Blockchain’s $35 Billion Move Into Real-World Assets: tZero Targets IPO in 2026

tZero Group Inc., recognized as a prominent platform for trading tokenized securities, is planning to go public with an IPO in 2026, as reported by a

. The firm, which counts Inc. among its backers, has started initial conversations with investment banks, though it has yet to appoint an underwriter for the IPO. Konevsky further mentioned that tZero is considering a fundraising round before the IPO, but the company, which employs over 50 staff members, is still operating at a loss.

This initiative is part of a larger movement within the industry to bring real-world assets—such as equities, property, and commodities—onto blockchain platforms, aiming to boost transparency and streamline asset trading. In 2024, major industry names like Kraken and

Inc. have introduced tokenized stocks, ETFs, and money-market funds using blockchain technology. Data from rwa.xyz, a service tracking blockchain-based assets, indicates that around $35 billion worth of real-world assets are now available on distributed ledger networks, according to Bloomberg.

Established in 2014, tZero focuses on regulatory-compliant fundraising and trading for tokenized securities. The platform supports private placements under frameworks such as Regulation D, which permits companies to secure funding without undergoing full public registration. It also offers trading for tokenized assets, including its own equity, and has reportedly raised about $200 million through these channels. This approach is in line with the increasing interest in blockchain solutions within traditional finance, especially as regulatory bodies begin to acknowledge the value of digital assets.

tZero is not the only company eyeing the public markets. Rival firm Securitize is said to be exploring a public listing via a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC), while exchanges Gemini and Bullish have already gone public this year. Kraken, another leading crypto exchange, is also aiming for an IPO in 2026, according to Bloomberg. These moves highlight the crypto industry's evolution toward greater institutional acceptance and expanded market reach.

The upcoming IPO is set against a backdrop of increased regulatory attention on tokenized securities. Authorities worldwide are working to develop rules that foster innovation while safeguarding investors, a balance that tZero and similar companies must manage. Konevsky pointed out that tZero’s emphasis on compliance gives it an advantage as the regulatory environment continues to change, according to the report.