Stripe-backed L1 Tempo raises $500M in new funding round

CMB International has successfully tokenized a massive $3.8 billion fund on the BNB Chain, marking a significant milestone in the world of blockchain finance. This innovative move not only enhances liquidity and accessibility for investors but also showcases the growing trend of tokenization in traditional finance. By leveraging blockchain technology, CMB International is paving the way for more efficient investment opportunities, which could attract more participants to the market and potentially reshape the future of asset management.

Stripe's new blockchain, Tempo, has achieved a remarkable $5 billion valuation following a $500 million funding round led by Thrive Capital and Greenoaks. This significant investment comes just two months after Stripe introduced Tempo as a layer-1 blockchain designed for stablecoin and real-world payments. This development is crucial as it highlights the growing confidence in blockchain technology and its potential to revolutionize payment systems.

Dankrad Feist, a prominent researcher from the Ethereum Foundation, has joined Stripe's Tempo team, highlighting a significant collaboration between two influential entities in the tech and finance sectors. Feist believes that both Tempo and Ethereum share similar values and can complement each other, which could lead to innovative developments in the blockchain space. This partnership is noteworthy as it underscores the growing intersection of traditional finance and decentralized technologies, potentially paving the way for more integrated financial solutions.

Astra Nova has successfully raised $48.3 million to expand its innovative Web3 and AI entertainment ecosystem. This funding is significant as it empowers creators with no-code tools to launch blockchain-based entertainment experiences, making it easier for them to engage audiences in new and exciting ways. The investment highlights the growing interest in decentralized technologies and their potential to transform the entertainment industry.

Dankrad Feist, a leading researcher from the Ethereum Foundation, is set to join Tempo, a Layer-1 blockchain project supported by Stripe and Paradigm. This move is significant as it highlights the growing intersection of established financial technology and blockchain innovation, potentially paving the way for more robust and scalable blockchain solutions.

Aster's total value locked (TVL) has skyrocketed to $2.15 billion, marking a significant milestone in the DeFi space. This surge comes alongside XYZVerse's launch of the CS2 league, which boasts a $5.5 million prize pool, further energizing the web3 ecosystem. The growing momentum in both finance and entertainment sectors highlights the increasing interest and investment in blockchain technologies, making it an exciting time for crypto enthusiasts and investors alike.

In a surprising turn of events, $63 million worth of long-idle Bitcoin has been reactivated, sparking interest in the cryptocurrency market. This resurgence comes at a time when Bitcoin is facing challenges, highlighting the dynamic nature of digital currencies. The reactivation of these funds could indicate renewed investor confidence or a strategic move by holders, making it a significant development for the crypto community.

The rise of decentralized compute networks is set to transform global access to artificial intelligence. Currently, AI computing power is largely concentrated in developed countries, limiting opportunities for innovation elsewhere. By utilizing idle GPUs through blockchain technology, these networks can democratize access to AI resources, enabling a broader range of individuals and organizations to participate in AI development. This shift not only fosters inclusivity but also encourages diverse contributions to the AI landscape, making it a significant step towards a more equitable technological future.

The Ethereum network has just seen a significant boost with nearly $1 billion in USDT minted, providing fresh liquidity during a challenging market period. This move by Tether is particularly important as both Ethereum and Bitcoin are currently under pressure, highlighting the resilience and ongoing activity within the crypto space. Such minting can help stabilize the market and attract more investors, making it a noteworthy development for cryptocurrency enthusiasts.

Cardano (ADA) has experienced a significant drop of about 27% this week, falling below the crucial $0.66 support level. This decline is attributed to a broader risk-off sentiment in the cryptocurrency market, exacerbated by Bitcoin's dip towards $104,000 and reduced liquidity among altcoins. On-chain data indicates that large holders are becoming more defensive, with wallets holding between 1 to 10 million ADA selling off approximately 40 million ADA in just a week. This situation raises concerns about the future stability of Cardano and highlights the volatility in the crypto space.

OpenSea is gearing up for the launch of its $SEA token in the first quarter of 2026, which is expected to boost user engagement and drive platform growth. With a unique distribution model that allocates 50% of the token supply to users and the other 50% for revenue buybacks, this initiative could position OpenSea as a leading player in the competitive crypto trading market. This move not only highlights OpenSea's commitment to its community but also reflects the growing trend of integrating user incentives in the blockchain space.

The Bitcoin Coinbase Premium Index has recently turned negative, indicating a shift in market dynamics as Bitcoin's Relative Strength Index (RSI) reaches its lowest point since April. This development is noteworthy as it may signal the start of a gradual recovery for Bitcoin, despite the current downturn. Investors and analysts will be closely monitoring these trends to gauge potential future movements in the cryptocurrency market.

The recent collapse of NAV premiums in Bitcoin treasury firms has opened up unique opportunities for skilled asset managers, according to researchers from 10x Research. While retail investors faced significant losses, this reset in the market could pave the way for a new era of investment strategies and management in the cryptocurrency space. This shift is important as it may lead to more professional oversight and potentially stabilize the market in the long run.

Bitcoin is facing a challenging moment as its price has dropped to $103,528, reflecting a negative trend in the cryptocurrency market. This decline is significant as it indicates a critical transition phase for Bitcoin, raising concerns among investors about the future of the leading digital currency. With the global macroeconomic outlook becoming increasingly uncertain, many are left wondering when this downward trend will stabilize and what it means for the broader market.