MEET THE CANDIDATE: Ae Is Running For Metaverse Working Group Steward!

With over twenty years of creating virtual experiences for everyone from solo artists to giant companies under his belt, a Made By Apes entertainment company in the works, and a catchy music video featuring his Bored Ape on repeat in the minds of many, ApeCoin DAO Contributor Ae is throwing his hat in the ring and running to be the DAO’s next Metaverse Working Group Steward. If elected, he hopes to invite and support passionate people to the $Ape ecosystem and onboard the masses!

The summer election season of 2024 is underway at the ApeCoin DAO, with four ApeCoin DAO contributors running to be the community’s third  Metaverse working Group Steward. Among the candidates vying for this position is Ae.

“Given my extensive experience as a builder, my primary drive lies in bringing more builders into the Metaverse,” Ae wrote on his candidate page. “This starts with Otherside but extends to attracting individuals who will breathe life into the Metaverse and provide it with rich content, akin to what renowned gaming platforms offer. One of the major challenges faced by many web3 Metaverse platforms is not only their near emptiness but also the exodus of incredible builders who feel unsupported and unrewarded. Without builders, there can be no Metaverse. ApeCoin has the potential to significantly impact this landscape. My aim is clear: to ensure that things run smoothly for builders who are tasked with attracting an audience. This presents a significant challenge in the months ahead, but it’s also a tremendous opportunity for ApeCoin. And it’s something that personally affects me because my company and my passion are closely tied to the success of Otherside and the economic ecosystem that gives it practical meaning—both for creators and for players and visitors.”

To find out more about Ae and why he is the right $Ape for the job, the Bored Ape Gazette reached out to him for an interview. Check it out below:

1. In a sentence or two what is your candidacy all about?

“My candidacy is focused on supporting -with ApeCoin and ApeChain as central pillars- the builders, companies and brands we need to realize a web3 vision of the Metaverse, ultimately attracting mass audiences with products and experiences that can not only compete with web2 platforms but also leave them in the past.”

2. Why did you decide to run for $Ape office?

“I believe we rarely encounter a moment when everything aligns so perfectly: we now have technologically solid and advanced metaverse platforms. The next 12 months will be incredible for opportunities for companies, brands, indie builders, and artists. With the launch of Apechain and a huge community of builders, we have the chance to create a real ecosystem where builders have all the tools to bring any idea to life and feel truly supported and rewarded. I want to be part of this, and this is the best place to contribute.”

3. What does the metaverse mean to you?

“After reading "Virtual Society" by Herman Narula, I almost feel embarrassed to echo his words, but the idea of the Metaverse is closely tied to world building, something humans have done for thousands of years. It involves creating new forms of culture, new ways to socialize, entertain, generate new economic systems, and ultimately improve and expand the human experience. Although we've been talking about and experimenting with the Metaverse for over 20 years, I think it's still in its infancy, but in 2024 we have a clearer idea of the steps to take.”

4. What makes you the right $Ape for the job?

“My background is perfect for the job: my life revolves around web3—from my company, to my hobbies, to my creative passions, to my vision for the future of art, music, and gaming. Before dedicating myself full-time to web3 and creating my own company (http://r3s3t.xyz), I was Chief Creative Officer at a VR company creating metaverse platforms, VR projects, and virtual production live events for top brands. Before that, for 2 decades I created video games for brands, installations, and communication campaigns with high doses of innovation that have won awards at the best creative festivals in the world. To know more about my detailed background, readers can check it here: https://forum.apecoin.com/t/ae-metaverse-wg-nomination-07-2024/24002"

5. What would you like to accomplish during your term?

“On one hand, I want anyone with a valuable idea that is useful in the Metaverse and can connect with a community or mass audiences to think of the ApeCoin DAO first. They should feel heard, supported, and guided to achieve their goals. I want to help these people. On the other hand, I want Apechain and ApeCoin to benefit from the best talent, collaborations with companies, brands, and artists that will give them greater visibility.”

6. How can the DAO and the Metaverse Working Group get more $Ape holders involved in the metaverse?

By inviting them to support creative and passionate people to carry out meaningful projects that attract audiences, and also more builders who will bring in more audiences. We need to create hundreds of success stories around the Metaverse, in an ecosystem where ApeCoin and Apechain are central pillars and enablers.

7. Why is becoming a Working Group Steward important for you personally?

"I've spent two decades helping brands build experiences in virtual worlds, and helping them enter the Metaverse and web3 culture. As a Working Group Steward, becoming part of a team that will be part of the story of many companies and builders benefiting from the ApeCoin DAO and ecosystem would be extremely rewarding."

8. How did you get into crypto?

"I bought some ETH in January 2018 after a friend’s 65-year-old mother took profits in 2017 (she was a super early adopter, true story). I was the perfect exit liquidity before a long bear market but had the patience to wait with my initial bag. Then, in early 2021, I started reading about NFTs. I bought my first one in March 2021, and two months later, I thought investing 0.44 ETH in a BAYC was a good idea. Still holding and loving that idea."

9. What do you like to do outside of Web3?

"I guess the obvious answer is touching grass, spending time with my family and friends, and escaping to the countryside whenever I can. But it's hard to separate my life from web3 because I believe everything is connected to web3. Lately, even when I travel or walk around Barcelona, I can't help but take photos of CCTV cameras to share in ripcache’s Discord, one of my favorite artists in the space. I just love so many aspects of web3 culture."

10. Do you have anything else you’d like to add or say?

"I think the only reason I am part of this election is because I feel this is the perfect position for me. Not only because of my background or because I am probably the most Metaverse-obsessed person you will ever meet, but because making connections with builders, artists, and amazing talent is what keeps me motivated in web3. And I'm a hard worker person. Also, I spent four days in Lisbon talking to a lot of people, and every time I mentioned the Metaverse, I heard the phrase, 'The Metaverse is dead.' I’m here to prove it’s not, and I’m grateful that the ApeCoin DAO values this position."

ApeCoin DAO Contributors who would like to find out more about Ae’s campaign can reach out to him via Twitter @ aeaea81

 

The window to vote in the first and only round of the ApeCoin DAO’s Metaverse Group Steward election is set to open on June 13th and $Ape holders will have until June 19th at 9 P.M. EST to cast their coins in support their preferred nominees and elect its next steward!

The Bored Ape Gazette is working to bring you continued election coverage from the $Ape ecosystem. Stay tuned for updates!