Spreadefi Users Deploy Over $25 Million in Liquidity Pools in the Second Quarter
Miami, FL, July 17, 2026 DeFi platform Spreadefi has reported that the total volume of funds users placed in liquidity pools topped $25 million in the second quarter. For a relatively young project, that's a significant milestone, especially with interest in the decentralized finance sector only gradually picking back up after a long stretch of subdued activity. Growth in total value locked (TVL) is traditionally seen as one of the key health indicators for a DeFi platform. The more capital users are willing to trust a protocol with, the deeper the liquidity, the more stable the service runs, and the wider the opportunities for further ecosystem development. What drove the growth? According to market participants, several factors fed into the increase. Over the past year, the Spreadefi team has been actively building out the platform's infrastructure, regularly rolling out technical updates and improving the user experience. A lot of focus went into optimizing liquidity pool management, making smart contracts more efficient, and sharpening the internal algorithms that handle capital allocation. Beyond the technical side, the project significantly dialed up its public presence. Over the past year, the team has regularly published product development reports, maintained an official blog, shown up at industry conferences, and expanded its footprint inside the crypto community. For users, that kind of openness is a major trust factor, especially against the backdrop of the countless anonymous projects popping up across the DeFi landscape. The platform's growth in 2025 Last year was a period of active scaling for Spreadefi. The team broadened the platform's functionality, kept pushing liquidity pool staking solutions forward, and put a premium on infrastructure stability. One of the standout moments was the formal establishment of the company in the United States, coming after more than two years of project development. That step made it possible to boost business transparency and strengthen trust from both users and potential partners. At the same time, the platform's community kept growing. The user base expanded, the audience across official channels widened, and the product gradually became more visible alongside other DeFi projects. Why TVL is considered an important metric For most decentralized financial platforms, the amount of funds sitting in liquidity pools is one of the primary development indicators. TVL growth typically signals that users are willing to entrust their assets to a protocol over the long haul. Larger pools also have a positive knock-on effect on platform efficiency, cutting slippage, making trading operations more resilient, and opening up more ways to deploy capital. That's why a lot of analysts look at TVL dynamics as one of the most objective measures of a DeFi project's health. What's next? Spreadefi representatives note that the increase in liquidity pool volume is just one stage of the platform's development. The team's immediate plans include further infrastructure expansion, the rollout of new investment instruments, a growing number of supported networks, and ongoing work to sharpen the user experience. If the current pace holds, Spreadefi will be in a position to strengthen its standing among emerging DeFi platforms and pull in even more users interested in staking and earning through liquidity pools. In the second quarter, the project has already shown it can attract significant capital. Where things go from here will depend on how well the team keeps the community's trust, advances its technology base, and adapts to a decentralized finance market that never stands still. visit : www.spreadefi.io
Spreadefi officially registers a company in the United States
Maimi, FL, July 17, 2026 The Spreadefi project has announced the registration of a company in the United States, marking a new chapter for the platform. After more than two years of building the product, the team has wrapped up the formal incorporation process, doubling down on its commitment to growing the project inside a transparent, official structure. This path is pretty common in crypto. A lot of projects start with technology development, product testing, and community building. The formal incorporation often comes later, once the platform has reached a certain level of maturity. Over two years of development before registration Over the past two years, Spreadefi has been actively developing its DeFi platform, which specializes in liquidity pool staking. During that stretch, the team has refined the tech, shipped new features, built out the infrastructure, and steadily grown its user community. Along the way, the project has regularly posted product development updates, run an official blog, shown up at industry conferences, and presented the platform at events across the crypto space. With that phase of development behind them, the team made the call to register a company in the United States, a logical next step in a long-term growth strategy. Why registration matters An officially registered company is one of the things users and potential partners pay attention to. Spreadefi's legal entity can now be verified through open U.S. public registries, which adds a layer of transparency and confirms its official standing. Of course, registration alone doesn't guarantee business success or mean there's zero risk. But it does show the team is ready to operate out in the open, comply with legal requirements, and build an international project for the long haul. A public team and open development Another thing that sets Spreadefi apart is its open approach to building the platform. The team doesn't just focus on the technical side. Project reps regularly speak at industry conferences, publish content on the official blog, and share where the ecosystem is headed. That kind of public visibility helps users track the project's progress and get a clearer picture of its long-term goals. A new phase for the project Registering a U.S. company opens up new opportunities for Spreadefi to scale the business, build out partnerships, and keep expanding the ecosystem. According to project representatives, this move is part of a long-term strategy. In the years ahead, the team plans to keep refining the platform, broadening what its products can do, and strengthening Spreadefi's standing in the global decentralized finance market. visit :www.spreadefi.io
European Blockchain Convention Returns to Barcelona for Europe's First Post-MiCA Gathering
