OpenLedger has announced a $25 million investment through its OpenCircle launchpad to support developers building AI-focused protocols. The move aims to address what OpenLedger describes as the “extractive” nature of the current AI economy.
Ram, a core contributor at OpenLedger, said, “AI is currently an extractive economy, profiting from invisible labor and centralized training pipelines. OpenCircle turns that model inside out by enabling contributors—whether through code, data, or compute—to own part of the value they help create.”
OpenLedger raised $8 million in a seed round last year to position itself as the “sovereign data blockchain for AI technology.” The company also partnered with restaking protocol Ether.fi to enhance AI model development and security.
The AI and blockchain sectors are increasingly intersecting. For instance, Telegram recently announced plans to integrate the xAI chatbot Grok into its app and to accept the TON token for crypto payments.
In related blockchain news, stablecoins continue to gain traction in cross-border payments. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies, stablecoins are pegged to traditional currencies such as the U.S. dollar or euro, providing price stability and predictability.
Many stablecoins operate on open and programmable blockchain networks, enabling smaller institutions to access global payment systems without building their own infrastructure.
Kirill Gertman, CEO of Conduit, told PYMNTS, “You open your Venmo, type in the amount, and your friend receives it via Pix in Brazil. You never leave your app. That’s where we’re going.” He highlighted the benefits of instant settlement, including reduced working capital needs and less exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations.
Additionally, BVNK and LianLian Global recently partnered to allow merchants to use major stablecoins for cross-border transactions. BVNK CEO Jesse Hemson-Struthers stated, “Stablecoins are reshaping global finance. Through this partnership, LianLian Global’s merchants can transform idle digital assets into instant cross-border payment fuel.”
Despite their advantages, stablecoins introduce new risks and regulatory challenges. Providers must maintain reserves and operate transparently to prevent destabilization. The global regulatory framework remains fragmented, complicating compliance efforts.