Meet 10 Pioneering Asian Founders Shaping the Future of Web3

If you are familiar with the commonly used expression “wait for Asia to wake up” typically associated with global financial markets and especially the stock market, it also applies in NFTs. Although often used in a light-hearted way, this phrase highlights the significant influence Asian markets can have over the global financial landscape, including Web3.

The Web3 and NFT landscape is inherently global, and with the achievements of Asian founders, it can help build a more interconnected and global ecosystem, with a wider range of perspectives and ideas that contribute to growth and development. In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month, which honors the contributions and achievements of the AAPI community, it is especially fitting to recognize the exceptional Asian founders from the Web3 and NFT space.

To highlight them, nft has now partnered with GoldenDao, the first decentralized initiative to promote AAPI solidarity through collaborative empowerment, to compile a list of outstanding Asian founders in Web3 who are making a difference. This list includes not only Asian Americans, but Asians from all parts of the world.

Nicole Jap

Who they are: Nicole Yap, better known as “8sianmom,” has successfully carved a niche for herself in the digital world. She is best known for founding 8SIAN, a brand that aims to represent Asia in the Web3 space while empowering Asians to be proud of their heritage and culture. As an entrepreneur, content creator and prominent voice for Asian women, she has balanced her roles as a mother and founder while inspiring countless individuals in her community.

Where to follow: Twitter | Instagram

Work and why it is important: When Yap first entered the Web3 world, she was discouraged by what she saw as a largely male-dominated space. Longing for something that resonated with her identity as a strong Asian woman, she created 8SIAN’s first collection – 8888 NFTs of Asian women, with intricate details that highlight their historical significance and diversity.

Since then, Yap has built a strong community of holders worldwide and has partnered with web2 brands such as Cider, Uniqlo and Miss Universe Malaysia. In February 2023, 8SIAN became the first NFT collection to collaborate with Vogue Singapore to launch an immersive campaign and release a giftable NFT set for Valentine’s Day.

Yat Siu

Who they are: Yat Siu is an entrepreneur and angel investor. Born and raised in Vienna, Austria, he moved to Hong Kong in 1996 to set up Hong Kong Cybercity, Asia’s first free website and email provider. In 2011, he and David Kim founded Animoca Brands, a gaming software company and venture capital firm primarily focused on blockchain gaming and NFTs.

Where to follow: Twitter | Instagram

Work and why it is important: Animoca is well known as one of the largest investors in Web3, currently valued at $5.7 billion as of June 2022. The company owns and develops an extensive portfolio of brands such as Sandbox, Formula 1, Revv Racing, Crazy Kings and more. Animoca announced a partnership with Bored Ape Yacht Club in 2021 to develop a BAYC monetization game that leverages the collection’s popular NFTs. As of 2023, it has yet to launch.

Many of the company’s strategic partnerships (led by Siu) have enabled them to create popular games and NFTs based on well-known IPs, accelerating the mainstream adoption of blockchain technology in gaming and entertainment. Their work has influenced the growth and success of the Web3 space and its applications in gaming, entertainment, and more.

Debbie soon

Who they are: Debbie Soon is a Chinese-Singaporean immigrant who is passionate about increasing her representation in Web3. Having spent her entire career both investing in and building multi-million dollar consumer businesses, she is particularly excited about the intersection of Web3 and consumer. She currently serves as Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of HUG, a social discovery platform that connects artists with collectors.

Where to follow: Twitter

Work and why it is important: HUG is a social marketplace that allows artists to sell digital and physical goods and connects them with current and potential collectors. Through a community-driven, decentralized curation process, HUG puts the spotlight on different creators, especially those from underrepresented and marginalized communities. Through HUG, Soon has democratized access to art and changed the way Web3 artists are discovered. Snart recently closed a $5 million round of seed funding led by DIGITAL, a Web3 investment fund founded by Mark Daniel and OhhShiny.

Amber Park

Who they are: Amber Park is a Korean-American artist and director who aims to uplift other female Asian creatives in the visual arts landscape. Park has collaborated with renowned artists in the music industry, such as Katy Perry, Camila Cabello, Lil Nas X and Ty Dolla $ign, transforming their artistic visions into realities through art direction, design, album covers and visual campaigns. Park most recently introduced his first solo IP, Play! Pop! Go!, a Web3 fashion technology brand for the next generation of creators. This brand strives to revolutionize high-end streetwear and ready-to-wear garments, art and objects by incorporating a gamified approach.

Where to follow: Twitter | Instagram

Work and why it is important: The park’s impact is crucial for several reasons. In web2, she has been a trailblazer in digital media, using her platform to promote diversity and inclusion in a predominantly homogenous landscape.

