Republic Unlocks Retail Access to SpaceX via Blockchain Tokens

- Republic plans blockchain-based tokens linking private company share performance. - Retail investors can access high-profile firms under the JOBS Act. Republic, an investment platform, will introduce blockchain-based digital tokens that will link to the performance of private companies like SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic. On June 25, 2025, *The Block*, citing the *Wall Street Journal*, reported that this initiative aims to give retail investors economic exposure to major private firms, an opportunity traditionally reserved for institutional players. Republic will purchase shares in select private companies and then issue corresponding digital tokens designed to reflect valuation changes. While token holders will not gain direct ownership or shareholder rights, they will benefit from economic exposure, with payouts linked to milestones such as IPOs or acquisitions. This initiative capitalizes on the 2012 Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, which allows U.S.-based platforms to raise up to $5 million annually from retail investors through securities offerings. Consequently, Republic’s approach significantly lowers entry barriers compared to traditional private equity investments, with investment amounts ranging from $50 to $5,000. Investors must initially hold the blockchain tokens for one year, after which Republic expects token holders can trade them on INX. INX, an alternative trading system Republic is currently acquiring, represents a key convergence of traditional finance and blockchain technology. Although Republic’s CEO has voiced confidence in the tokens' legal framework, they also acknowledged potential regulatory challenges. Republic classifies these tokens as notes or investment contracts, a classification that entitles holders to cash payouts rather than direct equity ownership. According to CoinMarketCap, on June 25, data showed that as of 17:17 UTC, Avalanche (AVAX) was trading at $17.64, and its 24-hour trading volume had declined by 3.49%.