OmniRetail Secures $20M Series A to Scale B2B Commerce And Embedded Finance Across West Africa

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April 28, 2025

OmniRetail, a Nigeria-based start-up aiming to digitise traditional e-commerce through its suite of software products, has raised $20 million in series A equity funding round to transform informal retail in Nigeria and across Africa.

The funding round was co-led by Norfund and Timon Capital, with participation from ventures platform, Aruwa Capital, Goodwell Investments, and Flour Mills of Nigeria.

OmniRetail will use the capital to fuel regional expansion and enhance its embedded finance offerings. The new funding will also expand OmniRetail’s retailer base, introduce product categories like personal care and cold storage, and upgrade infrastructure and credit underwriting tools.

Also, the company plans to include a debt raise for inventory financing and strategic acquisitions to support its mission, building Africa’s largest profitable retailer network, simplifying the distribution and retailing of essential goods continent-wide.

Founded in 2019 by Deepankar Rustagi, OmniRetail digitizes the FMCG supply chain, serving 145 manufacturers, 5,800 distributors, and over 150,000 retailers across 12 cities. Its flagship app, OmniBiz, launched in 2020, enables retailers to order inventory, access working capital, and make digital payments, supported by a network of 1,100+ vehicles and 85 local logistics partners.

Complementary products include Amplify, a distributor-focused app, and OmniPay, an embedded finance platform processing $95 million monthly and disbursing $4 million in loans with a non-performing loan ratio below 0.5%. OmniRetail’s asset-light model has driven profitability, achieving EBITDA positivity in 2023 and net profitability in 2024.

In October 2024, OmniRetail purchased Traction Apps, a business payments platform based in Lagos, to bolster its point of sale (POS) and inventory management services for African SMEs. Traction provides full-stack payment capabilities, including POS terminals, PSSP and Super Agent licenses, and access to retailer-level sales data.

Announcing the deal, the company said the acquisition was to strengthen support for retailers, distributors, and manufacturers. For OmniRetail, the purchase allows it to gain a complete financial profile of each retailer, giving it even greater control over the supply chain and the ability to offer tailored financial solutions.

CEO Rustagi and Head of Investment Archit Bagaria attribute OmniRetail’s success to its deep understanding of the FMCG ecosystem. “The lack of transparency in retail has long hindered financial inclusion and efficiency,” Bagaria told TechCrunch. “Our ecosystem streamlines the value chain, addressing these gaps.”

Notably, OmniRetail’s asset-light strategy has been important in hitting profitability. In 2023, the Lagos-based B2B e-commerce platform became EBITDA positive. In 2024, it turned net profitable. OmniRetail’s model digitizes order management for 145 manufacturers, more than 5,800 distributors and services over 150,000 informal retailers across 12 cities in Nigeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast.

In November 2024, OmniRetail launched its 50th OmniHub franchise in Lagos, aimed at bridging supply chain gaps and boosting the distribution of fast-moving consumer goods across underserved Nigerian communities.

CEO Deepankar Rustagi highlighted the significance of the company’s expansion, describing it as a vital step in its mission to reshape FMCG distribution across Africa.

In the same month, the company unveiled its AI-powered micro fulfillment center, dubbed “OmniHub Franchise”, across Southwest Nigeria. With AI-powered predictive procurement, OmniHub offers manufacturers and our partners real-time visibility into inventory, optimized stock levels, and better product availability, which in turn reduces stockouts and improves supply chain efficiency.

This cutting-edge solution, according to the company, will help drive business growth while addressing critical challenges in the distribution landscape. OmniRetail mission is to build the largest profitable network of retailers in Africa, simplifying distribution and retaining of essential goods in Africa.

Exploring The Grayscale’s Decentralized AI Fund and Its Importance

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Paul Ugbede Godwin

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April 28, 2025

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Grayscale Investments launched the Grayscale Decentralized AI Fund LLC on July 2, 2024, targeting accredited investors seeking exposure to decentralized artificial intelligence (AI) protocols within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. The fund focuses on three key areas:

Decentralized AI Services: Protocols developing services like chatbots and image generation, such as Bittensor (TAO).

