# Kerem Atalay

> Kerem Atalay is a Yuga Labs co-founder and former chief technology officer who, with Zeshan Ali, developed the early technical systems behind Bored Ape Yacht Club. Known online as Emperor Tomato Ketchup, he later moved to a strategic adviser role.

- **Role:** Co-founder, Yuga Labs
- **Organizations:** Yuga Labs, Bored Ape Yacht Club
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** Computer science studies; degree unspecified, University of Maryland
- **Known for:** Co-founded Yuga Labs as one of four people behind Bored Ape Yacht Club., With Zeshan Ali, built and connected BAYC’s early technical components., Served as Yuga Labs CTO before moving to strategic adviser.

## Career timeline

- **2021-02** — Joined the founding team of Yuga Labs and Bored Ape Yacht Club.
- **2021-04** — Helped build the BAYC website, smart contracts and member spaces.
- **2021-05** — Called Zeshan Ali as the initial collection sold out.
- **2022-02** — Publicly revealed his first name and photo.
- **2023-05** — Moved from chief technology officer to strategic adviser when Mike Seavers became CTO.

## Achievements

- Co-founded Yuga Labs as one of four people behind Bored Ape Yacht Club.
- With Zeshan Ali, built and connected BAYC’s early technical components.
- Served as Yuga Labs CTO before moving to strategic adviser.

## Latest updates

- **2023-05** — Mike Seavers took over as Yuga Labs CTO; Atalay moved to strategic adviser.

## Links

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuga-etk
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/TomatoBAYC

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/kerem-atalay
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-09-29