Barcelona, Spain, July 13, 2026 EBC12 brings together speakers from J.P. Morgan, the Financial Conduct Authority, Invesco, Coinbase, Fidelity International, and more than 300 leaders from the banks, regulators, and asset managers shaping Europe's digital asset market. Eleven weeks after the European Union's MiCA deadline, the 12th edition of the European Blockchain Convention (EBC12) returns to Barcelona at a pivotal moment for the industry. It is the region's first major institutional gathering since the world's first comprehensive cross-border digital asset regulation became fully law, and the event where European deal flow happens. MiCA is now fully in force. For European markets, the focus shifts to what comes next: CASP licensing, stablecoin issuance, and the role of CBDCs in cross-border settlement. EBC12 is where that conversation takes place. Rather than chasing mandates city by city across London, Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich, and Barcelona, EBC12 compresses the European digital asset market into a single two-day commercial arena. It takes place on 16–17 September 2026 at the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya. Europe has set the pace for compliant digital asset markets, giving the industry a clearer framework for how crypto can scale within regulation rather than around it. The institutional signal is unmistakable: Deutsche Börse has invested $200 million in Kraken; Santander’s digital bank, Openbank, has expanded its crypto trading for customers across Germany and Spain. Both will be among the institutions discussing what comes next in Barcelona this September. EBC expects 80 of Europe's top 100 banks in Barcelona this September, up from 50 last year. The debate about whether institutions will enter digital assets is over. EBC12 is where they come to work out what comes next. "Eight years ago, we built EBC because we believed Europe would be where this industry matured. A lot of people thought we were early. In 2026, European banks are deploying capital, institutional products are live across major markets, and the regulatory framework is in place. EBC is where the people driving that change meet once a year to do real business," said Victoria Gago, Co-CEO of European Blockchain Convention and Digital Assets Forum. Sessions cover institutional capital allocation, real-world asset tokenisation, regulatory market structure, and the future of stablecoins and CBDCs as global settlement infrastructure. Confirmed speakers include Emma Landriault, Head of Kinexys Labs at J.P. Morgan; Mohamad Zaraket, Head of Digital Assets Strategy EMEA at BNY; Kathleen Wrynn, Global Head of DA, Invesco; Victor Jung, Vice President, Digital Assets & Currencies, Hamilton Lane; Previn Singh from Fidelity and Colin Payne, Head of Innovation at the Financial Conduct Authority, among more than 300 speakers from across banking, asset management, infrastructure, and policy. Alongside the main programme, EBC12 features 10,000 pre-arranged one-to-one meetings, a Buy Side Breakfast for allocators and institutional investors, and a dedicated press room with direct access to speakers. EBC12 expects over 5,000 attendees from 90+ countries for two days of market intelligence, strategic networking, and commercial momentum at the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya, a new premium venue reflecting the event's institutional evolution. visit : www.eblockchainconvention.com/european-blockchain-convention-12/
Ethiopia to Host the 6th International Interest-Free Banking and Takaful Forum 2026
Dubai, UAE, July 5, 2026 Global Islamic Finance Leaders to Convene in Addis Ababa to Strengthen Africa’s Interest-Free Financial Ecosystem AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics (AlHuda CIBE) is proud to announce the 6th International Interest-Free Banking and Takaful Forum 2026, Under the Patronage of the National Bank of Ethiopia, which will be held on August 17, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Under the theme "Connecting Global Expertise with Africa Emerging Islamic Finance Markets," the forum will bring together regulators, central bankers, policymakers, financial institutions, Takaful operators, development organizations, investors, Shariah scholars, FinTech innovators, and global experts to explore new opportunities for expanding interest-free finance across Africa. The patronage of the National Bank of Ethiopia reflects the country's growing commitment to strengthening its interest-free financial ecosystem and promoting inclusive, ethical, and sustainable financial services. Ethiopia has made remarkable progress in introducing interest-free banking, supported by regulatory reforms and increasing market demand. With the rapid growth of digital financial services and the establishment of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange, the country is well positioned to become one of Africa's leading hubs for Islamic banking, Takaful, Sukuk, and Islamic FinTech. Africa represents one of the fastest-growing markets for Islamic finance, driven by its large unbanked population, expanding Muslim communities, supportive regulatory initiatives, and increasing demand for ethical financial solutions. The forum will provide a high-level platform for discussing the latest developments in interest-free banking, Takaful, Islamic capital markets, financial inclusion, digital transformation, Shariah governance, and cross-border investment opportunities. It will also encourage collaboration among regulators, financial institutions, investors, and development partners to accelerate the sustainable growth of the industry across the continent. Mr. Muhammad Zubair Mughal, Chief Executive Officer of AlHuda CIBE, said, "Africa offers enormous potential for the growth of interest-free finance, and Ethiopia is emerging as one of the continent's most promising markets. Through this forum, we aim to connect global expertise with local opportunities, facilitate knowledge sharing, encourage investment, and support the development of innovative, inclusive, and Shariah-compliant financial ecosystems. We are honored that this prestigious forum is being organized under the patronage of the National Bank of Ethiopia, demonstrating the country's commitment to advancing ethical finance." The forum will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, technical sessions, and networking meetings covering topics such as the future of interest-free banking in Africa, regulatory and Shariah governance frameworks, Takaful development, Islamic FinTech, blockchain applications, investment opportunities, liquidity management, and financial inclusion. The event is expected to