In this article, we’ll be interviewing Costantino Roselli. He’s the CEO and founder of NTZNS (NeTiZeNS), the leading Metaverse Creative Studio with a 70k members community, aiming to build future societies under the principles of sustainability, diversity and inclusivity towards human evolution using cutting edge technology (AI, Blockchain, VR).
1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m Costantino Roselli, a Bestselling Author, Serial Entrepreneur, Transcendent Storyteller, and Futurist.
Recently, I was recognized among the top 50 thought leaders on the Metaverse globally. From 2019 to 2021, LinkedIn consistently ranked me among the top 1% of marketing professionals.
With a robust background in technology and marketing, I serve as the Founder & CEO of NTZNS (NeTiZeNS), an Advisory Board member at Metaverse Fashion Council and System256, and a member of the Metaverse Standards Forum. Hailing from a Greek-Italian background, raised in Greece, and educated in the UK, I have worked and lived in Switzerland, Italy, and Belgium. My vision is to aid human evolution through the Avatar Economy and the Metaverse, guided by the principles of sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity.
2. What is the metaverse, according to you?
The Metaverse is not merely a tool; it is an idea, a dream, and a revolution. It offers an opportunity to simulate future societies in an advanced environment free from physical limits, social stereotypes, gender norms, gravity, and borders. Instead of using it to sell the same crap in a different wrap, we should consider building a future based on the principles of sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity.
It’s crucial to recognize that the Metaverse is not for us but for our avatars, leading us to the concept of the Avatar Economy. This involves not only selling virtual products and services to avatars but also understanding their desires and the benefits people behind the avatars gain from these transactions. Companies often fail in delivering the Metaverse as they neglect understanding internet culture, introduce poor storytelling, lazy copying physical world and they ignore totally the capabilities offer the virtual world.
3. When and how did you realize the metaverse was going to be real?
I have always believed in the reality of the Metaverse and have been working towards it for over 10 years. The trend and hype in 2022 did not mean that pioneers like me weren’t actively involved in its realization. While Meta’s announcement created excitement, disappointment ensued as they aimed for a 3D approach on existing social media platforms or games rather than realizing the true potential of the Metaverse.
4. According to you, what does it take for the metaverse to become mainstream?
Creating a mainstream metaverse requires understanding the essence of human reality—a blend of emotions that shape our actions. When you purchase a book, it’s not about the paper, pages, or cover; it’s about the story that evokes feelings, making you laugh, cry, smile, or think. These emotions influence your decisions in the physical world. To bring the metaverse into the mainstream, we need to build spaces based on transcendent storytelling that guides people to make decisions. A good example of this is the AI K-pop group MAVE which is not ‘real’ but creates real feelings making people connect. Moreover, education is vital. The metaverse offers a realm where everything is allowed—no gravity, genderless, no countries, and no institutions dictating behavior. Replicating physical limitations, like gender norms and familiar spaces, will lead to questioning its purpose. Instead, connecting the metaverse with freedom, opportunities for innovation, and the ability to build sustainable businesses beyond physical constraints will captivate people.
Additionally, the metaverse is not just about technology; it’s a fusion of technology and art. Artists need to visualize what developers should build. Without imagination, development becomes arrogant, and lacking purpose. Successful video games owe their success to the stories narrated through the game, implemented by developers. A good example of this is League of Legends which leads to Arcane and develops a connection with the audience beyond just a game.
5. What triggered you to start your metaverse company?
My vision was always rooted in helping human evolution and fostering the creation of future societies beyond stereotypes and social limitations. I envisioned a world shedding the industrial culture and embracing the metaversal one. This vision inspired me to speak about the transition from citizens, tied to a factory-driven circular life dictated by institutions and governments, to netizens— independent nodes on a human network free from rules, able to exist anywhere. The metaverse provides us the stage to imagine and build a world under a different foundation. It offers an opportunity to redefine societal norms and create a paradigm shift towards a more inclusive and free-spirited existence.
6. What’s the story behind your company?
The journey began with the fusion of my knowledge in the fashion industry and technology background. I envisioned a metaverse where people showcase fashion through avatars, allowing instant purchases and utilizing influencers as experts instead of traditional retail stores. The main objective was to infuse sustainability into the design and production process, eliminating intermediary costs such as trade fairs, fashion shows, and wholesaling. By connecting with young people and creators in digital fashion, a subcultural demand for a new reality emerged. This realization led to the birth of the Netizens philosophy, attracting a community of over 70,000 creators, designers, and developers, all driven by the purpose of building a Netizens World based on principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and diversity. Because of our unique perspective and acting we won the award of being on the list of the 100 most innovative technology companies globally.
7. Who were the people who have been the most helpful in getting you to where you are today? How did they impact your life and your success?
Numerous individuals have played crucial roles in shaping my journey. Maryam Rezaei is one such person who believed in me, even during times of self-doubt, and is a valued advisory board member. Reflecting on Arnold Schwarzenegger’s words in the foreword of Tim Ferriss’s “Tools of Titans,”…I stood on the shoulders of giants—parents, coaches, teachers…”. Each person I encountered contributed a stone, big or small, to build who I am today. Walking one’s own path lacks a set of instructions or a map to follow. It involves constant challenge and perseverance. Those around me, including mentors, friends, haters, and followers, have been instrumental in reminding me of my purpose, celebrating achievements, and providing humility. Their collective impact keeps me on track and ensures that I never forget who I am and what I aspire to achieve in my life.
8. What do you hope the metaverse will look like in 10 years?
Rather than hoping, I actively work towards building a Metaverse as a business environment where sustainable and profitable businesses thrive without the need for physical presence. My goal is to create a Metaverse that guides people in building a human nation under the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and diversity, confident that this will be our new reality in 10 years.
9. What makes your Metaverse different from the competition?
Our Metaverse stands out as it’s not just a marketing tool or gaming playground. It’s a world based on Avatar Economy, empowering people to build sustainable, profitable businesses. Governed by community, it educates individuals on the Netizens philosophy, imparting skills needed for the future, and simulates future societies, allowing people to contribute based on their ideas and skills.
10. How do you envision your company’s role within the metaverse in 10 years?
I want NTZNS to be one of the top 5 companies shaping the world of the metaverse. With the biggest creators’ community and collaborations with the biggest entertainment brands. A company building virtual stories that make people live once-in-life experiences. I love seeing NTZNS as part of the bigger picture. As being among those who play a small part in our evolution.
About NTZNS
NTZNS (NeTiZeNS) is a Metaverse Creative Studio focused on disrupting everything and enabling the impossible. Recognized as a top-100 innovative tech company worldwide for 2023 for developing projects aiming to solve sustainability, inclusivity, and diversity problems, helping people evolve and live unimaginable unique experiences.
