Latest reports in the town suggest that e-commerce giant eBay is planning to exit the NFT market within two years of acquiring Manchester-based NFT Marketplace KnownOrigin. Sources familiar with the matter stated that eBay has parted ways with nearly 30% of its staff from the Web3 team.
eBay’s Web3 Division Faces Uncertainty
eBay’s foray into the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has encountered turbulence, with recent developments signaling a shift in the company’s Web3 strategy. The abrupt departure of key personnel and reported tensions with NFT marketplace KnownOrigin have cast uncertainty over the future of digital collectibles on the e-commerce platform.
Just eighteen months ago, eBay made headlines with its acquisition of Manchester-based NFT marketplace KnownOrigin, marking a significant foray into the burgeoning NFT space. Following the acquisition in June 2022, KnownOrigin’s team and intellectual property were integrated into eBay’s Web3 division, building upon existing partnerships with companies like OneOf, a green Web3 firm specializing in Music NFTs.
However, eBay’s Web3 ambitions appear to be undergoing a transformation. In a surprising turn of events, Stef Jay, the division’s business and strategy officer, has reportedly resigned, while David Moore, one of the founders of KnownOrigin, is no longer active. Sources told NFTGators that tensions between eBay and KnownOrigin have escalated, raising doubts about the future of NFTs on the platform. The source said:
“Many within the company are unhappy, blaming the lack of leadership and strategy for the layoffs. There are internal criticisms, even at senior levels, questioning the qualifications of the current head of web3 as well as eBay’s strategy team.”
The Changing Dynamics of the NFT Market
After a massive rally during the 2021 bull run, the NFT market faced major challenges during the crypto winter of 2022. However, the market seems to be once again reviving over the past few months with new players like BLUR challenging the hegemony of once-dominant players like OpenSea.
With the Bitcoin bull run likely to continue in 2024, the NFT market is likely to pick up again. Over the last two years, the NFT market has also graduated to a great extent with some platforms allowing digital artists to create their own NFTs. Here’s a look into how the NFT market is likely to proceed going ahead in 2024 and some of the top NFT marketplaces in the market.
