About

DATA Network is developing infrastructure for sourcing, verifying, and monetizing data used to train artificial intelligence models. Formerly known as Story, the network has shifted its focus from broad intellectual property infrastructure toward AI training data, providing rails for establishing data provenance, licensing rights, contributor attribution, and auditability. Through products such as Trace, DATA Network creates tamper-resistant records of where data originated and how it can be used, helping connect data contributors with developers and AI companies seeking rights-cleared, high-quality datasets.

History

Data Network (formerly Story Protocol) was founded in 2022 by Seung Yoon Lee, Jason Levy, and Jason Zhao to develop open infrastructure for registering, licensing, and monetizing intellectual property.

In February 2025, Story Protocol launched its mainnet and $IP token, following $140 million in funding, including an $80 million Series B led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z).

In April 2025, the Story Protocol team launched the IP Portal Beta, providing an interface for users to register and manage IP on the network.

In July 2025, Story introduced its Chapter 2 strategy, expanding its focus toward AI-native infrastructure and real-world data for AI training.

In August 2025, Story Protocol Co-founder Jason Zhao stepped down from his role as CPO. Andrea Muttoni succeeded him, while Sandeep Chinchali was appointed Chief AI Officer.

In September 2025, Story Protocol activated its v1.3.2 Hard Fork, introducing upgrades to the network.

In June 2026, Story rebranded around its growing focus on AI data infrastructure. Story Foundation became the DATA Foundation, Story Network became DATA Network, and the $IP token was renamed $DATA. The rebrand narrowed the network's focus from general-purpose programmable IP toward infrastructure for sourcing, verifying, licensing, and processing human data used to train AI models.