Story, the IP blockchain platform, and OKX Ventures have unveiled a $10 million fund aimed at fostering the growth of startups at the intersection of intellectual property (IP) and artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative is designed to provide early-stage projects with essential capital, distribution channels, and technical expertise.
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As AI continues to evolve, the need to protect intellectual property has never been more pressing. Current AI models often utilize a wide array of creative works, from fan fiction to chart-topping albums, without proper acknowledgment or consent, leaving creators vulnerable. At the same time, generative AI companies face challenges in sourcing specialized training data, a crucial component for developing advanced AI products.
Story aims to address these issues by creating a programmable IP layer that transforms intellectual property into on-chain assets. This new framework allows developers and creators to safeguard, license, and monetize their IP effectively, fostering a more sustainable ecosystem where both creators and AI systems can thrive.
A Targeted Approach to Funding Innovation
The newly established fund, priced in $IP as of May 20, 2025, will focus on supporting builders who are tackling real-world problems related to IP and AI. Key areas of interest include:
IP as Real-World Assets: Startups developing models that financialize IP, unlocking new revenue streams for rights holders across various domains, including music, film, and patents.
Innovative Monetization Models: Frameworks that enable programmable ownership and embed attribution and licensing into IP.
AI and Data Licensing: Infrastructure that supports decentralized AI systems and applications sourcing specialized training data.
Programmable IP Applications: Platforms that turn narratives and characters into tradable assets, enabling collaborative world-building and community engagement.
Rather than adhering to a strict accelerator model, the fund will be co-managed by Story and OKX Ventures, ensuring a collaborative approach to project evaluation and selection. Investments will be made selectively and continuously.
A Vision for the Future
Jeff Ren, Founder of OKX Ventures, emphasized the fund’s selective nature, stating, “We’re not looking to fund thousands of projects—we’re looking for the right ones.” He expressed enthusiasm for Story’s mission to create foundational infrastructure for an IP-native internet.
Andrea Muttoni, President of the Story Foundation, added:
“In an age where AI-generated content is abundant, incentivizing originality is crucial. This fund is dedicated to supporting innovative founders who are tackling these challenges head-on.”
Andrea Muttoni, President of the Story Foundation
Startups chosen for funding will benefit from:
Access to capital
Marketing and distribution support
Technical guidance from the Story team
Connections with the OKX team across various sectors
Apply Now
Early-stage innovators interested in the Story x OKX Venture Fund are encouraged to apply and join the movement to reshape the future of IP in the AI landscape.
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About Story Foundation
Story is a blockchain designed to make intellectual property programmable. By converting IP into digital assets with embedded rights, Story empowers creators and AI systems to protect, license, and monetize their works seamlessly. As a foundation for the evolution of IP into an internet-native asset class, Story promotes a more equitable and sustainable creative economy. Learn more at story.foundation.
