Monthly Roundup: June 2025
Inside Pivot’s Power Packed June — Notion Partnership, AI x Web3 Startup Backings, Acceleration updates, Mentoring sessions, SuperAI Summit, Community Growth, Demo Days Edition 3 Prep & More
June was packed — and we mean PACKED — with momentum, milestones, and some serious moves!
We kicked things off with a big one: our official partnership with Notion, bringing best in class workspaces and AI-native tools straight into the hands of every founder in our acceleration programs.
We also welcomed two next-gen startups — Smart Transaction Corp and Blazpay — both building futuristic infrastructure to level up how we transact and interact on-chain.
Several updates from the startups undergoing acceleration — all as per plans and alignments based on our several 1-to-1s with these startups — Turf.gg is now Turf.Network, QuillAI Network, Exa Protocol, XTrading (earlier NFTFN) continue to churn out updates after updates.
We hosted our first Bodhi Days session, a closed-door mentor-founder interaction brainstorming — with raw, unfiltered & actionable insights on what it really takes for a Web3 startup to raise funds. And we wrapped up an action-packed week at SuperAI Singapore, where deals were discussed, alliances were formed, and bold new ideas emerged at the AI x Web3 intersection.
All while scaling our ecosystem, expanding our VC circle, and prepping for a blockbuster Demo Day Edition #3.
Here’s a full breakdown of what went down in June 👇
Main Highlights
Pivot has partnered with Notion to bring world-class workspaces, AI-native tools, and operational infrastructure for the early-stage startups under Pivot’s acceleration programs. This partnership, under the “Notion for Startups” program, brings a suite of powerful benefits tailored for early-stage founders. Every startup under Pivot’s acceleration program now receives:
- 6 months free of Notion’s Business plan including Notion AI
- Access to benefits valued at up to $12,000
But why notion? Pivot is addressing a real operational need faced by early-stage startups.
Click here to find out what it is!
New Startups Onboarded
Pivot onboarded 2 amazing startups to start their acceleration journey towards newer heights.
Smart Transaction Corp.
Pivot is now backing Smart Transactions (STXN), an AI-powered crypto infrastructure startup rethinking how the world transacts on-chain. STXN is building an AI-native Crypto Browser and an upgraded transaction layer that adapts in real-time, enabling safer, faster, and more intelligent transactions across chains.
Led by an extraordinary founding team — Anuj Das Gupta, Vlad Zamfir, and Boris Mamlyuk, STXN combines deep cryptographic research, policy influence, and infrastructure design to unlock the next wave of Web3 scale.
Why are we backing Smart Transaction Corp? Click ➡️ HERE ⬅️ to find out!
Blazpay
Blazpay is building the conversation layer of crypto, not just another wallet or aggregator, but a powerful AI-first interface that makes onboarding, learning, and transacting in DeFi as simple as chatting.
Led by a stellar founding team: Rishabh Singh Bhatti (CEO), Shubham Bisht (CTO), and Baldeep Singh Sethi (CMO). The team brings deep technical expertise, execution clarity, and a systems-thinking approach to Web3 UX.
Over 1M users, 5M+ transactions, and deep ecosystem integrations
Here’s Why are we backing Blazpay? Click ➡️ HERE ⬅️ to find out!
Acceleration updates
Very proud of all our startups who continue to hustle and ship out products as per aligned plans & strategies we discussed in the many 1-to-1’s with the team. Each team brings superb vision in their entire gameplan. Here are a few updates from our exemplary startups.
TURF Launches DevNet on Avalanche — Ushering in Autonomous AI Data Infrastructure
TURF, that was onboarded last year, just launched its DevNet on Avalanche Subnet! Marking a major leap toward building the world’s first autonomous, on-demand data network tailored for specialized AI models. This launch allows developers to train smarter AI using real-time, contextual Data Feeds, especially from gameplay systems.
Curious how AI agents will train on autonomous, user-consented data streams — without game publisher integrations?
🔅 Click ➡️ HERE ⬅️ to read the full update and explore the future of permissionless AI training.
Exa Protocol
Happy to see Exa Protocol leveling up under Pivot’s wing, bringing decentralized infra one step closer to mainstream adoption. From seamless deployment to global reach, here’s what the team just rolled out:
- 💻 ExaDrive is now LIVE on VS Code Marketplace!
Deploy static sites directly from your IDE — no scripts, no GitHub actions, just save & sync.
2. 🗺️ New Global Console: Now in 27+ Countries
The upgraded Exa Console shows real-time node ops across the globe with MetaMask + Phantom wallet support and XAP token withdrawals.
🔅 Learn about these updates here : Try the ExaDrive extension | Explore the Exa console |
QuillAI Network Launches WachXBT — The Agent Economy’s Smartest Risk Guardian
Very proud to see QuillAI Network growing leaps and bounds under Pivot’s backing, launching one of the most important safeguards in DeFAI to date. As AI agents begin managing billion-dollar treasuries, WachXBT steps in as the protocol’s live verification layer, ensuring capital never moves without trust. Here’s what’s new:
- ✅ Blocks any hedge fund trade that strays from its declared strategy.
- 🔁 ACP integration enforces on-chain intent from request to execution.
- ⚠️ Real-time stress tests detect potential rug pulls and protocol risks.
- 🔍 Identifies rogue trades, spoofed oracles, and mismatched intents pre-mempool.
