OceanPal Lands $120M Funding to Pioneer NEAR Token Treasury Company and AI Infrastructure

Key Takeaways

• OceanPal has secured $120 million in funding via a private investment deal to create SovereignAI, a new subsidiary dedicated to building AI infrastructure on the Near Protocol while accumulating a significant NEAR token treasury.
• The initiative partners with the Near Foundation to promote AI sovereignty, leveraging Near’s blockchain for privacy-focused AI applications and offering public investors exposure to the NEAR token.
• Leadership changes at OceanPal include new executives from major financial firms, signaling a strategic shift toward crypto and AI integration.
• This move highlights the growing role of AI agents in cryptocurrency, with examples like surging transaction activity on platforms supporting autonomous systems.
• SovereignAI plans to acquire up to 10% of the NEAR token supply, positioning OceanPal as a key player in blending traditional finance with blockchain-based AI innovations.

Imagine a world where artificial intelligence isn’t just a tool in your pocket but a self-governing force that manages assets, makes decisions, and even interacts across digital networks—all while keeping your privacy intact. That’s the exciting vision driving OceanPal’s latest bold move. This Nasdaq-listed company has just pulled off a major funding coup, raising $120 million through a private investment in public equity arrangement. The goal? To spin off a new subsidiary called SovereignAI that’s all about harnessing the power of the Near Protocol to create cutting-edge AI infrastructure. And here’s where it gets really intriguing: SovereignAI isn’t just building tech; it’s set to build a massive treasury of NEAR tokens, potentially snapping up as much as 10% of the total supply. This isn’t some abstract crypto play—it’s a bridge between traditional stock markets and the dynamic world of blockchain, giving everyday investors a straightforward way to get in on the action with the NEAR token.

Let’s rewind a bit and think about why this matters to you. If you’ve ever wondered how blockchain could supercharge AI, picture it like this: Blockchain is the unbreakable vault, and AI is the smart lockpicker turned guardian. Together, they create systems where AI agents—those autonomous digital beings—can handle tasks securely without constant human oversight. OceanPal’s announcement, made on a Tuesday, underscores a partnership with the Near Foundation that’s rooted in a common dream of “universal AI sovereignty.” It’s about empowering AI to thrive in a decentralized way, much like how the internet democratized information back in the day. Near, which kicked off in 2020 as a layer-1 blockchain, specializes in supporting AI apps. It lets these AI agents connect, manage assets, and operate safely across various networks, according to details from the project’s own resources.

This funding isn’t happening in a vacuum. OceanPal is shaking things up internally too, with fresh leadership to steer this ship. They’ve brought on Sal Ternullo, a veteran from State Street, as co-CEO, and David Schwed, who has experience at places like BNY Mellon, Galaxy, and Robinhood, as chief operating officer. It’s like assembling a dream team for a high-stakes game, blending Wall Street savvy with crypto innovation. On top of that, the SovereignAI advisory board is stacking up with heavy hitters: Illia Polosukhin, co-founder and CEO of the Near Foundation, joins forces with Richard Muirhead from Fabric Ventures and Lukasz Kaiser from OpenAI, among others. These names aren’t just for show—they bring real expertise to ensure this venture doesn’t fizzle out like so many tech hype cycles.

The Surge of AI Agents in the Crypto Landscape

Diving deeper, let’s talk about why AI agents are becoming the talk of the town in crypto circles. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill chatbots; they’re independent systems that can sense their environment, make choices, and take actions all on their own—no human hand-holding required. In the crypto world, they’re merging with blockchain to become economic players in their own right, verifying transactions, managing portfolios, and even triggering payments. Think of them as digital entrepreneurs, using networks like Near to operate with the security of a fortified castle.

Evidence of this trend is popping up everywhere. Back in September, a top executive from a major crypto exchange emphasized on a financial news show that cryptocurrencies are essential for AI agents to function smoothly in markets. It’s like giving these agents a passport to the financial world. Around the same time, a leading cloud infrastructure firm unveiled plans for a new stablecoin designed specifically for instant transactions powered by AI agents. Data from analytics platforms shows that a payments protocol launched in May, aimed at enabling AI agents to handle stablecoins online, experienced a whopping over 10,000% spike in transaction activity in just one month. That’s not a typo—it’s a testament to how quickly this tech is scaling.

