NFT Powerhouse Dapper Labs Hires Ticketmaster and PayPal Alumni

Gui Karyo joins from Ticketmaster while Amanda Schwartz hails from PayPal.

AccessTimeIconSep 1, 2021 at 1:42 a.m. UTC
Updated May 11, 2023 at 5:48 p.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

The non-fungible token (NFT) firm behind CryptoKitties and NBA Top Shot has added two top hires to its growing team.

Dapper Labs has tapped former Ticketmaster CIO Gui Karyo to lead the firm’s technical operations as CIO while former PayPal alum Amanda Schwartz joins as vice-president of business operations and strategy.

  • What's Stopping Congress From Passing Crypto Regulation?
    00:56
    What's Stopping Congress From Passing Crypto Regulation?
  • Sen. Lummis Addresses Algorithmic Stablecoin Ban in New Bill
    19:02
    Sen. Lummis Addresses Algorithmic Stablecoin Ban in New Bill
  • Why Bitcoin May Fall to $52K
    14:59
    Why Bitcoin May Fall to $52K
  • JPMorgan Expects Bitcoin to Drop After Halving; New Zealand Starts Digital Cash Consultation
    02:15
    JPMorgan Expects Bitcoin to Drop After Halving; New Zealand Starts Digital Cash Consultation
  • In his role at the U.S. ticket sales and distribution company, Karyo was responsible for leading Ticketmaster’s technology and engineering organization. Before his time at Ticketmaster, Karyo performed an eight-month stint at video game brand Atari, fleshing out its online/mobile product portfolio, according to his LinkedIn profile.

    Karyo is tasked with scaling both the infrastructure and technical operations at Dapper Labs.

    “This was a unique opportunity to help contribute to a vision that will not just shape a company but the future of many consumer experiences in a decentralized ecosystem,” Karyo told CoinDesk on Wednesday.

    Meanwhile, Schwartz brings valuable experience to the firm, having worked at PayPal for almost 10 years in multiple roles including chief of staff and director of strategy and business operations, among others.

    While at PayPal, she helped support PayPal’s blockchain, crypto and digital currencies business units.

    At Dapper Labs, Schwartz is responsible for scaling the operations of the company through various growth strategies.

    “The design space is wide open with respect to what’s possible with NFTs,” Schwartz told CoinDesk via email. “I’m thrilled to be a part of a team that is building mainstream blockchain applications, at scale.”

    Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.

    Sebastian Sinclair

    Sebastian Sinclair is a CoinDesk news reporter based in Australia.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.



    Read more about