021 Acquires ArtsDAO to Amplify Dubai’s Blockchain Ecosystem

021, a thesis-led venture studio, has taken a controlling stake in ArtsDAO, the largest Web3 community in the Middle East, with the aim of bolstering Dubai’s burgeoning blockchain ecosystem. This strategic move aligns with 021’s focus on investing in community-driven ventures and supports Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for Web3 technologies.

• 021 acquires ArtsDAO to enhance Dubai’s blockchain scene.
• ArtsDAO, a key Web3 community, plans to scale with 021’s support.
• The acquisition aligns with Dubai’s goal to lead in Web3 innovation.

ArtsDAO, known for its robust community engagement, has 800 members, a newsletter with 40,000 subscribers, and a social media following of 300,000. Their event, ArtsDAO Fest, drew 4,000 attendees and was featured in an Amazon Prime documentary, showcasing their influence in the region. Web3, simply put, is the next generation of the internet built on blockchain technology, and ArtsDAO is at the forefront of this movement in the Middle East.

Nigel Van Broekhoven, founder of 021, emphasized the strategic fit of the acquisition, stating,

“The acquisition aligns with 021’s broader thesis around the future of communities and membership networks. A portion of our portfolio is dedicated to building culturally relevant, community-driven ventures.”

This highlights 021’s commitment to projects that connect people and reflect local cultures through technology.

Charles Plenet de Badts, now chairman of ArtsDAO, expressed his enthusiasm for the future, saying,

“ArtsDAO has built an unparalleled Web3 community in the Middle East, and we see incredible opportunities in scaling its vision further.”

With his leadership and Rahim Mahtab as president and interim CEO, ArtsDAO aims to leverage 021’s resources to expand its offerings and partnerships.

The leadership transition at ArtsDAO includes Danosch Zanedi moving from CEO to vice-chairman and taking up the role of CEO at The Block, while Maria Sultanova continues as COO. Dan Rozenberg, a co-founder at 021, joins as head of partnerships, bringing his expertise to further ArtsDAO’s collaborative efforts.

ArtsDAO’s partnerships with major companies like Ledger, Etihad, BMW, Bybit, Yuga Labs, Mercedes-Benz, Doodles, and Chimpers have solidified its position in the Web3 space. With 021’s backing, ArtsDAO is now poised to expand these relationships and explore new growth avenues.

021’s other ventures, such as the Midnight Club, which hosts exclusive events across cities like Miami, Singapore, Ibiza, and Dubai, and their collaboration with Luxury Rally Club to develop an on-chain car marketplace, showcase their focus on innovative blockchain projects.

Dubai’s push to become a global Web3 hub is evident through initiatives like the Dubai Blockchain Strategy and the upcoming launch of the Solana Economic Zone in April 2025. These efforts, combined with a supportive regulatory environment through the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), create an ideal landscape for ventures like ArtsDAO and 021 to thrive and innovate.

While this acquisition is a promising step for Dubai’s blockchain ecosystem, it’s important to acknowledge potential challenges, such as regulatory hurdles and market volatility. If 021 and ArtsDAO think they can just ride the blockchain hype train without dealing with real-world issues, they’ve got another thing coming. However, the synergy between 021’s investment in community and culture, and ArtsDAO’s mission to integrate art and blockchain, could attract a diverse audience and drive meaningful innovation.

Key Takeaways and Questions:

• What is the significance of 021’s acquisition of ArtsDAO?

  The acquisition allows 021 to expand its presence in Dubai’s blockchain ecosystem by leveraging ArtsDAO’s established community and influence in the Middle East. It aligns with 021’s investment thesis in community-driven ventures and supports Dubai’s ambition to become a global Web3 hub.

• How does this acquisition impact ArtsDAO’s future?

  With 021’s backing, ArtsDAO plans to scale its impact, introduce new offerings, and strengthen its partnerships, positioning itself at the forefront of blockchain and cultural innovation in the Middle East.

• What role does Dubai play in the global Web3 landscape?

  Dubai is positioning itself as a global Web3 hub through supportive government policies and initiatives, attracting blockchain companies and fostering innovation in the sector.

• Who are the key figures involved in the leadership transition at ArtsDAO?

  Charles Plenet de Badts becomes chairman, Danosch Zanedi moves from CEO to vice-chairman and joins The Block as CEO, Rahim Mahtab becomes president and interim CEO, Maria Sultanova remains as COO, and Dan Rozenberg joins as head of partnerships.

• What are some of ArtsDAO’s previous achievements and partnerships?

  ArtsDAO has organized ArtsDAO Fest, which attracted 4,000 attendees and was featured on Amazon Prime. They have collaborated with major names like Ledger, Etihad, BMW, Bybit, Yuga Labs, Mercedes-Benz, Doodles, and Chimpers.