This Marketing Agency Dares You to Take the Red Pill
Alex Turley’s journey from a film major at Georgia State University to the CEO and co-founder of Matrix Digital Marketing Agency (MDMA) is a testament to his adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit. Dropping from college, Turley began serving tables and working as a freelance photographer. This allowed him to save enough money to invest in cryptocurrency, marking the beginning of his deep dive into the blockchain world.
Early Ventures, Twitter, & Blockchain
Turley got much of his knowledge through online media sources such as Twitter and YouTube. He actively participated in Twitter Spaces in the Chainlink, crypto, and blockchain communities. Eventually, Turley had his show, along with two other hosts and an editor, for the Chainlink community. His show, known for its discussions and interviews often with C-level executives across blockchain ecosystems like Ava Labs, Bittensor, Gitcoin, ENS, FTX US, OpenSea, and Synthetix, quickly gained popularity, solidifying his reputation in the blockchain community.
Networking and Building Communities
In 2022, Turley attended the ETHDenver conference, where he made significant connections, including a key figure from Chainlink Labs. This networking opportunity led him to host his first Chainlink event at the TSQ Clubhouse here in Tech Square. Turley chose the Clubhouse for its affordability and central location, which are pivotal for attracting members of Atlanta’s Chainlink and overall tech community.
“Tech Square allowed me the experience to turn my online communities into in-person communities. The easy access to this space facilitated the transition from virtual to real-world interactions and helped me during my early career ventures.”
Collaborations & The Birth of MDMA
Turley’s collaborative efforts with local blockchain groups such as 404 Dao and Blockchain Georgia Tech laid the foundation for his next venture. His marketing acumen was instrumental in organizing a major blockchain event in Atlanta, featuring multiple panels, speakers, and a hackathon at Tech Square.
Turley began communicating more with Charles “Chas” Buie during this period. Chas and Alex got to know each other through Alex’s Twitter Spaces show. Using anonymous accounts initially, they eventually revealed their identities, and, seeing that they are both from Georgia, they decided to become friends and combine their skills. With Alex’s connections and experiences running events for Chainlink and 404 DAO, creating an online brand through engaging content, and building online communities and Chas’s business background, they co-founded Matrix Digital Marketing Agency, or MDMA for short, inspired by the film “The Matrix.”
Matrix Digital Marketing Agency
Alex and Chas’s marketing agency understands the needs of existing companies. “We are in the business of marketing already branded companies,” says Alex. Based on the client's needs, they create packages. Services offered by “taking the red pill” range from developing marketing strategy and communications platforms to throwing full-service networking events and taking on creative direction initiatives.
For a full list of client services, click here.
Notable Achievements and Future Plans
From their first client, MDMA quickly gained momentum. Within six months of operation, MDMA achieved an impressive six figures in revenue. Initial projects were funded entirely by Alex and Chas’s previous investments in Ethereum, Bittensor, and other assets. MDMA’s first client was Simon Schwerin, founding partner at NXGen, a European portfolio startup company.
MDMA has hosted events for clients worldwide, with Turley recently returning from working at the most recent RWA Protocol event in Dubai. Alex and Chas hope to expand their now 4-person team into an 8–12-person team, with transparency, quality work, and client care as core values.
“I like to say that MDMA differs from other marketing agencies as it is a small and hardworking ‘lean and mean machine.’ We don’t outsource any of our ‘grunt work’ like a larger company would. Quality matters to us, so we will keep our team small and skilled to continue providing maximum value to our clients.”
Looking Ahead
Turley and Buie aim to expand globally as they continue driving innovation in blockchain marketing. Their journey highlights the need for adaptability, community, and a clear vision for entrepreneurial success. Will you take the Red Pill?
Written by Neema Tavakolian