Acurast's $11M Push Targets Cloud Computing's Bottlenecks with Smartphone-Powered Decentralization

Acurast, a decentralized verifiable compute network, has secured $11 million in funding to advance its mission of decentralizing Web3 compute through a global smartphone network. The investment, led by CoinList, Scytale Digital, and P2O2, brings the company's total funding to $16.4 million. This round positions Acurast as a key player in the growing crypto VC landscape, where startups raised $122.35 million across 10 projects during the week of November 9–15, 2025.

The funding underscores Acurast's strategy to leverage distributed smartphone networks for scalable, verifiable compute solutions. By transforming mobile devices into nodes for decentralized processing, the platform aims to address bottlenecks in traditional cloud computing while enhancing data privacy and efficiency. The investment will accelerate global expansion and upgrades to its AI-driven infrastructure, as highlighted in a celebratory tweet from the Acurast team according to recent reports.

This development aligns with broader trends in crypto venture capital, where AI gaming, compute networks, and encrypted blockchain platforms are attracting significant interest. Lighter, another project in the same funding period, raised $68 million, the largest single round of the week. Smaller rounds for projects like Bluefin, Curvance, and Shodai Network further illustrate the sector's diversification.

Acurast's approach to decentralized compute mirrors similar initiatives in the blockchain space, such as Astar Network's recent roadmap to stabilize its native token through a fixed supply cap and community governance. Both projects reflect a shift toward utility-driven tokenomics and decentralized infrastructure, driven by demand for scalable solutions in Web3.

The funding environment for crypto startups remains robust despite macroeconomic challenges. Investors are increasingly targeting projects with clear use cases in AI, carbon capture, and cross-chain interoperability. For instance, ADM and Tallgrass Energy recently launched the world's largest bioethanol carbon capture facility in Nebraska, leveraging CO₂ transport pipelines to reduce emissions. While distinct in focus, such projects share a common goal of leveraging technology to address global challenges.

Acurast's success also highlights the strategic importance of geographic and technological diversification. The Generation Essentials Group (TGE), for example, expanded its hospitality portfolio with hotel acquisitions in Malaysia and the U.S., illustrating how conglomerates are integrating blockchain and traditional industries. Similarly, Belarus's push to prioritize crypto mining as part of its de-dollarization strategy underscores the geopolitical dimensions of decentralized technologies.

As Acurast moves forward, the company faces competition from established players like Beam Global and emerging rivals in the compute sector. Beam Global's recent earnings call emphasized geographic expansion and product diversification to navigate market volatility, while Kyuzo's Friends, another AI-driven Web3 project, secured $11 million for its social gaming platform. These dynamics highlight the competitive yet collaborative nature of the crypto ecosystem.