Even as Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) general partner and venture capitalist Chris Dixon recently claimed none of the companies in the a16z portfolio are allowed to sell tokens to the public, a review of a16z's investments revealed several instances that appear to disagree with Dixon's assertion.
Horowitz was recently featured on the New York Times' Hard Fork podcast, where he discussed and justified the investment strategies of his firm, according to Protos.
During the interview, Dixon made a notable statement regarding Helium, asserting, “No company we’re involved with — nor would we allow them to do this — sells tokens to the public.”
This claim has come under scrutiny when considering the broader scope of a16z's investments.
An examination of a16z's portfolio reveals some conflicting instances.
Horowitz's involvement in DFINITY, a prominent blockchain project known for creating Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) tokens, is a prime example.
These tokens, integral to DFINITY's aim of extending the functionality of the internet, were distributed to individuals who made contributions to the DFINITY foundation, a move that seems at odds with Dixon's statement.
Furthermore, a16z's investment in Fei Protocol, an innovative algorithmic stablecoin project added to the complexity. Fei's initial offering involved the sale of FEI (CRYPTO: FEI) tokens and TRIBE governance tokens during its Genesis Event.
Also Read: Bitcoin ETFs Already Hold 3% Of BTC's Supply: Where Does Institutional Adoption End?
Another notable investment by a16z is in Sky Mavis, the developer behind the popular blockchain-based game Axie Infinity (CRYPTO: AXS).
Sky Mavis made headlines with the sale of its AXS token on Binance Launchpad, a platform known for facilitating new cryptocurrency offerings.
This sale is particularly noteworthy as AXS tokens play a crucial role in the Axie Infinity ecosystem, a game that has gained massive popularity in the blockchain gaming community.
In another part of the interview, Dixon discussed non-fungible tokens (NFTs), seemingly distinguishing them from other tokens.
He noted that several a16z-backed companies have engaged in selling NFTs to retail customers.
This includes VeeFriends, a platform used by entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk for selling his NFTs, and Yuga Labs, the creators of the Bored Ape Yacht Club, one of the most recognized NFT collections in the market.
a16z also backed PROOF Collective, which has made a significant impact in the NFT space by auctioning its unique digital collectibles.
Benzinga reached out to Dixon for a comment.
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CoinMarketCap Research’s latest analysis examines APENFT and its mission to bridge physical fine art and NFT technology. The report explains how APENFT registers renowned traditional artworks on-chain as non-fungible tokens (NFTs). By converting famous paintings into NFTs, the project demonstrates expanded use cases for NFTs beyond digital collectibles.
The report reveals how this process creates new avenues for artists to engage collectors by tokenizing their physical masterpieces. Unlike most NFT projects focused solely on digital artwork, APENFT takes this approach to pioneer new models of connecting real-world art with Web3 infrastructure. These on-chain versions also enable reliable tracking of an artwork’s provenance and exhibition history via immutable blockchain records.
APENFT represents a future where the gap between physical fine art and crypto continues closing through tokenization.
About CoinMarketCap CoinMarketCap is ‘Home Of Crypto’, the world’s most trusted cryptocurrency data authority. Its mission is to accelerate the crypto revolution by organizing the world’s crypto intelligence and making it easily accessible to all.
The TRON ecosystem will seemingly soon get its own marketplace for inscription tokens developed by APENFT.
In an X post on Mar. 4, TRON founder Justin Sun revealed that the blockchain ecosystem will soon get its own native inscription marketplace for digital tokens.
Sun also revealed that the new venture is being developed by APENFT, a team of blockchain developers focused on investing in non-fungible token (NFT) platforms and artworks. Although specific details and a launch timeline were not disclosed, it’s expected that the project will also integrate support for BTT, BitTorrent’s native token based on the TRC-20 standard.
Following the news, APENFT’s native token NFT soared by 25% to $0.0000006941, a level last seen in June 2022, according to data from CoinMarketCap.
