Lisk Launches $15 Million Web3 Fund Targeting Emerging Markets

Executive Summary

Lisk, a Swiss blockchain platform, has launched a $15 million fund to back Web3 projects in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, signaling a strategic shift to capture growth in underserved emerging markets.

The Event in Detail

Lisk, established in 2016, has initiated a $15 million fund specifically for Web3 founders in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. This marks Lisk's inaugural direct investment fund, differing from its previous grant programs and incubation initiatives. The fund provides initial investments of $250,000 per startup, with the capacity for follow-on funding. Approximately 30% of the total capital is allocated for subsequent investment rounds, allowing for second cheques up to $500,000. The maximum financial exposure for any single startup is capped at $750,000. Investments are not restricted to the Lisk ecosystem, enabling cross-chain project funding. Lisk partners with local entities such as CV Labs and AyaHQ in Africa to facilitate deal flow and integration within diverse local markets.

Business Strategy & Market Positioning

Lisk's strategy is to capitalize on a perceived $5.2 trillion funding opportunity in emerging markets that traditional venture capital firms are reportedly overlooking. The fund aims to support projects addressing tangible problems with practical utility, rather than speculative ventures. Gideon Greaves, Lisk's Head of Investments, stated, "Global VCs have become obsessed with speculation. In high-growth markets, the opposite is true. Founders are solving real problems with real utility and that is where the next unicorns will come from." This approach contrasts with the focus on often-inflated valuations seen in developed markets. By avoiding early-stage board seats, Lisk aims to prevent operational slowdowns for founders. This strategy positions Lisk as an enabler of foundational Web3 infrastructure and applications in regions poised for rapid digital adoption.

Market Implications

The launch of Lisk's $15 million fund is poised to drive increased capital inflow and development activity within the Web3 ecosystems of Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. This initiative could foster significant growth in Web3 adoption and innovation, potentially establishing Lisk as a key facilitator in these regions. The focus on utility-driven projects may set a precedent for sustainable Web3 development, attracting further investment from other venture capital firms. The fund's cross-chain investment flexibility also supports broader Web3 ecosystem growth beyond Lisk's own platform.

Broader Context

Lisk's investment strategy aligns with its broader roadmap focused on ecosystem growth and Ethereum L2 integration. Key strategic objectives for 2025 include the Decentralized Sequencer Launch, aiming to enhance censorship resistance by enabling LSK holders to participate in block validation through staking. Ongoing strategic efforts also include DeFi Expansion, which involves integrating lending, oracles, and real-world asset protocols into the Lisk framework. Recent ecosystem growth initiatives, such as the INDODAX listing on September 3, 2025, reflect Lisk's commitment to broadening access in regions like Southeast Asia, reinforcing the strategic importance of emerging markets to its long-term growth. The fund's approach underscores a shift towards practical applications of blockchain technology in high-growth markets, potentially influencing future investment trends in the Web3 space globally.