ZKcandy Secures $4 Million in Funding for Gaming-Focused Layer 2 Blockchain
ZKcandy, a gaming-focused Layer 2 blockchain powered by ZKsync, has recently closed a successful $4 million private funding round. The funding round, supported by industry heavyweights such as Wemix Pte. Ltd., Animoca Ventures, and Spartan Group, aims to enhance ZKcandy’s vision of revolutionizing web3 gaming.
Backed by Big Players
The funding round witnessed participation from various investors, including Wemix Pte. Ltd., Animoca Ventures, Spartan Group, and Efficient Frontier. Other contributors like Flowdesk, Perlone Capital, and Prometheuz also joined in. Angel investors and early supporters from major firms like Stacks and Xangle further boosted the momentum.
A Strong Start
ZKcandy’s recent testnet phase, named “Voyage,” has already gained significant traction. Within two weeks, the open testnet saw over 2.4 million wallets created, showcasing the platform’s potential to engage a wide audience of gamers and developers.
Utilizing zero-knowledge rollup technology through ZKsync, ZKcandy ensures fast and cost-effective transactions by processing them off-chain. This approach maintains Ethereum’s security while providing the speed and efficiency necessary for modern gaming.
Utilization of Funds
The $4 million investment will fuel several key initiatives:
- Mainnet Launch: Scheduled for the first half of 2025, the mainnet will bring ZKcandy’s vision to fruition with enhanced functionality.
- Telegram Gaming Ecosystem: A unique EVM gaming ecosystem integrated with Telegram will enable seamless connections for players and developers.
- AI Agents for Gaming: Advanced AI tools will enhance gameplay experiences and automation within the platform.
- Expanding Game Titles: With a pipeline of over 25 games, including a Tier-1 Hollywood IP, ZKcandy aims to release more games to market rapidly.
- Collaboration with Major IP Holders: Partnerships with renowned names will bring prominent entities into the web3 gaming realm, fostering increased adoption.
The funds will also support ongoing development and partnerships, simplifying blockchain for users and builders to position ZKcandy as a go-to platform for gaming studios.
About ZKcandy
ZKcandy, a Layer 2 blockchain tailored for gaming, is created by iCandy Interactive, one of Southeast Asia’s largest game studios. Leveraging ZKsync’s technology, ZKcandy efficiently handles high transaction volumes, ensuring fast, affordable, and scalable gaming experiences. The platform’s focus on gaming-specific features such as NFTs, in-game currencies, and complex multiplayer ecosystems sets it apart in the blockchain space.
Looking Forward
ZKcandy’s upcoming mainnet launch will be a significant milestone, offering builders and gamers access to a comprehensive platform. With 25 games in development, players can anticipate a diverse range of titles pushing the boundaries of web3 gaming.
The integration of AI agents and a Telegram-based ecosystem holds promise for redefining gameplay and simplifying access for non-blockchain users. These advancements aim to streamline game creation and management for builders while enhancing player engagement.
A New Era for Gaming
ZKcandy’s recent $4 million funding round signifies the beginning of an exciting chapter in the gaming industry. With a strong focus on gaming, the platform is well-positioned to lead the next wave of blockchain adoption. The eagerly awaited mainnet launch, alongside new game titles and innovative features, will be pivotal in determining ZKcandy’s impact on the gaming landscape.