Solutions to Centralized AI Issues: Protocols addressing challenges like deep fakes, misinformation, and bot authentication, including Filecoin (FIL) and Livepeer (LPT).

AI Infrastructure: Protocols supporting critical resources like decentralized data storage, GPU computation, and 3D rendering, such as Near (NEAR) and Render (RNDR).

As of September 27, 2024, the fund’s net asset value (NAV) per share was $9.50, with $1,462,249 in assets under management and 153,900 shares outstanding. The fund rebalances quarterly and currently holds a basket of five tokens: NEAR (29.7%), Filecoin (29.3%), Render (26.7%), Livepeer (8.7%), and Bittensor (5.4%). Since its launch, the fund has experienced volatility, with a 15.6% NAV drop over the past month and a 26.8% decline since inception, reflecting broader market fluctuations.

Grayscale’s Head of Product & Research, Rayhaneh Sharif-Askary, emphasized that blockchain-based AI protocols promote decentralization, accessibility, and transparency, potentially mitigating risks associated with centralized AI. The fund’s launch aligns with growing interest in decentralized AI, driven by the sector’s 222% growth in Q1 2024 and significant venture capital investments, such as Sentient’s $85 million raise in June 2024.

Decentralized AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that operate on decentralized networks, typically leveraging blockchain or similar distributed ledger technologies, rather than relying on centralized servers or entities. This approach contrasts with traditional AI, where data processing, model training, and inference often occur on centralized platforms controlled by single organizations (e.g., big tech companies).

Instead of a single server or cloud provider, decentralized AI uses a network of nodes (computers) worldwide to store data, train models, and run computations. These nodes are often incentivized through cryptocurrency tokens. Technologies like blockchain ensure transparency, security, and immutability of data and processes.

Data Sovereignty and Privacy

In decentralized AI, data can remain on users’ devices or be shared securely without centralized control. This reduces the risk of data monopolies and breaches. Techniques like federated learning allow models to train on distributed datasets without transferring sensitive data to a central server. Decentralized AI protocols are often governed by their communities or token holders, rather than a single entity. This promotes transparency and aligns development with user needs.

Governance decisions, such as protocol upgrades, are typically made through decentralized mechanisms like DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations). Participants in decentralized AI networks (e.g., data providers, model trainers, or node operators) are rewarded with tokens for contributing resources like computing power, data, or algorithms. This creates a marketplace where individuals and organizations can collaborate without intermediaries.

Decentralized AI reduces reliance on single points of failure, making systems more resistant to censorship, outages, or monopolistic control. It addresses concerns like bias in centralized AI models, deep fakes, or misinformation by enabling transparent and auditable processes. Protocols like Bittensor create decentralized networks for AI model development, where contributors share machine learning models and are rewarded based on their value.

Filecoin enables decentralized storage for AI datasets, ensuring data is accessible and secure without centralized control. Livepeer supports decentralized video processing, which can help authenticate content and combat deep fakes. Render provides decentralized GPU resources for AI tasks like 3D rendering or model training. Near offers infrastructure for scalable decentralized applications, including AI-driven smart contracts.

Benefits of Decentralized AI

Democratizes access to AI tools, allowing smaller entities or individuals to participate without needing massive resources. Open protocols and auditable processes reduce the “black box” nature of traditional AI. Distributed systems are harder to attack or manipulate compared to centralized servers. Encourages collaboration and experimentation through open-source, community-driven development.

Decentralized networks can face slower processing speeds or higher costs compared to centralized systems, especially for compute-intensive AI tasks. Developing and managing decentralized AI systems requires expertise in both AI and blockchain technologies. The intersection of AI and cryptocurrencies raises legal and compliance questions in various jurisdictions. Competing with established centralized AI providers (e.g., Google, OpenAI) requires significant ecosystem growth and user trust.

Why It Matters

Decentralized AI aligns with the ethos of Web3, emphasizing user empowerment, data ownership, and resistance to centralized control. It’s particularly relevant in addressing concerns about AI monopolies, privacy violations, and ethical issues in centralized systems. For example, decentralized AI can enable. Fairer distribution of AI benefits, especially in underserved regions. Protection against misuse of AI, such as surveillance or biased algorithms.

