DePIN project Vangrid raises $9 million in token round to build spatial data network for physical AI
Quick TakeVangrid has raised $9 million in a token round backed by HashKey, Crypto.com Capital, Animoca Brands, and others, CEO Robert Brighton told The Block.The DePIN project plans to use the funding to grow its spatial data network for Physical AI applications, including robots and autonomous agents. Vangrid, a decentralized physical infrastructure network, or DePIN, focused on collecting spatial data, has raised $9 million in a seed funding round. HashKey, Borderless, Crypto.com Capital, Animoca Brands, Gate Labs and Mapleblock Capital participated in the round as “key stakeholders,” Vangrid co-founder and CEO Robert Brighton told The Block. “The round combines financial investors with strategic partners who contributed infrastructure, technology and exchange relationships rather than only capital,” Brighton said. Vangrid started fundraising in August 2025 and completed the round through multiple tranches in January 2026, Brighton said, noting that it waited to announce until the network was live. The seed round was structured as a simple agreement for future tokens, or SAFT, Brighton said, declining to comment on Vangrids valuation. He also noted that no board seats were granted as part of the round. Vangrid plans to use the funding to grow its spatial data network and form partnerships with companies building Physical AI infrastructure and applications. Spatial data