As we continue interviewing innovators who shape Web3 engagements, we turn to Ben Rose, VeVe’s co-CEO.
VeVe is a platform that enhances fans’ connections with cherished household brands, spanning Spider-Man and Mickey Mouse to Ferrari and Coca-Cola.
Having sold more than nine million digital comics and collectibles across over 170 nations, it has carved out a distinct niche at the intersection of digital collectibles, storytelling, and online community.
Read on as Ben shares how VeVe continues to keep its users engaged through its fan-first approach to accumulating collectibles online, made possible through blockchain tech and strategic partnerships.
Cryptonews: How does VeVe boost fan engagement through collectibles and comics? Also, explain the blockchain’s role.
Ben Rose: VeVe makes collecting fun and accessible for fans by turning beloved characters and comics into interactive digital collectibles. The platform enables you to own a 3D Spider-Man figure or a rare Marvel comic on your phone. You can admire it, share AR photos and videos with friends, read the whole comic on our app, and even build your own space and connect with other collectors in VR in the VeVeVerse.
Ultimately, fans get to celebrate their favorite fandoms in a whole new way. As a result, our exclusive content has attracted a global audience across over 170 countries who have collectively purchased over nine million VeVe comics and collectibles. As a consequence, we’re proud to be one of the leading platforms for premium licensed digital collectibles and comics.
Utilizing blockchain tech is where the magic really happens. It’s a secure digital ledger that guarantees each collectible or comic is authentic, limited in number, and verifiable at any time. Such technology provides a transparent certificate of provenance and rarity for VeVe items, so collectors can trust that their digital treasures are one-of-a-kind.
This mix of exclusive content and verified rarity keeps fans deeply engaged. Because they’re part of our community, it expands their already strong sense of fandom.
CN: Considering the digital asset landscape is highly competitive, which strategies enhance user engagement the most?
BR: Our biggest focus is on community and experience. First, we bring in top-tier brands, like Marvel, Disney, DC, and even Ferrari and Coca-Cola. By doing so, there’s always something exciting for every fan. Exclusive drops of popular characters or comics generate a ton of buzz and give collectors the thrill of snagging a coveted and exclusive item.
At VeVe, we’re not just building a platform; we’re creating a thriving ecosystem for collectors around the world. This is a space where fans can buy, sell, and truly engage with their digital collectibles.
And there’s more. It’s where you can become part of a global community. From daily conversations on social media to our regular Discord and X Spaces, and now with immersive experiences in the VeVeVerse, we’re redefining what it means to be a collector in the digital age. Ultimately, it’s about connection, discovery, and deepening passions in unprecedented ways.
Plus, the app experience is interactive. Fans can use augmented reality to pose their digital collectibles in real-world scenes, build virtual showrooms, and share their collections on social media.
Another key strategy is listening to our community. We run engagement programs like the Master Collector Program (which rewards participation and collecting) and continually implement user feedback from the multiple sources we gather. We also involve fans in testing features for our platform so they feel invested in it.
Of course, a big part of it is emphasizing trust and transparency. Every VeVe collectible is backed by the blockchain, meaning collectors can verify the edition size and provenance of their NFTs, which builds confidence and encourages more active trading and participation.
It’s a blend of nostalgia, fandom, and tech presented in a friendly way, and I think that really sets VeVe apart.
CN: Given the favorable outcomes of VeVe’s previous phygital partnerships, can you please share which ones were the most successful and the rationale behind them?
BR: A standout example is our partnership with Stanley Gibbons on the Penny Black, the world’s first postage stamp. The drop achieved a 100% sellout, with 2,191 unique users and 8,613 editions sold.
Source: VeVe blogOur recent Korean artist drops have also delivered impressive results:
Uptempo’s “Running Mon” (Hands in Factory): 97.92% sell-through, 4,667 purchases by 737 users; one collector secured 10 Special Editions via 229 purchases. Hazard Oddy (also Uptempo): 88.4% sell-through, 3,348 purchases from 548 users; one user acquired 4 Special Editions after 300+ purchases. TOBEY’s “My Toy”: 67.67% sell-through, 2,240 purchases from 538 users; one collector earned 2 Special Editions through 130+ purchases.Building on this momentum, Uptempo has more releases on the way; we’ve recently completed TOBEY’s first phygital drop, and we’re onboarding a new artist, Coolrain, with a debut coming soon.
