4.18.2024

The Power of Collaboration: Runes Incubator Backed by Merlin Chain, Franklin Templeton, OKX Ventures, and OnePiece Labs

Empowering Bitcoin Innovators: OnePiece Labs Launches Runes Incubator to Support and Mentor Emerging Runes Projects
by
KJ

OnePiece Labs, a leading incubator for Web3 startups, has launched its latest initiative, the Runes Incubator, a program designed to identify and support promising Runes projects. In collaboration with partners Merlin Chain, Franklin Templeton, and OKX Ventures, OnePiece Labs aims to empower a diverse range of Runes projects, ensuring significant reach and impact across various blockchain technologies and market sectors. Selected projects will benefit from tailored mentorship, extensive networking opportunities, and funding support, all specifically designed to meet their unique needs in Runes development and to amplify their innovative capabilities.

“The Runes Protocol is a new BTC Layer 1 protocol for Fungible Tokens, emerging in the wake of Ordinals. It is characterized by its simplicity, efficiency, and high security, maintaining a strong adherence to Bitcoin's native principles. Merlin Chain recognizes significant potential in Runes across both BTC Layer 1 and Layer 2, and is eager to support Runes developers in our incubator program in creating products and protocols that are native to Bitcoin,” said Jeff, Founder at Merlin Chain

OnePiece Labs' Rune Incubator is expertly designed to scout and elevate early-stage Runes projects that operate within key verticals, with the goal of transforming the Bitcoin ecosystem from each cohost, accessing essential resources that catalyze growth and innovation. Additionally, the incubator acts as a launchpad, empowering emerging projects to overcome typical entry barriers such as nascent infrastructure, limited domain expertise, and financial constraints, thereby enabling their transition into blockchain-enabled enterprises.

“We’re excited by the development and innovation occurring within the Bitcoin ecosystem,” said Kevin Farrelly, Vice President, Director of Digital Asset Management at Franklin Templeton. “Our blockchain venture capital team combines TradFi experience with deep technical knowledge of blockchain architecture to provide founders in the space with the guidance and insights they need to scale their businesses and achieve their growth goals.”

“The Runes Protocol is an addition to the Bitcoin ecosystem, introducing a distinctive UTXO-based model. It enhances blockchain's capabilities, offers new asset issuance and also makes generating and supervising interchangeable tokens on the Bitcoin blockchain easier. Upon the upcoming Bitcoin halving, OKX will also add support for Runes. This addition will enable users to create, mint, manage and trade Runes on our Marketplace, and makes us the first platform to offer zero-fee Runes trading on mobile. Through our incubator program, OKX will focus on supporting the Runes ecosystem, exploring projects with greater potential, and making important contributions to the development of Bitcoin,” Said Jeff Ren, OKX Ventures Partner

Eschewing traditional group lectures, our approach at OnePiece Labs prioritizes individual mentorship. We connect experienced mentors who listen to your business challenges and provide tailored solutions. Simultaneously, OPL partners and cohosts lead each team, maintaining weekly check-ins and working side-by-side to tackle issues effectively. At the end, OnePiece Labs will host an online Demo Day, where all our startups get to pitch their ventures. We'll invite our extensive network of investors to participate, providing a unique platform for our startups to showcase their progress and potential.through the Runes Protocol. Participants in the incubator will receive comprehensive support .

"The OnePiece Labs team has been closely monitoring innovations within the Bitcoin ecosystem since Casey introduced the Ordinals Protocol in late 2022. We've kept an eye on developments in BRC-20, Tap Protocol, and Atomicals Protocol as well. We are thrilled to witness the emergence of Runes. Meanwhile, it's gratifying to see that esteemed collaborators such as Merlin, Franklin Templeton, and OKX Ventures share our enthusiasm. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with the founders of Runes to forge something remarkable in this new frontier. We are confident that the Runes Incubator will empower these projects to take the lead, enriching and evolving Runes applications that will positively impact the entire BTC ecosystem," stated KJ Jia, Partner at OnePiece Labs.

OnePiece Labs invites applications from projects across a variety of sectors. Candidates will undergo an evaluation based on predefined criteria designed to assess their potential value. Those selected will then embark on a 10-week incubation program, where they will receive focused support and resources to accelerate their development.

Stay updated on OnePiece Labs’ news and engage with the OnePiece Labs community on:

Website: https://www.onepiecelabs.xyz/

Telegram: https://t.me/onepiecelabs

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Newsletter: https://substack.com/@oplabs

About OnePiece Labs

OnePiece Labs is the premier incubator supporting Web3 startups through a program that includes networking, mentorship, and resource access. Our focus is on results-driven outcomes and the success of our portfolio companies. OnePiece Labs was founded by experienced Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and community leaders with the goal of building the next generation of Web3 unicorns.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this press announcement is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. OnePiece Labs makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided in this press announcement. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency involve inherent risks, including but not limited to market volatility, regulatory changes, and potential security vulnerabilities. By accessing and using the information provided in this press announcement, you agree to indemnify and hold OnePiece Labs, its officers, directors, employees, and agents harmless from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses arising out of or in connection with your use of the information or participation in aelevate. OnePiece Labs reserves all rights not expressly granted in this press announcement.