21shares Launches Physically Backed Crypto ETPs in Europe: Lighter and Venice Tokens Now Available for Investors

21Shares Launches Physically Backed Crypto ETPs in Europe, Expanding Investor Access

October 20, 2026 — In a significant move for cryptocurrency investment, 21Shares has officially launched two new physically backed exchange-traded products (ETPs) in Europe, providing investors with exposure to the Lighter (LIT) and Venice (VVV) tokens. This development marks a pivotal step in making cryptocurrency investments more accessible through conventional brokerage accounts.

The newly introduced ETPs, the 21Shares Lighter ETP (LIHT) and the 21Shares Venice Token ETP (VENC), began trading on October 20. LIHT is listed on the Deutsche Börse Xetra, while VENC is available on the SIX Swiss Exchange. Both products come with a 2.50% annual fee, allowing investors to gain exposure to decentralized derivatives trading and privacy-focused artificial intelligence without the complexities of managing tokens directly.

Lighter ETP: A New Era for Perpetual Futures

The Lighter ETP tracks the LIT token, which is associated with a decentralized exchange specializing in perpetual futures trading across various markets, including cryptocurrencies, equities, foreign exchange, and commodities. Utilizing zero-knowledge technology, Lighter ensures that its order matching and liquidation processes are verifiable, enhancing transparency and trust.

“Lighter brings a high-performance, fee-generating perpetual futures DEX to traditional accounts,” said Jasmin Muelhaupt, 21Shares’ head of financial product development. The platform also directs revenue toward LIT repurchases and permanent token burns, creating a sustainable economic model.

Venice ETP: Privacy Meets AI

On the other hand, the Venice ETP offers exposure to the Venice Token, which powers an AI platform designed to prioritize user privacy. Venice’s services are compatible with OpenAI’s interface, allowing developers to connect applications seamlessly. The platform has already attracted five million users, highlighting the growing demand for privacy-focused AI solutions.

“Venice delivers exposure to the booming private AI sector where data privacy and compute economics meet,” Muelhaupt added.

A Growing Trend in European Crypto Products

The launch of these ETPs follows 21Shares’ recent introduction of Zcash and ether.fi ETPs, further solidifying its position as a leader in the European crypto market. With established securities accounts already facilitating access to cryptocurrency products, the new offerings are expected to attract a broader range of investors.

While these ETPs provide a convenient way to invest in cryptocurrencies, it’s important to note that shareholders do not have direct control over the underlying assets held by custodians. Additionally, trading through brokerage accounts does not eliminate exposure to token price fluctuations, and returns will be impacted by the annual fees.

As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, 21Shares is poised to play a crucial role in bridging traditional finance with the burgeoning world of digital assets, making it easier for investors to participate in this dynamic market.