There seems to be an increase in the popularity of NFTs.

Here are some of last week’s most relevant NFT news as part of our weekly NFT news roundup.

1. Gucci, Balenciaga, and more Launch ‘KNXT’ For New Fashion Metaverse and NFT Experience

Kering, the French conglomerate that controls luxury labels such as Gucci, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, and Saint Laurent, among others, began teasing a forthcoming initiative that would merge fashion and the new digital world.

The initiative, dubbed KNXT (pronounced “next”), aspires to be an intriguing, innovative project that combines luxury fashion with the burgeoning metaverse, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), cryptocurrencies, and other aspects of Web3.

2. AC Milan Collaborates with Sorare on NFT Fantasy Football

Sorare, the NFT-focused digital fantasy sports platform, and AC Milan announced today an exclusive multi-year partnership in which Sorare becomes the Official NFT Fantasy Football Game Partner and AC Milan’s new Premium Partner.

As a result, beginning with the 2022/23 season, fans, collectors, and players from all around the world will be able to collect, buy, and trade digital cards of one of the world’s most famous and prestigious Italian football teams, AC Milan.

3. Dubai Police to Unveil Second NFT Collection

The Dubai Police announced that its second NFT collection will be unveiled during the Gulf Information Technology Expo (GITEX) 2022, which will be held between October 10 and 14, 2022.

The upcoming NFT collection will include 150 NFTs that represent the police force’s ideals of security, communication, and innovation.

4. Twisted Tea Introduces its First NFT with Real-World Benefits

Twisted Tea, the No. 1 hard iced tea brand in Massachusetts, announced a partnership with Sesame3, a web3 platform for brands, to release its first-ever non-fungible token (NFT).

Twisted Tea’s NFT Drop offers customers real-world value and can be retained, traded, and bought using regular payment methods, avoiding the requirement for a crypto wallet.

To celebrate the launch, Twisted Tea is giving away its first-ever NFT to one super-fan, who will have their photo printed on the back label of up to 100 million Twisted Tea cans that will be distributed across the country.

5. Singer Usher Partners with Rémy Martin to Release Limited-edition Bottle and NFT

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the hit song My Way, Usher and cognac producer Rémy Martin have teamed up to release a limited-edition bottle and NFT on BlockBar.

The NFT is minted on the Ethereum blockchain and will serve as proof of authenticity and ownership, with holders able to burn it at any moment to get the physical bottle.

6. FestivalPass Launches Festival Family Founder NFT with Lifetime Access for NFT holders

FestivalPass, the world’s first live events subscription service, has unveiled its Festival Family Founder NFT, which includes instant utility and VIP admission to quarterly bucket list events.

Buyers of the one-of-a-kind NFT acquire one of a limited collection of 10,000 Founder NFTs that will never be sold again.

Once purchased, the Founder NFT unlocks $1,200 in FestivalPass credits every year for as long as they hold the NFT.

7. City of Miami Announces NFT Initiative with TIME, Mastercard and Salesforce

The City of Miami is launching a new NFT initiative in partnership with TIME, Mastercard, and Salesforce to drive revenue to local businesses and non-profits.

The initiative consists of launching nearly 5,000 NFTs designed by 56 local Miami artists, representing the city’s 56 square mile area.

NFT holders will have access to Mastercard’s Priceless Miami program, which offers unique experiences, including events at local restaurants and private tours of Miami cultural institutions.

Originally published at blog.cryptoflies.com

The popularity of NFTs seems to be on the rise.

Here are some of last week’s most relevant NFT news as part of our weekly NFT news roundup.

1. GameStop Officially Rolls Out its NFT Marketplace

GameStop has announced the debut of its NFT marketplace, which will allow gamers, creators, and collectors to buy, sell, and trade NFTs.

The NFT marketplace is powered by Loopring L2, an Ethereum Layer 2 zkRollup protocol designed for powering decentralized cryptocurrency exchanges.

2. Fossil Releases NFTs Inspired by Limited-edition STAPLE X FOSSIL Watches

Fossil, the American fashion designer and manufacturer founded in 1984 by Tom Kartsotis, has announced the release of a non-fungible token (NFT) series.

The animated NFTs, inspired by the limited-edition STAPLE X FOSSIL watches, feature the distinctive Staple pigeon as well as both partnering company logos, with a hint to the watches’ holographic dial and terrazzo silicone hues.

The original buyer that purchases each of the 291 STAPLE x FOSSIL NFTs will receive one of the three physical STAPLE x FOSSIL watches.

3. Netflix Launches Stranger Things NFT Posters With Candy Digital

Netflix has partnered with digital collectible company Candy Digital to create and release a series of Stranger Things NFTs.

The first NFT collection, Candy x Netflix Stranger Things “The Upside Down Series,” features 17 limited-edition posters of Stranger Things characters.

Of all the characters, Eleven has the most limited edition run with only 223 NFTs available, while the other characters have between 613 and 748 NFTs.

4. Snapchat to Develop New Feature to Let Users Showcase NFTs as Filters

The Financial Times has reported that Snapchat is developing a new feature that would allow users to transform their owned NFTs into AR Lenses, which could then be incorporated into their Snaps.

The approach would essentially allow users to show 3D versions of their NFTs and utilize them as a virtual face mask (a typical use case for PFP projects), a background item, an extra object in the frame, and so on.

5. Monoprix Starts Selling NFTs in Its Physical Stores

The French retail chain Monoprix, which sells food, fashion, beauty, and home products, has started selling non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in three of its Paris stores.

The NFTs sold by Moonprix are from the RudeKidz collection, which features 3D representations of rebellious youngsters dressed in pop style.

6. Cartoon Betty Boop Steps into Web3 With ‘Boop & Frens’ NFT Collection

Betty Boop, the animated cartoon character created by Max Fleischer, is about to enter Web3.

The‘Boop & Frens’ NFT collection pays tribute to the character who has long been a global symbol of independence, kindness, style, and universal acceptance.

There will be 8,888 NFTs included in this collection, which will feature Betty Boop dressed in digital fashion clothes, as seen in her classic cartoons, and designed by MYAMI Studio, known for designing virtual high fashion.

7. Kia Releases 30-Second Spot Featuring QR Code Viewers Scan to Claim NFTs

Kia has launched a new advertising campaign highlighting the individuality of the all-new 2023 Kia Soul, one of its most iconic models.

The 30-second spot features NFTs as talent and incorporates a unique QR code embedded into the video.

When viewers scan the code with a smartphone, they can simply get one of 10,100 Kia-themed NFTs, which will be effortlessly deposited and saved in their personal Sweet blockchain wallet.

Originally published at https://blog.cryptoflies.com on July 17, 2022.

The popularity of NFTs appears to be on the rise.

Here are some of last week’s most relevant NFT news as part of our weekly NFT news roundup.

1. Tomorrowland to Launch “Reflection of Love” NFT Collection

Tomorrowland, the famed Belgian electronic dance music event, is continuing its Web3 adventure by announcing the release of its second NFT collection.

The collection, dubbed “Reflection of Love,” comprises 6500 collectibles minted on Solana.

Holders of The Reflection of Love join the Tomorrowland community and are invited to a variety of events and giveaways.

2. Lowe’s Launches “Open Builder” to Create Virtual Home Goods For use in The Metaverse and Releases NFT Collection

Lowe’s, an American home improvement retailer, has begun work on its first metaverse project, “Lowe’s Open Builder,” a storefront through which it offers virtual items.

Builders can download over 500 3D product elements that imitate things from real-world shelves for free via Lowe’s Open Builder, a new content repository that will be open to all builders.

Users will also have access to the brand’s exclusive NFT wearable collection, with the first 1,000 builders in Decentraland able to upgrade their avatar.

3. Louis Vuitton Files Trademark Application to Provide NFTs

French luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton has filed four trademark applications, signaling new plans to provide non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

According to the trademark applications, submitted to the USPTO on June 23, the company aims to offer NFTs, virtual goods, services for the retail sale or rental of virtual goods, and more.

4. Turkish DJ Burak Yeter Launches His First NFT with ‘Black Hole’ New Track

DJ Burak Yeter wants to add a touch of “blockchain” to his new track “Black Hole” to show his passion for space, galaxies, and cosmic events.

In order to accomplish that, Burak Yeter worked with Atlanticus Music, a music-focused NFT marketplace, to develop a limited NFT collection.

NFT holders will get access to a variety of perks, such as an invitation to a very exclusive Livestream once a year, a video clip of Black Hole, and a thank you video from Burak Yeter.

