Astra

Astra Protocol provides a decentralized compliance layer for the Web3 and DeFi sectors, offering tools for Know Your Customer (KYC), Know Your Business (KYB), and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) without compromising user anonymity. The company was founded by Arthur Ali, Jez Noah Ali, and Damien O'Brien. Jez Noah Ali and Arthur Ali are private equity investors with a shared portfolio of over 80 patents, including Astra's. Damien O’Brien is an entrepreneur with a background in developing commercial relationships and raising capital.

The company's core technology is a globally patented professional service layer known as the Decentralized Legal Network (DLN). This network connects decentralized applications to legal and audit firms, enabling on-chain dispute resolution and ensuring adherence to financial regulations across more than 155 countries. The platform utilizes AI, machine learning, and biometric verification to streamline identity verification. Its services are designed for various online domains, including finance, gaming, and the sharing economy. Astra operates a plug-in model, allowing crypto platforms to integrate its compliance solutions easily.

The business model is centered around the use of its native utility token, ASTRA, an ERC-20 token. Dapps use the ASTRA token to pay for KYC and KYB services. The company has formed strategic partnerships with entities like KPMG, Tokensoft, Credefi, and Menthol Protocol to expand its ecosystem. Since its inception, Astra Protocol has secured significant funding, including a $9 million token raise in December 2021 and a subsequent Series A round.

Keywords: decentralized compliance, Know Your Customer, KYC, Anti-Money Laundering, AML, Web3, Decentralized Legal Network, DLN, on-chain compliance, regulatory compliance, DeFi, crypto compliance, identity verification, biometric authentication, blockchain security, ERC-20, utility token, dispute resolution, financial regulation, crypto applications