attract senior representatives from central banks, ministries, commercial banks, Islamic financial institutions, Takaful companies, development finance institutions, academia, and international organizations from Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Following the forum, AlHuda CIBE will organize a One-Day Post-Event Workshop on "Risk and Deposit Management in Interest-Free Banking and Finance" on August 18, 2026, providing practical training on Islamic banking operations, risk management, Shariah governance, liquidity management, and deposit structures. An Industry Visit on August 19 and a City Tour on August 20, 2026, will further provide delegates with valuable networking opportunities and insights into Ethiopia's evolving financial landscape. Additionally, the 6th Interest-Free Banking and Takaful Awards 2026 will recognize excellence and innovation across the global Islamic finance industry. Registration for the 6th International Interest-Free Banking and Takaful Forum 2026, sponsorship opportunities, award nominations, and delegate participation are now open. Interested organizations and professionals are encouraged to register and learn more by visiting www.alhudacibe.com/ibtf2026/ or contacting info@alhudacibe.com. Since 2005, AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics (AlHuda CIBE) has remained committed to the global development of Islamic banking and finance through advisory services, research, capacity building, education, and international events. Having served institutions and professionals in more than 105 countries, AlHuda CIBE continues to play a leading role in promoting ethical finance and financial inclusion worldwide. The 6th International Interest-Free Banking and Takaful Forum 2026 is expected to become a landmark event that strengthens partnerships, promotes innovation, and supports the future growth of interest-free finance across Africa. About Alhuda CIBE: AlHuda Center of Islamic Banking and Economics (CIBE) is a well-recognized name in Islamic banking and finance industry for research and provides state-of-the-art Advisory Consultancy and Education through various well-recognized modes viz. Islamic Financial Product Development, Shariah Advisory, Training Workshops, and Islamic Microfinance and Takaful Consultancies etc. side by side through our distinguished, generally acceptable and known Publications in Islamic Banking and Finance. We are dedicated to serving the community as a unique institution, advisory and capacity building for the last twelve years. The prime goal has always been to remain stick to the commitments providing Services not only in UAE/Pakistan but all over the world. We have so far served in more than 35 Countries for the development of Islamic Banking and Finance industry. For further Details about AlHuda CIBE, please visit: www.alhudacibe.com.
KOR Protocol Raises $7.5 Million Series A to Build the Creative Asset Clearinghouse
London, UK, July 7, 2026 KOR Protocol, the platform building the creative asset clearinghouse, today announced a $7.5 million Series A, capital provided by 1kx and Blockchain Capital at a $100 million valuation. KOR is also backed by previous investors including Republic Crypto, Sfermion, Animoca Brands, Solana, Avalanche, Alumni Ventures, SevenX, and other strategic backers across digital assets, entertainment, and emerging technology. AI has collapsed the cost of production, but the barrier to being discovered, distributed, and paid has never been higher. Independent talent now has the tools to make professional work, but not the coordinated system to turn that work into opportunity. KOR is building the clearinghouse for this market: an end-to-end system of action where output can be registered, talent can be guided by AI agents, opportunities can be routed to the right labels, agencies, MCNs, brands, curators, and platforms, and payments can move faster and more transparently across the ecosystem. KOR is starting with entertainment because it is where the mismatch is most visible. Entertainment has the largest attention flows, the highest upside outcomes, and one of the clearest gaps between what gets consumed and who captures the value. AI has commoditized tools and knowledge work, but it cannot commoditize original creativity, cultural gravity, or the ability to command attention. Yet much of the entertainment industry still relies on manual scouting, fragmented platform data, slow deal flow, and outdated payment systems. KOR is designed to rebuild that infrastructure for the AI era. The Series A round is a strong validation of KOR’s belief that the next phase of AI will need infrastructure for value movement, not just value creation. This capital positions KOR to expand the supply of licensed music and entertainment IP available to AI-native products, deepen its protocol and product stack, and bring more creators, rights holders, and developers into a shared ecosystem. Ritty Quin was appointed CEO late last year to lead the company’s next phase of growth across the technology engine and the creator economy. A PhD holder and UCL alumnus, he began his career at ByteDance before moving into marketing roles across the technology space. Quin is also a YouTube Partner and electronic music producer signed to Live Nation Asia. He has generated 30M+ impressions as a creator, appeared on Beatport’s Top 100 House Charts and BBC Radio 1 Dance, and headlined Creamfields Asia in 2025. “AI has removed many of the barriers to creating professional work, but it has not fixed what happens next,” said Ritty Quin, CEO of KOR. “As both an artist and an operator, I know how difficult it is to translate strong work and audience momentum into distribution, partnerships, and sustainable revenue. KOR is building the system that connects those pieces by helping talent get recognized earlier, reach the right opportunities, and build lasting careers.” Since launch, KOR has built meaningful traction across its ecosystem, surpassing 1 million lifetime sign-ups, 400,000 connected wallets, 1,000+ IP partners, and more than $2 million in gross revenue. Current IP partners for KOR include globally recognized brands and franchises including Black Mirror, Beatport, mau5trap, Imogen Heap, Banijay Group, KDDI, and more. The company sees this as early evidence that creators and entertainment businesses are looking for better systems to manage the next phase of the talent economy. KOR’s platform is built around three core functions: production, distribution, and monetization. The production layer helps establish origin, authenticity, ownership, and clearance for creative work. The distribution