Animoca Brands, a leading venture capital firm in the crypto space, is strategically positioning itself for 2025 by focusing on key trends within the blockchain and digital asset ecosystem. According to Omar Elissar, Animoca Brands’ Managing Director for the Middle East and Head of Global Strategic Partnerships, the company is actively exploring opportunities in real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration with blockchain, and the continued evolution of Web3 gaming.
Key Investment Areas for Animoca Brands:
- Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenization: Animoca recognizes the potential of bringing traditional assets onto the blockchain, increasing liquidity and efficiency.
- AI and Crypto Convergence: Exploring the intersection of AI and blockchain technology for innovative applications and solutions.
- Web3 Gaming: A core focus, with an emphasis on developing and investing in games that offer compelling gameplay and true digital ownership.
- Decentralized Science (DeSci): Investigating alternative use cases for blockchain technology in the scientific research and development space.
- Stablecoins: Recognizing their role in providing stability and facilitating transactions within the crypto ecosystem.
Web3 Gaming: A Resurgence
Elissar noted that while the Web3 gaming space may have experienced a period of relative quiet, significant development has been occurring behind the scenes. He highlighted the emergence of genuinely enjoyable Web3 games, addressing previous criticisms regarding the lack of engaging gameplay.
Animoca Brands and Stablecoins: A Hong Kong Dollar Initiative
In February 2025, Animoca Brands partnered with Standard Chartered Bank and Hong Kong Telecommunications (HKT) to develop a Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoin. This initiative aims to create a stable and regulated digital currency pegged 1:1 to the Hong Kong dollar. The stablecoin is currently pending approval from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), which is actively developing comprehensive stablecoin regulations.
Partnership with Sony’s Soneium Blockchain
Animoca Brands has also forged a partnership with Soneium, a Layer-1 blockchain developed by Sony. The collaboration focuses on creating a digital identification system that utilizes anime character avatars to represent on-chain user identities. This innovative approach aims to enhance user experience and security within the Soneium blockchain ecosystem.
Animoca Brands’ Financial Performance
Animoca Brands reported a 12% year-over-year growth in bookings for the 2024 fiscal year, demonstrating its continued success and expansion within the Web3 space. Bookings represent the total value of revenue plus revenue that has been committed but not yet received.
The Future of Animoca Brands and Web3
Animoca Brands’ strategic focus on AI, gaming, and tokenized assets positions them as a key player in shaping the future of Web3. Their investments and partnerships are likely to drive innovation and adoption across various sectors, contributing to the continued growth of the decentralized ecosystem. By actively pursuing these key trends and forming strategic alliances, Animoca Brands is well-positioned to capitalize on the evolving landscape of blockchain technology and digital assets in 2025 and beyond.
