Executive Highlights Key Sectors During Token2049 Interview
Animoca Brands, one of the most influential venture capital firms in the crypto and Web3 space, has revealed its top investment focus areas for 2025 — ranging from real-world asset tokenization to Web3 gaming and AI integration.
Speaking at Token2049 in Dubai, Omar Elissar, Animoca’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Head of Global Strategic Partnerships, told Cointelegraph that the company is actively scouting opportunities in:
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Stablecoins and real-world asset tokenization
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AI and crypto convergence
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Decentralized science (DeSci)
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Web3 gaming ecosystems
“Gaming is part of our DNA,” Elissar said, noting that while the Web3 gaming space has been quiet in terms of public attention, there’s been “real building” happening behind the scenes.
Elissar also highlighted that recent launches of truly fun-to-play Web3 games could help shift the long-standing perception that blockchain-based games prioritize tokenomics over user experience.
Animoca’s Recent Partnerships: Stablecoins and Digital ID
In addition to its investment thesis, Animoca has been busy inking partnerships in 2025 that reflect its broader vision:
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In February, the firm partnered with Standard Chartered Bank and Hong Kong Telecommunications (HKT) to co-develop a Hong Kong dollar-pegged stablecoin. The asset will be overcollateralized and backed 1:1 with HKD but must first secure approval from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA).
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On March 27, Animoca signed a deal with Soneium, a layer-1 blockchain developed by Sony, to build a digital identity solution that uses anime avatars as onchain representations of user identity.
These initiatives align with Hong Kong’s push for clearer stablecoin regulation and the growing demand for user-friendly digital identity systems in decentralized networks.
Financial Outlook: Modest Growth, Strong Pipeline
Animoca reported 12% year-over-year growth in its 2024 fiscal year through “bookings,” a metric that combines realized revenue with contracted but uncollected income — reflecting a stable financial foundation as the company expands into new verticals.
As one of the most active crypto-native VC firms, Animoca’s moves are often seen as a barometer of emerging market trends. Its ongoing bets on Web3 gaming, digital identity, and real-world asset tokenization could foreshadow broader investor sentiment for the rest of 2025.
Final Thoughts: Building Quietly, Scaling Globally
Animoca Brands is doubling down on next-generation crypto infrastructure, with a clear focus on technologies that bridge Web3 with traditional finance, digital identity, and user experience.
While some sectors like gaming may have quieted down in the press, Animoca’s outlook suggests that real progress is happening behind the scenes — setting the stage for a more mature and integrated crypto ecosystem in the months ahead.
