Manifest launched the tokenized real estate ETF $USH with early backing from VanEck Ventures. The platform aims to offer diversified exposure to U.S. residential real estate through blockchain technology and smart contracts.
VanEck Ventures General Partner Wyatt Lonergan and Partner Juan Lopez confirmed the firm’s investment in Manifest, which is preparing to launch a decentralized platform that integrates U.S. real estate into the digital asset ecosystem. Manifest is introducing $USH, a tokenized ETF backed by home equity investments, to deliver a capital-efficient and accessible real estate product.
Manifest introduces $USH to transform real estate investing
By offering owner-occupied single-family home equity exposure, Manifest is positioning $USH as an alternative to traditional real estate ETFs. CEO Nathaniel Sokoll-Ward stated that $USH is structured to eliminate the need for intermediaries, reduce fees, and increase transparency. Unlike legacy ETFs, which rely on real estate rental businesses or REITs, $USH is fully backed by home equity and operates entirely on-chain.
The ETF is designed to improve capital efficiency, avoid stock market volatility, and provide investors with 24/7 access. The blockchain-based structure allows tokenized ownership and enhanced liquidity to simplify real estate investment and open it to a broader global audience.
VanEck Ventures leads the pre-seed round for manifest
VanEck Ventures and Lattice Fund co-led Manifest’s $2.5 million pre-seed funding round. This investment is part of VanEck’s broader strategy to support innovation at the intersection of fintech, digital assets, and artificial intelligence. The $30 million venture capital arm, launched in October, was created to back startups building next-generation financial infrastructure.
Lopez emphasized that products like $USH introduce a new era of asset management. By offering programmable assets and seamless global settlement, tokenized ETFs have the potential to overcome limitations found in traditional financial products.
Tokenization trends in real estate expected to rise
Tokenized real estate is forecasted to make up a significant portion of the global tokenized asset market by 2030. According to Statista, it may represent about one-third of the market as investor demand for fractional ownership and liquidity increases.
A 2024 European real estate professionals survey found that 60% viewed liquidity as a key challenge. Manifest’s model seeks to address this by enabling 24/7 traceability, minimizing transaction costs, and improving access through blockchain technology.