Author: Harry Liu, CEO of Forj Network

Translation: Wayne Zhang, member of Forj Network Chinese Community

Forj CEO Harry Liu shared on Twitter his research into the Yuga Labs IP ecosystem. The following is a compiled and translated version of that thread by Forj Chinese community member Wayne Zhang:

First, let's take a look at the overall Yuga Labs ecosystem map:

 

As you can see from the image above, games are excluded because they represent an aggregation of IPs within this diagram. This ecosystem map focuses specifically on brands, creators, projects, and artists leveraging Yuga Labs IPs—enhancing their social attributes, utility, and entertainment value, thereby attracting broader audiences into Yuga’s IP ecosystem.

I. Overview of the Yuga Labs IP Ecosystem

1. Fashion Brands

(1) Gucci

First up is Gucci, which collaborated with Wagmi-san to launch the Gucci Grail collection. BAYC and BAKC holders can dress their NFTs in luxurious apparel designed by Alessandro Michele via 10KTFshop.

(2) TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer allows BAYC collectors to use BAYC-themed designs on its Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 smartwatch. The watch can be purchased using $APE.

(3) Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co. sold out custom-designed Cryptopunk 'NFTiff' pendants for $50,000 each. "NFTiffs" serve as digital passes enabling holders to mint and redeem physical pendant jewelry paired with matching NFT artwork.

(4) adidas Originals

adidas Originals is entering the metaverse alongside BAYC and Punks through its Into the Metaverse initiative, currently in Phases 2 and 3. In Phase 3, holders will experience “in the metaverse. In creation…” Physical goods from Phase 1 have already been delivered.

(5) Li-Ning

China’s top sportswear brand Li-Ning is stepping into the NFT market, potentially accelerating Web3 adoption. It has hosted various events around sports like frisbee and motorcycling, aiming to engage more people in new athletic experiences.

2. Music

(1) Timbaland

Timbaland launched ApeSh!t, music based on Bored Ape NFTs, released under ApeInProd and created by The Zoo.

(2) Marshall Mathers

The D2 LBC album was co-created by two BAYC holders, Snoop Dogg and Marshall Mathers. It became Marshall Mathers’ second most popular compilation, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and selling 43,000 copies.

(3) Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg's BAYC continues to support his explorations across food and music industries.

(4) Ape Rave Club

Ape Rave Club aims to bring a new generation of artists into the electronic music scene. They are dedicated to supporting talented creators and fresh ideas in dance music and NFTs, excited to shape the future of music in web3. Below is an image from Blockparty Korea:

(5) 0x0 Metaverse

0x0 Metaverse is a full-service music brand, production company, and management firm run by a group of futurist music lovers. Their BAYC has some of the best dance moves. Their tracks are among my personal favorites.

3. Toys and Sculptures

(1) SUPERPLASTIC

SUPERPLASTIC is a premium art toy company. Their "SuperBored" plastic art toys are modeled after comic protagonists from the BAYC universe.

(2) IsmToys

Ricky da Luz, 18, founded IsmToys and began making free Bored Ape toys for NFT holders last year, reaching $1 million in sales.

 

(3) Polly Kole

Polly Kole is an NFT sculptor who has created many stunning sculptures for the BAYC community, including one featuring Dr. Bombay and SnoopDogg’s BAYC.

(4) Sindrax Tech

Harry Lu is founder of Sindrax Tech, a startup focused on interactive solutions for children, applying BAYC and MAYC IPs to children's products. He is cultivating NFT and Web3 culture for our younger generation.

4. Food

(1) Bored & Hungry

FoodFightersU is an NFT restaurant group whose Bored & Hungry connects Web3 with real life. Kevin and Andy combine their passion for NFTs with food. Champ Medici and SnoopDogg are their partners.

(2) gmgn supply co.

MAGGI XU founded gmgn supply co., the first decentralized CPG company to adopt NFT-branded cereals. Their vision is to build 100 community-developed CPG brands. Their cereal product is launching soon.

(3) Bored Sauce

Founded by Bobby Bellhop, who spent much of his time in the “ape universe” carrying bags for hotel guests. After receiving a generous tip from a regular guest, he quit that job and started combining his love for bananas and spices!

5. Beverages

(1) Bored Breakfast Club

Bored Breakfast Club is an industry-first NFT project offering members real-world coffee delivery and exclusive digital experiences.

(2) BoredCoffee.eth

The Bored Coffee team consists of NFT and coffee enthusiasts who recognize the need for long-term social and ecological sustainability in the industry. Their goal is to deliver high-quality coffee while making production more transparent and sustainable.

(3) Ape Beverages

ApeBeverages is the first sustainable water drink in Web3. Quench your thirst in the metaverse. This dedicated Ape water drink is available for purchase anytime, sourced from Mount Shasta, California. Launched in September 2022.

(4) BoredWineCo

BoredWine is sourcing some of the world’s finest wines, bottling them, and packaging them in uniquely ape-styled designs.