Collaborative innovation, where global contributors build AI without gatekeepers. Grayscale’s Decentralized AI Fund, launched in July 2024, invests in protocols like Bittensor, Filecoin, Livepeer, Near, and Render, which exemplify decentralized AI principles. These projects aim to create infrastructure and services that make AI more open, secure, and community-driven, countering the dominance of centralized AI providers. The fund’s focus reflects growing investor interest in this sector, driven by the potential for decentralized AI to reshape industries while addressing ethical and technical challenges.

How CBD Dog Bones Can Help with Stress and Joint Stiffness

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TI Partners

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April 28, 2025

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Dogs, like people, can experience stress and joint discomfort. Loud noises, separation from owners, or age-related conditions can trigger stress and anxiousness. While traditional medications exist, many pet owners now explore natural alternatives. They want safer options that support wellness without harmful side effects or dependency.

Understanding CBD for Pets

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in hemp. It doesn’t produce a high. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system helps regulate mood, pain, and sleep. When used properly, CBD can support balance in the body and promote a general sense of well-being. CBD Dog Bones offer a convenient and tasty way to deliver this natural compounds. Infused with CBD, they combine function with flavor. Dogs enjoy using the bones, while owners appreciate the wellness benefits. These bones are easy to provide the right portion and can be seamlessly added to a dog’s daily routine without stress or resistance.

Easing Stress in Dogs

Canine stress can show up in different ways. Some dogs shake or pant. Others bark excessively or hide. Common causes include thunderstorms, fireworks, or being left alone. In these moments, calming support is essential.

CBD may help reduce stress signals in the brain. It encourages relaxation without sedation. Many pet parents notice their dogs becoming calmer after consistent use. Unlike harsh medications, CBD is gentle and plant-based. Owners should start with a low dose. Monitor behavior. Adjust as needed. Every dog responds differently. Patience and observation lead to better results.

Supporting Joint Health

As dogs age, their joints can stiffen. This leads to slower walks, difficulty climbing, or a reluctance to play. Conditions like arthritis are common in older pets. Inflammation is often the root cause.

CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can help soothe aching joints and improve mobility. When used regularly, dogs may move more freely. They might jump, run, or play again like they used to.

When to Consider CBD for Your Dog

Every dog is different, but certain signs may indicate that your pet could benefit from additional support. If your dog seems unusually anxious, struggles with separation, or reacts strongly to loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms, CBD may offer gentle, calming relief. It’s also helpful for dogs that show behavioral changes due to stress, such as pacing, hiding, or excessive barking.

Physical issues can also signal the need for intervention. Older dogs who are slowing down, limping, or having trouble getting up may be experiencing joint discomfort or inflammation. In these cases, CBD’s natural anti-inflammatory properties can help improve mobility and ease stiffness, allowing them to stay active and comfortable.

Choosing the Right Product

Not all CBD dog products are the same. Look for products made with organic hemp. Avoid artificial additives. Third-party lab testing ensures purity and accurate dosage. Transparency matters when choosing supplements for your pet. Flavor and texture also play a role. Some dogs prefer soft chews. Others enjoy crunchy bites. Find a product your dog loves. This makes daily use easier. Always follow the dosing guidelines on the label. If unsure, talk to your veterinarian. They can offer advice based on your dog’s size and health.

CBD Dog Bones offer a natural way to support your dog’s emotional and physical health. From easing stress to soothing stiff joints, they may bring comfort and calm to your furry friend. As with any new treatment, quality and care make all the difference. Take time to choose wisely and observe your pet’s response.

Bitcoin Supply on Exchanges Dropped to Its Lowest Level Since 2018

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Paul Ugbede Godwin

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April 28, 2025

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The Bitcoin supply on exchanges has indeed dropped to its lowest level since 2018, reaching approximately 7.53% of the total circulating supply as of March 2025. This is a significant decrease from previous years, with estimates suggesting around 2.6 million BTC are currently held on exchanges, compared to higher levels during the 2021 bull market.

This trend reflects a shift in investor behavior, with more individuals and institutions moving Bitcoin to self-custody or cold storage, signaling strong long-term holding sentiment and confidence in Bitcoin’s value as a store of value amid global economic uncertainties.

