Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Matthias Mende is a technology entrepreneur based in the UAE since 2007, focused on building digital infrastructure that enables individuals and organizations to operate more effectively in an increasingly decentralized world. After early exposure to Bitcoin and blockchain infrastructure in 2016, he became deeply involved in decentralized systems, enterprise blockchain development, and ecosystem growth. In 2018, he co-founded the Dubai Blockchain Center, contributing to the international positioning of the UAE’s blockchain ecosystem through partnerships, education, and industry collaboration. His work has been recognized internationally through multiple technology and blockchain awards, including Binance Square Creator of the Year (2024) and a top-ranked Blockchain Industry Advocate distinction (2025), alongside several awards for innovation, gamification, and emerging Web3 infrastructure. Since 2022, Matthias has been fully dedicated to building bonuz — a human-layer infrastructure designed to make digital self-sovereignty accessible in one click. bonuz combines: • A self-custodial smart wallet • A decentralized identity protocol (bonuz ID) • An engagement protocol powered by dynamic NFTs • A brand and enterprise dashboard enabling real-world activations The core philosophy behind bonuz is simple: make powerful decentralized infrastructure feel invisible. Technology should not require users to understand blockchains, gas fees, or technical complexity. It should feel seamless, intuitive, and Web2-simple — while preserving full ownership and self-custody under the hood. Beyond being a wallet or protocol suite, bonuz functions as an outcome infrastructure for human systems — enabling businesses, communities, and institutions to coordinate access, rewards, memberships, and digital interactions in a programmable and scalable way. Matthias’ focus today is singular: scaling bonuz into foundational infrastructure for human-centered digital interaction.
Founder & CEO — bonuz bonuz is a Human Layer and outcome infrastructure for digital and real-world systems. We are building the coordination layer that enables identity, engagement, loyalty, access, and participation to become programmable, verifiable, and user-owned — without exposing users to blockchain complexity. The problem is not that crypto infrastructure doesn’t work. The problem is that humans can’t use it. Self-sovereignty, verifiable engagement, portable reputation, and programmable loyalty remain locked behind technical barriers that 99% of people will never cross. bonuz makes crypto feel invisible. Core Architecture bonuz ID Protocol A portable, self-custodial identity layer with verifiable attestations and ecosystem graph. bonuz Engagement Protocol (DNFT) Programmable memberships, rewards, vouchers, tickets, and Proof of Participation with dynamic state logic. bonuz Lifestyle Wallet The consumer-grade interface that abstracts blockchain infrastructure — enabling onboarding in seconds, gasless interactions, and seamless UX while preserving full ownership under the hood. Enterprise Dashboard & SDK Infrastructure for brands, venues, communities, and institutions to launch campaigns, memberships, loyalty mechanics, and real-world activations without intermediaries. Infrastructure Thesis bonuz is not competing to store tokens. It replaces fragmented loyalty systems, unverifiable engagement metrics, creator lock-in, and agency-heavy campaign infrastructure with a programmable, composable outcome layer. Every verified interaction compounds into a shared ecosystem graph — strengthening trust, portability, and coordination across systems. Technology becomes invisible. Ownership becomes default. Participation becomes programmable. Mende is fully dedicated to scaling bonuz as foundational infrastructure for human-centered digital interaction.
Dubai Blockchain Center was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai on the 14th of May 2018. The center aims to bring together blockchain thought leaders, developers, investors, and educators.
Founded MEMMOS as a strategic marketing and growth advisory firm serving leading F&B brands and high-profile companies across the UAE. The company specialized in social media strategy, growth marketing, brand positioning, and lead generation for consumer-facing businesses. During its operational phase, MEMMOS supported regional brands in scaling digital presence and optimizing engagement across multiple platforms. The company was closed following the transition to full-time focus on bonuz and technology infrastructure ventures.
As a Contributing Author handpicked by Arianna Huffington I focus on digital technologies, disruptive subjects, interesting Entrepreneurs and people who are adding value to the bettering and innovation of our planet.
Joined Unit Network during its formative stage, collaborating closely with the founder on early strategy, product direction, and user acquisition. Contributed to onboarding and community expansion during the initial growth phase.