Animoca Brands: NFTs as Pillars of Digital Capitalism, According to Yat Siu
In an interview with CoinDesk, Yat Siu, the founder of Animoca Brands, shared his perspective on Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and their potential in digital capitalism. Siu believes that NFTs are currently underutilized but can become a crucial component of digital capitalism, revolutionizing sectors like rights management and education. He sees blockchain technology as a political system that enables a consensus-based democratic process.
“NFTs can revolutionize the distribution of educational content, offering significant financial opportunities, especially in less wealthy regions… Property rights and capitalism are the foundations of democracy,” Siu said.
Siu highlights his company TinyTap as an example of how NFTs can disrupt the industry of content distribution and empower teachers to monetize their content directly. The key to achieving this disruption lies in having proper digital ownership on the blockchain.
Animoca Brands and NFTs: Genuine Interest in Technology’s Utility
Although the NFT market is currently experiencing a decline compared to the bull market of 2021, Siu sees this as a positive development indicating a healthier and more genuine interest in the utility of the technology. This shift could play a vital role in addressing global financial inequality and promoting financial literacy.
Siu also discussed the different legal frameworks around the world related to NFTs. In the United States, he believes there is still a need for evolution to support the idea that NFTs can combat inequality. On the other hand, Asia embraces NFTs and blockchain cryptocurrencies as an extension of digital capitalism.
The 2023 Report: Decreasing Volume but Active User Base
A recent annual report by NFT18 revealed that the NFT market experienced a significant decline in 2023. However, despite the bear market and losses, the community remained active. The report showed a 62% reduction in trading volume compared to 2022 but only a 10% decrease in the number of active wallets.
Although there was a decline in interest, there are still 2 million active addresses for NFTs. The report also noted that NFT Art, which includes artworks in NFT format, lost the largest market share. However, the fourth quarter of 2023 showed signs of recovery with an increase in both the number of active wallets and traded volumes.
Hot Take: NFTs as Catalysts for Digital Capitalism
The founder of Animoca Brands, Yat Siu, believes that Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) have the potential to revolutionize various industries and serve as pillars of digital capitalism. By enabling proper digital ownership on the blockchain, NFTs can disrupt sectors like rights management and education. Siu sees NFTs as a way to distribute educational content and create financial opportunities, particularly in less wealthy regions.
While the NFT market may be experiencing a decline, Siu sees this as an opportunity for genuine interest in the utility of the technology. He emphasizes the importance of understanding capitalism and its role in addressing global financial inequality. Despite challenges, the NFT community remains active and resilient. As we move forward, NFTs can play a crucial role in shaping the future of digital capitalism.