5. Cinemark Partners with Disney to Launch Marvel Studios NFTs for Thor: Love and Thunder

Cinemark, one of the world’s largest and most prominent movie theater businesses, is teaming up with Disney to offer Cinemark Movie Rewards members the exclusive opportunity to win one of Marvel Studios’ non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder.

Cinemark Movie Rewards members can play an instant-win game for a chance to win one of 1,000 NFTs designed particularly for Thor’s epic big-screen battle for inner peace.

6. Magnum Photos Celebrates 75 Years of Business with NFT Collection

To commemorate its 75th anniversary, Magnum Photos, a worldwide cooperative of photographers established in 1947, has announced the release of three NFT collections.

Each drop will contain a collection of pictures from Magnum’s archive, spanning the company’s history from the 1940s to the present.

7. Kevin Hart Launches “Confessions From The Hart” NFTs and Joins the Metaverse 

Comedian and actor Kevin Hart has announced his first initiative in the NFT and metaverse space.

The project will kick off with the premiere of Roku original “Confessions From the Hart,” a 30-minute animated anthology based on his Instagram IGTV series of the same name.

A limited number of NFTs released by Hartbeat will allow fans to view bonus content for “Confessions From the Hart” in the Kevin Hart Nation Metaverse Screening Room.

8. Prada Is Ready to Launch its Timecapsule #31 NFT Drop

Prada announced the launch of its first NFT project. The initiative, dubbed “Prada Timecapsule,” is a monthly online event that provides clients with access to both a gender-neutral physical product and an NFT.

Prada is now ready to release the next drop in its Timecapsule NFT series, ‘Prada Timecapsule #31’, which follows the previous drop, Timecapsule #30 NFT drop made in collaboration with Cassius Hirst.

This drop, like the previous and future ones, will be tied to a limited edition physical product as well as a free NFT.

9. Asprey Bugatti La Voiture Noire NFT Sells for Nearly Half a Million Dollars

In a collaborative effort, Bugatti and Asprey, the world-renowned UK-based designer, manufacturer, and retailer of jewelry, gave life to the Asprey Bugatti La Voiture Noire artwork.

By combining design, art, and innovation, Asprey Bugatti La Voiture Noire is a physical sculpture and artwork fused with NFT designed and created by the Asprey Studio.

On June 30th, La Voiture Noire was auctioned off by leading auction house Phillips and sold for £378,000 ($453,868).

10. Coca-Cola Launches Pride NFT Collection in Support of the LGBTQIA+ Community

Coca-Cola is expanding its presence in the world of NFTs. The new NFT initiative, dubbed “Coca-Cola Pride Collection” this time is dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Coca-Cola Pride collection is a set of 136 digital collectibles created in honor of the LGBTQIA+ community and in partnership with multi-award-winning designer and LGBTQIA+ rights advocate Rich Mnisi.

Originally published at https://blog.cryptoflies.com on July 5, 2022.

It appears that NFTs will continue to gain popularity.

Here are some of this week’s most relevant NFT news as part of our weekly NFT news roundup.

1. Burberry Partners with Mythical Games to Launch new NFT Collection

Burberry has announced it is partnering with Mythical Games to launch a new NFT collection dubbed “Blankos Block Party.” 

As part of the partnership, the brand is establishing a custom social place within the game for its fans to gather and enjoy a unique virtual experience.

Burberry-branded in-game accessories, such as boomboxes, TB sliders, lucky horseshoe necklaces, and a ‘Shellphone,’ a seashell-inspired mobile phone accessory, will be available in the new NFT collection, which players may add to their virtual portfolio of online accessories.

2. Singer Elton John Auctions ‘Rocket Man’ NFT Hoverboard

Elton John has joined the Web3 by teaming up with Jadu and Sweet to auction a Rocket Man NFT hoverboard, which will allow avatars to fly around the metaverse in style.

In addition to the NFT hoverboard, John released a series of access tokens that will unlock a series of fan experiences as part of the Rocket NFT Club.

3. Macy’s Launches NFT series to Celebrate the 46th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks

Macy’s, the high-end department store chain in the United States, will release a new series of 10,000 free NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) to celebrate the brand’s 4th of July Fireworks.

This collection of 10,000 Macy’s Fireworks NFTs will feature visual elements from this year’s Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks event and will be available in Classic, Rare, and Ultra Rare varieties.

The NFTs will include extra functionality, such as the ability to employ Augmented Reality wearables on a variety of social media and video communications platforms.

4. University of Pennsylvania Launches NFT to Honor mRNA Research that Helped Fight COVID-19

The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania has been credited with scientific breakthroughs in the fight against COVID-19 by developing mRNA-based vaccines. 

These advancements are being recognized through a non-fungible token (NFT), a digital asset to be auctioned by Christie’s that will support ongoing research at the university.

The NFT features a striking animation that showcases the types of modified mRNA that are beneficial for fighting the SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious diseases, as well as immunotherapy, cancer treatments, and genetic diseases.

5. eBay Acquires NFT Marketplace KnownOrigin

E-commerce giant eBay has announced the acquisition of KnownOrigin, one of the most innovative non-fungible token (NFT) marketplaces.

This acquisition is a significant milestone in eBay’s tech-led re-imagination, bringing in a new era of digital collecting to the world’s leading collectibles destination.

6. Fender and MINI Enter the Meta Horizon Worlds Metaverse

The Fender Stratoverse and the MINIVerse, two new Meta Horizon Worlds making their premiere at Cannes Lions and accessible to all users of the Meta Quest 2 Headset in the US, Canada, and the UK, respectively, have been revealed by Meta (previously Facebook).

7. Gucci Acquires $25,000 of NFT Marketplace SuperRare’s DAO to Venture Further into Web3

Gucci has purchased $25,000 in RARE tokens in order to join the SuperRareDAO, a DAO founded by NFT marketplace SuperRare. 

Gucci’s investment will finance the Vault Art Space, an exhibition featuring a selection of NFT artworks by 29 artists.

The exhibition will be on display and sold on Vault’s website, hosted by Gucci, in three drops.

8. Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo Partners with Binance to Release NFT Collection

Cristiano Ronaldo has inked a sponsorship agreement Binance, making him the latest superstar to form a lucrative partnership with a digital asset business.

The iconic Portuguese footballer will collaborate with Binance to develop a collection of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that will be sold only through the Binance NFT platform.

9. Bentley Motors Enters the NFT Space with One-time NFT DropBentley Motors, the world-renowned British manufacturer and marketer of luxury automobiles and SUVs, has announced its entry into the non-fungible token (NFT) space with the upcoming launch of a one-time NFT drop.

The drop, which is scheduled to launch in September 2022, will be limited to 208 NFTs. 

10. Dentaverse: A Digital Community of Dentists Made Accessible via NFTs

Following the announcement of pharmacies opening in the metaverse, it is now time for dentists to establish their own digital community and explore a new way to study, cooperate, and deliver services.

This is the case with Dentaverse, a newly created digital dental universe built by a collaboration of artists, dentists, and technology professionals and accessible via NFT.

The Dentaverse gives access to its community through 4,000 3D NFTs created by Collation Studio, a world-renowned 3D studio.

NFTs continue to gain popularity without showing any signs of slowing.

Here are some of this week’s most notable NFT news as part of our weekly NFT news roundup.

1. Amber Lounge Starts Offering Exclusive NFT-based VIP Memberships

Amber Lounge, recognized for its exceptional experiences in and around the Formula One world, is now offering special NFT-based VIP memberships.

The ‘Amber X’ NFTs are aimed at the world’s most elite partygoers, with just 1,888 invite-only memberships available for purchase.

These club memberships grant NFT holders lifetime access to a wide range of global VIP and global Pop-Up events attended by billionaires, celebrities, and other jet setters.

2. Prada Expands Its Presence in the Web3 with the Timecapsule NFT Collection

Following the release of its first NFT in collaboration with Adidas, luxury Italian fashion house Prada has announced the release of its first independent non-fungible tokens.

The NFT initiative, dubbed Prada Timecapsule NFT Collection, is a monthly online event on the first Thursday of each month that allows consumers to access both a gender-neutral physical product and an NFT (a GIF NFT that depicts the digital equivalent of the physical item).

3. NYX Professional Makeup Enters the Metaverse with a Virtual Meta-Pride Parade

NYX Professional Makeup, a cosmetics company subsidiary of L’Oréal, announced today its Pride 2022 campaign, “Paint Your Own Story.”

The brand will celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community with month-long activities, featuring digital and physical experiences, live performances, and a first-of-its-kind virtual meta-pride parade.

