A Swiss company, IMO Invest, has announced an expansion of its blockchain-based platform, designed to provide access to the Swiss real estate market for a minimum investment of just 50 CHF. The project, founded in 2021, utilizes a unique deflationary token model as an alternative to direct property tokenization, aiming to simplify real estate investment for a broader audience.
Key Takeaways
- IMO Invest offers exposure to Swiss real estate with a minimum investment of 50 CHF.
- The platform uses a "buy & burn" mechanism, where property revenues are used to reduce the supply of its IMO token.
- This model provides indirect exposure to a real estate portfolio, avoiding the complexities of direct tokenization.
- The company reports that over 10% of the total 20 million IMO token supply has already been permanently removed from circulation.
A New Model for Property Investment
IMO Invest is positioning its platform as a solution for individuals who find traditional real estate investment inaccessible. The Swiss property market is known for its stability but also for its high entry costs, which often require significant capital.
The company's approach allows investors to participate with a small initial amount, offering exposure to a diversified portfolio of Swiss real estate assets rather than a single property. This model aims to reduce risk and provide greater flexibility compared to purchasing real estate directly.
Background on Swiss Real Estate
The Swiss real estate market is widely regarded as one of the most stable and secure in the world. However, prices are high, particularly in major cities like Zurich and Geneva. This has historically limited direct investment opportunities to institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals, leaving smaller investors on the sidelines.
Understanding the 'Buy & Burn' Mechanism
The core of IMO Invest's strategy is its deflationary crypto model, which differs significantly from standard real estate tokenization. Instead of creating tokens that represent direct ownership of a specific property, the system is designed to create value through scarcity.
How the Process Works
The company generates revenue from its portfolio of real estate properties. These revenues, along with other surpluses from the ecosystem, are then used to purchase IMO tokens from the open market. Once purchased, these tokens are permanently destroyed in a process known as "burning."
This systematic reduction in the total token supply is intended to create consistent buying pressure and increase the scarcity of the remaining tokens. According to the company, this has already resulted in the removal of over 10% of the maximum 20 million IMO tokens.
"Swiss real estate remains one of the safest investments in the world, but it has historically been reserved for an elite," stated Knut Robillard, founder of IMO Invest. "With IMO Invest, we’ve created a blockchain model that’s simpler and more flexible than traditional real estate tokenization."
Advantages Over Traditional Tokenization
IMO Invest argues that its model bypasses many of the legal and administrative challenges associated with direct property tokenization. Tying a digital token to a physical property often involves complex interactions with land registries and regulatory bodies.
The "buy & burn" system avoids these direct links, offering a smoother process that focuses on the economic performance of the underlying asset portfolio. This structure is designed to provide greater liquidity, as the IMO tokens can be traded 24/7 on decentralized exchanges.
Key Financial Details
- Minimum Investment: 50 CHF
- Maximum Token Supply: 20 million IMO
- Tokens Burned to Date: Over 10% of total supply
- Blockchain: Base (an Ethereum Layer 2 network)
Technology and Target Audience
The project's digital token, IMO, currently operates on the Base blockchain. Base is a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum, chosen for its high speed, low transaction costs, and security. The project previously migrated from the Binance Smart Chain to take advantage of these features.
The platform's accessibility and use of cryptocurrency technology are particularly appealing to younger, digitally native investors. Generations like Millennials and Gen Z are often more open to alternative investment vehicles that combine traditional asset classes like real estate with the innovation of blockchain technology.
"Anyone can now gain exposure to Swiss real estate from just 50 CHF, while benefiting from a deflationary mechanism that has already removed over 10% of the token supply from circulation," Robillard added, highlighting the project's dual appeal.
About IMO Invest
Founded in 2021 by blockchain entrepreneur Knut Robillard, IMO Invest is a Swiss-based company focused on developing blockchain solutions for real estate investment. Since its launch, the project has attracted thousands of investors and is actively building its real estate portfolio to support its deflationary token model. The company aims to continue expanding its ecosystem to further bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized technology.
