Uniswap Labs —the entity behind the leading decentralized exchange (DEX) Uniswap— recently announced the launch of a venture capital arm that will invest in various industry-leading Web3 protocols.
Uniswap Ready to Expand Its Web3 Reach
As per an official blog post from the company, Uniswap Lab Ventures (ULV) will focus on investing in Web3-related companies and technologies at any stage of development, from startups building blockchain infrastructure, developer tools, and consumer-facing applications as main areas of interest.
1/💫 At Labs, we want to onboard millions of users into the web3 economy, with the goal of unlocking universal ownership & exchange for all. But we know we can’t achieve our mission alone.
Today we’re proud to announce the launch of Uniswap Labs Ventures!https://t.co/Y4gSKOd9dC
— Uniswap Labs 🦄 (@Uniswap) April 11, 2022
The firm has already invested in at least 11 Web3 protocols and companies, including decentralized liquidity markets like Aave, Compound, and Ethereum developer platform Tenderly. Other notable protocols are cross-chain platform LayerZero and DAI Stablecoin issuer MakerDAO.
The firm will also participate in on and off-chain governance systems of the project it invests in, as shared by Uniswap founder Hayden Adams.
2/
🔥 As a crypto-native team, we can’t wait to support other projects in the space as they launch and grow
One unique aspect of ULV that I am especially excited about is our plans to participate in the governance systems of projects we invest in
— hayden.eth 🦄 (@haydenzadams) April 11, 2022
Notably, the investment arm is directed by former Uniswap strategy lead, Matteo Leibowitz, alongside Uniswap COO Mary-Catherine Lader.
Other future projects weren’t disclosed nor the amount of capital invested, but the firm outlined that they are planning to work with projects that are closely aligned with Uniswap’s core values.
“Uniswap Labs Ventures will invest in teams at different stages and levels of the web3 stack, from infrastructure to developer tools and consumer-facing applications. We’re also focused on investing in projects that are closely aligned with our values: building for the long term, collaborating openly with communities, and putting users first.”
Crypto Companies Betting on Web3
Uniswap is joining the long list of crypto companies investing in Web3 — which promises to be the decentralized version of the internet built with blockchain technology.
Numerous high-profile crypto companies are already diversifying through venture capital firms and Web3 projects. Such is the case with centralised exchange FTX, founded by crypto billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried. The exchange launched a US$2 billion fund a few days ago to invest in potential Web3 startups.
Web3 now is more than a buzzword on social media —it’s taking a broader notion in the mainstream thanks to the effort of several NFT and metaverse projects. There are now various organizations hosting numerous web3 projects that are bringing multisensory interactions for crypto enthusiasts and curious bystanders who want to have a glimpse of the metaverse.
CoinCentral was up to date with this year’s South by Southwest (SXSW) —one of the oldest sets of music festivals, films, and conferences taking place annually in Austin, Texas. This 2022, SXSW was the host for many web3 and NFT projects, with Doodles and Fluf World taking calling the participants’ attention with highly elaborated panels.
For its part, Doodles was at full display during the SXSW festival, receiving attendees on a Doodle-themed warehouse full of rainbows, noodles, and other Doodle-branded products. Fluf World on the other hand held a mini music festival inside multiple domed tents.