layer uses intelligence and workflow tools to help route talent, content, and opportunities to the right partners. The monetization layer helps creators and commercial partners manage payments, splits, commissions, licensing flows, and revenue opportunities more efficiently. There are already a number of apps building on top of the KOR protocol. KORUS is a music remixing and creation tool that lets artists release official music packs for fans and creators to remix. Pacer is an AI operating system for music, helping artists and teams manage release strategy, audience intelligence, partner outreach, and workflow execution. The others include VRSNS, Streamline, and KOR Hubs. The funding will support KOR’s next phase of growth as it expands its product capabilities, scales strategic partnerships across music and entertainment, brings more creators and commercial partners onto the platform, and builds toward its next major network rollout. As AI pushes creative markets toward more output, more agents, and more transactions, KOR is building the protocol layer for how those assets are verified, routed, and settled. The company’s long-term vision is to become the clearinghouse where creative work enters the AI economy, finds the right demand, and clears value back to its source. To learn more about KOR, visit korprotocol.io. About KOR Protocol KOR Protocol is building the clearinghouse for talent in the AI era. The platform helps creators, artists, rights holders, and entertainment businesses move from creation to discovery, distribution, and monetization in one coordinated environment. Through products including Pacer, KORUS, VRSNS, Streamline, and KOR Hubs, KOR connects emerging talent with the labels, agencies, MCNs, brands, platforms, and communities that can help scale their work. For media inquiries, contact:Aakanksha Agarwalaakanksha@korprotocol.io
Riyadh Emerges as a Global Powerhouse as Blockchain Infrastructure & AI Take Center Stage
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, July 7, 2026 The Global Blockchain Show Riyadh held from 29-30th June,2026 successfully wrapped up its exclusive two-day B2B run, charting an evolutionary path where decentralized networks, AI, and immersive digital platforms converge. The summit heavily prioritized structural tech innovations altering the back end of Web3, including chain abstraction and the massive data infrastructure needed to support future-ready enterprise tech. Defying the challenges of the prevailing geopolitical landscape, organized by VAP Group and powered by Times Of Blockchain, the event emerged as a resounding success. Co-located with Global AI Show Riyadh and Global Games Show Riyadh, the two-day summit attracted 15,000+ registrations, welcomed 6,723 attendees, featured 100+ global speakers and 100 exhibitors, and convened a 70% CXO-level delegation from 80+ countries. The event leveraged Riyadh's fast-growing position as a technological sandbox to accelerate deals between early-stage Web3 creators, enterprise infrastructure providers, and global financial backers. The event also witnessed the announcement of VAP Group's most ambitious initiative yet- The launch of VAP Ventures, a strategic initiative to back 100 startups by 2030 and accelerate the next chapter of the global innovation ecosystem. Rewriting Global Investment with Enterprise Protocols Main-stage sessions in Riyadh delivered an overwhelming consensus: the blockchain ecosystem has definitively decoupled from pure speculation, maturing into a friction-free, parallel economic layer. Discussions highlighted how scalable architecture and interoperable networks are modernizing global commerce, allowing enterprises to bypass cumbersome legacy systems. The panel discussions reinforced blockchain's transition from emerging technology to critical infrastructure, enabling secure digital finance, tokenized assets, and faster cross-border commerce. A central theme of the summit was the push toward "invisible blockchain." Experts detailed how gasless transactions and streamlined onboarding abstract away complex technical barriers, enabling corporations to secure digital identities and automate monetization on a multi-billion-dollar scale. The Global Blockchain Show opened with a spotlight session by Meow, Co-Founder of Jupiter where he mentioned, “Decentralized finance has demonstrated that financial systems can be transparent, programmable and globally accessible. The next phase isn't about replacing traditional finance, it's about combining the strengths of both to create a more inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem.” The summit also featured a keynote by Shabir Momin, President & Founder of TorusChain, who shared his vision for the future of blockchain, emphasizing innovation, enterprise adoption, and the technologies shaping the next generation of decentralized ecosystems. Shaping the Decentralized Horizon The summit explored the future of decentralized technologies through discussions on digital banking, decentralized finance (DeFi), AI and blockchain convergence, Web3 infrastructure, cybersecurity, tokenized ecosystems, digital identity, blockchain-powered enterprise transformation, and the evolution of decentralized infrastructure. Sessions also examined blockchain's role in enabling secure digital economies, intelligent automation, cross-industry innovation, and advancing Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's vision as a global hub for emerging technologies. The event featured 100+ distinguished global speakers from government, enterprise, academia, Web3, fintech, and global blockchain organizations. Few Notable Speakers Included: Meow – Co-Founder, JupiterMorrad Irsane – CEO & Co-Founder, TakadaoDr. Mohammed Abdur Rahman – Full Professor & Chairman, Department of Cyber Security & Forensic Computing, University of Prince MugrinRyan Turner – Founder & CEO, ArkonixAlona Shevtsova – Chief Executive Officer, SendsMr. Ulysses Demos – Chief Global Data Officer, Red Sea GlobalNishanth Kumar Pathi – Director, Cybersecurity & Governance, Gulf Air GroupBillal Yamak – Chairman & Co-Founder, Web3 Alliance of Saudi Arabia (WASA)Mostafa Abusamra – CEO & Co-Founder, HealthyGaming of Saudi ArabiaTalal Al Hammad – Editor-in-Chief, entArabiShabir Momin – President & Founder, TorusChain Alongside leading blockchain founders, Web3 innovators, cybersecurity experts, fintech executives, enterprise leaders, and policymakers from across the global digital asset ecosystem, discussions centered on the future of decentralized infrastructure, intelligent finance, and the convergence of AI and blockchain technologies.
