Crypto startup Vlayer has raised $10 million in pre-seed funding to develop “Solidity 2.0,” an upgraded version of Ethereum’s Solidity programming language. Investors in this substantial funding round include a16z Crypto Startup Accelerator (CSX), Credo Ventures, BlockTower Capital, and notable angel investors such as Remco Bloemen of Worldcoin, Jakub Florkiewicz of Tools for Humanity, and team members from Aztec, including Zac Williamson, Joe Andrews, and Kev Wedderburn.
💥 gm! We’ve raised $10M from @a16zcrypto CSX, @BlockTower @CredoVentures and top builders@Zac_Aztec @jaosef @recmo @yush_g @kaimi_eth @liameagen @kevaundray @matistanis @NamatBahram @vidiborvc @JMFlorkiewicz @MichalBene @dragonix_xpt
Solidity “2.0” is coming. Learn more👇 pic.twitter.com/i7jXwjYJ3L
— vlayer ⛛ (@vlayer_xyz) November 4, 2024
Vlayer’s CEO Hubert Rachwalski von Rejchwald noted that the funding round was completed in two stages: an initial $3 million closed in February and a top-up of $7 million in August. Structured with SAFE (simple agreement for future equity) and SAFT (simple agreement for future tokens) terms, the round signals strong support for Vlayer’s innovation in verifiable data infrastructure.
New Functionalities in Solidity 2.0
Vlayer’s “Solidity 2.0” aims to revolutionize Ethereum’s smart contract capabilities by introducing new functionalities that allow developers to integrate verifiable, real-world data directly into smart contracts. The new features include:
- Time Travel: Enables smart contracts to use historical on-chain data.
- Teleport: Allows contracts to operate across multiple EVM-compatible networks.
- Web Proofs / zkTLS: Verifies and integrates web-based content like APIs.
- Email Proofs / ZK Email: Verifies email content for integration into smart contracts.
These functions provide developers with access to additional verifiable data sources within Solidity code, enhancing the usability of zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs in blockchain applications.
Future Roadmap: Testnet, Mainnet, and Token Launch
Vlayer is currently in an open alpha phase, onboarding developers across decentralized finance (DeFi), real-world assets (RWA), and gaming sectors to build on its platform. The company’s roadmap includes a testnet, mainnet, and token launch expected in 2025.
With a 20-person team, Vlayer plans to expand further, hiring across various roles to support its vision. As decentralized applications and AI technologies evolve, Vlayer’s Solidity 2.0 aims to meet the growing demand for secure, verifiable data integration in blockchain-based solutions.
