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Protocol Labs

Protocol Labs

Protocol Labs is a research, development, and deployment lab for network protocols. It aims to improve the internet by creating breakthrough technologies that address significant challenges. The organization is known for creating foundational web3 projects like IPFS, Filecoin, and libp2p, which are designed to build a more resilient, efficient, and open internet. They support a wide network of startups and developers through funding, collaboration, and educational programs.
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Description

Protocol Labs is an innovation network that drives breakthroughs in computing to advance humanity. It connects over 600 tech startups, funds, accelerators, foundations, open-source projects, service providers, and other organizations. The network's focus includes web3, AI, AR, VR, BCI, and hardware. Key projects and collaborations mentioned include Filecoin, a decentralized storage network; IPFS (InterPlanetary File System); libp2p; InterPlanetary Consensus (IPC) for scalability; and partnerships with entities like the Ethereum Foundation, Chainlink Labs, Consensys, and a16z Crypto Startup School. The organization also runs initiatives like Protocol Labs Venture Studio (PL VS) to support new startups, PL Launchpad for onboarding contributors, and a research grant program to fund academic and independent research in areas like verifiable delay functions (VDFs) and zero-knowledge proofs. They host events like LabWeek to bring the community together and have been instrumental in developing standards like the SAFT (Simple Agreement for Future Tokens) for compliant token sales.