NewGenIVF invests additional $4M in K25.ai for APAC livestreaming expansion

This deal signals a shift toward interactive monetization in streaming through decentralized finance and prediction markets. By embedding real-time betting or 'watch-to-predict' functions directly into livestreams, K25.ai provides a high-engagement alternative to traditional ad models, particularly within esports and idol fanbases. For the broader ecosystem, it demonstrates how AI-driven metadata is moving beyond recommendation engines into active market creation. Competitive platforms should note the integration of digital assets as a treasury strategy to fund cross-border content licensing and infrastructure. Watch for K25.ai's upcoming product launch to see if prediction-based engagement can sustain retention beyond initial novelty for the 35,000-user waitlist.

The strategic pivot by NewGenIVF occurs as the global prediction market sector prepares for significant growth. Per recent research from Bernstein in April 2026, global prediction market trading volumes are projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, a massive increase from the roughly $51 billion recorded in 2025. This growth is increasingly driven by the convergence of blockchain infrastructure and real-time content, transforming niche betting into broader information markets for entertainment and finance.

NewGenIVF has been aggressively diversifying its balance sheet ahead of this partnership. Per Seeking Alpha, the company announced a $30 million investment into Solana staking in June 2025 and a $45 million real estate play in the UAE. These moves reflect a broader trend of public micro-cap companies, like the Bangkok-based NewGen, reinventing themselves as digital asset holding companies to navigate market fragmentation and seeking higher-growth tech sectors like AI-powered streaming.

K25.ai CEO Andy Cheung brings significant centralized exchange expertise to this venture, having previously served as COO of OKX and as a board member at Prenetics, per RootData records from 2025. His recruitment to lead NewGen’s Digital Asset Treasury Strategy aligns with a growing industry pattern where streaming platforms seek leaders who can bridge the gap between media engagement and crypto-economic incentives. This expertise is critical as K25.ai navigates complex regional licensing requirements in APAC jurisdictions like Singapore and Thailand.