Axiom Zen

Axiom Zen is a Canadian venture studio based in Vancouver, British Columbia, that develops digital products and builds independent technology businesses. Founded in December 2012, it combines startup incubation, investment and digital product development, with a focus on artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, and blockchain technologies.

The studio works with founders, investors and corporate partners to identify opportunities, shape product concepts and develop them into businesses. Its capabilities span user research, interface design, prototyping and software engineering across web, mobile, smart contracts and machine learning. This approach connects early product exploration with the technical work needed to launch and develop a venture.

From product experiments to independent companies

Axiom Zen's early work included products developed to address internal needs. In 2014, the team created ZenHub, a project management tool integrated with GitHub. The product subsequently became a standalone business operated by Axiom Labs, Inc., trading as Zenhub. The studio also developed Toby, a browser extension for organizing tabs and managing browsing workflows.

In late 2017, Axiom Zen conceived, developed and launched CryptoKitties, an Ethereum collectible game that brought blockchain applications to a wider consumer audience. Its popularity and the resulting network congestion helped prompt the formation of Dapper Labs in February 2018 as a separate company focused on blockchain entertainment. Dapper Labs subsequently developed the Flow blockchain and NBA Top Shot; those later products belong to the spinout's work rather than Axiom Zen's direct production credits.

Axiom Zen's broader venture history includes incubating route optimization company Routific and acquiring immersive computing community and consultancy Hammer & Tusk in 2015. These activities reflect a business model that spans developing products internally, supporting emerging companies and expanding into new technology fields. The studio continues to develop technology initiatives and support its portfolio of independent businesses.