Google Cloud broadens Web3 startup program with 11 blockchain firms

Technology conglomerate Alphabet has expanded the Google for Startups Cloud Program. 

As of April 25, the program now includes Web3 firms such as Alchemy, Aptos, Base, Celo, Flow, Hedera, Nansen, Near, Polygon, Solana and Thirdweb. The same day, blockchain analytics firm Nansen announced that it has partnered with Google Cloud to provide real-time blockchain data for startups. Its database currently contains over 250 million wallet labels. 

Currently, Google Cloud has two product suites for Web3 startups, distinguished by whether the firms have raised funding. Pre-seed companies can receive up to $2,000 Google Cloud credits valid for two years with access to events such as Paris Blockchain Week, Consensus and TOKEN2049 Singapore, where Google will participate.

For seeded startups, benefits include $200,000 over two years for Google Cloud and Firebase usage as well as $12,000 in Google Cloud Enhanced Support credits and 12 months of free Google Workspace Business Plus. Furthermore, Web3 projects, including Aptos, Celo, Flow, HBAR Foundation, Near and Solana Foundation, would provide grants of up to $1 million each in fiat or tokens to such firms.

Seeded firms can also access up to $3 million in funding from Polygon Ventures. Meanwhile, the Base Ecosystem Fund will provide priority reviews for entrepreneurs, while Coinbase Ventures will also introduce them to its listing teams and applicable venture capitalists. Other perks include up to $10,000 in Alchemy credits with VIP support and gasless contract deployment with Thirdweb. 

Alex Svanevik, co-founder and CEO of Nansen, commented, “We are able to provide real-time intelligence to level the crypto playing field,” thanks to the partnership with Google Cloud. 

Magazine: Hong Kong crypto frenzy, DeFi token surges 550%, NBA China NFTs