NYX Professional Makeup has partnered with People of Crypto Lab (POC), a creative and innovation lab devoted to expanding representation in Web3, and The Sandbox, a pioneering decentralized gaming metaverse, to kick off the virtual meta-pride parade on June 24.

4. Dolce&Gabbana and UNXD Reveal What’s Inside DGFamily Box NFTs and Announce Upcoming Drops

A few months ago, the Italian luxury fashion house Dolce&Gabbana announced a partnership with UNXD, a curated NFT marketplace for the best of digital luxury,  to launch the DGFamily NFT community.

In order to get access to the DGFamily NFT community, people need to own a DGFamily Box NFT. DGFamily boxes are based on the classic Italian Carretto style and crafted in three increasingly rarer tiers.

Now, Dolce&Gabbana and UNXD are letting holders know what’s in their box NFTs, and they’ve already revealed the drops that will be available soon, including digital and physical wearables.

5. Plastiks Partners with Hotel Lancaster to Launch NFTs and Help Plastic Recovery

Plastiks, a recovery-guaranteed marketplace that allows sponsorship of projects that reduce plastic waste, has teamed up with Hotel Lancaster to launch a new collection of NFTs, all of which are linked to unique luxury experiences in Paris’ finest hotels while also helping to reduce plastic waste in the environment.

The NFT collection will be limited to 15 pieces at first, which will be on sale on Plastiks’ marketplace. All of these NFTs are linked to a hotel room that will include the Plastic Recovery Guarantee (PRG) in addition to the room’s artwork.

NFT holders will be able to stay one night in one of the luxury rooms for two people, as well as get other privileges such as a VIP Club Membership Card.

6. Kanye West Is Getting Ready For the NFT Space

American rapper, record producer and entrepreneur Kanye West has filed 17 trademark applications around his YEEZUS name, expressing his intentions to enter the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

According to the applications, the most influential hip hop musician of all time intends to provide an online marketplace for buyers of crypto and/or digital collectibles, currencies, tokens, and assets and an online retail store service featuring downloadable movies, digital art, and non-fungible currencies, and more.

7. KISS USA Launches Masterpiece Lash NFTs

KISS USA, the world’s leading supplier of artificial nails, press on nail manicure kits, false eyelashes, and professional hair straighteners and tools, has officially entered the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Its first NFT initiative, called KISS Masterpiece Lash NFT, comes with four limited-edition luxe digital collectibles that will be distributed randomly through a raffle.

Users will be able to participate in the raffle by submitting their entries on the dedicated page from today through June 25, and the winners will be announced on June 30.

8. Mariah Carey Launches Her First NFT, Giving Fans the Chance to Fly with Her

American singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer Mariah Carey is entering the NFT space with the launch of her first NFT initiative.

The NFT represents a boarding pass (on “Butterfly Airways,” of course), and features a glitter-accented spinning boarding pass in Carey’s characteristic “pink but lavender” coloring. In addition to the NFT release, the artist will also make a special audio recording.

The NFT includes a chance to meet Carey and fly with her on a private plane to New York later this month when the music icon will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The winning bidder (and a guest) will also be seated at Carey’s table at the induction ceremony.

9. Warner Bros to Turn Looney Tunes Into NFTs

Warner Bros., the famous American film and entertainment company associated with Looney Tunes, the animated animals that have been around since 1930, has announced its plans to turn them into non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

The company is partnering with Nifty’s platform to roll out the “Looney Tunes: What’s Up Block”? NFT initiative.

To commemorate the character’s 80th birthday, the first drop will include 10,000 Tweety Avatars for $80 each. Bugs Bunny and Marvin the Martian are also expected to appear.

10. Michael and Jeffrey Jordan’s HEIR Company Launches Athlete Membership NFT

HEIR, a Web3 platform founded by Michael Jordan and his son Jeffrey last December, is expanding into the NFT space by introducing its first athlete membership NFT with Bulls star Lonzo Ball.

The NFT collection, which includes 4,200 NFTs, was created in partnership with Chicago native and famous streetwear designer Don C. and will be available on Magic Eden’s Launchpad, a Solana-based marketplace, on June 7.

NFT holders will not only own the digital artwork; they will also receive access to special content, products, in-person events, Q&As, and other experiences.

Originally published at https://blog.cryptoflies.com on June 5, 2022.

NFTs continue to gain in popularity without signs of slowing down.

We’ll review the most noteworthy NFT news from this week as part of our weekly NFT news roundup.

1. Australia Zoo Launches Wildlife Warriors 20th Anniversary NFT Collection

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of its Wildlife Warriors, Australia Zoo has teamed with Meadow Labs, an Australian technology company, to create its first NFT initiative.

Steve and Terri Irwin founded Wildlife Warriors in 2002 to involve and incorporate other loving individuals in the preservation of injured, threatened, or endangered wildlife, from individual animals to entire species.

The NFT project will comprise a series of drops, each focused on a different species from the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors.

2. Wall Street’s ‘Fearless Girl’ Statue to debut as NFT

Kristen Visbal, the American artist who sculpted the famed Fearless Girl bronze statue in New York City’s Wall Street district, announced the launch of an NFT collection, marking the first virtual rendering of the sculpture, with the first drop released on May 10.

Visbal has teamed up with digital art studio 9ifx.net to bring her storyboards to life, releasing 226 NFTs, containing a single copy of a mini movie, as well as the first private placement of a full-sized Fearless Girl statue.

3. Singer Madonna Launches “Mother of Creation” NFT Series

American singer-songwriter and actress Madonna has announced a collaboration with the digital artist Mike Winkelmann, known as Beeple, to launch her own NFT project.

The “Mother of Creation“ NFT project consists of three digital collectibles that highlight and depict the concept of creation and motherhood, with each reflecting a distinct type of birth in our modern society.

Despite initial community criticism and response indicating that the NFTs were exhibiting nudity and appeared coarse in their eyes, Madonna sold her Mother of Creation NFT series for over $600,000.

4. Metabloxz Brings Kronans Apotek Swedish Pharmacy Chain into the Metaverse

Metabloxz, a scalable and adaptable metaverse platform, has teamed with Kronans Apotek, one of Sweden’s major pharmaceutical chains, to create its first metaverse demo pharmacy.

The launch took place at Epicenter during SIME, Northern Europe’s leading strategic event on digitization.

Through this new initiative, the pharmacy chain wants to explore the possibilities for future e-commerce in the virtual world, with the aim to allow customers to enjoy a new type of purchasing experience. They will, in fact, be able to purchase pharmaceutical products and receive them directly at their doorsteps with the help of robots.

5. AC Milan Partners with BitMEX to Launch Limited edition ‘Born to Lead’ NFT Collection

AC Milan has announced a collaboration with BitMEX, a P2P crypto-products trading platform, to develop a new NFT initiative called ‘Born to Lead.’

The ‘Born to Lead’ NFT Collection, created in collaboration with NYC-based multidisciplinary creative studio Burn & Broad, is a series of one-of-a-kind digital artworks celebrating the greatest moments in the club’s history, featuring club legends Franco Baresi, Daniele Massaro, and Massimo Ambrosini.

6. Dwyane Wade and Budweiser Zero Launch “Budverse Legends” NFT Series

Former professional basketball player in the U.S. Dwyane Wade is teaming up with Budweiser Zero, a non-alcoholic beer that he co-founded and helped launch in ’20, in an attempt to break into the “BUDVERSE” and the realm of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

The “Budverse Legends: Dwyane Wade x Budweiser Zero Edition” NFT series will debut on May 24 as a result of the partnership.

The NFTs will be distributed in three tiers, each with various levels of merchandise and in-person experiences as a reward.

7. 99-Year-Old Brand Wendell August Introduces its Genesis NFT Collection 

Wendell August Forge is America’s oldest and largest, crafting hand-wrought ornamental metalware and elegant giftware since 1923. Its mission has been the same since then: to produce functional art that will shape life’s memorable moments.

Now, the company is announcing the debut of its Genesis NFT collection in an effort to focus on the massive surge of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and build a community of collectors and fans of its brand.

Wendell August’s Genesis NFT collection includes 5,000 NFTs, starting with 1,000 NFTs in whitelist sale and 4,000 in public sale.

8. The Giro d’Italia Launches Its First NFT Collection

The Giro d’Italia, Italy’s annual multi-stage bicycle race, has announced the debut of its first NFT collection.

The Giro d’Italia’s NFT collection, created in collaboration with ItaliaNFT – an Italian NFT marketplace – was released on the Giro’s social networks, with a teaser tweet saying that “Giro d’Italia has never been so cryptic.”