👉 How does WachXBT keep autonomous hedge funds in check without slowing them down?
🔅 Click Here to Read the full breakdown to find out.
XTrading — unprecedented trading experience where AI agents & humans collaborate to capture market inefficiencies.
We are so happy to see that XTrading is rewriting what’s possible in decentralized trading! Under Pivot’s Guidance & expertise their latest updates has got a serious upgrade as they have merged cutting-edge infra with intelligent agent-powered trading.
Here’s what’s new:
- Agent Trading (MCP) Goes Live — AI and human agents now co-trade in real time.
- Pro API Gateway Launched — Traders can generate keys, access analytics, and plug in directly.
- Hummingbot Integration Live — Pre-built Docker strategies now ready to deploy.
- Full Builder Stack Unlocked — End-to-end control across retail bots and pro-grade APIs.
👉 Curious how XTrading is enabling the next wave of power traders?
🔅 Learn more to know: Read the update | See the demo | Explore the tech |
Growth & Community Expansion
The Pivot Ecosystem continues to experience exponential growth!
Here are some key milestones from June:
- 475+ startups have applied for acceleration, reflecting strong founder trust in Pivot.
- Our VC network now spans 270+ groups, expanding funding access for early-stage Web3 teams.
- 220+ ecosystem allies onboarded, boosting collaboration and adoption.
- Community engagement is rising steadily across all platforms.
New VCs onboard
New Partners onboard
Events
Bodhi Day
Our 1st Bodhi Days session led by Arturas Svirskis, Founder & CEO of Hexagon Ventures Group, was a closed-door session which gave our founders a real world outlook at what it takes for a Web3 startup to be funded. From cutting through the noise of vague market sizing, to navigating tricky EU regulations, to structuring a cap table investors actually want to see — nothing was off the table.
Curious what separates the startups that raise from the ones that stall?
Click Here to read the full recap and uncover the fundraising strategies that most founders miss.
SuperAI Summit, Singapore
Team Pivot wrapped up a high-intensity week at the SuperAI summit in Singapore. Seven days of back-to-back meetings led to insightful conversations with AI-native builders, as we explored groundbreaking ideas at the intersection of AI and Web3. From forging strategic alliances across vector databases, infrastructure layers, and agent stacks to uncovering early-stage deal flows and potential ecosystem synergies, the week was packed with momentum and promise.
Upcoming Events
Demo Day — Edition 3
After two power-packed Demo Days that drew $3.5M+ in VC interest for our top #Web3 startups it’s time to raise the bar again. Join us for the 3rd edition of Pivot’s Demo Day, where 5 visionary startups at the edge of AI and Web3 will take the stage on July 4 | 2:30 PM UTC.
🎟️ Register NOW and Save your seat now → https://lu.ma/zksxnfot
The stakes are high and so is the calibre of the room because we are thrilled to unveil the Judges & Partners powering Pivot Demo Day — Edition 3 🎤
🎙️ Taking the hot seat as Judges:
The great folks from , , Blockchain Founders Fund & — some of the most respected forces in #Web3 will be judging the demo day. Expect sharp questions, strategic insights, and perspective that helps visionary founders’ level up.
🤝 Backing our builders:
Only VC, Alpha Capital, , Marilyn PR, MPost, Sherlock, & — a dream lineup bringing together capital, infrastructure, security, GTM firepower, and storytelling muscle to support high-potential startups at the intersection of AI and Web3.
Insights
Last month at Pivot, we focused on making sense of some big shifts in tech and startup funding.
Articles
We looked into the growing concerns around AI safety like bias, privacy, and the need for better rules as AI keeps advancing. For founders, we shared a step-by-step playbook on how to raise funds the right way, especially in Web3. And we unpacked what’s really happening with real world assets, how they’re getting tokenized, what regulators are doing, and where investors are placing bets.
- Concerns and Developments in AI Safety and Ethics 2025
- Go-To-Funding (GTF): A Founder’s Playbook to Raising Capital with Precision
- Real World Assets in 2025: Adoption, Regulation, and the Road Ahead
Pivot Decode
We turn the crunchiest blockchain concepts into popcorn-sized threads 🍿For founders who like their insights light, Easy to digest, Packed with insights.
Markets
With Bitcoin hovering at a strong $106,531, investor interest across Web3 remains solid despite short-term volatility.
June 2025 marked a standout month with $5.26B raised across 119 funding rounds — the highest capital inflow YTD, even as the number of rounds remained lean compared to March (154 rounds, $5.08B). This trend signals a healthy shift: more focused, high-value bets instead of high volume.
VCs are leaning into quality over quantity — a strong indicator of maturing conviction in the ecosystem’s long-term potential.
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About Pivot
Pivot is a global venture accelerator firm dedicated to the Web 3.0 industry, created by founders, for founders. Pivot’s selected startups are focused on milestones & are not bound to periodic curriculum-based programs. Founded by Anshul Dhir, a 3x founder in the Web 3.0 space, and mentor and investor in over 50 companies in Web3. Pivot is being supported by some great founders & Angels in this industry including Polygon, Delphi Digital, Blockchain Founders Group, Liminal, Biconomy, BitsCrunch, Tegro, Router, QuickSwap & more. We are also supported by Tier 1 ecosystems such as BNB Chain, Polygon, Arbitrum, ICP, Manta Network, Mantle apart from many VCs, launchpads, Exchanges & many more.
