Andreessen Horowitz Leads $80M Funding for Blockchain Startup Story That Aims to Protect Creators' IP from AI Companies

San Francisco-based startup Story has raised $80 million to develop a blockchain designed to protect creators' intellectual property from being used without permission by AI companies like OpenAI. Story raised funds in a Series B round, led by Andreessen Horowitz. Other investors included crypto-focused firm Polychain and Brevan Howard, the investment fund of billionaire Alan Howard. Story aims to prevent copyright infringement by embedding licensing and royalty terms into smart contracts on its platform. The funding will help Story expand its IP network and onboard more developers. The technology allows creators to safeguard their work in an increasingly AI-driven world.