Republic has announced plans to tokenize equity of Animoca Brands using the Solana network. This move gives existing shareholders a way to trade their stakes more easily, while opening new access for global investors.

The tokens will be minted directly on Solana, a blockchain that Republic says is powering the next era of internet-based capital markets. Once created, the tokenized shares will be held in investor wallets and traded on Republic's global marketplace. More details about how this will work are set to follow in the coming weeks.

Animoca Equity Enters Blockchain-Based Market

Animoca Brands is not listed on any public exchange. As of now, investors can only buy or sell shares in private secondary markets like Forge or PrimaryMarkets. This new effort could change that by making equity available through a blockchain-powered platform, while staying within legal and regulatory limits.

Yat Siu, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Animoca Brands, said: "We are excited about Republic's initiative to tokenize the equity of Animoca Brands, a move that resonates with our core belief in democratizing ownership and access. This tokenization aligns strongly with Animoca Brands' position as a web3 leader, providing novel options for investors to tokenize and trade their holdings as well as broaden investment accessibility for a wider market."

Animoca Brands: A Leader in Web3 Investment

Animoca Brands is one of the biggest players in web3. The company is based in Hong Kong and has built or backed many blockchain games and projects. It has over 600 investments across the web3 space. Its portfolio includes major names like Yuga Labs, Polygon, OpenSea, Dapper Labs, and Axie Infinity.

The company also develops its own titles and ecosystems. These include The Sandbox, Anichess, and the Moca Network. It also offers services to help other web3 projects grow. These include support with tokenomics, liquidity, and research.

From Delisting to Tokenization

Though once listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Animoca Brands was delisted in March 2020. The ASX cited concerns about crypto activities, missing financial reports, and certain governance issues, like the use of SAFEs (Simple Agreements for Future Equity). Since then, Animoca has operated as a private company.

Republic's tokenized equity solution could offer a new way forward for Animoca's private shares. Tokenizing them on Solana gives a way to handle ownership digitally and more efficiently.

Andrew Durgee, Co-CEO of Republic, said: "Our initiative to tokenize Animoca Brands' equity represents a meaningful development in the convergence of traditional finance with blockchain-based solutions, setting a precedent for how companies can structure their equity for the future. We're excited to bring this opportunity to market."

Solana Powers the Tokenization Process

Republic is known for using blockchain to modernize how private markets work. With this latest move, it brings together legal structure and blockchain speed to build a new kind of investment option.

Lily Liu, President of the Solana Foundation, commented: "Tokenizing Animoca Brands' equity on Solana showcases what Internet Capital Markets make possible — instant, global access to private company ownership. Solana's high-performance infrastructure ensures that tokenized shares can move with the same speed and efficiency as the internet itself. This is a glimpse of the future, where retail investors worldwide can participate in opportunities once reserved for a few, and companies can tap into liquidity and distribution on a global scale."

Solana's focus is on speed, scalability, and low transaction costs. These features make it well-suited for tokenized assets that may need to move quickly and securely.

Token Access Within Regulatory Guidelines

Republic says that this tokenization plan will be built within a framework that meets regulatory needs. That means investors will need to follow the same legal requirements that apply to private equity. But the use of tokens will simplify the way shares are owned and traded.

Animoca's role in this plan is as the issuer of the equity. Republic will manage the tech, regulatory structure, and marketplace. Once live, the tokenized shares should offer an easier path to enter or exit positions in the company.

Republic Expands Private Market Access

Republic's ecosystem spans over 2,500 companies, with more than 3 million members across 150 countries. The firm has deployed over $3 billion through its platforms, investment funds, and advisory businesses.

It has recently launched products like Mirror Tokens, which offer early access to companies on the path to going public. It also opened retail access to opportunities with Hamilton Lane, a global asset manager.

Animoca Brands' Mission in Web3

Animoca Brands was founded in January 2014 by Yat Siu and David Kim. Its main mission is to build and support projects that give digital property rights to users. It does this through the use of NFTs and other forms of tokenization. This idea is central to what is often called the "open metaverse," a vision of a future where users, not platforms, control their digital assets.

In practice, this means building games, tools, and services that let users buy, sell, and own in-game items, digital identities, or currencies across many platforms. For example, The Sandbox allows players to build and trade in a virtual world using the SAND token, while Moca Network helps unify user identity across different apps.

Multi-Layer Strategy and Global Partners

Apart from making its own games and apps, Animoca also supports other developers by investing in them or offering advisory services. It has worked with companies like YGG, Magic Eden, and Consensys. It also holds partnerships with major brands, including Disney, WWE, and the NBA.

Republic's tokenization of Animoca's equity is one of the most high-profile cases so far where a major web3 firm is using blockchain not just for games or NFTs, but for financial systems itself.

Republic's platform is known for enabling both retail and institutional investors to enter private markets. It offers services ranging from wallet tech to digital asset advisory and even its own asset management wing. Republic is backed by big names like Galaxy Interactive, AngelList, and Valor Equity Partners.

The tokenized shares in Animoca will first go to investors who are eligible to take part. Once distributed, they can be held in digital wallets and traded on Republic's marketplace. The team confirmed that updates and more specifics about the rollout will be made public on its website.

To stay up-to-date, visit www.republic.com/animoca.