The tokenization of assets has ceased to be a futuristic promise to become a real tool for economic transformation.
From real estate to works of art or renewable energy, more and more companies are using tokens to make assets that are traditionally difficult to mobilize more accessible, liquid and efficient.
This article includes real success stories in tokenization, showing how different companies have used this technology to generate value, attract investment, scale their operations and change the rules of the game in their sector.
What is tokenization and why does it matter?
Tokenization consists of representing a real asset — such as a property, a work of art or a business action — through a digital token on a blockchain. This allows:
- Fraction the property easily
- Facilitate the buying and selling and transfer of assets
- Increase liquidity
- Improve traceability and transparency
Key fact: According to a study by BCG and ADDX (2022), it is estimated that the global market for tokenized assets will reach 16 trillion dollars for 2030.
Case 1: RealT — Fractional Real Estate in the U.S. UU.
Sector: Real estate
Location: United States
Technology: Ethereum and Gnosis Chain
RealT allows you to buy fractions of real estate using ERC-20 tokens that represent property rights and rental benefits. Each token corresponds to a specific part of a property in cities such as Detroit, Chicago or Miami.
Results:
- Over 250 tokenized properties
- Access to investors from more than 150 countries
- Daily rent distributions using stablecoins
Lessons learned:
- Fractionation lowers the barrier to entry for retail investors
- Integrating real income streams (rent) increases retention
- Local legal compliance is essential: they use real estate LLCs to legally structure each token
Case 2:21Shares — Tokenization of Regulated Financial Products
Sector: Financials
Location: Switzerland
Technology: Blockchain as a backend, listed in traditional markets
21Shares offers exchange-traded products (ETPs) backed by cryptocurrencies, allowing institutional investors to access digital assets without trading directly with wallets.
Results:
- More than $1.5 billion in assets under management (2024)
- Listed on markets such as SIX Swiss Exchange and Deutsche Bösse
- Compliance with Swiss and European financial regulations
Lessons learned:
- Tokenization doesn't exclude the traditional financial system: it can be integrated
- Regulatory compliance and institutional credibility are key
- The interface (ETP, not direct token) matters: investors need familiarity
Case 3: WePower — Tokenized Green Energy
Sector: Renewable energy
Location: Lithuania/Australia
Technology: Ethereum
WePower created a platform for renewable energy producers to sell their electricity production in advance using tokens. Each token represented one kWh of future energy.
Results:
- Pilot agreements with governments and energy infrastructures in Australia
- Facilitation of direct agreements between consumers and solar installations
- Improvement in advance funding for green projects
Lessons learned:
- Tokenization can solve infrastructure funding necks
- The value of the token must be clearly linked to a tangible asset or flow
- Collaborating with public stakeholders facilitates adoption
Case 4: Socios.com — Fan tokens in sports
Sector: Entertainment and sports
Location: Global
Technology: Chiliz (own blockchain)
Socios.com allows fans to buy “fan tokens” from sports clubs (FC Barcelona, PSG, Juventus, etc.) that grant access to surveys, prizes and exclusive experiences.
Results:
- More than 100 partner teams and organizations
- Tens of millions of dollars generated in token sales
- Creation of a new revenue line for sports clubs
Lessons learned:
- Linking tokens to emotional identity (fans) drives mass adoption
- Benefits must be tangible and exclusive, not just speculative
- The UX and the mobile app were key to success outside the crypto world
Common Success Story Factors
Looking at these examples, we found key patterns:
1. Clear and direct utility
All the tokens studied represent real rights: from a rental, a share of energy, or decisions as a fan. There are no vague promises or purely speculative tokens.
2. Strong legal model
Each project found a way to operate Within the legal framework of their country, even if that involved complex structures such as SPVs, LLCs or regulated agreements.
3. Integration with real users
Successful projects don't just target crypto investors: they aim at Real End Users, offering solutions that they can easily understand and use.
4. Strategic Alliances
All took advantage of alliances with relevant actors (governments, sports clubs, financial markets) to gain credibility and traction.
Conclusion
Tokenization is already transforming entire industries, but success doesn't just come with technology: it requires vision, strategy and rigorous execution.
The projects analyzed show that, when done well, Tokenization can open up new sources of income, increase liquidity and connect with audiences that previously had no access to certain assets.
Replicating your success involves learning from your legal, product and marketing decisions. And above all, always keep the focus on solving real problems, not on following the technological trend.
Are you thinking about tokenizing an asset?
In Unknown Gravity, we help companies design and launch legal, scalable and business-oriented tokenization projects.
Request a free consultation and avoid common mistakes.