Yat Siu, an early investor in the NFT space since 2018, holds a unique perspective on NFTs. He sees them as reminiscent of the internet’s early days when centralizing forces had not yet emerged. Through Animoca Brands, a Fortune Crypto 40 company with over 450 web3 investments, Siu supports projects such as CryptoKitties, NBA Top Shot and Decentraland. He also supports various NFT marketplaces including OpenSea, WAX and Bitski.
Having witnessed Siu’s steadfast commitment to fostering an inclusive NFT ecosystem, Emfarsis Director Leah Callon-Butler wrote about how Siu has been a champion for digital property rights while recognizing the transformative potential of NFTs in reclaiming freedom and unrestricted access.
Siu’s strong advocacy for digital property rights stems from his experience when Animoca Brands faced de-platforming in 2012. This experience drove his appreciation for open and permissionless communities. Siu recognized gamers’ natural affinity for ownership and saw NFTs as a means to deliver digital rights, empowering individuals to express themselves and share their identity. He believed in amplifying the open framework of NFTs and collaborating with like-minded individuals who shared his vision.
While Siu celebrates the widespread popularity of NFTs, he acknowledges the increasing competition and the hype cycle surrounding the industry. He notes that the influx of newcomers with different perspectives has sparked healthy discourse and debate, which he sees as a positive development. Drawing parallels to the challenges faced by the original internet pioneers, he highlights clashes between commercial interests and open-source ideals. But despite the potential obstacles, Siu maintains an optimistic outlook. He embraces the current times as a thrilling and adventurous journey shaped by a long-term perspective.
Yat Siu’s unwavering dedication to an inclusive NFT ecosystem is evident in his emphasis on empathy, diversity and the potential of NFTs to restore freedom and open access to the internet. Through his investments and beliefs, Siu promotes digital property rights and fosters an environment where individuals can freely express themselves using virtual assets.
Read the full article here:
“‘There’s a Sense of Vindication’: An NFT Pioneer Looks to the Future” by Leah Callon-Butler
Published April 1, 2021, on CoinDesk