Huobi founder Li Lin is teaming up with Asia’s largest investors to launch a $1B Ethereum trust. The goal is to buy and hold ETH as a strategic asset amid growing institutional interest.
The launch is led by Hong Kong-based Avenir Capital, owned by Li. The team also includes Shen Bo from Fenbushi Capital, Xiao Feng from HashKey Group and Meitu founder Cai Wensheng. Together, they plan to create a digital asset trust through a structure registered on Nasdaq.
Consortium participants have already secured commitments totaling around $1B. Of this, $200M will be invested by Avenir Capital, and another $500M has been pledged by a group of institutional investors led by HongShan Capital. The remainder is still under discussion — negotiations are ongoing.
The structure is planned to operate on the principle of corporate Ethereum reserves, similar to BitMine and SharpLink Gaming. If the project launches in full, it could become one of the four largest public holders of ETH in the world, according to Strategic ETH Reserve.
Ethereum prospects strengthen amid market uncertainty
Ethereum is still trading below $4000, having lost about 3% amid a correction across the crypto market. Despite the dip, major players like BitMine’s Tom Lee and BlackRock continue to increase their positions in ETH, confirming long-term interest in the asset.
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The creation of the new trust further strengthens the trend of institutional entry into Ethereum. According to analysts, such large-scale purchases could stabilize the price and increase liquidity in the global market.
User forecasts for the price of Ethereum. Source: Polymarket
Overall sentiment remains mixed. According to Polymarket, the probability that ETH will reach $3000 in 2025 is now higher than the chances of rising to $5000. At the same time, investment bank Citizens is betting on a bullish scenario: $7000 by 2026 and $20,000 by 2030.
The trust announcement strengthens confidence in Ethereum as a tool with real-world use and confirms its growing role in institutional digital asset portfolios.
