NFT Community "Elite Circle": A Deep Dive into the Hundreds of IP Creators Behind Yuga Labs
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NFT Community "Elite Circle": A Deep Dive into the Hundreds of IP Creators Behind Yuga Labs
Freeze-frame Yuga Labs builders' highlight moments of 2022.
Navigating Web3 tides with focused insightsSince Forj's first report on Yuga Labs in August, titled "Yuga Labs' IP Empire: Nearly 80 Brands, Creators, Projects, and Artists," we have updated the project map of the Yuga IP ecosystem four times. Yet behind each project are the efforts and dedication of IP builders. As 2022 comes to a close, we would like to honor all Web3 IP creators with this article.
The image below is a group photo of Builders created by Forj. Due to space limitations, some contributors were unable to be featured, but we believe every achievement made by those advancing community-driven IP deserves recognition!
Next is the introduction section—let’s take a look at each Builder’s highlights from 2022.
GordonGoner.eth (Co-Founder of Yuga Labs & BAYC)
- Founded: Podcasts The Fucking Metaverse Podcast and Yuga News
- Acquisitions: CryptoPunks, Meebits, 10KTFshop, WENEW Labs
- Witnessed the launch of ApeCoin and Otherside
Garga.eth (Co-Founder of Yuga Labs & BAYC)
- Founded: Podcasts The Fucking Metaverse Podcast and Yuga News
- Acquisitions: CryptoPunks, Meebits, 10KTFshop, WENEW Labs
- Witnessed the launch of ApeCoin and Otherside
Yat Siu (CEO of Animoca Brands)
- Contributor to ApeCoin and Otherside
Investor in WENEW Labs
- Led Sandbox, TOWER Token, Benji Bananas, Cool Cats FC, Dustland, nWayPlay, and other portfolio projects in adopting ApeCoin and Web3 IP
figge (Chief Content Officer at Yuga Labs & Former Co-Founder of 10KTFshop / WENEW Labs)
- Redefefined Web3 IP storytelling—WENEW leveraged IP and wearable interoperability to create over 10 product lines, generating more than $10M in sales during the bear market.
Sebastien (Co-Founder & COO of Sandbox)
- Interoperable avatars within The Sandbox
- Sandbox launched Season 3 featuring BAYC experiences
- Partnered with over 200 brands
- Season 3 reached 17 million visits, driving mass adoption of Web3 IP
Herman Narula (Co-Founder & CEO of Improbable / M²)
- Launched Otherside's “First Trip”
- Led development supporting up to 20,000 players online in the metaverse
beeple (Co-Founder & Advisor at WENEW Labs)
- Leveraged WENEW to redefine Web3 IP storytelling
Snoop Dogg (Founder of Death Row Records & Pioneer of Web3 IP)
- Served as ambassador for Sandbox and partner in Food Fighters Universe
- Released the first metaverse music video, “House I Built”
- Performed at ApeFest and collaborated with Marshall Mathers on “From the D 2 the LBC” at the Video Music Awards
Marshall Mathers (American rapper and record producer)
- Collaborated with Snoop Dogg on “From the D 2 the LBC”
- Performed at ApeFest and the Video Music Awards
Gary Vaynerchuk (CEO of VaynerMedia & Creator of VeeFriends)
- VeeFriends partnered with Macy’s and Toys “R” Us to release exclusive figurines and plush collectibles
Benit0 RTFKT (Co-Founder of RTFKT)
- RTFKT helped Nike launch NFTs and drive mass Web3 adoption
- Opened source 3D model files to CloneX holders
- Launched virtual and IRL sneakers
Alessandro Michele (Creative Director of Gucci)
- Collaborated with 10KTFshop on 10KTF Gucci Grail
- Gucci Vault opened in Sandbox, offering immersive experiences
Stephen Teglas (CEO of Cool Cats)
- Joined Cool Cats as CEO, formerly worked at Disney, RECUR, and Warner Bros.
