Sony has deepened its Web3 bet. The Sony Innovation Fund contributed an additional $13 million to Startale Group in the first close of its Series A round, bringing total funding to $20 million. The firm had previously invested $3.5 million in Startale in 2023.
Soneium’s Explosive Growth Since Launch
Most of the fresh capital will go to Soneium, the Ethereum Layer-2 network co-developed by Sony and Startale. Launched in January 2025, Soneium has already processed over 500 million transactions, attracted more than 5.4 million active wallets, and now supports over 250 decentralized applications (dApps). These apps range from fan engagement and digital ownership to IP licensing and AI tools, signaling real user adoption rather than mere experimentation.
Startale is also building tools to lower Web3 barriers. The Startale App serves as the main gateway to the Soneium ecosystem, letting users manage wallets, assets, and dApps from one interface. The team has introduced Startale USD (USDSC), a stablecoin designed as a settlement layer for seamless payments without volatility concerns.
Long-Term Vision, Not a Short-Term Play
Startale CEO Sota Watanabe said the investment reflects strong trust in the team's mission to make Soneium the primary on-chain hub for entertainment on Ethereum. Sony Innovation Fund echoed that sentiment, describing the partnership as a way to help creators and fans connect via Web3 and bring more users on-chain. Both sides stress this is a long-term collaboration, not a quick bet.
The funding sends a powerful signal to the crypto industry: blockchains are moving into real-world applications beyond trading. Developers get better infrastructure, creators retain more control, and fans gain deeper interactive experiences. With $20 million in total funding, Startale now has the resources to scale Soneium globally, promising more dApps, improved creator tools, and deeper AI integration.