Connect with us

Technology

Fermah Closes $5.2M Seed Round to Abstract Away the Complexity of ZK Proof Generation

Published

1 day ago

on

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Fermah, the universal proof generation layer, has announced the successful closure of its $5.2 million seed round, co-led by the a16z CSX fund and Lemniscap. The round also included participation from Bankless Ventures, Longhash Ventures, P-OPS team, Public Works, ZK Validator, Lambda Class, Daedalus, Zero DAO, Velocity Capital, and Daemon Ventures.

 

 

A number of S-tier builders also participated as angels in the round, including former Coinbase CTO and a16z GP Balaji Srinivasan; Celestia’s Mustafa Al-Bassam (CEO) and Nick White (COO); Co-founders of Polygon, Sandeep Nailwal, Jaynti Kanani, and Daniel Lubarov; as well as Aztec’s Zac Williamson (CEO) and Claire Kart (CMO); and several others.

The funding will go towards product development and team expansion, with Fermah currently hiring for a number of key roles, as part of the company’s vision to make zero-knowledge proofs the default substrate for all computation.

Fermah was founded by seasoned cryptographer Vanishree Rao, who has dedicated the last 15 years to designing and building Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs), and holds a PhD in Cryptography from UCLA. Vanishree was also the Lead Cryptographer at O(1) Labs – the team behind Mina Protocol, one of the earliest and most innovative ZK protocols. She has extensive experience working with cryptographic primitives including secure hash functions, advanced digital signature schemes, ZKPs, multi-party computation protocols, key exchange protocols, and program obfuscation.

While ZKP technology is slowly becoming practical enough to power broad, modern applications, the generation of proofs remains extremely resource-intensive, requiring expensive, powerful physical infrastructure. The underutilization of this hardware inflates the price users pay for their ZK transactions. Beyond this, designing, implementing, and maintaining the optimal incentive structure for this infrastructure is extremely onerous.

Fermah – which is optimized for cheap, fast, and reliable ZK proof generation – is addressing this long-standing complexity issue inherent to ZKPs, functioning as a marketplace for ZK proof generation. Fermah generates proofs for any instance in which ZK is used – whether it’s for ZK rollups, ZK bridges, ZK coprocessors, ZKML projects or ZKFHE projects. Fermah is neutral and architected to support all proof systems, including zkVMs, zkEVMs, Groth16, and all other proof systems.

Fermah aggregates demand from various sources, allowing suppliers to leverage economies of scale, enabling a reduction in costs for proof generation. In turn, the range of use cases that can practically leverage ZKP technology expands – creating a flywheel that grows the aggregate demand for proofs, and hence enables further economies of scale to lower costs. This flywheel makes the economics of ZKPs viable across a much broader range of use cases. When combined with Fermah’s several technical breakthroughs, Fermah enables the first efficient marketplace for ZK proof generation.

Roderik van der Graaf, Founder and Managing Partner of Lemniscap, said: “Lemniscap is firmly behind Fermah in their mission to provide fast, cheap, and reliable infrastructure to help developers build category-leading products. By abstracting ZKP complexity, Fermah is lowering the technical barriers to entry, enabling more developers and businesses to integrate these proofs into their systems. This long awaited democratization of ZKPs extends the reach of these advanced cryptographic techniques to a broader range of applications.”

Vanishree Rao, Founder and CEO of Fermah, said: “I’m extremely optimistic that Fermah will revolutionize the ZK space as we know it. With the right team, backers, and experience, we’re poised to bring our vision to fruition. Soon, incorporating zero knowledge into applications will be frictionless. After over 15 years of building ZKPs, I can clearly see that we are approaching an inflection point: the infrastructure is finally in place, and we’re on the precipice of a boom in innovative ZK applications. Fermah will play an integral role in this boom.”

About Fermah

Fermah is the universal proof generation layer. It functions as a marketplace, where the supply side comprises GPUs and FPGAs. On the demand side, Fermah can generate proofs for any instance in which ZK is used. Fermah is optimized for cheap, fast, and reliable ZK proof generation.

About Lemniscap

Lemniscap is an investment firm specializing in investments in emerging crypto assets and blockchain startups. Since its founding in 2017, Lemniscap has funded multiple investments in the crypto blockchain space, on the core belief that blockchain technology will upend traditional business models, resulting in profound changes in the world economy. The Lemniscap team consists of talented people with backgrounds in financial markets, PE/VC, technology and entrepreneurship. For more information, visit https://lemniscap.com.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2506129/Fermah.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fermah-closes-5-2m-seed-round-to-abstract-away-the-complexity-of-zk-proof-generation-302252159.html

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Partners with Clinical.ly to Enhance Regulatory Operations with eReg Solutions

Published

50 mins ago

on

September 19, 2024

By

NEW YORK, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a world leader in cancer treatment and research, chose Clinical.ly’s (www.clinical.ly) Research Suite™ to streamline regulatory operations, marking a significant step toward more efficient and compliant clinical trial management. Dana-Farber joins a growing number of research organizations that leverage Clinical.ly’s innovative solutions to streamline clinical trial processes. Clinical.ly’s eReg platform offers a comprehensive, paperless solution that centralizes regulatory workflows, ensuring compliance and transparency across clinical trials.

“We are thrilled to support Dana-Farber’s clinical research operations,” said Henry Kravchenko, Clinical.ly’s CEO.

