VivoPower International PLC has outlined a strategy to acquire $100 million Ripple shares as part of a broader initiative to integrate XRP into its corporate treasury, according to an Aug. 11 statement.

According to the statement, the $100 million investment will expose VivoPower to 211 million XRP tokens, currently valued at around $696 million.

VivoPower said it will hold both Ripple shares and XRP tokens as part of the strategy, becoming the first publicly listed US company to offer its shareholders access to both. The dual acquisition approach allows the firm to secure Ripple shares at a discount compared to market prices.

Importantly, VivoPower will obtain full legal ownership of the Ripple shares it acquires, with its name recorded directly on Ripple’s shareholder register. The firm has partnered with leading digital asset custodians such as BitGo and Nasdaq Private Market LLC to facilitate these transactions.

VivoPower CEO Kevin Chin emphasized that this move aligns with VivoPower’s long-term objective of building a robust treasury model that diversifies its holdings and offers significant upside potential for its shareholders.

The firm also noted that it will avoid purchasing Ripple shares held in special-purpose vehicles (SPVs) due to the extra fees and complexities they bring. An independent auditor will conduct quarterly reviews of VivoPower’s Ripple shareholdings to ensure transparency and accountability.

Ripple’s fundraising

VivoPower’s purchase of Ripple’s share comes less than a week after the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) granted the blockchain firm a waiver from the “bad actor” designation.

The designation had stemmed from a 2020 lawsuit in which the SEC accused Ripple of selling unregistered securities.

While the parties settled in May 2025, the injunction technically remained in place. The regulator said recent circumstances justified the waiver, clearing the way for Ripple to seek new investment without legal barriers.

Following the waiver, pro-crypto lawyer John Deaton stated:

“Ripple can continue to raise money in the private markets. One might even argue, it’s business as usual – as if the lawsuit against Ripple and the $125M fine never happened.”

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The New York Times is reporting that OpenAI has secured $8.3 billion in a new round of funding, months ahead of schedule.

According to the NYT report, this round of investors, which includes Blackstone, TPG, T. Rowe Price, Fidelity, Andreessen Horowitz, and other financial giants, has helped blow up OpenAI’s valuation to $300 billion.

OpenAI has been planning to raise $40 billion by the end of 2025. When OpenAI announced its ambitions back in March, SoftBank immediately provided $30 billion towards the goal.

Now, in addition to $2.5 billion from venture capitalists earlier this year, OpenAI has raised a reported $40.8 billion, way ahead of schedule.

For its latest round, OpenAI’s biggest investor was Dragoneer Investment Group, a venture capitalist firm that coughed up $2.8 billion for the leading AI project.

Furthermore, OpenAI’s revenues are up $3 billion over the last month, with paid subscribers reaching the 5 million mark.

Co-founder Sam Altman’s other project, the ID-focused crypto Worldcoin (WLD), has also been growing this year, launching in the US in May.

Despite the expansion of iris-scanning devices, WLD is dipping alongside the rest of the crypto markets, trading for $0.987 at time of writing, about even with its position three months ago, and down 52% since last year.

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Crypto fundraising is on pace to break records in 2025, with $16.5 billion raised in the first half alone, according to a report from CEX.IO.

According to the report, this has already surpassed the $12.2 billion recorded across all of 2024 and also exceeds the $10.9 billion raised during the 2021 bull run, the industry’s most active fundraising year to date.

Moreover, the substantial fundraising made up 5.3% of global venture capital activity in Q2 2025, the highest share in three years.

CEX.IO noted that this rising number showcases renewed interest following growing adoption trends and a post-election regulatory shift. It also suggests a rebound in investor confidence despite global venture markets remaining cautious.

Tokenless projects gain traction

One of the clearest trends in 2025 is the shift toward quality over quantity. Investors are putting larger sums into fewer projects, with the average deal size reaching nearly $20 million.

This signals growing confidence in experienced teams with sound business models, rather than speculative bets on early-stage ventures.

