Mueshi

Mueshi was a Miami-based company founded in 2021 by blockchain engineer Ariana Waller, also known as Ariana The Techie. The initial concept for Mueshi emerged in August 2021, when Waller was inspired to combine her interests in art and technology. An idea sparked while listening to Jay-Z's album "4:44," which touched on art as a legacy asset, prompted her to explore how art appreciates in value.

Originally, Mueshi launched as a marketplace for users to buy, sell, and fractionally invest in fine art Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). The platform aimed to connect art collectors, artists, and museums, utilizing blockchain technology on Ethereum and Solana to reshape the art transaction experience. This model allowed investors to purchase fractional shares of diverse artworks, while artists received payment and resale royalties. In a significant milestone, the company secured $3.3 million in a seed funding round on April 28, 2022, led by Harlem Capital and including investors such as Presight Capital, CapitalT VC, and several angel investors.

Over its three-year journey, the company's focus evolved. Mueshi pivoted from its NFT marketplace model to developing technology that supported charitable organizations across the United States. It operated as a fundraising platform that connected philanthropic organizations with brands for product-based fundraising campaigns, allowing non-profits to raise capital through the sale of alternative assets like art, antiques, and collectibles. During its operation, the company employed over 70 team members and collaborators globally. According to its website and PitchBook, Mueshi is no longer in business, marking the end of its chapter.

Keywords: Mueshi, Ariana Waller, fractional art investment, NFT marketplace, non-profit fundraising, alternative assets, art technology, blockchain, Harlem Capital, art philanthropy, collectibles fundraising, product-based campaigns, impact-driven technology, fine art NFTs, seed funding, Miami startup