OpenLayer, a crypto-AI startup co-founded by former Robinhood employees, has secured $5 million in seed funding. The funding round, which closed in August, was backed by investors including a16z Crypto Startup Accelerator and various angel investors.
Founded in 2023, OpenLayer aims to address challenges in accessing data controlled by tech giants. Co-founder Yuchen Jiang emphasized that while blockchain technology disrupts data silos, significant data remains inaccessible on traditional platforms, hindering AI agents from providing personalized services.
OpenLayer operates as an AI data layer, allowing users to validate and contribute data through a Chrome extension, which developers can access with user consent. This system supports training AI models and enhancing user targeting.
The startup launched its actively validated service on EigenLayer, an Ethereum restaking protocol, and currently has over 48,575 restakers. OpenLayer plans to introduce its own token in the future and is expanding its team.