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The people behind the platform

Built by people who believe culture should own the future.

Hip Hop Tech Week brings together builders, cultural leaders and operators committed to turning influence into infrastructure.

Metanize Saunders, Founder of Hip Hop Tech Week

Founder

Metanize Saunders

Technology Entrepreneur · Ecosystem Architect · Culture-Tech Strategist

Metanize builds at the intersection of Hip-Hop, artificial intelligence, Web3, decentralized finance, digital identity, creator ownership and emerging technology.

Creator ownership AI + emerging tech Culture-led innovation
Read founder bio

He founded Hip Hop Tech Week, Agentic DeFi Labs, Brooklyn Tech Week and Hip-Hop Tech Con around a clear belief: Hip-Hop culture should not only influence technology; it should help build it, own it, fund it and shape the next generation of digital economies.

In 2018, Metanize launched the inaugural Brooklyn Tech Week, creating a New York platform for technology, entrepreneurship, blockchain, crypto, startups and innovation. That same year, the Blockchain Crypto Summit connected emerging decentralized technology with entrepreneurs, builders and cultural communities. In November 2020, he produced the first Hip-Hop Tech Con.

Today, his work advances practical infrastructure for creators, founders, artists, influencers and communities seeking durable ownership in the AI-powered economy.

Connect with Metanize on LinkedIn

Leadership + operating team

Built to grow into an eight-person core team.

One founder is confirmed. The remaining seats are intentionally held for the right leaders as appointments are approved.

Metanize Saunders
01 · Confirmed

Metanize Saunders

Founder

02 · Proposed seat

Programming + Speaker Experience

Appointment to be announced.

03 · Proposed seat

Partnerships + Sponsorship

Appointment to be announced.

04 · Proposed seat

Production + Operations

Appointment to be announced.

05 · Proposed seat

Marketing + Communications

Appointment to be announced.

06 · Proposed seat

Community + Creator Engagement

Appointment to be announced.

07 · Proposed seat

Startup + Investor Relations

Appointment to be announced.

08 · Proposed seat

Digital Experience + Content

Appointment to be announced.

Build the week with us

Bring your expertise to the room where culture, code and ownership build the future.

Contact the team