Enjin
From intern to VP during a $20M to $4B run
VP of Marketing · 2017 - 2021
Joined the blockchain gaming company at 32 as a glorified social media intern, when it was valued at $20M. Six months later I was VP of Marketing, and I helped scale it into a $4B Web3 gaming powerhouse.
$20M → $4B
Valuation during tenure
6 months
Intern to VP
4 million
Wallet users
100s
PR placements
3
Tech-giant partnerships
1st
NFT minting platform in the world
- Hundreds of PR placements, with the pitches written and the journalist relationships built personally
- Partnerships with Microsoft, Samsung and BMW
- Enjin Wallet grown past 4 million users
- Led the pivot to carbon-neutral operations during the NFT sustainability crisis
How intern to VP happens
By seeing what needs to be done, learning how to do it, and iterating until it's done well. PR needed doing, so I learned to conceptualise newsworthy initiatives, write the pitches and build the journalist relationships myself. Those placements compounded into partnerships with Microsoft, Samsung and BMW, and helped drive the Enjin Wallet past 4 million users.
Building category firsts
I pioneered two platforms that defined Web3 gaming's future. The Mint Shop was the world's first NFT minting platform, opening blockchain gaming to mainstream audiences by simplifying how digital assets get created and acquired. The Multiverse enabled NFTs to be used across multiple games, a groundbreaking concept that captured massive media attention and established Enjin as the leader in interoperable gaming assets.
The crisis pivot
When the NFT sustainability backlash hit the industry, I led Enjin's strategic pivot to carbon-neutral operations, turning an industry-wide crisis into a competitive advantage that reinforced market confidence.
The lesson that became a thesis
I left at the top, and after I left, the company lost its momentum. Individuals leave. Systems compound. That lesson became the thesis of everything I've built since.
Recommendations
Bryana Kortendick
Vice-President of Operations at Enjin · Worked with Simon on the same team
Quite simply, Simon has it all. He is one of the most well-rounded, talented, and kind individuals I've had the pleasure of working with. Not only is he a brilliant marketer and creative storyteller, he's also technical, with a mind for development and burgeoning technologies. He has thrived in every role I've seen him take on, from PR and social media to community development, developer relations, and business founder. There is no one I'd trust more to lead my creative marketing, communications, and growth efforts.
Ilija Rolovic
Chief Marketing Officer at Enjin · Managed Simon directly
I've worked with Simon for several years on multiple web3 projects. He's one of the most competent, creative, and hard-working colleagues I've ever had. He's ready to listen, challenge ideas, and collaborate closely, yet he's equally capable of leading the charge. Simon isn't afraid, he's driven, to make bold bets and explore novel ideas. If you're reading this and considering Simon as a potential business partner or team member, take my advice: hop on a chat with him. It'll take you about 10 minutes to see exactly what I mean.
Micael Gallegos
Social Media Manager at Enjin · Reported to Simon directly
I am honored to recommend Simon Kertonegoro, an extraordinary leader and visionary in the Web3 space. I had the privilege of working closely with Simon during my time at Enjin, where his mentorship profoundly shaped my professional journey.Simon exemplifies the power of hard work and passion. His ability to lead teams, inspire innovation, and tackle challenges with enthusiasm has left a lasting impression on me. He possesses an innate ability to simplify complex ideas, making him an exceptional educator and motivator.Now, with seven years of experience in Web3, I can confidently say that Simon's guidance laid the foundation for my career. He continues to be an inspiration, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked under his leadership.Simon is a phenomenal professional and mentor. I wholeheartedly recommend him for any endeavor.