OKX Ventures and the Aptos Foundation jointly launched an ecosystem growth fund and accelerator to promote the growth of the Aptos ecosystem

On August 1, 2024, OKX Ventures, the investment arm of the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 technology company OKX, and the global blockchain leader Aptos Foundation announced the joint launch of a new fund with a scale of $10 million, aimed at supporting the growth of the Aptos ecosystem and the widespread adoption of Web3.

The fund will be used to develop an accelerator program operated in collaboration with Ankaa, designed to drive the growth of high-quality projects and applications based on Aptos. Aptos is a scalable Layer 1 PoS blockchain that uses the Move programming language to make on-chain transactions more reliable, user-friendly, and secure. The accelerator will provide selected Aptos ecosystem projects with risk support, focused guidance, marketing exposure, and access to a joint expert network from OKX, Ankaa, and the Aptos Foundation.

A jury composed of members from the Aptos Foundation, OKX Ventures, and the Ankaa team will select five promising projects to be included in the first batch of accelerator projects in September this year. Ankaa will act as the initial investor for the selected projects and will be responsible for the daily operations of the accelerator. The initial focus areas of the accelerator will include, but are not limited to, infrastructure, DeFi, RWA, gaming, social, AI, and other DApps that are crucial to the development and evolution of the Aptos ecosystem and Web3.

Over the past two years, OKX Ventures has invested in over 300 projects across five continents, covering almost all sectors, with a fund size of approximately $1 billion. Through collaboration with the Aptos Foundation, OKX Ventures aims to increase support and exploration for cutting-edge blockchain innovations and high-quality projects, committed to driving long-term value in the ecosystem.

Jeff Ren, partner at OKX Ventures, stated, "We see tremendous potential in Aptos, especially because it uses the Move programming language—a game changer for creating secure and efficient smart contracts in the DeFi space. As the next wave of adoption driven by Ethereum and Bitcoin networks arrives, we are excited about the prospects of Aptos becoming a significant player in the blockchain space. We are fully committed to supporting Aptos ecosystem projects, enhancing the infrastructure in the blockchain and Web3 space, and warmly welcome all interested developers to reach out to us."

Bashar Lazaar, head of Grants and Ecosystem at the Aptos Foundation, said, "The vast network and strong expertise of OKX Ventures in the Web3 space are invaluable for the Aptos ecosystem, and their team is dedicated to creating a favorable environment for innovation and growth, which aligns perfectly with our vision for Aptos. We are excited to further advance the Aptos ecosystem through their insights and resources and to bring some highly innovative projects to fruition."

Mo Shaikh, CEO of Aptos Labs, stated, "Aptos Labs is a member of the Aptos ecosystem and will provide blockchain support and consulting work for the joint accelerator. Under the leadership of OKX and the Aptos Foundation, this joint ecosystem growth fund and accelerator is crucial for solidifying Aptos's position as a Move-based L1, validating new use cases, and bringing Web2 developers into Web3."

Applications for the Ankaa accelerator program will open in August this year. OKX Ventures, Aptos Foundation, and Ankaa welcome all interested developers and projects to contact the team via https://ankaalabs.typeform.com/accelerator.

About OKX Ventures

OKX Ventures is the investment arm of OKX, a leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 technology company, with an initial capital of $100 million, focusing on discovering the best blockchain projects globally, supporting cutting-edge technological innovations in blockchain, and promoting the healthy development of the global blockchain industry, investing in long-term structural value. OKX Ventures is committed to supporting entrepreneurs who contribute to the development of the blockchain industry, helping them build innovative companies and bringing global resources and rich experience to their projects. https://www.okx.com/zh-hant/ventures

About Aptos Foundation

The Aptos Foundation is dedicated to supporting the development of the Aptos protocol, decentralized networks, and ecosystems, and promoting interaction with the Aptos ecosystem. By unlocking seamlessly usable blockchain technology, the Aptos Foundation aims to bring the benefits of decentralization to the masses.

About Aptos Network

Aptos is a next-generation Layer 1 blockchain. Aptos's groundbreaking technology and the Move programming language are designed to continuously evolve, enhance performance, and strengthen user protection. Please visit https://www.aptosfoundation.org for more information about the Aptos blockchain.

About Ankaa

Ankaa is a Web3 accelerator jointly launched by Aptos, OKX Ventures, and ALCOVE, dedicated to fostering innovation and helping founders thrive in Web3. Ankaa was founded by experienced entrepreneurs and technology leaders from top Web2 and Web3 companies, providing funding, guidance, and resource support for early-stage Web3 startups. Ankaa's mission is to help visionary founders create blockchain applications and build real-world use cases for mass adoption. Ankaa aims to transform innovative ideas into leading products, shaping the future of the decentralized economy.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and represents the author's views, not those of OKX. This article does not intend to provide (i) investment advice or investment recommendations; (ii) offers or solicitations to buy, sell, or hold digital assets; (iii) financial, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Please consult your legal/tax/investment professionals regarding your specific circumstances. You are solely responsible for understanding and complying with applicable laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.