OP3N raises $28M to build 'WhatsApp meets Amazon' for web3

OP3N, a web3 AI-powered platform, raised a $28 million Series A round that values the company at $100 million, the startup shared exclusively with TechCrunch.I wanted to make a connection for creators, chats and commerce in one place, Jaeson Ma, co-CEO of OP3N, said to TechCrunch. The application will have the ability to add audio, video and mixed media content to on-chain interactions so users can have a one-stop experience.The platform was born out of a need for a user experience and interface similar to Web 2.0 platforms, but powered by web3 technologies, Ma said.The platform allows artists and creators to offer fans new ways to engage through NFT-gated experiences that fans can buy at different price points, Ma shared. Customers can sign up through email and the platform will create a crypto wallet for users, he added.The funding round was led by Animoca Brands and included investments from Dragonfly Capital, SuperScrypt, Creative Artists Agency and New Enterprise Associates Connect Ventures, Republic Crypto, Avalanches Blizzard Fund, Galaxy Digital and Warner Music Interactive. Additional investors include GSR Markets, The Spartan Group, BRV Capital Management and NBA player Russell Westbrook, among others.These are all long-term players and people who are here to stay and bring strategic synergy for us, Ma said of the investors. Just that one experience caused so much friction and fallout.So going forward, Ma realized OP3N has to bridge the traditional market into web3 in a way thats more understandable.