Initially conceived as a means to embed diverse data or content onto a Satoshi, the smallest unit of Bitcoin (BTC), inscriptions have garnered increased attention within the global crypto market. The heightened interest has prompted multiple crypto exchanges to introduce their own marketplaces for inscription tokens. For instance, in early February, Binance announced the launch of the Binance Inscriptions Marketplace, positioning itself to compete with platforms like OKX.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, TRON and APENFT have announced the introduction of a revolutionary innovation: the redeemable inscription. This marks a significant advancement in the realm of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), promising novel opportunities for both seasoned investors and newcomers to the space. The unveiling of this innovation coincides with the highly anticipated launch day of the TRONscription Market, where participants will have the unique opportunity to engage with the first-ever redeemable inscription tied to the $NFT token.
The partnership between TRON and APENFT underscores a shared commitment to driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the burgeoning NFT ecosystem. By leveraging the TRON network’s capabilities and APENFT’s expertise in the field, this collaboration aims to democratize access to NFTs and unlock new avenues for creativity and expression.
Features and Benefits of the Redeemable Inscription At the heart of this partnership lies the redeemable inscription, a game-changing feature that offers unparalleled functionality within the TRON ecosystem. This innovative mechanism enables users to mint, trade, transfer, and redeem inscriptions with unprecedented ease and flexibility. By leveraging the power of blockchain technology, participants can seamlessly navigate the complexities of the NFT market and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
One of the key benefits of the redeemable inscription is its tradability, which empowers users to leverage market dynamics to their advantage. Additionally, the inscription’s transferability ensures frictionless transactions on the official marketplace, further enhancing liquidity and accessibility. Perhaps most enticingly, participants will enjoy a waived platform fee, making the inscription an irresistible investment proposition for NFT enthusiasts seeking to maximize their returns.
Also Read: Bitcoin Miners Rake in $75.9M Daily Revenue, Second-Highest To Date
Empowerment Packages and Ecosystem Growth Beyond the groundbreaking innovation of the redeemable inscription, TRON is committed to fostering the growth and sustainability of its ecosystem through the introduction of empowerment packages. These carefully curated packages are designed to provide users with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive within the TRON community.
By offering access to exclusive benefits and opportunities, these empowerment packages play a pivotal role in driving ecosystem growth and fostering collaboration among participants. From educational resources to strategic partnerships, these packages are poised to empower users to actively contribute to the evolution of the TRON ecosystem. As TRON continues to push the boundaries of innovation and reshape the NFT landscape, readers are encouraged to explore these packages and stay informed about future developments.
Also Read: Tether Signs MOU With Uzbekistan To Boost Bitcoin Adoption
Key NotesSunPump has teamed up with APENFT to launch the first fair launch platform for NFTs on the TRON blockchain, promising more transparency and fairness for traders.The new platform, NFT Pump, allows users to purchase NFTs using TRON’s native token TRX starting from September 26, 2024. SunPump, a meme coin generator project created to rival the popular PumpFun, has formed a strategic partnership with APENFT to introduce the first fair launch platform for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on the TRON blockchain.
Announcing the collaboration on X (formerly Twitter), SunPump revealed that the new platform, named NFT Pump, aims to provide traders with transparency, fairness, and an exciting experience in NFT trading.
Users Can List and Buy NFTs on New Platform Starting Today From today, September 26, crypto traders and enthusiasts on the TRON network will be able to use the protocol’s native token, TRX TRX $0.33 24h volatility: 0.6% Market cap: $31.00 B Vol. 24h: $733.77 M , to purchase NFTs directly on the new platform. As for creators, they can list their collections on the platform at a reasonable price.
The launch of NFT Pump is part of SunPump’s strategy to expand its offerings and onboard new users to the TRON network.
Launched in August 2024 by Sun.io, a decentralized finance (DeFi) network focused on providing liquidity on TRON, SunPump is backed by TRON founder Justin Sun. The project aims to initiate a new wave of meme coin adoption on TRON, similar to what PumpFun is doing on the Solana blockchain.
Like PumpFun, SunPump enables users to create their own meme tokens with just a few clicks, without requiring any coding experience.
