Funding Rounds Boost Decentralized AI Infrastructure
Decentralized AI infrastructure startup DeepNode has successfully raised $5 million across two funding rounds, positioning itself for its upcoming mainnet launch. The company aims to democratize AI development by creating a decentralized network for AI developers, compute providers, and validators.
The funding comprises a $2 million seed round at a $25 million valuation and a subsequent $3 million strategic round at a $75 million valuation. This dual funding achievement marks a significant step for DeepNode as it builds its vision of "open intelligence," a collaborative network that operates independently of centralized tech giants.
Community-Driven Seed Round
DeepNode's seed round saw active participation from its community, including key network validators such as WildSageLabs from RoundTable21 and Rizzo from DNA. The round also included support from infrastructure partner Gateway.FM.
The company highlighted the community's pivotal role in this funding phase, stating, "What makes this raise truly special is that it was driven by our community. The validators, miners, and early adopters pushing decentralized AI forward." This community-first approach underscores DeepNode's commitment to establishing an ecosystem where those operating the network infrastructure gain early ownership stakes.
Strategic Round Attracts Web3 and AI Infrastructure Investors
The strategic round was led by a consortium of prominent Web3 and AI infrastructure investors. Participants included Blockchain Founders Fund, Side Door Ventures, TBV, IOBC Capital, Fomo Ventures, and Nestoris. These investors bring a wealth of experience in enterprise integrations, operational scaling, and go-to-market strategies.
For the DeepNode team, this strategic backing signifies more than just capital infusion; it serves as a strong validation of the decentralized intelligence thesis. The investors' established track records in Web3 infrastructure demonstrate a deep understanding of how decentralized systems can fundamentally transform industries and digital economies.
DeepNode's "Multi-Tool" Approach to AI Development
DeepNode distinguishes itself from other decentralized AI initiatives through its innovative "multi-tool" strategy. Instead of concentrating on a single application like large language models, DeepNode's platform is engineered to address a wide spectrum of predictive and decision-making tasks across various industries. These applications range from healthcare diagnostics and fraud detection to cryptocurrency trading and more.
The network utilizes a unique Proof-of-Work Relevance (PoWR) consensus mechanism. This mechanism ensures that AI contributions are rewarded based on their actual utility, rather than solely on computational output. Through this system, AI models are continuously refined and improved based on real-world performance, with contributors earning rewards for delivering valuable work.
Infrastructure Development and Future Planning
DeepNode is developing its network on Base, an Ethereum Layer-2 network. This choice allows the project to benefit from Ethereum's robust security while maintaining exceptionally low transaction costs, aiming for under $0.01 per transaction. The company is targeting a mainnet launch by the end of the first quarter of 2026. Foundation-supported domains are already in development across multiple industry verticals.
The combined funding from both rounds will fuel DeepNode's multi-year roadmap for developing its open intelligence network. The team's objective is to create a platform where builders can safeguard their intellectual property rights, contributors are rewarded based on performance, and enterprises can participate privately while still benefiting from shared network effects.
Supported by a diverse group of ecosystem participants and strategic investors, DeepNode is forging a path for AI development that prioritizes collaboration, transparency, and equitable contributor ownership.
About DeepNode
DeepNode is building the infrastructure for open intelligence. It is a decentralized AI network designed for collaboration among developers, validators, and compute providers. Participants can own their intellectual property and earn rewards for providing real-world utility through its Proof-of-Work Relevance (PoWR) mechanism. Built on Base for scalable, low-cost transactions, DeepNode's mainnet is slated for launch in 2026 and aims to power predictive applications across sectors such as healthcare, finance, and trading.
Contact Information
Mr. Jeffrey Kaele
DeepNode
Email: pr@deepnode.ai