Blockchain

Pi Squared Raises $12.5 Million in Seed Funding Led by Polychain Capital to Build a Universal ZK Circuit Powered by Proof of Proof

Champaign, Illinois, United States, July 2nd, 2024, Chainwire

 

Pi Squared, (Proof of Proof), announced the closure of their first capital raise. Led by Polychain Capital, the syndicate includes ABCDE, Bloccelerate, Generative Ventures, Robot Ventures, and Samsung Next. Angel investors include Shumo Chu, Harish Devarajan, Justin Drake, Sreeram Kanaan, Csongor Kiss, George Lambeth, Yilong Li, Calvin Liu, Lucian Mincu, Karthik Raju, and Common Prefix.

Using zero-knowledge (ZK) technology in a correct-by-construction and fundamentally unique way, Pi Squared will enable trustless remote computing, AI, and interoperable smart contracts for any blockchain or dApp. This will be made possible through the creation of a universal and disarmingly small ZK circuit that checks the integrity of mathematical proofs, which will provide verifiable-computing correctness guarantees to all languages and virtual machines (VMs) alike directly from their formal semantics, without any translation to a common language, VM, or instruction set architecture (ISA).

“Our mission is to revolutionize verifiable computing, making it universal for all languages and virtual machines, inherently correct-by-construction, and lightning-fast,” says Grigore Roșu, CEO of Pi Squared and CS Professor at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “This will have many applications, including a universal settlement layer (USL) so all Blockchains, L1s and L2s, can be universal, correct, inter-operable and efficient. It does not end there, our long-term mission is to settle all science and knowledge on USL.”

“Pi Squared’s proof of proof technology will have a transformative impact across Web3 and beyond,” said Karthik Raju, GP at Polychain Capital. “Pi Squared’s universal ZK circuit will significantly increase the reach and applicability of Web3 for everyone, from builders to end users.”

Pi Squared will enable the next generation of verifiable computing that is universal and scalable with an optimally minimal trust base. The first product powered by Pi Squared is the Universal Settlement Layer (USL), an architecture for modular blockchains that enables the following characteristics:

Universality

Computations can be expressed in any high-level or virtual machine language, without the need for compilers or translators.

Provable correctness

Computations verified by the USL are mathematically proven to be correct, and any external entity can independently verify the correctness of the state of the USL.

Trust Base Minimality

USL exposes any trust assumptions in upper-layer computations for increased transparency, end-user awareness, and will minimize the trust base through correctness proofs.

App Interoperability

The USL will support interoperability between different application modules and networks (e.g. appchains).

Determinism and reproducibility

The validation is reproducible and independently verifiable by any external entity.

Pi Squared’s USL therefore provides end-to-end correctness guarantees for generic computations while minimizing the trust base underlying these computations. USL promotes verifiable computing as the standard distributed computing paradigm without requiring or promoting particular domain-specific languages (DSLs), VMs, or execution environments, all while being efficient and scalable.

Pi Squared will be presenting and exhibiting at events around EthCC in Brussels from July 8th to 11th. Attendees can listen to Pi Squared’s CEO, Grigore Roșu, speak at Restaking & Infra Day on July 8th and L2con on July 9th.

About Pi Squared

Pi Squared means ZK proofs of mathematical proofs. Pi Squared uses ZK technology in a correct-by-construction and fundamentally unique way. A universal and disarmingly small ZK circuit provides verifiable-computing correctness guarantees to all languages and VMs alike, without any translation to a common language, VM, or ISA. Pi Squared is led by UIUC professor Grigore Rosu, founder of the K framework and of Runtime Verification, and consists of researchers and founders of successful projects in formal methods, blockchain, and AI/ML.

To book a meeting with Pi Squared’s CEO and team, attendees can reach out to [email protected].

To learn more about Pi Squared’s vision and Proof of Proof, visit pi2.network and follow Pi Squared on social media.

 

Contact

Head of Marketing
Chris Hazelton
Pi Squared Inc
[email protected]

PostAd_coinrule_banner728x90

Leave a Comment

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

*

Balancing AI Hype and Hope: Industry Leaders Unveil Growth Playbook at AI Apex Asia Capital Connect Forum

2024-09-27T15:37:40Z

Singapore, Sept. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The AI Apex Asia Capital Connect Forum recently concluded, offering critical insights into navigating the fine line between AI hype and genuine opportunities. With global AI investments projected to reach $200 billion by 2025, industry leaders convened to discuss strategies for sustainable growth and realistic expectations in this rapidly evolving sector.

