Original author: James Wo, Founder CEO, Digital Finance Group
DFG sponsored and participated in ETHDenver 2024, and this year’s ETHDenver event lived up to expectations by attracting a diverse and passionate crowd from the cryptocurrency and blockchain communities. In recent years, DFG has strategically invested in various protocols, infrastructure and ecology, focusing on the mature Ethereum ecology.
As the largest and oldest Ethereum event in the world, ETHDenver 2024 invited more than 500 industry speakers, welcomed more than 200 blockchain/Web3 companies, and united more than 600 team members and employees in an event-filled conference in a vibrant community. Activity included decentralized AI infrastructure, the importance of ERC-4337 in account abstraction, advances in on-chain identity, advances in L2 solutions, and the growing interest in Web3 gaming.
Main highlights
Key highlights of ETHDenver 2024 include buzz around AI x Web3 projects, a renewed emphasis on Web3 gaming and social, the growth of account abstractions, and advancements in L2 solutions that improve privacy, scalability, and interoperability.
Blockchain and AI
A recurring theme at ETHDenver 2024 was the intersection of AI and blockchain technology, with discussions focused on using blockchain to verify the soundness of AI models and leverage decentralized networks for more accessible and affordable processing . ETHDenver 2024 showcased a variety of cutting-edge projects at the intersection of AI and cryptocurrency, highlighting the burgeoning synergies between these two technology fields. The event sparked discussions about decentralized AI infrastructure and proposed solutions to overcome the shortage and cost of AI processing hardware through decentralized networks. This approach aims to make AI processing more accessible and affordable, signaling a growing push to use blockchain technology for AI applications.
GrowthCon at ETHDenver 2024 focuses on how social and AI can drive mass adoption of cryptocurrencies, including keynotes and panel discussions on challenges and opportunities in the Web3 space, including AI, public goods, data interoperability, and Web3 social.
These projects and discussions highlight the growing integration of AI and blockchain technology, indicating a significant trend towards developing decentralized, secure and efficient AI applications, which could revolutionize the cryptocurrency space and the development of AI. The event focused on innovative solutions to current technological challenges, highlighting the crypto community’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with blockchain and AI.
Web3 gaming and social
ETHDenver 2024 also focuses on innovative projects through its BUIDLathon, with winners selected based on contributions in multiple areas, including Identity + Privacy + Security and DeFi + NFT + Gaming. Notable projects include HoneyPause (focused on helping white hats solve security vulnerabilities) and Egg Wars (a gaming project where players compete using blockchain-based assets). Another winner, ODIN, aims to enhance the security of decentralized applications by enabling them to suspend smart contracts in anticipation of malicious transactions.
Another highlight of ETHDenver is the emphasis on account abstraction, L2 progress, on-chain identity evolution, and the resurgence of Web3 gaming. This event included discussions around ERC-4337, advances in on-chain encryption technology for smart contract privacy, and AI-driven interactive experiences based on verifiable on-chain data.
ETHDenver 2024 showcased the dynamic convergence of gaming and blockchain technology, with projects like Aavegotchi enabling players to use NFT avatars in immersive worlds, demonstrating the potential for novel and engaging user experiences in the Web3 space.
During ETHDenver 2024, the topic of Web3 social occupies a prominent position, with projects and discussions focusing on decentralized AI infrastructure, on-chain identity, and Web3 games. Innovations in on-chain encryption and privacy in smart contracts were also highlighted, as well as the importance of Web3 data protocol interoperability. Projects such as Aavegotchi, Cellula, and Chibi Clash demonstrate the convergence of gaming and blockchain technology, demonstrating new ways to interact with digital assets and communities.
Bitcoin L2
At ETHDenver 2024, the topic of Bitcoin attracted attention, especially the discussion of Bitcoin L2. The projects developing Bitcoin L2 shared their vision of building a comprehensive ecosystem of Bitcoin applications. ETHDenver 2024 showcased the growing interest and development in Bitcoin L2, signaling an important step towards increasing Bitcoin’s scalability and utility. The conference provides a platform for builders and developers to explore and participate in Bitcoin L2, rekindling enthusiasm for Bitcoins potential in a decentralized economy.
DFGs activities
As a sponsor of ETHDenver 2024, DFG participated in the conference and valuable peripheral activities to establish connections with many industry players. On February 28, I was invited by our investment project ZKM to participate in a panel discussion at House of ZK and sharedStrategies and best practices for building high-quality teams。
On February 29th, as a sponsor of Omnichain Day hosted by ZetaChain, DFG had the honor to communicate with visitors at our booth. Im happy to share myInsights into interoperability and our investment thesis。
It is a pleasure to participate in the panel speech and discuss our investment strategy at the ETHDenver conference on March 1st. We plan to deploy more funds this year.
On the evening of March 2, DFG, together with our investment companies Subsquid and ChainSafe, jointly held an Infra Cocktails event. The evening was filled with socializing, music and good vibes. Dmitry from Subsquid, Greg from ChainSafe, and I shared thoughts on infrastructure, scalability, and data availability, while Shiv from PoolData expertly moderated our panel. The event atmosphere was comfortable and enjoyable for everyone involved.
See you next year, ETHDenver
ETHDenver 2024 unites visionaries, developers, and enthusiasts to delve into cutting-edge technology and innovation in the blockchain and crypto space. The event not only showcased cutting-edge advances but also highlighted fundamental principles such as sustainability, inclusivity and democratization within the industry. I’m excited about the convergence of technology and innovation at ETHDenver 2024, which bodes well for a bright future in the blockchain and crypto space. The event showcased the latest blockchain and crypto technologies, laying the foundation for future development and collaboration in the crypto space. DFG remains committed to supporting the Ethereum ecosystem and further investing in protocols and infrastructure as key elements in promoting the growth of the blockchain ecosystem.
About DFG
Digital Finance Group (DFG) is a global blockchain and cryptocurrency investment company founded in 2015 with over $1 billion in funds under management. The investment field widely covers multiple tracks of the blockchain ecosystem, such as Web3.0, CeFi, DeFi, NFT, and Polkadot ecosystem.
Investments include Circle, Ledger, Coinlist, FV Bank, Astar, ChainSafe and more than 100 others. DFG aims to create value through analytical research based on the most influential and promising global blockchain and Web3.0 projects that will bring about fundamental changes in the world.
DFG Website: https://dfg.group
DFG Twitter: @DFG__Official
DFG LinkedIn: DFG
