PIP Labs

PIP Labs

Develops Layer 1 programmable IP protocol

Overview

PIP Labs built Story Protocol, a Layer 1 blockchain that acts as an open, programmable repository for intellectual property. Creators register works on-chain as Programmable IP, tokenizing ownership and provenance so licenses, royalties, and collaborations can be managed by smart contracts. It enables an ecosystem of third-party apps for licensing, royalty distribution, and co-creation built on top of the protocol, focusing on decentralized IP management and AI model use cases. The goal is to reduce friction in IP licensing and monetization in the digital era by providing a foundational layer for creators and developers, supported by significant funding from investors like a16z.

About PIP Labs

Simplify's Rating
Why PIP Labs is rated
C+
Rated C on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Data & Analytics

Enterprise Software

Crypto & Web3

AI & Machine Learning

Company Size

11-50

Company Stage

Series B

Total Funding

$134M

Headquarters

Palo Alto, California

Founded

N/A

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • February 2026 unlock delay bought time before August 13, 2026 sell pressure.
  • January 2026 OpenLedger expands Story into AI training payments and enforcement.
  • Futureverse's 2026 IP partnership broadens Story's ecosystem beyond crypto-native creators.

What critics are saying

  • PIP Labs cut 10% of staff in March 2026, signaling tightening execution.
  • $IP unlock slips to August 13, 2026, keeping overhang and dump risk alive.
  • If AI labs reject rights-cleared infrastructure, Story becomes a niche registry, not a network.

What makes PIP Labs unique

  • Story Protocol launched mainnet in February 2025 as an IP-specific Layer 1.
  • PIP Labs pairs Radish distribution experience with Google DeepMind AI expertise.
  • January 2026 OpenLedger partnership embeds machine-readable licensing and automatic royalty settlement.

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Funding

Total Funding

$134M

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

2 Rounds

Series B funding is typically for startups that have proven their business model and need more funding to expand rapidly—often by entering new markets or adding more products. Investors are usually venture capital firms that specialize in later-stage investments.
Series B Funding Comparison
Above Average

Industry standards

$35M
$45M
Linktree
$65M
Substack
$80M
PIP Labs
$100M
ClickUp

Benefits

Flexible Work Hours

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

-28%

1 year growth

-28%

2 year growth

-28%
VentureBeat
Apr 3rd, 2025
Futureverse Teams With Story In Web3 Technology Deal

Futureverse, a AI and metaverse technology company, has signed a memorandum of understanding to do an intellectual property deal with Web3 firm PIP Labs, the core contributor to Story.This strategic partnership will focus on integrating Futureverse’s technology and extensive IP portfolio along with The Root Network to Story. Story, is a purpose-built Layer 1 blockchain designed to tokenize intellectual property into programmable digital assets, pioneering new ways for creators and brands to register, manage, and commercialize digital assets on-chain.The Root Network is purpose-built to deliver on the promise of interoperability for IP assets wherever they are created, enhancing the value of owners and collectors.Intellectual property has traditionally been managed through fragmented, centralized systems that limit the ability of IP holders and creators to fully control, license, and monetize their work. As digital content continues to expand, ensuring that IP ownership remains transparent, enforceable, and interoperable across multiple platforms is increasingly important. This partnership addresses these challenges by leveraging blockchain technology to create a decentralized, programmable framework for IP, fostering a more open and creator-centric digital economy.Through this collaboration, Futureverse and PIP Labs, Story’s initial core contributor, will work together to onboard, grow, and monetize Futureverse’s extensive IP portfolio within Story’s blockchain ecosystem. Futureverse, through Readyverse Studios, holds exclusive licenses for blockbuster IPs such as Ready Player One/Two. The partnership will also explore the integration of Story-powered applications into Futureverse’s The Readyverse platform, enhancing interoperability across metaverse experiences, games, and applications

Cointelegraph
Aug 21st, 2024
PIP Labs secures $80M for Story Protocol, valuation hits $2.25B

PIP Labs has secured $80 million in a Series B funding round co-led by 16z Crypto and Polychain Capital to support Story Protocol, a layer-1 blockchain intellectual property tokenization.

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