Sony Block Solutions Labs, a joint venture between Sony Group and Startale Group, launched the Soneium Ethereum Layer 2 mainnet in January 2025, powered by Optimism's Superchain technology. The project follows the company's Minato testnet, which attracted more than 14 million active wallets and tens of millions of transactions before the mainnet launch. In January 2026, Sony Innovation Fund invested $13 million in Startale as the first close of its Series A, approximately one year after Soneium went live. Startale CEO Sota Watanabe has stated the project aims to reach general users rather than remaining limited to the crypto-native crowd. The launch represents a shift in enterprise Web3 strategy, with Sony Block Solutions Labs operating at the infrastructure layer rather than treating blockchain as a marketing feature.
Soneium Testnet Attracts 14 Million Wallets Before Mainnet Launch
Before the mainnet launch in January 2025, Soneium's Minato testnet attracted more than 14 million active wallets and tens of millions of transactions, according to reports from Sony Block Solutions Labs. The testnet phase preceded the mainnet deployment and demonstrated user activity levels prior to the network going live.
Soneium operates within Optimism's Superchain, giving it access to shared tooling and interoperability with other OP Stack chains. Sony Block Solutions Labs combines Sony's experience across entertainment, consumer technology, gaming, and finance with Startale Group's blockchain infrastructure expertise.
Mainnet Reports 500 Million Transactions Since January 2025 Launch
Since the mainnet launch in January 2025, media reports have placed the Soneium network at more than 500 million transactions, 5.4 million wallets, and over 250 applications. These figures represent ecosystem metrics reported after the mainnet went live.
The network runs as an Ethereum Layer 2 powered by Optimism's Superchain technology. Sony Block Solutions Labs operates the project at the infrastructure layer, giving the company influence over network design, roadmap, ecosystem development, and user experience.
Sony Innovation Fund Invests $13 Million in Startale Series A
In January 2026, Sony Innovation Fund added $13 million to Startale as the first close of its Series A, deepening the relationship between the companies approximately one year after Soneium's mainnet launch. The investment followed the initial mainnet deployment in January 2025.
Sota Watanabe, Startale's CEO, has framed Soneium around reaching general users rather than remaining limited to the crypto-native crowd. The joint venture between Sony Group and Startale Group positions the project to combine Sony's consumer and entertainment reach with Startale's blockchain infrastructure capabilities.
FAQ
What did Sony Block Solutions Labs launch in January 2025?
Sony Block Solutions Labs launched the Soneium Ethereum Layer 2 mainnet in January 2025. The network is powered by Optimism's Superchain technology and operates within the OP Stack ecosystem.
How much did Sony Innovation Fund invest in Startale?
In January 2026, Sony Innovation Fund invested $13 million in Startale as the first close of its Series A. The investment occurred approximately one year after the Soneium mainnet launch.
How many transactions has Soneium processed since mainnet launch?
Media reports have placed the Soneium network at more than 500 million transactions, 5.4 million wallets, and over 250 applications since the mainnet launch in January 2025. These figures represent ecosystem metrics reported after the network went live.
