a16z Crypto, OpenSea and Stand with Crypto launch creator protection fund

• a16z, OpenSea and Stand With Crypto have launched a $6 million creator protection fund.
• OpenSea has pledged $5 million and a16z $1 million.
• The fund will help the NFT market, with this coming weeks after SEC issued a Wells Discover in opposition to OpenSea.

Enterprise capital agency Andreessen Horowitz is collaborating with NFT market OpenSea and Coinbase-backed non-profit Stand With Crypto to launch a brand new fund geared toward authorized protection for the crypto creator ecosystem.

On Friday, a16z Crypto, Stand With Crypto and OpenSea introduced the launch of Creator Authorized Protection Fund, with an preliminary $6 million funding. The fund targets authorized safety for artists and creators, based on particulars the three platforms shared.

“This collaboration marks a major milestone in our mission to empower and shield the voices of artists and creators who depend on blockchain expertise,” the corporations wrote.

OpenSea pledges $5 million

Creator Authorized Protection Fund’s unveiling comes simply two weeks after the US Securities and Change Fee (SEC) issued a Wells Discover in opposition to OpenSea – a number one NFT market. SEC’s discover signifies the regulator is contemplating a lawsuit in opposition to the platform for securities violations.

Following the SEC’s Wells Discover, OpenSea issued an announcement noting that it will “arise and struggle.” Co-founder and CEO Devin Finzer referred to as the regulator’s strategy surprising, with OpenSea saying it will dedicate $5 million to a fund geared toward defending NFT creators.

On Sept. 13, {the marketplace}, along with a16z and Stand With Crypto unveiled the creator protection fund. a16z famous it will contribute $1 million whereas OpenSea pledged $5 million. OpenSea CEO commented that the fund will supply authorized experience to each creators and builders.

We’re honored to kick off the Creator Authorized Protection Fund alongside @a16zcrypto and @standwithcrypto.

Each creator, massive or small, ought to be capable of innovate with out concern. https://t.co/96wPpLTKjF

— OpenSea (@opensea) September 13, 2024

The fund will utilise authorized specialists from varied regulation corporations, together with Cooley LLP, Fenwick & West LLP, Goodwin Procter LLP and Latham & Watkins LLP.

SEC and crypto crackdown

The SEC continues to draw criticism from throughout crypto and from US lawmakers over its regulation by enforcement strategy to crypto.

On Thursday, the regulator introduced a settlement with eToro. It included financial penalty and a stop and desist order that may see the platform delist all crypto tokens besides Bitcoin, Ethereum and Bitcoin Money.