Welcome to No Standing's Web3 Weekly Recap. In this newsletter, we’ll keep you updated on the most important news and developments in the world of Web3.

If you missed the news this week, we've got you covered. Here are the highlights and latest developments in blockchain technology, new projects, events, and more. Stay up-to-date on all things Web3 by subscribing to our newsletter, and let us know if there's anything you'd like to see covered in future issues.

TLDR

We understand your time is precious, so we've trimmed the fat and distilled each news piece to its essence. We've provided the full stories below for those looking to delve deeper. Let’s get you up to speed, one summary at a time.

Story 1: Coca-Cola, in partnership with AEG, introduces "Coke Studio" at Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles. This immersive experience offers music-driven activations, solidifying Coca-Cola's expansion in the crypto industry.

Story 2: World of Women collaborates with WS Game Company to release "MONOPOLY: World of Women (WoW) Galaxy Edition." This special edition board game, launching on Oct. 17, integrates web3 elements and celebrates renowned NFT communities.

Story 3: Pudgy Penguins continues to bridge the gap between the digital and physical realms. In collaboration with the luxury cookie brand, Last Crumb, Pudgy Penguins is set to release NFT-themed cookies. These cookies will be available from October 11, 2023.

Story 4: Christian Louboutin collaborates with Marvel to release an exclusive shoe collection, gifting buyers the "Sea Warrior Special Edition" NFT. The NFT, valued at $3,495 USD, is inspired by Marvel's classic Namor.

Story 5: Celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Pumpkin Spice Latte, Starbucks introduces NFT collectibles via Starbucks Odyssey, its Web3 loyalty platform. These digital stamps come in four varieties and are available for $20 USD each.

Story 6: Gary Vaynerchuk, in collaboration with VeeFriends, announces VeeCon 2024 in Los Angeles from August 9-11. This modern business summit aims to gather industry pioneers, covering themes from technology to popular culture.

Story 7: OpenSea, the leading NFT marketplace, introduces OpenSea Studio, a game-changing platform democratising NFT creation. By streamlining the process, it empowers creators, eliminates technical barriers, and promotes widespread NFT accessibility.

Story 8: The NFL Alumni Association collaborates with Aventus to launch NFTs via Polkadot, leveraging retired players' images and likenesses. This initiative aims to provide new revenue streams and support for former NFL professionals.

Story 1: Coca-Cola Launches 'Coke Studio' at Crypto.com Arena in LA

Coca-Cola is making significant strides in the crypto world. After renewing a multiyear agreement with AEG, the beverage giant is launching a brand new "Coke Studio" at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This arena is notably the home ground for major sports teams like the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers, the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, and the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks.

The "Coke Studio" promises to be more than just a branding exercise. It aims to provide visitors with immersive fan experiences and music-driven activations throughout the year. This move is part of Coca-Cola's broader partnership with AEG, which also sees the company continuing as the official soft drink partner for AEG's global venues, including The O2 in London and Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin.

But Coca-Cola's crypto journey doesn't stop there. The company has been actively leveraging blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, and NFTs to enhance its global brand presence. Past initiatives include a digital collectibles auction on World Friendship Day and the integration of blockchain into its supply chain management. Furthermore, in a nod to the future of payments, Coca-Cola has enabled cryptocurrency payments for its products in Australia and New Zealand. With the recent announcement of an NFT collection on the Polygon blockchain, it's clear that Coca-Cola is deeply invested in the potential of the crypto industry.

Story 2: World of Women Collaborates with Monopoly: WoW Galaxy Edition

World of Women (WoW) has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with WS Game Company, the creators of Monopoly, introducing "MONOPOLY: World of Women (WoW) Galaxy Edition." Set to launch on October 17, this fresh adaptation of the classic board game incorporates a Web3 twist, making it a unique blend of traditional gaming and the digital frontier.

https://x.com/worldofwomennft/status/1712136242802868556?s=20

The game is open for purchase by everyone, but WoW holders will enjoy special benefits and rewards. The design is a tribute to WoW's Web3 community, showcasing custom illustrations of its iconic characters and integrating elements from other notable NFT collections. Players will be introduced to a novel economy as they navigate the WoW Universe, with currency represented through Ethereum and gold-hued tokens celebrating renowned Web3 communities such as Bored Ape Yacht Club, VeeFriends, and CryptoPunks.