Following its launch on August 9, SunPump achieved significant milestones, crossing the $1 million mark within 11 days of operation. During that period, data from blockchain analytics firm Dune indicated that SunPump’s total revenue reached 7 million TRX.
Challenges and Recovery However, the project, which claims to be the first meme coin launchpad on TRON, has faced some challenges. On August 19, TRON founder Justin Sun announced that SunPump experienced a downtime due to “unprecedented traffic.” In a post on X, he assured users that the project’s developers were working around the clock to restore the network.
The platform was back online after an hour of network outage, and since then, SunPump has operated smoothly without further interruptions.
Shortly after restoring the network, SunPump, in collaboration with TRONDAO, launched a $10 million ecosystem fund to support projects launched on the platform. The funds will be managed under the Meme Ecosystem Boost Incentive Program, designed to provide resources and support to help new projects reach their full potential.
Overall, SunPump’s partnership with APENFT and the launch of NFT Pump marks a significant step in expanding TRON’s ecosystem, aiming to bring more users and innovation to the blockchain.
Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to deliver accurate and timely information but should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Since market conditions can change rapidly, we encourage you to verify information on your own and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.
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Chimamanda is a crypto enthusiast and experienced writer focusing on the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies. She joined the industry in 2019 and has since developed an interest in the emerging economy. She combines her passion for blockchain technology with her love for travel and food, bringing a fresh and engaging perspective to her work.
APENFT has reportedly carried out a landmark development concerning the AI and NFT communities by collaborating with NextMate AI. As per APENFT, the partnership focuses on combining the cutting-edge AI capabilities of NextMate with the vibrant presence of APENFT in the NFT sector, especially within the TRON ecosystem. The platform took to social media to provide the details of this endeavor.
APENFT’s Latest Collaboration with NextMate Offers New Opportunities to NFT Enthusiasts The collaboration intends to unveil creative and innovative opportunities to facilitate NFT enthusiasts. It reportedly leverages AI technology, enhancing the interactive and artistic potential of the non-fungible tokens. One of the chief focuses of the partnership takes into account the development of AI-driven meme characters.
As per the reports, memes have turned into a noteworthy cultural phenomenon. Keeping that in view, this collaboration will increase their contribution to the NFT sector by providing vibrant AI-generated content. The respective AI-powered meme characters provide entertainment and significantly contribute to the expanding trend of joining digital art and creativity.
The Endeavor Also Lets Users Take Part in Markets Offering the Prediction of the Meme Popularity Another primary aspect of the latest collaboration is the meme-related prediction markets. This adds an exclusive interactive level to the NFT sector of TRON. This will permit the consumers to take part in markets dealing with the prediction of the popularity of memes. As a result of this, a gamified experience is created, promoting community engagement. According to APENFT, this revolutionary approach could grasp the attention of the latest consumers in the NFT sector.
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Umair Younas is a cryptocurrency-related content writer linked with this work since 2019. Here, at Blockchainreporter, he serves as a news and article writer. He is a crypto, blockchain, NFTs, DeFi, and FinTech enthusiast. He has strong command over writing authentic reviews about brokers and exchanges and he has collaborated with our education team to write educational content as well. He has a dream to raise awareness among people about digital currencies. His works are well-researched and brimmed with information hence they provide fresh insights. Stay tuned to his posts if you want to stay up-to-date with the crypto-verse.
UQUID, a leading Web3 shopping infrastructure provider has forged a groundbreaking partnership with APENFT which operates as a top NFT marketplace on the TRON blockchain to transform digital art and blockchain market transactions.
🚀 UQUID x APENFT Strategic Partnership! 🎨✨
We're thrilled to collaborate with @apenftorg, the premier NFT marketplace on #TRON, to redefine the future of digital art and blockchain innovation!
APENFT is a leading innovator in the #NFT space, providing a one-stop platform… pic.twitter.com/1TTGCKdpR0
— UQUID – Web3 Shopping Infrastructure (@uquidcard) March 26, 2025 The announcement on X revealed this joint venture between APENFT and UQUID which integrates their NFT ecosystem with the expansive e-commerce platform to develop worldwide opportunities for creators and consumers.
