DeepNode is raising $5 million to build a decentralized AI network on Base, using POWR to reward useful AI models in industries like healthcare, fraud detection, and crypto trading.
Summary
- DeepNode raised $5 million through seed and strategic rounds from Web3 and AI infrastructure investors and community participants
- The network uses Proof-of-Work Relevance to reward AI models based on practical usability, not raw computing power.
- Based on Base, DeepNode is targeting sub-cent fees and plans a mainnet launch by the end of Q1 2026.
DeepNode, a decentralized artificial intelligence network, announced it has raised $5 million in two funding rounds, according to a company statement.
The funding consisted of a $2 million seed round at a $25 million valuation and a $3 million strategic round at a $75 million valuation. The company describes its platform as an “open intelligence” infrastructure, where AI developers, computing providers and validators can collaborate and earn rewards without relying on centralized technology companies.
Deepnode to build decentralized AI on Base
The seed round included participation from community members and network validators, including RoundTable21’s WildSageLabs and DNA’s Rizzo, as well as infrastructure partner Gateway.FM, the company said.
The strategic round was led by a consortium of Web3 and AI infrastructure investors, including Blockchain Founders Fund, Side Door Ventures, TBV, IOBC Capital, Fomo Ventures and Nestoris, the company said.
According to the company, DeepNode works using a Proof-of-Work Relevance (PoWR) consensus mechanism that rewards AI contributions based on utility rather than just computational output. Models compete and evolve based on real-world performance, with contributors earning emissions for their work.
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The platform is designed to perform predictive and decision-making tasks across multiple industries, including healthcare diagnostics, fraud detection and cryptocurrency trading, the company said.
DeepNode builds on Base (BASE), an Ethereum Layer-2 network, to leverage Ethereum’s security while keeping transaction fees below $0.01, the announcement said. The company plans to launch its mainnet by the end of the first quarter of 2026, with foundation-backed domains in development across multiple verticals.
The network aims to enable builders to retain intellectual property rights, allow contributors to earn based on performance and provide companies with private participation opportunities while leveraging shared network effects, the company said.
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