Shurick Agapitov

Revenue share economist

Aleksandr "Shurick" Agapitov is a prominent Russian-born entrepreneur known for his significant contributions to the video game and technology sectors. Born around 1983 or 1984, he is best recognized as the founder and CEO of Xsolla, a company that provides payment solutions and services tailored for the gaming industry. Under his leadership, Xsolla has partnered with major companies like Epic Games, Valve, and Twitch, generating substantial revenue and expanding its global reach.1 2

Early Life and Education

Agapitov grew up in Perm, Russia, where he studied mathematics and computer science at Perm State University. His early exposure to online payment systems and video games shaped his entrepreneurial journey. At 25, he moved to Los Angeles to further pursue his ambitions in the tech industry.1 3

Career Highlights

Xsolla: Founded in 2005, Xsolla focuses on enabling game developers to monetize their products effectively. The company offers a suite of tools to assist developers in marketing, distribution, and payment processing. Agapitov's vision has been pivotal in positioning Xsolla as a leader in the gaming sector.2 4
X.LA: In February 2022, Agapitov launched X.LA, a decentralized protocol aimed at empowering content creators within the metaverse economy. This initiative utilizes revenue-sharing smart contracts to help creators profit from their intellectual property.2 4 X.LA represents Agapitov's commitment to fostering innovation in the evolving landscape of Web3 and the metaverse.3 5

Publications and Thought Leadership

Agapitov is also an author; his book Once Upon Tomorrow: Harnessing the New Opportunities the Metaverse Creates, published in early 2024, explores the transformative potential of the metaverse and its implications for society and technology.1 3 He frequently shares insights on the future of gaming and technology through various media appearances and interviews.

Conclusion

Shurick Agapitov's career reflects a deep commitment to revolutionizing the gaming industry and leveraging emerging technologies like blockchain to create new opportunities for creators. His work with Xsolla and X.LA positions him as a key figure in shaping the future of digital economies.