Meanwhile, another striking development this year is the rise of tokenless fundraising. So far this year, 82% of funded projects raised capital without launching a token.

According to CEX.IO, this shift suggests investors are prioritizing real products, sustainable revenue, and long-term fundamentals.

In contrast, 85% of token-funded projects in 2025 are underperforming on key metrics, a trend that has reinforced caution among investors.

CEX.IO concluded that the move away from token launches and toward operational businesses illustrates a maturing market. According to the firm, investors are now backing ventures that aim to build sustainable products before exploring token models.

Where the money went

finance-related projects, including CeFi and DeFi, received the lion’s share of funding. The projects raised $4.9 billion across 171 deals, or 51.4% of total investments during the period.

Other sectors like infrastructure-focused ventures, including hardware, security, oracles, and bridges, secured 17.9% of the funding.

Meanwhile, consumer-facing applications, artificial intelligence, and DePin projects followed, attracting 14.7%, 5.0%, and 3.1% of funding, respectively.

Another interesting point was that M&A activity has quietly surged, crossing the $6 billion mark, more than triple last year’s figure. CEX.IO pointed out that these deals now account for 36.7% of all crypto transactions.

According to the report, this growth emphasizes the industry’s shift toward consolidation, with companies acquiring existing platforms and technologies to accelerate user growth and strategic positioning.

An insurance startup that pays out policyholders in Bitcoin (BTC) is now reportedly valued at nearly $200 million after a successful Series A fundraising round.

According to a new report by Fortune, crypto life insurance firm Meanwhile has raised $40 million in its latest fundraising round, bringing its valuation to $190 million.

The fundraising round saw the participation of Bitcoin-focused bank Xapo and Silicon Valley mogul Wences Casares.

Meanwhile operates entirely in Bitcoin, requiring policyholders to pay in BTC while beneficiaries receive payouts in the crypto king as well.

Zach Townsend, Meanwhile’s chief executive and co-founder, told Fortune that the company has doubled its valuation since the 2022 funding round.

Townesend tells Fortune that Meanwhile operates in BTC rather than in fiat currency because Bitcoin limits the risks associated with inflation over the long run.

As stated by the CEO,

“It may feel like the dollar is not as sure a store of value as it might have been in the past. So the idea of storing some value for your kids… in this global, censorship-resistant, decentralized, uncontrollable currency in Bitcoin is very attractive.”

Meanwhile makes its profits by investing the BTC it collects from policyholders in order to fulfill its death benefit obligations.

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Venture capital funding for crypto startups has yet to rebound in line with recent regulatory clarity in the U.S. despite showing signs of recovery in the months following President Donald Trump’s election.

According to analysts, the excessive capital inflows during 2021 and 2022 did not result in proportional returns for investors, which has damaged confidence and reduced the VC money inflow.

Underwhelming performance

MV Global partner Tom Dunleavy said that the crypto industry raised excessive capital relative to the number of high-quality projects. 

He noted that venture firms optimized for short-term token gains rather than fostering long-term businesses in an emerging sector. 

Dunleavy added:

“We should be seeing the 21/22 type raises today as the industry now has a very clear long term trajectory but daily mark to market price action has destroyed sentiment.”

The average monthly VC funding for crypto startups was $3 billion in 2021 but slid almost 50% to $1.88 billion the following year. The trend has continued with 2024 only recording $801 million.

Notably, in December 2024, the amount VCs invested in crypto companies surpassed $1 billion for the first time since April of the same year. 

The threshold has been consistently surpassed since then, with $1.2 billion raised in January and $1 billion last month. However, the growth remains subdued considering the improving regulatory environment in the US.

Failed projects and investor skepticism

Mickey Hardy, chairman of Arcadia, echoed Dunleavy’s assessment, highlighting that many projects funded during the peak fundraising years are no longer operational or have abruptly ceased activity. 