This partnership continues Clinical.ly’s success in providing best-in-class enterprise tools for conducting clinical research. “We are thrilled to support Dana-Farber’s clinical research operations,” said Henry Kravchenko, Clinical.ly’s CEO. “Our eReg platform and wider set of features in Clinical.ly Research Suite™ will empower that renowned organization, and we all look forward to supporting their teams.”

About Clinical.ly Research Suite™ 

Clinical.ly Research Suite™ is a comprehensive solution that eliminates traditional, paper-based processes. By automating and centralizing essential workflows in the Clinical.ly Research Suite™, organizations achieve huge efficiency improvements, greater trial oversight, document management, and regulatory compliance. The Clinical.ly Research Suite™ includes:

eReg: A best-in-class electronic regulatory bindereSource: An intuitive & feature-rich, paperless data capture solution that streamlines data collection from trial participantseConsent: A fully digital solution for capturing informed consent, improving participant engagement and site complianceClinicallySign: 21 CFR Part 11 compliant eSignature functionalityClinicallyPay: A secure and instantaneous participant stipend payment and reimbursement solution

About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Founded in 1947, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is committed to providing adults and children with the best treatment available today while developing tomorrow’s cures through cutting-edge research. Based in Boston, Dana-Farber is a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School and ranks consistently as one of the top cancer hospitals in the world.

About Clinical.ly

Clinical.ly provides differentiated, cloud-native technology solutions to the clinical research industry, enabling research organizations to conduct studies with greater efficiency and ease. Clinical.ly is dedicated to developing technology that eliminates tedious manual labor, allowing clinical research professionals to focus on patient care.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dana-farber-cancer-institute-partners-with-clinically-to-enhance-regulatory-operations-with-ereg-solutions-302253690.html

SOURCE Clinical.ly

Continue Reading

Technology

Fall Into Creativity with the Monport Laser Fall Sale

Published

50 mins ago

on

September 19, 2024

By

NEW YORK, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Experience laser innovation this Fall with Monport Laser, an industry frontrunner in laser engraving and cutting technology, with an exclusive Fall Sale offering incredible discounts and free accessories on a wide range of high-performance laser engraving machines. From September 19th to September 30th, customers can take advantage of this limited-time opportunity to elevate their laser engraving businesses with cutting-edge laser innovation at unbeatable prices.

Monport Laser has been dedicated to providing innovative and reliable laser machines that empower businesses and individuals to achieve their goals. With a focus on quality, precision, and customer satisfaction, Monport Laser has established itself as a trusted leader in the industry. Their commitment to excellence is evident in every laser they produce, ensuring exceptional performance, reliability, and value.

Embrace the Power of CO2 Laser Technology with Exclusive Offers

Monport Laser will offer two free accessories with selected CO2 laser machines during the Monport Fall sale. These versatile lasers are ideal for various applications, including engraving, cutting, and marking wood, acrylic, leather, and more. By taking advantage of this Fall sale, laser engraving businesses can enhance their productivity and expand their creative possibilities.

Experience Unmatched Value with Fiber Laser Discounts

Monport Laser offers substantial discounts of up to $4200 and 3 free accessories on selected models for those seeking the precision and speed of fiber laser technology. Fiber lasers are renowned for their ability to process metals with exceptional efficiency and accuracy, making them indispensable for metal fabrication, manufacturing, and jewelry production. Additionally, customers purchasing fiber lasers during the Fall sale will receive three free accessories, further sweetening the deal.

Elevate Your Desktop Laser Experience with a Free Water Chiller

Monport Laser is committed to providing comprehensive solutions for businesses of all sizes. As part of the Fall sale, customers who purchase the 40W Desktop laser will receive a Free Water Chiller Cw3000. This essential accessory ensures optimal cooling and performance, prolonging the lifespan of the laser and guaranteeing consistent results.

Discover Additional Savings on a Wide Range of Accessories

Monport Laser offers an additional 20% discount on selected accessories to complete your laser setup. From lenses and nozzles to rotary tables and smoke extraction systems, customers can find everything they need to maximize the potential of their laser machines.

Unleash Your Creativity and Productivity

Monport Laser’s Fall sale is the perfect opportunity to invest in laser technology that empowers your business or fuels your creative passions. With exceptional discounts and free accessories, you can acquire the ideal laser solution to meet your needs and budget.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, or manufacturer, Monport Laser’s advanced laser machines offer unparalleled precision, versatility, and reliability. Take advantage of this limited-time Fall sale and unlock your projects’ full potential for laser innovation.

About Monport Laser

Monport Laser is a global leader in designing, manufacturing, and distributing high-quality laser machines and accessories. With a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, Monport Laser provides cutting-edge solutions for various industries, including manufacturing, engraving, marking, and more.

For more information, visit monportlaser.com and follow them on social media for the latest updates.

Website: https://www.monportlaser.com/

 

 

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fall-into-creativity-with-the-monport-laser-fall-sale-302253699.html

SOURCE Monport Laser

Continue Reading

Technology

MEDIA ADVISORY – Minister Wilkinson to Make a Critical Minerals Infrastructure Announcement

Published

50 mins ago

on

September 19, 2024

By

VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 19, 2024 /CNW/ – The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Ranj Pillai, the Premier of Yukon, will make a funding announcement in support of critical minerals infrastructure projects. A media availability will follow.

Date: September 20, 2024

Time: 10:30 a.m. PT

All accredited media are asked to pre-register by emailing media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca. A dial-in line is available for media and will be provided upon registration.

Follow us on LinkedIn

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

Continue Reading

Trending