Now you can unlock even more value from 4K Physically-Backed NFTs using the power of DeFi.

The intersection of physical assets and decentralized finance has the potential to radically shift the way we think about things we own. DeFi protocols for lending, fractionalization, and synthetics are enabling new forms of financialization for cryptocurrency and NFTs.

4K Protocol is Web3’s Physical-to-Digital Bridge™. We transform collectibles, unique merchandise, and luxury goods into Physically-Backed NFTs, unlocking untapped value of real world assets. Using a decentralized network of “Guardian” storage providers and asset authenticators, 4K Protocol guarantees a 1-to-1 relationship between the physical asset and the digital NFT.

4K NFTs can be leveraged across DeFi applications, sold on marketplaces, or plugged into an emerging ecosystem of dApps. One of the most compelling use cases for NFTs in DeFi is as a financial instrument in the lending markets. A growing number of protocols are emerging that offer the ability to process loans against NFTs, leveraging the NFT itself as a lien on the collateral.

To demonstrate the potential of physical assets in DeFi, we used 4K Protocol to mint a top-of-the-line Rolex Cosmograph Daytona as an NFT and secured a loan from a leading DeFi lending protocol – Arcade. With a stable secondary market value and a high level of demand, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona makes an ideal candidate for loan collateral. The status quo for this type of lending model would involve visiting a pawn shop and negotiating an in-person deal. But Physically-Backed NFTs offer a safer, streamlined method for collateralization.

4K’s Physical NFT minting process is simple:

• Fill out an intake form for the item.
• Ship the item to a Guardian storage facility.
• Receive the minted NFT in our crypto wallet.

Once minted, a 4K NFT can be leveraged across DeFi protocols, sold on NFT marketplaces, or redeemed for the real-world item at any time.

Using Arcade, we were able to secure a collateralized loan worth over $16k within a matter of minutes. Funds are deposited directly into the borrower’s crypto wallet, and the NFT is placed into an escrow account. Once the borrower pays back the full amount, the NFT is returned to the original owner. If the borrower defaults on the loan, a smart contract transfers full ownership to the lender.

With a total addressable market for collectibles valued at over $512 Billion, we are excited to help usher in a new market for Physical NFTs in DeFi and a new form of financialization for physical assets. By creating the infrastructure necessary to transform real world assets into Physical NFTs, 4K Protocol is changing how the physical world can interface with Web3 and decentralized finance.

To learn more about the tools 4K Protocol is building to bring physical assets to DeFi, follow along on our Twitter and Discord. And if you’re a developer looking to build with Physical NFTs, please get in touch at hello@4k.com.