- Partnered with Animoca Brands to maximize IP utility
Dean Steinbeck (Co-Founder & Managing Director of Horizen Labs Ventures)
- Member of Ape DAO Special Council
- Contributor to ApeCoin and Othersidemeta
- Launched OMGuild
Alexis Ohanian (Founder of 776 Foundation & Co-Founder of Reddit)
- Investor in Yuga Labs and Doodles
- Member and contributor of ApeCoin Special Council
Bozena Rezab (Co-Founder of GMEE Token & Arc8, subsidiaries of Animoca)
- Launched multiple Cool Cats games and tournaments on Arc8
j1mmy.eth (Co-Founder of KINGSHIP)
- Built knowledge based on BAYC PFPs
- Collaborated with Mars to release limited-edition chocolate beans under KINGSHIP™ brand
Gutter Dan (Co-Founder of Gutter Cat Gang)
- Partnered with PUMA to sponsor Team Gutter Cats in the July ESPN basketball tournament (“TBT”)
Julian (CEO of Doodles)
- Joined Doodles as CEO, previously served as chairman of Billboard
- Hired Pharrell Williams as executive
- Hosted Doodles’ offline events at NFT NYC
ZAGABOND.ETH (Founder of Azuki)
- Raised $2.5 million through Golden Skateboard NFT sales
- Hosted offline events in New York and Hong Kong
Yam (CEO and CCO of World of Women)
- Partnered with Sandbox to guide and support women into the metaverse using a $25 million fund
- Made Web3 more fashionable and diverse
- Hosted WoWGala in Miami
John Watkinson (Co-Founder of Larva Labs)
- Larva Labs sold CryptoPunks NFT IP to Yuga Labs
gmoney.eth (Founder of Admit One)
- Partnered with adidas to allow BAYC holders to wear exclusive gear
- BAYC, gmoney, and Punks Comics remain key components of Adidas’ Web3 strategy
Valet Jones (Co-Founder of Tally Labs & Creator of Jenkins The Valet / Azurbala)
- Continued developing stories based on BAYC PFPs
- Launched Azurbala
- Jenkins The Valet book “Bored & Dangerous” sold out
lior.eth (Founder of Mutant Cartel & Mutant Hounds)
- Expanded the MAYC universe
- Mutant Hounds sold out, ranked #1 on OpenSea trading volume
- Exemplar of Web3 IP storytelling
Deepak.eth (CEO of Chain)
- Launched “NFTiff” collaboration with Tiffany & Co.
- Generated $12 million in sales
- Drove luxury brands’ strategic entry into Web3
Champ Medici (Founder of Welcome to the Block Fund)
- Partner in Food Fighters Universe, Bored & Hungry, and Bored Taco
- Active participant in Sandbox and strong advocate for Web3 IP adoption
Vis.eth (Founder of 2VC & Major Otherdeed Landholder)
- Founded IP3, an on-chain NFT leasing solution
- Led team takeover of DaXue Road in Shanghai
- Showcased BAYC in over 50 stores
rumjahn.eth (CEO of Dustland and DOSE Token)
- Used Dustland products as a Dustland ambassador
- Supported use of Apecoin for in-game rewards
- Featured BAYC IP in Dustland Halloween quest
Roshan (VP at MouseBelt & Co-Founder of BoredJobs / Meta Ape Studios)
- Exited Boredjob to unlock Web3 IP potential
- Collaborated with B$A and GLN NFT to offer VIP airport lounge access for BAYC NFT holders
- Launched boredgifts
Zeneca (Founder of ZenAcademy & The 333 Club)
- Educated public about NFTs and Web3 within communities
- Built community around NFT entertainment, Two Bored Apes
Steve (Builder of NFTeams)
- Leveraged BAYC IP to build an engaging sports community
- Introduced audiences to NFTs and Web3 via Ape 'n' Bird NFT Show
Vera (Founder of Bored Chili)
- Curated BAYC display at Cafe X in San Francisco International Airport
- Coordinated global events promoting Web3 and BAYC culture across Singapore, Thailand, San Francisco, and Japan
- Showcased numerous BAYC IP products offline, including Ape Beverages
Christina Bored (CMO of SWFT Blockchain, MetaPath, and aWSB Club)
