Hashed Launches Nitro by Hashed Cohort 2, Shifts to Rolling Admissions, Global Expansion Support

Hashed, a global venture capital firm specializing in blockchain and artificial intelligence, has launched the second cohort of its AI startup support program, Nitro by Hashed, and is shifting from batch-based selection to rolling admissions.

On Oct. 22, Hashed held Nitro Track Day at Hashed Lounge in Seoul's Gangnam district, where it announced the launch of Nitro Cohort 2 and outlined its operating plans. Founders and developers building AI-based products, along with industry experts, attended the event and shared use cases for AI technology as well as insights from product development.

In a keynote address, Hashed Chief Executive Officer Seojoon Kim said organizations were once built around people, but now need to operate with people and AI agents working as a single team. He said Hashed is seeking teams that do more than simply adopt AI agents, instead using them as core team members while building organizational structures that differ from traditional startups.

Beginning with the second cohort, Hashed plans to select startup teams on a rolling basis without a separate application period. When it finds a promising team, the firm plans to quickly decide whether to invest and to support overseas expansion through Hashed's global network of investors and companies. It said it will focus in particular on early-stage teams that actively use AI agents in core operations and have autonomous collaboration systems and a culture of knowledge sharing.

The event also highlighted the performance of teams from Nitro's first cohort and their experience developing AI-based products. Hashed shared growth stories from four teams — KYRO, GPTO, Elyn and GGUI — that presented their products at Game Day in April. GGUI secured investment from Hashed's main fund and posted revenue growth, while Elyn grew rapidly within a few months and achieved an exit.

In a later session, participating founders and developers shared their experiences and setbacks in building products with AI tools. The discussion examined how AI has changed the development environment, from early product creation to feature improvements based on user feedback and assessments of commercial viability. Participants also discussed the importance of understanding user demand and defining the problem to solve even as technology advances rapidly.

OpenAI also took part in the event. Anna Mutoh, head of ecosystem strategy and partnerships for Asia-Pacific at OpenAI, introduced a support program for startups that offers API credits, technical advice, support for entering global markets and promotional opportunities. OpenAI also gave a live demonstration of real-time product development using Codex.

Hashed said it plans to develop Nitro beyond a simple startup support program into an always-on community where developers, founders and experts can continue to connect and collaborate.