Shift secures backing from Cointelegraph Accelerator

Shift Stocks, which are fully-backed and transferable permissionless tokenized stocks and ETFs onchain, joins the Cointelegraph Accelerator portfolio to push tokenized equities value into everyday DeFi

Cointelegraph Accelerator has announced its support for Shift Stocks, tokens designed to allow users to trade onchain representations of traditional assets’ value while preserving permissionless access and DeFi composability. Shift Stock’s initial focus is fully-backed tokenized equities and ETFs that can move across decentralized exchanges (DEXs), lending markets and centralized exchanges with transparent backing and real-time proof of reserves.

Unlike legacy security tokens that impose centralized controls such as transfer hooks and account freezes, Shift Stocks are built for open DeFi distribution and liquidity. This approach centers on Asset Referenced Tokens under MiCAR, a crypto classification rather than a securities label, enabling listings across DeFi venues without broker-dealer requirements.

What makes Shift Stocks different

• Asset Referenced Tokens under MiCAR: Classified as crypto rather than securities, enabling permissionless access, 24/7 trading across DEXs and decentralized applications (DApps), and simpler exchange integrations.
• Proof of reserves and institutional stack: Offchain custody with DekaBank and audits with EY are paired with onchain issuance and Chainlink-verified reserves, aligning DeFi transparency with institutional controls.
• DeFi-first distribution: Shift Stocks are designed to live in CLMM, DLMM and AMM pools, plug into lending, and support market maker and algorithmic trading flows across top DApps.

Backed by investors and partners including SNZ Holdings, Chainlink and PrimeVC, Shift Stocks are live on the beta platform and preparing for a public launch in October 2025. The launch is supported by an aggressive liquidity incentive program that rewards early LPs and market makers.

Shift is working with leading partners in the Solana network, including Orca, Jupiter, Meteora, MaxBid and others. It is also sponsoring a host of events, including the Solana Mixer at KBW (Korea Blockchain Week) and Cointelegraph’s VC<>Startup Connect event. The team is targeting KBW and Token2049 in Singapore for fundraising, LP onboarding and ecosystem partnerships.

Growth with Cointelegraph Accelerator

Cointelegraph Accelerator is supporting Shift with strategic advisory and ecosystem access to navigate launch and scale, with a focus on refining Shift’s fundraising and LP strategy, optimizing tokenomics and liquidity incentives, amplifying media and PR presence, and executing a coordinated go-to-market plan.

Anthony Francis, head of program at Cointelegraph Accelerator, noted:

“As I’ve often stated, the boundaries between TradeFi and DeFi are blurring. Shift’s legal framework, which classifies its assets as cryptocurrencies rather than securities, redefines access, availability, and opportunities. This is precisely the type of innovation that the Cointelegraph Accelerator seeks, and we’re thrilled to support the team through fundraising, launch and scaling.”

Michael Bar Zeev, President of Shift Association, remarked:

“Shift Stocks are fully backed, permissionless exposure to leading equities and ETFs into everyday DeFi. Partnering with Cointelegraph Accelerator supports us as we scale by expanding liquidity, forging strategic partnerships and building stronger community engagement.”

Find out more about Shift Stocks and stay up to date on X

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