Japan’s Soneium Bets Big: Sony, SBI, and Startale’s Bid to Build a Global Layer-2 Powerhouse

Core Perspective - Japan aims to become a global leader in blockchain technology, with Startale focusing on exporting blockchain infrastructure and developing enterprise-grade solutions [1][2][3] Company Strategy - Startale's long-term vision includes establishing Japan as a competitive player in the blockchain space, particularly through its joint venture Soneium with SBI [3][4] - The company emphasizes compliance and reliability over speculation, targeting enterprises like Sony and SBI that require secure and compliant blockchain solutions [2][6] Market Positioning - Startale is positioning Soneium as a compliance-first Layer-2 platform, aiming to blend financial infrastructure with entertainment-driven adoption [6][12] - As of September 2025, Soneium processed over 295 million transactions, indicating significant scale and user engagement [8] Competitive Landscape - The Layer-2 market is experiencing slowing capital inflows, making Soneium's perception critical for its success [7] - Soneium's Total Value Secured (TVL) is significantly lower compared to competitors like Arbitrum and Base, highlighting the need for improved user engagement and quality of usage [9][12] Token Design and Revenue Model - Soneium currently uses ETH for gas fees, with plans for a native token in the future, focusing on sustainable revenue from sequencer fees and joint ventures [11][12] - The company aims to reinvest revenues back into the ecosystem rather than relying on short-lived token incentives [11] Regulatory and Compliance Framework - Startale's strategy is built on regulatory clarity, aiming to create a framework that balances innovation with compliance, positioning Japan as a model for global tokenization [24][25] - The company is focused on building trust among enterprises by prioritizing auditability and predictable costs in its blockchain solutions [16][17] Future Outlook - Startale plans to tokenize various forms of entertainment content, leveraging Sony's intellectual property to drive native demand [13][14] - The company is also exploring the role of tokenization in redefining financial instruments like ETFs, aiming for real-time settlement and transparent ownership [22][23]