These drops reflect our growing leadership in the phygital space as we drive high sell-through rates, multi-purchase engagement, and collector loyalty across a global audience.
CN: Does VeVe have more phygital collaborations on its 2025 roadmap? If yes, how do they aim to set themselves apart? Which ones are you most excited about and why?
BR: Phygital is a space we’re eager to expand in 2025. We’ve seen how marrying physical and digital collectibles ignites fan excitement, so you can expect more of that fusion going forward.
One major step in that direction was our partnership with FiGPiN at New York Comic Con (NYCC) in 2024. We released limited-edition pins: VeVe Logo Pins and KFC Pins that paired physical items with redeemable digital collectibles.
The KFC Pins were extra exclusive. At NYCC, only 750 were produced, 350 of which were available. This alone created a massive buzz at the event.
VeVe’s Logo Pins also came with matching digital redemptions, which highlighted the strong potential for event-driven phygital activations.
While I can’t spill all the details on other partnerships yet, I can say we’re exploring areas we know our community loves. But, the Stan Lee phygital collection we did last year (with limited-edition art prints, clothing, and NFTs) was just the beginning. It showed us that fans are hungry for those crossovers.
The key for us is that any new phygital partnership has to enhance the fan experience and create opportunities to introduce new audiences and physical collectors to the exciting world of digital collecting.
We want collectors to feel the same thrill as past projects, to have the joy of holding something tangible and the novelty of collecting its digital counterpart—perhaps with some bonus perks unlocked, too!
CN: Are there any brands or markets that you’d love VeVe to exploit for future collaborations? What makes them well-suited for their ecosystem and user base?
BR: Definitely. As we head into 2025, VeVe is executing a bold and focused strategy as we expand our footprint in the art world, growing our comics ecosystem through new global publishing partners and accelerating our presence across Asia.
They’re passion points for our community and perfectly aligned with our mission to bring fans closer to the brands, artists, and stories they love. We’re building a platform that’s not only redefining collecting but leading the next era of fandom.
In Asia, we’re already working with major entertainment brands like YG Entertainment and independent Korean creators, and there’s much more to come.
For instance, our Blackpink digital collectibles series, inspired by the hit song ‘Shut Down,’ marked a major step forward. This collaboration with YG showcased how iconic K-pop artists can connect with global fans through exclusive, animated 3D collectibles.
The success of our first drop and the follow-up, launching April 12, 2025, reflects a powerful appetite for immersive digital experiences in the music space. So, we’re proud to be expanding our presence in this region, with exciting upcoming opportunities in both collectibles and comics.
Meanwhile, on the comics front, we’re actively expanding our publisher network. We added names like Dynamite, Humanoids, and Ablaze, and there’s more on the horizon.
Comics are foundational to VeVe, and our goal is to become the premier destination for both iconic and emerging global titles in digital form.
At the heart of it all, VeVe’s strategy remains focused on building a vibrant ecosystem that celebrates fandom in all its forms. Whether through music, art, or storytelling, we’re creating space for passionate collectors to engage in new, meaningful ways.
CN: Are there initiatives to collaborate with emerging or independent artists for digital collectibles?
BR: Very much so. VeVe isn’t just a platform for established IPs. We’re also deeply committed to championing emerging and independent artists through digital collectibles.
To highlight this, we’ve launched VeVe Artworks, a space for creators to release limited-edition digital pieces, giving them global exposure and a new revenue stream.
Moreover, we’ve featured pioneering talents like Ron English, Frank Kozik, and Korean artist Hazard Oddy, whose drops have become sought-after grails within the collector community.
We’ve also collaborated with artists like Gary Baseman, Brian Viveros, and Jermaine Rogers, all of whom bring distinctive styles and devoted fanbases.
On the comics side, we’ve proudly worked with some of the industry’s most celebrated illustrators through our 1-of-1 Marvel Artist Series. Such examples include iconic names like Adam Kubert, Adi Granov, Brian Stelfreeze, Arthur Adams, David Nakayama, and Greg Land.
