has powered include Wallet in Telegram, a digital asset solution seamlessly embedded into Telegram’s interface; Tonkeeper, TON’s leading non-custodial crypto wallet; STON.fi, the leading swap dApp on TON and the developer of a liquidity aggregation protocol, Omniston; Getgems, TON’s foremost NFT marketplace; Tribute, a monetization platform for creators in Telegram; and Notcoin, a viral Tap-to-Earn game, along with many more products.

By integrating blockchain technology into everyday digital experience, The Open Platform is creating a seamless, scalable platform designed for a billion users, accelerating the mainstream adoption of crypto — expanding global access to financial services, and enabling a new generation of builders and developers to build the next wave of consumer dApps.

This latest investment from Ribbit Capital, which has previously provided early-stage investment to Coinbase, Nubank, and Revolut, amongst many others, and Pantera Capital, is a testament to the potential these investors see in the integration of blockchain technology into a messenger application with over a billion users. 

Micky Malka, Founder of Ribbit Capital, said, “We back teams that reimagine how the world experiences money and technology. The Open Platform’s vision of building an intuitive and open platform that enables a robust digital ecosystem to form within Telegram — a platform used by hundreds of millions — opens a new frontier of opportunities for builders and users on a global scale.”

“We’re thrilled to back this exceptional team led by Andrew. The opportunity to support groundbreaking tech and financial products that reach 1 billion people is inspiring,” said Ryan Barney, Partner at Pantera Capital. ”We’re excited to collaborate with the TOP team and strengthen our commitment to TON and Telegram’s ecosystems.”

TON Blockchain has been the subject of increased institutional interest throughout this year. In March, TON Foundation announced that several leading investors, including Sequoia Capital, Ribbit Capital, Benchmark, Draper Associates, Kingsway, Vy Capital, Libertus Capital, CoinFund, SkyBridge, Hypersphere, and Karatage, have acquired and now hold $400 million worth of Toncoin, signaling growing interest in the TON-based ecosystem in Telegram.

About The Open Platform:

The Open Platform (TOP) is the leading tech company developing Web3 innovations in Telegram. TOP is fueling the Telegram economy through both foundational infrastructure and consumer-facing apps. By integrating blockchain technology into day-to-day digital experience, TOP is building a seamless, scalable platform designed for a billion users — accelerating the mass adoption of crypto.

For more information, users can visit: top.co

Stay connected on: LinkedIn | X | Telegram

Contact

Public Relations Manager
Anna Lebedeva
The Open Platform
[email protected]

Cooking.City Bringing Back Value Redistribution to Solana Fair Launches

Hong Kong, Hong Kong, July 3rd, 2025, Chainwire

Cooking.City, a recently introduced fair-launch platform, emphasizes ecosystem sustainability and long-term development. The project is backed by institutional investors including Jump and CMT Digital.

Today, Cooking.City fully launched, revealing its core mechanisms and points system to better align incentives between traders and developers while creating new ways to participate in on-chain launches.

Bringing Back Value Redistribution to Solana Fair Launches

Cooking.City is more than just another launchpad. It is a community-first platform focused on value redistribution instead of value extraction.

With Referral System, Cooking.City shares platform revenues with users. Referrers earn fee rebates and points based on their invitees’ trading activities. As the only launchpad which hasn’t launched its official token, Cooking.City aims to attract early users through highly-anticipated airdrops, encouraging interaction between traders and quality token launches.

Users can check the rules of rewards and point history on the dashboard every day. Top referrers and traders will receive significant reward multipliers to further amplify their future rewards. 

Cooking Points: A Multi-Layered Incentive System

The Cooking Points system is now live. It rewards users who actively engage with the platform across multiple dimensions.

  • Trading on Cooking.City: Higher trading volumes bring more points. And high market cap with healthy trading volume tokens are designated as Michelin Tokens, and trading them can offer bonus points multipliers.
  • Referrals: Users can share referral codes and earn up to 10x points multipliers based on referred users’ trading activity.
  • Social Quests: Liking, commenting, sharing official tweets, or using the #CookingCity tag unlocks additional point rewards.

Each user has a personal dashboard that updates daily. Points are retroactively calculated based on activity since launch and will be tied directly to future airdrop events. 

Conviction Pool: A Capital-based Launch Feature to Signify Good Launch

Cooking.City’s Conviction Pool is a new mechanism that holds developers accountable and helps traders to tell quality launches from random ones.

  • Developer Commitment: To opt in, developers can choose to deposit some SOL and set a price that signals their conviction in the token.
  • Soft Price Protection: If the token graduates, the conviction pool will activate. If the price drops to a set level, users can swap their bought tokens into SOL from the conviction pool, acting like an insurance, establishing benchmarks for quality in the market. If the price does not fall below the set level, the developer can claim back the SOL from the conviction pool. 

This design filters out low-effort launches, protects traders, and signals serious commitment from builders.

The Birthplace of Onchain Conviction 

Cooking.City is creating a marketplace of convictions, allowing builders and investors to actualize and capture their faith through launches and trading. The launchpad is the first step towards its greater on-chain nation, effectively allowing more convicted projects to enter crypto through Cooking.City.

The team expects to diversify approaches of asset issuance and capital matchmaking through their evolving launch infrastructure and mechanisms.

About Cooking.City

Cooking.City is a pioneering platform designed to revolutionize token fair launches. By aligning values between builders, believers, and traders, Cooking.City creates new opportunities to reward quality launches and early support on token projects, encouraging builders and investors to grow together.

Contact

Marketing team
[email protected]

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