Shards Protocol, a decentralized reputation layer within the web3 ecosystem, has successfully raised $2 million in a heavily oversubscribed funding round. This funding round was supported by key investors including Animoca Brands, Kyber Ventures, and Yield Guild Games (YGG). The strong investor interest underscores Shards Protocol's pivotal role in enhancing user engagement and trust through its innovative Aura reputation protocol.

“The company onboarded over 1 million users across all products and generated $1M + trading volume, but we quickly realised that web3 needed more,” said Stefano D’Silva, CEO and co-founder of Shards. “That is why we introduced flagship product Aura, a recognition layer that transforms your on-chain contributions into reputation and rewards.”

Shards Protocol Secures $2M Funding

About Shards Protocol

Originally launched as Shards.Tech, the platform initially functioned as an SDK layer aimed at improving user retention and in-game spending for game studios. Throughout its evolution, Shards Protocol expanded its scope to include a marketplace where participants, ranging from players to community members, could invest in and trade fractional interests in gaming projects. This strategic shift laid the foundation for the development of Aura, Shards Protocol's flagship product.

Aura: Transforming On-Chain Contributions

Aura represents a significant advancement for Shards Protocol, translating on-chain activities into tangible rewards and reputation scores. This recognition layer not only enhances transparency but also promotes a meritocratic ethos within the web3 community. Users can display their reputation scores and badges directly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), showcasing their contributions and credibility across web3.

The funding round, led by Animoca Brands and Kyber Ventures, highlights Shards Protocol's growing influence in the blockchain gaming sector. Yat Siu, co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands, praised Shards Protocol for revolutionizing user acquisition strategies. Similarly, Dr. Loi Luu, founder of Kyber Ventures, emphasized Aura's role in promoting verifiable on-chain identities and enhancing user-centric web3 infrastructures.

Gabby Dizon, co-founder of Yield Guild Games (YGG), also said in a statement, “Aura by Shards is exploring ways to recognize what people are doing on-chain and connect them with opportunities. It’s always good to see more projects building toward better ways for web3 communities to grow and organize."

Shards Protocol Secures $2M Funding

Future Directions and Expansion

Looking ahead, the newly secured capital will be instrumental in further developing and integrating Aura within the web3 ecosystem. Shards Protocol aims to enhance its platform's capabilities, preparing for an upcoming token launch and expanding its product offerings throughout the year. This strategic focus underscores Shards Protocol's commitment to driving meaningful user participation and fostering trust through decentralized reputation mechanisms. The platform's ability to reward meaningful contributions aligns with the growing demand for transparent and merit-based recognition systems in blockchain technologies.