8lends is a decentralized peer-to-peer (P2P) crowdlending platform operating on the Base blockchain that facilitates cryptocurrency investments in real-world businesses. [1] [2] The platform functions within the Real-World Asset (RWA) sector, creating a bridge between Web3 investors and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking capital. [1]
8lends enables individuals to invest in private credit opportunities that are traditionally difficult to access. The platform's model involves pooling funds from multiple investors to finance a single business loan, a process known as crowdlending. [1] Investments are made using the USDC stablecoin, with all financial transactions recorded on the Base blockchain for transparency. [2] The platform's stated mission is "to make P2P investing in real-world businesses simple, transparent, and accessible for every Web3 investor." [2]
A core component of the 8lends model is risk mitigation through asset-backed lending. Every loan facilitated through the platform is secured by real-world assets, such as business equipment, inventory, or property. [1] This collateral is legally managed by the platform's Swiss-based partner, Maclear AG, which also conducts a rigorous due diligence process on all prospective borrowers. [2] For select loans, 8lends offers a BuyBack Guarantee, a mechanism designed to protect investors' principal. [1]
The project evolved from Maclear AG, leveraging its experience in the European investment market to source and vet borrowers. [1] The platform's ecosystem includes a native utility token, 8LNDS, which is used for rewards and accessing platform features. [2]
8lends was developed as a Web3 extension of Maclear AG, a Swiss investment platform. The project leverages what it describes as Maclear AG's "4 Years of Proven Expertise" in sourcing and managing investments in the traditional European market. [1] The platform is officially associated with Maclear AG and lists a physical address at Teichgässlein 9, 4058 Basel, Switzerland. [1] The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the project, , was created in August 2024. [3]
Throughout early 2026, the project increased its public engagement. On January 27, 2026, Axl Marchena, a representative for 8lends, participated as a panelist in the BeInCrypto Digital Summit 2026. He discussed the RWA landscape alongside members from other crypto projects, including Avail, Centrifuge, Polygon, and Blockdaemon. [3] The platform also scheduled an X Space event for January 28, 2026, to discuss the topic of "Private Credit and the 'Shadow Banking System'." [3]
The 8lends platform facilitates a crowdlending process that connects two main groups: investors seeking returns on their crypto assets and businesses seeking funding. [1]
The process for investors is designed to be completed in three steps:
After investing, interest is paid out to investors on a monthly basis. The full principal investment is returned at the conclusion of the loan term. 8lends does not charge any platform or commission fees to investors; the only costs incurred are the standard network gas fees on the Base blockchain, which are paid in ETH. [1]
The borrowers who seek funding on the 8lends platform are typically small and medium-sized enterprises, often located in developing regions. These businesses seek capital for purposes such as expansion, equipment upgrades, or operational growth. [1]
Before a business can be listed on the platform, it must undergo a multi-stage due diligence process conducted by Maclear AG. This vetting evaluates over 40 internal criteria, including the business's financial stability, credit history, business model viability, and the liquidity of the collateral being offered. Based on this assessment, each borrower is assigned a risk rating on a scale from AAA (lowest risk) to D (highest risk), which is displayed to potential investors. [1]
8lends utilizes a hybrid Web2 and Web3 architecture, aiming to combine the user-friendliness of traditional applications with the transparency and security of blockchain technology. [2]
The platform is built on the Base blockchain, an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution developed by Coinbase. This infrastructure was chosen to provide public, transparent, and low-cost transaction verification. By operating on an L2, the platform aims to offer faster transaction speeds and lower fees compared to the Ethereum mainnet. [1]
For all investment activities, 8lends exclusively uses USDC (USD Coin). This stablecoin is pegged to the U.S. dollar and was selected for its stability, wide adoption, and regulatory posture, including its compliance with the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation in the European Union. [1]
Several features are in place to mitigate risks for investors.
To ensure the security of user funds and the integrity of the platform's on-chain operations, 8lends' smart contracts have undergone third-party audits. The platform has been audited by Web3 security firms Certik and Cyberscope. [1] The report from the Certik audit is publicly accessible. [2]
8lends has a native utility and marketing token named 8LNDS, which operates on the Base blockchain. [2]
The 8LNDS token is integrated into the platform to incentivize participation and reward investors.
Early distribution methods mentioned by the project included a "time-limited retrodrop" and the ability for users to "farm tokens" through their investment activities. [1]
0x55F9C8992fc4AbCE5ACa585bf8F18284a2379D4C [2]As of January 28, 2026, the token's all-time high was 0.001088, recorded on November 18, 2025. [2]
The 8lends ecosystem is built on key partnerships that bridge its Web3 platform with traditional financial and security operations. [1]
Maclear AG is the core strategic partner for 8lends. The Swiss-based investment company is responsible for the off-chain components of the lending process. Its primary roles include sourcing and conducting comprehensive due diligence on all potential borrowers, managing the legal aspects of collateral registration, and handling the loan recovery and asset liquidation process in the event of a default. 8lends functions as the Web3-native interface for the investment products that are vetted and structured by Maclear AG. [1] [2]
8lends actively participates in industry events and collaborations. In January 2026, the project was represented at the BeInCrypto Digital Summit, signaling its engagement with the broader RWA and DeFi community. [3] The project has also promoted crypto influencer Maria Andersen as a "brand leader." [3] In a statement promoted by the 8lends X account, Andersen commented on the platform's role in the market:
"The next stage is connecting it to the real economy and RWAs. That’s exactly what does: structured USDC lending backed by real collateral." [3]
As of January 28, 2026, the 8lends platform reported the following performance metrics on its website:
On the same date, CoinMarketCap data showed the 8LNDS token had a market capitalization of approximately 5,282.23, and 1,590 unique holders. [2]
The 8lends platform is available to users globally in most countries. However, its services are explicitly restricted for residents and citizens of several jurisdictions, including the United States and Russia, among other unnamed countries. [1]