As Web3 battles skepticism, regulatory scrutiny, and post-crypto winter fatigue, few leaders remain as committed and visionary as Yat Siu. The co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands has not only stayed the course but also helped shape the path forward for blockchain-based digital ownership, gaming, and decentralized finance.
In a recent interview with CryptoSlate, Yat Siu reaffirmed his conviction that Web3 is not just a technological upgrade, but a cultural revolution. With Animoca Brands now considered one of the most influential companies in the space, his insights shed light on what it takes to build a unicorn in one of the most volatile sectors of tech.
Conviction Over Doubt: Yat Siu, The Animoca Strategy
Yat Siu is no stranger to disruption. Having built a successful early tech career, he pivoted to blockchain during a time when the industry was still considered fringe. Animoca Brands originally focused on mobile games but found its calling in blockchain-powered gaming and the metaverse.
“The core idea of Web3 is ownership. And that’s what we’ve been missing on the internet for decades,” Siu said.
This ownership thesis drives nearly all of Animoca’s ventures, from its investment in The Sandbox metaverse to strategic backing of hundreds of Web3 startups. With a portfolio exceeding 450 investments, Animoca has positioned itself as the connective tissue in the Web3 ecosystem.
Building in a Bear Market
In times of market turbulence, even unicorns face existential threats. Yet, Animoca has used the downturn not as a setback but as a launchpad. It doubled down on infrastructure development, user acquisition, and education.
This long-term thinking distinguishes Animoca from short-lived crypto projects. Yat Siu argues that downturns are the best time to build lasting value—echoing the philosophy of “conviction over doubt.”
Indeed, while speculative NFT hype has declined, utility-based blockchain gaming and open metaverse economies are gaining traction. Animoca’s continued focus on digital property rights as a foundation for economic freedom is now resonating with governments and traditional tech firms.
Web3 as a Civilizational Shift
Yat Siu doesn’t see Web3 as merely a money-making venture. He speaks of it in terms of societal transformation. He says true digital ownership could redefine how we interact, transact, and govern.
This perspective has informed Animoca’s investments in education platforms, decentralized identity solutions, and even regulatory engagement. In 2023 and 2024, the firm worked closely with Asia-Pacific policymakers to help shape Web3 frameworks.
“We’re not here just to trade tokens. We’re here to change the fabric of the internet,” he stated.
This mission-driven approach has earned Yat Siu a reputation as one of the most principled voices in Web3. It’s also made Animoca a magnet for top talent and mission-aligned capital.
Unicorn Status: More Than Just Valuation
While Animoca Brands reached unicorn status with a valuation topping $5 billion in its last funding rounds, Yat Siu emphasizes that success isn’t defined by numbers alone.
Instead, he believes it’s about influence—how many ecosystems the company touches, how many users are onboarded to decentralized platforms, and how the company contributes to digital freedom.
Animoca’s flagship projects, including The Sandbox, REVV Racing, and Phantom Galaxies, are helping to redefine gaming as an economy where players own their in-game assets, not the publishers.
With continued partnerships across entertainment, sports, and art, such as collaborations with Formula 1, Marvel, and Snoop Dogg, Animoca is bridging traditional culture with digital autonomy.
What’s Next for Animoca and Web3?
Looking ahead, Yat Siu is optimistic. He sees a convergence between AI and Web3, where decentralized infrastructure will be key to making artificial intelligence safer, more equitable, and accessible.
He also believes in a multi-chain future and supports cross-chain protocols that ensure users can port assets and identities across ecosystems. According to Siu, interoperability is vital to preventing new monopolies from emerging.
As regulatory clarity improves globally, especially in Asia and the Middle East, Siu sees a major Web3 user explosion by 2026, with Asia at the forefront of adoption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Animoca Brands?
Animoca Brands is a Web3 company focused on digital property rights, blockchain gaming, and decentralized infrastructure. It is behind projects like The Sandbox.
Who is Yat Siu?
Yat Siu is the co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands, a leading voice in the Web3 space known for promoting digital ownership and open metaverse ecosystems.
Why is Web3 important?
Web3 allows users to truly own digital assets, fostering decentralization, transparency, and user empowerment, unlike traditional Web2 platforms controlled by large corporations.
How many investments has Animoca Brands made?
Animoca Brands has made over 450 investments in Web3 startups, including projects in gaming, education, DeFi, and the metaverse.
Glossary of Key Terms
Web3 – The next iteration of the internet, built on decentralized technologies like blockchain, allowing users to own and control their digital assets.
Metaverse – A virtual world where users interact as digital avatars, often powered by blockchain and NFTs for real ownership.
NFT (Non-Fungible Token) – A unique digital asset that represents ownership of digital or physical items, typically stored on a blockchain.
Interoperability – The ability for systems or platforms to work together, allowing users to transfer assets and information seamlessly across networks.
Digital Property Rights – The concept that individuals should own and control their digital data, assets, and identities.
Sources
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