[November 5, 2024]– VLayer, a pioneering verifiable data infrastructure startup, today announced it has raised $10 million in pre-seed funding to develop what they are calling "Solidity 2.0," a groundbreaking advancement for Ethereum smart contracts. This funding will empower VLayer to build the infrastructure necessary to bridge the gap between blockchain technology and real-world data, unlocking a new era of decentralized applications (dApps).
The funding round was led by a16z crypto Startup Accelerator (CSX), Credo Ventures, and Blocktower VC, with significant participation from prominent builders at Aztec Protocol, Worldcoin, Eleven Labs, and other leading tech companies. This diverse group of investors brings a wealth of experience and expertise in blockchain technology, venture capital, and scaling successful startups.
Bridging the Gap Between Blockchain and the Real World
VLayer's core mission is to address the limitations of current smart contracts by enabling seamless and verifiable integration of both on-chain and off-chain data. This is achieved through innovative features powered by zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) and multi-party computation (MPC):
- Time Travel: Enables smart contracts to interact with historical on-chain data, opening up possibilities for complex financial instruments and historical analysis.
- Teleport: Facilitates cross-chain communication and execution, allowing dApps to operate seamlessly across multiple EVM-compatible networks.
- Web Proofs (zkTLS): Verifies the integrity of web content, including APIs and websites, enabling trustless integration of off-chain data sources.
- Email Proofs (zkEmail): Securely verifies email content, paving the way for automated processes and verifiable communication within dApps.
These four new Solidity functions extend the capabilities of Ethereum smart contracts, allowing developers to build more robust and versatile dApps that interact with the real world in unprecedented ways.
The Visionaries Behind VLayer
VLayer was co-founded by Hubert Rachwalski von Rejchwald and Marek Kirejczyk, experienced entrepreneurs with proven track records in technology and blockchain. Hubert, having scaled and successfully exited Nethone, an AI-powered fraud prevention company, brings a deep understanding of the limitations of centralized systems. Marek, the creator of popular open-source frameworks useDapp and Waffle, possesses extensive experience in building developer tools and fostering thriving technical teams. Their combined expertise provides VLayer with a unique perspective on the needs of developers and the potential of blockchain technology.
A Rapid Journey to Open Alpha
Since joining the a16z crypto Startup Accelerator (CSX) in September 2024, VLayer has made remarkable progress. In just nine months, their team of over 20 experts across the US, UK, and Poland has built the core infrastructure and launched an open alpha, inviting developers to experience the power of "Solidity 2.0" firsthand.
The Future of Decentralized Applications
VLayer believes that verifiable data is crucial for the future of dApps, especially with the rise of AI and the increasing demand for trustless systems. By providing developers with easy-to-use tools for integrating and verifying data, VLayer is empowering the next generation of dApps to connect seamlessly with the real economy.
About VLayer:
VLayer is a verifiable data infrastructure startup revolutionizing Ethereum smart contracts with "Solidity 2.0." By leveraging zero-knowledge proofs and multi-party computation, VLayer empowers developers to build dApps that seamlessly integrate on-chain and off-chain data, unlocking new possibilities for the decentralized internet.
Compiled by CMO Intern team
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