Even developers are buzzing about it. In August, a pair of experts from a prominent exchange predicted that AI agents could soon become the heaviest users of networks like Ethereum. It’s a compelling analogy: Just as ride-sharing apps disrupted taxis by optimizing supply and demand in real-time, AI agents on blockchain could revolutionize how we handle assets, making processes faster, cheaper, and more autonomous. And with Near’s focus on privacy-preserving AI, it’s like adding an invisibility cloak to these operations, ensuring data stays secure in an era where breaches make headlines weekly.

OceanPal’s Strategic Pivot and NEAR Token Exposure

What sets OceanPal apart in this crowded field is its treasury strategy. By aiming to hold up to 10% of the NEAR token supply, SovereignAI is essentially turning OceanPal into a publicly traded gateway for NEAR exposure. If you’re an investor who’s bullish on blockchain but wary of the volatility of direct crypto buys, this could be your golden ticket. It’s similar to how some companies hold Bitcoin on their balance sheets, boosting their stock value through crypto upside—think of it as a hedge against traditional market slumps.

The partnership with the Near Foundation isn’t just lip service; it’s built on shared values. Near’s blockchain is engineered for AI, allowing seamless interactions that feel as natural as chatting with a friend. OceanPal sees this as the future, and they’re betting big with that $120 million war chest. Plus, they’re incorporating NVIDIA technology to amp up the privacy aspects of their AI infrastructure. It’s like combining the brains of a supercomputer with the trust of blockchain— a powerhouse duo for building apps that respect user data.

In terms of real-world impact, consider how this aligns with broader trends. The rise of AI in crypto isn’t just theoretical; it’s backed by surging adoption. For instance, protocols enabling AI-driven transactions have seen explosive growth, proving that the market is ready for this evolution. OceanPal’s move positions them at the forefront, much like early adopters of the internet who reaped massive rewards by getting in before the boom.

Integrating Brand Alignment and WEEX’s Role in Crypto Innovation

Speaking of alignment, this whole endeavor underscores the importance of brand synergy in the evolving crypto space. Projects like SovereignAI thrive when they partner with platforms that share their vision of innovation and accessibility. That’s where something like WEEX comes into play—a reliable exchange that’s all about empowering users with seamless access to tokens like NEAR. WEEX stands out for its user-friendly interface and commitment to security, making it easier for investors to dive into ecosystems like Near without the headaches of complicated setups. It’s like having a trusted guide in a vast digital wilderness, enhancing credibility by offering tools that align perfectly with the privacy and AI focus of projects like this.

WEEX’s branding emphasizes transparency and growth, which mirrors OceanPal’s push toward AI sovereignty. By providing low-fee trading and robust support for blockchain tokens, WEEX helps bridge the gap between traditional investors and crypto natives. Imagine you’re excited about NEAR’s potential after reading about SovereignAI—WEEX could be your go-to spot to explore it further, with features that make trading feel intuitive and secure. This kind of alignment not only boosts user confidence but also contributes to the overall ecosystem’s health, fostering a community where innovations like AI agents can flourish.

Exploring Popular Searches and Social Buzz Around NEAR Token and AI

To give you a fuller picture, let’s touch on what people are actually searching for and discussing about topics like the NEAR token and AI infrastructure. Based on trends, some of the most frequently searched questions on Google include things like “What is the NEAR Protocol and how does it work?” or “How can I invest in NEAR tokens?” These queries show a hunger for straightforward explanations, especially as AI integration makes headlines. Users often want to know about NEAR’s scalability compared to Ethereum, or its role in Web3 AI applications—analogous to asking how a new smartphone stacks up against the old models.

