MetaKovan, Buyer of Record-Setting Beeple NFT, Explains Why He Spent $69.3M

The pseudonymous founder of NFT fund Metapurse said he plans to "build monuments in the virtual world."

AccessTimeIconMar 16, 2021 at 4:06 p.m. UTC
Updated Sep 14, 2021 at 12:27 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 buyer of a record-breaking $69.3 million non-fungible token (NFT)-based artwork last week says he bought it to ensure the work stays in the crypto space.

Talking on CoinDesk TV's "First Mover" on Tuesday, MetaKovan – the pseudonymous founder of NFT fund Metapurse – said he plans to "build monuments in the virtual world" for the work by digital artist Beeple.

"It's like a bridge between the traditional world and the virtual world and I think it's more appropriate that a guy from crypto bought this," he said.

Appearing anonymously on CoinDesk TV behind an avatar, MetaKovan confirmed he is of Indian descent but intends to remain anonymous as he believes it lends itself to the virtual world.

MetaKovan beat Tron founder Justin Sun to the winning bid for Beeple's "EVERYDAYS," paying 42,329.453 ether in a Christie's auction. "I had no idea who I was bidding against," MetaKovan told CoinDesk.

There has been some backlash to the sale, with accusations that MetaKovan is a crypto "whale," or large holder, conducting a form of insider trading. "You should ignore those kind of comments. It's not something I spend my time on," he said.

MetaKovan bought another work by Beeple in December that Metapurse offered to the public in fractionalized form through B20 token sales.

"We spent around $2.2 million plus 30% for the cost of sale, and sold 23% of it for not a lot of premium. I took back around $1.3-1.4 million," he said.

MetaKovan still holds around 50% of the tokens for this piece and said he does not plan to sell "any time soon."

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.


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.