VERSE token hits $1 billion market cap just minutes after launch on Pump.fun

The launch of VERSE, the native token powering VerseWorld’s immersive metaverse platform, took off with rare intensity this week. Within just 12 minutes of going live on the Solana-based platform Pump.fun, VERSE surpassed a $1 billion market cap and quickly became the most purchased token among SmartMoney wallets.

But while the numbers are making headlines, the team behind VERSE is more focused on substance than flash. They say the token is designed to support a broader vision: building a metaverse that people actually use—not just one that looks good in pitch decks.

VerseWorld, which markets itself as a hyper-realistic metaverse connecting digital experiences with real-world culture and brands, already has real traction. It has hosted virtual activations for major names like Toyota, Lexus, and Dubai Police, and is one of the few Web3-native projects to make its way into the Epic Games Store. The platform blends high-end 3D visuals with real-world brand integration in an effort to make digital interaction feel more meaningful.

VERSE itself isn’t just another meme coin with a flashy launch. It has a total fixed supply of one billion tokens, with 45% allocated toward incentivizing users for interacting with the ecosystem. This includes staking, creator rewards, governance participation, and in-game transactions. According to the team, these mechanics are designed to give the token real utility rather than short-lived speculative value.

“Too many metaverse projects overpromise and underdeliver,” said Mickael Reignier, CEO and co-founder of VerseWorld. “We built VerseWorld as a place where digital and physical experiences come together—and VERSE is how we give users a real stake in it.”

The launch was supported by institutional players, including Gerard Lopez of Genii Capital and Mangrove Capital, with market-making handled by Selini Capital. The token’s debut marks a new phase in VerseWorld’s plan to scale its presence globally, attract more users, and bring more real-world brands into the fold.

The company’s litepaper outlines how VERSE will function across different layers of the ecosystem: from transaction fees and access to premium experiences, to DAO governance and creator economy incentives. It’s designed not only to keep the platform decentralized, but also to align user engagement with long-term growth.

“Our goal is simple,” Reignier added. “We want to build a metaverse that feels alive—something people log into not just once, but every day, because it adds value to their real lives. VERSE is the foundation for that.”

Whether the token can sustain its explosive momentum remains to be seen, but VerseWorld is clearly aiming for more than just viral attention. The team is betting that by grounding its digital universe in real-world partnerships and practical utility, it can create a platform that stands the test of time—one transaction, one experience, and one user at a time.