Lower exchange supply means fewer Bitcoins are available for immediate sale, potentially reducing short-term selling pressure and supporting price stability or upward momentum. Public companies, notably Strategy (co-founded by Michael Saylor), have acquired over 425,000 BTC since November 2024, with Strategy alone holding 285,980 BTC. This corporate accumulation is a major driver of the supply reduction.

The decline in exchange reserves has coincided with increased network activity (e.g., 1.16% rise in active addresses to 10.17 million) and technical indicators suggesting a bullish phase, though short-term volatility remains possible due to reduced liquidity. Bitcoin’s price was reported at around $87,653–$97,000 in March–April 2025, with support levels near $81,325.

Similar drops in exchange supply have historically preceded bullish market phases, as seen in 2018 and 2020, though low on-chain activity and transaction fees raise concerns about Bitcoin’s long-term security budget. This trend could lead to a supply squeeze if demand rises, potentially driving prices higher, though volatility persists due to macroeconomic factors and market sentiment.

When Bitcoin supply on exchanges drops (like the current low of ~7.53% of circulating supply, or ~2.6 million BTC as of March 2025), fewer coins are readily available for trading or selling. Many investors move Bitcoin to self-custody (e.g., hardware wallets) or long-term storage, reducing the liquid supply on exchanges. Institutional and corporate buying (e.g., Strategy’s 285,980 BTC holdings) further locks up supply.

Demand for Bitcoin can rise due to factors like institutional adoption, macroeconomic uncertainty (e.g., inflation fears), or bullish market sentiment. New buyers, including retail investors, funds, or corporations, enter the market seeking to acquire Bitcoin. With fewer Bitcoins available on exchanges, even moderate increases in demand can lead to significant price increases because buyers compete for a limited pool of coins.

Sellers may hold off, expecting higher prices, further tightening supply and amplifying the squeeze. A supply squeeze can trigger rapid price surges, as seen in past Bitcoin bull runs (e.g., 2017, 2020–2021). It can also increase volatility, as low liquidity on exchanges means smaller trades can cause outsized price movements. The Bitcoin supply on exchanges is at its lowest since 2018, reducing the pool of coins available for immediate sale.

Companies like Strategy and Metaplanet are aggressively buying and holding Bitcoin, removing it from circulation. Rising active addresses (10.17 million, up 1.16%) and bullish technical indicators (e.g., price support at ~$81,325, trading at ~$87,653–$93,000) suggest growing interest. Increased institutional adoption, ETF inflows, or macroeconomic events (e.g., fiat currency devaluation) could spike demand, intensifying the squeeze.

A supply squeeze can lead to sharp price corrections if speculative demand wanes or profit-taking occurs. Low exchange reserves can exacerbate price swings due to reduced market depth. Regulatory changes, macroeconomic shifts, or network issues (e.g., low transaction fees impacting Bitcoin’s security budget) could disrupt the squeeze.

A Bitcoin supply squeeze happens when low exchange reserves meet rising demand, creating a scarcity-driven price surge. The current drop in exchange supply to 2018 lows sets the stage for a potential squeeze, especially if demand accelerates, though volatility and external risks remain.

China Vows to Hit 5% Growth in 2025 as Tariff Showdown with U.S. Intensifies

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Samuel Nwite

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April 28, 2025

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China has vowed to meet its 5% economic growth target for 2025, using a mix of stronger macroeconomic policies and global outreach, even as trade tensions with the United States deepen into a full-scale standoff.

Finance Minister Lan Fo’an made the bold pledge during meetings in Washington this week, stressing that China would roll out “more proactive and effective macro policies” to stabilize its economy and contribute to global growth. His remarks, posted on the Ministry of Finance’s website Saturday, come at a time when rising protectionism, bolstered by President Donald Trump’s tariff campaign, threatens to pull the two biggest economies further apart.

Lan’s statements were not simply about reassuring global markets — they were part of a broader message of defiance. China’s push to hit 5% growth has become a symbolic response to the escalating tariff battle initiated by President Trump. It is a signal that Beijing will not back down under pressure, and is instead doubling down on stimulus and international diplomacy to outlast Washington’s economic onslaught.

