The death of impoverished Bajuto: RTFKT founder who changed the NFT scene with Nike

2026-01-15 20:48:58

Abstract generation in progress

The NFT industry suffered a significant loss with the passing of Benoit Pagotto, one of the masterminds behind the famous RTFKT project. According to reports picked up by PANews on October 13th, Pagotto was only 41 years old.

How RTFKT and Nike Began

RTFKT was one of the leading projects in digital assets and collectible items. In a purely strategic move, the global sports giant Nike acquired the startup in December 2021, with Benoit Pagotto being a key part of the process. He was assisted by Philip Rodriguez, who was a founding partner at Avolta Partners and provided the necessary consulting for the deal.

The End of an Era of Innovation

Nike had previously announced its intention to close the project in December 2024, a step that sparked widespread discussion in investment circles. However, the news shared by Rodriguez on LinkedIn added a heartbreaking human dimension to the story, describing Pagotto’s death as “completely unexpected” and praising him as a valuable client and dear friend.

Later, Stephen Vasilev, the other co-founder of RTFKT, confirmed the news via X, adding more formality to the tragic event.

Pagotto’s Legacy in the NFT World

Despite the planned closure, Benoit Pagotto’s contributions to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in digital assets will remain a milestone in the industry’s history.

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