In an exclusive interview, WoW COO Shannon Snow revealed that the collaboration aims to educate players about digital currency and Web3 through the Monopoly platform. The game's theme, "Galaxy edition," is inspired by WoW's second NFT collection, allowing players to immerse themselves in the lore and storytelling of World of Women. The game is expected to be available for a limited time, with the anticipation of selling out within eight weeks, ensuring delivery by Christmas.

Story 3: Pudgy Penguins and Last Crumb Unveil NFT-Themed Luxury Cookies

Pudgy Penguins continues to bridge the gap between the digital and physical realms. After the successful launch of their NFT-inspired toys, which saw massive sales on Amazon and availability in 2,000 Walmart stores in the U.S., the team is now venturing into the culinary world. In collaboration with the luxury cookie brand, Last Crumb, Pudgy Penguins is set to release NFT-themed cookies, as confirmed in their October 10 blog post. These cookies will be available from October 11, 2023.

https://x.com/pudgypenguins/status/1711836152238313556?s=20

Founded in 2021 by Cole Thereum and Mr. Tubby, and now led by entrepreneur Luca Nets, Pudgy Penguins has become a household name in the NFT market. Their collections, including the Lil Pudgy and Pudgy Penguins NFTs, have garnered significant attention, thanks to endorsements from NFT influencers, celebrities, and media coverage.

Their recent foray into physical collectibles, such as the Pudgy Toys collection, has been met with enthusiasm. Each toy even features a unique birth certificate, allowing users to claim special traits for their digital 'Forever Pudgy' character in the Pudgy World virtual environment. Following their toy success, especially with their expansion into Smyths Toys Stores in the UK, the Pudgy Penguins team's move into luxury cookies signifies their commitment to offering fans diverse ways to engage with the brand.

Story 4: Christian Louboutin and Marvel Unveil NFTs with Limited Edition Shoes

Iconic shoe designer Christian Louboutin has teamed up with Marvel, the renowned comic book publisher, to introduce a unique physical capsule collection. This collaboration is not just about luxury footwear; it intertwines the world of fashion with the burgeoning NFT market.

Customers who purchase items from this exclusive Louboutin-Marvel collection will receive a special bonus: the "Sea Warrior Special Edition" NFT collectible. This digital token is based on Louboutin's 100mm high gladiator sandals, which draw inspiration from Marvel's classic character, Namor. The physical version of these sandals comes with a hefty price tag of $3,495 USD, reflecting the brand's reputation for premium, high-end products.

https://x.com/LouboutinWorld/status/1709585299964084575?s=20

Additionally, attendees of the launch event will be gifted the "Sea Queen" NFT as a token of appreciation. This digital collectible showcases a hand-drawn illustration of a unique shoe, which was auctioned off. Notably, the digital version carries Christian Louboutin's signature, adding a personal touch to the NFT.

Both NFTs were minted on the Ethereum network by VeVe, an app-centric marketplace known for its licensed digital collectibles. VeVe has been instrumental in introducing major brands like Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney to the NFT realm. Their app even features a 3D augmented reality mode, enhancing user interaction with the tokens.

This collaboration also ties in with Disney's centennial celebrations. In a special gesture, 1,500 of Louboutin's top clients will be gifted NFTs and a limited-edition comic book where Christian Louboutin is depicted as a superhero.

Story 5: Starbucks Debuts Pumpkin Spice Latte NFTs on Odyssey Platform

Starbucks, the global coffee behemoth, is embracing the NFT trend in a unique way. As Pumpkin Spice Latte season reaches its peak, Starbucks is commemorating the 20th anniversary of this beloved beverage by offering fans a novel way to celebrate: through NFT collectibles.

https://x.com/Starbucks/status/1711762924325503375?s=20

Starting Thursday, Starbucks will unveil a series of digital stamps inspired by the Pumpkin Spice Latte on its Web3 platform, Starbucks Odyssey. These NFTs will be available in four distinct varieties, mirroring the attributes of the actual drink: Spiced, Whipped, Iced, and Steamed. Each of these NFTs will be sold as an open edition, meaning there's no cap on the number minted and sold during the sale period, which spans from October 5 to October 9. Priced at $20 USD each, purchasing an NFT will also reward Odyssey members with 250 points and a special "opportunity" for those who buy all four stamps.

This isn't Starbucks' first foray into the NFT space. The company launched its Starbucks Odyssey platform in a closed beta in December 2022. This platform, still in beta, was designed to offer loyal customers unique perks and benefits, extending beyond the standard Rewards program. Through Odyssey, users can earn points and redeem them for exclusive experiences, such as virtual drink-making classes or trips to Starbucks coffee farms.

