SNEAK PEEK
- Yuga Labs co-founder Wylie Aronow postpones return due to ongoing health recovery, prioritizing long-term well-being.
- Aronow, aka Gordon Goner, maintains a board role and strategic advisory position despite a congestive heart failure diagnosis.
- Despite health challenges, Aronow actively observes Yuga Labs’ operations, identifying key issues and suggesting changes.
NFT entrepreneur Wylie Aronow, co-founder of Yuga Labs, has officially addressed rumors about his potential return to the NFT firm. Despite making steady progress in his health recovery, Aronow has firmly stated that he is not yet ready to return, emphasizing the importance of ensuring his long-term well-being.
Aronow, who also goes by the name Gordon Goner, had taken a leave of absence from Yuga Labs in late January due to a congestive heart failure diagnosis. At that time, he clarified that he would continue to serve as a board member and strategic adviser to the company.
In his recent statement, Aronow revealed the unpredictable nature of his health journey, describing days when he feels ready to dive back into work and others when he feels the need for immediate medical attention.
While he has been away, Aronow has been watching Yuga Labs’ operations, responsible for popular NFT projects like Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) and CryptoPunks. He has identified key issues hindering the company’s progress and has suggested necessary changes during board meetings.
Despite his absence, Aronow expressed confidence in the current leadership of Yuga Labs, especially as the company faces a critical year in 2024. He believes the team is well-prepared to meet the challenges and impress the community.
Before stepping back, Aronow acknowledged that he had pushed himself to the limits, working long hours nearly every day. He admitted that he should have heeded the advice of those around him and sought a better work-life balance.
Yuga Labs has not stood still during Aronow’s absence, appointing Daniel Alegre, the former president and chief operating officer of Activision Blizzard, as its new CEO about a month before Aronow’s leave.
In February 2021, Aronow co-founded Yuga Labs alongside Greg Solano, Zeshan Ali, and Kerem Atalay. The company’s portfolio includes notable NFTs such as CryptoPunks, BAYC, MeeBits, and Othersidemeta.
Aronow’s commitment to his health and support to Yuga Labs from the sidelines highlight the resilience and determination of the entrepreneur and the NFT industry in navigating challenges and uncertainties.
