Donut Labs Raises $15M Seed Funding to Build AI-Powered Crypto Trading Browser

Walmart's CEO believes that the integration of AI will transform job roles across the retail sector, focusing on enhancing efficiency and fostering innovation while ensuring workforce stability. This shift is significant as it highlights how technology can reshape the future of work, potentially leading to a more productive and adaptable retail environment.

Donut Labs has successfully secured $22 million in funding for its AI-driven crypto trading browser, which has already attracted 160,000 users on its waitlist. This surge in interest underscores the increasing demand for innovative trading solutions in the rapidly changing cryptocurrency market. As more traders seek real-time, AI-enhanced tools, Donut Labs is positioning itself as a key player in this evolving landscape.

Last week, Bitcoin experienced a significant outflow of nearly $946 million, contributing to a broader $360 million withdrawal from the cryptocurrency market. This downturn was largely influenced by Jerome Powell's comments regarding interest rates, which dampened expectations for a potential rate cut in December. This situation highlights the volatility of the crypto market and the impact of macroeconomic factors on investor sentiment, making it crucial for traders to stay informed about both market trends and economic indicators.

Balancer Protocol has reportedly suffered a significant exploit, leading to losses exceeding $98 million, which raises serious concerns about security in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector. With over $700 million in total value locked, this incident marks one of the largest breaches in DeFi history for 2025. The attack highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in the crypto space, making it crucial for investors and users to remain vigilant and for protocols to enhance their security measures.

Lava has successfully raised $200 million to offer a bitcoin-backed line of credit, with new borrowing rates starting at an attractive 5%. This development is significant as it not only enhances access to capital for bitcoin holders but also signals growing institutional confidence in cryptocurrency-backed financial products. As the market evolves, such initiatives could pave the way for broader adoption of digital assets in traditional finance.

Chainlink has experienced a significant drop of 10% amid a broader selloff in the cryptocurrency market. This decline raises concerns among investors about the stability of digital assets. However, the company has also unveiled a new rewards program aimed at incentivizing users, which could potentially help regain investor confidence in the long run. The dual impact of the market downturn and the introduction of new initiatives makes this a crucial moment for Chainlink and its community.

IREN has secured a groundbreaking $9.7 billion deal with Microsoft to enhance its AI cloud services. This partnership is significant as it positions IREN at the forefront of technological innovation, enabling them to leverage Microsoft's expertise in artificial intelligence and cloud computing. The collaboration is expected to drive efficiency and improve service delivery, ultimately benefiting customers and stakeholders alike.

Balancer, a prominent decentralized finance platform, has suffered a significant exploit resulting in the draining of over $116 million from its V2 liquidity pools. This incident highlights vulnerabilities in the DeFi space, raising concerns among investors and users about the security of their assets. As the crypto market continues to evolve, such breaches can undermine trust and lead to increased scrutiny from regulators, making it crucial for platforms to enhance their security measures.

Bitcoin has experienced a dip as Polymarket forecasts a significant victory for Zohran Mamdani. This prediction is noteworthy as it reflects the growing influence of political events on cryptocurrency markets. Investors are closely watching how such developments might impact Bitcoin's value, making it a critical moment for both the cryptocurrency and political landscapes.

Brazil and Hong Kong are making strides in cross-border trade by testing a new blockchain system through Banco Inter and Chainlink. This pilot project utilizes Brazil's Drex and Hong Kong's Ensemble networks, marking a significant step in modernizing trade finance. The success of this initiative could pave the way for more efficient international transactions, showcasing the potential of blockchain technology in global commerce.

Coin Center has filed a brief in the ongoing Ethereum MEV trial, challenging the prosecutors' claims that two brothers posed as 'honest validators' to execute a $25 million exploit. This case is significant as it raises important questions about the integrity of blockchain validation processes and the implications for the broader cryptocurrency community.

Dogecoin has been experiencing a period of consolidation, fluctuating between $0.17 and $0.18, after failing to break above $0.19. This follows unsuccessful attempts to recover losses earlier in October. Traders are closely watching the situation, as many believe a significant price rally could be on the horizon. Understanding these price movements is crucial for investors looking to navigate the volatile cryptocurrency market.

The recent surge in interest for Solana, despite its price struggles, is largely attributed to the newly approved Solana Spot Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). This development has sparked a wave of investor enthusiasm, indicating a growing confidence in the altcoin's potential. As more people look to invest in Solana through these ETFs, it highlights a significant shift in market sentiment and could pave the way for further adoption and price recovery.

The Ethereum Foundation has announced a significant revamp of its grants program, introducing a new funding approach that aligns with the goals of the Ethereum ecosystem. By utilizing a wishlist and requests for proposals, the foundation aims to better support projects that contribute to the growth and development of Ethereum. This change is important as it not only streamlines the funding process but also ensures that resources are directed towards initiatives that can have a meaningful impact on the community.