Subzero Labs Secures $20M to Bridge Blockchain and Real-World Applications

New startup aims to create a blockchain, Rialo, designed for practical use beyond cryptocurrency speculation, backed by Pantera Capital and Coinbase Ventures.

Author
Branden Chen
Senior Crypto AnalystAugust 3, 2025
Bitcoin trading chart with upward trend

Subzero Labs: Building a Blockchain for the Masses

Subzero Labs, a newly formed crypto startup, has announced a successful seed round, raising $20 million to develop a blockchain focused on real-world applications. The funding was led by Pantera Capital, with participation from Variant, Coinbase Ventures, and Susquehanna's crypto desk.

From Mysten Labs to a New Vision

CEO Ade Adepoju, formerly an engineer at Mysten Labs (a key player in the Sui blockchain), envisions a blockchain that transcends the current limitations of existing platforms. He compares the current state of blockchain to the early days of portable music players, stating, "No, we don’t, but we definitely need an iPhone." He believes Rialo will be that 'iPhone'.

Rialo: Not Your Typical Layer

Subzero Labs is developing a blockchain called Rialo that defies categorization as a typical Layer-1 or Layer-2 solution. The goal is to create a platform accessible to developers outside the crypto space, allowing them to integrate functionalities usually found in traditional applications.

Key Takeaways:

  • Focus on Real-World Utility: Subzero Labs aims to build a blockchain with practical applications, moving beyond cryptocurrency speculation.
  • Strong Backing: The $20 million seed round demonstrates significant investor confidence in the startup's vision.
  • Simplified Integration: Rialo is designed to be user-friendly for developers with limited blockchain experience.
  • Data Accessibility: Rialo will make normally off-chain data, like FICO scores, available to developers without the need of a third party oracle.

Investment Considerations

As always, investors should consider their risk tolerance and investment timeline before making allocation decisions. Bitcoin remains a volatile asset despite increasing institutional adoption.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor.

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