(5) Cafe X 

CafeX partnered with Vera to offer travelers at San Francisco Airport a new coffee experience—robotic coffee bars available in Terminals 1 and 3 at SFO.

(6) Happy Dad Hard Seltzer

Happydad Happy Dad is a beverage project founded in 2021 by a group of passionate friends aiming to make the tastiest hard seltzer. It features low carbonation, a crisp, simple, and delicious flavor. BAYC founders recently sampled several flavors.

6. Physical Goods

(1) Rolling Stone

Special edition Rolling Stone magazine features unprecedented BAYC artwork, with exclusive designs contributed by collaborators Claire Salvo, TimpersHD, Dario de Siena, Crypto Geisha, and Jeneva.

(2) BoardPusher Skateboards

Designed by BAYC #7676, BoardPusher. offers a limited-time discount exclusively for BAYC holders. The skateboard uses professional-grade Canadian maple decks.

(3) Adam Bomb Squad

The Hundreds’ Adam Bomb Squad previously collaborated with BAYC to release limited-edition apparel.

(4) round21

In July 2021, round21 airdropped the official BAYC x round21 collaboration basketball—available only to NFT holders. Made from premium composite leather and adorned with custom BAYC artwork, it is a special limited-edition collectible.

(5) richclassdecor.eth

Rich Class Decor produces customizable NFT rugs. Rich Class Decor aims to be the go-to choice for retro, bohemian, eclectic, and modern floor coverings and decor.

(6) FallingInSand.eth

James Sun’s falling in sand bridges the digital and physical worlds through sand. He hopes to immortalize iconic moments using sand.

7. Knowledge Hubs

(1) 10KTF 

Wagmi-san has created countless personalized items for Yuga Labs PFPs; 10ktf, redefined by @wenewlabs, transforms the NFT experience—collecting NFTs means new connections and new stories.

(2) Mutant Cartel

Mutant Cartel turns MAYC assets into influential protagonists through storytelling, art, animation, and immersive narratives. Stories and lessons continue unfolding weekly in excerpts from The Duke’s Diary.

 

(3) Jenkins The Valet

Jenkins The Valet dreams of making the Metaverse a better place through characters and IPs. They are a global team of top developers, designers, brand builders, and writers expanding applications of BAYC, MAYC, and BAKC IPs across multiple scenarios.

(4) Roda

Ridaz is a dynamic Otherside creator. From vivid Koda illustrations to small stories about boring fishing days, Ridaz and his team are ready to create compelling content in the metaverse.

8. Offline Clubs

(1) Canada

BoredClubCanada is an association for Canadian owners of BAYC/MAYC/BAKC. The club has over 150 Bored Apes as members. I met several Canadian Bored Ape holders at the Toronto Blockchain Conference, such as bayc9617 and FUDmaster—they were super friendly!

(2) France

FrenchApeYC is a community organized by French-speaking BAYC holders, with over 100 members. They maintain a private Discord server to coordinate IRL events.

(3) South Korea

BAYCKorea is a community for Korean-speaking BAYC and MAYC holders. They gathered on August 11 at the NFT Community of Seoul venue.

(4) Taiwan

Bayc Taiwan DAO is a community with the largest number of BAYC holders in Taiwan, including many investors and collectors. SQLPANDA and Conan frequently attend. I got to know Conan last year at a club event—he turned out to be a magician and balloon artist.

(5) Hong Kong

EliteApesHK, founded by Jason Jape, is a collector’s club with over 150 BAYC members, also holding over 300 MAYC and BAKC. They are the first NFT community recognized by an Olympic national team. EliteApes is also a partner of fashion metaverse Altava Group.

(6) Bored Chili

Vera is one of Yuga Labs’ greatest ambassadors. As founder of Bored Chili, she hosted Bored Chili brunch events in New York, drawing YouTubers, celebrities, and investors into the NFT space.

(7) apeuniverse.eth

apeuniverse.eth is a community of 221 OG BAYC apes. An OG group with daily active discussions covering all things Yuga Labs. They own four golden apes. apeuniverse is recognized for its diamond hands and active participation in ApecoinDAO voting.

(8) aWSB.club

aWSBclub was created by Allan, one of Asia’s earliest BAYC adopters. aWSBclub has brought many newcomers into the NFT space. They own the iconic golden captain hat and Hawaiian T-shirt ape. Members are active daily in Clubhouse and Twitter Spaces.

9. Podcasts

(1) Bored Chili Podcast

Hosted by taipeicity.eth and Vera, the Bored Chili Podcast interviews 100 Bored Ape NFT holders to learn their stories and share them with the world. Episode 5 is now available on NFT Marketplaces.

(2) Two Bored Apes

Two Bored Apes aims to educate, entertain, and build community around NFTs, co-hosted by Zeneca_33 and Jaime Musings. It’s currently one of the most active and insightful podcasts. Recent topics include DeFi, CC0, and Generative Art.