We’re also excited about the Comics Curator Programme, which will allow independent comic creators to publish and sell their work directly on VeVe.
It’s a critical step in building a sustainable creator economy within our ecosystem and empowering artists and writers who might not have mass retail deals to instantly connect with a global collector base.
CN: VeVe comics, in particular, shine bright with over 34K new user sign-ups since just March 2024. What are the main factors that contribute to its popularity?
BR: The success of VeVe Comics has blown us away, and it comes down to a few key factors. First, day-and-date releases were a game-changer. We offer new Marvel and Dynamite Entertainment comics on VeVe the same day they hit physical comic shops.
By doing so, fans anywhere in the world can buy and read the latest issue instantly without needing a local store or a subscription. Accessibility is huge. You just grab the problems you want on our app or web store and start reading.
We’ve filled a real gap for fans who wanted a digital option that still felt like collecting. Whether you’re traveling or just don’t have the shelf space, VeVe Comics removed the hassle: No wear and tear, no storage stress, and even protection from things like floods damaging your collection.
Additionally, we added a new burn feature, where any unsold Disney and Marvel copies are permanently removed from circulation after 30 days. That ensures rarity is preserved and makes each comic’s final edition size transparent and trustworthy.
Your comics can come in various rarities and covers, some extremely scarce, which brings the thrill of collecting into digital form. You might get a common edition or a secret, rare cover, and that element of rarity and surprise really engages people much more than a typical e-book would.
Our library expanded fast, and we now have over 1,954 titles from 11 publishers. That breadth means there’s something for everyone, from classic key issues like Amazing Fantasy #15 to newer indie comics.
CN: In 2025, do you have any strategies in place to build on the comics’ success and boost the user experience further?
BR: We’re thrilled with the momentum from our first year of VeVe Comics, and 2025 is all about leveling up that experience. One big focus is expanding our catalog even further. We’re in talks with new publishers and aim to cover more genres and art styles from all over the world.
Another major initiative is the Comic Curator Program. This program will bring on passionate experts (both from the community and industry) to curate and spotlight comic drops, eventually opening the door for independent creators to publish on VeVe.
By introducing creator-uploaded content, we’ll add a lot more depth and diversity to the platform, almost like YouTube for comics, where the community helps surface the best content.
The goal is to make digital comic collecting as social and enjoyable as the Wednesday trip to the comic shop, but accessible globally, 24/7. In 2025, you’ll see us roll out these improvements steadily, and as always, we’ll be taking community feedback onboard to polish the experience.
CN: In the past, VeVe faced criticism over the environmental impact of NFTs. Apart from using the Immutable X blockchain, which is promoted as carbon-neutral, what specific steps has the company taken (or is planning to take) to address environmental concerns and improve sustainability?
BR: At VeVe, we take our environmental responsibility very seriously. Our commitment to sustainability is embedded in our long-term strategy.
Using Immutable X, a Layer 2 Ethereum scaling solution that is inherently carbon-neutral, is a critical first step. It allows us to mint and trade NFTs without incurring the high energy costs associated with traditional proof-of-work blockchains.
Transactions on Immutable X use zero gas and leverage zk-rollups, which significantly reduce energy consumption compared to mainnet Ethereum.
We also pioneered the NFT space by pledging over $7 million worth of OMI tokens to support carbon offset initiatives. These funds are used to purchase verified carbon credits, ensuring that we offset all residual emissions linked to our digital collectible activities.
Additionally, VeVe partnered with eco-conscious organizations to support projects that include reforestation and conservation efforts, renewable energy development, and community-based climate action initiatives.
We also emphasize that digital collecting is inherently more sustainable than traditional physical collecting. It eliminates plastic packaging, shipping logistics, warehousing, and overproduction – factors that significantly contribute to environmental waste in the physical collectibles industry.
Our goal is to ensure that fans can enjoy VeVe’s digital experiences with confidence and peace of mind. By combining energy-efficient blockchain technology, real-world carbon offsetting, and a shift toward sustainable fandom, we aim to build a more responsible and environmentally positive digital collecting future.