Launched in 2021 on the TRON network, APENFT has become the leading NFT marketplace by offering tokenization of valuable artworks it simultaneously developed a thriving artist-collector community.
The TRON network infrastructure enables APENFT to provide users with minting tools together with trading and digital asset management capabilities at reduced costs and speedy execution times. APENFT furthers its support of NFT art development through its sponsorship of the Art + Tech Summit at Christie’s for 2023 according to CoinMarketCap observations.
Web3 shopping innovator UQUID has pioneered its operation since 2016 and grants global access to 170 million products in 200+ countries through multiple payment options from 50+ providers. The platform supports flawless cross-chain operations and dApp integration which allows users from any country to execute transactions without issues based on its official website statement.
Creating a Seamless Art-to-Commerce Experience With UQUID Using this partnership APENFT links its marketplace to UQUID’s platform so artists gain expanded opportunities to sell NFT assets together with physical products. End consumers now have the ability to acquire NFTs which include digital artwork along with digital collectibles through regular everyday shopping platforms to bridge real-world use with electronic asset ownership.
UQUID strengthens its position in decentralized innovation by capitalizing on its recent ZNS Connect partnership which was about Web3 shopping improvement.
Advancing Digital Economies Numerous reports indicate that the NFT market will expand to $3.4 billion by 2027 while currently standing at $1.6 billion in 2024 according to Statista research.
Condensing APENFT’s creative tools with UQUID’s Web3 infrastructure creates new possibilities for digital art and commerce to unite and reshape creativity along with consumer experiences during blockchain innovation.
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With over five years of experience in crypto, blockchain, and tech content, Ishtiyaq makes complex topics easy to understand. He simplifies blockchain and digital currency concepts for a wide audience, ensuring that beginners and experts alike can grasp key ideas. His clear and engaging writing helps readers stay informed about the latest trends, developments, and innovations in the crypto space. Whether explaining blockchain technology, digital assets, or DeFi, Ishtiyaq breaks down complicated ideas into simple, digestible content. His goal is to help people navigate the fast-changing world of cryptocurrency with confidence, clarity, and a deeper understanding.
HTX, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is leading the charge in a unique dual celebration on May 22, as Bitcoin Pizza Day coincides with the Trump Dinner.
This moment, where history meets the present, is drawing global attention. In celebration of this special occasion, HTX has proudly partnered with diamond sponsors JUST Protocol, SunPump, APENFT, BitTorrent, and WINkLink, alongside platinum sponsors Levva and ChainGPT, to launch a series of Pizza Day-themed promotions across multiple business lines, including Spot, Futures, Earn, and Community, boasting a total prize pool of nearly 1 million USDT. Whether you’re a new or existing HTX user, you’ll discover exclusive opportunities and exciting benefits throughout these events.
Event 1: HTX Pizza Day Celebration: 200,000 USDT in Surprise Gifts with Seven Project Partners Get ready for Pizza Fest! From May 13 to May 26, HTX is joining forces with seven esteemed partner projects—SunPump, APENFT, JUST Protocol, WINkLink, BitTorrent, Steem, and MEVerse—to deliver a 14-day Pizza Day Celebration packed with over 200,000 USDT in Surprise Gifts. During the event, users can claim daily gifts on the HTX App, distributed at 02:00 (UTC) daily. On May 22 at 12:00 (UTC), Bitcoin Pizza Day, HTX will drop even more Surprise Gifts featuring bigger rewards, distributed in the form of tokens, Cashback Vouchers, Futures Trial Bonuses, Margin Interest Vouchers, and APY Booster Coupons.
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From May 20 at 10:00 (UTC) to May 25 at 10:00 (UTC), HTX invites both new and existing users to join the four-tiered rewards event and share a total prize pool of up to $200,000. See below for details:
1. New users who sign up and complete any spot, futures, or margin trade during the event will receive a welcome package that includes a 20 DOGE airdrop, APY Booster Coupons for SmartEarn, and Margin Interest Vouchers.
