TL;DR
IOST raised $21 million in a strategic funding round led by DWF Labs, Presto, and Rollman Management Group.
The capital will be used to strengthen and scale its core infrastructure for tokenizing real-world assets (RWA) in fully regulated markets.
Japan, where IOST already holds official government approval, will be the initial focus of deployment, with a carefully planned expansion into the broader Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
The modular blockchain IOST confirmed a $21 million investment to significantly expand its infrastructure dedicated to real-world asset tokenization. This important and timely initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of regulated DeFi ecosystems and the deployment of scalable, secure blockchain solutions, with a strong emphasis on interoperability, compliance, and robust security measures.
Institutional backing came from major industry players such as DWF Labs, Presto, and Rollman Management Group. Rather than simply providing capital alone, these stakeholders committed long-term through a node allocation mechanism that supports sustainable growth, aligns incentives with the network’s core objectives, and simultaneously promotes greater decentralization and active participation from validators on a truly global scale.
Initial Expansion in Japan and Gateway to Asia-Pacific
IOST is already well positioned in Japan, being one of the few public blockchains approved by the “Japan Virtual Currency Exchange Association” (JVCEA) and supervised by the “Financial Services Agency” (JFSA). This prestigious accreditation makes it an ideal infrastructure for institutional financial applications that demand the highest levels of compliance and regulatory standards.
IOST’s RWA 3.0 ecosystem features a high-performance layer 1 architecture, EVM-compatible subnets, and a permissionless deployment model designed to facilitate the issuance of tokenized assets with comprehensive regulatory guarantees. This advanced framework not only delivers technical efficiency but also legal certainty—a crucial factor for attracting traditional capital and speeding up the integration of DeFi products in tightly regulated markets.
Bridging Traditional Finance and Blockchain Technology
Asset tokenization has increasingly captured the interest of traditional finance sectors seeking efficient ways to digitize instruments like bonds, real estate, and equities. With this new funding round, IOST positions itself as a key player in this convergence, providing a platform tailored to institutional needs and local regulations.
At a time when interoperability and scalability are critical for success, IOST’s strategy focuses on building a network capable of supporting the growth of regulated DeFi without compromising decentralization. With sights set on Europe, North America, and the Middle East, the company strengthens its commitment to developing blockchain infrastructure designed for the long term and the seamless integration of real-world assets on a global scale.