This has led to increased caution among investors, as past failures have amplified skepticism regarding the viability of new crypto startups. 

However, Hardy said he believes venture capital activity will resume once the market stabilizes, noting Bitcoin’s (BTC) strengthened position as a recognized asset.

Dunleavy also acknowledged that funding could return but with a significant lag. While regulatory improvements provide a structured environment for crypto businesses, investor sentiment remains subdued due to prior losses and a shift in risk appetite.

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If you’ve been paying attention to blockchain news, you’ve probably seen the hype around NFTs and how they’re being used to fund crypto projects. NFTs started as digital collectibles but have evolved into a way to build communities and bootstrap big ideas. One example is SOON (Solana Optimistic Network) which just raised $22m through an NFT sale to support their Ethereum Layer 2 mainnet launch.

In this post, we’ll go over the basics of NFT fundraising, get into SOON’s approach and why this tech could change how we fund blockchain projects.

The Rise of NFT Fundraising

Using NFTs for fundraising offers several advantages:

1. Global Reach: Anyone in the world with internet access can participate.

2. Instant Liquidity: Buyers can trade NFTs on secondary markets, often in real time.

3. Community Engagement: NFT holders become part of an inner circle, promoting the project in ways that traditional fundraisers can’t match.

Traditionally, blockchain startups relied on venture capital (VC) funding or ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings). However, NFT-based fundraising flips the script by giving everyday investors and long-term supporters a chance to participate under the same terms as professional backers.

Meet SOON: The Ethereum L2 Project With Solana’s Speed

SOON, or Solana Optimistic Network, is a blockchain solution designed to scale Ethereum. It’s called an Ethereum Layer 2 (L2) project because it sits on top of Ethereum to help process transactions more quickly and cheaply than Ethereum’s base layer. Unlike traditional Ethereum Layer 2s, though, SOON uses the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) to handle transaction execution.

• Solana Virtual Machine (SVM): A piece of software that runs smart contracts (automated blockchain programs) originally designed for Solana’s network, now adapted to power SOON on Ethereum.

Because of the SVM, SOON claims to process blocks in 50 milliseconds, which is significantly faster than even Solana’s 400-millisecond block times. For comparison, Ethereum’s transaction times are slower and can become expensive when network usage is high. SOON’s approach aims to merge Solana’s speed with Ethereum’s robust ecosystem—potentially giving users the best of both worlds.

How SOON Raised $22 Million Through NFTs

SOON made headlines by launching an NFT collection called “COMMing SOON.” These NFTs weren’t just digital art; they were a real stake in the project’s future. Here’s how it worked:

• Equal Deal Terms for Everyone: SOON offered the same conditions to both big-name venture capital firms and individual community members.

• Token Rewards: These NFTs eventually tie into SOON’s tokenomics (how the project’s tokens are distributed), helping early supporters access benefits like governance and potential future allocations.

By breaking from the norm and giving the public the same advantages as institutional investors, SOON raised $22 million while simultaneously building goodwill with its community.

One of the key reasons SOON’s NFT sale gained traction was its fair-launch tokenomics. In simpler terms, “tokenomics” describes how a project plans to distribute its tokens—who gets them, when, and how many. SOON’s token allocation looks like this:

• 51% for the community

• 25% for the ecosystem fund

• 8% for airdrops and liquidity provision

• 10% for the team and core builders

• 6% for the treasury

This structure ensures that the majority of tokens stay within the hands of community members, giving them a real sense of ownership and control.

In a “fair launch,” tokens aren’t reserved exclusively for insiders before the general public can buy in. Projects like Hyperliquid (HYPE) took a similar approach, capturing widespread attention (and billions in airdrops). This method reduces the risk of large investors dumping tokens on ordinary buyers and keeps the community more engaged. The end result? A token distribution that people trust.

