Crypto Mining Firm The9 to Launch NFT Platform in Q4

Nasdaq-listed crypto mining firm The9 Limited is entering the non-fungible token (NFT) space with a “trading and community platform” to launch in the fourth quarter.

The platform, dubbed NFTSTAR, will feature artwork by global celebrities in sports, entertainment, art and other industries, the Shanghai-based firm said in a press release.A wholly owned Singapore-based subsidiary will run NFTSTAR, and The9 President Chris Shen will be the new platform’s CEO.The9 tapped Gagan Palrecha, former vice president of operations at Dapper Labs, to be NFTSTAR’s COO. Dapper Labs is the studio behind CryptoKitties and NBA Top Shot.NFTSTAR is open for pre-registration.NFT markets have been booming in the last two months; collection items such as Bored Ape Yacht Club and Pudgy Penguins, as well as marketplaces, have been breaking records.The9 was previously focused on gaming: Between 2005 and 2009, it was the only licensed operator and distributor of World of Warcraft in China.It pivoted into crypto mining in January, along with other Chinese companies such as 500.com, now BIT Mining.

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