The Intersect of Tokenization, Entertainment, and Intelligent Networks A primary pillar of the 2026 agenda was the powerful convergence of Artificial Intelligence, advanced gaming models, and secure blockchain networks. Industry leaders outlined how tokenization and decentralized finance (DeFi) are transforming global investment models through enhanced accessibility and digital ownership. Deep dives highlighted how these decentralized architectures create secure data provenance for both regional corporate ecosystems and global entertainment networks. The exhibition floor brought together a dynamic mix of global blockchain innovators, Web3 pioneers, infrastructure providers, and enterprise technology leaders, creating a vibrant marketplace for collaboration, investment, and next-generation digital innovation. Leading sponsors and exhibitors and other prominent Web3 ecosystem partners showcased cutting-edge solutions spanning decentralized finance, digital identity, enterprise blockchain, cybersecurity, tokenization, and intelligent infrastructure, reinforcing the event's role as a catalyst for blockchain adoption in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond. Few Notable Exhibitors: ClubMOS Technologies LLC Cropr Digital Limited Plotdex JPYRArkonix TorusChain Association Smartflow The Loopcraft EGS Setup Master the Art of Gaming Venn Studio Destination Abu Dhabi: Continuing the Web3 Momentum "The conversations in Riyadh reaffirmed that the future of blockchain will be built through collaboration, not competition. Our commitment is to keep creating platforms where visionary founders, enterprises, and investors come together to build what's next." — Vishal Parmar, Founder & CEO, VAP Group. The close of the Riyadh edition signals a massive leap forward for the regional digital ecosystem. The strategic discussions and corporate partnerships established here will directly inform the agenda for the upcoming Global Blockchain Show Abu Dhabi. About Global Blockchain Show The Global Blockchain Show is the premier global conference for the decentralized ecosystem. Structured as a high-stakes business platform, it bridges the gap between the trailblazing builders architecture-ing the decentralized economy and institutional investors looking for the next breakout project. About VAP Group With 13+ years of expertise, VAP Group is a premier global consulting and media powerhouse driving the next wave of technology-led growth. Through its media ecosystem and flagship events, including the Global AI Show, Global Games Show, and Global Blockchain Show, VAP Group connects policymakers, enterprises, and innovators worldwide, enabling strategic communications, ecosystem-building, and talent solutions.
