Soneium, an Ethereum Layer 2 network backed by Sony, has announced plans to issue a native token, $SONEIUM, intended to power an onchain entertainment economy. The token aims to connect creators, IP owners, builders, fans, and investors.
Central to this initiative is the Soneium Portal, designed for IP discovery, issuance, and investment, which will also automate royalty payouts via smart contracts. The Portal will introduce two new products: IP Vault for royalty-backed assets and IP Bonds for entertainment revenue generation.
Launched on January 14, 2025, Soneium’s mainnet currently uses ETH for transaction fees. The network is built on Optimism’s OP Stack, a toolkit enabling faster, cheaper networks that settle on Ethereum. Soneium reports hosting over 250 applications with approximately $9.38 million in total value locked. The USDSC stablecoin is also live on the network for settlements.
Sony has invested $13 million in Startale, the infrastructure partner that helped build the blockchain. Soneium aims to bridge Web2 and Web3 audiences by providing user-friendly tools for the entertainment sector, including NFT-based fan engagement mechanics and new funding routes for IP creators. Notably, Soneium built its applications and infrastructure before launching a token, a different approach compared to many Layer 2 networks.
The strategy positions tokenized IP as a means for creators to retain rights and interests, contrasting with traditional models where labels and studios often control IP and cash flow. IP Vault and IP Bonds could offer smaller creators and rights holders new ways to raise funds against future royalties.
The project is focusing on Asian pop culture, particularly K-pop, leveraging the known engagement and spending power of its fandoms. This content-driven strategy aims to attract users through recognizable IP, differentiating Soneium from other Layer 2 networks that prioritize transaction speed or DeFi activity.
Key uncertainties remain regarding the distribution details of $SONEIUM, its interaction with ETH for transaction fees, and the role of USDSC in royalty flows. The structure of IP Bonds will also be critical for navigating securities regulations, as royalty-backed assets and bond-like products are subject to scrutiny.
Why This Matters
The materials describe a narrow update: Soneium, an Ethereum Layer 2 network supported by Sony, announced its intention to launch a native token, $SONEIUM. Token distribution details for $SONEIUM.
Broader Context
Source materials place the factual news in this context: Soneium has run without a token for most of its life.
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