What Ztudium does

Ztudium is a privately held UK-based technology group founded in 2011 by Dinis Guarda, focused on building proprietary platforms that integrate Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies—AI, blockchain, distributed ledger technology (DLT), metaverse, and digital twins—for SMEs, governments, and enterprises. The group operates through multiple subsidiaries including Open Business Platform Limited (openbusinesscouncil/businessabc), Techabc Limited (citiesabc), Fashiondna Limited (fashionabc), and iDNA Limited, alongside core technology products such as iDNA (white-label PaaS mobile app with FinTech, blockchain and AI), blocksdna (NoSQL Data Lake engine), Blockimpact (blockchain payments), Lifesdna (AI-powered lifestyle search), and Influencedna (influencer reward engine). The metaverse vertical is delivered through Metaverse Studios, MetaverseABC, smartcitiesabc, and the FreedomX AR virtual marketplace launched in 2022.

The company's go-to-market combines community-led growth, marketplace listing, and enterprise field sales across 120+ countries, supported by regional representative offices in London, Lisbon, New Delhi, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, and Cape Verde. Revenue streams span SaaS/PaaS subscriptions, marketplace commissions, media and publishing advertising (intelligenthq, tradersdna, hedgethink), professional services consulting, and metaverse/NFT transaction fees, with quote-based enterprise pricing and no publicly disclosed tiers or ARR. The group is founder-controlled with no disclosed external funding rounds, and the leadership team is led by Dinis Guarda (Founder, CEO), Hilton Supra (Co-Founder Vice Chairman, formerly of Deutsche Bank, AXA Rosenberg, EIM, Cheyne Capital), and a network of regional partners and academic advisors from institutions including Oxford, Durham, Surrey, and Edinburgh.

Ztudium's market positioning centers on being an integrated 4IR solutions provider rather than a point solution, with strategic partnerships including MasterCard for fintech, UN Global Compact for ESG, European AI Alliance for AI policy, and various government bodies in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Malaysia for digital ecosystem development. The company's media reach (10+ million monthly impressions, 200+ podcast episodes, 10.2+ million YouTube views) and thought leadership positioning (Thinkers360 Top 50 in Digital Transformation 2023) function as both brand assets and distribution channels, though financial scale remains undisclosed and the 11-50 headcount suggests a lean operating model.

Name

Ztudium

Legal name

ztudium Limited

Website

https://ztudium.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Ztudium is a UK-based, founder-led technology group building AI, blockchain, and metaverse platforms (iDNA, blocksdna, openbusinesscouncil, citiesabc, metaverseabc) for SMEs, governments, and enterprises across 120+ countries, monetizing via subscriptions, marketplace fees, media, and professional services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Digital Transformation Software

NAICS

Software Publishers (5132), Web Search Portals and All Other Information Services (51929), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (5192)

SIC

Security & Commodity Brokers, Dealers, Exchanges & Services (6200)

akta.pro primary industry

Metaverse Commerce & Monetization (virtual goods storefronts, payments, ads) (FSAPAGAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Enterprise & Brand NFT Commerce Platforms (White-Label/Embedded) (FSADANAM), Q&A and Knowledge Discovery Platforms (BPAMAAAF), Art, Collectibles & Luxury RWA Tokenization (FSADAEAK), Mobile App Stores & Marketplaces (BPAMADAA)

Keywords

• Digital transformation software
• Blockchain platform solutions
• Metaverse development tools
• Smart city technology
• Business directory certification

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. SaaS/PaaS Platform Subscriptions: Ztudium generates revenue through its proprietary SaaS and PaaS platforms including iDNA, blocksdna, Blockimpact, and other blockchain AI-powered solutions offered to businesses and governments.
2. Platform Marketplace Fees: openbusinesscouncil.org and other marketplace platforms provide digital certification, directory listing, and marketplace services generating transaction and listing fees.
3. Media and Publishing: The company's digital media divisions (intelligenthq, tradersdna, hedgethink) and YouTube podcast series generate revenue through content and audience reach.
4. Consultancy and Professional Services: Premium media, social media, PR, brand building, R&D, government strategies, smart cities implementations, and data analytics consulting services.
5. Metaverse and NFT Solutions: Revenue from metaverseabc platform providing NFT minting, AR/VR solutions, digital twins, and metaverse marketplace services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Ztudium develops and sells proprietary SaaS and PaaS platforms integrating AI, blockchain, and metaverse technologies for digital transformation. Core offerings include iDNA (white-label mobile app platform), blocksdna (NoSQL Data Lake), Blockimpact (blockchain payments), Lifesdna (lifestyle search engine), Influencedna (influencer rewards), and the businessabc, citiesabc, metaverseabc, and fashionabc platform brands serving SMEs, governments, and enterprises across 120+ countries.