- Delivered knowledge about BAYC, Apecoin, and Otherdeed to global audiences
- Keynote speaker at Silicon Valley Web3 Fashion Week
- Shared ecosystem updates on Binance Live
Andy Nguyen & Kevin Seo (Co-Founders of Food Fighters Universe & Bored & Hungry)
- Offline restaurant leveraging BAYC IP achieved great success
- Brought in SnoopDogg and Champ Medici to expand global footprint
TK (Co-Founder & CEO of nWay)
- Led nWay in creating a new “P2E” model
VIVIENNE TAM (Fashion designer based in New York)
- Incorporated BAYC, CryptoPunks, and CyberKongz elements into her New York Fashion Week show
- Used Yat Siu’s PFP to promote NFTs on global stages
Andy Ku (CEO of ALTAVA)
- Integrated BAYC IP into a new fashion line called BAGC
- Collaborated with ELITE APES HK and Sandbox
- Hosted offline events in Korea to enhance NFT utility
Willy (Leader at Arcade)
- Launched mobile game Apes Vs. Mutants
- Launched Arcade enabling over 80 PFPs to play in virtual worlds
adopunch.eth (Founder of Galaxy Fight Club)
- Integrated BAYC IP into cross-IP PvP games
- Released many new maps and characters this year
charbit.eth (CEO of Darewise & Builder of Life Beyond)
- Integrated BAYC IP into AAA games
- Designed digital shoes and jackets for in-game characters
hack3r.eth (Founder & CEO of Worldwide Webb)
- Continued expanding interoperability for new PFPs
- Developed new gameplay modes
- Public Alpha of GameStopNFT collaboration product launched
Spottie WiFi (NFT Rapper)
- Collaborated with Snoop Dogg on album “The King's Alpha”
- Performed at Decentraland’s Metaverse Music Festival
- Collaborated with Gutter Cat Gang on Fan Controlled Sports
Timbaland (Founder of Beatclub, Grammy Award winner)
- World premiere of music video “Has A Meaning” at Ape Fest
- Released “Congo” NFT music video with Bored Ape #590 in June
- NFTs continue growing in music industry thanks to DJ Tim
Shwaz (Manager of Shilly)
- BAYC artist Shilly released debut Pop-Punk single and video “I’m Boring”
- Over 100,000 listens since launch
pochang (Co-Founder of OurSong & 0x0 Metaverse Music Label)
- Released Medicine Man – Hello Tokyo
- Invited 0x0 to host exhibition in Taipei and launch exclusive merchandise
bobbyhundreds.eth (Co-Founder of The Hundreds)
- The Hundreds offered exclusive merchandise to NFT collectors in limited-time collaboration with Bored Ape Yacht Club
The Warden (CEO of The Dudes)
- The Dudes offered exclusive merchandise to NFT owners in limited-time collaboration with Bored Ape Yacht Club
MAGGI XU (Leader at gmgn supply co)
- Launched genetically modified grain products featuring BAYC IP
- Delivered gmgn supply co and OnChainMonkey chocolate
Bobby Bellhop (Founder of Bored Sauce)
- Launched hot sauce featuring BAYC IP
- Expanded product line to include new IPs such as Gutter Cat Gang and CryptoPunk
Linda Fawcus (Leader of Bored Bagels)
- Launched baked goods featuring BAYC IP
- Expanded product line with Gutter Cat Gang coffee and baked goods
Charlie_baycOG (Leader of Bayc Wine)
- Launched wine featuring BAYC IP
- Showcased products at offline events to expand reach
Sugar Shane (Owner of Beehouse)
- Launched honey featuring Koda IP
- Released limited edition: Whitenfur series honey
Ivan Soto (CEO of MoonPay)
- Provided NFT onboarding services, driving mass NFT adoption through celebrities including Jimmy Fallon and Madonna
- Hosted offline BAYC-themed event in Miami
BradleyZastrow (Builder of X Marketplace)
- Launched IP Marketplace connecting Web3 IP owners and licensees
Mable Jiang (CRO of STEPN)
- STEPN collaborated with BAYC to launch Realm 3
- Airdropped shoe NFTs to BAYC holders
dannygreene.eth (Brand Lead at YugaLabs)
