Animoca Brands, an important player in the Web3 spacemakes part of its private equity available to the public – via blockchain. Through a new partnership with Republic, the company is tokenizing its shares on Solana, allowing investors to buy and trade fractional shares online.
Until now, ownership of part of Animoca has been limited to select deals in private markets. This step could change that.
Key Takeaways
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Republic will tokenize some of Animoca Brands’ private equity on Solana.
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Tokenized shares are not yet live for trading; approvals are still pending.
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The rights associated with these tokens (votes, dividends, etc.) have not been disclosed.
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Republic has a large global investor base and infrastructure for compliant secondary markets.
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Solana’s high-speed blockchain infrastructure powers what the Solana Foundation calls “Internet Capital Markets.”
What’s happening?
Republic will mint digital tokens on the Solana Blockchain representing the ownership of Animoca Brands. These tokens go directly to investors’ wallets and can be traded like any other digital asset.
Because Animoca is not listed on a public exchange, this gives more people the opportunity to invest in the company for the first time, without having to buy a large, traditional equity stake.
Other companies such as INX and Securitize have already tested similar models, showing how blockchain can open private markets to a wider audience.
The regulatory dimension
Trading does not open immediately. Investors can join Republic’s waiting list, but access is subject to regulatory approval.
Republic emphasizes compliance through KYC/AML checks and a regulated marketplace. The press release did not mention specific frameworks, such as MiCAR or UK regulations, but emphasized that the tokenization takes place within established securities law.
Another open question is the rights of investors. Republic did not disclose whether these tokens will receive voting rights, dividends or other shareholder rights, noting that terms may vary depending on how the equity is structured.
How can you invest?
If you already own Animoca shares, you will soon be able to claim your shares as on-chain tokens. If you’re new, Republic will open a waitlist to join once approvals are granted.
Once trading begins, you can buy and sell fractional shares through Republic’s platform. This means that you can enter with smaller amounts; you don’t have to buy entire blocks of shares, as with traditional investing.
Why it matters
This isn’t just a win for Animoca– it could mark a shift in the way private equity works. Tokenization creates a path for greater liquidity, broader investor access, and real-time settlement.
Analysts expect trillions of dollars real world possessions– just like real estate and private equity – could eventually end up on blockchain rails. By taking this step, Animoca offers a realistic example of what that could look like.
Animoca’s decision highlights how tokenization can make private equity more accessible and liquid.
Yat Siu, executive chairman and co-founder of Animoca Brands, said: “We are excited by Republic’s initiative to symbolize Animoca Brands’ equity, a move that resonates with our core belief in democratizing ownership and access.”
Final thought
Animoca Brands’ move to tokenize equity on Solana, with Republic providing the infrastructure, reflects both the opportunities and limits of tokenized assets. It provides new access to one of Web3’s most prominent companies, but investors should note that trading is not yet live and shareholder rights have yet to be defined.