Odaily News: Blockchain data analytics platform Nansen released its "Starknet H1 2026 Report," stating that in the first half of 2026, Starknet completed its strategic transformation from a high-performance Layer 2 network to a "privacy-preserving execution layer." The launch of the STRK20 privacy framework and the Bitcoin asset strkBTC became the ecosystem's most significant upgrades.The report notes that as an Ethereum-based ZK-Rollup network, Starknet generates STARK proofs off-chain and verifies them on-chain, achieving high throughput and low transaction costs. Its smart contracts use the Cairo language, specifically designed for verifiable computation, and support native account abstraction functionality.In the first half of this year, Starknet launched the v0.14.2 upgrade, introducing the SNIP-36 protocol to lay the technical foundation for private transactions. This upgrade allows the network to directly verify off-chain execution proofs, enabling confidential state transitions without exposing account balances or counterparty information. Additionally, SNIP-37 adjusted the network's economic model, increasing storage costs while lowering base gas fees to optimize incentives for long-term state growth.In terms of privacy applications, Starknet launched the STRK20 privacy framework, which allows users to convert any ERC-20 asset into encrypted balances and conduct private transfers, trades, and DeFi interactions. The system is built on zero-knowledge proof technology and implements compliant auditing through an encrypted viewing key mechanism, protecting user privacy while supporting targeted information disclosure in regulatory scenarios.On-chain data shows that in Q2 2026, Starknet recorded an average daily transaction volume of approximately 239,000 and an average of about 50,000 daily active addresses. During the period, a total of 22.5 million transactions were completed, involving approximately 71,000 users. Among these, DEX aggregator AVNU contributed roughly 14 million transactions, accounting for 62.2% of total volume; gaming infrastructure Cartridge contributed 6.57 million transactions, with the two combined accounting for approximately 91% of transaction activity.

Odaily News: In a recent interview, Alex Svanevik, CEO of blockchain data analytics firm Nansen, stated that Robinhood is unlikely to launch a token, as it could compete with its publicly traded stock, HOOD. Previously, market speculation suggested Robinhood might follow the example of certain crypto projects by introducing an ecosystem token. However, it now appears the company is more likely to leverage blockchain as an underlying technological tool rather than building its business model around a token.Alex Svanevik pointed out that Robinhood's current Layer 2 network already operates on the Ethereum ecosystem and has a Gas token for paying network fees, making it unnecessary to issue an additional platform token. Robinhood's core objective in building blockchain infrastructure is to leverage blockchain technology to enhance its product capabilities, rather than to raise funds or create a new economic model through token issuance. (Cointelegraph)

Odaily reports that Alex Svanevik, CEO of on-chain data platform Nansen, stated that within approximately two years, the number of AI trading agents is expected to exceed that of human traders. Nansen is shifting its product from a pure analytics tool to one that enables direct trading and is restructuring the platform around using agents to trade all assets on-chain. To date, this feature has accumulated over $500 million in trading volume. Svanevik noted that among the top 15 perpetual contracts by trading volume on Nansen, about 10 are non-crypto assets, including SpaceX, the S&P 500 index, gold, and crude oil. After completing backtesting and paper trading, Nansen plans to open up more autonomous trading agents to reduce inference costs and mitigate the risk of input poisoning.

Odaily Odaily reports that Nansen CEO Alex Svanevik has stated he is turning bullish on Apple again, outlining five key reasons, including enhanced Siri capabilities, on-device AI inference development, a new CEO candidate, cash flow advantages, and brand value.Svanevik noted that the Siri experience on the iOS 27 Beta version has already shown significant improvement, and the search functionality is finally making progress. While it hasn't fully met its goals yet, it is "moving in the right direction." The development of small AI models will significantly benefit Apple, as users may soon gain access to high-quality on-device AI inference—running AI models directly on the device, thereby enhancing privacy and response speed. Additionally, the incoming Apple CEO, John Ternus, has a hardware background, which aligns with the direction Apple should take to further strengthen its hardware advantages.Apple's consistent generation of strong free cash flow, along with its leading brand influence in the tech industry, also serves as crucial support for its long-term value. As AI capabilities are gradually integrated into Apple's ecosystem, it could usher in new growth opportunities.

Odaily News Alex Svanevik, CEO of on-chain analytics platform Nansen, stated that when enterprises begin effectively using Chinese large language models, the bubble in the AI industry may burst. While the U.S. regulatory environment could limit this process, the overall trend remains that Chinese models are continuously becoming more efficient, capable of running on non-cutting-edge hardware, while global GPU supply (including non-Nvidia chips) is increasing.Alex Svanevik also pointed out that the recent decline in H100 and H200 GPU rental prices reflects a shift in the supply-demand structure of computing power. He raised the question of how to interpret the market signal of declining GPU rental prices. As model efficiency improves alongside expanding computing power supply, the AI infrastructure market may be entering a phase of repricing.

Odaily reported that Alex Svanevik, CEO of on-chain data analytics platform Nansen, posted on X stating that from a hindsight perspective, if Binance founder CZ had completed the acquisition of FTX back then, his potential asset structure would have changed significantly. He would now likely hold an indirect exposure of approximately 8% stake in Anthropic, about 5% stake in the AI coding tool Cursor, as well as some investment interests related to SpaceX.It is reported that in November 2022, CZ had disclosed his intention to acquire FTX but later abandoned the plan after due diligence uncovered issues beyond his control. Subsequently, FTX filed for bankruptcy protection.

Odaily reported that Nansen CEO Alex Svanevik stated that open-weights models may pose greater competitive pressure on Anthropic and OpenAI in the future, because not all tasks require a "150 IQ level" frontier model. In many scenarios, a model with around 115 IQ but costing about 90% less is "fully sufficient," offering a clear cost-performance advantage. Since the AI industry has generally believed that profits would come from the most advanced frontier models, this logic may now face challenges, especially if governments impose restrictions or block access to frontier models, potentially impacting the revenue expectations of related companies.Alex Svanevik further questioned whether the business model of relying on high-end models for profitability remains viable when regulations begin to limit the capabilities or deployment of frontier models, calling it a core issue that the industry needs to reassess.

Odaily News Nansen has announced the introduction of a pay-per-call model, optimizing on-chain data access based on the x402 protocol and PayAI infrastructure. This model allows users to instantly query wallet data, fund flows, and "smart money" signals through USDC micropayments, eliminating the need for subscriptions, approvals, or API keys. The system automates the "request-billing-payment-return" process based on the HTTP 402 mechanism, supporting autonomous calls and payments by AI agents.Nansen stated that the new model already covers its entire API ecosystem, with basic data queries priced at approximately $0.01 per call and advanced signals at around $0.05, supporting settlement on the Base and Solana networks. (Crowdfundinsider)

Odaily News: Blockchain data analytics platform Nansen will establish a local entity and build a team in Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan, to provide blockchain data and market intelligence to industry participants in the region. CEO Alex Svanevik stated that this move does not replace the Singapore operations but is an additional entity. Gelephu was chosen due to its vision of integrating digital assets into the economic framework from the outset. It is reported that Nansen plans to hire locally, with team size and office details to be announced in the coming months. (Cointelegraph)

Odaily News Nansen founder Alex Svanevik announced on X that its API now supports x402 payments, allowing users (AI Agents) to pay per request without needing an API key.