Avalanche Launches Proof of Thought Series with Web3 Leaders

**Building on Avalanche EP2** is streaming live, featuring program updates and insights from grantees across the Avalanche ecosystem. The episode provides: - Deep dives into current projects - Updates from ecosystem participants - Insights from active grantees This follows Avalanche's ongoing content series that covers web3 builders, key updates, and discussions around mass adoption. Previous episodes have featured topics like launching L1s and gaming integrations. **Watch the live stream** to stay updated on Avalanche ecosystem developments.

**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)