Helios, a pioneering Layer 1 blockchain designed for cross-chain finance, has officially launched its token, $HLS, on several major exchanges. The token generation event (TGE), which occurred on December 19, 2025, marks a significant milestone in Helios” roadmap, facilitating broader participation in its ecosystem.
At the time of launch, $HLS is available for trading on prominent centralized exchanges, including KuCoin, BingX, MEXC, Weex, and LBank. This strategic release aims to ensure global accessibility and liquidity as Helios advances towards its full mainnet launch, anticipated in the first quarter of 2026.
Initially, $HLS is presented as an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum and Arbitrum networks. This choice allows Helios to capitalize on existing infrastructure and liquidity while continuing the development of its dedicated Layer 1 solution. Following the mainnet launch, users will have the ability to bridge $HLS to the Helios Mainnet using Hyperion, the platform”s cross-chain execution module designed for seamless ecosystem interoperability.
In conjunction with the TGE, Helios has announced that it has successfully secured a total of $19 million in funding. This capital comprises a $15 million investment from Bolts Capital, ensuring long-term strategic support for product development and ecosystem expansion, along with an additional $4 million raised through launchpads, reflecting robust community interest ahead of the TGE.
The funds will be instrumental in Helios” ongoing development, focusing on core infrastructure, ecosystem incentives, and upcoming product launches. Looking ahead, Helios is set to enter a new execution phase post-TGE, which will prioritize expanding network functionality and onboarding both users and developers.
Key near-term objectives include operating the Helios Mainnet Beta with supervised validators, activating an incentive program, and progressing towards a fully permissionless mainnet launch in Q1 2026. Additionally, Helios is developing Forge, an application that enables the creation and minting of on-chain ETFs, utilizing automation and AI-driven portfolio strategies to support a diverse array of digital and real-world assets.
For more information about Helios and its innovative approach to cross-chain finance, visit helioschain.network.
