Blockworks Shuts Newsroom as Industry Shifts to Data-Driven Models

Blockworks, a prominent crypto and blockchain news outlet, is gradually shutting down its newsroom and pivoting to expand its data business, according to a LookonChain report. The company, which secured a $12 million funding round in May 2023 at a $135 million valuation, has added data sales as a core revenue stream alongside its existing services, including news, conferences, and research. This strategic shift comes as the firm projects annual revenue exceeding $30 million.

The move reflects a broader trend in media and tech industries, where companies are prioritizing data-driven offerings to meet evolving market demands. For instance, Baker Hughes recently secured a multi-year contract with Aramco to expand its underbalanced coiled tubing drilling operations in Saudi Arabia's gas fields, as reported in a Simply Wall St article. The agreement, set to begin in 2026, underscores energy firms' growing reliance on advanced technologies to optimize resource extraction. Similarly, COLABS, a Pakistani coworking provider, is expanding to Riyadh, strengthening Saudi-Pakistan business ties through a local partnership with Waseel Partners, according to a PR Newswire release. The startup's growth in flexible workspaces aligns with the global coworking market's projected $1 billion valuation by 2025, according to the same PR Newswire release.

Meanwhile, tech firms are capitalizing on AI and infrastructure opportunities. Brookfield Asset Management recently partnered with Bloom Energy to deploy $5 billion in fuel cell technology for AI data centers worldwide, as noted in a Yahoo Finance report. The collaboration aims to address surging energy needs in AI-driven compute infrastructure, highlighting the sector's pivot toward reliable, scalable power solutions. In a related development, Iridium Communications reported a 7% year-over-year revenue increase in Q3 2025, driven by growth in government and commercial satellite services, according to a GovConWire article. The company's focus on critical infrastructure and government contracts, such as its $738.5 million EMSS agreement with the U.S. Space Force, illustrates the importance of resilient connectivity in strategic sectors.

Equinix, a leader in data center services, also demonstrated strong performance in Q3 2025, achieving $394 million in annualized gross bookings and 8% interconnection revenue growth, as detailed in the earnings call transcript. The firm's investments in distributed AI infrastructure and green bonds underscore the sector's emphasis on innovation and sustainability. These developments collectively highlight a shift toward data-centric business models, driven by demand for AI, cloud computing, and secure infrastructure.

As Blockworks transitions, it joins a wave of companies reorienting their strategies to capitalize on data and technology. While the newsroom downsizing signals a decline in traditional journalism, the pivot to data sales mirrors broader industry trends where information and infrastructure converge to shape future markets.