Avalanche EP2 Live Stream Features Ecosystem Grantee Updates

**Tether Gold's XAUt token launches on Avalanche**, bringing LBMA-certified gold to the fast blockchain network. The **omnichain deployment** enables users to: - Save in tokenized gold as a hedge against market volatility - Integrate gold into DeFi strategies with low transaction costs - Redeem digital tokens for physical gold bullion when needed This expansion builds on the previous launch of oXAUt (open version) on Avalanche via Chainlink CCIP in August. **XAUt represents over $820M in market cap**, making it one of the largest gold-backed tokens in crypto. The integration combines traditional gold investment with **Avalanche's speed and composability**, creating new opportunities for gold-powered decentralized finance applications.

**Massive counterfeiting problem hits whiskey industry** - up to 40% of global whiskey supply may be fake. **Suntory's blockchain solution:** - Deploying Avalanche-powered NFC tags on bottles - Tags verify authenticity from production to consumption - Tracks bottles through entire lifecycle - sealed to opened **Why this matters:** - Protects consumers from fraudulent products - Safeguards brand reputation and revenue - Demonstrates practical blockchain use case beyond speculation This follows similar fraud issues in wine industry, where counterfeiting operations have caused millions in damages through fake labels and documentation. *Blockchain authentication could become standard for premium spirits.*

**Real World Asset (RWA) activity surges on Avalanche** as institutional adoption accelerates. **SkyBridge Capital partners with Tokeny and Apex Group** to tokenize $300M in hedge funds on the blockchain. The move represents a significant step in bringing traditional finance onchain. **Key details:** - Founded by Anthony Scaramucci, SkyBridge manages alternatives for pensions, sovereign wealth funds, and family offices - Uses Tokeny's ERC-3643 standard and Apex Group's Digital 3.0 infrastructure - Covers full investment lifecycle from creation to distribution **Avalanche's growing RWA ecosystem** now includes tokenized money market funds, private equity, credit, stocks, venture capital, and hedge funds. This partnership demonstrates **institutions increasingly trust Avalanche** to connect traditional capital with blockchain infrastructure, bridging TradFi and DeFi through programmable products. [Read full breakdown](https://www.avax.network/about/blog/skybridge-capital-to-tokenize-300m-on-avalanche)

**Avalanche introduces Proof of Thought**, a new interview series featuring candid conversations with blockchain innovators. The series showcases five prominent voices: - **Luana Cantuarias** discusses builder mindset and why not everything needs tokenization - **Natasha Hoskins** explores authentic community building beyond buzzwords - **Dogecoin co-founder Billy Markus** shares his disdain for Web3 terminology and building for enjoyment - **a16z's Maggie Hsu** examines crypto's value proposition outside Web3 circles - **Anthony Pompliano** analyzes Bitcoin-dollar coexistence and fiat currency challenges Each interview moves beyond typical industry hype to offer genuine insights into blockchain development and adoption. [Read the full series](https://avax.network/about/blog)