EXCLUSIVE: Twitch Co-founder Kevin Lin joins BAYZ board

Kevin Lin, the Co-founder of live streaming platform Twitch, has joined Web3 gaming and esports organisation BAYZ as its new Strategic Advisor.

In his role, Lin will advise BAYZ on decisions regarding its expansion plans and business model. He will also support the development of new strategies in the web3 environment.

Lin’s entrance into BAYZ connects with the organisation’s plan to enhance its expansion into North America, according to its Co-founder João Borges: “Considering all the exceptional experience in operations, strategy, culture and innovation, we will count on Kevin’s help in several initiatives to continue following BAYZ’s successful journey in the Brazilian and global market.”

Prior to joining BAYZ, Lin has been relatively active in the web3/blockchain gaming market by co-founding Metatheory Inc, the creator of Sci-Fi web3 game franchise DuskBreakers.

“Acting expanding the gaming culture and innovating in the ways of consuming games is the challenge that moves my career. Joining the BAYZ team means, for me, to continue exploring the potential of an industry that continues to grow,” said Lin.

BAYZ was founded in 2021 by mobile esports industry veterans Matt ‘MobileMatt’ Rutledge, the formerly of Complexity Gaming, and João Borges, who was previously INTZ’s Head of Innovation.

BAYZ currently employs over 70 personnel and has invested over $1.5m (~£1.41m) in blockchain gaming titles such as Metasoccer, Legends of Venari, Fancy Birds, Castle Crush, Footium, Monkey League, Pegaxy, Influence, Big Time and Genopets. Earlier this year, the BAYZ announced a partnership with play-to-earn tournament infrastructure company Ignite Tournaments.

Throughout 2022 BAYZ has hired professionals from well-known companies such as Garena, BBL, and TikTok. The company’s Managing Director, Gui Barbosa, is also a former TikTok employee having been the short video platform’s Head of Gaming Partnerships for Latin America.

This hiring spree is a result of a $4m (~£3,75m) seed funding round led by Yield Guild Games in December 2021. Sebastien Borget, Aleksander ‘Psycheout’ Larsen, Jeff ‘Jiho’ Zirlin, and Nick ‘Nickev’ Vale are also credited as BAYZ’s angel investors.