ZBD, a Bitcoin payments startup focused on the video game industry, raised $40 million in a Series C funding round to expand its blockchain payment infrastructure for in-game transactions. Blockstream Capital, a crypto investment firm with ties to early Bitcoin adopter Adam Back, led the funding round with a $36 million investment, according to Simon Cowell, cofounder and CEO of ZBD.
The company offers video game payment software designed to handle various transactions, including those involving Bitcoin. Cowell declined to disclose the valuation at which the round was raised or the identities of the other investors. "We're talking about a payment solution for the entire industry that actually really enables them to have a direct financial relationship to the player," Cowell told Fortune.
ZBD aims to capitalize on the natural connection between cryptocurrencies and the video game industry, where players frequently buy, sell, and trade digital items such as weapons, accessories, and virtual land. By providing a platform for seamless Bitcoin transactions, ZBD seeks to streamline the process and foster direct financial relationships between game developers and players.
The fundraise occurs amidst a cautious sentiment regarding the integration of crypto into video games. Despite initial enthusiasm, the combination has not yet achieved widespread adoption. ZBD's funding round indicates continued investor interest in the potential of blockchain technology to transform the gaming landscape. The company plans to use the new capital to further develop its payment solutions and expand its reach within the video game industry.
AI-Assisted Journalism
This article was generated with AI assistance, synthesizing reporting from multiple credible news sources. Our editorial team reviews AI-generated content for accuracy.
Deep insights powered by AI
Continue exploring
Robotics is rapidly expanding beyond simple applications, with humanoid robots poised to become a $200 billion industry, impacting labor markets and daily life. New advancements, like wirelessly connected cleaning robots capable of navigating elevators, demonstrate increasing complexity and autonomy, signaling a future where robots are more integrated into shared spaces.
While diet significantly impacts health, particularly in managing chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, the concept of "food as medicine" requires careful consideration. Experts caution against oversimplification, emphasizing that while a healthy diet is crucial, it's not a singular cure-all and should complement, not replace, evidence-based medical treatments.
Leaked court documents reveal Sony Pictures executives criticizing Blake Lively's handling of a public relations crisis surrounding harassment allegations against Justin Baldoni, director and co-star of "It Ends With Us," highlighting the complex intersection of celebrity, legal battles, and studio reputation management. This incident underscores the potential for AI-driven analysis of communication patterns to expose internal corporate sentiments and impact public perception.
Children's entertainer Ms. Rachel faced backlash for liking an antisemitic comment on Instagram, sparking controversy among viewers and advocacy groups. The incident highlights the challenges of managing social media presence and the potential for unintentional endorsement of harmful content, even by prominent figures in children's education.
Ryan Coogler's vampire film "Sinners" has garnered a record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations, injecting fresh dynamism into the Best Picture race and challenging the early frontrunner. The film's success signifies a potential shift in the Academy's preferences, highlighting a move towards genre films with diverse representation, as evidenced by the record number of nominations for Black individuals associated with the production. This development reflects a broader global conversation around inclusivity and representation in Hollywood and the international film industry.
The *Barbershop* TV series is getting a fresh cut with the addition of eight hilarious talents like Zack Fox, Ego Nwodim, and Tituss Burgess, promising a riotous blend of comedy and cultural commentary. With this star-studded lineup joining the already stellar cast, *Barbershop* is set to be the must-see comedy, perfectly blending sharp wit and relatable stories for a diverse audience.
A recent podcast episode highlights the experiences of two researchers with size and mobility-related challenges, discussing the need for workplace accommodations and attitudinal shifts within academia. The researchers advocate for ergonomic tools and a more inclusive environment, addressing concerns raised about the suitability of scientists with disabilities and diverse body types in academic careers. This episode is part of a series exploring taboo workplace topics, aiming to foster open conversations and drive positive change.
In a surprising display of animal cognition, a domesticated cow named Veronika has been observed using tools like sticks and brooms for self-grooming, marking the first documented instance of flexible tool use in cattle. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about bovine intelligence and highlights the potential for further research into animal cognitive abilities and tool manipulation.
Researchers have identified five previously overlooked genes responsible for hereditary gradual blindness, potentially resolving undiagnosed cases of retinitis pigmentosa, a condition impacting millions globally. This genetic discovery offers new avenues for understanding and potentially treating vision loss, highlighting the complex interplay between genes and disease. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive genetic analysis in addressing inherited conditions and advancing personalized medicine.
Research indicates that the severity of a cold depends heavily on the speed and effectiveness of nasal cells' antiviral response upon initial infection by rhinovirus. This early immune reaction determines whether the virus is contained before symptoms manifest, suggesting that individual immune system efficiency is a critical factor in cold susceptibility and severity.
A recent study in *Alzheimer's & Dementia* reveals that individuals maintaining exceptional cognitive function into their 80s, known as "super agers," possess a genetic advantage, exhibiting a lower prevalence of the APOE-ε4 Alzheimer's risk gene and a higher incidence of the protective APOE-ε2 variant. These findings offer valuable insights into the genetic factors influencing cognitive aging and may pave the way for targeted interventions to promote brain health.
A novel blood test shows promise in detecting Crohn's disease years before the onset of symptoms by identifying unique immune responses to gut bacteria. Experts suggest this early detection could lead to timely interventions, potentially preventing severe complications and improving patient outcomes through proactive management of the disease.
Discussion
Join the conversation
Be the first to comment