Donut Labs Secures $7 Million to Revolutionize Crypto Browsing with AI

By: Isha Das

Donut Labs, a New York-based innovator in the crypto technology space, has successfully raised $7 million in a pre-seed funding round. This significant financial boost will enable Donut to develop the world’s first 'agentic' crypto browser. Led by prominent investors including Hongshan (formerly Sequoia China), BITKRAFT Ventures, and HackVC, with participation from notable partners like Sky9 Ventures and Matrix Partners, this funding marks a major step for Donut's ambitious project.

The company's vision is to seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence and user interaction within the decentralized web. Unlike traditional browsers that simply separate content consumption and financial execution, Donut positions itself as a browser that unites crypto wallets, networks, and decentralized exchanges (DEXs) into a singular, programmable interface. This integration allows AI agents to act on behalf of users, facilitating token discovery, asset swapping, yield farming, and more, directly within the browsing experience. Chris Zhu, CEO of Donut and a co-founder of the Solana-based Mirror World, emphasized the necessity of rebuilding internet front-ends to be more financialized and context-driven.

Donut's strategic approach focuses heavily on employing AI agents to analyze information, simulate decision-making, and execute transactions autonomously. The browser functions on an in-domain AI model specially trained for crypto-specific contexts, utilizing a headless browsing engine enhanced by the CodeAct framework and MCP Client. Chief Scientist Tim Fan, with a background in AI research at elite institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University and Meta AI, leads the technical team with a strong emphasis on ensuring AI agents handle the majority of crypto transactions in the future.

The funding will also support the growth of Donut's team, as the company actively seeks talent in areas like AI research, graphic design, and community growth. Donut's browser aims to transform market participation by turning everyday web browsing into a constant stream of financial opportunities. As Donut sets the stage for a new era of crypto browsing, the company is also preparing for further expansions and technological advancements, signaling a paradigm shift in how users engage with blockchain-powered applications.