Startale Group, a Tokyo-based web3 solutions provider, has raised $63M in Series A funding with $50M from SBI Group and $13M from Sony Innovation Fund. The company builds blockchain infrastructure including Ethereum L2 Soneium, L1 Strium for tokenized securities, stablecoins like JPYSC, and Startale App superapp. The capital will scale these products for tokenized Japanese equities and yen stablecoin adoption.
SBI Sony Back Japan Tokenization
The round closes amid Japan's 'Digital Year One' in 2026 and Tokenization Act, enabling blockchain in finance . Startale's vertical integration from L1/L2 to stablecoins and apps positions it for regulated onchain finance. Corporate JVs with Sony and SBI provide distribution to millions via SBI's network.
Traditional Finance Limits 24/7 Access
Current markets restrict trading to banking hours, delaying settlements and liquidity for assets like Japanese equities. Stablecoins face regulatory hurdles in Japan until recent trust bank approvals. Institutions seek compliant infrastructure for RWAs and tokenized securities.
Vertically Integrated Onchain Stack
Startale operates Astar Network, Japan's largest public blockchain, co-develops Soneium with Sony for entertainment, and Strium with SBI for RWAs . JPYSC, the first trust bank-backed JPY stablecoin with SBI/Shinsei, and USDSC enable seamless onchain payments. Startale App serves as a superapp gateway with missions and STAR points.
Strategic Corporates Lead Funding
SBI's $50M investment follows JVs on Strium and JPYSC, signaling conviction in Startale's regulatory moat for Asia finance. Sony's $13M doubles down on Soneium, bridging entertainment to blockchain. Prior backers include Binance Labs, Polychain, and Coinbase Ventures from Astar days.
Web3 Market Hits $7B Milestone
The web3 market reaches $7B TAM in 2026 at 50% CAGR, driven by L2 scaling and stablecoin growth . Japan's regulatory clarity accelerates RWA tokenization. Startale targets institutions via compliant stablecoins and 24/7 trading platforms.
Astar Founders Drive Expertise
CEO Sota Watanabe founded Astar Network, raising $30M+ from top VCs and becoming Polkadot's top parachain . Co-founders Maarten Henskens and Shun Ishikawa led Astar's growth to 500k+ users. This repeat team brings proven Web3 infrastructure execution.
Scaling Tokenized Equities Push
Funds target tokenized stocks tied to Japanese equities and JPYSC expansion this year. Strium testnet launches soon for 24/7 RWA trading. Startale plans team growth in BD and engineering to support global onchain vision.
As CEO Sota Watanabe noted:
"The close of our $63 million Series A reflects the strong conviction our partners have in the vision we are building. Through the deep collaboration with SBI, we will accelerate the adoption of tokenized stocks, centered on Japanese equities and JPY stablecoin, this year."