🌎 Sei Foundation Launches $65 Million DeSci Fund

Sei Foundation Launches $65 Million Venture Fund for Decentralized Science Ecosystem

The Sei Foundation has established a $65 million venture fund, known as Sapien Capital – Open Science Fund I, to invest in projects within the decentralized science ecosystem (DeSci). This fund is specifically designed to support startups building on the layer 1 blockchain Sei, with the aim of redefining the science funding sector.

Investing in DeSci Startups

The Sapien Capital fund will focus on venture investments in DeSci startups, including those developing innovative solutions such as gamified drug discovery and wearables. Unlike traditional grants, this fund will invest in both project tokens and equity, with investment sizes ranging from $100,000 to $2 million.

According to Justin Barlow, Sei Foundation’s head of business development and investments, the fund plans to fully deploy its capital within the next three to four years.

Growing Interest in DeSci

The decentralized science ecosystem has been gaining traction, with significant interest from leading venture funds in the space. Notable investments include a16z Crypto’s investment in AminoChain and YZi Labs’ (formerly Binance Labs) investment in BIO Protocol.

Key Benefits of the Sapien Capital Fund:

Investing in DeSci startups, including those focused on gamified drug discovery and wearables
Investment sizes ranging from $100,000 to $2 million
Investing in both project tokens and equity
Planned deployment of capital within the next three to four years