2. Users will receive 15 USDT for their first successful referral. By inviting more friends, they’ll unlock Mystery Boxes worth up to 1,500 USDT each, containing popular cryptos like $BTC, $TRUMP, and $HTX. Additionally, they can earn up to another 1,500 USDT when their invitees reach the trading volume target.
3. Eligible returning users who complete spot trading on HTX will have a chance to win BTC in a lucky draw. Additionally, after funding their USDT-M Futures account, they can earn APY Booster Coupons for SmartEarn.
4. Users who trade designated cryptos in spot or futures, or create spot grid trading strategies, will have a chance to share $30,000 in $HTX.
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From May 16 at 02:00 (UTC) to May 23 at 15:59 (UTC), HTX Square is launching a quiz challenge where users can win rewards. Participants who follow HTX Square in the HTX Community and answer all the quiz questions correctly will have the opportunity to share the 200 USDT prize pool.
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Event 4: HTX Earn Bonanza for BTC Pizza Day: Enjoy Up to 10% APY on Popular Assets Celebrate Bitcoin Pizza Day with the HTX Earn Bonanza from 16:00:00 (UTC) on May 19 to 16:00:00 (UTC) on May 25. HTX is launching this special campaign featuring Earn products for both new and existing users. First-time subscribers at HTX Earn can enjoy New User Exclusive products with 100% APY. All users can subscribe to Fixed, Flexible, and Shark Fin products with 14 designated cryptocurrencies, including USDT, and earn up to 10% APY on HTX Earn. Additionally, participants who meet the net subscription increase requirement will each receive a 5% APY Booster Coupon for the USDT Flexible product.
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Event 5: HTX Affiliates Pizza Day Special: Team Up & Trade with Your Invitees to Win a Full Case of Kweichow Moutai Celebrate Bitcoin Pizza Day with the limited-time HTX Affiliates Special Event, running from 10:00 (UTC) on May 20 to 10:00 (UTC) on May 25. HTX Affiliates can refer friends to sign up using an exclusive invitation link or code and form a trading team with invitees. Once the team reaches the required trading volume, rewards will be unlocked. The top prize is a 6-bottle case of Kweichow Moutai Flying Fairy.
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Event 6: HTX Convert Contest Now Live with 10,000 USDT Up for Grabs Don’t miss the HTX Convert Contest! It runs from 16:00:00 (UTC) on May 14 to 15:59:59 (UTC) on May 31. Trade designated cryptos on HTX Convert and reach a total trading volume of ≥500 USDT during the event to qualify for a share of the 5,000 USDT prize pool, with the top individual reward of up to 1,000 USDT. Complete 10 or more trades to unlock an additional prize pool — the more trades made, the bigger the share. Additionally, first-time converters on HTX Convert can also join an exclusive 2,000 USDT prize pool for new users, with up to 20 USDT per person available.
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May 22 isn’t just about commemorating Bitcoin’s first “real-world transaction”; it is also a day for the global crypto community to celebrate the growth of the crypto industry and to share in its rewards. To honor this special day, HTX is launching a multifaceted celebration featuring diverse events that boost user engagement, elevate the festive atmosphere, and fully showcase the platform’s dynamic ecosystem.
Pizza’s on the table and the party’s heating up. Join HTX today and experience the biggest crypto event of the year!
About HTX Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.
As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.
To learn more about HTX, please visit HTX Square or https://www.htx.com/, and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord.
APENFT, known for its NFT infrastructure on Tron and Ethereum, is rebranding to AINFT with plans to integrate artificial intelligence into the Tron ecosystem, according to an announcement confirmed by Justin Sun.
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The integration comes as TRON positions itself as a hub for innovative NFT and DeFi projects. The blockchain network recently introduced new inscription-based markets developed by NFT teams, enhancing its capabilities for digital asset creation and trading.
Sun has collaborated with various developers to expand TRON’s features, including bridging to other blockchains to facilitate seamless entry for new projects. The network has emphasized user-friendly tools that align with AI-enhanced NFT developments.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Vivian Nguyen. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
AINFT (Artificial Intelligence Non-Fungible Token), an AI-Powered ecosystem on TRON blockchain, has excitedly announced its strategic partnership with MEXC Listings, a global exchange for bringing “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” The main purpose of this collaboration is to expand the accessibility and acceptability of the non-fungible token (NFT) ecosystem worldwide.
