Crypto
BNB Chain, the community-driven blockchain ecosystem that includes the world’s largest smart contract blockchain, has opened applications for Season 9 of its MVB (Most Valuable Builder) program. The program is aimed at supporting the growth of projects within the BNB Chain ecosystem. The now 4-week accelerator program is jointly run by Binance Labs—an impact-driven evergreen fund supporting early-stage founders and projects—and CMC Labs – CoinMarketCap’s exclusive accelerator program for startups.
With “AI-first” as a core focus, BNB Chain is driving AI-driven innovation in Web3. MVB9 seeks to attract projects and developers to integrate AI into their ideas and collaboratively build an AI-first BNB Chain.
As one of the first blockchains to focus on building critical AI infrastructure and incubating ecosystem partners, BNB Chain has established an array of AI DApps and infrastructure solutions. At its core, BNB Chain integrates the high-performance BNB Smart Chain (BSC) with decentralized storage on Greenfield, enabling participants to seamlessly own, use, and monetize data and AI within the ecosystem.
This season, the project sectors we particularly welcome include, but are not limited to:
- AI Applications: Intention based DeFi, AI first Game, DeSoc, AI Agent and Companions, Data labeling, DataDAO
- Infra and Tooling: Identity, MPC Wallet, Social Graph, AgentKit, Agent Hosting, AI Training, Inference, DevTools, Privacy Computing, and Streaming Indexing
We also welcome applications from projects in DeFi, GameFi, SocialFi, DeSci, Middleware, and Consumer Applications, especially those integrating AI or exploring innovative AI-driven use cases, to collaborate with BNB Chain in building an AI-first blockchain and advancing decentralized AI development to benefit more users.
The deadline to apply to MVB Season 9 is Jan 13, 2025 at 11:59 PM UTC. Projects can apply here. The application review, founder interviews, and admission decisions will be conducted on a rolling basis, and admitted projects will be officially notified via email. BNB Chain has also opened other channels:top projects from the BNB Incubation Alliance (BIA) events in Dubai, Bangkok, and Denver will directly join MVB Season 9.
MVB is for early-stage projects building innovative Web3 projects on BNB Chain and is designed to offer a tailored curriculum covering key topics to address early-stage Web3 project needs. It includes fireside chats and 1:1 mentorship with BNB Chain, the Binance Labs Investment team, and CMC Labs as well as access to resources across the BNB Chain ecosystem. MVB participants also get access to the BNB Chain Launch-as-a-Service (LaaS) package which includes free services worth up to US$300,000 and opportunities for investment from Binance Labs.
Season 8 of MVB received hundreds of applications, with less than 7% being admitted to the program. 35 project teams spanning DeFi, infrastructure, and AI were selected, under investment review by Binance Labs.
Of the 131 projects nurtured across seven MVB cohorts, 75 received backing from top-tier investment firms, and over 60 successfully launched their tokens, with many listed on major exchanges. Five MVB Projects such as Galxe, Mobox, SpaceID, SleeplessAI, and AltLayer listed on Binance Launchpool.
Gala Wen, Director of Ecosystem Development at BNB Chain said: “The MVB program reflects BNB Chain’s mission to onboard the next billion Web3 users. With MVB9, we’re focused on empowering transformative projects through tailored mentorship, advanced technical support, and strategic ecosystem integration. As we shift toward AI, we aim to support projects that use AI to drive innovation and enhance Web3 experiences. Our goal is to help visionary developers not only launch but thrive, turning bold ideas into groundbreaking realities in the fast-evolving Web3 space. BNB Chain is committed to providing all the resources needed for success.”
Alex Odagiu, Investment Director at Binance Labs said: “At Binance Labs, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of Web3 innovators by supporting the development of impactful and sustainable technologies. Through the MVB program, we aim to empower early-stage projects that have the potential to redefine the blockchain landscape, equipping them with the mentorship, resources, and opportunities they need to grow and thrive in the dynamic Web3 ecosystem.”
Rush, CEO of CoinMarketCap said: “CMC Labs is excited to be part of this journey. In the previous MVB8 program, we witnessed and nurtured numerous outstanding projects. With the upcoming MVB9, we look forward to providing a remarkable platform that offers multidimensional support for Web3 projects, driving innovation across the blockchain industry.”
For projects interested in being part of Season 9 of MVB, users can apply here. Users can follow BNB Chain, Binance Labs, and CoinMarketCap on X for the latest news on MVB 9.
*Being admitted into MVB does not equate to Binance Labs investment.
About BNB Chain
BNB Chain is a community-driven blockchain ecosystem that is removing barriers to Web3 adoption. It is composed of:
- BNB Smart Chain (BSC): A secure DeFi hub with the lowest gas fees of any EVM-compatible L1; serves as the ecosystem’s governance chain.
- opBNB: A scalability L2 that delivers some of the lowest gas fees of any L2 and rapid processing speeds.
- BNB Greenfield: Meets decentralized storage needs for the ecosystem and lets users establish their own data marketplaces.
Setting a high bar for security, the AvengerDAO community protects BNB Chain users while Red Alarm provides a real-time risk-scanner for Dapps. The ecosystem also offers a range of monetary and ecosystem rewards as part of its Builder Support Program.
For more, follow BNB Chain on X or start exploring via our Dapp library.
About Binance Labs
Binance Labs is the leading venture capital and incubator committed to empowering early-stage projects and driving the growth and development of the Web3 ecosystem. Since our founding in 2018, we have consistently focused on the long-term, and provided strategic support and funding to projects, regardless of market cycles.
As a chain, and sector-agnostic venture capital leader in the Web3 space, we back everything from infrastructure to application layers, and our focus has consistently been on tech innovation with meaningful product-market fit and sustainable potential revenue models.
Binance Labs’ portfolio covers over 250 projects from over 25 countries across six continents. More than 65 of Binance Labs’ portfolio companies are projects that have gone through our incubation programs. For more information, follow Binance Labs on X.
About CMC Labs
CMC Labs is CoinMarketCap’s selective accelerator program for startups, supporting Web3 entrepreneurs with a range of expert services, including awareness-raising campaigns, social amplification, bespoke content, and networking opportunities with top-tier ecosystems, VCs, market makers, and mentors. To learn more, users can visit CMC Labs.
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