Protocol Labs

protocol.ai

Protocol Labs drives breakthroughs in computing across frontier technologies including web3, AI, AR/VR, BCI, neurotechnology, robotics, and hardware. They focus on securing digital human rights, establishing permissionless systems, advancing embodied AI, and creating infrastructure that enables decentralized coordination and data sovereignty.

Check Size

Not specified

Stages

Pre Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth, Late Stage

Focus Areas

Ai Ml, Blockchain Crypto, Data Infrastructure

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Investment Thesis

Protocol Labs operates as an innovation network driving breakthroughs in computing to push humanity forward. Rather than traditional VC investment, they function as an ecosystem connector bridging 600+ tech startups, funds, accelerators, foundations, and organizations. Their approach spans the entire R&D pipeline from research ideation through implementation, leveraging crypto incentives and decentralized coordination mechanisms to solve problems at scale that centralized institutions struggle with.

What Sets Them Apart

Innovation network model rather than traditional VC - connects 600+ organizations across entire R&D pipeline
Proven track record building world-scale DePIN networks (Filecoin is largest decentralized storage network; IPFS is foundational infrastructure)
Venture Studio (PLVS) approach that productizes breakthrough technologies with focused teams and access to capital, technical expertise, and web3-native services
Subnet-based architecture enabling flexible, multi-faceted contributions to networks (demonstrated in BitRobot for embodied AI)
Research-first orientation with Protocol Labs Research generating and de-risking revolutionary ideas before commercialization
Commitment to open-source and permissive licensing as core philosophy