On Twitter, the conversation is electric. Discussions frequently revolve around AI agents’ potential to disrupt finance, with hashtags like #AIinCrypto and #NEARProtocol trending. Users debate everything from tokenomics to real-world use cases, often sharing stories of how blockchain AI could automate everyday tasks. For example, recent Twitter threads highlight how AI agents on Near could manage decentralized finance (DeFi) portfolios autonomously, drawing comparisons to algorithmic trading bots but with blockchain’s immutability.

As for the latest updates—as of 2025-10-29—there have been some noteworthy developments. Official announcements from the Near Foundation include expansions in AI agent tooling, with new partnerships announced in early 2025 to integrate more NVIDIA tech for enhanced performance. A Twitter post from Illia Polosukhin in September 2025 teased upcoming features for privacy-preserving computations, sparking threads with thousands of retweets. Meanwhile, community discussions on Twitter have buzzed about SovereignAI’s progress, with users speculating on how the 10% treasury acquisition could stabilize NEAR’s market presence. One viral thread from a crypto influencer compared it to Tesla’s Bitcoin holdings, noting how it could drive long-term value. These updates keep the momentum going, showing that the excitement around NEAR and AI isn’t fading—it’s evolving.

Leadership Shifts and Advisory Power in SovereignAI

Circling back to OceanPal’s internal changes, the new leadership isn’t just window dressing. Sal Ternullo’s background in traditional finance brings a layer of stability, much like anchoring a ship in stormy seas. David Schwed’s crypto creds ensure they’re navigating the blockchain waves with expertise. The advisory board, with Polosukhin’s direct involvement, adds a stamp of authenticity. It’s reminiscent of how OpenAI’s early advisors helped shape its trajectory, turning ambitious ideas into tangible tech.

This setup supports SovereignAI’s mission to commercialize Near while developing AI tools. They’re not just hoarding tokens; they’re building infrastructure that could power the next generation of apps. Evidence from related projects, like the massive uptick in AI payment protocols, backs this up—real data showing adoption is skyrocketing.

The Broader Implications for Crypto and AI Sovereignty

Wrapping our heads around the bigger picture, OceanPal’s initiative is a microcosm of where crypto is headed. AI sovereignty means giving users control over their digital lives, free from centralized overlords. It’s like the difference between renting an apartment and owning your home—you get to call the shots. With Near’s tech, this becomes feasible, and SovereignAI is accelerating it.

Comparisons to other restructurings in the AI space, such as one major player becoming a public benefit corporation with a tech giant securing a 27% stake, highlight the strategic plays happening. But OceanPal’s approach feels more accessible, tying directly into public markets.

In essence, this $120 million raise isn’t just about money—it’s about vision. It’s persuasive proof that blending AI with blockchain isn’t a fad; it’s the future. As an investor or enthusiast, it’s worth pondering how this could reshape your portfolio or daily tech interactions.

What is the NEAR Protocol and why is it important for AI?

The NEAR Protocol is a layer-1 blockchain launched in 2020, designed to support AI applications by enabling secure interactions, asset management, and network operations. Its importance lies in promoting privacy-preserving AI, making it a key player in the push for autonomous systems in crypto.

How does OceanPal’s funding impact NEAR token holders?

OceanPal’s $120 million raise through SovereignAI plans to acquire up to 10% of NEAR’s supply, potentially increasing demand and providing stability. This offers token holders indirect exposure via a public company, blending crypto with traditional investing.

What are AI agents and how do they relate to blockchain?

AI agents are autonomous systems that perceive, decide, and act independently. On blockchain like Near, they manage assets and transactions securely, acting as self-governing economic participants, much like digital traders in a decentralized market.

Who are the key leaders involved in SovereignAI?

New appointments include Sal Ternullo as co-CEO from State Street and David Schwed as COO with experience from BNY Mellon, Galaxy, and Robinhood. The advisory board features Near’s Illia Polosukhin, Richard Muirhead, and Lukasz Kaiser from OpenAI.

How can investors get exposure to NEAR through platforms like WEEX?

Investors can explore NEAR on exchanges like WEEX, which offers secure, low-fee trading and tools aligned with blockchain innovations. It’s a user-friendly way to engage with NEAR’s ecosystem while benefiting from WEEX’s focus on accessibility and growth.