Dogecoin Foundation Partners 21Shares for First US ETF

House of Doge, the official corporate arm of the Dogecoin Foundation, has announced an exclusive partnership with 21Shares to launch the only Dogecoin (DOGE) exchange-traded products (ETPs) officially endorsed by the Foundation. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between Dogecoin's community-driven origins and the stringent requirements of institutional finance.

As part of the agreement, 21Shares, one of the world’s largest crypto ETP issuers, has filed a Form S-1 registration statement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission to create a Dogecoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) for the US market. This filing is the latest ETF application for the original memecoin in the US. If approved, it would become the first registered Dogecoin ETF in the country, enabling institutional and retail investors to gain regulated exposure to the popular crypto through traditional brokerage platforms.

Launched in 2013 as a satirical take on Bitcoin, Dogecoin has evolved into a widely held digital asset with strong community support and a unique brand identity. It is known for its low transaction fees, fast settlement speeds, and widespread appeal among retail users. Major companies such as Microsoft and AMC Theatres have accepted Dogecoin for payments, while the token has been used to support crowdfunding efforts, social tipping, and charitable donations.

Jens Wiechers, advisory board member at House of Doge and co-executive director of the Dogecoin Foundation, stated, “This initiative with 21Shares provides a regulated path for institutions to participate in and amplify the ‘Dogecoin is Money’ vision while still honoring the community’s spirit. Global adoption is critical, and we’re excited to take this next step – ensuring Dogecoin stays fun but gains the credibility and backing needed to thrive at scale.”

The launch of these ETPs is intended to close the gap between Dogecoin’s community-led origins and the rigorous demands of institutional finance. Unlike earlier speculative trading instruments or unregulated products, the Dogecoin ETPs being developed with 21Shares aim to meet the compliance standards of global financial markets.

With over $7.3 billion in assets under management and listings on 11 major exchanges, including Nasdaq, SIX Swiss Exchange, and Euronext, 21Shares has played a leading role in integrating digital assets into mainstream investment portfolios. The Foundation said the partnership is a sign of Dogecoin’s “maturity and legitimacy in the financial world.” It added that the ETPs will allow new types of investors to participate in the DOGE ecosystem, further reinforcing its role in the digital economy.

21Shares President Duncan Moir said, “By partnering with the House of Doge, we are taking a pivotal step in bringing transparent and institutional-grade investment options to the market. This move reflects our commitment to expanding investor access to innovative and community-driven assets while maintaining the highest regulatory and operational standards.”

The Dogecoin Foundation and 21Shares appear poised to offer a product that balances institutional rigor with the meme coin’s irreverent roots, a formula they hope will encourage broader global adoption and long-term staying power. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Dogecoin from an internet meme into a legitimate financial asset, paving the way for its integration into the broader financial ecosystem.