#Why is bot traffic becoming a concern for the internet?
More than half of internet traffic is generated by bots and artificial intelligence. This phenomenon raises concerns about the authenticity of online interactions and potentially affects brand engagement strategies. Addressing this challenge, EarnOS has secured substantial funding to tackle the issue.
#What recent funding has EarnOS received?
EarnOS, the company behind the ero mobile app, announced a successful Pre-Series A funding round of $6 million, spearheaded by leading investor 1kx. Notable participants include Coinbase Ventures and Circle Ventures, showcasing confidence in the business model. Alongside this, EarnOS has also secured a significant strategic investment of $12.5 million from Verona, designed to be non-dilutive over four years. This brings the total capital raised at launch to an impressive $18.5 million.
#How does the ero app function and attract brand interest?
The ero app, which exits beta phase as of June 17, offers what it labels as the internet’s reward program. Users are compensated for demonstrating genuine engagement with brands, providing a solution for brands seeking verified interaction. The app utilizes a cutting-edge technology called zkTLS, a form of cryptography that confirms user actions without exposing their personal information. By doing so, it ensures that brands can trust that actions such as watching a video or interacting with a product are completed by real individuals.
Brands can create "reward missions" on the platform, which users complete to earn rewards. This model has already seen over $30 million in annualized rewards pledged by various brands, effectively establishing a new paradigm in brand engagement across four countries.
#Who are the key investors in this venture?
This latest funding initiative is not the first for EarnOS. Earlier in January 2025, the company completed a $5 million seed round funded by Escape Velocity. The involvement of major organizations such as Coinbase and Circle indicates a strong belief in the potential of verified human engagement as a critical element in the future of crypto-based commerce and payments.
Furthermore, the $12.5 million from Verona ensures that existing equity holders do not face dilution, thus protecting the interests of current stakeholders.
#What are the future plans for EarnOS?
In a strategic move to catalyze growth, Harrison Kennedy has been appointed as Head of Growth Strategy. His primary goal is to advance the vision of a verified internet, which aims to enhance the authenticity of online interactions and strengthen brand-consumer relationships.