We’re thrilled to announce our Strategic Partnership with @MEXC_Listings! 🚀
Founded in 2018, MEXC is a leading global exchange dedicated to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Through this collaboration, we’re expanding the global reach of #AINFT and creating more opportunities… pic.twitter.com/LO062xlHpQ
— AINFT (@OfficialAINFT) November 27, 2025 MEXC Listings is one of the best exchanges in the world and serves humanity with the best features. MEXC Listings is clearly challenging the user by making the crypto transactions easiest and seamless. AINFT alliance adds more AI-based services for NFTs to the entire world. AINFT has released this news through its official X account.
AINFT and MEXC Partnership Enhances User Protection and Reach In today’s world NFTs are playing a vital role in reducing the efforts of users for buying products all over the world in minutes. AINFT intentionally collaborates with MEXC to boost the visibility, liquidity, and easy access for worldwide users. In other words, both partners are going to empower the user’s community with digital innovations.
Simultaneously, they have paid much attention to the security and protection of users’ assets to ensure seamless trading with minimal risk of any loss. Moreover, this partnership will act like a campaign or opportunity for new users to build a strong trust in these platforms for prominent improvement in the crypto world.
AINFT and MEXC Simplify Earning Through NFT Anywhere, Anytime The integration of AINFT and MEXC Listings is building a meaningful and community-driven experience with proper satisfaction of users from every corner of the world. Basically, they are exploring the different aspects and approaches of crypto trading with NFT by providing a growing and learning environment.
In short, this collaboration is much more than an ordinary partnership; rather, it is offering an opportunity for users to earn by using the NFT token at any place, at any time. There is no set limit for the use of NFT in the world.
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Crypto journalist with years of experience providing in-depth analysis and news on blockchain and decentralized finance. With a keen eye for detail, Shahzaib delivers insightful articles that explore the latest trends, market movements, and innovations within the crypto and blockchain ecosystem. His work focuses on educating readers while offering expert commentary on the evolving landscape of digital assets, DeFi protocols, and the broader impact of blockchain technology.
PANAMA CITY, Feb. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As global artificial intelligence capabilities continue to advance and Web3 infrastructure matures, AI and the crypto ecosystems are entering a new phase of seamless integration. HTX has recently collaborated with AINFT to co-hosted a special AI Challenge campaign featuring a combined prize pool of 40,000 USDT. This innovative event invites users worldwide to experience a new generation of Web3-native AI access.
AINFT: Web3 Gateway to AI
AINFT positions itself as a Web3-native AI gateway designed to provide permissionless, seamless access to leading large language models (LLMs). Users can log in instantly by signing via a TronLink wallet, eliminating the need for email registration or KYC verification and enabling direct on-chain identity authentication. The platform integrates top-tier AI models including Claude Opus 4.5, ChatGPT-5.2, and Gemini 3 Pro, offering unified access for dialogue, reasoning, and content creation across multiple scenarios.
To lower entry barriers, AINFT provides each new user with a one-time allocation of one million free points, allowing immediate access to premium AI models without upfront payment. Once the free quota is exhausted, users can top up on demand using USDT, USDD, USD1, TRX, or NFTs on the TRON network. The platform’s official TRC20 token, $NFT, offers an additional 20% bonus in points when used for payment, supporting a flexible pay-as-you-go model with no subscription requirements.
40,000 USDT Prize Pool: Multiple Rewards in the Second Season
The campaign runs through March 13 at 08:00 (UTC). Following strong engagement in the first phase, Season 2 was launched with an initial 4,000 USDT prize pool unlocked. The overall campaign prize pool totals 40,000 USDT. To participate, users must log in to AINFT’s official website, connect their TronLink wallet, submit their HTX UID and wallet address through the designated form, and complete both the AI challenge tasks on AINFT and the trading tasks on HTX.