Users will also be able to purchase jerseys, Giro logos, including some rare NFTs with distinctive and highly sought-after qualities, and also the most valuable NFT in the collection will be titled “Trofeo Senza Fine,” a golden spiral trophy representing triumph and the dream of all Giro d’Italia contestants.

9. FOMO Lab Introduces Genesis Mr Bean NFT Collection 

FOMO Lab, the leading intellectual property specialist who guides brands to become part of the web3 revolution, has introduced the genesis Mr Bean collection, in collaboration with Banijay, the world’s largest international content producer and distributor.

The Mr Bean NFT collection includes 3,333 digital collectibles, which will be available for purchase at FOMO Lab’s marketplace, The Avenue (https://theavenue.market/), from 25th May.

10. Car Design Firm Pininfarina Launches its First-Ever NFT Collection Based on its Modulo Concept Car

Pininfarina, the world’s most renowned Italian automotive design firm and coachbuilder, with headquarters in Italy, has announced the launch of its first-ever non-fungible token (NFT) collection.

The collection is completely centered on, and shows, the original and unique “one-off” automobile sketches of the Modulo concept car, made in 1970, saved in Pininfarina’s secret archive and never revealed to the public, and contains five unique pieces of art, merging design, music, and technology.

Originally published at https://blog.cryptoflies.com on May 15, 2022.

The popularity of NFTs is growing and shows no signs of slowing down.

In our weekly roundup of NFT news, we will review the most noteworthy news from this week.

1. Move-to-Earn Fitness App STEPN Partners with ASICS to Release NFT Sneakers

STEPN, a move-to-earn Web3 running app, recently announced a partnership with ASICS to release a limited-edition STEPN-ASICS Sneaker NFT mystery box collection.

There are four Sneaker types: Walker, Jogger, Runner or Trainer. Each one is tailored to certain exercise intensity and fitness levels. In the STEPN mobile app, users who have these NFT Sneakers can go around and collect tokens and NFT rewards.

2. BingX Introduces NFT Crowdfunding, Allowing Users to Divide an NFT into Multiple Fragments and Raise Funds to Buy it Together

NFTs are getting more costly, and not everyone can afford to buy them. To address this issue, BingX, a global digital asset, spot, and derivatives trading platform, is offering NFT crowdfunding.

The NFT crowdfunding project, which supports USDT/ETH pairings, will run for 14 days, with April 29th, 2022 as a start. During this period, the NFT will be divided into many shards, and users will be able to subscribe to a specific number of shards.

Investors can profit from the NFT’s later advantages, such as airdrops. If the crowdfunding effort is successful, they can also choose to sell the NFT shards to others.

3. Hyundai Launches 10,000 Ethereum-based ‘Shooting Star’ NFTs

Earlier this week, Hyundai announced the launch of its first-ever NFT collection.

The collection, dubbed “Shooting Star,” features 10,000 official Ethereum-based NFTs that will be sold on its official NFT website, hyundai-nft.com.

Pre-sale for whitelist buyers who won the NFT community event hosted by Hyundai Motor will be on May 9, followed by a general sale on May 10.

4. Vatican’s Art Heritage to Be Hosted in the Metaverse

Sensorium, a leading metaverse developer, leveraging the latest AI, VR, and NFT solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with the Humanity 2.0 Foundation.

The parties will collaborate on the creation of the world’s first VR and NFT gallery, which will house the Vatican’s art, content, and academic initiatives.

The public-private cooperation intends to make the Vatican’s heritage – manuscripts, artworks, and academic initiatives – more accessible to individuals who might otherwise be unable to see it.

5. Leeds United Football Club Launches 11 NFTs to Support Ukraine

Leeds United Football Club has released a limited series of NFTs in order to raise funds for the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, in response to the humanitarian catastrophe created by the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe.

These limited edition NFTs feature the starting XI’s exclusive ‘no war’ jerseys worn before the Manchester City match.

Each NFT includes a card-style element that depicts the front and back of the player’s shirt, as well as a digital signature from the player in question.

6. Starbucks Plans to Create a Series of Branded NFT Collections

Starbucks has expressed its intention to launch a series of branded NFT collections, the purchase of which starts community membership and grants access to special experiences and perks.

Starbucks aims to start with its first NFT collection, membership, and community later this year. It will come with a host of unique experiences and benefits, worthy of a genesis NFT collection from Starbucks.

7. Brian & Brittney Kelley Announce the ‘Chill Cowboy Country Club’ NFT Collection

Florida Georgia Line‘s Brian Kelley and wife Brittney have announced the launch of their upcoming limited-edition NFT collection, Chill Cowboy Country Club (CCCC).

NFT holders will receive their own Chill Cowboy or Cowgirl after the tokens will be minted.

By purchasing a Chill Cowboy NFT, customers join the CCCC family and have access to all club privileges, including free tickets, special merchandise, access to performers, unreleased music, and, of course, the popular Chill Cowboy Fest, a two-day event only for NFT holders.

8. TravelX and Kiu System Solutions Partner to Enable 73 Airlines to Distribute Inventory as NFTickets

TravelX, the business developing the travel industry’s blockchain-based distribution protocol, today announced a partnership with Kiu System Solutions via Kiu PSS, an airline commercialization solution that includes tools for managing inventories, bookings, and tickets.

As a result, 73 airlines will be able to tokenize and distribute inventory as NFTs via the blockchain ecosystem.

By tokenizing and internationally distributing inventory as NFTickets, the strategic collaboration enables airlines to minimize distribution and transaction costs while increasing revenue and enhancing the traveler experience.

9. HomeStart Aims to Save Families from Eviction by Selling NFT Apartments in the Metaverse

HomeStart, a non-profit organization devoted to reducing homelessness, is starting its INVERSE project to assist families facing eviction by selling virtual apartments in the metaverse.

Each apartment will be represented by a unique non-fungible token (NFT), and acquiring the NFT will entitle the buyer to that apartment.

The apartments start at one Ethereum (ETH), which is around $3000 and roughly what it costs to stop an eviction and provide 12 months of support for a family in a major US city.

10. Melania Trump Launches Limited-edition MetaRose NFT to honor National Foster Care Month

Mrs. Trump has created and launched a limited-edition piece of artwork called The MetaRose to honor National Foster Care Month.

The MetaRose NFT was inspired by a series of photographs Mrs. Trump captured with her camera and then reimagined the original images with her team of designers to create the final 3D animated piece.

Proceeds from the sale of The MetaRose will benefit foster children through Fostering the Future initiatives.

Originally published at https://blog.cryptoflies.com on May 8, 2022.

NFTs are gaining in popularity and show no signs of stopping.

We’ll review the most noteworthy NFT news from this week as part of our weekly NFT news roundup.

1. Harvey Nichols Hong Kong Introduces HN NFT Vault, a Space Designed for NFT Collectors

Harvey Nichols announced HN NFT Vault, its NFT retail concept space.

The HN NFT Vault, which opened at Harvey Nichols Pacific Place, provides a handpicked selection of NFTs from prominent blue-chip projects for exploration and sale, including CryptoPunks, Bored Ape Yacht Club, CloneX x Takashi Murakami, RTFKT MNLTH, Azuki, and Doodles.

The company hopes to make NFTs more accessible to a wider audience with the new space, which will include a variety of NFTs from some of the world’s most successful projects for in-store investigation and purchase.

2. Meta Opens Physical Store to Introduce People to the Metaverse

Meta isn’t only interested in the metaverse anymore. With plans to establish ‘The Meta Store’ in Burlingame, California on May 9th, Facebook’s parent company is branching out into the real world.

Customers will be able to interact with virtual reality headset Quest 2, smart glasses Ray-Ban Stories, and video-calling gadget Portal at the company’s first physical shop, giving them a first peek at the virtual world that will undoubtedly prevail in the near future.

3. First NFT Air Ticket “NFTicket” Sells for $1 Million In Live Auction

After announcing their partnership and the introduction of the world’s first non-fungible token (NFT) flight ticket series, TravelX and Air Europa today announced the end of the auction for the first NFT air ticket, also known as the “NFTicket,” which raised USD 1,002,000.

The NFT in question, termed Future Eternal, was created by Carlos Betancourt. Future Eternal is a journey into an interplanetary multi-verse flight, an area of mind and spirit parallel worlds where the past and future are always evolving, sparking new possibilities and, finally, new memories.

4. DAMAC Group To Enter the Metaverse With Virtual Homes, Real Estate and more

DAMAC Group – the parent company of global property development company DAMAC Properties, data center firm Edgnex, luxury jeweller de Grisogono and fashion house Roberto Cavalli – has announced plans to enter the metaverse and establish its own digital cities.

