Did Li Lin Asian Investors Raise $1B Ether Trust?

TL;DR: Li Lin (Huobi founder) together with major Asian crypto players has secured $1 billion in commitments to launch an Ether‐focused digital asset trust. The vehicle—planned via a Nasdaq‐listed shell company—aims to offer regulated institutional exposure to ETH, helping firms diversify, generate yield, and ride the next wave of crypto adoption.

Why this Ether trust moment changes the funding game

If you're a business looking for funding, especially in crypto, this is major. Li Lin—who founded Huobi in 2013 and now leads Avenir Capital—is backing a massive Ether accumulation trust, along with names like Shen Bo (Fenbushi Capital), Xiao Feng (HashKey Group), and tech investor Cai Wensheng. Huobi founder Li Lin to launch $1B Ethereum trust with Asia's top crypto backers

The trust has already raised $1 billion in commitments: $200 million from Avenir, $500 million from institutions including HongShan Capital Group, plus more from other early ETH advocates. Avenir Capital commits $200M

They’re building it using a Nasdaq‐listed shell company to ensure regulatory compliance and appeal to institutional investors. Huobi founder Li Lin launches 1B Ethereum trust with Asia's top crypto backers

What this means for companies seeking funding

Access to institutional ETH capital

This trust ushers in a new kind of capital source. Firms that build products aligned with Ethereum—or that need ETH in treasury—could find backers within this structure.

Think of use cases like:

Protocols needing liquidity
DeFi platforms optimizing their staking yield
Tokenized real‐world assets on Ethereum

Regulated exposure = less friction

Using a Nasdaq shell gives the trust legitimacy in jurisdictions sensitive to compliance.

That means reduced legal risk, clearer reporting, and structures that many VCs and regulated funds prefer. For business, that’s easier deals, clearer due diligence, and more confidence from investors.

Real examples of backers and proven ETH demand

Avenir Capital (Li Lin’s firm) has committed $200M. Avenir Capital commits $200M
HongShan Capital Group pledged $500M. HongShan Capital Group pledges $500M
Early Ethereum supporters like Fenbushi, HashKey, and Meitu are involved—and that signals trust from people who understand both crypto risk and upside. Huobi founder Li Lin launches 1B Ethereum trust with Asia's top crypto backers

Meanwhile, similar entities already holding tons of ETH exist: BitMine, SharpLink Gaming, others. This trust could soon rank among the top four ETH treasuries globally. Early ETH treasuries and institutional demand

Opportunities this trust creates for companies like yours

Product and partnership pathways

Custody and staking services: firms offering institutional‐grade custody, staking infrastructure, audit services could be in high demand.
Tokenized product platforms: owners of real world assets want to use ETH/Ethereum. The trust’s model boosts that ecosystem.
Regulatory & compliance solutions: companies helping manage legal footprints, KYC, reporting could win contracts.

Fundraising alignment

Pitching your company becomes easier when you tie it to ETH adoption. Invest in the narrative:

“Our model will align with institutions that need regulated exposure to Ethereum.”
“We position ETH as strategic reserve—consistent with what Li Lin’s group is building.”

Signal effect & network building

Backing from investors who trust ETH empowers further deals. If your business stands out in this space, you position yourself at the epicenter of institutional crypto adoption.

Risks and what to watch out for

Regulatory changes in staking and custody could shift the rules—watch U.S. SEC, Hong Kong’s SFC, Singapore regulators. Huobi founder Li Lin launches 1B Ethereum trust with Asia's top crypto backers
Volatility in ETH price. Institutions buying heavy may see short‐term dips.
Competition: more ETH trust / fund structures will emerge. Standing out matters.

FAQs

Why not just invest in a spot Ether ETF?
ETFs offer exposure, but this trust owns ETH directly. That means access to staking yields, influence over treasury strategy, and control over how ETH is used within a corporate balance sheet. Huobi founder Li Lin to launch 1B Ethereum investment fund

What makes this trust regulated?
It uses a Nasdaq‐listed shell company. That paperwork, reporting, and oversight give legitimacy, especially for institutions wary of off-shore or loosely regulated crypto entities. Huobi founder Li Lin to launch 1B Ethereum investment fund

How long until this trust is live?
Sources say the formal announcement is expected within the next few weeks. 💡 If you're planning to raise funds, position your narrative, reach out to potential contributors soon. Li Lin’s ETH treasury plans heads into next phase

If your company is building in the Ethereum ecosystem—whether in DeFi, infrastructure, staking, compliance, or tokenization—there has never been a more promising moment to engage institutional capital. Let’s talk strategy for how you could partner with or benefit from this new fund framework.