EarnOS, a digital advertising startup, raised $6 million in a pre-Series A funding round led by 1kx on Wednesday, with participation from Coinbase Ventures, Circle Ventures, and Social Graph Ventures. The company simultaneously launched its 'ero' app from beta in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. EarnOS designed ero to address brand losses exceeding $100 billion annually to bots, fake engagement, and AI-generated content by verifying human internet traffic and rewarding authentic digital behavior.
1kx Leads $6 Million Funding Round for EarnOS
The pre-Series A round was led by 1kx, with participation from Coinbase Ventures, Circle Ventures, and Social Graph Ventures, according to EarnOS's Wednesday announcement. EarnOS founder and CEO Phil George stated the funding round focuses on building the "Verified Internet." George said brands lose over $100 billion annually to bots, fake engagement, and AI-generated noise, and that ero inverts this model by enabling brands to pay only for verified outcomes while users earn money for the value they create online.
Ero App Launches in Four Markets with Human Verification System
The ero app emerged from beta on Wednesday to launch in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, according to a company statement. Ero is designed to help brands verify human internet traffic, reduce waste caused by bots, and reward "authentic digital behavior," EarnOS said. Nike Innovation Labs' Senior Content and Engagement Manager John Shiel stated that EarnOS creates an opportunity to make brand interactions fun, participatory, and transparent, and to move away from AI-generated content.
Verona Commits $12.5 Million Strategic Investment Over Four Years
EarnOS secured a four-year, $12.5 million non-dilutive strategic investment from Verona, which was previously known as XION, the company announced Wednesday. Verona powers ero's verification, onboarding, and reward delivery systems at a global scale, according to EarnOS. The Layer 1 blockchain has been promoting EarnOS since at least late 2024, when Verona said EarnOS enables companies to create "missions" that users complete in exchange for rewards.
Verona Rebrands from XION and Powers Ero Infrastructure
Verona, a Layer 1 blockchain, announced its rebranding from XION on Wednesday. The company has been closely tied to EarnOS since late 2024, when brand partners included Uber, Baskin-Robbins, The North Face, Sunglass Hut, and Lacoste. Verona's infrastructure supports ero's technical operations, including verification systems and reward distribution mechanisms.
FAQ
What did EarnOS announce on Wednesday?
EarnOS announced a $6 million pre-Series A funding round led by 1kx with participation from Coinbase Ventures, Circle Ventures, and Social Graph Ventures. The company also launched its ero app from beta in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom on the same day.
How much strategic investment did Verona commit to EarnOS?
Verona committed a four-year, $12.5 million non-dilutive strategic investment to EarnOS, as announced on Wednesday. Verona powers ero's verification, onboarding, and reward delivery systems at a global scale.
