Humans Of Crypto | Cryptobengz: One of Singapore's Most Iconic NFT Projects

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Most NFT enthusiasts in Singapore would be no stranger to Cryptobengz.

Their unique take on the 'ah beng' culture, with the iconic pixel art designed popularised in crypto easily catches the attention of many.

But how did this project all come about? Why bengz? How is the life of an NFT-project founder like?

We discuss these, and much more, with co-founders of Cryptobengz: CryptoHiadi and CryptoThambi.

Give us a little background: How did you get started in crypto? What drew you into crypto?

CryptoHiadi: At a beach party in 2017, a guy introduced me to the world of cryptocurrency for the first time. He directed me to Crypto.com, where I made my first purchase of a little amount of Ethereum without knowing what it was or what it might achieve.

After a few years, my account started to grow. I ultimately linked my account to Shopee and spent everything there.

CryptoThambi: NFTs! I had no idea of the Web3 space until we rolled out with Cryptobengz.

Give us the inside scoop. What sparked the idea of Cryptobengz?

CryptoHiadi: Our group of friends were enjoying drinks at Stickies one night when we came up with the idea for Cryptobengz. We were looking for a fresh new method to sell art.

When we considered creating a uniquely Singaporean initiative that spoke to us, we discovered that the 'ahbeng' culture was really authentic to who we were.

CryptoThambi: We wanted a “CryptoPunk” of Singapore by Singaporeans, so naturally the words Crypto + Bengz came to our minds.

Off the bat we wanted something different and so we started our own affiliated twitter personas. Since I’m the Indian, I’m CryptoThambi. Ferris is CryptoHiadi. Freya is CryptoChaii and Denzel is CryptoBroski. This way it made it easier to engage to our followers with our Web3 alter egos.

How has the experience of starting Cryptobengz been so far? What are some of your main takeaways?

CryptoHiadi: I've come to understand how dynamic the NFT space is. In order to remain relevant in the rapidly evolving Web3 market, we must continually innovate and stay up to date.

As a founder, we may encounter numerous difficulties, but we should take our time to evaluate, recover, and approach them intelligently.

CryptoThambi: Cryptobengz has exposed us to the vast Web3 Space, meeting people from all walks of life.

Other takeaways:

• In NFTs, the art isn’t going to sell itself without a community.

• Grow your brand alongside your community.

• Network, market, and repeat. Networking and brand recognition are of utmost importance.

• The community demands a reason to stay!

What are some of your most memorable moments (good and bad) from starting Cryptobengz?

CryptoHiadi: After months of online work, our first live mint experience at Wicked Good was a wonderful memory. We were finally able to reveal our identities to our holders and get to know and express appreciation to them in person.

CryptoThambi: After our first ever live mint, we drank to celebrate (as we should like the Bengs we are). It’s significant because it was also our official doxxing day to our holders, and a super fun night.

As founders of a NFT project, what are some aspects that a participant would not understand?

CryptoHiadi: The amount of preparation and effort that goes into building and maintaining an NFT collection and community would be beyond the comprehension of many.

We sell pixelated JPEGs online, but it takes a lot of planning to make sure there is a value proposition.

CryptoThambi: How awesome it feels when you meet a stranger and they happen to be a holder, making him/her immediately our “brother/sister”.

It really makes us super happy and contented inside. It’s through such instances that we know how we our community is tight-knit like a big family.

What advice would you give to someone considering starting an NFT project?

CryptoHiadi: Develop a project with genuine purpose, value creation, and a long-term path for sustainability.

CryptoThambi: It’s not about the sales, it’s about growth. Growth growth growth! It’s not about the floor price, it’s about the community you build!

If you’re stuck and do not know what to do next, just ask your community and holders what they want! They know best.

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