Blockchain startup Rivalz Network raises $9M in funding to revolutionize AI with the first AI Intel layer

Two years ago, ChatGPT took the world by storm, marking a major turning point in artificial intelligence (AI). But as AI becomes more mainstream, the focus is now shifting to data provenance, which is set to be the backbone of AI data markets. These markets will power AI applications and foster a diverse ecosystem of AI agents.

Reconizing this, Rivalz Network, a Mali, Indonesian-based blockchain startup, is aiming to reshape the AI landscape with its introduction of the first AI Intel Layer, aimed at innovating AI data and decentralized infrastructure.

On Wednesday, Rivalz announced it had raised $9 million in funding to advance its AI Intel infrastructure. This round attracted top investors such as Delphi Ventures, D1 Ventures, Gate.io, Magnus Capital, and Cogitent Ventures.

Beyond these major investors, Rivalz has also drawn support from a broad range of backers, including Zee Prime, Caballeros, Formless Capital, Dweb3, Mask.io, BitsCrunch, SL2, Momentum6, 4RC, Stakewithus, NewTribe, Autonomy Capital, Optic, Emoote, BlockBuilders, OIG, The Rollup, IBC, DWF Labs, GSR, Rana, CFG Labs, Basics Capital, Blocktheory, Pragma, X21, Kyros, iAngels, and Wise3 Capital. The startup has also gained backing from angels at 0g Labs, Clique, Metaking Studios (Blocklords), and Vader Research.

Rivalz is addressing a significant challenge in AI development: the need for AI-ready, verified, and private data. Built on Dymension and Arbitrum, Rivalz’s DePIN dual-chain infrastructure aims to redefine the AI landscape. By offering a unique approach to decentralized storage and connectivity networks, Rivalz is positioning itself to drive the next phase of AI development, supporting an agentic future.

The company is building the foundation for a new era in AI, providing infrastructure that supports secure, high-quality intel, and paving the way for the next generation of autonomous systems and the creation of value in agentic economies.

Since launching its Testnet in June 2024, Rivalz has attracted over 180,000 participants, with 50,000 active storage client runners and 14 million transactions. The project has also built a social audience of half a million. Currently, eight projects are developing on Rivalz infrastructure in areas such as personalized AI in gaming, AI orchestration, and AI automation. Rivalz has also secured strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Dymension, Chainlink, Mon Protocol, Aethir, and Puffer Finance.

With this new capital, Rivalz plans to accelerate development, expand its infrastructure, and grow its ecosystem. The funding will be used strategically to drive innovation, strengthen partnerships, and scale the project’s offerings to meet the increasing demand for decentralized, high-quality AI data solutions.

Credit: Rivalz