NFTs as a Springboard for Ecosystem Growth

When you think of an NFT, you might picture a digital artwork that you can collect or trade. For SOON’s NFT holders, there could be added utility, such as:

1. Access to Governance: Voting on proposals that affect SOON’s development.

2. Yield Farming Opportunities: Potential to earn extra tokens for locking up or “staking” your NFTs within the network.

3. Early Access to DApps: Some NFT collections grant first-look privileges to new decentralized applications (DApps).

By selling NFTs to a wide audience, SOON effectively recruited an army of brand advocates who have a financial and emotional stake in seeing the project succeed. This often leads to organic marketing, where community members will promote the project because they truly believe in the long-term vision.

Security and Decentralization: Building Trust

Security is a big deal in crypto especially when new projects are raising millions. SOON’s team goes through thorough security audits and encourages 3rd party reviews. A transparent process prevents exploits and builds trust with NFT holders and token investors.

Unlike projects that list tokens straight on centralized exchanges (think Binance or Coinbase), a decentralized NFT sale allows the market to set a price openly and transparently. This can potentially reduce hype-driven spikes or crashes since buyers have to interact with on-chain protocols (smart contracts) where transactions are visible to everyone.

Cross-Chain Expansion: SOON’s Next Frontier

To truly stand out, SOON isn’t stopping at just an Ethereum L2 solution. The team is working on additional solutions, such as svmBNB and Cytonic, to improve cross-chain compatibility. Cross-chain solutions are tools that help different blockchains communicate with each other. In everyday terms, imagine being able to send data or tokens from Ethereum to Solana or Binance Chain without needing a dozen complicated steps.

If SOON succeeds, it won’t just boost transaction speeds on Ethereum; it could also enhance how data moves between multiple blockchains. This could spark new opportunities for DeFi (Decentralized Finance), AI-driven apps, and other advanced use cases that need high throughput and cheaper fees.

Looking Ahead: The Future of NFT Fundraising

With billions of dollars flowing through NFT marketplaces, we may be on the cusp of a transformation in how projects seek funding. Venture capital groups are still important, but large community-driven raises like SOON’s might become the new normal. This could lead to:

1. Greater Decentralization: More users have a say in how projects evolve.

2. Improved Transparency: All transactions happen on-chain, providing a clear record of who got what and when.

3. Wider Participation: Lower barriers to entry allow people from around the world to invest smaller amounts and still play a key role.

Of course not all is smooth sailing. Regulatory uncertainty may be a problem as some governments view certain NFTs as securities and therefore subject to more rules. Market volatility is another issue as crypto prices can swing wildly and new investors can get left underwater.

But if SOON can get through these hurdles it will be the trailblazer for other projects that want to merge NFT sales, fast Layer 2 infrastructure and fair token distribution.

Conclusion: A Glimpse into a More Equitable Crypto World

SOON’s $22 million NFT sale marks a major milestone for Ethereum Layer 2 projects. By harnessing Solana’s lightning-fast Virtual Machine and adopting a “community-first” token model, SOON is showcasing what’s possible when you combine innovation with inclusivity.

If you’re new to this space, keep an eye on how NFTs evolve beyond collectibles and start serving as gateways to project ownership and governance. As more initiatives follow in SOON’s footsteps—and experiment with fair-launch fundraising—expect to see an increasing number of communities rally behind crypto projects in a way we’ve never witnessed before.

Ready to dive deeper? Explore SOON’s official channels, jump into community forums, and watch how NFT-based fundraising could transform the blockchain world. As you learn more, you’ll begin to see that NFTs aren’t just pixelated art; they might be the keys to tomorrow’s digital economy.

Key Takeaways:

• SOON is an Ethereum L2 solution using the Solana Virtual Machine for near-instant transaction speeds.

• The project raised $22 million via an NFT sale, breaking away from traditional VC-focused fundraising.

• 51% of tokens are allocated to the community, emphasizing SOON’s fair-launch, community-first philosophy.

• NFT-based fundraising offers global participation, liquidity, and transparency—possible game-changers for the future of crowdfunding in crypto.

