Ripple‘s Generosity: A $200K Grant for Japan’s Web3 Startups? What Could Go Wrong? 😏
In a most fortuitous turn of events, the esteemed firm known as Ripple Labs Inc., purveyor of blockchain payments, has conspired to form a strategic alliance with the illustrious Web3 Salon. This partnership, supported by none other than the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), aims to launch a funding initiative that would make even the most frugal of investors raise an eyebrow.
The Ripple Labs Web3 Salon Offer
Lo and behold! The newly minted program is poised to bestow upon Japanese Web3 startups the princely sum of up to $200,000 in grant funding, all for the noble endeavor of building upon the XRP Ledger (XRPL). This initiative is but a continuation of Ripple Labs’ grand commitment of 1 billion XRP to foster blockchain innovation across the vast expanse of Asia. One might wonder if they have a secret vault of XRP hidden away somewhere!
Indeed, this funding initiative is particularly aimed at those early-stage startups daring enough to tread the waters of Decentralized Finance (DeFi), digital payments, and tokenization—because who doesn’t love a good buzzword? Each project may receive as much as $200,000 over the next year, which is quite the incentive for those with a penchant for innovation.
Ripple has taken it upon itself to invigorate blockchain technology in Japan and South Korea, leading to the launch of the XRPL Japan and Korea Fund in June 2024. This initiative, one might say, is a testament to Ripple’s unwavering dedication to expanding its influence in the Asia-Pacific region, as if they were the benevolent rulers of a digital kingdom.
The fund is not merely a financial boon; it also seeks to support a variety of projects, from corporate partnerships to community development. One can only imagine the delightful gatherings of developers and entrepreneurs, all vying for a piece of the blockchain pie.
Emi Yoshikawa, the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Ripple, has eloquently stated that “The launch of this fund is a testament to Ripple’s strong belief in the potential of Japan and Korea as pivotal regional hubs for blockchain innovation.” One can almost hear the trumpets blaring in celebration of such a noble cause!
Beyond the monetary contributions, this collaboration with Web3 Salon grants developers unfettered access to Ripple’s extensive global network of partners. It’s as if they have been handed the keys to a grand castle filled with opportunities!
Ripple’s Mega Footprint in Japan
Ripple has indeed established a formidable presence in Japan, having forged key partnerships and collaborations. Nine years past, the financial titan SBI Holdings joined forces with Ripple Labs to create a joint venture aimed at promoting blockchain technology. How quaint!
In a more recent endeavor, July 2024 saw the Tokyo-based company launch NFT services on the XRP Ledger, allowing users to collect NFTs charmingly dubbed “Myaku N!” on the EXPO2025 Digital Wallet. This wallet was utilized at an expo held in Osaka/Kansai, proving that even digital assets can have a flair for the dramatic.
In September 2024, Ripple announced a collaboration with Futureverse, an AI and metaverse company, specifically involving Ripple Custody to ensure the safety of Futureverse’s digital assets. One can only hope that their digital treasures are as secure as a well-guarded secret!
At the same time, Ripple’s University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) welcomed Yonsei University in Korea as its 58th global partner. This move reflects Ripple’s commitment to promoting academic excellence and advancing research in blockchain technology, as if they were the benevolent patrons of a grand intellectual salon.
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2025-06-09 19:29