FUZE Fireside Chats | President Ryan Levy: A Journey Through SXSW Sydney
"Despite our success so far, we feel like we’re just getting started. There’s so much room for growth and new opportunities. The most exciting part for me is collaborating with our brilliant team and seeing our collective efforts come to fruition. We know we’re just scratching the surface, and this next year is going to be our best year yet." — Ryan Levy, President of FUZE Technology
Welcome to FUZE Fireside Chats—the series where we aim to shed light on industry trends, share expertise, and showcase the people and stories behind the brands that make FUZE Technology a success.
Today, we’re featuring a conversation with Ryan Levy, President of FUZE Technology, who is fresh off the plane from SXSW Sydney. This global conference was a melting pot of ideas, innovation, and networking, providing the perfect stage for FUZE Technology to shine.
Levy, with his characteristic energy and enthusiasm, exudes palpable excitement about the future of FUZE Technology—his drive is evident as he speaks on the company's latest endeavors and milestones. He also discusses the remarkable demand for FUZE at the event itself, and how it's propelling the venture into international expansion.
Join us as we dive into Ryan’s vision for FUZE Technology’s future, the intentionality behind its growth, and the exciting marketing initiatives that are propelling the company onto the global stage.
Grab a sizzling sip, and let's dive in.
Q: Welcome Ryan! Congratulations on your panel: "On and Off the Court with Nick Kyrgios and Friends!" How did you get involved in South by Southwest (SXSW) Sydney, and have you worked with them before?
Ryan: This was our first time working with South by Southwest, both overall and specifically in Sydney. We were excited to get involved through one of our investors, who was moderating another sports panel. Given our intersection with live events, entertainment, and sports, it was a fantastic opportunity to showcase FUZE Technology alongside global sports talent like Nick Kyrgios, his manager Daniel "Horse" Horsfall, and Australian entrepreneur Madi Edwards.
Q: How would you describe the panel dynamic?
Ryan: The panel was very well received. We had a unique dynamic because of our personal relationships. While Nick and Dan are business partners, Madi and I are life partners. Both Nick and Dan are FUZE investors, so it was interesting to discuss their careers and business ventures from a more formal perspective rather than our usual personal conversations.
As Levy highlights the close-knit nature of FUZE's professional network, it's evident that SXSW provided a platform for what FUZE has built to be recognized on a global scale.
Q: How was your overall experience at SXSW Sydney?
Ryan: SXSW Sydney was a fantastic experience, both for networking and exposure. I attended four out of the seven days and had the chance to meet entrepreneurs and industry professionals from around the world. The event aligns perfectly with FUZE’s focus areas, and it was impressive to see such a well-organized conference at International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), one of our partner venues.
Q: What stood out to you about FUZE Technology usage at the venue?
Ryan: The ICC Sydney is one of the largest and most trafficked convention centers in the world. It was amazing to see our product integration in action at such a global event. The demand for FUZE Technology was incredibly high, exceeding supply, which was very encouraging.
Q: Looking ahead, what is the future of FUZE Technology? Can you speak on the relationship between chargeFUZE and adFUZE?
Ryan: FUZE is currently operating in nearly double-digit countries, and we expect to be in more than a dozen within the next few months. We are thrilled to join forces with global partners who have international exposure and strong venues that warrant the demand for our services.
chargeFUZE is our Trojan Horse business, providing a robust global distribution network. This network has significant upside potential for our future endeavors. adFUZE benefits from this distribution, creating a symbiotic relationship that enhances both verticals.
Q: What marketing initiatives have been particularly successful?
Ryan: We have had some really successful campaigns, including giveaways with celebrities like Nick Kyrgios. For example, around the US Open, we gave away signed tennis balls, and we've also collaborated with Palm Tree Crew Holdings for VIP festival tickets. Our marketing team, led by Bhavya Rai, Shane Geldbach, and Sierra Bloodgood Kurtzman, has done a fantastic job driving these initiatives.”
Q: What excites you most about the future of FUZE?
Ryan: Despite our success so far, we feel like we’re just getting started. There’s so much room for growth and new opportunities. The most exciting part for me is collaborating with our brilliant team and seeing our collective efforts come to fruition.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Ryan: Be present and enjoy the journey. It’s easy to get caught up in constantly shifting goalposts, but it's crucial to appreciate how far you've come. Consistency, working with inspiring people, and taking calculated risks are key. Also, strong communication and trust are essential in any partnership, as I've learned with [CEO] Brandon Afari.
Q: Finally, what qualities make a "FUZER"?
Ryan: Someone who is collaborative, engaged, values convenience, and maintains a positive and optimistic outlook. We’ve built an incredible team with these qualities, and I’m excited about what the future holds for us.
Undeterred by FUZE's progress to date, Ryan remains focused on the future filled with potential and new opportunities. He emphasizes his team as the crux of his drive and leans into the prospect of exploring uncharted territories in technology and market reach. For Ryan, every milestone remains a stepping stone toward greater success.
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We hope you enjoyed this FUZE Fireside Chat with Ryan Levy. Stay tuned for more insights from our leaders and industry experts. Follow usfor the latest updates on our journey a #NeverMissAMoment of the conversation!
