Pharos, a high-performance parallel Layer 1 blockchain designed for institutional-scale financial infrastructure, announced on March 13, 2026, a strategic investment from GCL New Energy (HKEX: 0451). Pharos defines itself as the inclusive financial Layer 1 for RealFi, where real value and institutional-grade assets circulate onchain and are composable with decentralized assets. GCL New Energy invested in Pharos at a valuation of nearly $1 billion. This follows GCL New Energy’s initial announcement on January 8, 2026.
Funding Overview
GCL New Energy finalized its investment in Pharos after completing regulatory disclosure procedures required by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX). The transaction links Pharos’ blockchain infrastructure with GCL New Energy’s energy sector expertise.
Key details:
- Announcement date: March 13, 2026.
- Valuation: Nearly $1 billion.
- Investment type: Strategic expansion of capital partnership.
- Prior step: GCL New Energy’s initial announcement on January 8, 2026.
The investment supports Pharos’ efforts in Real-World Asset (RWA) markets. The broader blockchain funding landscape continues to expand as new projects secure capital to build infrastructure and financial tools. For example, Unitas Raises $13.33 Million, highlighting continued investor confidence in emerging Web3 platforms focused on decentralized finance and real-world asset integration.
About the Company
Pharos is a Layer 1 blockchain platform designed for institutional-scale financial infrastructure. It uses modular architecture, deep-parallel execution, and built-in compliance features to support real-time financial operations onchain. Its parallel execution system enables high-throughput infrastructure for asset settlement, transparency, and liquidity.
The platform was developed by leadership and engineers from Ant Group. Pharos has received backing from Hack VC, Faction VC, along with other global TradFi investors.
Wish Wu, Co-Founder and CEO of Pharos, said that expanding the partnership with GCL New Energy marks a significant milestone for the company. He noted that the collaboration brings together Web3 infrastructure and a global energy leader to explore how blockchain technology can be applied in real-world industries. According to him, the investment highlights confidence in Pharos’ long-term vision and supports its goal of building the next generation of financial infrastructure.
Investors
GCL New Energy invested in Pharos. GCL New Energy leads in “Power-Compute Integration,” combining AI computing and energy infrastructure. GCL New Energy launched blockchain-based solutions for energy revenue tokenization and cross-border settlement.
Previous backers:
- Hack VC
- Faction VC
- Other global TradFi investors invested in Pharos.
Market Context
Pharos and GCL New Energy partnered to explore blockchain applications in energy. Their collaboration targets:
- Tokenization of renewable energy assets.
- Decentralized energy trading systems.
- Carbon footprint tracking and verification.
This positions Pharos to connect on-chain financial systems with real-world energy infrastructure. GCL New Energy’s involvement aligns Web3 protocols with regulated industries and public-market standards.
Funding History
GCL New Energy announced its initial investment intent in Pharos on January 8, 2026. The March 13, 2026, finalization followed HKEX regulatory disclosures. Earlier backers include Hack VC, Faction VC, and other global TradFi investors.