- Transitioned from MeebitsDAO member to Brand Lead for Meebits
- Launched MB1 for Meebits Metaverse
- Established new partnerships and enhanced Meebits utility
Jbond (Founder of BAYCkada)
- Founded BAYCkada to drive Web3 adoption in the Philippines
- Promoted listing of BAYC IP products at Walmart and Best Buy
- Leveraged BAYC IP to launch BoredGifts
Josh Ong (Co-Founder of Bored Room Ventures)
- Selected as community council member
- Enabled licensing partnership between Timex and BAYC
- Promoted listing of BAYC IP products at Walmart and Best Buy
- Leveraged BAYC IP to launch BoredGifts
BK (Founder of Bored Breakfast Club)
- Updated project roadmap and added new products
- Leveraged Web3 Coffee subscription to promote BAYC IP
Erod.eth (Leader of Bored Coffee Lab & Founder of LatAmApes)
- Leveraged coffee brand to introduce BAYC to broader communities
Andrew Grant (Founder of Ape Beverages)
- Leveraged BAYC IP to redefine the world’s relationship with water
- Hosted offline events attended by hundreds
KYLE (Co-Founder of Happy Dad Hard Seltzer)
- Leveraged BAYC IP to launch new products
- Released photo of Elon Musk with BAYC-branded soda
KIKIz.eth (Founder of B³ LAB)
- Launched craft beer featuring BAYC IP
- Promoted products and BAYC culture through offline events
punk6529 (Leader of 6529.io)
- Co-launched first fully on-chain university course “Introduction to NFTs and the Metaverse” with Garga.eth and Yat Siu
- Leading advocate for the open metaverse
kyle (Editor-in-Chief of The Bored Ape Gazette)
- ApeCoin DAO voted in favor of AIP-70 proposal funding The Bored Ape Gazette as a 24-hour news site
- Promoted BAYC culture to wider audiences
- Ranked #1 in Bored Ape-related news
mrbayc.eth (Founder of Boring Security)
- ApeCoin DAO-funded project (AIP-133) focused on security for Web3/NFTs and related products
- Offers educational courses, raises public awareness, and tracks scams/hacks in Web3 space
AK (Leader of OG Collective)
- Built private community for Otherside Voyagers with over 4,300 land plots
- Formed unified OG Voyagers collective focused on seizing every opportunity in Otherside
dashuo.lens (Founder of CreatorDAO)
- Leveraged BAYC IP to host events in Shanghai
- Expanded event IP to include official Azuki, Beans, and other NFTs
kisher (Co-Founder of OtherGuild)
- Over 700 events and 200 members
- Built a community of creatives, developers, gamers, investors, adventurers, and innovators
- Provided guidance on OthersideMeta tools, alpha, and in-game assets
Frostyz (Founder of Otherside Wiki)
- Built data aggregator for Otherside
- Active participant in Otherside-themed podcasts
allo.eth (Sandbox Full-Stack Developer & Ambassador)
- Known for his banana outfit
- Brought Sandbox BAYC alpha experience, exploring the metaverse via wearables
tropicalvirtual.eth (Founder of Crypto Cities Development)
- Participated in Sandbox Alpha Season 3, Miami 2035 experience
- Created scenes customized based on BAYC community members’ traits, professions, and expertise
Rida (Animator)
- Created 3D/animation content for BAYC
- One of the 3D animators for Koda and BAYC
Polly Kole (First NFT Sculptor)
- Transformed NFTs into incredible sculptures, capturing widespread attention
cryptopainter (Founder of ArtinMotion)
- Currently developing 14 games featuring BAYC IP
- Secured IP deals with a group of collectors
- Driving IP adoption in games via free-to-play, P2E, and Play-to-Win models
Halina (Member of ApeComms, California Bored Ape Club, and Chinese Ape Club)
- Improved communications for Apecoin community
- Represented ApeCoin DAO in supporting ETHGlobal hackathon events
