Asset classes that were once clearly separated are now increasingly interconnected, while volatility, regime shifts and structural uncertainty challenge traditional allocation models.
In this evolving context, Tungstenum is being launched as a new initiative dedicated to the design of advanced, rules-based index strategies for investment platforms and professional investors seeking structured, transparent and scalable solutions across multiple asset classes.
What is Tungstenum
Tungstenum is an initiative focused on the design and development of index-based investment strategies, operating across digital assets and traditional markets.
Rather than offering discretionary portfolio management or short-term tactical signals, Tungstenum concentrates on clearly defined index strategies, where allocation rules, rebalancing logic and asset selection criteria are explicit, documented and repeatable. Each strategy is designed to be understandable, auditable and suitable for professional environments.
The project is developed within Ziken Labs, a marketing, design and development agency operating across strategy, branding, digital products and growth execution. Beyond its agency activities, Ziken Labs functions as an ecosystem of sub-brands and independent initiatives, which are conceived, built and scaled internally. In this sense, Ziken Labs acts as a form of internal venture engine, allocating its own resources, expertise and capabilities to develop projects over time, leveraging internal resources rather than external funding at early stages.
This structure allows initiatives like Tungstenum to grow with a long-term perspective, strong operational control and full alignment between strategy, execution and ownership.
At its current stage, Tungstenum does not offer regulated investment products, does not manage client assets and does not provide financial advice. All strategies, analyses and materials are produced for informational and research purposes, with the aim of supporting platforms and institutional partners in their own evaluation and implementation processes.
What is our goal
Tungstenum’s goal is to contribute to the development of a new generation of index strategies designed for complex and high-risk environments, where traditional benchmarks and allocation frameworks often prove insufficient.
In the short to medium term, the focus is on building robust cross-asset index strategies that can act as structured reference models for investment platforms and professional investors. These strategies aim to bring clarity and discipline to asset allocation across heterogeneous markets, including digital assets, while remaining grounded in transparent and rules-based construction.
In the longer term, Tungstenum aspires to become a recognized source of advanced index methodologies, capable of exploring thematic, adaptive and forward-looking allocation concepts. The objective is not to replace existing benchmarks, but to complement them by addressing areas where traditional index design lacks flexibility, responsiveness or relevance.
How we are planning to do so
Tungstenum is currently advancing through a structured development phase focused on substance rather than speed.
This phase includes:
- Finalizing the website, visual identity and overall positioning of the project
- Building a small group of experienced advisors and domain experts to challenge assumptions and strengthen methodological rigor
- Completing in-depth backtests and historical analyses on a limited number of carefully selected index strategies
- Refining allocation logic, rebalancing rules and risk controls to ensure internal consistency and robustness
- Producing standardized factsheets documenting methodology, objectives, assumptions and constraints
- Establishing a clear internal review process for governance, methodology changes and strategy updates
- Opening early discussions with selected investment platforms to explore potential integrations of Tungstenum’s index strategies
A deliberate choice has been made to focus on a small set of highly defined strategies, prioritizing depth, clarity and robustness over breadth.
What are the next steps
Once the current development phase is completed, Tungstenum’s focus will progressively shift from internal validation to external implementation and distribution.
A first area of exploration will involve B2B and B2B2C integrations. Rather than launching standalone products, Tungstenum intends to collaborate with selected investment platforms and financial service providers interested in embedding index-based strategies within their existing offerings. In these scenarios, Tungstenum’s role would remain focused on index strategy design and methodology, while distribution, client onboarding and regulatory responsibilities would be handled by licensed partners.
In parallel, Tungstenum will carefully evaluate potential regulatory pathways in Europe and other relevant jurisdictions. This assessment may include, where appropriate, compliance with benchmark-related frameworks such as the European Benchmark Regulation (BMR), as well as broader regulatory regimes applicable to financial indices, data publication and structured products.
Depending on the form of future integrations, Tungstenum will also consider regulatory implications related to:
- investment product frameworks (where applicable)
- market abuse and transparency regulations
- data governance and disclosure requirements
- cross-border distribution rules
Any regulatory step will be undertaken only after thorough legal analysis and in collaboration with qualified advisors and licensed partners. Tungstenum is committed to operating in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and supervisory requirements in each jurisdiction in which its methodologies or strategies may be used.
Over the longer term, and subject to market conditions and partner demand, Tungstenum may explore the feasibility of structured investment products based on its index strategies, such as ETFs or similar vehicles. These options are not part of the current roadmap and would only be assessed in collaboration with regulated entities and product issuers, following all necessary approvals and regulatory authorizations.
From a capital perspective, Tungstenum is currently developed through bootstrapping, allowing the project to remain focused on quality, independence and long-term coherence. While no external funding is required at this stage, funding opportunities may be evaluated in the future if they enable broader distribution, regulatory expansion or accelerated development, always within a compliant and controlled framework.
Across all phases of its development, Tungstenum’s guiding principles will remain unchanged: methodology before exposure, structure before scale, and strict adherence to applicable regulatory standards.
Stay in touch
If you would like to follow Tungstenum’s progress, you can subscribe to the Tungstenum waiting list. Subscribers will receive periodic updates including:
- new index strategy releases and factsheets (when available)
- methodology notes and design decisions behind each framework
- market observations and cross-asset analysis relevant to professional allocation
- announcements about potential platform integrations or partner initiatives
The subscription form is available in the footer of this website.
If you represent an investment platform, financial institution, asset manager, broker, fintech, or professional team, we also welcome direct outreach. In particular, feel free to contact us if you would like to:
- propose specific research questions related to index strategies and portfolio construction
- explore potential B2B / B2B2C collaborations or integration opportunities
- request a deeper discussion on methodology, assumptions, rebalancing design, or index governance
- share constraints and requirements relevant to institutional implementation (data, liquidity, risk limits, disclosure standards)
We are especially interested in conversations that help stress-test ideas in real-world conditions and accelerate the transition from robust methodology to usable infrastructure.
Important notice and regulatory context
Tungstenum does not provide investment advice, portfolio management services, or financial product distribution. Nothing on this website should be interpreted as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy or sell any financial instrument, nor as a substitute for independent professional advice.
Currently, all materials published by Tungstenum, including index descriptions, analyses, commentary, performance discussions, backtests, factsheets and methodological notes, are provided for informational and research purposes only. Any reference to historical performance or simulated results is inherently limited and may not reflect real-world outcomes.
If Tungstenum strategies are implemented in the future through third-party platforms or structured vehicles, such implementation will occur only where permitted by applicable laws and regulations, and exclusively in collaboration with appropriately licensed and regulated entities, subject to any required approvals, disclosures and supervisory requirements.
By subscribing to the waiting list or contacting us, you acknowledge that communications from Tungstenum are intended to share research updates, methodology and market analysis, not personalized financial recommendations. For more information, please read our Terms of Service and Regulatory Disclaimer.