• Keep an eye on cross-chain developments like svmBNB and Cytonic, which could bridge Ethereum, Solana, and other networks seamlessly.

By understanding how SOON pulled off this impressive NFT sale—and why it matters—you’ll gain insights into the next wave of fundraising in the blockchain space. The age of fair launches and community-driven tokenomics might be just around the corner. If so, the success of SOON will likely be remembered as a pivotal turning point.

[Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not financial or investment advice. Always do your own research before making any investment decisions.]

Editor’s note: This article was written with the assistance of AI. Edited and fact-checked by Owen Skelton.

Have you ever wondered if there’s a fresh way to raise money for your blockchain idea? NFTs might be the answer. In this guide, we’ll walk through how NFT fundraising works, why it’s different from traditional methods, and how an Ethereum Layer 2 project managed to pull in $22 million using NFTs. We’ll keep it simple so you can follow along even if you’re new to the crypto space.

Overview of NFT Fundraising

NFT fundraising lets blockchain startups sell unique digital assets to supporters who want more than just a typical investment. Since each NFT can represent something one-of-a-kind—like special access, collectibles, or membership perks—this method often sparks stronger community engagement than standard crowdfunding. Plus, NFTs allow for digital scarcity, which means there are only so many tokens out there, adding an element of exclusivity.

Compared to traditional fundraising, NFTs help you:

• Build deeper bonds with your community.

• Tap into the power of digital collectibles and programmable royalties.

• Bring in funds without giving away equity in your startup.

To show you what’s possible, we’ll touch on an Ethereum Layer 2 project that raised a whopping $22 million from its NFT sale. The project’s success wasn’t an accident—it took proper planning, marketing, and community trust to make it happen.

Understanding the Basics of NFT-Based Fundraising

In the early days of crypto, Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) were the way to go. People would buy tokens hoping they would rise in value as the project grew. But as time went on, regulations got tighter and investor habits changed.

NFT drops focus more on the unique qualities of each token, like artwork or membership perks. This appeals to collectors and fans rather than just speculators. It can also bypass some regulatory hurdles—though you should always check local laws to be compliant.

Before Launching Your NFT Fundraise

Before you jump in, ask yourself:

• What special benefits will my NFTs provide? (Governance rights, membership access, collector’s items, etc.)

• How do these perks fit into my project’s bigger picture?

Make sure your tokenomics (your project’s plan for issuing and managing tokens) aligns with what your NFT holders can expect. That way, everything feels connected to your overall project roadmap.

Understand Local Regulations Early

Crypto fundraising can be complicated, especially when it comes to laws around KYC (Know Your Customer), AML (Anti-Money Laundering), and securities rules. Consulting a lawyer from the start can save you headaches later. They’ll help you figure out if your NFTs might be considered securities in your jurisdiction and how to manage any compliance issues.

Community Building and Pre-Sale Hype

It’s tough to sell NFTs if nobody knows who you are. Build excitement by:

• Opening a Discord or Telegram group to keep people informed.

• Sharing sneak peeks on social media or exclusive “behind-the-scenes” updates.

• Asking early supporters for feedback.

By the time you’re ready to launch, your audience will already feel like part of the team.

The Case Study: Ethereum Layer 2 Raises $22 Million Through NFTs

SOON (short for Solana Optimistic Network) set out to tackle Ethereum’s scalability challenges. It functions as an Ethereum Layer 2 (L2) solution by processing transactions off Ethereum’s main chain and then finalizing them on Ethereum to reduce fees and congestion. However, SOON doesn’t stop at typical L2 functionality. It uses the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM)—a powerful piece of software that handles smart contracts, designed originally for the Solana network. By integrating SVM, SOON claims to process blocks in around 50 milliseconds, even faster than Solana itself.

SOON introduced an NFT collection called “COMMing SOON.” Unlike purely artistic NFTs, these served as a form of early stake in the project:

• Equal Deal Terms: Both large venture capital firms and individual buyers got the same terms.

