Sam Ellis.

Sam Ellis.Sam Ellis.Sam Ellis.

Sam Ellis.

Sam Ellis.Sam Ellis.Sam Ellis.
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ROLE

COMPANY

FOCUS

Co Founder / CPO

Product strategy, partnerships

FOCUS

COMPANY

FOCUS

Fan engagement

Access, identity, experience

COMPANY

COMPANY

COMPANY

BLOCKS DAO

2021 - 22

STAGE

COMPANY

COMPANY

Concept → platform

2021 -2022

BLOCKS was founded to help artists, brands, and communities launch digital collectibles with real impact. As Co-Founder and CPO, I led both product and creative strategy—building tools that went beyond hype to enable sustainable, modular engagement in Web3.

The Experience:

We developed frameworks for IP licensing, modular drop mechanics, and cross-brand storytelling—giving creators and collaborators shared infrastructure to experiment and grow.

Less Like a Marketplace

BLOCKS wasn’t just about collecting—it was about curating, customizing, and sharing. Think Animal Crossing meets onchain culture—users could build personal spaces, showcase their favorite items, and visit others’ digital “lots.”

More Like a Game

We prioritized intimacy and exploration over scale for scale’s sake. Each BLOCKS world was a small, cozy space designed for creative self-expression and social connection, not endless scrolling. It was a platform that made Web3 feel personal.

Head of Product

2020 - 2022

As Head of NFT Product at Curio Digital, I led the development of collectible drops and fan engagement tools for major IPs like American Psycho, Heavy Metal, Mars Attacks, Scott Pilgrim, American Gods, and Serj Tankian.

Mainstream Web3 Product Scaling & Infrastructure

  • Led the end-to-end product strategy and development of a frictionless, fiat-to-crypto NFT marketplace.
  • Eliminated the friction of crypto wallets and gas fees for mainstream consumers.

Enterprise Brand Integration & Global Partnership Enablement

  • Enabled high-profile digital collectible launches for global entertainment brands, including Universal Pictures, Fremantle, and Universal Music Group.
  • Designed scalable white-label mechanics like mystery boxes, gamified set-completion rewards, and synchronized television tie-in drops.
  • Delivered highly secure, officially licensed Web3 experiences trusted by top-tier IP holders.

ROLE

COMPANY

FOCUS

Head of Product

Product strategy, partnerships, UX

FOCUS

COMPANY

FOCUS

Fan engagement

Access, identity, experience

COMPANY

COMPANY

COMPANY

Curio Digital

2020 - 22

STAGE

COMPANY

COMPANY

Platform

Created New Experiences

At Curio Digital we pioneered new fan engagement strategies by integrating digital collectibles with real-world experiences. Collaborated with major IPs like American Gods and Scott Pilgrim to create NFT drops that offered fans unique ways to connect with their favorite franchises.

Expanded our Platform

Developed Curio X, an initiative to support independent NFT creators by providing them with a platform to launch their projects. This program expanded Curio’s ecosystem, allowing for a diverse range of content and fostering collaboration between established brands and emerging artists.

Rewarded Users

We launched Curio Rewards, a loyalty program enabling fans to earn branded points through activities like purchasing, trading, and holding NFTs. These points could be redeemed for exclusive content, raffles, and experiences, fostering deeper engagement within the community.

Back to work

Copyright © 2026 Sam Ellis - All Rights Reserved.

Creative product consultant · Working everywhere

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