The Group, which will be directed by Ali Sajwani, Chief Executive Officer of D-Labs and DAMAC General Manager, will be referred to as ‘D-Labs.’ The effort is part of the company’s broader plans to move into digital assets and non-fungible tokens (NFT), and he is entrusted with achieving the organization’s aim of becoming a top global digital brand.

5. Nike and RTFKT Reveal What’s Inside their “MNLTH” NFT: Nike Dunk Sneakers

After months of generating hype on social media and in the NFT community, Nike and RTKT have finally revealed what’s inside their mysterious “MNLTH” NFT: a pair of digital Nike Dunk sneakers, dubbed “Cryptokicks,” in a variety of colors and styles.

6. OliveX Fitness Metaverse: the Platform that Rewards Gamers with Crypto and NFTs while They Exercise

OliveX, a digital health and fitness company that creates one-of-a-kind user experiences through fitness gamification, augmented reality, and play-to-earn experiences, wants to gamify fitness by combining the physical and virtual worlds.

Its ambitions include rewarding users with DOSE tokens and NFTs for completing tasks in OliveX’s adventure game, which will encourage more people to exercise. Participants are challenged to accomplish various distances in the real world while holding their smartphones in this game.

7. Paco Rabanne Partners with Selfridges to Release 12 ‘Unwearable’ Dresses NFTs

Paco Rabanne and Selfridges have launched a partnership to embrace the non-fungible tokens (NFTs) world by producing clothes as NFTs.

Paco Rabanne’s couture debut was in 1966, with “12 unwearable outfits in contemporary fabrics.”

Now, the brand is taking the notion of ‘unwearable’ a step further by creating 12 NFT dresses based on some of its most innovative couture designs from the preceding seven decades, bridging the gap between the past, present, and future.

8. Chobani Files Trademark Application to Enter the Metaverse

Chobani, the American food company specializing in strained yogurt, has filed a trademark application expressing its intention to enter the metaverse and embrace the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

According to the trademark application, the company aims to provide NFTs, virtual goods, online retail store services featuring virtual merchandise, and more.

9. Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Launches “Ticket Stubs” NFT Series In Collaboration with FTX

The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team has announced the launch of a series of NFTs in collaboration with FTX, one of the most innovative cryptocurrency exchanges in the world.

Throughout the year, the Team and FTX will release free-to-claim NFT “Ticket Stubs” – artistic interpretations of a Mercedes-AMG Petronas race ticket – as well as unique and rare NFTs created by some of the world’s leading artists, which will be auctioned off at various points during the 2022 season, beginning in Miami.

A limited-edition run of 1000 Miami-inspired NFT Ticket Stubs created by Mad Dog can be claimed by fans at nftmercedesamgf1.com starting on Friday 6th May.

10. McLaren Enters the Web3 with MSO LAB, a Dedicated Space for McLaren NFTs

British luxury supercar maker McLaren Automotive has announced the launch of McLaren Special Operations (MSO) LAB.

The MSO LAB will house rare limited-edition McLaren NFTs, which will be available for the first time shortly.

The Genesis Collection, MSO LAB’s first NFT release, will be available by invitation only on May 11th, 2022, and will be an ultra-limited randomized mint showcasing one of McLaren’s most known automobiles, with a price and further specifics to be revealed in the coming two weeks.

Originally published at https://blog.cryptoflies.com on May 1, 2022.

NFTs are gaining in popularity and show no signs of stopping.

We’ll look through the most relevant NFT news from this week as part of our weekly NFT news roundup.

1. Louis Vuitton Is Taking the Next Step on the Road of NFTs

Following the release of Louis: The Game last August, which allowed players to earn historical postcard NFTs, Louis Vuitton has upgraded its standalone game app with new objectives and NFT awards, indicating the luxury brand’s strong commitment in its virtual platform.

The NFT program aims to educate players about the brand’s history by using randomly given free NFTs rather than an auction or a paid sale. Players who reach a certain level, like in the first edition, will be eligible for an NFT raffle.

The lottery will provide a total of ten new NFTs depicting the game’s character, Vivienne, who is an anthropomorphism of the company’s monogram, and will be available until August 4th.

1. Nestlé Releases Its First NFTs to Commemorate the Launch of the TRIX® Breakfast Cereal Brand

Nestlé has released its first NFTs on OpenSea to celebrate the introduction of the TRIX® Breakfast Cereal brand in the Middle East and North Africa.

The NFTs feature a glass ball with Dubai’s “Burj Khalifa” skyline and a new breakfast cereal brand within. The NFT also includes ‘The TRIX® Rabbit,’ which has been a breakfast cereal emblem since the 1950s.

From March 18 to May 13, the TRIX® Globe will be auctioned off in a one-of-a-kind limited edition of only two NFTs.

1. Brewing Company Anheuser-Busch Is Set to Enter the Metaverse with BUDVERSE

Brewing company Anheuser-Busch has filed trademark applications for BUDWEISER, BUD LIGHT, BUDVERSE, STELLA ARTOIS, and MICHELOB ULTRA, expressing its intention to enter the metaverse and embrace non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

1. Whisky Ardbeg Fon Fhòid Is Being Sold as an NFT on Blockbar.com

With the release of a limited edition collectible from its Ardbeg single malt Scotch whiskey brand, Moët Hennessy has become the latest spirits brand owner to enter the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Ardbeg Fon Fhòid NFT will be available only on BlockBar.com, a website that sells NFTs (digital assets) directly from premium liquor brands, with each NFT corresponding to a real bottle.

Each whiskey NFT is limited to 456 units and costs 1.00 ETH.

1. NTRY Launches First-Ever Real Estate Metaverse Marking the Start of a New Era for the Real Estate Industry

NTRY, a Canadian company with worldwide ambitions, will debut its platform later this week to make it easier to exhibit, market, and sell real estate properties online.

Traditional property marketing strategies are given new life by the NTRY platform, which is meant for brokers, agents, developers, and purchasers.

The NTRY platform takes advantage of the power of high-fidelity 3D modeling, transforming renderings and still photos into interactive displays for developers’ latest offerings and seamlessly blending them into a mirror of the real environment.

1. NAPA Is Set To Enter the Metaverse with Virtual Car Repair Services

NAPA, the American retailers’ cooperative distributing automotive replacement parts, accessories and service items, has filed a trademark application for its logo indicating plans for entering the metaverse and embracing the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

According to the trademark application, the company aims to provide virtual vehicles, NFTs, motor vehicle repair services online, and much more.

1. Coinbase Releases Beta Version of Its NFT Marketplace

Coinbase revealed ambitions to build an NFT marketplace last year. Now, only a few months later, Coinbase has announced the beta launch of its NFT marketplace at nft.coinbase.com.

Coinbase aims to begin with a limited set of beta testers who will be invited based on their place on the waitlist.

1. The Crystal Method Auctions New Music Video as an NFT on MakersPlace

MakersPlace, the premier market to discover, collect and invest in rare and authentic digital artworks, announced that The Crystal Method, the American electronic music act formed in Las Vegas, Nevada, by Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland in the early 1990s, will be auctioning their new lead single’s music video “Watch Me Now” as an NFT on its platform on April 26, 2022, at 3:30 PM PT.

1. Colnago Joins the Blockchain Revolution and Starts Selling Bicycles Linked to NFTs

Colnago, a manufacturer of high-end road-racing bicycles founded by Ernesto Colnago in Italy in 1952, has announced the adoption of blockchain technology within its business.

Colnago will make a non-fungible token (NFT) version of each bike available to the owner.

MyLime, Colnago’s technological partner, has built an RFID tag that is irrevocably tied to the bike frame and gives access to the information in the bike’s digital passport through a smartphone app linked to the blockchain.

1. Link in Bio platform Koji Announces NFT Listening Party, a New App for Musicians to Create NFT-gated Listening Experiences

Koji, the world’s most powerful Link in Bio platform and the largest app store for social media, has announced the launch of NFT Listening Party, a new app that allows musicians to create NFT-gated listening experiences for their fans.

Artists can use NFT Listening Party to provide fans with early access to their latest beats, songs, albums, and more. Configuring the app is as simple as uploading an audio file, choosing availability dates, and specifying the NFT necessary for fans to listen.

Originally published at https://blog.cryptoflies.com on April 24, 2022.

NFTs show no signs of slowing down, and their popularity continues to grow.

We’ll review the most noteworthy NFT news from this week as part of our weekly NFT news roundup.

