Mastercard Launches Start Path Crypto, Meta Brings NFT Minting & Trading to Instagram
Get your daily, bite-sized summary of cryptoassets and blockchain-related news – examine the stories that fly under the radar of today’s crypto news.
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Payment news
- MasterCard has launched Start Path Crypto – a global engagement program to help blockchain, crypto and digital asset startups scale. According to an announcement, seven startups are joining Start Path: Digital Treasures Center, Faceted, Loot Bolt, Square, Stable, TBTM (Take Back the Mic) Studiosand At the top.
NFT news
- Meta said it introduces a way for creators to create their own non-fungible tokens (NFTs) (or digital collectibles) and sell them to fans and collectors on and off Instagram. According to the announcement, users can support creators by purchasing their NFTs directly on Instagram. “We’re testing these new features with a small group of creators in the US first, and hope to expand to more countries soon,” it added. “Meta is also expanding its showcase capabilities to include digital video collectibles on Instagram and adding support for Solana blockchain and The Phantom wallet.”
- Opera announced the launch of DegenKnows.io, its new NFT analysis, tracking and exploration tool that helps users discover, track and verify digital collectibles. According to the press release, Opera Crypto Browser has also integrated NEAR protocol, Elrondand Phantom blockchains.
Legal news
- Instagram influencer Jebara Igbara, also known as ‘Jay Mazini’, pleaded guilty in US federal court to a three-count information charging him with wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering. According to the press release, his crimes include a bitcoin (BTC) “advance fee scheme,” which he used to defraud his followers.
Blockchain News
- Entitya growth engine for Web3 builders and investors at Elrond network (ERD), is now available for use by blockchain users and startup founders. According to the press release, the project was developed by Titan Stakeone of the most active stake service providers in Elrond society, and Istari VisionElrond’s partner and full-service supplier for projects.
Adoption news
- Hive foldersa Solana (SOL)-based decentralized global map network that retrieves and creates map coverage, today announced the launch of its network and cryptocurrency, HONEY. Drivers can now use cryptominer dashcam, Hive folders Dashcamto contribute street-level 4K footage and earn HONEY tokens, an announcement said.
Investment news
- Standard Chartered have invested in Partitionthe blockchain-based payment network founded by JPMorgan, DBS Bankand Singapore sovereign wealth fund Theme sec. The size of the investment has not been made public. Standard Chartered will act as the first euro settlement bank for the Partior platform, the press release states.
- Digital asset platform Bakkt Holdings have signed a final agreement to purchase Apex Crypto from Apex Fintech Solutions for a maximum purchase price of 200 million dollars. Pursuant to the announcement, Bakkt will initially pay $55 million in cash and up to $45 million in Bakkt stock contingent upon the achievement of financial goals by Apex in Q4 2022. Up to an additional $100 million in Bakkt stock and seller notes may be paid contingent upon achievement of financial targets through 2025.
- Cathie Woods Ark Invest bought shares in Jack Dorsey’s Block and Robin Hood this week. According to the latest trade, Ark bought 69,756 Block shares and 343,623 Robinhood shares on Wednesday across two funds.
Mining news
- Cabin 8 Mining increased its bitcoin (BTC) holdings by 299 in the period ending October 31, bringing its total self-mined holdings to 8,687 BTC. 100% of self-mined BTC in October was deposited in custody, the report said.
