Research Summary
This report covers a range of updates from the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry. Key topics include StarkWare’s delay of its token unlock date, the launch of OpenSea Studio, a collaboration between LayerZero and Conflux on a blockchain SIM card, the launch of Protocol Labs’ Venture Studio program, Zora’s introduction of a free NFT creation feature, and the joining of NFT whale Huang Li-Cheng to Friend Tech. The report also discusses the commencement of ZKX token’s airdrop phase, Yuga Labs’ restructuring and layoffs, the shutdown of Yield Protocol, and the cessation of all services by DAO solution Utopia.
Key Takeaways
StarkWare’s Token Unlock Date Postponement
- StarkWare’s Delay: StarkWare has postponed the initial unlock date of its native StarkNet (STRK) token from November 29, 2023, to April 15, 2024. The first batch of unlocked tokens will belong to StarkWare’s core contributors, early supporters of the ecosystem, and employees.
OpenSea Studio Launch
- OpenSea’s New Venture: OpenSea has launched OpenSea Studio, a platform designed to assist creators in launching and managing their NFT projects. The platform supports most OpenSea-compatible blockchains and allows collectors to use credit/debit cards for NFT minting.
LayerZero and Conflux Collaboration
- Blockchain SIM Card Development: LayerZero and Conflux are collaborating to develop a blockchain-based SIM card (BSIM). Users of this BSIM will be able to transfer assets and messages between chains using LayerZero.
Protocol Labs’ Venture Studio Program
- Supporting Startups: Protocol Labs has launched the Venture Studio program, aimed at harnessing technologies from Filecoin, IPFS, libp2p, Ethereum, and other components of the Protocol Labs ecosystem to develop and support startups in building groundbreaking technology.
Zora’s Free NFT Creation Feature
- Free NFT Minting: Zora has launched a feature allowing creators to mint NFTs for free. Creators can have their collections minted on Zora, with the initial minter paying gas fees to mint the creator’s copyrighted work.
Actionable Insights
- Investigate the Potential of OpenSea Studio: OpenSea’s new platform could provide opportunities for creators looking to launch and manage their NFT projects. It may be worth exploring the features and capabilities of OpenSea Studio.
- Consider the Implications of Blockchain SIM Cards: The collaboration between LayerZero and Conflux to develop a blockchain-based SIM card could have significant implications for asset and message transfers between chains. This development may warrant further investigation.
- Explore Opportunities with Protocol Labs’ Venture Studio: Startups looking to leverage technologies from Filecoin, IPFS, libp2p, Ethereum, and other components of the Protocol Labs ecosystem may find opportunities through the Venture Studio program.
- Assess the Benefits of Zora’s Free NFT Creation Feature: Creators interested in minting NFTs may find value in Zora’s new feature that allows for free minting. It could be beneficial to assess the potential advantages of this feature.
