Bittensor development is currently in the spotlight after Digital Currency Group (DCG) names Yuma Group as its new subsidiary.
Crypto venture capital firm Digital Currency Group (DCG) has announced its efforts to support the development of Bittensor (TAO), a decentralized Artificial Intelligence (AI) protocol, through its newly launched subsidiary, Yuma Group.
Yuma will join DCG’s portfolio of companies, which includes prominent entities like Grayscale Investments.
Yuma’s Role in Advancing Bittensor
Yuma Group is set to drive innovation on the Bittensor protocol, enabling developers to create, train, and access AI tools. DCG founder and CEO Barry Silbert will lead Yuma’s mission to enhance AI-crypto integration.
Although DCG began investing in Bittensor in 2021, the relationship has significantly evolved. Yuma’s name reflects the “Yuma Consensus” protocol within Bittensor, which uses smart contracts to incentivize participation with TAO, a token renowned for its resilience to geopolitical challenges.
Bittensor allows innovators to develop Subnets, marketplaces for AI/ML services such as data storage.
The protocol operates as an ecosystem hosting both miners, who provide computational power, and validators, who assess contributions and distribute rewards.
Yuma has already launched an early Subnet Incubator Program to assist firms in building AI-focused solutions.
It has partnered with projects such as Sturdy, Masa, and Infinite Games and collaborated with Foundry to expand the program further.
Barry Silbert likened the advancements around Bittensor to “the early days of crypto,” emphasizing its transformative potential.
Digital Currency Group’s Impact on Crypto
DCG is one of the most prominent investors in the crypto industry. Despite challenges during the crypto winter—particularly with its subsidiary Genesis—the firm has remained resilient.
Its subsidiary, Grayscale Investments, has significantly popularized spot Bitcoin ETFs and Ethereum ETF products.
While these ETFs have faced periodic outflows, they remain popular with institutional investors. For instance, the Michigan Pension Fund recently disclosed its exposure to Grayscale’s Ethereum ETF.
DCG has weathered numerous challenges in recent years, and Barry Silbert reaffirmed his commitment to helping Bittensor “transform the world with open access to intelligence.”