AINFT AI Challenge Offers 13,000 USDT Prize Pool
Users who log in to AINFT and participate in the challenge can compete for three separate prize pools.
Boosted Gift Package: Unlocks progressively based on the number of valid connected wallets within the community. For Season Two, if the valid address count reaches 5,000, the rewards of up to 7,000 USDT will be activated. Early Bird Gift Package: Rewards the first 500 users each season who connect via TronLink and claim their initial points. 25 users will be selected per season to receive 20 USDT each. Deposit Gift Package: Users who complete a deposit of any amount during the period will automatically enter a lucky draw. Twenty winners will be selected to share 500 USDT. Exclusive Triple Rewards for HTX Users: Share 27,000 USDT
Users who complete the registration form and submit their HTX UID and TronLink wallet address can unlock three exclusive incentives:
Point Bonus: 1 million points will be awarded to HTX users who access AINFT through the designated link and connect a TronLink wallet. [Join now >>] Welcome Bonus: A 20 USDT bonus is available for users who join AINFT events and sign up for an HTX account during the campaign. Limited to the first 950 registered users. Trading Reward: Users who complete HTX trading tasks—at least 100 USDT in spot volume or 500 USDT in futures volume—will receive a 40 USDT airdrop. Limited to the first 200 qualified users. Ecosystem Synergy: Practical Case of AI and Crypto
As a global exchange that has long focused on AI-related sectors and innovative asset discovery, HTX continues to support high-quality AI projects and promote collaboration across technology, traffic, and users. As AI computing demand increases and crypto payment systems mature, decentralized AI portals are expected to become cornerstones of next-generation Web3 infrastructure.
The collaboration between HTX and AINFT represents a forward-looking position within this trend. Looking ahead, HTX will continue working with high-quality ecosystem partners to build a more open, efficient, and sustainable Web3 innovation network, providing global users with forward-looking digital asset opportunities and application experiences.
About HTX
Founded in 2013, HTX (formerly Huobi) has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.
As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.
To learn more about HTX, please visit https://www.htx.com/ or HTX Square , and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord.
TRON DAO announced it has joined the Agentic AI Foundation (AAIF) as a Gold Member. The blockchain network will serve on the Foundation’s Governing Board.
The move positions TRON’s stablecoin settlement infrastructure within the emerging ecosystem for autonomous AI systems. TRON is betting that AI agents will need fast, cheap, high-volume payment rails — exactly the niche the network already dominates.
What Is the Agentic AI Foundation?The AAIF launched in December 2025 under the Linux Foundation. Anthropic, Block, and OpenAI co-founded the initiative, contributing three core open-source projects: Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol (MCP), Block’s Goose Agent Framework, and OpenAI’s AGENTS.md.
The Foundation now counts 146 members, including AWS, Google, Microsoft, Circle, and JPMorgan Chase. TRON’s Gold membership places it alongside Cisco, IBM, Oracle, and Circle — the USDC issuer whose CTO called stablecoins foundational to the agentic economy.
TRON’s Bet: Stablecoin Rails for AI AgentsThe logic behind TRON’s AAIF membership is simple: AI agents that execute real-world tasks will eventually need to move money. If those transactions are frequent, small, and automated, the chain that wins is the one with negligible fees and near-instant settlement.
Third-party data supports at least part of that case. Arkham Research reported in January that TRON settles over $20 billion in stablecoins daily. Messari’s State of TRON Q4 2025 report put circulating USDT supply at $82.2 billion, with an average daily transfer volume of $23.86 billion. Whether that payment dominance translates to AI agent use cases — where transaction patterns may differ from human remittance flows — remains untested.
“Autonomous AI systems will depend on open, reliable, and globally accessible infrastructure to operate securely at scale,” TRON founder Justin Sun said.
The Bigger Picture: Crypto Meets Agentic AIAI agents handling procurement, subscription management, or cross-border payments could generate transaction volumes that dwarf current DeFi activity. The question is which chains capture this flow.
