Grayscale Launches Story Trust as $IP Token Rises 12%

Grayscale Investments has launched the Grayscale Story Trust, a regulated investment vehicle offering accredited and institutional investors exposure to the $IP token, the native asset of the Story Protocol. The trust, announced on July 31, 2025, is structured similarly to Grayscale’s existing single-asset trusts, including its Bitcoin and Ethereum offerings, and is designed to provide institutional-grade access to the emerging programmable IP market [1]. The Story Protocol is a blockchain-based platform that enables the tokenization and management of intellectual property (IP), supporting the AI era’s growing demand for secure and scalable digital rights management [2].

The launch has already triggered a strong market response, with the $IP token surging in value. Reports indicate a 12% increase in price shortly after the announcement, with the token trading at $6.16, reflecting growing institutional confidence in the asset class [4]. Grayscale’s move into programmable IP is seen as a strategic shift into a sector that is gaining momentum as AI and blockchain converge to redefine how data and creative content are managed and monetized [5]. Analysts suggest that the programmable IP narrative could represent a market opportunity as large as $80 trillion, making it a significant frontier for investment [5].

By offering a regulated vehicle for exposure to the $IP token, Grayscale is bridging the gap between traditional finance and the blockchain-driven IP economy. The trust is compliant under SEC Rule 501(a) and provides a structured entry point for accredited investors seeking to diversify into next-generation digital assets [2]. This approach aligns with Grayscale’s broader strategy to innovate within the digital asset space, leveraging its track record of launching thematic investment vehicles that drive adoption in regulated environments [6]. The Story Trust is expected to attract significant institutional capital, further legitimizing the use of blockchain for managing and monetizing IP rights.

Michael Sonnenshein, CEO of Grayscale Investments, highlighted the timing and significance of the launch, stating that the Story Trust positions the firm and its investors to help redefine copyright management in the era of generative AI through on-chain programmable IP [7]. The platform is designed to enable real-world data—such as video, speech, and personal likeness—to be traceable, enforceable, and monetizable on blockchain networks. This development underscores the growing importance of blockchain in enabling secure and transparent ownership structures across digital content and data [2].

The Grayscale Story Trust reflects a broader industry trend of institutional participation in blockchain-based solutions for IP and data rights. As more industries adopt blockchain for intellectual property management, the trust is well positioned to serve as a foundational investment vehicle for institutions and high-net-worth individuals looking to capitalize on these evolving trends [6]. The move is expected to accelerate the adoption of programmable IP across the creative economy, AI development, and digital content creation, reinforcing Grayscale’s role as a key player in shaping the future of digital asset investment [3].

[1] Grayscale announces Grayscale Story Trust (https://www.tipranks.com/news/the-fly/grayscale-announces-grayscale-story-trust-thefly)

[2] Grayscale Launches Trust for Story Protocol to Tap Into (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/07/31/grayscale-launches-trust-for-story-protocol-to-tap-into-usd80t-intellectual-property-market)

[3] Grayscale Bets Big on AI IP Launches Trust for $80 Trillion (https://coincentral.com/grayscale-bets-big-on-ai-ip-launches-trust-for-80-trillion-story-protocol-market/)

[4] IP token jumps 12% as Grayscale launches Story Trust (https://coinjournal.net/news/ip-token-jumps-12-as-grayscale-launches-story-trust/)

[5] Grayscale takes aim at the $80t IP market with Story (https://www.mexc.com/news/grayscale-takes-aim-at-the-80t-ip-market-with-story-protocol-trust/63176)

[6] Grayscale (GBTC) Launches Innovative Story Trust for (https://www.gurufocus.com/news/3022589/grayscale-gbtc-launches-innovative-story-trust-for-blockchain-ip)

[7] Grayscale Launches Story Trust to Invest in AI Era IP Token (https://www.ainvest.com/news/grayscale-launches-story-trust-invest-ai-era-ip-token-2507/)