1. OpenSea Partners with MoonPay To Enable NFT Purchases with Bank Cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay

MoonPay just announced a new partnership with OpenSea. OpenSea will be able to use MoonPay’s NFT Checkout to give greater access to NFTs to OpenSea users as a result of this agreement.

Simply put, users will be able to buy NFTs on OpenSea using their credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay anytime soon.

2. Polo Ralph Lauren Is Set to Enter the Metaverse with Virtual Fashion Shows, Clothing, Hotels, and more

Polo, Ralph Lauren’s most well-known sub-brand, has submitted nine trademark applications to register its Polo Player Logo, as well as the names POLO and RALPH LAUREN, indicating its plan to enter the metaverse and use non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

According to the applications, the brand seeks to deliver the solutions:

• Virtual fashion shows;

• NFTs;

• Virtual hotels and restaurants;

• Virtual clothing, footwear, accessories, fragrances, and home goods.

3. English Footballer Phil Jones Partners with Antourage to Launch Metaverse Project and NFTs

Phil Jones, an English professional footballer who plays for Manchester United in the Premier League, has teamed up with Antourage, a Stockholm-based media platform, to establish Red Lion Sports Club, a new metaverse membership venture (RLSC).

The RLSC is a one-of-a-kind metaverse location where athletes and fans can socialize, view movies, play games, donate to good causes, and compete for prizes.

The RLSC has a maximum capacity of 4,444 spaces and is only available through a set of algorithmically created, metaverse-ready Red Lion non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

4. Metaverse Yacht Company Unveils the World’s Most Expensive Yacht NFT

Cyber Yachts, the world’s first metaverse boat firm, has launched the world’s most expensive NFT — a 120-meter (394-foot) super yacht named “Indah” that costs $400,000,000 and can be paid in ETH, BTC, or LTNM.

The buyer will also receive a completely finished 394-foot mega-yacht based on the same design, built by one of the world’s most renowned luxury yacht shipbuilders, in addition to the NFT.

5. SecuX Launches SecuX Nifty, the World’s First NFT Hardware Wallet Designed for Collectors

SecuX, a crypto and blockchain security firm, has launched SecuX Nifty, the world’s first-ever hardware wallet for NFT collectors.

NFT collectors may use SecuX Nifty to properly manage, store, display, and safeguard their NFTs.

The hardware wallet is the first of its type, allowing users to not only store their private key offline, keeping it safe from hackers, but also to download, inspect, and validate the NFT picture before approving transactions on the large 2.8-inch color touchscreen.

6. Andy Nguyen Launches Food Fighters Universe (FFU) NFT Collection to Help Develop NFT-backed Restaurant Group

The Food Fighters Universe (FFU) NFT collection, which will integrate food and Web3, was revealed by Andy Nguyen and Kevin Seo, the foodpreneurs behind the world’s first Bored Ape restaurant, Bored & Hungry.

The FFU NFT collection, which will debut in May, will include 10,000 unique tokens on the ETH (Ethereum) network.

Each purchase will contribute to the growth of the world’s first NFT-backed restaurant group, whose objective is to build meeting spaces in real life (IRL) and in the metaverse while simultaneously offering value and experiences to Food Fighters NFT holders.

7. ESPN Partners with Autograph and Launches “Man in the Arena: Tom Brady” NFT Collection

ESPN has signed a multi-year contract with Autograph, a Web3 company co-founded by Tom Brady that is pioneering a new age of digital experiences.

The partnership kicks out with the publication of an NFT collection based on Religion of Sports’ 10-part ESPN+ documentary series Man in the Arena: Tom Brady, in which Brady is also a co-founder.

Three ESPN zine covers depict Brady’s career, wins, and accomplishments throughout the collection. In addition, Brady will autograph fifty NFTs from the collection.

8. Norwegian Cruise Line Announces the Launch of Cruise Industry’s First NFT Collection

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), a pioneer in worldwide cruise travel with a history of breaking barriers, has launched the first collection of NFTs in the cruise industry.

NCL will auction and sell a collection of six NFTs on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at 9 a.m., to commemorate the launch of the Company’s cutting-edge Norwegian Prima Class. The online NFT marketplace from NCL is slated to launch soon.

The winner of the auction will get a balcony cabin on one of Norwegian Prima’s debut journeys to the United States, which will sail from NCL’s stunning new PortMiami port in Miami, the Cruise Capital of the World.

9. eToro Steps into the NFT Space with eToro.art

With the introduction of eToro.art, a new patron program to assist NFT creators, agencies, and brands, eToro, the social investing network, took its first step into the world of NFTs today.

The $20 million fund will be used by eToro to buy blue chip NFTs as well as invest in and support new NFT developers and initiatives. eToro wants to introduce the power, joy, and community of NFTs to its 27 million registered users, in addition to providing new methods to explore and enjoy NFTs.

10. Mastercard Is Set to Enter the Metaverse and Embrace NFTs

Mastercard, the global financial services business based in the United States, has filed 15 trademark applications for the terms “MASTERCARD,” “PRICELESS,” and its Circles logo, indicating its ambition to enter the metaverse and adopt non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

The company intends to supply multimedia files authorized by NFTs, as well as markets for digital goods and NFT-backed media, according to the trademark filings.

It also promises to handle “virtual credit card, virtual debit card, virtual prepaid card, and virtual payment card transactions in the metaverse,” as well as provide financial information in the metaverse and other virtual worlds.

Originally published at https://blog.cryptoflies.com on April 10, 2022.

Adoption of NFTs does not seem to be slowing down, and it is predicted to continue increasing.

Here are our top ten NFT news stories from this week, as part of our weekly NFT news roundup.

1.Jacob & Co. Announces “Astronomia Metaverso” NFT Watch Collection

Jewelry and wristwatch retailer Jacob & Co. announced the release of a new NFT and physical watch collection.

Dubbed Astronomia Metaverso, the NFT collection was designed in collaboration with UNXD, an NFT marketplace for luxury and culture, where the NFTs will go on sale.

The NFTs in the collection are all named after planets in the solar system (except for Pluto). So far, three versions have been revealed; Venus, Mars, and Saturn.

2.Cold Stone Creamery Is Set to Enter the Metaverse with Virtual Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, and more

American ice cream parlor chain Cold Stone Creamery has filed a trademark application expressing its intention to enter the metaverse.

According to the trademark application, the company aims to provide virtual goods, including ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbets, and more, for use in online virtual worlds.

Plans also call for the development of retail store services featuring virtual goods and entertainment services, such as virtual restaurants and catering services for use in virtual environments.

3.Startup FUEL Raises $1.5M in Funding Round To Become the “Shopify for NFTs”

Berlin-based startup FUEL has raised $1.5 million in a funding round to further develop its platform, which will make it possible for creators to build their own custom NFT shops requiring no technical knowledge.

The platform will enable creators to launch, manage, grow and sell NFTs using a broad range of tools that are seamlessly integrated into the FUEL platform and do not require any coding expertise.

4.DC Comics Announces Bat Cowl NFT Collection

DC Comics announced the Bat Cowl NFT collection.

The Bat Cowl Collection, created in collaboration with DC, Palm NFT Studio, and Daz3D, contains 200,000 NFTs, representing 100 unique traits and +2BN combinations.

Featuring unique traits and identities, NFTs in the Bat Cowl Collection reflect the variety of Batman stories.

5. KFC to Enter the Metaverse with Virtual Food and Restaurants

KFC has filed trademark applications to enter the metaverse and embrace non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

As described in the applications, the company aims to provide virtual goods, like food and drinks, as well as NFTs.

Additionally, the company plans to provide online retail services featuring NFTs, virtual restaurants, and food and drink items available in virtual spaces.

6. Visa Releases Program to Help Creators Explore NFTs

Visa has officially announced its Visa Creator Program, an initiative that helps digital-first artists, musicians, fashion designers, and filmmakers speed up their small businesses through non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Specifically, the program focuses on supporting creators in five key areas: technical and product mentorship; community building; access to thought leaders; exposure to Visa’s clients and partners; stipend.

7. Nifty Gateway Teams Up with Samsung to Launch World’s First Smart TV NFT Platform

Nifty Gateway, the premier marketplace for NFTs, announced its partnership with Samsung to create the first-ever smart TV NFT platform for discovering, buying, and trading digital collectibles.

Nifty Gateway is now integrated with Samsung’s NFT platform in their 2022 premium TV product lines such as QLED and Neo QLED TV. It will also provide its own app for The Frame and MICRO LED.

