The crypto accelerator Alliance DAO recently unveiled its latest cohort of startups, aptly named the ALL14. This selection follows a rigorous screening process, with the accelerator receiving a staggering 1,700 applications.
The lucky 20 will now join the accelerator’s three-month program, which commences with a two-week in-person session, followed by remote engagement. Alliance DAO, previously known as DeFi Alliance, provides a rich ecosystem for these startups, offering a blend of connections, networking opportunities, and invaluable guidance. In return, the accelerator requires a $450k investment in the startup at founder-friendly terms which affirms its commitment to the success of these ventures.
The accelerator’s alumni have a track record of success, with the median startup raising $3.5 million after the program. Notably, venture capital heavyweights like Paradigm, Dragonfly, and Multicoin have previously invested in Alliance-accelerated startups.
The ALL14 cohort reflects the current trends in the startup world, with 35% of the accepted teams focusing on AI and 30% on stablecoin innovations. The most popular chains among applicants were Solana and Ethereum, with Base being the top Layer 2 solution.
The startups in the ALL14 cohort are an eclectic mix, with ventures ranging from DeFi-powered neobanks to an AI-powered chess arena game. Several startups boast of impressive backgrounds, with founders who are Stanford engineers, have worked at billion-dollar firms, or have prior startup experience with top Silicon Valley investors.
Among the crypto-focused startups selected are 8020, a moonshot for Asia; Zabio, a P2P stablecoin exchange for Latin America; Lemonade Payments, facilitating crypto payments in Africa; and Zynk Labs, offering instant crypto settlements. DeFi toolkit Junction, cross-chain DeFi platform, and Ripe, a stablecoin payment solution for Asia, are also part of this exciting cohort.
On the AI front, GrandmAIsters is developing an AI agent chess arena game, while Afterschool offers an AI tutor. Wootzapp is working on private data crowdsourcing for AI training, and CollectiveScience is building an academic peer review tool.
This latest cohort from Alliance DAO offers a fascinating snapshot of the future of crypto and AI. It’s an exciting time as we watch these startups evolve and shape the future of these burgeoning sectors.
