Terminal 3 Raises $8M for Decentralized Data Privacy

April 30, 2025 – Terminal 3, a Hong Kong-based Web3 infrastructure startup, has announced the successful closing of an US$8 million seed funding round. The investment will fuel the development of a groundbreaking data privacy and security protocol set to launch later this year, and further accelerate the adoption of its decentralized identity and credential management platform for enterprises. With a current user base of nearly 8 million across various blockchains and industries, Terminal 3 is poised to reshape how businesses manage and protect user data in the burgeoning era of AI.

The funding round was co-led by Illuminate Financial, a venture capital firm specializing in B2B fintech and enterprise solutions, and CMCC Global’s Titan Fund, a leading blockchain venture fund. Prominent investors participating in the round include Animoca Brands, a global leader in digital property rights and Web3 gaming, Progression Fund, IDG Blockchain, and Cherubic Ventures. Existing investors 500 Global, ConsenSys Mesh, Hard Yaka, and BlackPine also contributed to the round, demonstrating continued confidence in Terminal 3's vision.

Addressing the Growing Need for Data Privacy and Security in the AI Era

Terminal 3’s platform offers a vital solution to the increasing demand for secure and private data management in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. As AI, particularly agentic AI, becomes increasingly integrated into business operations, ensuring data privacy and security becomes paramount. Terminal 3 leverages blockchain technology and privacy-enhancing technologies, such as zero-knowledge cryptography, to provide secure, self-sovereign storage of user data with fully private access. This innovative approach allows businesses to leverage the power of AI while protecting user privacy and complying with evolving data regulations.

“The demand for user data is growing exponentially, increasing privacy risks for billions of people,” said Gary Liu, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Terminal 3. “Simultaneously, evolving data regulations and security requirements are burdening enterprises with significant compliance costs, impacting user experience and hindering the adoption of emerging technologies like AI. This funding will propel Terminal 3’s enterprise solutions, empowering businesses to embrace new technologies while safeguarding their users and reducing costs.”

Terminal 3’s platform addresses a wide range of applications, from banking and government credentials to social media and marketing. The company recently unveiled an authentication and authorization platform for AI agents, designed to provide trust, security, and privacy for autonomous transactions. This platform is crucial for the responsible scaling of the agentic AI market, projected to grow by an astounding 4,000% in the next decade.

A Team Built for Success

Terminal 3 was co-founded by Gary Liu (CEO), Malcolm Ong (CPO), and Joey Liu (COO), a team with extensive experience at leading technology companies including Google, Spotify, Microsoft, and Uber. The trio previously spearheaded the digital transformation of the South China Morning Post, where Gary Liu served as CEO from 2016 to 2022. Their combined expertise and vision position Terminal 3 for continued growth and innovation in the Web3 space.

Investor Perspectives

“We are at a critical inflection point for digital assets and decentralized technologies across global financial markets,” said Luca Zorzino, General Partner and Head of Asia at Illuminate Financial. “Secure data and identity are key to unlocking these massive opportunities. We believe Terminal 3’s innovative solutions will accelerate institutional adoption while ushering in a new era of digital trust.”

Shiau Sin Yen, Co-founder and Managing Partner of CMCC’s Titan Fund, added, “The growth of the digital asset industry hinges on verifiable identity solutions that address regulatory compliance, interoperability, and trust. We believe the co-founders’ unique blend of experience, expertise, and vision has driven the company’s early success and future potential.”

About Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is building the data infrastructure for a decentralized future. The company provides an alternative to centralized data systems, empowering an equitable Web3 where fully private user data is freely composable. Backed by world-class investors, Terminal 3 is committed to developing world-class data security and privacy solutions that protect user rights globally.

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