In a move that has caught the attention of the NFT community, Haiku, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Scatter, has stepped down from their role at the NFT collection launchpad and marketplace as of January 1, 2025. While this may seem like a simple career shift, it’s actually a significant change with deep implications in the NFT space.
Why Haiku’s Departure Matters: A Game-Changer for the NFT Industry
Haiku’s announcement on January 3rd—shared on social media—revealed that their “work is done” at Scatter, and that the platform is now strong enough to continue its operations without their day-to-day involvement. This is no small feat. Scatter has become one of the leading platforms for artists to launch, mint, buy, and sell NFTs across multiple blockchains, including Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Polygon, and Blast. Over the years, it has played a central role in the rise of Milady-themed NFT collections and derivatives, which have become iconic in the NFT world.
This is a moment of both relief and reflection for Haiku, who mentioned the emotional rollercoaster they experienced while working at Scatter. Despite the “ups and downs, heartbreak and stress,” they said it was incredibly rewarding to help artists thrive and disrupt “cringe culture” with authentic art. In Haiku’s words, Scatter was always “artist-first” and remained true to that vision throughout its growth. This dedication to supporting creators, even in the face of challenges, is what makes Haiku’s story—and this shift—so important.
The Rise of Scatter: A Platform Built on Passion
When Scatter was created in 2021, it emerged from the frustration of how traditional platforms were mistreating artists. Haiku’s motivation was personal: “It was never about anything else to me but that.” Haiku’s unwavering passion for artists’ freedom led to a platform that empowered creators to take control of their own work and ensure they weren’t exploited.
Here’s where it gets interesting: despite the platform’s massive success, Haiku didn’t pocket a salary during the last few years. Instead, they chose to forgo personal gain to ensure Scatter’s long-term survival, emphasizing the importance of giving the team the resources and “runway” it needed to thrive. This is a rare move in the business world and shows how much Haiku truly believed in the mission of Scatter.
What’s Next for Haiku? Oekaki Connect: The Next Frontier
Haiku’s departure from Scatter doesn’t mean they’re leaving the NFT space. In fact, they’re doubling down on a new platform called Oekaki Connect, an art collective platform designed to foster collaboration among digital artists, especially within the web3 and NFT spaces. Haiku is now 100% dedicated to ensuring the long-term success of Oekaki Connect, which has already launched several NFT collections like Kemonokaki.
This transition is important for anyone interested in the future of digital art and NFTs. Haiku’s commitment to empowering artists isn’t just ending—it’s evolving. The move to Oekaki Connect suggests a shift towards a more community-driven approach, one that values collaboration over individual success.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re into NFTs, crypto, or digital art, understanding Haiku’s journey is crucial for recognizing the evolution of the space. The NFT market is still relatively young and filled with ups and downs. Platforms like Scatter and Oekaki Connect are shaping the future of digital ownership and art in a decentralized world, and Haiku’s shift highlights the growing importance of artist-first platforms.
For your own knowledge and future success, here are the key points to remember:
- Scatter’s Legacy: A platform that empowers artists to launch, mint, and sell NFTs across multiple blockchains.
- Artist-First Philosophy: Haiku’s commitment to putting creators at the center of the NFT space, even at the expense of personal financial gain.
- Oekaki Connect: Haiku’s next big project, focusing on collaboration and community-driven art in the web3 space.
Understanding this shift will not only increase your knowledge of the NFT landscape but also give you insight into the values driving the future of digital art. It’s about creating a space where artists are respected, empowered, and given the freedom to thrive. Keep an eye on Oekaki Connect—it could be the next big thing in the NFT world!
