The Block reported that investment management giant VanEck has recently launched an NFT marketplace and digital asset management platform called “SegMint.” The platform includes features such as NFT custody and fractional ownership, customizable multi-signature wallet solutions, NFT minting, and built-in game mechanics for earning rewards.
VanEck, as a long-standing global asset management company, has recently ventured into the field of digital asset trading and custody, including NFTs. It has collaborated with Nueva, Delegate, MINTangible, Portals, and Walletchat to launch “SegMint.”
Previously, VanEck, as one of the earliest companies to apply for a Bitcoin ETF in the United States, was approved last month under the code name “HODL.” It was listed alongside nine other Bitcoin spot ETFs.
Matt Bartlett, the head of SegMint, revealed that the platform aims to enhance the usability and security of digital assets through various features and product highlights. One pain point in the digital asset ecosystem is the difficulty of sharing access and ownership in a self-custodial world. SegMint allows secure sharing of asset ownership while retaining control.
Firstly, SegMint introduces the novel “Lock & Key Model.” Users can securely store digital assets in a vault and issue keys for trading on the SegMint platform, simplifying self-custody and sharing of digital assets. The lock represents the vault, where digital assets are securely stored through smart contracts. The key serves as proof of ownership and can be shared with others for access and rewards.
According to the platform, holders of specific NFTs will be able to use their keys to participate in communities, gain partial rights granted by project teams, and potentially receive airdrop rewards from the platform or project.
Additionally, SegMint provides multi-signature wallet services called “Safe Wallets,” offering comprehensive protection for cryptocurrencies and digital assets like NFTs. Users can import existing wallets or create new ones on the platform, and set the minimum number of required signatories for transactions to mitigate the risks of wallet loss or theft.
SegMint also offers NFT minting services. It also features a built-in game mechanism called “The Adventurer’s Outpost,” where users can earn in-game points called “XP” through trading keys, daily check-ins, completing quests, or leveling up characters. XP can be used to redeem on-chain or off-chain rewards such as game equipment and items, which can also be traded on the market.
Newly registered and verified users will receive a free SegMint Adventurer NFT and undisclosed additional benefits.
However, SegMint is not available in all countries. The platform’s terms and conditions state that users residing or holding citizenship in certain jurisdictions, including the United States, may not access the platform’s services. Bartlett also mentioned that they believe Europe and Asia would show more interest in the product.
In the initial phase, SegMint will primarily focus on assisting holders of blue-chip PFP NFTs such as BAYC and Pudgy Penguins in fractionalizing their digital assets’ ownership. Bartlett also plans to open support for tokenizing ownership of real-world assets (RWA) by the end of March, starting with luxury items like Rolex watches and wines, with plans to expand to products like real estate in the future. However, the ownership fractionalization of real estate tokens may take some time to enter the market due to regulatory challenges, which Bartlett acknowledges as a daunting task.
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