Dapper Labs, the company behind CryptoKitties, NBA Topshots, and the Flow blockchain, uses blockchain technology to bring NFTs and new forms of digital engagement to fans around the world paving the way to a more open and inclusive digital world starting with games and entertainment.
Overview
Since its founding in 2018, Dapper Labs has provided consumer enthusiasts with a real stake in the game by bringing them closer to the brands they love, building engaged communities for them to contribute to, and producing pathways for users to become creators themselves. Its products allow users to own, trade, and interact with digital assets while minimizing friction and technical barriers.
The company operates the Flow blockchain, a high performance Layer 1 network designed to support large scale consumer applications with fast transaction finality, low fees, and MEV resistant ordering, enabling seamless NFT experiences for mainstream audiences.
History and Background
Dapper Labs was founded by Roham Gharegozlou, Dieter Shirley, and a team of blockchain entrepreneurs in 2018. The company first gained recognition with CryptoKitties, one of the first successful NFT games that introduced the ERC 721 standard and demonstrated the potential of digital collectibles. Following this, Dapper Labs launched NBA Top Shot, officially licensed NFT collectibles of NBA highlights, attracting millions of participants and generating significant transaction volume.
Over the years, Dapper Labs has partnered with leading brands and organizations, including the NBA, NBPA, WNBA, WNBPA, LaLiga, NFL, NFLPA, Warner Music Group, Ubisoft, Genies, and UFC. The company has raised over $600 million from prominent investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, Coatue, Union Square Ventures, Venrock, Google Ventures (GV), Samsung, and the founders of DreamWorks, Reddit, Coinbase, Zynga, and AngelList.
Core Products and Services
- Flow Blockchain: Scalable Layer 1 blockchain optimized for consumer applications and digital assets.
- NBA Top Shot: Officially licensed NFT collectibles of NBA moments with peer to peer marketplace and challenges.
- NFL ALL DAY: Digital collectible platform for NFL moments with marketplace functionality.
- CryptoKitties: Digital collectible game allowing users to collect, breed, and trade virtual cats.
- Dapper Wallet: Digital wallet for managing Flow based assets and NFTs securely.
- Studio Partnerships: Collaborations with major entertainment and sports brands to deliver branded NFT experiences.
Technology and Features
Dapper Labs’ Flow blockchain uses a multi node architecture that separates consensus from execution, enabling high throughput, low latency, and scalability for consumer applications. The platform supports smart contracts, automated financial logic, and NFT operations at scale, ensuring security, ownership, and a seamless experience for collectors and gamers.
Use Cases and Market Position
- Digital Collectibles: Users collect, trade, and interact with officially licensed NFT moments and digital assets.
- Gaming and Engagement: Platforms such as CryptoKitties provide interactive and gamified experiences for users.
- Financial Applications: Flow supports tokenized assets and portfolio management tools.
- Brand Integration: Partnerships with major leagues and entertainment companies create immersive digital fan experiences.
Funding and Team
Dapper Labs has raised over $600 million from leading investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Coatue, Union Square Ventures, Venrock, Google Ventures (GV), Samsung, and founders of DreamWorks, Reddit, Coinbase, Zynga, and AngelList. The company is led by CEO Roham Gharegozlou and a team of engineers, designers, and business strategists focused on building mass market Web3 experiences.
Risks and Considerations
While Dapper Labs provides secure and widely recognized platforms, users should consider market volatility, regulatory developments, and the speculative nature of NFTs. The value of digital collectibles and assets may fluctuate significantly, and participation in NFT marketplaces carries both financial and technological risks. Users are advised to exercise caution and perform due diligence when engaging with blockchain applications and collectibles.
