Wesley Ellul is a tech entrepreneur, tech speaker, and the CCO of Quizando, a state-of-the-art quiz delivery system allowing players to win cash for participating. ^[1][2]

Education

Ellul attended the University of Malta, receiving his Bachelor’s in Communications and Media Studies in 2003. ^[1]

Career

Ellul began his career as artistic director at the Malta Amateur Dramatic Company from 2007 to 2009, where he directed plays, planned theatrical seasons, organized festivals, and managed marketing and logistics. From March 2009 to May 2011, he co-founded Keepmeposted, a Malta job posting and recruitment platform. During this period, he also served as theatrical director for Mellow Drama Theatre Company, directing various plays until November 2012. ^[3][4]

In 2004, Ellul founded Untangled Media Limited, where he served as owner and creative director, specializing in web design, search engine optimization (SEO), and web application development. In 2005, he co-founded Findit.com.mt, Malta’s first online business directory. By November 2008, he had co-founded Ticketline.com.mt, focusing on event management and ticket sales. He founded TheatreGoneWrong in December 2010, a company specializing in original and improvisational comedy, and TAC Theatre in January 2011, where he directed and managed theatrical productions. By September 2013, he had co-founded Comedy Knights as director and producer. In August 2015, he co-founded Quizando, an online quiz platform. ^[3][4]

Ellul later co-founded Artists YouKnighted in May 2020, a community initiative, and ShopperLottery in January 2020, a shopping community. In October 2022, he became an advisor to Jade Vault, and a month earlier, in September 2022, he joined Iron Capital as chief development officer, focusing on Web3 investments. As of September 2023, Ellul serves as the Special Envoy for Startup Funding and Innovation for the Government of Malta, fostering relationships with venture capital and private equity in the United States. ^[3][4]

Panels

Blaming AI?

At the AIBC Summit 2020, Ellul participated in a panel discussion on the ethical challenges of AI, particularly in warfare and autonomous vehicles. Other panelists included Yorick Wilks and Angelo Dalli (Umnai). They examined the implications of AI making life-and-death decisions, the complexities of assigning blame in accidents involving autonomous cars, and the cultural differences in programming AI. The conversation also touched on the necessity of kill switches in AI systems to ensure human control and prevent unintended consequences while acknowledging the potential legal and regulatory challenges that lie ahead. ^[5]

Fundraising Strategies

In his presentation at The ICE Factor 2021, Ellul addressed the significant challenges third-sector organizations face due to COVID-19, including increased demand for services, higher costs, and reduced fundraising opportunities. He highlighted the potential of leveraging digital gaming and streaming as innovative fundraising tools, citing successful examples such as "Possum Players" and "Extra Life." Ellul discussed alternative methods like virtual pub quizzes and online games to engage communities and raise funds, emphasizing the need for adaptation and creativity in fundraising strategies to effectively reach and connect with new audiences in the post-pandemic era. ^[6]

Gamification and NFTs

At the TOMORROW Conference 2022, Ellul examined the role of gamification in increasing user engagement and business performance. He detailed how platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok employ gamification strategies, such as rankings and rewards, to drive user interaction. Ellul provided examples of gamification's impact, including McDonald's sales boost and improved conversion rates for Hotel Football. He outlined the gamification process from user discovery to mastery and discussed the integration of NFTs, which enhance gamification by allowing users to own and transfer rewards. He concluded by emphasizing gamification’s effectiveness in fostering engagement and community within businesses. ^[7]

Mass Market NFTs

At AIBC Americas 2022, Ellul participated in the “NFT - From Niche to Mass Market” panel along with Gagandeep Singh (GDS Consulting), Eugene Shakula (DeepMine), and Maggi Xu (MetaSpace NFT). The panelists discussed the evolution of NFTs from a niche market to approaching mainstream adoption. They explored the impact of COVID-19 on NFT popularity, noting how lockdowns and increased online activity contributed to the rise of NFT collections like the Bored Ape Yacht Club. The discussion highlighted the diverse utilities of NFTs, including art, gaming, and property ownership, and the potential for broader adoption through improved user experience and mainstream brand involvement. The panelists also addressed challenges such as backlash and environmental concerns, emphasizing that NFTs' future success would depend on technological advancements and increased accessibility. ^[8]

NFT Industry

At the NFT.NYC 2023 panel on NFTs in entertainment, Ellul discussed the transformative potential of NFTs in the industry with Julian Bonilla, George Passakos, Kevin Foxe, and Nyhl Henson. The panelists explored how NFTs could revolutionize storytelling, audience engagement, and funding. They highlighted NFTs' capacity to integrate smart contracts, manage digital identities, and offer new ways for creators and audiences to interact. The conversation touched on the evolution of NFTs from simple digital assets to integral components of media distribution and community building, with predictions that NFTs would become more accessible and embedded in entertainment in the future. ^[9]