In a bold strategic move that signals deeper ambitions in the digital economy, Mapping the Metaverse (formerly known as Inke Group) has announced plans to invest up to $100 million in cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USDT, and USDC. This decision follows the company’s successful expansion into the short-form video market, which contributed significantly to its 2023 financial performance.
The investment underscores Mapping the Metaverse’s long-term vision: positioning itself at the intersection of digital content, Web3.0 innovation, and decentralized finance. But what does this mean for its future? And how does crypto fit into a business built on entertainment?
Let’s explore the company’s transformation, its growing influence in the short-video space, and why it sees blockchain technology as a cornerstone of its next phase.
The Rise of Short-Form Video: A $960 Million Success Story
Mapping the Metaverse made an early and calculated bet on short-form video content in 2022—a decision that paid off handsomely by 2023.
By year-end, the company reported:
- Total revenue: ¥6.84 billion (~$960 million), up 8.3% year-over-year
- Net profit: ¥400 million, a staggering 337.8% increase
- Adjusted net profit: ¥430 million, growing 9.9%
Notably, the short-video segment alone generated ¥960 million in revenue, accounting for 14% of total group income—a massive leap from just ¥40.7 million in 2022.
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With over 300 short dramas produced, 300 million users reached, and over 10 billion total views, Mapping the Metaverse has solidified its place among industry leaders. It has also launched two international platforms—Redshort for North America and Reelbox for Southeast Asia—expanding its global footprint.
The company now operates a full-stack production ecosystem, managing everything from scriptwriting and filming to distribution, user acquisition, and platform optimization. This vertical integration allows faster iteration, higher quality control, and stronger monetization potential.
But while short-form video fuels growth today, Mapping the Metaverse is clearly looking ahead—to Web3.0, tokenized assets, and decentralized communities.
From Live Streaming to Web3: A Legacy of Digital Engagement
Long before short videos took off, Mapping the Metaverse built its foundation on live streaming and social networking—sectors that continue to generate strong cash flow.
The flagship Inke Live app remains a core revenue driver, thanks to:
- Refined content categorization and moderation systems
- Enhanced host incentive programs
- Strategic brand partnerships through events like the annual Inke Gala and “Fun Life Festival”
- Advanced recommendation algorithms that boost engagement and monetization
These improvements have strengthened the ecosystem connecting users, creators, and brands, creating a self-sustaining loop of value creation.
Equally important is the company’s focus on digital relationships. Through dedicated dating platforms like Duiyuan (targeting tier-2/3 cities) and Super Like (focused on first-tier urban users), Mapping the Metaverse taps into the growing demand for meaningful online connections.
Super Like’s hybrid model—combining online apps with cloud services and physical matchmaking stores—has proven particularly effective. With locations now open in Beijing, Shanghai, Changsha, and other major cities, it bridges digital interaction with real-world experiences.
This blend of virtual engagement and tangible outcomes reflects a broader trend: users want immersive, trustworthy digital environments—exactly the kind of space Web3 aims to build.
Why $100 Million in Crypto? Strategic Bets on Web3.0
According to its official announcement, Mapping the Metaverse plans to allocate:
- $60 million to Bitcoin (BTC)
- $20 million to Ethereum (ETH)
- $10 million each to USDT and USDC
This isn’t speculative gambling—it’s a strategic asset allocation aligned with the company’s Web3.0 development roadmap.
Here’s why this move makes sense:
1. Hedging Against Traditional Market Volatility
While ad-supported models dominate digital media, they’re vulnerable to macroeconomic shifts. Cryptocurrencies offer an alternative store of value and can diversify financial risk.
2. Preparing for Tokenized Content Economies
Imagine a future where viewers earn tokens for watching short dramas, or creators mint NFT-based episodes. With stakes in BTC and ETH, Mapping the Metaverse is positioning itself to lead in such ecosystems.
3. Building Trust in Decentralized Identity & Payments
Stablecoins like USDT and USDC are critical for cross-border transactions—especially relevant as Redshort and Reelbox expand overseas. They enable fast, low-cost settlements without relying on traditional banking infrastructure.
4. Aligning with User Behavior Trends
Younger audiences—Mapping the Metaverse’s core demographic—are increasingly comfortable with digital wallets, NFTs, and decentralized apps. Investing in crypto signals that the company speaks their language.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why would a short-video company invest in cryptocurrency?
A: Because the future of digital entertainment is converging with Web3. By investing early, Mapping the Metaverse prepares for tokenized content, decentralized platforms, and new monetization models beyond ads and subscriptions.
Q: Is this investment risky?
A: All investments carry risk, but allocating only a portion of reserves—and diversifying across BTC, ETH, and stablecoins—reflects a balanced approach. The goal is long-term strategic positioning, not short-term speculation.
Q: How does crypto relate to their existing business?
A: Crypto enables borderless payments (via USDT/USDC), supports future NFT-based content (on Ethereum), and strengthens brand alignment with tech-savvy users who value digital ownership.
Q: Will they launch their own token or NFTs?
A: While not officially confirmed, holding ETH—the primary platform for NFTs and smart contracts—suggests they may explore such projects soon.
Q: What happens if crypto prices drop?
A: The investment is framed as long-term. Like any treasury reserve asset (e.g., gold or foreign currency), volatility is expected. The focus is on utility and ecosystem readiness, not immediate returns.
Bridging Entertainment and Blockchain: A New Digital Frontier
Mapping the Metaverse isn’t just riding the wave of short-video popularity—it’s using that momentum to fund a more ambitious transformation.
From live streaming to micro-dramas, from dating apps to global content platforms, the company has consistently evolved with digital culture. Now, by embracing cryptocurrency, it’s signaling readiness for the next evolution: a decentralized internet where users own their data, content creators control distribution, and value flows transparently through digital ecosystems.
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This $100 million investment may seem large, but in the context of Web3’s potential, it’s a calculated step toward relevance in a post-platform world.
Final Thoughts: Content Is King—But Ownership Is Queen
The success of Mapping the Metaverse’s short-form video division proves it understands what audiences want: engaging stories, instant access, and emotional connection. But its crypto strategy reveals a deeper insight—that in the future, ownership matters as much as consumption.
As users demand more control over their digital lives, companies that embrace decentralization will gain trust, loyalty, and first-mover advantage.
By combining hit content with forward-thinking financial strategy, Mapping the Metaverse isn’t just surviving the digital age—it’s helping shape what comes next.
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