Napster Expands Into Web3 Music Space With Acquisition of Mint Songs

On Wednesday, Napster, the music streaming service originally launched in 1999, announced that the company has finalized a deal to acquire the Web3 music startup Mint Songs. Napster’s CEO, Jon Vlassopulos, insists that “we are in an unprecedented era of innovation in the digital music space,” and he believes Web3 innovations can help musicians find … Read more

Silvergate Bank Becomes Most Shorted Stock in US, but Sees Boost With Citadel Securities Stake

Recent data shows that Silvergate Bank, a crypto-friendly financial institution, has become the most shorted stock in the United States, according to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. On Tuesday, Silvergate’s stock saw a rise after it was discovered that Citadel Securities holds a 5.5% stake in the bank, according to a Schedule 13G filing with … Read more

Bakkt Shifts Focus to B2B Technology Solutions, Plans to Discontinue Consumer App

Bakkt Holdings Inc. announced Monday that it will solely focus on business-to-business technology solutions and discontinue its consumer application. The company stated that the app will officially be discontinued on March 16, 2023, and app users will continue to have access to all of their assets. Bakkt Consumer App to Sunset, Loyalty Points Still Accessible … Read more

State-backed Crypto Mining Farm under Construction in Russia’s Buryatia

A new crypto mining facility is being built in the Russian Republic of Buryatia with support from a government-affiliated company. Construction of the infrastructure for the large-scale project is already underway, carried out by a subsidiary of Russia’s largest mining operator, Bitriver. Bitriver Building Large Data Center for Cryptocurrency Mining in Buryatia, Siberia A 100-megawatt … Read more

Brazilian Fintech Company Capitual Partners With Azimut to Offer Crypto Services in European Markets

Capitual, a Brazilian fintech company that offers cryptocurrency intermediation services, has partnered with Azimut, an asset management firm, to expand its service offer to Europe. The deal, which contemplates an investment of €15 million (about $16.2 million), would allow Capitual to start operating in Mexico, where Azimut has significant presence and operations. Capitual Gets €15 … Read more

Google Backs AI Firm Anthropic With $300 Million, Following Series B Investment From Controversial FTX Co-Founder

As the artificial intelligence (AI) wars intensify, the AI firm Anthropic has raised $300 million from Google and sources say that the tech giant will get roughly a 10% stake in the AI company. Interestingly, in April 2022, Anthropic raised approximately $500 million from sources including Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), co-founder of FTX; Caroline Ellison, former … Read more

London Crowned World’s Leading Cryptocurrency Hub, According to Study

According to research from Recap, a cryptocurrency tax software company, London has become the world’s leading hub for cryptocurrencies. The researchers analyzed eight indicators, including the number of cryptocurrency businesses and the quantity of cryptocurrency ATMs in each country. Key Findings of Recap’s Study on Global Cryptocurrency Hubs Crypto tax firm Recap released a research … Read more

Massachusetts-Based Bankprov to End Loan Offerings Secured by Cryptocurrency Mining Rigs

The Amesbury, Massachusetts-based Bankprov, a subsidiary of Provident Bancorp, has announced that it will no longer provide loans secured by cryptocurrency mining rigs. In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (EX-99.1), Bankprov stated that revenue from its digital asset loan portfolio will continue to decrease as the company has discontinued new loan … Read more