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MEET48, founded in 2022, is poised to transform the traditional idol fan economy by empowering fans with ownership and visibility into their idols’ journeys. The platform integrates $IDOL tokens, enabling fans to actively participate in voting for their favorite idols, earn exclusive NFTs, access virtual meet-and-greets, and enjoy premium content. This novel approach cultivates a new paradigm of fan participation, moving beyond the limitations of conventional models where control often resides solely with agencies, record labels, and media companies, leading to limited fan influence and transparency.
“MEET48 is transforming fan engagement with decentralized, token-driven interactions,” stated Sarah Song, BD Lead of BNB Chain, who oversees the MVB Accelerator. “Their platform brings fans closer to the idols they love, offering greater transparency and ownership in a space traditionally controlled by a few. This is the future of fan economies.”
MEET48’s selection for the highly competitive BNB Chain MVB Season 8 Accelerator Program, a 10-week initiative partnered with YZi Labs and CoinMarketCap, highlighted its unique blend of entertainment and Web3 expertise. The leadership team comprises Co-founder Wayne Zhang, an early Ethereum miner and Harvard dropout; Co-founder & CEO Ken Xu, with over 15 years of experience in media and film; and CFO Yoshiyuki Oe, a former PwC Strategy consultant. This diverse expertise positions MEET48 to effectively navigate both the entertainment and blockchain landscapes.
The newly secured funds from YZi Labs will significantly accelerate MEET48’s growth and enrich its Web3 fan experience. Key initiatives include scaling community programs focused on empowering idol hopefuls from underrepresented communities across Asia, including Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea. The investment will also support the expansion of the platform’s innovative idol ranking campaigns, co-branded events, and immersive virtual idol performances. A landmark event on the horizon is the Web3 Idol voting event and performance gala scheduled for August 2, 2025, in Hong Kong, which is expected to feature over 300 idols and special guests.
Ken Xu, Co-founder and CEO of MEET48, commented on the investment, “At MEET48, we believe that every fan and idol has the potential to shine. The MVB Accelerator has helped us sharpen this vision, and now with YZi Labs’ investment, we’re even more confident in building a future where anyone can become the idol they aspire to be. YZi Labs’ investment will empower both fans and artists, redefining what it means to be an idol in the Web3 era.”
Through strategic partnerships with some of Asia’s largest idol groups and IPs, MEET48 aims to target over 30 million fans initially and plans for substantial global expansion. The platform’s innovative use of blockchain technology ensures a transparent and equitable system, allowing fans to directly impact their idols’ careers and share in their success.
About YZi Labs
YZi Labs manages over $10 billion in assets globally, adhering to an investment philosophy that prioritizes impact first, believing that meaningful returns will naturally follow. YZi Labs invests in ventures at every stage, with a strong focus on companies with solid fundamentals in Web3, AI, and biotech. Its diverse portfolio spans over 300 projects from more than 25 countries across six continents, with over 65 portfolio companies having successfully completed YZi Labs’ incubation programs.
About MEET48
MEET48 is a pioneering Web2+Web3 Ecosystem dedicated to idol entertainment and the fan economy. It seamlessly integrates a growth-based token launchpad with AI-UGC applications, leveraging its proven idol voting mechanism and talent incubation programs. MEET48 is committed to revolutionizing the idol industry by providing a next-level entertainment experience that empowers fans and artists alike.
Compiled by CMO Intern team
