Laser Digital Launches NEAR Adoption Fund to Boost Institutional Investment in Decentralized AI via Blockchain

Laser Digital, the digital assets division of Nomura, has launched the Laser Digital NEAR Adoption Fund, aiming to attract institutional investors to the NEAR Protocol, a blockchain focused on artificial intelligence.

• Laser Digital introduces NEAR Adoption Fund
• Aimed at institutional investors
• NEAR Protocol focused on AI
• Powered by TruStake
• Not available to U.S. investors

Laser Digital’s NEAR Adoption Fund is a strategic move to open the doors of decentralized AI to institutional investors. It provides long-term exposure to NEAR, the native token of the NEAR Protocol, which is making waves in the world of artificial intelligence. The fund leverages TruStake’s institutional-grade staking solution, allowing investors to engage in the blockchain consensus process and earn staking rewards. This not only offers economic benefits but also drives the growth and adoption of the NEAR ecosystem.

The fund is tailored for eligible institutional and professional investors outside the United States, and will be offered in both traditional formats and through wealth management platforms. This step by Laser Digital, a subsidiary of the Japanese financial heavyweight Nomura, signifies a growing acceptance of blockchain technology within the traditional financial sector. Yet, it’s worth noting that the exclusion of U.S. investors reflects the ongoing regulatory maze that often leaves American institutions on the sidelines of the crypto revolution.

NEAR Protocol itself is a Swiss Army knife of decentralized AI. It boasts features like user-owned AI, which puts the power back into the hands of the users rather than big tech. Chain Abstraction aims to simplify interactions across different blockchains, making it easier for developers and users to navigate the fragmented blockchain landscape. NEAR’s sharded blockchain architecture, or what we might call a “blockchain on steroids,” enhances scalability by dividing the blockchain into smaller, manageable parts. Additionally, NEAR introduces a new transaction model called “intents,” a concept also supported by the Ethereum Foundation, which could bridge different blockchain ecosystems. More details on NEAR Protocol’s decentralized AI features can be explored for those interested in the technical aspects.

Jez Mohideen, CEO of Laser Digital, shared his enthusiasm for the fund, stating:

“The Fund gives Investors a seamless way to gain exposure to digital assets through a long orientated exposure to the NEAR protocol that combines two major investment themes of digital assets and AI, alongside a carry overlay via the staking.”

While this move is exciting, it’s important to keep our feet on the ground. The high-risk nature of digital asset investments, coupled with the volatility of cryptocurrencies, means that institutional investors need to tread carefully. The regulatory environment continues to evolve, and the exclusion of U.S. investors from this fund is a stark reminder of the challenges that persist. For a deeper understanding of how NEAR impacts institutional investment, one can refer to the impact of NEAR Protocol on institutional investment.

NEAR’s dynamic sharding architecture and Nightshade consensus mechanism are the secret sauce to its scalability and efficiency, crucial factors for any blockchain aiming to win over institutions. TruStake’s integration with platforms like Injective adds another layer of appeal, offering benefits like automatic re-staking and instant redemption, which enhance liquidity and efficiency for investors.

Looking ahead, NEAR Protocol’s potential in the AI sector is as vast as the universe. From user-owned AI to Chain Abstraction, NEAR is poised to disrupt the status quo and lead the charge in the decentralized AI space. This could drive even more institutional interest and investment in the future, but let’s not get too starry-eyed; the road to mainstream adoption is often bumpier than a moon landing. For those curious about the buzz around NEAR on social platforms, check out discussions on Laser Digital NEAR Adoption Fund institutional investors.

Key Takeaways and Questions

• What is the Laser Digital NEAR Adoption Fund?

  The Laser Digital NEAR Adoption Fund is an investment vehicle launched by Laser Digital, a subsidiary of Nomura, that offers institutional investors long-term exposure to NEAR, the native token of NEAR Protocol, and is powered by TruStake’s staking solution.

• Who can invest in the NEAR Adoption Fund?

  Eligible institutional and professional investors in selected jurisdictions, excluding the United States, can invest in the fund. More details on investor eligibility can be found here.

• What are the key features of NEAR Protocol?

  NEAR Protocol features include user-owned AI, Chain Abstraction, a sharded blockchain, and a new transaction model called intents, which is also supported by the Ethereum Foundation. A comprehensive overview of NEAR’s decentralized AI capabilities can be found in the NEAR Protocol decentralized AI wiki.

• How does the fund support NEAR Protocol’s growth?

  The fund supports NEAR Protocol’s growth by providing institutional investors with a means to invest in and support the protocol, which in turn drives adoption and development.

• What is TruStake’s role in the fund?

  TruStake, developed by TruFin, provides the institutional-grade staking solution that powers the fund, allowing investors to engage in blockchain consensus and earn staking rewards. For more insights on TruStake’s role, consider exploring TruStake’s role in NEAR Adoption Fund.