In Web3, Park spearheaded the NFT project I Like You, You’re Weird with Mason Rothschild, which sold out in six minutes and generated nearly $3 million in revenue. It has since grossed close to $9 million in aftermarket sales, with collaborations with Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, Steve Aoki, Snoop Dogg and more. Through his innovative work and commitment, Park is making a lasting impact on the creative industry and paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future.

Brian Nguyen

Who they are: Brian Nguyen, also known as DeFi Brian, is a trader, collector and founder of Web3 Music NFT brand SoundMint. Nguyen first entered the crypto space through involvement in DeFi and Venture Capital, gaining valuable experience. He later moved on to become a Web3 consultant, providing guidance to several companies, including Animoca, before finally venturing out to establish his own brand.

Where to follow: Twitter | Instagram

Work and why it is important: SoundMint is best known for launching one of the earliest generative music collections, where each and every NFT in the collection has its own unique song. By mixing and matching strains in the same key and beats per minute, the team found that it was possible to create an infinite number of unique songs through AI. Working together with music artist Kloud, they made over $2.5 million in profit in a single day for the artist on the launch date.

SoundMint is currently working on pivoting its brand to create phygital goods, primarily focused on vinyl and artist products. By building a Web3 music brand, SoundMint hopes to usher in a new era of collaboration in the music industry that empowers artists.

Bobby Hundreds

Who they are: Bobby Kim, known as Bobby Hundreds, is the creator of streetwear brand The Hundreds and its corresponding NFT project, Adam Bomb Squad. As co-founder of the brand and creator of the Adam Bomb logo, Kim has been instrumental in driving The Hundreds’ expansion into NFTs and metaverse fashion. He is also an illustrator, writer, photographer and designer.

Where to follow: Twitter | Instagram

Work and why it is important: Kim’s work has significantly impacted the fashion industry and inspired and influenced countless young designers and entrepreneurs to start their own ventures. He is known for his commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion and social responsibility. Most recently he published a book about Web3 with the title NFTs are a scam / NFTs are the future. The book delves into the future of creativity, debunks common misconceptions about NFTs, Kim’s insights on the NFT revolution, and how he’s bringing his brand and community into the modern digital space.

Andrew Yang, Theodore Lu, and Jack Liang

Who they are: Jack Liang and Theodore Lu, along with former presidential candidate Andrew Yang, are the three co-founders of GoldenDao.

Andrew Yang is a businessman, attorney and philanthropist whose entrepreneurial endeavors led him to found the nonprofit organization Ventures for America, which connects young professionals with innovative companies in economically challenged cities. He is also the founder of Lobby3, a new Web3 community designed to give the people of Washington, DC a stronger voice.

Jack Liang is a former Instagram employee and startup advisor at Meta. Liang also works as a community activist for the AAPI community, having helped organize the Stop Asian Hate rally in NYC, driving a record 10,000+ attendees, including prominent politicians and celebrities like Rihanna, to stand together and fight injustice.

Theodore Lu is an advertising sales strategist for Google Customer Solutions, the high-performance agency organization at Google. Lu is a native New Yorker with an extensive background in fashion from the Fashion Institute of Technology and has worked in the fashion industry for over a decade. He dropped out of high school at 14 to pursue options and futures trading in the stock market and a professional gaming career in Counter-Strike, World of Warcraft, and Hearthstone. Asian American identity is important to Lu, and he hopes to promote inclusivity by sharing his own unconventional journey.

Where to follow: Twitter | Instagram

Work and why it is important: Through its efforts, GoldenDAO has organized impactful events across the country, such as Stop Asian Hate and Rally Against Hate, resulting in a significant increase in public support. This increased support is exemplified by the increase in the New York state budget for the AAPI community, which increased from $300,000 in 2021 to $20 million in 2022.

Geummy

Who they are: Joanna Lee, AKA Geummy, is an NFT educator, consultant, and founder of Weosh, a wellness community and creative agency with a mission to bridge the diversity gap and support a more inclusive Web3 space. Geummy was born in South Carolina and raised in the Middle East. Growing up as a Korean-American who moved around the world, she experienced discrimination due to hair color, skin tone and language barriers. These experiences at a young age continue to inspire Geummy’s current projects and her drive to create inclusion and community through art and wellness that binds people together.

Where you can follow: Twitter | Instagram

Work and why it is important: After noticing a mental health issue in the NFT space, Geummy created a Web3 wellness community to bring together like-minded people into the space through health services, in-person events, and open discussions. Through Weosh, she hosts wellness events around every major NFT and crypto conference, including NFT NYC, Art Basel, and DecentraLand. Geummy’s initiative highlights the importance of prioritizing mental health within the fast-paced and high-pressure environment of the NFT and crypto space.