The forum featured two pivotal panel discussions: "Accelerating AI Growth: Founders and Investors Reveal Their Playbook" and "Decoding AI: From Hype to Hope," bringing together a diverse group of experts to share their perspectives on balancing optimism with pragmatism in AI development and investment.

Separating Hype from Hope: The Rise of Agentic AI

Alex Ren, Founding Partner of Fellows Fund, highlighted a paradigm shift that moves beyond the hype of generative AI: "We're witnessing a transition from generative AI to what we call 'Agentic AI.' This technology enables autonomous decision-making and task execution, opening up incredible opportunities for startups to create transformative enterprise solutions."

Alex further elaborated on the concept of 'vertical AGI' as a more realistic and immediately impactful approach: "We're pursuing companies achieving AGI-like capabilities in specific domains such as customer support, search, marketing, or accounting. That's where we see the next wave of innovation, rather than chasing the hype of universal AGI."

Grounding AI in Practical Implementation

Jianfeng Lu, Founder & Chairman of Wiz.AI, emphasized the importance of focusing on real-world applications over grandiose claims: "The first priority should be the user scenario and customer use case. What kind of data can we accumulate to build effective AI models?"

This sentiment was echoed by Shou Dong, CEO of ADVANCE.AI, who stated, "As an AI-powered fintech, we view large language models as tools to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. We're exploring applications in customer service, collections, and even telemarketing, always with a focus on measurable improvements in performance and efficiency."

Realistic Investment Strategies in an Evolving Landscape

Matthew Ma, Managing Director of Gaorong Capital, addressed the changing requirements for AI startup founders in light of more tempered market expectations: "Today's founders need to be well-rounded - they must understand technology deeply, have strong business acumen, and possess excellent fundraising capabilities. The days of securing funding based on hype alone are behind us."

Matthew also noted a shift towards more grounded valuation metrics: "For deep tech companies, valuations are now driven by the rarity of talent and technology rather than hype. Investors are looking for clear paths to commercialization and sustainable business models."


Balancing Innovation with Regulation

Helena Ma, Advisor at Milken Institute & AI Apex Foundation, highlighted the importance of regulatory frameworks in creating a sustainable AI ecosystem: "Stringent regulatory frameworks can foster a more mature and secure AI ecosystem." This perspective underscores the need for responsible AI development that can withstand scrutiny and deliver long-term value.

Identifying Real Opportunities in Emerging Markets

Shou Dong pointed out untapped potential that goes beyond the hype in Southeast Asia: "There's still enormous opportunity in sectors like SME financing. With over 60 million small businesses across Indonesia and the Philippines alone, there's a massive market for AI-driven financial services tailored to this underserved segment."

A Roadmap for AI's Future

Weiru Chen, Professor of Strategy at CEIBS, outlined three key milestones for AI's future that balance ambition with achievability:

1. Enhancing human productivity

2. Catalyzing new, high-growth business lines

3. Generating unprecedented value through disruptive innovations

Leo Jiang, Founder of AI Business Asia, emphasized the importance of grounding AI development in tangible outcomes: "The key takeaway for founders is to address clear market needs with demonstrable potential for unicorn-level growth, regardless of whether you're leveraging AI, blockchain, or any other technology. It's about solving real problems, not chasing buzzwords."

As the AI landscape continues to evolve, the AI Apex Asia Capital Connect Forum serves as a crucial platform for innovators, investors, and industry leaders to exchange ideas and shape a future where AI lives up to its promise without falling victim to unrealistic hype. By focusing on practical applications, long-term value creation, and ethical considerations, stakeholders can better position themselves to capitalize on the AI revolution while navigating its complex challenges and opportunities.

About AI Apex Asia

AI Apex Asia is a leading artificial intelligence community dedicated to advancing AI technologies and applications across Asian markets. With a focus on innovation, regional expertise, and responsible AI development, AI Apex Asia is committed to driving the adoption of AI solutions that address unique challenges and opportunities in diverse Asian industries.


CONTACT: Joy Li, Partnership Manager, AI Apex Foundation Ltd 
[email protected]

GlobeNewsWire News

Recent Comments