As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, industry leaders are taking stock of emerging trends and investment opportunities. Recently, Omar Elissar, the managing director for the Middle East and head of Global Strategic Partnerships at Animoca Brands, shared insights into the company’s strategic focus areas, including real-world tokenized assets, artificial intelligence (AI) projects, and advancements within the gaming sector.
During an interview with Cointelegraph’s Sam Bourgi at Token2049, Elissar highlighted several key niches that Animoca Brands is currently exploring. He emphasized the growing relevance of stablecoins, the tokenization of real-world assets, and the intersection of AI and cryptocurrency, as well as alternative use cases like decentralized science and the burgeoning field of Web3 gaming.
“Gaming is part of our DNA,” Elissar remarked, reflecting on the current state of the Web3 gaming industry. He acknowledged a period of quiet in the sector but noted that significant developments have taken place behind the scenes. “Recently, a few games have launched that are truly enjoyable, addressing previous criticisms regarding playability in Web3 gaming,” he added.
As one of the leading venture capital firms focused on crypto, Animoca Brands serves as a barometer for emerging trends that may influence the broader market. The company’s proactive approach provides crucial insights for crypto investors looking to identify hot or rising sectors.
Strategic Partnerships in Stablecoin Development
In February 2025, Animoca Brands announced a partnership with Standard Chartered Bank and Hong Kong Telecommunications (HKT) to develop a Hong Kong dollar stablecoin. This overcollateralized stablecoin aims to be pegged to the Hong Kong dollar at a 1:1 ratio, pending approval from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA).
Furthermore, in March 2025, Animoca Brands formed a collaboration with Soneium, a layer-1 blockchain created by Japanese tech company Sony. This partnership aims to create a unique digital identification system that features anime character images assigned to on-chain users to signify their identity.
Overall, Animoca Brands reported a notable 12% year-over-year growth in bookings during the 2024 fiscal year—a positive indication of the company’s resilience and potential within the evolving cryptocurrency landscape.
As industry experts continue to grapple with the complexities and opportunities presented by cryptocurrency, insights from forward-thinking firms like Animoca Brands will be crucial in shaping the future of this dynamic sector.