Please Visit : www.globalblockchainshow.com/riyadh/ Media Enquiries: media@globalblockchainshow.com
VAP Group Unveils VAP Ventures for 100 Startup Growth by 2030
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, June 30, 2026 VAP Group’s CEO, Vishal Parmar at the launch in Riyadh VAP Group announced the launch of VAP Ventures, its dedicated investment arm, marking a significant milestone in the company's evolution from building global platforms for innovation to directly supporting the founders shaping the future of technology. The announcement was made at the Global AI Show, Global Games Show, and Global Blockchain Show Riyadh 2026, from 29-30 June, where thousands of global industry leaders, innovators, investors and decision-makers have gathered to explore the technologies defining the next decade. The introduction of VAP Ventures represents one of the flagship announcements of this year's Riyadh editions. For years, VAP Group's global stages have brought together founders, enterprises, governments and investors across AI, Web3, blockchain, gaming and emerging technologies. Through VAP Ventures, the company is taking the next step moving beyond creating opportunities for conversations to building the next generation of high-impact startups.. Over the next five years, VAP Ventures will back 100 startups by 2030 building across AI, Web3 & Blockchain, and Digital Games. The initiative reflects VAP Group's long-term commitment to strengthening the global innovation economy through an integrated ecosystem that combines investment with market access and strategic growth support. Unlike traditional investment models, VAP Ventures is designed to provide more than funding. Each selected startup will receive a blended support with direct capital alongside access to VAP Group's media ecosystem, marketing capabilities, talent network and globally recognised event platforms. The objective is to help founders move from early-stage ideas to scalable businesses with the resources needed beyond investment alone. VAP Ventures will focus on technologies shaping the future of the digital economy, including enterprise AI, Web3 infrastructure, blockchain innovation and next-generation gaming ecosystems. The initiative is strategically aligned with the Kingdom's vision of fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and knowledge-based industries while supporting globally ambitious founders. Key Highlights 100 startups to be backed by 2030Launching from Riyadh, KSAFocus sectors: Artificial Intelligence, Web3 & Blockchain, and Digital GamesSupport extending beyond capital to include media, marketing, talent and global stage access “We gave founders a stage for years. Now we’re backing them. VAP Ventures will invest in more than 100 startups across AI, Web3, and gaming over five years in capital, media, talent, and reach, all under one roof. This is visibility turning into vital support” Vishal Parmar, Founder & CEO, VAP Group. The launch of VAP Ventures reinforces VAP Group's broader mission to strengthen the global innovation economy by bringing together capital, media, talent and international platforms under one roof. By expanding from convening innovators to backing them, the company aims to create lasting impact across the startup ecosystem while enabling the next generation of technology companies to grow from the region onto the global stage. Startups interested in applying to VAP Ventures will be able to submit their details through the dedicated application platform, including company information and pitch materials, as the initiative begins building its inaugural cohort. About VAP Group With 13+ years of expertise, VAP Group is a premier global consulting and media powerhouse driving the next wave of technology-led growth. Through its media ecosystem and flagship events, including the Global AI Show, Global Games Show, and Global Blockchain Show, VAP Group connects policymakers, enterprises, and innovators worldwide, enabling strategic communications, ecosystem-building, and talent solutions. For more information: www.vapgroup.co/vap-ventures/ Media Enquiries: media@vapgroup.co
AI-Driven LiveOps and Mobile Dominance Take Center Stage at Global Games Show Riyadh 2026
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 29-30, 2026 Riyadh cemented its status as the world's most vibrant sandbox for interactive media as the Global Games Show Riyadh held from 29-30th June, concluded its highly anticipated two-day B2B run. Shifting focus away from traditional console lifecycles, the event leaned heavily into technological innovations that transformed the back end of game development, including cloud gaming, AR/VR, and automated AI game design. It also focused on an emerging gaming platform: mobile phones. Defying the challenges of the prevailing geopolitical landscape, organized by VAP Group and powered by Times Of Games, the event emerged as a resounding success. Co-located with Global AI Show Riyadh and Global Blockchain Show Riyadh, the two-day summit attracted 15,000+ registrations, welcomed 6,723 attendees, featured 100+ global speakers and 100 exhibitors, and convened a 70% CXO-level delegation from 80+ countries. Bringing together game developers, publishers, Web3 gaming pioneers, esports leaders, investors, content creators, technology providers, and policymakers, the event showcased how gaming is rapidly evolving into a multi-billion-dollar global ecosystem at the intersection of artificial intelligence, blockchain, immersive technologies, digital ownership, and entertainment. The event also witnessed the announcement of VAP Group's most ambitious initiative yet- The launch of VAP Ventures, a strategic initiative to back 100 startups by 2030 and accelerate the next chapter of the global innovation ecosystem. The Global Intersection For Entertainment And Digital Entertainment The Global Games Show opened with a keynote by Johnson Yeh, Founder & CEO of Ambrus Studio, who explored the future of immersive gaming, highlighting how emerging technologies are redefining player experiences beyond traditional screens. Also, a keynote by Virginia Villar Arribas, Director of the Private Sector Partnerships Service at the UN World Food Programme, who demonstrated how gaming and play can drive social impact by advancing global