BitGo and Republic Partner to Democratize Private Equity Investments Through Blockchain Tokenization

BitGo, a leading digital asset solutions provider, has joined forces with Republic, a New York-based investment platform, to make private equity investments more accessible to individual investors through blockchain technology.

• BitGo and Republic partner to bring private equity on-chain.
• Tokenization of Hamilton Lane Private Infrastructure Fund (HLPIF).
• BitGo’s recent expansions into retail and OTC trading.
• Potential public listing of BitGo.

The BitGo-Republic Partnership

BitGo and Republic have embarked on a strategic partnership aimed at democratizing access to private equity investments. This collaboration leverages BitGo’s strong technology support to bring private market investments on-chain, making them accessible to everyday investors. BitGo, known for its crypto custody, wallet services, staking, and trading solutions, is now expanding its reach into the realm of private equity.

Republic, on the other hand, is a platform dedicated to providing access to new asset classes for investors of all types. Their mission aligns perfectly with this partnership, as they aim to bring institutional-grade private market investments to non-accredited investors. Andrew Durgee, Co-CEO of Republic, emphasized the significance of this move, stating, “Tokenization is key in bringing these opportunities to a broader audience.”

Mike Belshe, CEO of BitGo, is enthusiastic about the potential of this collaboration.

“Bringing the needed infrastructure to Republic in order to offer its investors access to never-before reachable assets is what BitGo is all about,” he stated.

Belshe’s vision for BitGo is clear: to be the backbone of the transition as financial markets increasingly move on-chain.

“BitGo is most known for custodying digital assets, but our infrastructure is also able to power regulated securities, whether tokenized onchain or on pieces of paper offchain,” he added.

Tokenization of HLPIF

Tokenization is the process of converting rights to an asset into a digital token on a blockchain, making it easier to buy, sell, and track. Republic has already taken a significant step by tokenizing the Hamilton Lane Private Infrastructure Fund (HLPIF) on its platform. This move allows retail investors to participate in a diversified global portfolio of infrastructure assets with a minimum investment of just $500, a relatively low threshold for private equity.

HLPIF focuses on infrastructure investments such as data centers and airports, which are among the fastest-growing asset classes within private markets. Victor Jung, Head of Digital Assets at Hamilton Lane, highlighted the importance of this initiative, saying, “Technological innovation, including tokenization, is crucial in broadening access to private markets.”

The tokenization of HLPIF not only democratizes access to private equity but also enhances liquidity. Hamilton Lane anticipates recommending quarterly repurchase offers of up to 5% of net assets, with potential for additional liquidity through tokenization following regulatory review. This aligns with the broader trend towards financial inclusivity and the tokenization of assets.

BitGo’s Expanding Role

BitGo’s recent expansions further underscore its growing influence in the digital asset space. In December 2024, BitGo launched a retail-focused platform, expanding beyond its traditional institutional client base. This move reflects BitGo’s commitment to making digital asset solutions more accessible to a wider audience.

Then, in February 2025, BitGo announced the launch of a global over-the-counter (OTC) crypto trading desk, offering a comprehensive suite of trading options, including spot, derivatives, lending, and yield-generating products. This OTC desk sources liquidity from multiple exchanges and liquidity providers, ensuring competitive pricing and access to exclusive locked token markets. Brent Burnett, Head of Infrastructure and Real Assets at Hamilton Lane, noted, “Infrastructure investments offer consistent performance and cash flows, making them an attractive entry point for retail investors.”

BitGo’s OTC trading desk ensures client assets remain within their regulated custody offering, benefiting from industry-leading security measures and $250M in insurance coverage. The Go Network settlement infrastructure enables instant settlements, enhancing the efficiency and security of institutional trading. These expansions position BitGo as a key player in the blockchain-powered investment ecosystem.

Future Prospects

As BitGo continues to position itself as a central player in the evolving digital asset landscape, rumors are swirling about a potential public listing. While details remain scarce, such a move would further cement BitGo’s role in the financial sector. Belshe’s vision for BitGo as the backbone of the transition to on-chain financial markets is becoming increasingly tangible.

The partnership between BitGo and Republic is a testament to the growing interest in blockchain technology and tokenization within the financial sector. By making private equity investments more accessible, they are not only democratizing access to alternative investment opportunities but also paving the way for a more inclusive financial future. However, challenges such as regulatory hurdles and market volatility remain, and it’s crucial to approach these developments with a balanced perspective.

While Bitcoin purists might argue that tokenizing assets dilutes the focus on Bitcoin as a currency, the broader crypto community sees it as a step towards financial inclusivity. This development aligns with the philosophy of effective accelerationism (e/acc), which champions the rapid adoption of transformative technologies like blockchain to disrupt the status quo.

Key Questions and Takeaways

What is the goal of the partnership between BitGo and Republic?
The goal is to democratize access to private equity investments by leveraging BitGo’s infrastructure to bring private market investments on-chain for individual investors.

What specific fund has Republic tokenized on its platform?
Republic has tokenized the Hamilton Lane Private Infrastructure Fund (HLPIF) on its platform.

What are BitGo’s recent expansions in the digital asset space?
BitGo has launched a retail-focused platform in December 2024 and announced a global over-the-counter (OTC) crypto trading desk in February 2025.

What is BitGo’s role in the transition of financial markets to blockchain technology?
BitGo aims to be the backbone of the transition by providing the necessary infrastructure for on-chain investments, including regulated securities.

Is BitGo considering a public listing?
Yes, BitGo is reportedly eyeing a public listing.

How does this development align with Bitcoin’s ethos?
While Bitcoin purists might argue that tokenizing assets dilutes the focus on Bitcoin as a currency, the broader crypto community sees it as a step towards financial inclusivity.

What are the potential challenges of tokenizing private equity?
Regulatory hurdles and market volatility are among the potential challenges.