Key Takeaways:
YZi Labs invests in MEET48, a decentralized fan engagement platform emerging from BNB Chain’s MVB (Most Valuable Builder) Accelerator.
MEET48 introduces $IDOL token-driven voting, NFTs, and virtual events to democratize fan participation in the idol industry.
The investment will accelerate MEET48’s expansion across Asia, targeting over 30 million fans and empowering underrepresented talent.
YZi Labs Backs MEET48 to Reinvent Fan Participation in the Idol Economy
YZi Labs has announced a strategic investment in MEET48, a decentralized entertainment platform selected for BNB Chain’s MVB Season 8 Accelerator, to reshape the fan economy through blockchain technology. The move highlights a growing trend of Web3 innovation aimed at disrupting traditional media and idol management models.
Founded in 2022, MEET48 blends decentralized social (DeSoc) architecture with Asia’s leading idol IPs. Fans can vote for their favorite idols using the platform’s $IDOL token, earn exclusive NFTs, join virtual meet-and-greets, and access premium content — turning passive supporters into active participants.
The platform aims to tackle a persistent issue in traditional idol economies: the lack of transparency and limited fan influence. In legacy systems, decisions are made by agencies and media companies, often sidelining fan input. MEET48’s model shifts power back to fans through tokenized, on-chain voting and engagement.
MVB Accelerator Alumni with Web3 and Entertainment Expertise
MEET48 gained traction after being selected for BNB Chain’s MVB Accelerator Program, a 10-week Web3 builder initiative backed by YZi Labs and CoinMarketCap. The project stood out from infrastructure-heavy competitors by focusing on fan culture, entertainment, and community ownership.
The founding team combines experience across blockchain, media, and corporate strategy:
Wayne Zhang – Co-founder, early Ethereum miner, Harvard dropout
Ken Xu – CEO, with 15+ years in Asian film and media
Yoshiyuki Oe – CFO, ex-PwC Strategy consultant
Scaling Global Fan Engagement and Web3 Idol Experiences
With YZi Labs’ investment, MEET48 will scale its ecosystem across Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, and other underrepresented regions, giving emerging idol hopefuls more equitable exposure.
Funds will also support:
Expansion of idol ranking campaigns
Co-branded fan events
Virtual idol performances
A landmark Web3 Idol Gala on August 2, 2025 in Hong Kong, featuring 300+ idols and global guests
Sarah Song, BD Lead at BNB Chain, said:
“MEET48 is transforming fan engagement with token-driven transparency. This is the future of fan economies.”
Ken Xu, Co-founder & CEO of MEET48, added:
“With YZi Labs’ support, we’re building a world where any fan can help shape the success of their idol — and where any artist can become one.”
