Abu Dhabi, UAE, November 19th, 2025, Chainwire
The fund is built to spark new ideas across gaming, digital finance, and builder economies. It marks a key step in turning MapleStory Universe into a lasting, connected Web3 ecosystem.
NEXPACE’s Ecosystem Fund brings on Altos Ventures, Chainlink Labs, GSR, and Hashed Ventures as strategic advisory partners.
NEXPACE, the Web3 IP-expansion initiative behind MapleStory Universe (MSU), today announced the launch of its Ecosystem Fund. It plans to invest up to US$50 million to speed up the long-term growth of MSU and the wider NEXPACE ecosystem.
The fund backs NEXPACE’s mission to build an open, self-sustaining Web3 platform for the next wave of gaming. Beyond mass adoption, it aims to lay the money rails and builder base for communities. These communities can then create new digital worlds where play, creativity, and economy come together.
Where the Fund Will Invest
Nexpace is an affiliate of Nexon, a global leader in making, building, and running online games. It plans to invest in nearby sectors that make the ecosystem stronger at its base, including:
- Financial infrastructure
- AI
- Tokenized real-world assets (RWAs)
- The builder economy
The fund’s vision goes beyond the game. It aims to tackle the limits that have held back older, siloed blockchain game ecosystems. Any money spent will depend on an internal project review and approval process.
“This initiative reflects our belief that the future of gaming experiences and interactive entertainment depends on real-world utility and sustainability,” said Sunyoung Hwang, CEO of NEXPACE.
“The Ecosystem Fund plans to serve as a catalyst for the expansion we’ve already been driving beyond games. It will accelerate our vision of building a connected universe where digital finance, AI, and builder innovation together form the foundation of a sustainable, player-driven economy.”
Ecosystem Expansion: A Strategic, Collaboration-First Framework
The Ecosystem Fund will invest in building footholds across global blockchain and entertainment markets. This will pave the way for pilot projects and growth efforts.
To support this, NEXPACE has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with a select group of strategic advisory partners. They span venture, infrastructure, and research. All share a vision of a lasting Web3 ecosystem built on strong basics. The partners are:
- Altos Ventures
- Chainlink Labs
- GSR
- Hashed Ventures
The partners will act as strategic collaborators. They will offer insight, mentorship, and network support. They will help spot chances, guide early-stage projects, and co-develop ecosystem plans.
Their role will focus on creating value for the ecosystem rather than putting in capital. This fits NEXPACE’s long-term ecosystem goals.
Reinforcing NXPC as the Backbone of MSU’s Ecosystem
The MapleStory Universe ecosystem is anchored by the NXPC token and MapleStory N. It gives players true ownership of their assets. It also offers decentralized marketplaces and community-driven platforms known as Synergy Apps.
This is part of its “Infinite IP Playground” vision. Through player tests and builder creativity, the classic MapleStory IP keeps being reimagined. At its core is Metaplay. This concept gives ecosystem members direct access to core game stories, such as item enhancement and trading on web and mobile. This makes it easy to take part and enables cross-IP innovation.
The ecosystem also grows beyond MapleStory N. It invites the community to explore new ways to enjoy the MapleStory IP. This unlocks new forms of play and interaction that go past old limits.
Related reading: MapleStory adopts Chainlink CCIP and Data Streams and our guide to the future of the metaverse.
“The Ecosystem Fund will play a pivotal role in anchoring MSU’s ongoing expansion initiatives to herald the next phase of the next-generation IP ecosystem,” Sunyoung Hwang added.
“By combining gaming, digital finance, and AI under one collaborative umbrella, we’re setting new standards for what a sustainable Web3 universe can achieve.”
This milestone shows NEXPACE’s long-term commitment to growing MapleStory Universe into a lively, player-driven economy. In it, gaming, technology, and creativity meet to shape the next generation of digital entertainment.
About NEXPACE
NEXPACE is a blockchain company based in Abu Dhabi. It leads an IP-expansion initiative powered by blockchain technology and NFTs to build a community-driven ecosystem. Its mission is to redefine interactive entertainment. NEXPACE creates a lively space to explore, share, and enjoy content and gameplay made by community members.
NEXPACE’s ecosystem rests on transparency, security, and trust. These let creators share their ideas freely and let users enjoy immersive experiences. By building a culture of creative expression, NEXPACE aims for a secure, shared space that unites members in a thriving digital community.
For more information, users can visit: Website | Medium | X/Twitter | Discord
Contact
Wachsman
maplestoryuniverse@wachsman.com
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