The once-niche practice of bringing traditional financial assets onto blockchains is accelerating into a standard Wall Street pursuit, underscored by a major $82.5 million Series B funding round for infrastructure startup Superstate. Led by Bain Capital Crypto and Distributed Global, with backing from prominent investors like Haun Ventures and Galaxy Digital, the capital injection fuels the expansion of tokenization platforms as giants from BlackRock to the New York Stock Exchange embrace on-chain assets. This convergence is creating a competitive new frontier where tokenized stocks and funds are no longer just for holding but are becoming dynamic tools within decentralized finance.
about Superstate Raises $82.5M to Expand Tokenized Stocks & FundsRobert Leshner
0 posts last weekTokenizing Stocks, Cars to Drive Blockchain Adoption
Superstate CEO Robert Leshner argues that tokenizing everyday assets like stocks, cars, and houses will accelerate mainstream blockchain adoption. He believes enabling investors to self-custody stocks and use them in DeFi protocols will create significant value. Successful tokenized Treasury funds already demonstrate growing institutional interest in on-chain traditional assets.
about Tokenizing Stocks, Cars to Drive Blockchain AdoptionSharpLink Tokenizes Stock on Ethereum via Superstate
Nasdaq-listed SharpLink Gaming is making a landmark move in financial markets by tokenizing its SEC-registered common stock directly on the Ethereum blockchain. Partnering with fintech firm Superstate, the company will enable SBET shareholders to hold tokenized equity through the Opening Bell platform while maintaining full regulatory compliance. This strategic initiative positions SharpLink at the forefront of digital asset innovation, aligning with the SEC’s Project Crypto while leveraging the company’s substantial $3.3 billion Ethereum treasury.
about SharpLink Tokenizes Stock on Ethereum via SuperstateGameSquare Acquires Rare CryptoPunk for $5.15M in Shares
GameSquare, a publicly traded digital media firm, purchased a rare CryptoPunk NFT for $5.15 million worth of preferred shares from Robert Leshner, founder of Compound. The NFT, one of the rarest in the collection, will serve as a ‘strategic treasury asset’ and yield-bearing investment. GameSquare plans to borrow stablecoins against high-quality NFTs like this CryptoPunk to generate yield, managed by crypto firm Dialectic. The company also holds 12,900 ETH ($48M) and has board approval to buy up to $250M in digital assets. This move aligns with a resurgence in CryptoPunk sales, with $13.6M traded recently. GameSquare’s stock has surged 72% in a month, though it remains below its recent peak.
about GameSquare Acquires Rare CryptoPunk for $5.15M in SharesTarun Chitra: DeFi’s Risk Modeling Pioneer
Tarun Chitra, a Cornell graduate in Applied Engineering Mathematics and Physics, has become a behind-the-scenes force in DeFi by leveraging his expertise in risk modeling. After stints in high-frequency trading and early Bitcoin exploration, he founded Gauntlet in 2018, a simulation engine that stress-tests DeFi protocols like Aave and Uniswap to prevent systemic failures. Beyond Gauntlet, Chitra co-founded Robot Ventures for crypto startups and introduced Aera, a DAO financial management protocol. His academic contributions include over 20 papers on protocol economics, cementing his role as a critical but understated architect of DeFi’s infrastructure.
about Tarun Chitra: DeFi's Risk Modeling PioneerEthereum’s Leadership Crisis and the Future of Crypto Regulation
Ethereum faces mounting internal and external criticism over its leadership and innovation pace, with calls for a more aggressive growth strategy amid rising competition from Solana, Base, and Tron. Justin Sun’s controversial L2 taxation proposal has sparked debates about Ethereum’s ecosystem, while Vitalik Buterin’s embrace of the Milady NFT movement signals a cultural shift. The exit of Gary Gensler from the SEC has been met with relief in the crypto community, as he returns to academia, leaving questions about future regulatory landscapes.
about Ethereum's Leadership Crisis and the Future of Crypto RegulationFairshake Raises 116 Million to Support Pro Crypto Candidates in 2026
Fairshake, a bipartisan super PAC, has raised $116 million to support pro-crypto candidates in the 2026 US midterms, reflecting the crypto industry’s growing political influence. Major contributors include a16z, Coinbase, and Ripple Labs, aiming to promote blockchain innovation and responsible regulation. The PAC’s efforts are expected to shape a Congress that fosters a favorable environment for the crypto sector.
about Fairshake Raises 116 Million to Support Pro Crypto Candidates in 2026Crypto Regulation Insights and Crowdsale Dynamics in 2024
In the latest episode of The Chopping Block, hosts Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and Robert Leshner delve into the FDIC’s alleged vendetta against the crypto industry, fueled by whistleblower claims and newly unredacted FOIA documents. They explore the rise of Echo as a crowdsale platform, its competition with CoinList, and the dynamics of token distribution, while scrutinizing regulatory agencies and the tension between venture capitalists and crowdsale platforms. The discussion also touches on community engagement strategies and a recap of 2024 podcast stats, alongside early predictions for 2025 trends.
about Crypto Regulation Insights and Crowdsale Dynamics in 2024