Galaxy Ventures and Ethereum Pioneers Back RISE Chain with $8M to Revolutionize Layer 2 Scalability

In a significant boost for Ethereum''s Layer 2 ecosystem, Galaxy Ventures has led an $8 million funding round for RISE Chain, a high-performance solution tailored for real-time decentralized applications. The investment includes a $4 million commitment from Galaxy Ventures, with notable participation from ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin and AAVE founder Stani Kulechov. RISE Chain''s innovative sub-block architecture promises to enhance scalability and efficiency, positioning it as a key player in the evolving Ethereum landscape. This funding round underscores growing confidence in Layer 2 solutions as critical infrastructure for the future of decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 applications. As of June 2025, the project is poised to accelerate adoption and drive further innovation in the Ethereum network.

Galaxy Ventures Leads $8M Funding Round in RISE Chain to Boost Ethereum Layer 2 Scalability

Galaxy Ventures has spearheaded an $8 million funding round for RISE Chain, a high-performance Ethereum Layer 2 solution designed for real-time decentralized applications. The investment includes a $4 million commitment from Galaxy Ventures, with additional backing from Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin and AAVE founder Stani Kulechov.

RISE Chain''s innovative architecture, featuring sub-blocktime confirmations through its Shreds mechanism, aims to revolutionize blockchain scalability without compromising decentralization or security. The project is now positioned as a leading next-generation LAYER 2 solution as it progresses toward mainnet launch.

The funding round underscores growing institutional confidence in Ethereum''s scaling solutions, particularly those enabling real-time dApps. RISE Chain''s technology could potentially unlock new use cases for decentralized finance and other blockchain applications requiring instantaneous transaction finality.

Obol Network Pioneers Decentralized Staking Infrastructure for Ethereum

Obol Network is emerging as a key player in decentralized staking infrastructure, specifically designed for proof-of-stake networks like Ethereum. By enabling Distributed Validators (DVs), Obol allows multiple operators to jointly run a validator, each holding partial key shares through Distributed Key Generation. This architecture enhances fault tolerance—ensuring validator continuity even if nodes fail—while mitigating security risks by preventing full private key concentration.

The platform''s Obol Splits feature introduces a non-custodial, transparent rewards distribution mechanism, allowing cluster participants to define staking reward allocations on-chain. Built on Kubernetes and Helm, the Obol Stack offers an enterprise-grade yet user-friendly framework for deploying decentralized infrastructure, including Ethereum validators, full nodes, and L2 sequencers.

Whether for solo operators or global datacenter clusters, the Stack simplifies deployment through Helm charts and an App Store model, eliminating reliance on fragile scripts. This innovation marks a significant leap in making decentralized infrastructure both scalable and accessible.

Ethereum Spot ETFs See $281M Inflows as Institutional Demand Grows

Ethereum spot exchange-traded funds attracted $281 million in net inflows last week, signaling robust institutional interest in the second-largest cryptocurrency. BlackRock''s ETHA product dominated with $249 million of the total, reflecting strong confidence in ETH''s market position.

Spot ETFs provide direct exposure to Ethereum''s price movements without the technical hurdles of self-custody. Their growing adoption underscores a broader shift toward regulated crypto investment vehicles. "The numbers speak to Ethereum''s maturation as an institutional asset," said one market analyst.

Unlike futures-based products, spot ETFs track real-time ETH prices, offering purer market exposure. This week''s inflows coincide with renewed Optimism about Ethereum''s ecosystem development and upcoming network upgrades.

Ethereum Whale Deposits $2.5M to OKX, Sparking Market Concerns

A prominent Ethereum whale, who acquired ETH during its 2015 ICO at $0.31 per token, has deposited 991.67 ETH (approximately $2.51 million) to OKX. On-chain data reveals this whale has sold 9,845 ETH ($25.23 million) since May 2025, raising fears of sustained selling pressure.

The whale''s actions carry outsized influence—their low-cost basis allows profit-taking even during price dips. Market reaction was immediate: ETH trading volume on OKX surged 12% within two hours of the transfer, with prices hovering NEAR $2,530. Such movements underscore how whale activity remains a key price catalyst.

Exchanges like OKX often serve as liquidity gateways for large holders. When whales MOVE assets to trading platforms, it typically signals impending sales. The Ethereum market now watches whether this pattern will trigger broader volatility.

ETH Whale Moves, Bullish Setup Show $3K Ethereum Price Prediction

Ethereum''s price trajectory is drawing attention as whale activity and technical patterns converge. Two transactions totaling over 45,000 ETH ($113 million) ignited speculation—one transferring 23,075 ETH to Binance, another shifting 22,500 ETH from custody platform Ceffu to an unknown wallet. Such movements often precede volatility.

Technically, ETH charts reveal an ascending triangle formation near the $2,500-$2,700 resistance zone. A decisive breakout above $2,700 could propel prices toward $3,000, matching the measured move projection. Market participants are watching whether whale disposals or accumulation drives the next phase.

Hong Kong Pilots Chainlink Protocol for Cross-Border CBDC and Stablecoin Settlement

Hong Kong''s central bank digital currency (CBDC) initiative takes a significant leap forward with a cross-border pilot leveraging Chainlink''s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP). The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is testing atomic settlements between the digital Hong Kong dollar (e-HKD) and an Australian dollar-pegged stablecoin, bridging permissioned and public blockchains.

Financial heavyweights including Visa, ANZ Bank, ChinaAMC, and Fidelity International are collaborating on the e-HKD+ Pilot Program. The trial demonstrates how an Australian investor could use a stablecoin to purchase tokenized Hong Kong assets, with final settlement in e-HKD. Visa''s report confirms the pilot utilizes both private DASchain and Ethereum''s Sepolia testnet for cross-border transaction settlement.

This experiment marks a crucial step in blockchain interoperability for CBDCs, showcasing how traditional finance institutions are embracing decentralized protocols to enable seamless cross-border value transfer.