Pantera Capital Denies Involvement in NFT Project Akio’s Alleged $5M Funding Round

Pantera Capital has publicly refuted claims made by NFT project Akio regarding a $5 million seed investment. The dispute began when Akio posted a graphic on social media platform X, listing Pantera as the lead investor alongside notable firms like Nvidia Ventures and Hasbro Ventures. Within hours, Pantera partner Franklin Bi issued a sharp denial, stating the firm had no involvement with the project.

The incident underscores growing concerns about misinformation in crypto fundraising. Akio's post, now widely discredited, also named several other high-profile investors who have yet to confirm participation. Market observers note this episode reflects broader challenges in verifying claims made by emerging blockchain projects seeking attention in a crowded market.

Transparency remains paramount in crypto ventures. As Bi cautioned in his rebuttal: 'Stay paranoid.' The warning resonates amid increasing scrutiny of project credentials following multiple high-profile crypto scandals. While the NFT market shows signs of revival, incidents like this demonstrate the sector's ongoing growing pains.