Emurgo Looks to Fill in Missing Cardano Ecosystem Components

SKYPLAY Secures $10M from LDA Capital to Promote Growth of P2E GamingSKYPLAY, a blockchain gaming platform based in South Korea, has announced securing a $10 million commitment from American-based investment group LDA Capital, as stated in a press release. This funding will be utilized to launch additional games and attract new users, thereby accelerating the platform’s growth trajectory.Photo by blurrystock on UnsplashP2E gamesWith an active monthly user base of 300,000, SKYPLAY aims to expand its virtual space and motivate play-to-earn (P2E) gamers to contribute to the excitement within its ecosystem. P2E games enable players to earn cryptocurrency tokens as rewards for activities such as completing tasks and meeting goals.Various genresSKYPLAY is known for offering a diverse range of game genres, ranging from casual games like CoinGrid to strategy games like ClashRow. Users have the opportunity to earn in-game rewards that can be exchanged for SKP, the platform’s governance token. SKP will also serve as a medium of exchange in forthcoming NFT marketplaces. At present, SKP is listed on cryptocurrency exchanges ProBit Global and MEXC, according to CoinMarketCap.Expansion plansSKYPLAY currently provides its services in 170 countries worldwide, catering to a global gaming community. The company is also developing artificial intelligence-based (AI) avatars within a metaverse platform, with the target of exceeding 10 million users by the close of 2024.Anthony Romano, Managing Partner at LDA Capital Ltd, commented on this investment opportunity, stating, “SKYPLAY’s expansive ecosystem offers users a variety entertainment across sports, arts and crafts, appealing to the different preferences amongst the gaming community. This multifaceted approach, along with a forum-oriented community they’ve built is extremely difficult to replicate and gives them a leg up as they publish more games and diversify their entertainment offerings.”SKYPLAY CEO Richard Chang expressed his confidence in the partnership with LDA Capital. He said, “The investment from LDA Capital will serve as a significant driving force for the future growth of SKYPLAY. I am confident that together, we will pioneer the future and become invaluable partners in our journey of growth.”

More Players Join NH Bank-Led Security Token Consortium in South KoreaMultiple South Korean banks and fractional investment firms are now joining the security token consortium led by NongHyup Bank (NH Bank), according to a report from local news outlet Etoday today.Expanding consortiumNH Bank announced today that the Industrial Bank of Korea, Shinhan Bank, and Woori Bank, along with fractional investment companies, will be participating in the banking sector’s security token consortium. This consortium was established in April and initially comprised NH Bank, Suhyup Bank, Jeonbuk Bank, and six fractional investment companies.The objective of the banking sector’s involvement in the consortium is to contribute to the security token industry by developing distributed ledger technology infrastructure, conducting research to promote security tokens, and strengthening investor protection.The consortium participants will engage in further discussions on how banks can participate in the security token market while adhering to evolving legislation related to security tokens. Additionally, they will explore methods to establish the necessary platforms required by fractional investment companies to issue security tokens.Photo by Mathieu Stern on UnsplashSecurity tokens as corporate bondsIn the long term, the group plans to issue security tokens as corporate bonds, taking inspiration from German tech company Siemens’ strategy, or create a secondary market for security tokens to promote the overall security token ecosystem. Earlier this year, Siemens issued a blockchain-based one-year bond worth 60 million euros ($64.9 million).The consortium’s new fractional investment firms include fractional real estate investment platform Funble, artificial intelligence entertainment firm Blade Ent, blockchain tech firm Trackchain, online bookstore Yes24’s fractional artwork ownership platform ARTiPIO, and electric vehicle (EV) charging sharing platform Charzin.

Animoca Brands Japan, a key subsidiary of Hong Kong-headquartered Web3 investor Animoca Brands, has welcomed Kensuke Amo as its Chief Operating Officer (COO) to spearhead the company's growth in Japan. Industry credentialsAmo, a seasoned industry veteran who previously served as the managing executive officer at Japanese bitcoin wallet and exchange service Coincheck, officially assumed his role as COO last Thursday. With a proven track record in launching NFT businesses and steering new crypto asset ventures, Amo played a pivotal role at Coincheck. During his tenure as an executive officer from 2020, he pioneered initiatives such as Japan's first NFT marketplace for crypto asset exchanges and an inaugural initial exchange offering (IEO). In a social media post, Amo stated that in the role, he “will be committed to doing [his] best to contribute [to] Web3 technology [so that it takes] root in society.” In 2022, Amo ascended to the leadership position at Coincheck, where he led the NFT business and metaverse business, heading three distinct web domains. His involvement in the expansion of "The Sandbox" and "Otherside" in Japan, stemming from the partnership between Coincheck and Animoca Brands in 2020, further underscores his influence in the sector.Photo by Richard Tao on UnsplashJapanese market expansionRegulatory headwinds in the United States in 2023 led to the company pivoting and focusing on non-U.S. markets. It became clear later in 2023 that the company had a specific interest in growing its business in Japan when Animoca Brands Japan acquired an equity share in Cool Cats Group, an NFT-related project. That deal also implicated a collaboration with Animoca’s digital experience label, KLKTN. As Animoca Brands Japan strategically aligns itself within Animoca Brands' larger framework, Kensuke Amo aims to leverage the company's extensive assets and network, including over 400 portfolio companies. His mission involves combining his expertise in business and rule-making within the Japanese Web3 industry to facilitate the integration of Web3 into society. Commenting further on his appointment, Amo expressed his commitment to advancing the Web3 landscape in Japan. He stated: “As a strategic subsidiary of Animoca Brands, Animoca Brands Japan will make the most of its assets and network, including its more than 400 portfolio companies, while combining its knowledge and experience in business and rule-making in the Japanese Web3 industry.” Established in 2021, Animoca Brands Japan has played a crucial role in supporting Japanese intellectual property and content holders in their global Web3 expansion efforts. The company secured an undisclosed investment from Mitsui & Co., one of Japan’s largest trading companies, in June. Daisuke Iwase, the CEO of Animoca Brands Japan, expressed optimism about the collaboration with Kensuke Amo, emphasizing his leadership in the realms of crypto assets, NFTs and the metaverse in Japan. Amo’s industry involvement extends beyond Animoca Brands Japan, as he currently advises the Japan Cryptoasset Business Association (JCBA), Shibuya-ku Startup Ecosystem, Web3 project "OASIS" and real estate information service company LIFULL Co., Ltd. Additionally, he is the author of "Textbook of NFT" and "Non Fungible Me."