(3) Full Send Podcast

Full Send Podcast recently invited BAYC founders GordonGoner.eth and Garga.eth as guests. KYLE, a co-founder of the podcast, had Elon Musk as an interviewee, during which the screen was flooded with BAYC comments.

(4) NFT Catcher

Created by NFTicket, NFT Catcher aims to provide the most comprehensive list of new NFT projects and related information on-chain. They update their podcast weekly and currently have 60,000 followers. They recently interviewed Matty, founder of Metakey.

(5) nft now

Founded by medved, nft now provides the latest NFT news, analysis, interviews, new project launches, videos, and coverage of top crypto art, music, and culture. They receive over 400,000 visits per month.

10. Education

(1) Boring Security

BoringSecDAO provides courses and security awareness in the Web3 space and tracks scams/hacks. It is funded by ApecoinDAO (AIP-9). mrbayc.eth was recently interviewed on NFTCatcherPod.

(2) The Bored Ape Gazette

The Bored Ape Gazette reports on everything related to Bored Apes. It’s the #1 BAYC media outlet. ApeCoin DAO has approved funding for the Gazette, which will evolve into a 24/7 news site with live sales data. Contributors include Vulkan and 0xSword.

(3) ZenAcademy

Zeneca_33 is founder and CEO of ZenAcademy. ZenAcademy exists to flatten the learning curve for NFTs and web3, ensuring anyone, anywhere has access to education.

(4) AP3D.eth

AP3D.eth encourages and motivates community members to exercise, sit less, and stay active. Before reading further, try answering this question: Did you work out today?

(5) UNIC Open Metaverse Initiative

Free courses from the UNIC Open Metaverse Initiative are taught by UNIC faculty, including punk6529 and other renowned professionals such as beeple, Garga.eth, and Yat Siu. These are introductory courses on NFTs and the metaverse, offered on-chain and in the metaverse.

11. Studios and Guilds

(1) Metaprints

Metaprints creates large-scale experiences and assets across multiple metaverses, currently serving Fortune 500 companies, web3, and PFP projects. The team is closely collaborating with Sandbox to deliver BAYC experiences in Sandbox Alpha Season 3.

(2) OtherGuild

OtherGuild has grown to 220 signed members and 3,900 Twitter followers in just months. Their mission is to maximize gameplay and social value for everyone in The Otherside through digital and real-life (IRL) content, tools, and experiences.

(3) Otherside Gang

Otherside Gangs OG is a community-led initiative representing the best of Otherside. They are at the forefront—leading holders, gamers, brands, creators, and explorers.

(4) CryptoCities Development

Crypto Cities Development is a metaverse development studio founded by Kai and 𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡.𝙚𝙩𝙝. During the upcoming Sandbox Alpha Season 3 event, you’ll be able to play the BAYC experience built by their team.

(5) CreatorDAO.eth

CreatorDAO is building a platform that enables commissioning of anything (e.g., images, audio, 3D, lore, animation, etc.). The platform currently hosts over 80 creators and 60 active commissions.

(6) Otherside Meta Guild

Otherside Meta Guild is partnering with some of the most exclusive brands in both Web2 and Web3 to shape the future of Otherside land development powered by Horizon Labs.

(7) Arcade

Arcade created the “infamous” Ape VS game—a fighting game from Yuga Labs. They’re now developing an arcade-style, interoperable, and connected gaming world. They’ve built full model sets for BAYC. A limited public beta test is coming soon.

(8) Worldwide Webb

Worldwide Webb is an interoperable 2D Play-to-Own social metaverse. Recently, they partnered with GameStopNFT to bring Meetbits and CryptoPunks into the metaverse.

(9) Animoca Brands

I previously wrote an article discussing projects led by Animoca Brands that bring greater utility to Yuga Labs collections and $ApeCoin. Follow these projects for the latest updates.

II. How to Create Greater IP Value

The above highlights key moments for brands, projects, creators, and artists. Now, let’s discuss how ecosystem participants can collaborate to create even greater value.

From cdixon.eth’s article “Why Decentralization Matters”, we understand that in Web 2, relationships between network participants shift from positive-sum to zero-sum.

In Web 3, however, this zero-sum dynamic is dismantled. Through early collaborations like 10KTFshop and Otherside, we are collectively shaping the future of media through storytelling. Through continuous ecosystem collaboration, we jointly unlock the value of ownership economies.

Gucci chose to become one of 10KTF shop’s partners. If we hadn’t purchased the Gucci Grail, we wouldn’t have experienced Gucci’s new presence in Yuga Lab’s metaverse. Within Yuga’s IP ecosystem map, each of us is co-developing stories and co-shaping culture.

Stories are the most engaging form of communication we know. When a good story is told, attention remains captured. People also gain new social and entertainment value through stories.

Knowledge, physical goods, fashion brands, games, and entertainment participants all play crucial roles in driving compounded growth in brand and IP value. We believe they will continuously promote network effects within ownership economies and enable storytellable assets to achieve even greater value creation.