RTFKT Co-founder Benoît Pagotto Dies at 41, Nike NFT Project Faces Uncertainty

The NFT and digital collectibles space experienced a significant loss with the passing of Benoît Pagotto, one of the founding architects behind RTFKT Studios. The prominent entrepreneur, who was instrumental in building the blockchain-focused creative studio into a major player in the digital asset space, died at the age of 41, marking an unexpected development that has rippled through the Web3 community.

The news first surfaced through professional circles when Philippe Rodriguez, a founding partner at Avolta Partners—the firm that facilitated RTFKT’s acquisition by Nike in December 2021—shared the announcement on LinkedIn. Rodriguez described Pagotto as both a valued client and personal friend, emphasizing that the departure was entirely unexpected. The revelation underscored the sudden nature of the loss within the tight-knit circle of early NFT pioneers.

Steven Vasilev, who co-founded RTFKT alongside Pagotto, subsequently validated the reports through a post on the X platform, confirming what many in the industry had begun hearing through informal channels. This public acknowledgment from a fellow founder added weight to the announcement and sparked conversations about Pagotto’s considerable contributions to the studio’s growth and vision.

Pagotto’s relationship with Nike represented a pivotal moment for Web3 adoption by major brands. When Nike acquired RTFKT in December 2021, it signaled mainstream corporate interest in NFT technology and digital collectibles at a time when the market was rapidly expanding. Following the acquisition, Pagotto transitioned into a role within Nike’s organizational structure, serving as Senior Director of Brand and Partnerships—a position that allowed him to continue shaping digital strategy for one of the world’s most recognizable brands.

However, the broader RTFKT initiative itself faces an uncertain future. Nike announced plans to sunset the RTFKT platform in December 2024, marking a significant shift in the sports giant’s NFT strategy. This operational closure, combined with Pagotto’s untimely death, raises questions about the trajectory of corporate-backed blockchain projects and the individuals who championed these initiatives during the industry’s formative years.