DeepNode Raises $5 Million to Build an Open Network for Artificial Intelligence
A new company called DeepNode just got $5 million in funding. They are building a new kind of network for Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is technology that lets computers think and learn like humans.
DeepNode wants to make it possible for anyone to help create and use AI, not just big tech companies. They call this idea an “open intelligence” network. On this network, AI developers, people who provide computer power, and people who check the work can all work together and earn money.
How DeepNode Raised the Money
DeepNode raised the $5 million in two steps.
First, they had a seed round, which is an early investment to help a company get started. They raised $2 million from their own community members. This means the people who will actually use and support the network were the first to invest. The company said this was special because it was “driven by our community.”
At this stage, the company was given a valuation, or worth, of $25 million.
Next, they had a strategic round. This is where investors who are experts in the field provide money and advice. DeepNode raised another $3 million from investors who know a lot about AI and Web3 (the next generation of the internet using blockchain technology).
In this second round, the company’s valuation grew to $75 million. This shows that experts believe DeepNode has a great idea.
What Makes DeepNode Different?
DeepNode is not just focused on one type of AI, like large language models (LLMs) that write text. Instead, they are building a “multi-tool” that can be used for many different jobs.
For example, it could be used in healthcare to help diagnose diseases, in banking to spot fraud, or even to help with crypto trading.
The network also uses a special system to reward people called Proof-of-Work Relevance (PoWR). This is different from older systems like Proof-of-Work (PoW), which often reward just for using a lot of computer power. Instead, PoWR rewards AI models based on how useful they are in the real world. The better an AI model performs, the more its creator earns.
The Plan for the Future
DeepNode is building its network on Base, which is an Ethereum Layer-2 network. This technology is built on top of the secure Ethereum blockchain but makes transactions very fast and cheap—costing less than a penny.
The company plans to launch its mainnet, the full, live version of their network, by early 2026.
With the $5 million they raised, DeepNode wants to build a network where AI creators can own their work (this is called intellectual property rights), contributors can earn money based on performance, and everyone can work together openly and transparently.
About DeepNode
DeepNode is building the network for open intelligence. It’s a decentralized AI network where developers and contributors can team up, own their creations, and get paid for making useful AI. The network will be launched in 2026 and will be used for tasks in many areas, including healthcare, finance, and trading.