8. Taco Bell Plans to Enter the Metaverse with Virtual Restaurants Featuring Real Home Delivery

Taco Bell, the American-based chain of fast-food restaurants, has filed trademark applications for its name and logo for entering the metaverse and embracing non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

According to the trademark applications, the company aims to provide virtual goods, including virtual food and drinks, authenticated by NFTs.

Also, the company’s plans mention the provision of virtual restaurants, featuring home delivery in the real world, where users can earn reward points and virtual currency which may be used to purchase food and beverages in the real and virtual worlds.

9. Trulieve Launches Limited ‘4.20 for All’ Cannabis NFT Collection

Trulieve Cannabis Corp., a premier and top-performing cannabis company in the United States, introduced its “4.20 for All” NFT collection today.

Each NFT features a distinct hand clutching a cannabis product. The campaign promotes the broad community and culture of cannabis, which encompasses all sorts of users and products.

10. Hooters Is Set to Enter the Metaverse with Virtual Restaurants Featuring Virtual Foods and Real Home Delivery

Hooters has filed a trademark application expressing clearly its intention to enter the metaverse.

According to the application, the company aims to provide virtual food and beverage and also a virtual restaurant. Hooters’ metaverse restaurant will offer actual and virtual food, as well as real home delivery services.

Originally published at https://blog.cryptoflies.com on April 3, 2022.

As part of our weekly NFT news roundup, here are the most relevant NFT stories from this week.

1. DKNY Plans to Enter the Metaverse with Virtual Clothing, Furniture, and more

Fashion brand DKNY has filed a trademark application outlining its plans to venture into the metaverse and embrace non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

The trademark application indicates that the company intends to provide virtual goods, such as clothing, footwear, home decor, furniture, cosmetics, wallets, and much more, for use in virtual worlds.

2. NFT Project Bullishly Bred Introduces Blockchain-based Registry for Dog Breeders and Pet Owners

Bullishly Bred is bringing change to the world of pet ownership and dog breeding via its immutable blockchain-based registry – a universal standard that captures all of the very important details about a pet’s origin, ownership, and more.

Bullishly Bred plans to establish an inclusive pet exchange where all breeds – including designer breeds (Sheepadoodles) or health-tested exotic colors (merles) – will be registered, contributing to reducing backyard breeding by ensuring DNA, ownership, and a publically accessible genealogy.

3. Video Game Tetris Is Set to Enter the Metaverse

The iconic puzzle video game Tetris, created in 1984 by Soviet software engineer Alexey Pajitnov, has applied for a trademark for “TETRIS” indicating its intention to enter the metaverse.

The trademark application states that the company intends to provide NFTs, blockchain software, and online virtual environments.

4. Burger King Is Set to Enter the Metaverse With Virtual Food and Restaurants

The multinational chain of hamburger fast food restaurants, Burger King, has filed a trademark application for “BURKER KING” to indicate plans to enter the metaverse.

In its trademark application, the food brand states that it intends to provide virtual goods, including food items and beverages, for use in virtual worlds, NFTs, and virtual cafes and restaurants.

5. David Beckham Enters the Metaverse and Becomes Global Ambassador for DigitalBits Blockchain

Known for his achievements in sports and entrepreneurship, David Beckham has been named a global brand ambassador for DigitalBits, an open-source, easy-to-use blockchain that powers digital assets like NFTs and stablecoins.

Beckham will engage in a series of projects to demonstrate the potential of DigitalBits blockchain technology, which is highly efficient and eco-friendly.

As part of his innovation strategy, Beckham will launch NFTs and other Blockchain-based digital assets that will be minted exclusively on the eco-friendly DigitalBits blockchain that will offer fans a whole new world of possibilities.

6. World’s First Metaverse Pharmacy to Open in Decentraland

iMining Technologies partnered with Noman Qureshi, who manages multiple pharmacies in the Greater Toronto area (the “Pharmacy Group”), to help the Pharmacy Group develop and execute its digital and metaverse-related strategies.

MAG will provide the Pharmacy Group with an online, AI-enabled e-commerce platform for their pharmaceutical business in the Metaverse.

The Metaverse pharmacy aims to improve medication adherence by offering patients the ability to set up automatic refill reminders for prescription medications delivered directly to their homes, as well as make appointments with licensed pharmacists online.

7. Sylvester Stallone Is Launching PlanetSly NFT Collection

Sylvester Stallone is embracing the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) by launching the PlanetSly NFT collection.

The collection contains 9,997 NFTs celebrating his life and career.

Besides the different images of Stallone, some of the NFTs will include opportunities for fans to interact with him, such as dinners, virtual movie screenings, and exclusive events, giving fans the opportunity to get close to one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

8. Nelson Mandela’s Original Arrest Warrant Auctioned as NFT in Cape Town

Momint – an African-based company that operates a social marketplace for non-fungible tokens – has tokenized Nelson Mandela’s original 1961 warrant of arrest into an NFT.

The NFT was auctioned yesterday at Grand Africa Café in Granger Bay. The sale proceeds will benefit the Liliesleaf Farm Museum.

9. Ukraine Launches NFT War Museum, Aimed at Exposing Russian War Crimes Against Ukrainians

Yesterday, the Ukrainian government announced the launch of an NFT project to commemorate the history of the Russian invasion.

The NFT war museum project, which has been dubbed the “Meta History Museum of War,” includes a collection of NFTs, with each based on a real news article from a trusted source, illustrated by Ukrainian or international artists.

The collection will serve to memorialize war crimes as well as to celebrate Ukrainian identity full of freedom and beauty.

10. Singer Madonna Buys Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT for $560K

Madonna has joined the movement of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) with the purchase of a Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT.

The NFT in question is BAYC #4988, which, based on OpenSea’s historical data, was bought for 180 ETH or approximately $560,000 at the time of purchase.

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Originally published at https://blog.cryptoflies.com on March 27, 2022.

There are no signs that the adoption of NFTs will slow down, and it is expected to reach higher levels.

Following are our top ten NFT news stories from this week, as part of our weekly NFT news roundup.

1. Crurated Launches “The All Heart Auction” to Support Ukraine By Selling Rare Wines Accompanied by NFTs

Crurated, the London-based membership wine community, will dedicate the week of March 14-20, 2022 for a charity auction of rare wines from world-renowned producers in support of the humanitarian needs of the Ukrainian people.

Wines donated to the auction will include Louis Roederer Cristal, Domaine Meo-Camuzet, Domaine Dujac, and others.

Crurated has also developed a platform that provides customers with non-fungible tokens (NFTs) with every purchase they make.

In addition to verifying the authenticity of the bottle, the NFT provides information including ownership history, vintage, vineyard location, varietal, and more.

2. Ukraine Government to Release NFT to Mark History of Russian Invasion

The Ukrainian government has announced the launch of a non-fungible token (NFT) to mark the history of the Russian invasion in a new use of digital assets to fund the war effort.

NFT will serve as a museum dedicated to the Russian-Ukrainian War. With this NFT format, the Ukrainian government intends to communicate the war’s results to the world.

According to The Guardian, Alex Bornyakov, Ukrainian deputy minister for digital transformation and IT industry development, stated that every NFT will include a piece of art representing a trustworthy news report. 

3. LimeWire Selects Algorand Blockchain for the Relaunch of its NFT Marketplace

In the news a few days ago, it was reported that LimeWire would relaunch as an NFT marketplace, led by Austrian brothers Julian and Paul Zehetmayr.

In the next step, LimeWire announced that it would use the Algorand blockchain to relaunch its digital collectibles marketplace.

Algorand was selected because of its carbon-negative blockchain, scalability, security, and reliability

LimeWire will not only mint digital collectibles on Algorand, but will also launch a token later this year that will provide members with exclusive community access, voting mechanisms, and rewards.

4. McDonald’s Enters the NFT World in Italy With “NFT Triplo Level Up” Contest

McDonald’s has already taken multiple actions that indicate its interest in entering the metaverse and exploring non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

McDonald’s is now expanding its NFT efforts in Italy as well, after experimenting in multiple countries.

As such, the launch of the Triple Cheeseburger turned into an opportunity for three emerging artists from the NFT universe, along with Ghali, an ambassador of the campaign and a representative of McDonald’s values of togetherness, inclusion, and multiculturalism.

Under his guidance, the artists Daniele Tozzi, Serena Gianoli, Nicola Laurora, designer and illustrator, have reinterpreted the concept of “level up” – the idea behind McDonald’s new sandwich which aims to bring the consumer to a higher level of taste – to produce three digital works of art to be transformed into NFTs.  

