a16z-backed DATA shifts blockchain strategy to Sui to focus on AI training data

DATA, backed by a16z, is shutting down its proprietary blockchain and moving to Sui following a $30 million investment from the Sui Foundation. The company is narrowing its focus from broad intellectual property onchain to data verification tools, specifically its Trace registry, which tracks the origins, consent terms, and licensing history of AI training data. This pivot comes after DATA found that disrupting established IP licensing markets was more difficult than expected, as many industries already have systems in place and large rights holders were hesitant to allow permissionless licensing.