CN: Do you intend to scale VeVeVibes, the sub-brand for music-related IP? If so, what can we anticipate in the near future?
BR: 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for VeVeVibes, our dedicated sub-brand for music-related IP. We kicked things off with the return of Blackpink, one of the most globally influential K-pop groups, for the second installment of their digital collectibles series. Its launch follows the success of our first collaboration with YG Entertainment in early 2024, which also marked YG’s debut in the digital collectibles space.
The new Blackpink series (dropped April 12, 2025) introduces fans to an all-new set of meticulously crafted 3D digital collectibles, each capturing the unique charm and energy of Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa. These collectibles feature AR-powered animations, blind-box mechanics, and Diamond Special Editions, making the experience both immersive and collectible. Fans who complete the set will also be eligible for premium mystery airdrops, reinforcing our commitment to rewarding engagement and fan dedication.
Blackpink has played a key role in bringing K-pop to the global mainstream, and this collection showcases their influence through technology, design, and storytelling. The partnership gives fans everywhere a new way to connect with the music, the fashion, and the fierce individuality each member brings to the stage.
As part of VeVeVibes, we’re also building out a broader roster of music artists across genres and regions, particularly where fandom is already intense, like K-pop. We see enormous potential in this space. K-pop commands one of the most passionate fanbases in the world, and digital collectibles offer a new, engaging, and shareable way to support favorite artists (beyond just streaming!).
Fans can expect more artist drops, innovative features, and cross-platform integrations as we continue to evolve VeVeVibes into the definitive music x collectibles destination.
CN: Where do you, as the co-CEO, foresee VeVe heading? What is your ultimate goal for the company?
BR: In the long term, I see VeVe becoming the definitive platform for digital fandom and becoming a household brand. Our mission is to be the place the world collects, and I believe we’re on that path.
In practical terms, that means a few years down the road, you’ll open VeVe and find every kind of collectible or memorabilia you can imagine: pop culture, comics, sports, fashion, music, art, you name it.
We’re building a future where a comic book aficionado, a stamp collector, and a music lover can all share their passions on VeVe.
The tech and entertainment landscape evolves quickly, so long-term success means continuously innovating – whether that’s integrating new tech when it makes sense, leveraging AI for better personalization, or expanding into emerging markets for next-gen collectors.
CN: Feel free to add anything else you’d like to mention.
BR: It’s an inspiring time to be a collector and an even more exciting time to be part of VeVe. We have major initiatives rolling out that are transforming how fans collect, connect, and experience their favorite brands.
We are rolling out major initiatives transforming how fans collect, connect, and experience their favorite brands. From the Modern Villa to the Convention Hall, users will be able to decorate their environments with collectibles, furniture, lighting, and more to bring their fandom to life.
Social features like text, audio, and video chat at launch will help foster even deeper connections across the global VeVe community. Future updates will introduce mobile support, expanded content packs, performance enhancements, and premium membership tiers with exclusive benefits.
We’re also incredibly excited about the launch of the VeVe Affiliates Program, which empowers content creators, fandom communities, and collectors to help grow the VeVe ecosystem and earn rewards while doing so.
By sharing a unique referral link, affiliates can earn up to $20 per qualifying new user, and their audience benefits, too, with bonuses like free gems or digital collectibles. This is part of our broader mission to build a sustainable, creator-friendly ecosystem that rewards participation.
Finally, we’re making a strong push into new markets, especially in Asia, where we’ve already seen major success.
Our ongoing collaboration with YG Entertainment and Blackpink is a perfect example, uniting K-pop fandom with digital collectibles in immersive, expressive, and wildly popular ways.
We are also developing more regional partnerships in collectibles and comics as we grow our footprint in markets that live and breathe fandom.
In short, VeVe is evolving fast, and every move we make is grounded in our mission to celebrate the world’s greatest fandoms while empowering collectors with tools, experiences, and opportunities they won’t find anywhere else.
Whether it’s showcasing your favorite statue in the VeVeVerse, earning rewards by sharing your love for VeVe, or discovering the next iconic drop from a new market, there’s never been a better time to be here.
There’s a lot to look forward to: more beloved brands, more ways to engage with your collection, and a growing ecosystem that always puts fans first.
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