The world is now watching to see who blinks first.

A Standoff with No End in Sight

The confrontation between Washington and Beijing has escalated over the past months, with Trump imposing successive waves of tariffs on Chinese goods, citing unfair trade practices and national security concerns. China, in turn, has responded with retaliatory tariffs, while also accelerating efforts to open up other parts of its economy to non-U.S. partners.

Lan, along with People’s Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng, used the high-profile IMF and World Bank meetings to accuse the United States of “wantonly imposing tariffs” and undermining global trade stability. In a separate statement, Pan criticized Washington for infringing upon the “legitimate rights and interests” of other countries, pointing to a world economy weakened by such confrontations.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking at a China-Central Asia gathering in Kazakhstan, also lambasted the U.S. approach as “extreme egoism,” accusing Washington of bullying smaller nations into accepting unfair terms. He reaffirmed that China would stand firm against what he described as protectionist moves, further underlining Beijing’s refusal to yield to American pressure.

Despite this public posturing, confusion clouds the true state of negotiations. Trump, in a recent interview, claimed that fresh talks were underway with Beijing. Chinese officials quickly dismissed that claim, denying any current negotiations. The public contradictions suggest that both sides are locked in a high-stakes game of brinkmanship, unwilling even to agree on whether they are talking.

Economists Doubt 5% Target, but China Digs In

China’s economy grew 5.4% in the last quarter year-on-year, driven largely by consumer stimulus and an export rush as companies scrambled to ship goods before new U.S. tariffs hit. Still, major global banks like UBS, Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and Société Générale have lowered their forecasts for China’s 2025 growth to around 4% or even lower, citing persistent structural weaknesses and the drag from trade hostilities.

Even so, Lan and other top Chinese officials maintain that the 5% target is non-negotiable. Beijing believes that sustaining strong growth is essential not just for domestic stability but for demonstrating resilience in the face of American economic warfare.

Pledging new stimulus measures, Lan said China would strengthen support for key sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and private enterprise investment — areas most vulnerable to external shocks. The government also plans to widen access to its vast domestic market, particularly for countries willing to bypass U.S.-dominated trade routes.

China Recasts Itself as Defender of Global Trade

Lan used his platform in Washington to link China’s domestic growth ambitions with a global mission to defend multilateralism and free trade. He praised reforms at the World Bank aimed at strengthening support for the private sector and fighting poverty and quoted President Xi Jinping’s calls for building “bridges, not walls” in international trade.

China’s narrative seeks to cast itself as a reliable partner in global economic relations, contrasting its message of openness with what it portrays as Washington’s increasing isolationism. Lan emphasized that China remains committed to offering zero-tariff treatment to goods from the world’s least developed countries that maintain diplomatic ties with Beijing while inviting others to tap into its domestic market.

At the same time, he warned that the rising tide of protectionism, driven by new U.S. tariffs, threatens to reverse decades of global poverty reduction and economic development. Organizations like the World Bank, he argued, must resist pressure to abandon principles of free and non-discriminatory trade.

Debt Talks, Development, and China’s Growing Influence

Beyond tariffs, China is quietly expanding its influence in other key areas. At the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable, Lan joined other finance leaders to discuss solutions for debt-laden developing economies. Beijing, often criticized for the terms of its lending under its Belt and Road Initiative, is now seeking to play a more visible role in reshaping debt frameworks — though still largely on its own terms.

Lan argued that helping countries avoid financial collapse was critical to stabilizing global markets, but he also made clear that China would not support solutions that simply transfer more burden onto lenders like itself.

Beijing’s insistence on hitting 5% growth, even in the face of mounting challenges, highlights how much the current trade conflict with the U.S. has evolved into a broader geopolitical contest over resilience, credibility, and leadership.

Both sides appear determined to outlast the other. China, by mobilizing every lever of state power to support growth and foster global alliances; Washington, by tightening tariffs and betting that China’s internal contradictions will eventually force it to make concessions.

Neither side is blinking yet — but the longer the standoff drags on, the more risk it poses to global economic stability.

OmniRetail Secures $20M Series A to Scale B2B Commerce And Embedded Finance Across West Africa

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