October 9, 2024: OpenGradient Raises $8.5M for Decentralized AI Platform - OpenGradient, formerly Vanna Laboratories Inc., has secured $8.5 million in funding to develop a decentralized AI platform focusing on security, transparency, and accessibility. By leveraging blockchain technology, OpenGradient aims to simplify AI model integration into decentralized applications without complex cryptographic or hardware needs. Their platform supports scalable AI compute on-chain, allowing secure, near-instant model deployment. The funding round included a16z Crypto, SV Angel, and others, with endorsements from tech leaders like Balaji Srinivasan and Sandeep Nailwal, underscoring its potential to revolutionize decentralized AI infrastructure.