Republic to expand global investor access to Web3 giant’s private shares through Solana blockchain
Republic has announced plans to tokenize equity in Hong Kong-based Web3 investment powerhouse Animoca Brands, with the tokens set to launch on Solana. The move is designed to open new channels for global investors to gain exposure to Animoca, which is privately held but widely recognized for its role in Web3 and metaverse investments.
According to Republic, the tokenized equity will be minted on the Solana blockchain and distributed directly to investor wallets. Once issued, the shares will be tradable on Republic’s infrastructure, creating a secondary market that brings more liquidity to a traditionally illiquid asset class.
Andrew Durgee, co-CEO at Republic, highlighted the broader implications: “This initiative sets a precedent for how companies can structure their equity for the future.”
Solana’s role in the deal
The Solana Foundation’s president, Lily Liu, praised the collaboration, saying it “showcases what internet capital markets make possible, offering retail investors opportunities that were once restricted to private markets.”
Solana was chosen for its scalability and cost-efficiency, which are seen as essential for enabling seamless distribution and trading of tokenized equity.
Broader RWA momentum
The tokenization of Animoca’s equity reflects a growing trend around real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, a sector projected to represent trillions of dollars in value in coming years. Animoca itself has published research suggesting RWA integration could fundamentally transform global finance.
Recent examples highlight this momentum: BlackRock and VanEck have tokenized funds integrated with Ripple’s USD stablecoin, while Nasdaq-listed Forward Industries announced its plans to bring its equity on-chain using Solana.
Animoca’s expansion strategy
For Animoca, the move also serves a strategic purpose. The company, which has invested in more than 600 Web3 projects, continues to pursue aggressive growth and fundraising. Its metaverse arm, The Sandbox, has been restructuring, while new partnerships — such as a Web3 entertainment fund with Ibex Japan — underscore its evolving ambitions.
By tokenizing its equity, Animoca Brands is bridging private markets with blockchain accessibility, providing investors a new path to participate in one of Web3’s most influential firms. If successful, the initiative could pave the way for other global companies to tokenize their shares, accelerating the adoption of RWAs across financial markets.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.