awareness, education, and humanitarian initiatives. The Global Games Show Riyadh attracted game studios, publishers, Web3 gaming, esports, investment, technology providers, and game communities from across the globe. The event highlighted the fact that the world of gaming and digital entertainment has evolved at an unprecedented rate. Mobile-centric ecosystems took the center stage, and the discussions at the event have established this new platform as a key economic engine. In this context, Charity Joy, CEO, Mirai said, “The future of gaming will be defined by immersive experiences, meaningful communities and the incredible talent building them. What excites us most about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the ambition, creativity and passion of its young developers. They aren't just participating in the future of gaming, they're helping create it!” Mobile gaming has also altered the competitive landscape, with discussions highlighting that expensive PCs and consoles aren’t a requirement to get into esports. Games like PUBG and Mobile Legends Bang Bang set the ball rolling, and other games are following suit all over the world. Visionaries in Gaming Defined the Next Generation of Gaming Over the course of the event, key visionaries and thought leaders discussed key aspects of gaming and esports. These themes and agendas included: Few Notable Speakers Included: Johnson Yeh – Founder & CEO, Ambrus StudioNayef BinHumaid – Chairman of the Board, Saudi Baseball and Softball FederationNadeem Bakhsh – Chief Executive Officer, webook.comVirginia Villar Arribas – Director, Private Sector Partnerships Service, UN World Food Programme (WFP)Hassan Yusuf – Head of Partnerships, Real Madrid Foundation – Education Football Program powered by Riyadh SchoolsKanessa Muluneh – Chief Executive Officer, Rise of FearlessYasmina Kazitani – President, Blockchain Game Alliance Few Notable Exhibitors: ClubMOS Technologies LLC Cropr Digital Limited Plotdex JPYRArkonix TorusChain Association Smartflow The Loopcraft EGS Setup Master the Art of Gaming Venn Studio Mobile Gaming and Digital Ownership At the Core of Digital Entertainment As mobile gaming and digital ownership rapidly evolve, their combination is redefining how digital entertainment is perceived and consumed worldwide. The agenda featured deep dives into how decentralized architectures enable new avenues for player ownership, monetization, and community engagement, rewriting the traditional dynamic between developers and their audience. Furthermore, esports pioneers and gaming founders addressed the maturity of the mobile esports ecosystem across the MENA region, Asia, and LATAM, examining the next generation of tournament structures and revenue-generation models. "The future of gaming belongs to those who can bring together technology, creativity, and community. Global Games Show is where those conversations begin, and we're excited to see the ideas born in Riyadh evolve into the next generation of global gaming experiences." - Vishal Parmar, Founder & CEO, VAP Group Building the Future of Gaming By Addressing the Foundational Pillars of Gaming The conclusion of Global Games Show Riyadh 2026 set the foundation for the evolution of interactive gaming and digital entertainment. The positive momentum generated by attendees, exhibitors, and speakers at this event will inform the decisions that will shape the discussions at the Global Games Show 2026 Abu Dhabi. About Global Games Show The Global Games Show is the ultimate B2B gaming event for the next evolution of interactive entertainment. This elite event series is dedicated to uniting major industry titans, visionary developers, and investors to map out the future of gaming. About VAP Group With 13+ years of expertise, VAP Group is a premier global consulting and media powerhouse driving the next wave of technology-led growth. Through its media ecosystem and flagship events, including the Global AI Show, Global Games Show, and Global Blockchain Show, VAP Group connects policymakers, enterprises, and innovators worldwide, enabling strategic communications, ecosystem-building, and talent solutions. Media Enquiries: media@globalgamesshow.com
From Code to Country: Global AI Show Riyadh 2026 Ignites the Era of Agentic AI and Nation-Building
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, July 7, 2026 The Global AI Show Riyadh held from 29-30th June,2026 cementing its status as the definitive anchor for the Kingdom’s newly designated "Year of Artificial Intelligence." Defying the challenges of the prevailing geopolitical landscape, organized by VAP Group and powered by Times Of AI, the event emerged as a resounding success. Co-located with Global Blockchain Show Riyadh and Global Games Show Riyadh, the two-day summit attracted 15,000+ registrations, welcomed 6,723 attendees, featured 100+ global speakers and 100 exhibitors, and convened a 70% CXO-level delegation from 80+ countries. The unprecedented international participation reinforced Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's growing role as a global AI powerhouse while marking a decisive shift from experimental AI pilots to centralized, nation-scale AI deployment. As a forward-looking platform, the Global AI Show served as an example of how to create an environment for collaboration, constructive dialogue, and ultimately action, connecting the newest technologies with large-scale, real-world applications across multiple sectors and government entities. The event also witnessed the announcement of VAP Group's most ambitious initiative yet- The launch of VAP Ventures, a strategic initiative to back 100 startups by 2030 and accelerate the next chapter of the global innovation ecosystem. The 2026 edition highlighted the "Human-AI Interaction" framework. Keynote tracks focused heavily on workforce planning, AI-driven recruitment, and upskilling programs designed to equip the next generation of Saudi talent with the tools required to steer autonomous digital agents. A Worldwide Convergence of Thought Leaders and Visionaries The Global AI Show welcomed attendees from all over the world, including AI enthusiasts, developers, and government officials. This diverse mix of attendees highlights that AI isn’t just a concept anymore; it’s being adopted across industries as