Dr. Abbott Gibbons (Founder & Chief Scientist of Applied Primate Engineering)
- Built storytelling community and co-developed BAYC knowledge products
- Created content and interactive experiences around MAYC Mega Radioactive
GFunk.eth (Founder & CEO of Pixel Vault / PUNKS Comic)
- BAYC, gmoney, and Punks Comics remain key parts of Adidas’ Web3 strategy
James Sun (Founder of Falling In Sand)
- Built creative studio specializing in modern sand art crafts
- Creates 3D images using colored sand in glass containers
- Created artistic products for many prominent Web3 IP owners
Mebynetta.eth (Co-Founder of Mebynetta.eth)
- Co-hosted Diamondhandz with atareh.eth and Diamondhandz
- Analyzed 10KTFshop theories and stories, interviewed guests, discussed broader NFT developments
lindsayezy (Director of Strategic Partnerships at Yuga Labs)
- Partnered with Gucci and PUMA to drive Web3 IP adoption
- Joined Yuga Labs from 10KTFshop, adding value through existing relationships
VStrange (Former Vice President at Yuga Labs)
- Led team launching ApeCoin and Otherside “First Trip”
- Coordinated Apefest and met with community members
- Gave multiple widely distributed interviews
- Successfully raised funds for Yuga Labs
American Ape (Captain of Myth Division)
- Built IP development studio based in Los Angeles
- Focused on creating new narratives for BAYC
Badteeth (Founder of 288Gang)
- 288 evolved from Badteeth and 288Gang adventures
- Leveraged inclusivity and education to drive this major technological shift
Kensuke Amo (Executive Officer at Coincheck)
- Responsible for new Web3 businesses including NFTs and metaverse
- Authored book “NFT no Kyokasho” (Textbook of NFTs)
- Active on Otherdeed
Laura Rod (Community Builder & Advisor)
- Member of BAYC Community Council
- Built partnerships with brands, crafted strategy for BAYC, and developed community
- Delivered speech promoting Web3 adoption on Spain’s national TV program
Sera (Founder of Stargirl Salon)
- Member of BAYC Community Council
- Developed in SandboxGame over one year
- Designed inclusive artwork accessible to everyone
FUDmaster (Creator of Boredclub.com)
- Aggregated all regional clubs into one portal to save time and effort
Timehacker.eth (Founder of Truth Labs & goblintown)
- Goblins started as a free mint NFT, proving their primary focus was community
- Bridged IP with real-world products like McGoblin burgers
Ryan Wyatt (CEO of Polygon Studios)
- Drove mass adoption of Polygon through partners like Starbucks, Disney, and Reddit
- Unlocked Web3 IP potential for millions
Sobi and his team (Leadership of richclassdecor.eth)
- Created many iconic BAYC rugs
- Received support from Gary Vaynerchuk
...
After showcasing the 2022 highlights of over 90 builders (actually 108), we must pause due to space constraints. But we know clearly that on the path toward Web3 IP adoption in 2022, there were not just 900, or 9,000, or even 90,000 builders—mass adoption of Web3 IP will require far more than that.
In our previous report on Web3 adoption, we observed how Web2 brands are entering Web3 through “IP + brand” collaborations. Beyond the Yuga Labs community, native Web3 communities like mfers are also actively building their own IP products. Well-funded companies like Animoca Brands are strategically investing resources into Web3 IP, while projects like Forj are leveraging technology to further expand the boundaries of Web3 IP. Let us also pay tribute to these organizations, companies, and communities pushing forward Web3 IP adoption!
We welcome all Web3 IP builders to join our community and connect.
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