This week’s energy is different. There's a lot happening, but the biggest spotlight is on something I’ve poured my time, heart, and hustle into: the launch of The Topi. This isn’t just another mint. This is our shot at creating something truly iconic on Base.
After months of building, refining, and pushing through every twist and turn that comes with starting something new onchain, I’m finally leading up to the launch of The Topi — a new NFT collection on Base. This isn’t just another drop. For us, it's a bold step forward in our belief that NFTs can serve as the most powerful gateway to onboarding the next billion users into this space.
Besides my regular hosting duties on streams and shows, the focus this week is clear: The Topi NFT collection is officially launching this Thursday.The Topis are 8,888 Base builders united to spread positivity across the Base ecosystem and beyond
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it takes to bring the next billion users onchain. Real talk — NFTs are the most digestible and compelling entry point for most people. They create community, culture, and identity. Memecoins simply can't replicate that — especially in a cutthroat, player-versus-player environment.
We want The Topi to be that breakout collection for Base — like Pudgy Penguins were to Ethereum. Something memorable. Something sticky. Something that instantly makes Base a household name.
We’re collaborating with Meowpheserus and the BMX team — we’ll be their first-ever launch. That’s a huge honor.
The plan is three phases of launch with different price points and WL access, ending in a public sale that will be featured in Coinbase Wallet.
I’ve been leaning hard into every channel to make sure we’re ready:
Hosting 4 total shows this week (including our staple Base NFT Show)
Ensuring the team keeps Discord and Twitter highly engaged
Building something fun on Farcaster using Frames for launch week
Running final testing and WL Management for the minting process to ensure a smooth and secure experience on launch day.
Working closely with the BMX team to make sure all assets, copy, and backend details are aligned across platforms.
Link to the project: @BasedTopi
This launch wouldn’t be possible without the relationships I’ve built throughout the year. If you’re building onchain, networking isn’t optional — it’s essential.
The people you meet today might be the ones that help you execute your vision tomorrow. Relationships are compound interest.
There’s no sugarcoating it — launches are intense. But that’s the nature of the game. When you care about what you’re putting out into the world, the late nights and high-pressure planning just feel like part of the mission.
Mini-apps on Farcaster are low-key powerful — we’re experimenting with Frames for the Topi drop.
Show stacking before a mint is a great way to generate momentum — but it’s exhausting. Reminder to project leads: prep your energy.
The Coinbase Wallet feature is major. It’s validation that Base believes in this project, and we won’t let them down.
Whatever you’re building — show up for it. Show up early. Show up tired. Show up under pressure. This week reminded me that the final 10% of any launch takes 90% of the energy. But when you care, it’s not work — it’s purpose.
Let’s make Base proud.
See You All Next Time,
Bill the Bull 🐂
Bill The Bull