• Token Rewards: The NFTs connect to SOON’s broader tokenomics, granting holders benefits like governance rights and potential token allocations in the future.

By combining the excitement of NFTs with a fair distribution model, SOON earned $22 million for its Ethereum Layer 2 rollout—all while fostering goodwill. Many in the community praised the project for avoiding the usual “insider-only” deals.

Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your NFT Fundraiser

Step 1: Plan Your NFT Concept and Utility

• Choose Your NFT Type: Will they be collectibles, memberships, governance tokens, or access passes?

• Map Out Perks: Prioritize voting rights, profit-sharing, or exclusive online events. Make it worth people’s while to hold your NFTs.

Step 2: Smart Contract Development and Auditing

• Hire Security Experts: Make sure your smart contract doesn’t have loopholes.

• Use Trusted Standards: Consider frameworks like OpenZeppelin (an open-source library for secure smart contracts) and tokens built on ERC-721 or ERC-1155 standards.

Having a secure contract makes buyers feel safer about investing.

Step 3: Marketing and Community Outreach

• Tell Your Story: What’s unique about your project? Communicate that loudly on social media, Discord, Telegram, and anywhere crypto folks hang out.

• Sneak Peeks and Whitelists: Offer glimpses of your NFT artwork or membership benefits. Whitelist a few early fans so they can mint first and spread the word.

Step 4: The NFT Sale (or Drop)

• Pick a Launch Model: Public sale, whitelist-only, Dutch auction, bonding curves—each model has pros and cons.

• Set Rules: Let everyone know the mint date, price, and how many NFTs they can buy. This keeps the sale fair and avoids chaos.

Step 5: Post-Sale Engagement and Growth

• Keep Providing Value: Offer airdrops, staking opportunities, or special events to keep your community interested.

• Expand Your Ecosystem: Consider future NFT drops or team up with other projects to give your holders even more benefits.

Potential Challenges and How to Address Them

Cryptocurrency prices swing like crazy. If your main token is down in value, it might affect how people view your NFTs. Some projects:

These days, NFT competition is fierce. Make sure you have:

• Real Utility: People should see how your NFT benefits them long-term.

• A Compelling Brand Story: Show them why your project matters.

• Consistent Engagement: Keep the conversation going in your community channels.

If newcomers can’t figure out wallets or get stuck with high gas fees, they’ll likely give up. Provide:

• Guides on setting up wallets (like MetaMask).

• Tips for optimizing gas fees or waiting for lower network congestion.

Future Outlook: NFTs as a Sustainable Funding Model

Fractional NFTs (where multiple people own a piece of one NFT), dynamic NFTs (which can evolve over time), and DAO-based models (community-driven organizations) are becoming more popular. These innovations can open up new ways to crowdfund.

Remember, NFTs can be used as collateral in DeFi (Decentralized Finance) to earn staking rewards or yield farming profits. So your NFTs can gain value after the initial sale.

Final Thoughts

By now, you should have a solid roadmap for running your own NFT fundraiser. From planning your NFT’s utility to building a loyal community, every step is crucial. And as we saw with the Ethereum Layer 2 case study, a well-executed NFT sale can raise significant funds while boosting your project’s visibility.

If you’re ready to explore crypto crowdfunding through NFTs, keep these key points in mind:

1. Plan your concept and perks in detail.

2. Secure your smart contracts.

3. Market to the right audience with a strong story.

4. Offer real value beyond the hype.

5. Stay on top of regulations.

Remember to stay active in Discord, Telegram, and other forums where NFT enthusiasts gather. Follow reputable thought leaders, and keep an eye on evolving crypto regulations to ensure your campaign runs smoothly. With the right mix of innovation, storytelling, and community spirit, your next big fundraising milestone could be just around the corner.

Good luck with your NFT fundraising journey, and welcome to a bold new era of blockchain innovation!