Republic is set to tokenize equity in Hong Kong-based Web3 powerhouse Animoca Brands on the Solana blockchain, marking a significant real-world asset (RWA) tokenization deal that will allow global investors to gain exposure to one of the most prolific Web3 investors.

In an announcement on Tuesday, Republic confirmed that the initiative will mint tokenized Animoca equity on Solana and distribute it directly to investor wallets, enabling secondary trading through Republic’s infrastructure.

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Animoca Brands, though not publicly listed, has built a reputation as one of the most active Web3 backers, with investments in more than 600 blockchain and metaverse projects. The company has long been viewed as a bellwether for Web3 adoption, making the move into equity tokenization a milestone for private market accessibility.

Animoca Brands’ investment portfolio. Source: Animoca Brands

Andrew Durgee, co-CEO of Republic, said the effort establishes “a precedent for how companies can structure their equity for the future.” Solana Foundation president Lily Liu added that the deal highlights how “internet capital markets make possible opportunities that were once reserved exclusively for private networks.”

RWA Tokenization Gains Momentum

The Animoca announcement comes amid growing momentum for real-world asset tokenization, which many industry leaders predict could unlock trillions in value from traditional financial assets.

Animoca itself recently published research underscoring RWAs as a major future driver for blockchain adoption. Its equity tokenization effort follows moves by major asset managers such as BlackRock and VanEck, whose

tokenized funds last week began integrating Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin as an off-ramp.

Meanwhile, Nasdaq-listed Forward Industries — which holds the largest corporate Solana treasury — said it would bring its own equity on-chain, underscoring the broader institutional shift toward tokenized shares.

Animoca Expands Capital Strategy

For Animoca, the equity tokenization appears to align with a broader capital-raising and expansion strategy. The company has continued making significant investments, including participating in a $6.9 million round for decentralized science platform Bio Protocol earlier this month.

Its metaverse subsidiary, The Sandbox, has been restructuring operations as part of a longer-term growth pivot, while Animoca has also partnered with Ibex Japan — part of Antler’s corporate innovation division — to launch a Web3 entertainment-focused investment fund.