VanEck and Brevan Howard Digital are leading a relatively small round into Legion, a startup with pretty large ambitions. According to an announcement on Wednesday, Legion is looking to rewrite the rules of capital formation, this time involving the small-time retail traders traditionally exempted from the IPO process.
Like other blockchain-based crowdfunding initiatives — beginning with the unstructured playing field of initial coin offerings (ICOs) in 2017 to today’s more mature platforms like CoinList and Echo, brought to you by Crypto Twitter’s “Cobie” — Legion is offering a platform where startups can sell tokens to small-time traders.
“Our mission is simple: build the most trusted brand in onchain capital formation, and bring the most promising deals to public and institutional investors,” co-founders Fabrizio Giabardo and Matt O’Connor wrote on X.
In short, Legion is building a system that provides for the “next generation of public offerings,” particularly offerings onchain.
The move comes amid a rebirth for token launches in the U.S. Last week, for instance, Bitcoin Layer 2 Bitlayer sold tokens to the public across three oversubscribed rounds, while just today Lombard launched its native BARD token in a community sale that valued the project at $450 million.
This includes a toolset for offering “new asset classes like tokenized equity” that could benefit from “bigger and better deals,” “mass distribution partners,” and “a full-stack token launch partner,” the latter of which can assist with landing CEX listings, market makers, and go-to-market showcases.
In other words, the ICO days are back — but with professional assistance, ideally. According to Fortune, Legion’s founders have met with the SEC to discuss what disclosures the agency should require for public sales.
“It’s not just a tech shift. It’s a chance to rewrite who gets funded… and who gets to invest,” Giabardo and O’Connor wrote. “For decades, capital formation has been rigged for the elite. Now we have the tools to break the old system.”
In addition to heavy hitters like VanEck and Brevan Howard, Legion has attracted capital from several exchanges, including Coinbase, Crypto.com, and Kraken. Cyber-fund, Blockchain Builders, and GSR are also backers.
© 2025 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
Trade Crypto On Coinhub Exchange
Trade Crypto On Coinhub Exchange
Stay ahead of the market by turning news insights into trading opportunities. With Coinhub Exchange, you can seamlessly buy, sell, and manage your digital assets, all in one secure platform. Take advantage of real-time market insights, deep liquidity, and fast execution for your favorite cryptocurrencies. Don’t just read about it — trade crypto now!
Disclaimer
The content of this article shown by Coinhub News, powered by The Block, is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Coinhub News and its affiliates are not a licensed financial advisor, legal advisor, broker, or tax advisor, and ... should not be considered as professional advice or a recommendation to engage in any specific investment, legal decision, or financial transaction. Cryptocurrency markets are highly speculative and volatile. Readers should perform their own independent research and consult with a qualified professional before making any financial or legal decisions. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Company of its affiliates. Additionally, the Company does not make any representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, timeliness, reliability, or completeness of any information in this article. By accessing this content, you acknowledge that any reliance on the information contained in this article is solely at your own risk. The Company is not responsible for any financial losses, legal disputes, or other damages that may arise from reliance on this content or from any investment or legal decisions based on the information provided. Investing in cryptocurrencies involves substantial risks, including the risk of losing your entire investment, and you should carefully consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.
Read more
