CEO Insights Magazine

In an era where technology permeates every facet of our lives, fashion stands as no exception to its transformative influence. BNV, at the forefront of this intersection, leverages advanced technology to redefine the fashion landscape. Through innovative approaches like 3D product creation, tokenization, community building, and metaverse-ready wearability, BNV is creating a space 'Where Fashion Meets the Metaverse,' reimagining the possibilities of how we perceive, engage with, and experience fashion in the age of technological evolution.

Leading this dynamic intersection of fashion and technology is Frederic ALEX, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). With over 15 years of extensive experience in the investment banking and FinTech industries, Frederic brings a wealth of knowledge and a seasoned perspective to the BNV team. His expertise contributes to the seamless integration of technology and fashion, aligning with BNV's mission to bring about a digital revolution in the fashion industry. Continuously learning and experimenting with cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain and AI, he embodies a forward-thinking approach to the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Give a brief account of your professional background.

My professional journey began around the age of 11 when my fascination with computing led me to explore an emerging system called Linux in 1993. Despite its status as a prototype, I dedicated my free time to self-training on Linux, envisioning it as the cornerstone of my future career.

Subsequently, I transitioned through diverse roles, starting with project management and eventually moving to Asia, where I settled in Tokyo in 2008. Remaining in Asia, I steadily built my career, progressing step-by-step up the professional ladder. The driving force behind my current role as the CTO of a small firm is simple yet profound—ambition and the commitment to dream big while staying rooted in reality.

Throughout my journey, I actively sought roles aligned with my ambitions, shaping my professional path fueled by a genuine passion for Linux, storage, Unix, and databases. Specializing in various aspects of these systems, I engaged in continuous learning, expanding my expertise to storage, databases, middleware, and venturing into areas like data management and security tools. This transformative journey, spanning from 2008 to 2018, also witnessed my exploration of emerging technologies such as web 3.0 and crypto, with a particular focus on becoming an early adopter of cryptocurrency. This led me to delve into mining, the do-it-yourself ethos, and the decentralized nature of crypto, contributing to a paradigm shift away from the traditional Standard Bank System.

By 2016, I had already begun writing my first group of smart contracts, marking the initiation of my deep involvement in the world of smart contracts and crypto. Over the years, I undertook freelance contracts and pro bono development opportunities, accumulating valuable experience in the smart contract and crypto domains.

Define BNV as an organization & its current position in the market?

BNV operates as the pioneering high-fidelity 3D Digital Fashion, styling and identity system, representing the first of its kind in the industry. While currently in its startup phase, BNV has quickly garnered a global presence, with a substantial community spanning Hong Kong, Asia, Europe, and even reaching into Africa. At present, BNV is modeled after a technology startup, emphasizing a robust Tech team that spearheads implementation efforts. Complementing this, the organization boasts a team of skilled 3D tailors, designers, and Metaverse experts who play a crucial role in both launching and designing products from the ground up. This unique combination positions BNV as a dynamic entity, blending aspects of a technology platform with the structure of a startup company as it continues to evolve and shape its identity within the industry.

How would you describe technology interventions in your organization?

Currently, we're reshaping digital fashion, aiming to transform the way people interact with NFTs and fashion in the online realm. Beyond just selling NFTs, our focus is on fostering communities around designers and brands, encouraging active engagement. This marks a revolutionary shift in online fashion experiences—more than a mere NFT purchase, it's about integrating these digital wearables with avatars, engaging in polls, and even voting for avatar dance-offs. Our commitment extends to incorporating AI features like chatbots and GPT vocal interfaces, seamlessly connecting fashion, the 3D world, AI, and web 3.0 for a more user-friendly and innovative fashion-tech experience.

Describe your leadership approach and the guidelines or methodologies you follow.

My leadership approach is centered on close collaboration with teams, maintaining constant availability, and avoiding a rigid top-down approach. I prioritize fostering discussions and transforming directions into collaborative decision-making, seeking consensus from the team to empower them in problem-solving. In general, my leadership style involves a balanced mix of managing around 40 percent and actively participating in hands-on tasks like coding and development around 60 percent. This balance is crucial in the startup environment, ensuring a thorough understanding and oversight of the team's work while staying closely involved with both the code and the development process to guarantee quality outcomes.

What is the future destination you are heading towards?

The future destination I aim for is the substantial growth and success of our project. Our primary objectives for the upcoming year include actively expanding and recruiting individuals into our community. Simultaneously, we plan to enhance product visibility and sales through various distribution channels, such as building our own vending machine and online platforms. Having recently launched our first product, 'ME:ID,' and already reaching nearly 1000 users in just two months, we have a solid foundation. However, our goal is to significantly surpass this number and encourage more users to engage with and purchase the NFTs we produce through collaborations with designers and other creative partners.

What advice would you give to the upcoming industry leaders?

Dive into the details of your field, maintain flexibility in your mindset, and adapt to the fast-paced changes, particularly in dynamic industries like crypto. Hold onto your overarching vision but be open to adjusting strategies based on evolving circumstances. For instance, in the crypto space, accessibility is a key concern, and recent developments like smart contract wallets are reshaping the landscape. Embrace change and be ready to adopt new technologies that simplify processes for users.

Frederic Alex, CTO, BNV

Frederic Alex, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at BNV, brings forth a wealth of experience amassed over many years, focusing on the construction and architecture of complex infrastructure setups and database environments. Throughout his tenure in the banking industry, he found great excitement in crafting diverse systems for both front and back-office operations. Over the past few years, Frederic has been actively cultivating his managerial skills while simultaneously delving deeper into the realms of Big Data Management and Security. Additionally, he is making a conscious effort to specialize further in the analytical world, as evidenced by his recent experiences.