Nansen Launches JVPs to Build Blockchain Infrastructure with Institutional Partners

Blockchain analytics firm Nansen is stepping beyond its traditional role as a data provider to become a direct participant in shaping the future of decentralized finance. The company announced the launch of its Joint Venture Protocols (JVPs), a new initiative to co-create and co-fund on-chain protocols with strategic partners. This move reflects a broader shift in the crypto industry toward infrastructure development driven by institutional players.

Nansen's JVPs are designed to support protocols that align with its product roadmap and user needs. The firm emphasized a focus on strategic areas such as on-chain trading, AI-powered systems, data protocols, and tokenized infrastructure. These partnerships will allow Nansen to contribute to the development of protocols that are not only independent but also benefit from the firm's resources and community support.

Each JVP will be a long-term commitment, with a clear focus on quality over quantity. Nansen plans to launch its first JVP in 2026 and continue expanding the initiative in the following years. The firm's approach reflects its belief that the next phase of crypto development requires active participation in infrastructure rather than just data analysis.

Strategic Focus Areas

Nansen's JVPs will focus on areas where the firm already has a strong presence or expertise. These include on-chain trading tools, AI-driven analytics, and infrastructure that leverages Nansen's on-chain intelligence.

By targeting these areas, Nansen aims to create tools and protocols that directly benefit its user base and advance the broader crypto ecosystem.

The firm's leadership has emphasized that each JVP will be carefully selected and aligned with both Nansen's product roadmap and the needs of its users. This approach ensures that each project has the potential to deliver long-term value rather than being a short-term experiment. The goal is to build protocols that can stand on their own while still benefiting from Nansen's deep technical and community resources.

Community-Driven Development

One of the defining features of Nansen's JVPs is the involvement of its community. Holders of Nansen Points, the company's reward and participation system, will act as early stakeholders in these new protocols. This model not only aligns the interests of builders, users, and the broader ecosystem but also provides a direct mechanism for the community to influence and benefit from the growth of these new protocols.

Nansen's community-driven approach is part of its broader strategy to foster deeper engagement with its user base. By involving the community in the development and governance of JVPs, Nansen aims to create a more inclusive and collaborative environment. This approach is expected to enhance user participation and loyalty while also ensuring that the protocols developed are aligned with real-world use cases and market demand.

Broader Industry Trends

Nansen's move into JVPs is part of a broader trend in the crypto industry where traditional players are expanding their roles beyond data and analytics. The growing institutional adoption of blockchain technology has led to an increased demand for infrastructure that can support more complex financial applications. This includes everything from tokenized assets and AI-driven trading systems to more sophisticated data protocols.

The shift is also reflected in the growing volume of crypto derivatives trading, which hit a record $86 trillion in 2025, averaging $265 billion per day. This explosion in trading activity has been driven in part by increased institutional participation and the maturation of crypto markets. As a result, firms like Nansen are no longer just observers but active participants in shaping the infrastructure that supports these markets.

Looking Ahead

Nansen's first JVP is expected to launch in 2026, and the firm has not yet revealed specific details about the project. However, the company has emphasized that each JVP will be a carefully considered initiative designed to address real-world needs and deliver long-term value. This approach reflects Nansen's commitment to quality and strategic alignment with its mission.

The firm's move into JVPs also highlights the broader evolution of the crypto industry, where data and analytics are no longer sufficient. Instead, the industry is entering a new phase characterized by infrastructure development, institutional collaboration, and the integration of blockchain with traditional financial systems. As more firms like Nansen take active roles in building the future of finance, the industry is likely to see continued innovation and growth.