Startale Group secures an additional $13M investment at the first close of its Series A
Startale Group received an additional $13 million investment from Sony Innovation Fund, reinforcing expectations around Startale’s role as an important partner in building the next generation of on-chain entertainment infrastructure together
TOKYO, Japan – 29 January 2026 - Startale Group today announced a follow-on investment of $13 million from Sony Innovation Fund (“SIF”), deepening the relationship between the two companies. The investment underscores Sony’s confidence in Startale’s vision and execution in building the next generation of on-chain infrastructure at the intersection of entertainment, IP, and AI.
This milestone builds on a partnership that began in September 2023 with Startale's seed round and has since expanded through Sony Block Solutions Labs Pte. Ltd. (“SBSL”), the joint venture behind Soneium, a co-developed Ethereum Layer 2.
Strengthening the Partnership
Sony's continued investment reflects the tangible progress achieved through the partnership to date and a shared belief in Startale's vertically integrated approach to on-chain infrastructure.
Soneium has rapidly evolved into a leading entertainment-native blockchain platform. Since launching mainnet in January 2025, Soneium has grown to over 500 million processed transactions, 5.4 million active wallets, and more than 250 live dApps, establishing itself as one of the notable Layer 2 networks in the ecosystem. Alongside this, the Startale App is emerging as the primary gateway to the Soneium ecosystem, bringing together wallet functionality, asset management and seamless access to applications. Startale USD (USDSC) adds a unified settlement layer that connects applications, users and payments across Soneium.
Advancing the Soneium Ecosystem Through IP-Driven Entertainment and AI
As generative AI reshapes how content is created and distributed, the entertainment industry is rethinking authenticity, creator economics, and fan engagement. By combining Startale’s expertise in blockchain infrastructure and Sony’s strength in entertainment and technology, the partnership is suitable to advance new models for IP-led platforms, creator-centric monetization and more participatory fan experiences.
"Startale has been an important partner to Sony since the early days of Soneium," said Sota Watanabe, CEO of Startale Group. "Our vision is to bring the world on-chain, and Sony’s continued support strengthens our ability to deliver the infrastructure required to realize that vision at global scale”.
Quote from Kazuhito Hadano, CEO of Sony Ventures Corporation
“Startale is a company working across the blockchain space, from infrastructure to applications. With a global perspective, the team is focused on enabling new value flows built on on-chain technologies. Through our ongoing collaboration around Soneium, we look forward to continuing to support Startale’s challenges and ambitions going forward”.
About Sony Ventures Corporation
Sony Ventures Corporation manages Sony Innovation Fund (SIF), which invests in all stages of emerging technology companies as well as in startups solving global environmental challenges. SIF engages with pioneering startups to help fuel the development of disruptive technologies, launch new businesses, and contribute to the environment while seeking return on investment. Sony Ventures Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, is headquartered in Japan.