Product overview

Ztudium is a multi-platform technology group offering a portfolio of proprietary SaaS, PaaS, IP solutions and media brands. The core product stack includes: iDNA (white-label PaaS mobile app with FinTech, Blockchain, AI), blocksdna (NoSQL Data Lake engine for social and enterprise data), Blockimpact (blockchain payments), Lifesdna (AI-powered lifestyle/healthcare search engine), and Influencedna (influencer messaging reward engine). The group also operates platform brands including openbusinesscouncil (businessabc) for global business directory and digital certification, citiesabc for city wiki and ESG indexes, MetaverseABC MStudios for AR/VR/Digital Twins metaverse solutions, fashionabc for blockchain fashion directory, and smartcitiesabc for smart city digital transformation. These platforms are complemented by media publishing divisions (intelligenthq, hedgethink, tradersdna) and the Dinis Guarda YouTube Podcast Series, all serving businesses, governments and professionals across 120+ countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• openbusinesscouncil: Global business directory, resources, marketplace, and digital blockchain AI certification platform for businesses, organisations, and professionals
• citiesabc
• fashionabc
• metaverseabc
• blocksdna
• iDNA
• blockimpact
• lifesdna
• influencedna
• intelligenthq
• tradersdna
• hedgethink
• smartcitiesabc
• Metaversive

