Acurast, a decentralized physical infrastructure network, has secured $11 million in funding to transform smartphones into a global distributed computing resource. The initiative recovers the DePIN narrative by launching its Genesis Mainnet on November 17, 2025, alongside the ACU token generation event, enabling secure, verified device computations for real-world applications.
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Acurast’s $11M funding includes grants and token rounds from 2023 to 2025, building on prior ICOs and VC investments.
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The Genesis Mainnet launch marks a shift to an open, global compute fabric using smartphones for distributed tasks.
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Over 146,000 users joined the testnet, demonstrating scalability for enterprise-level distributed computing with confidential verification.
Discover how Acurast’s $11M funding and mainnet launch revolutionize DePIN by leveraging smartphones for secure, global computing. Explore the implications for Web3 developers and AI workloads today.
What is Acurast’s Latest Funding and Mainnet Launch?
Acurast funding totals $11 million raised through a combination of non-dilutive grants and token-based rounds conducted between 2023 and 2025, positioning the startup as a leader in decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN). This capital supports the Genesis Mainnet launch scheduled for November 17, 2025, which coincides with the token generation event for the native ACU token. The platform aims to harness billions of smartphones worldwide to create a verifiable, confidential distributed computing network, addressing limitations in traditional cloud-based systems.
How Does Acurast Verify Device Computing Power?
Acurast differentiates itself in the DePIN space by implementing rigorous verification processes for every device’s hardware capabilities and workloads, ensuring reliability and security without relying on self-reported data or centralized cloud infrastructure. This approach protects sensitive user information through enclave-based confidentiality, making it ideal for data-intensive applications. During its incentivized testnet phase, Acurast successfully onboarded 146,443 smartphone users, proving the network’s ability to scale for enterprise-grade tasks such as off-chain executions and AI processing. Experts highlight this as a significant advancement, with Vineet Budki, CEO of Sigma Capital, stating, “Acurast is creating a new, user-owned compute layer that aligns perfectly with where AI is heading. Hardware verification, enclave-based confidentiality, and a massive potential footprint of smartphones combine into a defensible moat that server-centric models can’t compete with.” The mainnet’s compatibility with major blockchains further extends its utility, allowing developers to integrate it for automation, web crawling, and testing while maintaining end-to-end encryption.
Acurast’s journey began with a focus on recovering the DePIN narrative, which has seen subdued interest in recent years but remains vital for decentralized innovation. By turning everyday smartphones into a global mesh network, the company taps into the most ubiquitous and battle-tested hardware available—billions of devices already in users’ pockets. This model not only democratizes computing resources but also ensures confidentiality, a critical factor as privacy concerns grow in Web3 ecosystems.
The funding landscape for Acurast reflects strong investor confidence. Beyond the recent $11 million, the company has amassed over $25 million overall from ICO sales, venture capital, and angel investments. A standout achievement was the oversubscribed public token sale in May 2025, which brought in an additional $5.4 million. Backers include prominent figures from the crypto industry, such as Dr. Gavin Wood, a pioneer in blockchain technology; Leonard Dörlochter, founder of peaq; and Michael van de Poppe, founder of MN Capital. Other supporters encompass Scytale Digital, Ogle, founder of GlueNet and recognized by CoinDesk as one of the most influential in the space, and Vineet Budki of Sigma Capital. The Web3 Foundation has also provided backing, underscoring Acurast’s alignment with foundational Web3 principles.
Alessandro De Carli, founder of Acurast, emphasized the significance of this milestone: “Mainnet marks the moment Acurast becomes a genuinely open, global compute fabric ready for real-world integration. Billions of smartphones are the most battle-tested hardware on earth.” This launch comes after years of development, including limited activity phases and no prior token trading, culminating in a product ready for broader adoption. While the DePIN sector has faced challenges, Acurast’s progress demonstrates that innovative startups continue to advance decentralized solutions, even in a cautious market.
The testnet results offer concrete evidence of the platform’s potential. With over 146,000 participants, Acurast validated distributed computation at scale, handling diverse workloads securely. This phase not only built user engagement but also refined the verification mechanisms that set Acurast apart from competitors. Moving forward, the mainnet opens doors for Web3 developers to build on this infrastructure, supporting use cases from AI-driven analytics to automated smart contract executions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Funding Has Acurast Secured for Its DePIN Project?
Acurast has raised a total of over $25 million, including $11 million in recent non-dilutive grants and token rounds from 2023 to 2025, plus $5.4 million from an oversubscribed public token sale in May 2025. This funding supports the development of a smartphone-based distributed computing network, backed by leading Web3 investors like the Web3 Foundation and Dr. Gavin Wood.
Is Acurast’s Mainnet Launch Compatible with Other Blockchains?
Yes, Acurast’s Genesis Mainnet, launching November 17, 2025, is designed for interoperability with major blockchains and Web3 protocols. Developers can leverage it for secure off-chain computations, AI tasks, and automation, all while benefiting from confidential verification and encryption to handle sensitive data effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Acurast’s $11M Funding Boost: This capital injection, combined with prior raises totaling over $25M, enables the expansion of a verified smartphone network for global DePIN applications.
- Genesis Mainnet Innovation: Launching with ACU token TGE, it creates an open compute fabric emphasizing hardware verification and data privacy, as tested with 146,443 users.
- Strategic Backing and Future Potential: Support from experts like Alessandro De Carli and Vineet Budki positions Acurast to lead in user-owned computing, inviting developers to build secure AI and Web3 solutions.
Conclusion
Acurast’s $11M funding and Genesis Mainnet launch represent a pivotal advancement in the DePIN landscape, transforming smartphones into a secure, verifiable global computing resource. By prioritizing confidential verification and interoperability, the platform addresses key challenges in distributed infrastructure, as evidenced by its robust testnet performance and endorsements from industry leaders. As Web3 evolves, Acurast stands ready to empower developers and enterprises with scalable, privacy-focused tools—explore how this user-owned compute layer can integrate into your next project for enhanced efficiency and innovation.
