Participated · Seed · Jul 2020

Injective is a layer-1 blockchain that builds and optimizes DeFi applications, including exchanges, derivatives, prediction markets and options, and produces financial dApps. The project is supported by Injective Labs, a software development firm that backs the blockchain. Injective recently raised $40 million to add stakeholders to its ecosystem and accelerate development. The funds will be used to support incoming developers, build critical toolkits and support software, and implement core upgrades. Injective also plans to increase utility for its native token INJ and provide liquidity and support to dApps running on its chain. The raise is intended to help attract institutional participants and bring more sophisticated liquidity into the ecosystem. Injective Protocol develops decentralized protocols for cross-chain derivatives trading and synthetic tokens that can represent stocks and indices, enabling 24/7, instant-finalized trading. Its approach aims to combine decentralized benefits (resistance to front running, scams and hacks) with centralized-like speed, low transaction fees and no gas fees. Developers can create their own derivatives and markets on the platform. Injective launched a testnet in December last year with backing from Binance and has positioned itself as a decentralized competitor to Robinhood. CEO Eric Chen says the project aims to give retail traders access to limitless markets without predatory fees or slow transaction times. The team originated at Stanford and the project began in 2018. Injective Protocol operates a fully decentralized, front‑running resistant layer‑2 decentralized exchange built on the Cosmos‑SDK and integrated with the Ethereum network. The protocol incorporates a verifiable delay function (VDF) to prevent trade manipulation and front‑running. Founded in 2018, Injective was selected for the Binance Labs Incubation Program the same year. The team raised $2.6M in seed funding to provide working capital and accelerate development. New strategic investors have committed to provide liquidity solutions for the decentralized exchange and to support business development and international brand recognition. The funding is intended to support the protocol’s product growth and market expansion.