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James Ashton

James Ashton


Entrepreneurial Technology Leader Driving Innovation in Virtual Worlds



Professional Overview
James Ashton is an accomplished technology entrepreneur with a proven track record of founding and leading successful ventures in the virtual world and gaming industries. As the Founder, CEO, and CTO of Vegas City Limited and Decentraland University, he leverages his extensive expertise in full-stack development, emerging technologies, and business strategy to drive innovation and transform the way people interact and transact in virtual environments.

Experience Summary

Current Roles
  • Founder, CEO/CTO at Vegas City Limited (2018-08-01 to Present): Leads the development and growth of Vegas City, a pioneering virtual world platform that combines blockchain technology, virtual reality, and gaming to create immersive, decentralized experiences. Under his direction, the company has established strategic partnerships and attracted a rapidly expanding user base.

  • Founder, CEO at Decentraland University (2018-05-01 to Present): Oversees the operations and development of Decentraland University, an acclaimed educational platform that provides comprehensive training and resources for individuals seeking to build, explore, and monetize virtual worlds.


Career Progression
  • Director at Ashton Kent Associates Limited (2007-01-01 to 2020-07-01): Spearheaded the company's transformation into a leading provider of full-stack development services, growing the team and client base significantly during his tenure.

  • Consultant Full Stack Developer at Barclays Investment Bank (2015-03-01 to 2020-06-01): Served as a technical expert, contributing to the development and implementation of complex financial technology solutions.

  • Technical Lead at Riplife Gaming Technologies (2014-08-01 to 2015-03-01): Guided the technical direction and team management for a pioneering virtual gaming platform, overseeing the successful launch of several high-profile projects.


Academic Background
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, University of Cambridge (2003-2006)

  • Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence, University of Oxford (2006-2007)


Areas of Expertise
  • Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies

  • Virtual and augmented reality platform development

  • Full-stack software engineering and architecture

  • Emerging technology integration and innovation

  • Entrepreneurship and business strategy


Professional Impact
  • Conceptualized and built Vegas City, a cutting-edge virtual world platform that has attracted a rapidly growing user base and established strategic partnerships

  • Founded Decentraland University, a renowned educational platform that has become a go-to resource for individuals seeking to develop virtual world skills and experiences

  • Served as a technical expert and consultant, contributing to the successful delivery of complex financial technology solutions for leading institutions


Conclusion
James Ashton is a visionary technology leader who has consistently demonstrated his ability to identify emerging trends, harness innovative technologies, and build successful ventures that transform the way people interact and transact in virtual environments. With his extensive expertise in full-stack development, emerging technologies, and business strategy, he is well-positioned to continue driving innovation and growth in the virtual world and gaming industries.