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IoTeX

Category: AI Infrastructure

IoTeX is a modular Web3 infrastructure platform that connects smart devices and real-world data to blockchains, enabling the development of decentralized AI and IoT applications. IoTeX was founded in 2017. The company is led by Raullen Chai. Based in Menlo Park, California. Team size: 51-100. Total funding raised: $85M. Latest round: Strategic Investment. Key investors include Borderless Capital, Amber Group, Foresight Ventures, SNZ, Waterdrip Capital, FutureMoney, DraperDragon, Animoca Brands.

Founded
2017
Headquarters
Menlo Park, California
Team size
51-100
Total funding
$85M

Value proposition

To provide a scalable and secure platform that connects billions of real-world devices and their data to the blockchain, enabling developers to build trusted, decentralized applications and unlock the value of machine-driven economies.

Products and solutions

IoTeX L1 Blockchain (Chain): EVM-compatible L1 for discovery, settlement, and machine/physical-network transactions., ioID: Decentralized identity protocol for machines, agents, and devices., QuickSilver: Real-time AI interaction layer bridging physical systems and AI agents; indexes verified DePIN/device data., Trio: Multimodal world model for physical operations (see/hear/sense); announced Jun 2026., W3bstream: Decentralized off-chain compute middleware for verifying real-world device data before on-chain use., Realms: Domain-specific real-world data/intelligence environments for AI agents., ioPay / ioTube: Ecosystem wallet and cross-chain bridge.

Unique value

IoTeX's core innovation is its modular architecture specifically designed for DePIN. It uniquely combines a fast, low-cost L1 blockchain with W3bstream, a decentralized off-chain compute infrastructure that handles the immense data from physical devices before committing proofs to the blockchain. This creates a complete, scalable stack for bridging the physical and digital worlds.

Target customer

Developers, startups, and enterprises aiming to build Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN), as well as applications in the AI and IoT sectors that require verifiable, real-world data.

Industries served

Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Automotive and Smart Mobility, Smart Cities, Supply Chain and Logistics

Technology advantage

The primary technological advantage is W3bstream, which makes processing real-world data for dApps economically feasible and highly scalable. This focus on DePIN provides a significant first-mover advantage in a rapidly growing sector. Their business advantage is further strengthened by providing a full suite of tools and an accelerator program to attract and support new projects, fostering a robust ecosystem.

How they differentiate

IoTeX differentiates itself by focusing on the DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) sector, providing a modular architecture that allows developers to connect real-world data from smart devices to the blockchain. Its W3bstream middleware is designed to handle the computation and verification of this off-chain data, making it usable on-chain. This focus on a specific niche within the broader IoT and blockchain space, combined with its EVM compatibility, allows for easier integration for developers familiar with Ethereum.

Main competitors

IOTA, VeChain, Chainlink

Key partnerships

Google Cloud: For scalable and secure cloud infrastructure., Samsung, IEEE, ARM & Nordic Semiconductor: Hardware/ecosystem partners cited on official About copy., Animoca Brands: Strategic investor, network validator, and ecosystem partner (Aug 2025)., Real-World AI Foundry Alignment Partners (Sep 2025): Vodafone, Theta Network, Filecoin, Aethir, HashKey Chain, Geodnet, 0G, Blockchain Association, and others., Streamr: For real-time data broadcasting and monetization in DePIN applications., Eliza Labs: To empower autonomous AI agents with access to real-world data through DePINs.

Notable customers

Google Cloud (for infrastructure), HealthBlocks (a health-to-earn dApp), SumoTex (real-world asset tokenization for commercial real estate)

Major milestones

Launch of the Ucam, a CES award-winning blockchain-powered security camera., Launch of W3bstream, a decentralized middleware for connecting smart devices to smart contracts., Achieved a market capitalization of over $1 billion in 2021., Launch of IoTeX 2.0, a major network upgrade to enhance its modular architecture for DePIN., Established a partnership with Google Cloud to support DePIN projects., Aug 2025: Strategic investment from Animoca Brands (validator + ecosystem partner)., Sep 2025: Launched Real-World AI Foundry with Alignment Partners (Vodafone, Filecoin, Theta, et al.)., Jun 2026: Introduced Trio, a multimodal world model for physical operations., Aug 2026: Community approved IIP-59 (protocol-native voter reward distribution).

Growth metrics

Official site (2026) cites ~399 ecosystem projects and 25M+ DePIN devices; About/blog copy repeatedly states 100+ projects and ~40M devices across mobility, robotics, energy, and health. Network remains operational post Feb 2026 ioTube bridge incident.

Market positioning

IoTeX is positioning itself as a leading platform for DePIN and the machine economy. It aims to be the foundational layer for applications that require verifiable, real-world data from connected devices. By launching initiatives like the AI Foundry, it is also expanding its focus to support the development of decentralized AI, further solidifying its position in the intersection of IoT, blockchain, and AI.

Geographic focus

While IoTeX is a global project, it has a significant presence and focus on the Asian market, particularly with investors and partners from the region. However, its operations and community are distributed globally, with a strong presence in North America and Europe as well.

Patents and IP

Information on specific patents is not publicly detailed. The company's intellectual property is primarily embodied in its open-source protocols, proprietary architecture like W3bstream, and its growing ecosystem of integrated projects.

About Raullen Chai

Co-founder of IoTeX and MachineFi Lab. Previously served as the Head of Crypto R&D at Uber and as a Security Engineer at Google. Holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Waterloo.

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