Subzero Labs Raises $20M to Launch Rialo Blockchain Platform

Subzero Labs has emerged from stealth mode after securing a $20 million funding round led by Pantera Capital, with participation from notable investors including Variant, Coinbase Ventures, Hashed, Susquehanna Crypto, Mysten Labs, Fabric Ventures, and Mirana Ventures [1]. The investment will support the launch of Rialo, a blockchain platform aimed at streamlining the development of decentralized applications (dApps) and addressing key infrastructure limitations that have hindered developer engagement in the Web3 space.

The startup was founded by Ade Adepoju and Lu Zhang, both former engineers at Mysten Labs and contributors to the Sui network. Zhang previously worked on Meta’s Diem project and large-scale AI/ML infrastructure, while Adepoju has experience in distributed systems and advanced microchip design [1]. The team has drawn talent from leading tech firms such as Meta, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Google, TikTok, Citadel, VMware, Solana, and EigenLayer, underscoring the project’s technical depth.

Rialo is designed to offer a more intuitive and scalable environment for developers by integrating Web2 principles into blockchain development. The platform features native web connectivity, event-driven transactions, built-in privacy, and seamless integration with real-world data, enabling the creation of decentralized applications with the responsiveness and usability of traditional web applications [1]. It supports a range of use cases, including tokenized assets, prediction markets, global trading platforms, and AI agent orchestration.

A key differentiator of Rialo is its compatibility with RISC-V architecture and Solana VM, which allows developers to deploy existing programs without major reconfiguration [1]. This approach reduces friction in app development and opens the door for a broader set of applications to enter the decentralized space. Early feedback from investors has been positive, with Pantera’s Paul Veradittakit highlighting the platform’s potential to redefine real-world application development on blockchain [1].

The private devnet for Rialo is already operational, and Subzero Labs is currently onboarding early development partners. Developers can join a waitlist to access the platform ahead of its public launch. The company aims to transform decentralized infrastructure into full-stack product platforms, making it easier for developers, enterprises, and consumers to access and use dApps in real-world scenarios [1].

This move by Subzero Labs aligns with a growing trend in the blockchain industry, where infrastructure projects are increasingly focused on improving usability and real-world applicability to attract mainstream adoption. By addressing the developer retention challenge, the firm hopes to make Web3 as accessible and efficient as Web2.

[1] Subzero Labs Emerges with $20M Raise to Build the First Real World Network (https://www.dlnews.com/external/subzero-labs-emerges-with-20m-raise-to-build-the-first-real-world-network/)

[2] Subzero Labs' Rialo rethinks app development with a Web2 approach to web3 (https://www.mexc.com/es/news/subzero-labs-rialo-rethinks-app-development-with-a-web2-approach-to-web3/63387)