In a groundbreaking move, OKX Ventures and Story have announced the launch of a $10 million fund to support early-stage startups focused on the integration of intellectual property (IP) and artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative aims to revolutionize how IP is created, owned, and monetized in the digital age, according to OKX Ventures.
The traditional IP system faces challenges as AI models increasingly utilize data ranging from fan fiction to music albums, often without proper credit. This has left IP holders vulnerable while their work drives systems beyond their control. Story offers a solution by transforming IP into a programmable, on-chain asset class, enabling protection, licensing, and monetization in a decentralized manner.
The fund, valued at $10 million priced in $IP as of May 2025, will concentrate on startups addressing real-world challenges at the nexus of IP and AI. It aims to back projects that prioritize IP as a fundamental design element rather than an afterthought. Areas of interest include the financialization of IP assets, new monetization models, and infrastructures for decentralized AI systems.
Instead of a traditional accelerator model, the fund will be co-managed by Story and OKX Ventures, ensuring a selective approach to investment. The focus is on identifying startups that align with the vision of an IP-native internet.
Startups selected for funding will benefit from capital, marketing and distribution support, access to the OKX team, and technical guidance from Story. This comprehensive support structure is designed to foster innovation and facilitate the development of scalable, IP-centric solutions.
Jeff Ren, Founder at OKX Ventures, emphasized the fund’s mission to support the right projects, stating, “Story is creating the foundational infrastructure for an IP-native internet, and we’re excited to support builders who share that long-term vision.”
Andrea Muttoni, President of the Story Foundation, highlighted the importance of incentivizing originality in the age of AI-generated content. He remarked, “This fund helps us find and support the rare founders pushing those ideas forward — not just conceptually, but in practice.”
Story is a blockchain designed to make IP programmable, turning it into digital assets with embedded rights. This allows creators and companies to seamlessly manage IP across the internet, bridging the gap between outdated legal frameworks and modern digital creativity.
OKX Ventures, the investment arm of the global crypto exchange OKX, focuses on supporting blockchain technology innovation and promoting the healthy development of the blockchain industry. The firm is committed to investing in projects that contribute to the blockchain ecosystem’s growth.
