In a strategic move aimed at reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global Web3 powerhouse, 021, a thesis-led venture studio, has acquired a controlling stake in ArtsDAO, the Middle East’s largest Web3 community.
The acquisition was announced in a press release shared with crypto.news and marks a significant step in 021’s mission to scale culturally-driven, blockchain-focused ventures. With this deal, 021 aims to harness ArtsDAO’s deep regional influence and rapidly growing community to further its Web3 ambitions in the UAE and beyond.
A Powerhouse in the Middle East’s Web3 Scene
Founded to bridge art, culture, and blockchain, ArtsDAO has evolved into a vibrant collective of over 800 members, a 40,000-subscriber newsletter, and a social media following exceeding 300,000. Its flagship event, ArtsDAO Fest, drew more than 4,000 attendees and was featured in an Amazon Prime documentary profiling Web3 innovators.
“ArtsDAO has built an unparalleled Web3 community in the Middle East, and we see incredible opportunities in scaling its vision further,” said Charles Plenet de Badts, executive chairman of 021 and now also chairman of ArtsDAO. “UAE’s prominence as a global Web3 hub is growing rapidly, and ArtsDAO, as the regional leader, was the logical choice for 021 to capture and contribute to that momentum.”
Strategic Vision and Synergy
The acquisition is part of 021’s broader thesis around community and membership-driven platforms that fuse blockchain technology with lifestyle and culture. The studio has been actively expanding its reach in this space through projects like Midnight Club, a private members’ collective launched in 2024 for elite founders, investors, and cultural leaders. Midnight Club has hosted global events in Miami, Singapore, Ibiza, and Dubai and is co-developing an on-chain car marketplace with Luxury Rally Club, targeting over 4,000 car collectors.
“The acquisition aligns with our broader vision of building community-first ventures that have cultural relevance and blockchain utility,” said Nigel Van Broekhoven, founder of 021.
Leadership Transition at ArtsDAO
Following the acquisition, ArtsDAO’s leadership structure will undergo a realignment:
- Charles Plenet de Badts becomes Chairman of ArtsDAO.
- Danosch Zanedi, co-founder, steps down as CEO to serve as Vice-Chairman and also takes on a new role as CEO of The Block.
- Rahim Mahtab, co-founder, is appointed President and Interim CEO.
- Maria Sultanova continues as Chief Operating Officer.
- Dan Rozenberg, co-founder of 021, joins ArtsDAO as Head of Partnerships.
“021 immediately understood the core value of ArtsDAO and is bringing the resources needed for this exciting new chapter,” said Rahim Mahtab, co-founder and interim CEO. “With their backing, we can scale our impact, introduce new offerings for our members, and continue to solidify Dubai’s position as a global leader in blockchain and digital culture.”
What Lies Ahead
With 021’s support, ArtsDAO plans to deepen partnerships and expand its offerings to creators, artists, and Web3 enthusiasts. The collective has already collaborated with global brands and protocols such as Ledger, Etihad, BMW, Bybit, Yuga Labs, Mercedes-Benz, Doodles, and Chimpers.
The acquisition is expected to open new avenues for membership benefits, cultural programming, and blockchain innovation, positioning ArtsDAO as a key player in shaping the future of Web3 in the Middle East.
