The divide between Web2 and Web3 has always been one of blockchain’s biggest challenges. On one side, we have decades of mature internet infrastructure that powers everything from banking to social media. On the other hand, there’s a decentralised, trustless future where users control their data and transactions. Bridging these two worlds isn’t just about technology, it’s about creating seamless interoperability, real-world use cases, and user experiences that make sense for both developers and everyday people.
Subzero Labs believes it has found that bridge. Through its Rialo project, the company has raised $20 million to create an event-driven network that integrates Web2’s scalability with Web3’s decentralization. It’s a bold vision that could redefine how businesses and individuals adopt blockchain in the years ahead.
Understanding the Rialo Vision
At its core, Rialo is about removing the friction that slows down Web3 adoption. Today, most Web3 applications feel disconnected from the platforms and data sources people already use in Web2. Developers have to build workarounds, create custom integrations, or rely on centralized APIs that compromise decentralization.
Rialo tackles this problem with three core pillars:
- RISC-V Architecture for Flexibility and Performance
RISC-V is an open-source instruction set architecture (ISA) known for its efficiency and customization. By using RISC-V, Rialo can optimize for blockchain-specific workloads without the constraints of proprietary chip designs. This allows for tailored performance in areas like cryptographic processing, secure computation, and real-time data handling. - Native Web Data Integration
One of Web3’s persistent hurdles is accessing and interacting with Web2 data securely and efficiently. Rialo’s infrastructure makes it possible to pull, process, and verify Web2 data without leaving the decentralized environment. Imagine a decentralized insurance app instantly validating data from a Web2 weather API, or a blockchain-based supply chain solution pulling live inventory data from an enterprise ERP system. - Solana VM Compatibility
Rialo isn’t reinventing the wheel. Instead, it leverages existing high-performance blockchain ecosystems like Solana. With Solana Virtual Machine (VM) compatibility, developers can deploy smart contracts and applications that already work in the Solana ecosystem, but with the added benefit of Rialo’s Web2 bridging capabilities.
Why Bridging Web2 and Web3 Matters Now
The timing for a project like Rialo couldn’t be better. Web3 has moved past the purely speculative phase and is now being tested for real-world adoption in industries like finance, logistics, and media. However, many businesses hesitate because Web3 systems can’t easily communicate with their existing Web2 infrastructure.
By creating a native bridge between the two, Rialo removes a significant adoption barrier. Companies can integrate blockchain solutions without having to replace or rebuild their entire tech stack. That means faster deployment, lower costs, and reduced risk.
Related article: What Makes Oracles Essential to Web3 Infrastructure?
For end-users, this bridge could mean smoother onboarding into Web3. Instead of dealing with unfamiliar wallets or disconnected interfaces, users can interact with decentralized applications that work with familiar Web2 tools and platforms.
Practical Applications of Rialo’s Infrastructure
The potential use cases for Rialo span multiple industries:
- Finance: A decentralized lending platform could verify a borrower’s Web2 financial history in real time without relying on centralized credit agencies.
- Gaming: Game developers could create blockchain-based economies that interact with off-chain player data, achievements, or in-game events.
- Healthcare: Medical records stored in secure Web2 databases could be referenced by Web3 applications for patient consent management or research data sharing.
- Supply Chain: A blockchain ledger could track goods in real time by pulling IoT sensor data from Web2 systems directly into a decentralized network.
Each of these examples shows how Rialo’s infrastructure reduces the gap between what’s possible and what’s practical.
The Funding Boost and What It Means
Subzero Labs’ $20 million raise is more than just a financial milestone. It signals investor confidence in the idea that Web2 and Web3 don’t have to be siloed worlds. The capital will help Rialo scale its infrastructure, attract top developer talent, and expand its partnerships with enterprises looking to explore blockchain without starting from scratch.
Moreover, the backing suggests that the market is ready for solutions that focus on hybrid connectivity rather than a full migration to decentralized systems overnight.
The Road Ahead
Bridging Web2 and Web3 isn’t a one-time technical challenge; it’s an ongoing process that will evolve alongside both ecosystems. For Rialo, the next steps include:
- Expanding developer tools and SDKs to make integration simple and accessible.
- Building out governance models that balance decentralization with enterprise needs.
- Partnering with industry-specific leaders to create flagship applications that showcase the power of this bridge.
If these plans succeed, Rialo could become one of the foundational layers of the next generation internet — a layer where Web2 efficiency and Web3 sovereignty coexist.
Final Thoughts
The Web3 revolution won’t happen in isolation. It will come through projects like Rialo that make blockchain relevant to the systems we already rely on. By combining RISC-V architecture, native Web2 data integration, and Solana VM compatibility, Subzero Labs is building more than just a platform; it’s building a pathway for Web3 to step confidently into the mainstream.
With fresh funding, a clear technical vision, and a focus on real-world use cases, Rialo is positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of decentralized applications. For developers, enterprises, and everyday users, that bridge could be the key to unlocking Web3’s full potential.