TRON’s advantage is its existing infrastructure. Arkham Research has described the network as a cost-efficient rail for mid- to large-value transfers, particularly in emerging markets. Stablecoin activity on TRON is concentrated in Asia, with the region accounting for nearly $341 billion annually.
What TRON Still Needs to ProveThe announcement is primarily a governance-and-standards play. TRON will contribute to AAIF working groups on open frameworks for AI-agent interactions with decentralized networks. Concrete technical integrations with MCP or other AAIF projects have not been detailed.
There are also questions about the credibility of TRON’s broader AI ecosystem. Justin Sun has promoted AINFT (formerly APENFT) as the network’s flagship AI project. The platform gives NFTs conversational and decision-making capabilities. But AINFT marketplace data shows just three active collections and a combined seven-day volume of roughly 1,255 TRX — about $358 total.
Sun said at Consensus Hong Kong in February that he is working on Web 4.0, fusing AI with the TRON blockchain. Whether this vision translates into developer adoption or remains aspirational will shape how the market evaluates TRON’s AAIF membership.
Bottom LineTRON’s stablecoin dominance gives it a credible claim to a role in the agentic AI payment stack. But converting governance participation into technical integration remains the harder task. The AAIF’s MCP Dev Summit in New York on April 2-3 will be an early test of whether TRON brings concrete proposals to the table.
Singapore, March 20, 2025 — Kraken, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, today announced the listing of APENFT (NFT), a key token in the TRON ecosystem. The listing introduces APENFT/USD and APENFT/EUR trading pairs. In addition to the listing on Kraken, a Reef Program airdrop campaign of $90,000 worth of APENFT tokens has been launched.
Launched by the APENFT Foundation in 2021, APENFT uses TRON’s fast and low-cost blockchain to bring top-tier artworks on-chain and support the growth of the NFT ecosystem. As of March 2025, with over $430 million in market cap and more than 2.16 million unique holders, APENFT has become a leading force in the digital collectibles space. APENFT is now listed on over 30 major global exchanges, including HTX, OKX, and Poloniex.
Since its launch, the project has reached several important milestones:
May 2021: Initiated an NFT airdrop program for TRON mainnet token holders, reaching millions of TRX users.
December 2021: Collaborated with Christie’s and Sotheby’s to tokenize masterpieces by Picasso and Andy Warhol.
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2023: Debuted APENFT Marketplace, now becoming the leading NFT trading platform on the TRON chain supporting hundreds of emerging artists through the Art Dream Fund.
September 2024: APENFT Collaborated with SunPump to launch NFT Pump, the first fair-launch NFT tool in the TRON ecosystem, allowing users to mint NFTs at low cost using TRX.
Q1 2025: Released NFT Pump 2.0, introducing the TRC404 standard for fractionalized NFT trading to enhance liquidity and user experience.
The listing of APENFT (NFT) on Kraken marks a significant step in its global expansion, offering increased exposure and access to institutional and retail investors across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. With NFT/USD and NFT/EUR trading pairs now available, APENFT gains direct entry into key fiat markets.
The launch is further supported by a $90,000 airdrop through the Reef Program, designed to boost engagement and broaden its appeal beyond the TRON ecosystem. Known for its high compliance standards and strong security, Kraken provides an ideal platform for APENFT to strengthen its credibility and reach.
APENFT officially launched on Kraken on March 20, 2025, marking a significant milestone in its path toward global adoption and broader market accessibility.
About APENFT
APENFT Marketplace is an NFT trading platform native to the TRON blockchain, launched by the APENFT Foundation, with additional support from the world’s largest distributed storage system BitTorrent File System (BTFS). NFT Pump (APENFT) is a leading innovator in the NFT space, providing a one-stop platform geared with a complete suite of tools to empower creators, collectors, and projects alike. From launching NFT Pump 1.0 and 2.0 to establishing the TRC404 standard, NFT Pump (APENFT) is revolutionizing how NFTs are created, traded, and experienced on the TRON network.
The APENFT utility token $NFT is the official governance token issued by the APENFT Foundation. It is a decentralized digital asset that is backed by TRC-20 protocols, and serves as proof of rights on APENFT.
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