Ray Chan, the CEO and co-founder of the popular Hong Kong entertainment platform 9GAG, recently made a splash in the news with his purchase of a nonfungible token (NFT) of Stephen Chow’s “Nobody” for a whopping 19.527 Ether, equivalent to about $47,300. This acquisition represents an astonishing premium of 3,155% over the current floor price of 0.6 Ether, or approximately $1,450.
The specific NFT that Chan acquired is numbered 889 and features a “Monkey King” theme, which is distinguished by a rare Sun trait that is found in less than 0.01% of the collectible series. The Nobody NFT collection was launched earlier this month by Stephen Chow, a renowned Hong Kong director known for his cult classic film “Kung Fu Hustle.”
This collection has attracted significant attention, with a total trading volume of 10,516 Ether. Chow collaborated with Chinese-American rapper Jin Au-Yeung, also known as MC Jin, to introduce the NFTs through the Moonbox platform, which is a creation of the Hong Kong startup of the same name.
In a clever marketing move, Chow partnered with the cryptocurrency exchange OKX on January 10th to host a giveaway event. Out of the 10,000 Nobody NFTs available, 2,500 were distributed during the event, which drew in over 125,000 applicants. This strategic partnership not only increased the visibility of the NFT collection but also engaged a wide audience within the cryptocurrency community.
Aside from his involvement in the NFT market, Ray Chan also oversees Memeland, a Web3 venture studio that was established by 9GAG. With a deep interest in NFTs, Chan has become an avid collector himself. Despite facing challenges due to market fluctuations, Chan sees his NFT investments as valuable learning experiences that shape his approach to Web3 projects.
Looking back on his journey into the world of NFTs, Chan recognizes the volatile nature of the market but remains optimistic about its potential. In a recent interview with Cointelegraph, he shared insights gained from navigating the highs and lows of the NFT space during market booms and corrections. These experiences have shaped his perspective on building resilient and innovative projects within the Web3 ecosystem.
As part of its commitment to embracing emerging technologies, 9GAG is actively seeking blockchain talent. The company is currently hiring a blockchain engineer who will be responsible for developing robust, gas-efficient, and secure Smart Contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. This hiring initiative reflects 9GAG’s dedication to integrating blockchain technology into its platform and exploring new opportunities in the decentralized space.
In addition to its core mission of curating and sharing trending memes and internet phenomena, 9GAG is continuously expanding its horizons by venturing into the realm of Web3. With a focus on innovation and adaptation, the company strives to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
In conclusion, Ray Chan’s purchase of Stephen Chow’s “Nobody” NFT highlights the increasing overlap between entertainment, technology, and blockchain. As the NFT market continues to evolve, partnerships between industry leaders like Stephen Chow, MC Jin, and platforms such as 9GAG demonstrate the potential for creativity and collaboration within the growing digital asset space.