Elroy Cheo is a Singaporean entrepreneur known for his work in commodities trading, large-scale property development, and blockchain technology. He is a co-founder of ARC Community, an exclusive, members-only Web3 collective that utilizes NFTs and tokens to facilitate collaboration and project development among its members in Asia. ^[4]

Career

Cheo began his career in commodities trading before transitioning to large-scale property development. In this role, he managed significant projects, including a mega-city development in China where he oversaw the transformation of undeveloped land into urban infrastructure. He has cited this experience as foundational to his understanding of building valuable systems from the ground up. ^[2]

His entry into the blockchain sector occurred in 2016 through a project developed with his uncle, a software developer. The project aimed to resolve music copyright disputes by consolidating fragmented ownership records on-chain. This early involvement shaped his view of blockchain as a tool for accountability and value creation rather than speculation. ^[9]

In 2022, Cheo co-founded ARC Community with Kiat Lim and Singaporean musician JJ Lin. As the platform's architect, Cheo is responsible for its design and member experience. ARC is an app-based, members-only Web3 collective that uses NFTs as proof of membership, granting access to networking opportunities, events, and collaborations. The community is limited to 888 members to maintain a focus on high-quality engagement. Cheo's vision for ARC is to create a community-driven investment and incubation powerhouse. ^{[1] [2]}

Interviews

New Web3 Connection Rules

In a TEDx talk in July 2025, Cheo discussed how the emergence of Web3 has redefined connections in a more meritocratic and inclusive way, contrasting it with the credential-driven networking of the past. He shared an anecdote about connecting with an individual represented by a cat avatar, highlighting the meaningful conversations they had without knowing each other's backgrounds, which ultimately strengthened their real-life relationship. Cheo emphasized that Web3 aims to dismantle intermediaries and promote a democratic exchange of ideas, reminiscent of the original vision for the internet. He also described how his organization, ARC Community, fosters community engagement through a merit-based system that prioritizes contributions, promoting brand loyalty and shared ownership among members. This approach to community building reflects a shift toward user-centric growth in the evolving digital landscape, suggesting a future where communities play a key role in enhancing brand development and engagement. ^[5]

ARC Community

In March 2024, on Parallax’s Interviews with Founders podcast, Patrick Dang interviewed Cheo, co-founder of ARC Community, an exclusive digital community focused on the Web3 space, which aims to foster collaboration and connection among its members. Cheo described ARC's origin, emphasizing its motivation to create a sense of belonging in an increasingly digital world, contrasting it with traditional Web 2.0 platforms that prioritize value extraction over community building. He detailed how ARC members, often described as a "gang," support one another by sharing opportunities, resources, and knowledge, all while striving for collective growth rather than individual gain. Furthermore, Cheo noted the importance of physical gatherings, such as retreats, in cementing relationships that began online. ARC's unique model also aims to provide valuable experiences for its members, asserting that their network and collaboration are key assets that cannot be easily replicated. Ultimately, the discussion highlighted ARC's mission to redefine community engagement within the blockchain space, prioritizing emotional attachment and shared purpose among its diverse members. ^[6]

Cheo’s Web3 Journey

In January 2023, host Paige Parker conversed with Cheo on the Pass the Power podcast, discussing the male-dominated nature of the crypto space and emphasizing the need to bring more women into it through education and inclusion. He shared insights about his upbringing in a traditional family, his experience with cancer at a young age, and the struggles he faced in adolescence, which included a rebellious phase following his recovery. Cheo highlighted his transition into entrepreneurship in the Web3 sphere, revealing how his passion for community led to the establishment of ARC Community, which aims to unite diverse individuals for collaborative projects. He concluded by sharing the importance of passion and persistence in the entrepreneurial journey, asserting that genuine contributions to the community are crucial for success. ^[3]

Panels

Bear Market Building

At Gateway Korea in October 2023, a panel discussion titled "Community All-Stars Talk Bear Market Building" featured prominent figures from the NFT space who shared insights on building community during challenging market conditions. Moderated by Matt Medved (NFT Now), the conversation featured contributions from artists and community leaders, including Dave Krugman (ALLSHIPS), Cheo, Frank DeGods (DeGods/y00ts), and GMoney (Admit One/990CC). They discussed the evolving nature of community in Web3, emphasizing the importance of fostering genuine connections and understanding member needs amidst shifting dynamics, particularly with the decline of creator royalties. Panelists emphasized that while traditional community-building metrics, such as financial gains, may falter, creating meaningful engagement, intrinsic value, and a sense of belonging can lead to long-term sustainability. The session highlighted various strategies for maintaining community focus, such as aligning incentives with members' intrinsic motivations, rather than merely focusing on financial considerations. Moreover, they acknowledged the toll of community accountability on mental health and emphasized the necessity of setting realistic expectations and maintaining integrity in their work. ^[7]

Web3 Community Building

At Taipei Blockchain Week in May 2023, a panel discussion focused on community building for Web3 creators took place, highlighting the unique opportunities and challenges within this evolving digital landscape. Moderated by Gabriel Yang (ARC Community), the session featured various panelists, including Cheo, Annie Yi (THeirsverse), DiscoETH (ZombieClub), and Fredrick Fung (Tezos APAC), who shared insights from their experiences with Web3 projects and communities. They discussed the significance of decentralization, the role of creators in fostering community engagement, and the need for community-driven initiatives to sustain attention and participation. The dialogue emphasized the importance of establishing trust, offering unique experiences, and leveraging NFTs as a means of connecting creators with their audiences. Throughout the discussion, panelists also addressed the balance between community-led and informed efforts, ultimately outlining strategies for cultivating thriving, resilient communities within the Web3 ecosystem. ^[8]