a key component for optimizing workflows. The first day of the Global AI Show witnessed an opening keynote by Dr. Mohammed Nasser Alshahrani, Executive Advisor to the Minister, Council of Economic and Development Affairs,Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on why data quality will define the winners of the AI era and how trustworthy, transparent AI systems can drive real-world impact. Day 2 opened with the keynote speech by Nezar Al Turki, Chief Information Officer, Ministry of National Guard, outlining the shift from digital transformation to AI transformation and the leadership, governance, and workforce foundations required to scale AI-driven enterprises. Actionable Insights Arise At The Global AI Show Riyadh The two-day summit featured panel discussions, keynote speeches, informal discussions, and industry-relevant sessions. The discussions on the agenda included practical examples and opportunities for incorporating AI further into modern-day industries. The summit explored the next frontier of artificial intelligence through discussions on agentic AI, sovereign AI infrastructure, enterprise AI transformation, responsible governance, AI-powered healthcare, financial services innovation, cybersecurity, workforce development, and the future of human-AI collaboration. Michael Lints, Founding Partner MENA, Golden Gate Ventures remarked, “The AI era is reshaping venture capital. Today's founders need more than funding, they need access to infrastructure, strategic partnerships and global networks that help them move from breakthrough ideas to scalable businesses faster than ever before!” The sessions also examined scalable AI deployment, investment opportunities, digital public infrastructure, intelligent automation, and the role of AI in accelerating Saudi Vision 2030 while strengthening cross-border innovation and economic collaboration. Few Notable Speakers Included: ● Dr. Ibraheem Sheerah – Chief Transformation Officer, Digital Transformation & Technology, Saudi Arabian Airlines Holding (Saudia Group) ● Eng. Layla AlSalehi – Director General, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ● Paul Pacifico – Chief Executive Officer, Saudi Music Commission, Ministry of Culture ● Nate Busa – Executive Director, AI & Emerging Technologies, NEOM ● Amal Dokhan – Managing Partner, 500 Global MENA ● Kalyana Sivagnanam – Group Chief Executive Officer, Petromin Corporation ● Ayman Alhabib – Chief Data & AI Officer, D360 Bank ● Abdulrahman Alonaizan – Head of Data & Artificial Intelligence, Arab National Bank (ANB) ● Alyn Bailey – Chief Human Resources Officer, Albawani Holding ● Abdulaziz Al-Ghufaili – AI & Digital Transformation Leader, Saudi Aramco ● Abdullah Alshargi – AI & Innovation Executive, Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA) ● Aamir Khalid Pirzada – Chief Technology Officer, Mozn ● Dr. Mohamed Alhussein – Artificial Intelligence Advisor & Digital Transformation Leader ● Global AI founders, policymakers, investors, researchers, and enterprise technology leaders representing 80+ countries, driving discussions on the future of agentic AI, enterprise transformation, and sovereign AI ecosystems. Innovation and Exhibition Spotlight The exhibition floor emerged as a vibrant hub of innovation, bringing together a diverse lineup of leading technology companies, AI pioneers, startups, and solution providers showcasing cutting-edge advancements shaping the future of artificial intelligence. From enterprise AI platforms and cybersecurity to HR technology, observability, autonomous systems, and intelligent infrastructure, exhibitors and sponsors demonstrated real-world solutions that fostered meaningful collaborations, sparked investment conversations, and accelerated technology adoption across industries. Few Notable Exhibitors: ● Zen HR ● Netskope ● Nournet ● Magna AI ● Sarj Digital Information Technology CO. ● Edarat Group ● NTT Data ● Dynatrace ● Scale AI ● AQUIVIO Inc. ● Takween ● SAS ● Thethinkthankx ● ait ● Emotii ● OPM UAE ● Fanruan Software ● ManageEngine ● Wakeb Data Company ● Kamsora ● Sigmix Inc. ● Cloud Wave Telecommunications and Information Technology Company LLC ● Spark.ai ● Open ● Sirma Group Holding ● Wafra Greentech AI Moves From Being An Afterthought To A Key Driver of Innovation It’s not a surprise to see AI transforming how industries operate these days. From simply generating reports to optimizing workflows in critical areas like healthcare, the technology has made almost every aspect of work more efficient. The Global AI Show united innovators, regulators, and policymakers under one roof to ensure AI is scaled and incorporated into systems responsibly. "What we’ve built with the Global AI Show goes far beyond a conference into a catalyst for global innovation. Seeing thousands of innovators, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs come together in Riyadh has been incredibly inspiring.Our vision has always been to create a platform where conversations lead to collaboration and collaboration leads to action. VAP Ventures is the natural next step in that journey, empowering founders who will shape the future of global innovation." — Vishal Parmar, Founder & CEO, VAP Group The momentum established at this summit will carry forward to the next Global AI Show set for Abu Dhabi on 12-13 November, 2026. This creates a perfect window for the discussions at Riyadh to materialize into something tangible and distribution-ready for the Abu Dhabi edition. About Global AI Show The Global AI Show is the definitive international stage where the future of artificial intelligence is forged. Hosted by VAP Group, this premier AI summit and conference unites global CXOs, visionary policymakers, and tech pioneers to move beyond the hype and address the real-world impact of AI. About VAP Group With 13+ years of expertise, VAP Group is a premier global consulting and media powerhouse driving the next wave of technology-led growth. Through its media ecosystem and flagship events, including the Global AI Show, Global Games Show, and Global Blockchain Show, VAP Group connects policymakers, enterprises, and innovators worldwide, enabling strategic communications, ecosystem-building, and talent solutions. Visit : https://www.globalaishow.com/riyadh/ Media Enquiries: media@globalaishow.com