Story 6: Gary Vaynerchuk's VeeCon 2024 Set to Electrify Los Angeles

Gary Vaynerchuk, a renowned entrepreneur and trendsetter, has recently announced that VeeCon 2024, in partnership with VeeFriends, will be hosted in Los Angeles' L.A. LIVE Entertainment District from August 9-11, 2024. This revelation has stirred excitement among business and tech enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the next VeeCon event.

https://x.com/veecon/status/1707432649227227412?s=20

VeeCon is not just another conference; it's a contemporary business gathering that captures the spirit of the present. The event promises a stellar lineup of speakers, innovators, and thought leaders dedicated to shaping the future of various industries. Vaynerchuk expressed his enthusiasm for the vibrant atmosphere of Los Angeles, emphasising its world-class venues and the dynamic environment it offers for attendees to interact and network.

The third edition of VeeCon is structured around five core themes: Business, Marketing, Technology, Innovation, and Popular Culture. Historically, the event has boasted a remarkable array of speakers, including celebrities like Jessica Alba, Drew Barrymore, and Deepak Chopra, among others.

VeeCon stands as a unique blend of business expertise, technological innovation, marketing insights, and cultural discussions, all curated under one roof. Spearheaded by Vaynerchuk, also known as "GaryVee", the event has become synonymous with engaging dialogues and performances from both established and emerging leaders across various sectors.

For those interested in diving deeper into VeeCon 2024 or securing tickets, they can visit the official website.

Story 7: OpenSea Studio Revolutionises NFT Creation, Making It Accessible to All

OpenSea, recognised as the world's premier NFT marketplace, has unveiled its latest innovation, OpenSea Studio. This groundbreaking platform is set to reshape the NFT landscape, echoing the democratisation initiatives of platforms like Manifold and ThirdWeb. OpenSea Studio's introduction is not just about adding new features; it's a significant step towards making NFT creation universally accessible.

https://x.com/opensea/status/1709283477168746997?s=20

Historically, NFT platforms have faced criticism for their intricate nature and steep entry barriers. OpenSea Studio, however, is poised to disrupt this status quo. By simplifying operational mechanics, it allows creators to focus on their core strength: creativity. This isn't merely an upgrade; it's a transformative shift in the NFT creation paradigm.

OpenSea Studio boasts a suite of features tailored to empower creators:

• Simple Minting: Users can mint NFTs directly to their wallets without navigating technical complexities.

• Blockchain Compatibility: The platform supports a majority of OpenSea-compatible blockchains.

• Payment Ease: Minting can be done using credit or debit cards, further lowering financial barriers.

• Zero Coding Skills Needed: Designed for all, not just the tech-savvy.

As OpenSea phases out its "lazy-minting" feature, OpenSea Studio emerges as a more potent and flexible alternative, allowing creators to set up collections on independent smart contracts, offering unparalleled control and customisation.

In summary, OpenSea Studio is not just an update; it's a revolution in the NFT world, democratising the creation process and setting a new standard in accessibility and empowerment.

Story 8: NFL Alumni Partner with Aventus for NFTs Supporting Retired Players

The NFL Alumni Association, an independent nonprofit linked to the National Football League, has announced a strategic partnership with Aventus. This collaboration will allow retired NFL players to tap into the burgeoning NFT market, offering fans unique collectibles that celebrate their favourite players' legacies. Aventus, operating on the Polkadot parachain, will create these NFTs using the name, image, and likeness of players who choose to participate.

Brad Edwards, the CEO of NFL Alumni and a former NFL player himself, views this move as a modern evolution of athletes monetising their memorabilia. He highlighted the advantages of blockchain technologies, emphasising the authentication, protection, and rightful ownership it provides to players. The NFTs are expected to showcase iconic on-field moments, such as Edwards' notable two-interception game during Super Bowl XXVI.

Collectors of these tokens can expect perks like signed merchandise, metaverse experiences, and exclusive video content from the retired players. They'll also have a say in features for future NFT releases. Edwards anticipates a significant number of players will join the initiative during an upcoming NFL Alumni event in Dallas.

While the NFL has already ventured into the NFT space with partners like Dapper Labs and Mythical Games, this collaboration stands out as it directly benefits and supports the retired players, ensuring they receive a significant portion of the revenue generated.

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