Yat Siu: The Man Who's Building the Open Metaverse with Animoca Brands

Yat Siu, the Co-founder and Chairman of Animoca Brands, is a prominent figure in Web3, using blockchain technology to provide digital property rights

Key Takeaways

Yat Siu, the Co-founder and Chairman of Animoca Brands (ASX:AB1), is a leading figure in Web3. Siu is on a mission to use blockchain technology to provide digital property rights to users worldwide and contribute to building the open metaverse.

Siu's mother, a native of Taiwan but born in Lisbon, Portugal, was a conductor. Meanwhile, his father, originally from Hong Kong, started as a musician before transitioning to a business career.

Siu's passion for music led him to study at the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna, where he trained in cello, flute, and piano. As reported by the South China Morning Post, Siu's parents, both deeply involved in music, encouraged him to pursue a musical path. However, his journey took an interesting turn when he began his early career at Atari Germany.

Early Career in Gaming and Technology

Siu's professional journey commenced at Atari Germany, where he gained experience in the gaming industry and technology during his time at the company's German branch. Following his time at Atari, Siu took on leadership roles at Lexicor, where he was responsible for overseeing operations on the East Coast, and AT&T, where he managed the Solutions System Integration practice.

These early roles were instrumental in helping Siu develop his knowledge in technology, focusing on e-commerce and digital service startups, and managing large-scale digital projects.

Cybercity and the Growth of Freenation

In 1996, after relocating to Hong Kong, Siu founded Cybercity, one of the earliest companies to offer internet and email services.

Later, the company evolved into Freenation, which the South China Morning Post described as “Asia’s first free web page and email provider.” This project was part of Siu's broader goal to expand digital access to more people and contribute to increasing internet usage across Asia.

Starting Outblaze

In 1998, Siu joined forces with Antony Yip, a tech-focused entrepreneur, to establish Outblaze. The platform enabled users to create their own websites, complete with custom email services, mailing lists, forums, and chat features.

Outblaze went on to become a major player in the online communication domain, attracting millions of users worldwide. This success showcased Siu's talent for spotting new opportunities in the growing internet industry.

Support for Arts and Education

Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Siu has been a strong supporter of the arts and education. In 2003, he joined the board of the Asian Youth Orchestra, aiding in its efforts to promote music education in the region.

A decade later, in 2013, Siu became an advisory board member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), highlighting his interest in the intersection of technology and entertainment.

His dedication to education continued in 2020 when he joined the board of the Dalton Foundation, which supports the Dalton School Hong Kong (DSHK). This school is known for its approach that encourages independent learning, creativity, and critical thinking in students.

Co-Founding Animoca Brands

In 2015, Siu co-founded Animoca Brands and took on the role of Director. The company began as a game developer and publisher, creating mobile games based on well-known characters like CryptoKitties, Garfield, Doraemon, and Ultraman.

Later that year, Animoca Brands was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: AB1), marking the beginning of a rapid expansion phase for the gaming company.

Moving into Web3 and Blockchain Gaming

Under Siu's leadership, Animoca Brands expanded beyond traditional mobile gaming to integrate blockchain technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and game-like features into its offerings. The company developed blockchain-based games like The Sandbox, Crazy Kings, and Crazy Defense Heroes.

Additionally, they created digital collectibles linked to well-known franchises, including Thomas & Friends™, Garfield, and Doraemon.

By 2018, Siu was promoted to Chairman of Animoca Brands, guiding the company's transformation into Web3 and its focus on digital ownership.

Major Investments and Funding

Animoca Brands' rapid growth led to significant investments. In 2021 alone, the company secured $138.88 million across two funding rounds.

By December 2023, Animoca Brands had an impressive portfolio of 184 investments in companies operating in blockchain, gaming, entertainment, metaverse, and Web3. Among their notable investments are Dapper Labs, разработчики NBA Top Shot, and Benzinga (BZG).

Among the investors who contributed to Animoca Brands' success are CMCC Global, Kingsway Capital Partners, Block1, Dapper Labs, and OKX Ventures.

Growth and New Projects

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