Products and services

• iDNA White-label PaaS mobile app integrated to a CMS and CRM, powered with FinTech, Blockchain and AI core components. Brings together P2P messaging, support for crypto and FIAT wallet, payments, digital ID, a reward engine, and a marketplace.
• blocksdna NoSQL Data Lake engine solution for all types of social and enterprise data that enables organisations and their customers to maximize digital transformation projects.
• Blockimpact Next-generation blockchain payments solution integrating digital money using distributed ledger technologies.
• Lifesdna Blockchain and AI powered search engine operating system and marketplace for lifestyle and healthcare information.
• Influencedna Messaging reward engine platform combining a messaging solution for influencers with a reward DLT scheme and AI data visualisation tech.
• openbusinesscouncil (businessabc) Global business directory, resources, marketplace, and digital blockchain AI certification platform for businesses, organisations, and professionals. Provides digital identity certification, marketplace access, and financial services through MasterCard partnership.
• citiesabc Platform empowering cities and stakeholders with sustainable bridges between physical and virtual realms. Offers wiki database of cities, ESG Global Index, AR/VR metaverse experiences, metaverse integrated marketplace, and digital profiles for regions and personalities.
• MetaverseABC MStudios Global cities wiki metaverse marketplace with cutting-edge Digital Twins, AR, VR, Mixed Reality tech solutions. Includes 3D solutions for fashion and retail, proprietary tailored avatar solutions with hyper-realistic facial expressions and body movement, and real estate building metaverse.
• smartcitiesabc Digital transformation platform to guide and index cities and create the best policies and technologies for smart cities, empowering smarter cities 360.
• fashionabc Social impact blockchain fashion directory platform introducing Fourth Industrial Revolution in fashion through inclusive digital transformation tools, digital profile and IP solutions, provenance and counterfeiting solutions, and a certified circular economic system.
• FreedomX Meta-city augmented reality virtual marketplace integrating emerging and transforming digital technology for citizens, organisations, businesses, and cities.
• intelligenthq Digital innovation business network providing intelligence and education for professionals, businesses, startups, and universities, offering business insights, tech, 4IR, digital transformation, and growth content.
• Hedgethink Digital meeting place for fund managers and investors focused on thought leadership, technology, and financial innovation including fintech, ESG, and hedge funds.
• Tradersdna Leading digital and social media platform for traders and investors offering premiere resources for trading and investing education, digital resources for personal finance, market analysis, and free trading guides.
• Dinis Guarda YouTube Podcast Series Fast-growing thought leadership YouTube channel profiling world inspiring people, leaders, technologists, and academics with 200+ episodes and 10+ million views reaching over 10 million people a month.
• ESG Global Index Global index for ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) metrics tracking cities, regions, and countries, available through citiesabc platform.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reaching over 10 million people monthly across all digital channels
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability15 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• University of Oxford (TMCD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with University of Oxford Technology Management Centre for Development (TMCD) for research and thought leadership through businessabc platform.
• University of DurhamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for smart cities research and blueprint development, including the 'Blueprint For Smart Cities A Social Contract' research report.
• University of SurreycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic collaboration with University of Surrey for research and innovation in digital transformation and technology.
• University of EdinburghminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for research and innovation initiatives.
• European AI AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerZtudium is a company member of the European AI Alliance, collaborating on AI policy, research, and industry standards.
• UN Global CompactcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerZtudium is a company member of the UN Global Compact, aligning with UN sustainability and social impact principles.
• USAIDminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partnership for international aid and development projects through digital transformation.
• eTrade AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for international trade facilitation and digital trade corridor development.
• PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry IndiaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIndian business network partnership for market expansion and business directory services.
• Malaysia MDECminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGovernment technology agency partnership for digital ecosystem development in Malaysia.
• Government of PakistanminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGovernment partnership for digital transformation initiatives.
• Government of Bangladesh (Startup Bangladesh)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGovernment startup initiative partnership for digital ecosystem development.
• India AcceleratorminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership with India Accelerator to build global digital blockchain-based certification for members and onboard them in international digital trade corridors.
• IDEAX GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership for Web 3.0 technologies, crypto, blockchain, AI, and metaverse solutions.
• Ruh Global IMPACTminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Ruh Global IMPACT and Billion Strong to build accessibility technology and digital tools for inclusive digital transformation.
• SILAB (Social Innovation Lab, Universidade de Lisboa)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership with Technical University of Lisbon for social innovation research.
• PalladiumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational development consultancy partnership for project implementation.
• Prabhatam GroupminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIndian business network partnership for regional market expansion.
• RoundglassminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal wellness and lifestyle technology partnership.
• The AETLminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTextile and business conglomerate partnership in Bangladesh for fashionabc platform.
• EdinburghminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Edinburgh for innovation and business development.
• Department for International Trade (UK)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK government trade promotion partnership for international business development.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Accenture: Global professional services firm with deep digital transformation, metaverse, and blockchain practices. Competes for the same government and enterprise digital transformation contracts as Ztudium.
• Wipro: Global IT services and digital transformation consulting firm. Comparable as a large-scale digital transformation provider for enterprises and governments, the same buyer segment Ztudium targets.
• Yellow Pages Group: Established business directory and digital marketing platform. Comparable to Ztudium's openbusinesscouncil/citiesabc directory and SME marketing services, though at much larger incumbent scale.
• Infosys: Global IT consulting and digital transformation services firm. Comparable as a broad incumbent delivering blockchain, AI, and metaverse solutions to large enterprises.
• ConsenSys: Leading Ethereum-focused blockchain software and infrastructure provider. Comparable as a broader Web3 platform with enterprise blockchain tooling, similar to Ztudium's blockchain/AI/DLT stack.

Direct peers

• Rarible: Community-owned NFT marketplace with white-label and enterprise brand tools. Closely comparable to Ztudium's enterprise/brand NFT commerce positioning via iDNA and metaverseabc.
• Crunchbase: Business discovery and directory platform for companies, professionals, and markets. Directly comparable to openbusinesscouncil/businessabc as a global business directory and SME marketplace.
• Decentraland: Decentralized metaverse platform with virtual land, avatars, and digital marketplaces. Comparable to Ztudium's Metaverse Studios, FreedomX, and metaverseabc products targeting creators, brands, and cities.
• OpenSea: Largest NFT marketplace for trading digital collectibles and metaverse assets. Direct competitor to Ztudium's metaverseabc NFT and digital asset commerce operations, addressing overlapping creator and brand audiences.

Emerging players

• The Sandbox: User-generated content metaverse with virtual real estate and asset marketplace. Overlaps with Ztudium's metaverse commerce and digital twin offerings, though focused more on gaming/UGC.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ztudium
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/DinisGuarda
• Facebookfacebook.com/466084890109864
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ztudium
• Instagraminstagram.com/ztudium

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles23 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ztudium