Laser Digital Launches NEAR Adoption Fund to Boost Institutional Investment in Blockchain Technology
Tokyo, Japan — Laser Digital, the digital assets subsidiary of the Japanese financial services giant Nomura, has officially launched a new investment fund aimed at fostering institutional adoption of the NEAR Protocol. This new initiative, named the Laser Digital NEAR Adoption Fund, is designed to provide long-term exposure to NEAR (NEAR), the native token of a blockchain that emphasizes artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
A New Investment Opportunity
Building on its previous success with the Bitcoin (BTC) Adoption Fund launched in September 2023, Laser Digital aims to expand its portfolio by targeting the burgeoning intersection of AI and blockchain technology through the NEAR Protocol. As interest in digital assets continues to grow among institutional investors, the NEAR Adoption Fund offers a unique opportunity for these entities to leverage blockchain technology for economic returns while simultaneously supporting the growth and adoption of the NEAR ecosystem.
Powered by Institutional-Grade Staking
The NEAR Adoption Fund will utilize TruStake, an institutional-grade staking solution developed by the cryptocurrency platform TruFin. Staking is a mechanism that allows participants within the blockchain ecosystem to engage in consensus-building and earn rewards, adding an additional layer of engagement for those investing in NEAR.
Jez Mohideen, CEO of Laser Digital, elaborated on the fund’s potential, stating, “The fund gives investors a seamless way to gain exposure to digital assets through long-oriented exposure to the NEAR protocol that combines two major investment themes of digital assets and AI, alongside a carry overlay via the staking.”
The Role of NEAR in AI and Blockchain
The NEAR Protocol has been recognized as one of the leading tokens in the AI space, positioning itself as a key player at the convergence of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Key features of the protocol include user-owned AI, chain abstraction, a sharded blockchain, and an innovative transaction model endorsed by the Ethereum Foundation. These characteristics are pivotal as the world increasingly turns toward decentralized AI solutions.
The fund’s structure is designed to serve institutional and professional investors seeking robust avenues for investment in the evolving digital assets landscape. However, Laser Digital has designated that the NEAR Adoption Fund will not be available to investors in the United States, citing regulatory considerations.
Accessibility and Formats
The Laser Digital NEAR Adoption Fund will be accessible to eligible investors in selected jurisdictions, excluding the U.S. Both traditional investment formats and offerings through wealth management platforms will be available, making it easier for institutional investors to participate in this new venture.
As the landscape for AI and Web3 continues to evolve, Laser Digital’s NEAR Adoption Fund could serve as a vital conduit for institutions looking to capitalize on the growing momentum of decentralized technologies and their applications in artificial intelligence. With NEAR standing at the forefront of this revolution, the fund aims to bring these advanced technological solutions to fruition in the financial markets.
As interest in digital assets grows, initiatives like this reflect a significant shift towards embracing innovation in finance, paving the way for a future where blockchain and AI are deeply integrated within the investment sphere.
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