Backpack Takes IPO Allocations Onchain With Superstate

TLDR

• Backpack partnered with Superstate to offer onchain IPO share allocations to its users.
• The platform will allow users to access official IPO shares before public trading begins.
• Superstate will issue legal shares as native tokens on Solana through its Opening Bell platform.
• The tokenized shares will represent real ownership recorded on an official shareholder registry.
• Backpack launched a waitlist to give early registrants priority access to upcoming IPO allocations.

Backpack confirmed plans to offer onchain IPO share allocations through a new partnership with Superstate. The company will allow users to access official IPO shares directly on Solana before public trading begins. CEO Armani Ferrante said the initiative will expand Backpack’s utility and open a new distribution channel for issuers.

Backpack and Superstate Plan Onchain IPO Access

Backpack will work with Superstate to distribute IPO allocations directly to its platform users. The companies will use Superstate’s Opening Bell infrastructure to issue legal shares as native tokens on Solana. Ferrante said Backpack aims to “become a stop on the roadshow” for companies preparing to list.

Superstate operates an SEC-registered transfer agent that records tokenized shares on an official shareholder registry. The firms stated that the tokenized asset will represent the actual legal share, not a derivative. As a result, holders will receive direct ownership recorded onchain while maintaining stockholder rights.

Backpack opened a waitlist for users seeking early access to upcoming IPO allocations. The company said early registrants will receive priority once offerings launch. Ferrante added that user quality and activity will influence issuer interest in allocating shares.

He said the more active the community becomes, the more viable the venue appears to issuers. Therefore, Backpack will use the waitlist as a demand signal during issuer discussions. The company will pair tokenized equity issuance with traditional IPO processes.

Tokenized Roadshow Model and Expansion Plans

Ferrante described the roadshow as the phase where founders present to institutions before listing. Through the new structure, companies can allocate shares directly to Backpack users during this stage. Superstate’s system will handle issuance and registry management on Solana and Ethereum.

Opening Bell will tokenize shares natively and maintain official ownership records. Consequently, the onchain token will function as the registered share itself. The infrastructure will preserve shareholder rights while enabling programmable settlement.

Backpack stated that it seeks to embed itself earlier in capital formation rather than focus only on secondary trading. Exchanges such as Binance and Coinbase have explored tokenized equities to compete with brokerage platforms. Trading apps like Robinhood also compete for retail equity participation.

Backpack was founded by former FTX employees and continues to expand its exchange services. In 2024, the company raised $17 million in Series A funding led by Placeholder VC. Other backers included Robot Ventures, which is associated with Superstate founder Robert Leshner.

Axios reported that Backpack is in talks to raise $50 million at a $1 billion pre-money valuation. Ferrante also said the company plans to launch an exchange token without “dumping on retail.” He stated that pre-IPO access and a post-IPO treasury allocation will define its value structure.

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