5. Stephen Curry Surprises ‘2974’ NFT Collection Holders with Birthday-Themed NFT and San Francisco Trip

As part of his 34th birthday celebration, Stephen Curry surprised thousands of NFT collection owners with a new birthday cake-themed NFT in their crypto wallets on Monday afternoon.

Just three days after breaking the NBA 3 point record at Madison Square Garden with 2,974 made field goals from distance, Curry launched his “2,974” NFT collection in December.

Of the 2,974 NFTs in the total collection, 28 of Curry’s 3-pointers occurred during a game he played on his birthday. The owners of those special shot moments, like #2671 NFT commemorating last year’s March 14 game, will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to San Francisco to meet Curry, courtesy of FTX.

6. American Express Is Set To Enter the Metaverse with Virtual Payment Cards and Card Transactions

American Express, the multinational corporation specialized in payment card services, has filed seven trademark applications for its logos and “AMERICAN EXPRESS,” “AMEX,” “CENTURION,” “SHOP SMAL”, and “MEMBERSHIP REWARDS,” expressing its intention to enter the metaverse and embrace of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). 

The trademark applications state that the company wants to provide NFTs, as well as virtual currency and banking services in the metaverse and other virtual worlds.

7. Snoop Dogg and BossLogic Team Up to Launch SUPERCUZZ NFT Collection

MakersPlace, the premier marketplace for unique and authentic digital artworks, announced a collaboration between the world’s most famous hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg and BossLogic, the top-selling artist at the time, called SUPERCUZZ NFT collection.

The NFT collection features artwork created by BossLogic, including animated comic book covers featuring Snoop Dogg as SUPERCUZZ, a self-made crypto-trillionaire who smokes evil and eliminates crime.

8. Mark Zuckerberg Announces NFTs Will Soon Be Available on Instagram

Mark Zuckerberg spoke about the upcoming addition of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to Instagram at South By Southwest, saying: “We’re working on bringing NFTs to Instagram in the near term.” Then, he continued, “Over the next several months, the ability to bring some of your NFTs in, hopefully over time be able to mint things within that environment.”

Meta has not revealed how NFTs will be implemented, nor how they will work. Nevertheless, it’s clear that NFT is growing substantially, and Meta is ready to take advantage of it.

9. Winamp Is Selling NFT Linked to its Media Player’s Original 1997 Graphical Skin

Winamp, a media player for Microsoft Windows, will sell a non-fungible token (NFT) linked to its media player’s original 1997 graphical skin.

The NFT auction will take place on OpenSea between May 16th and May 22nd.

Starting May 23rd, Winamp will also sell 20 artworks derived from the original skin. Nineteen pieces will be available in editions of 100, and the remaining one will have 97. They will all sell for 0.08 Ethereum, or around $221 (at the time of writing). The artists receive 10 percent of royalties when later sales are made unless the seller sets a different price.

10. Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty Brand Is Set to Enter the Metaverse with Virtual Cosmetics

Rihanna is the last big celebrity to apply for a trademark for her Fenty Beauty brand in order to enter the metaverse.

Specifically, the trademark application states that the superstar will offer virtual goods, including virtual cosmetics and makeup, cosmetic and makeup accessories, hair care preparations, hair coloring preparations, hair styling preparations, hair care accessories, hair coloring accessories, and much more, for use in virtual environments.

There are also plans to offer retail store services that feature goods for online use as well as virtual merchandise, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

The adoption of NFTs shows no signs of slowing down, and it is expected to continue growing.

Here are our top ten NFT news stories from this week, as part of our weekly NFT news roundup.

1. Red Bull is Set to Enter the Metaverse with Virtual Energy Drinks and more

The energy drink brand Red Bull has applied for a trademark expressing its intent to enter the metaverse and embrace non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

According to the trademark application, the company intends to provide virtual goods such as clothing, footwear, sports equipment, automatic vending machines, magnets, beverages, refrigerators, bottle openers, and much more for use in online virtual worlds.

1. Mission Helios Launches Crypto Community-Owned Nano Satellite to Democratize Space Exploration and Turn Satellite Imagery into NFTs

Mission Helios is the first decentralized space community launched on the Ethereum network.

The company aims to democratize space exploration by using blockchain technology.

Mission Helios will launch a high-performance camera attached to LizzieSat to capture images of Earth as a first step. Images will then be turned into Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) that can be bought, sold, and sold by anyone.

Mission Helios’ first satellite imagery collection is titled Terra. It will include articles, geographical, environmental, and historical data about the locations the satellite captured.

1. Chevron Is Set to Enter the Metaverse with Virtual Gas, Fuel and Renewable Energy Products

The American multinational energy company Chevron has applied for a trademark for its name and logo, indicating its intention to enter the metaverse and attempt to enter the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and cryptocurrencies.

According to the trademark application, the company plans to offer virtual goods, including convenience store products, gas, fuel, lubricants, renewable energy products, crypto-collectibles, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

1. Vera Exceeds $2M in NFT Rentals, Launches on Polygon and BSC at ETHDENVER2022

VERA Labs, the industry leader in non-custodial NFT financial services, allows anyone to rent, lend, or mortgage NFT assets.

Over $2 million in NFT rentals have been registered by Vera since the company launched in 2021, and it has established partnerships with notable NFT brands and apps, including OpenSea, Sandbox, and Decentraland.

At ETHDenver2022, the largest and longest-running ETH event in the world, Vera demonstrated its ability to rent out metaverse NFTs on three major NFT blockchains – Ethereum, Polygon, and Binance Smart Chain (BSC).

1. Hugo Boss and Boss Beauties Launch NFT Auction to Fund “Dream Like A Boss” Mentorship Program

To celebrate International Women’s Day on 8th March, Hugo Boss announced its collaboration with the NFT project Boss Beauties.

In this historic partnership, both brands have collaborated to create the ‘Dream Like A Boss’ mentorship program and launched a limited edition 1/1 NFT auction to fund the program.

Young girls participating in the program will receive mentorship in order to help them design the careers they love.

1. Wrangler & Leon Bridges Launch “Mr. Wrangler” NFT collection to celebrate Wrangler’s 75th anniversary

Wrangler and American singer Leon Bridges have teamed up to create “Mr. Wrangler” NFT collection to mark Wrangler’s 75th anniversary.

The “Mr. Wrangler” NFT will be released in two parts and will combine the physical, digital, and virtual worlds.

The first drop, the “Icon” tier features 75 digitally animated NFTs featuring dance moves choreographed by Bridges, while the “Legendary” tier consists of a 1-of-1 exact replica of Wrangler’s custom denim jacket and jeans outfit created for Leon Bridges which only he holds in his private collection.

1. Basketball Player LeBron James Is Headed to the Metaverse

NBA player LeBron James has applied for four trademarks, including “LEBRON JAMES”, “LEBRON”, “CHOSEN1”, and “KING JAMES”, indicating his intention to enter the metaverse.

According to the trademark application, the basketball player intends to provide non-fungible tokens (NFTs) featuring virtual goods, such as footwear, clothing, sports gear, home furnishings, and much more.

1. TIME Studios to Produce Children’s Series Based on “the littles” NFT Collection

TIME Studios, the Emmy Award-winning television and film production division of TIME, has announced a partnership with another NFT creator to create an animated franchise as part of the company’s NFT initiatives.

The partnership will result in an original children’s series based on the “The littles” NFT collection, designed by creator and founder Wil Lee.

1. Basketball Team Miami HEAT to Release Miami Mashup NFT Collection

Basketball team Miami Heat has released its second collection of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), the Miami Mashup NFT Collection.

HEAT artists designed the collection to celebrate each of the eight different number styles of the Miami Mashup jerseys, highlighting the graphic worlds inspired by each.

The collection includes 400 NFTs (50 per number style), plus three 1-of-1 Miami Mashup Passes that allow holders to customize their Miami Mashup NFT with their name, number, number style, and other elements.

1. Stripe Announces Support for Crypto Businesses and NFT Sales and Launches “Cube Thingies” NFTs

Stripe announced that it now supports crypto businesses including exchanges, on-ramps, wallets, and NFT marketplaces.

The company plans to support Web3 companies using its crypto APIs-the interfaces through which companies connect to Stripe’s platform.

As of now, the crypto and NFT marketplace supportability are available only in the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union, along with Japan for NFT sales only.

Along with the announcement, Stripe also launched an open drop of NFT collectibles dubbed “Cube Thingies” via Nifty Gateway. All NFTs have already been sold out unexpectedly.

There is no sign of a halt in sight to NFTs, as they continue to gain popularity.

As a part of our weekly NFT news roundup, we will summarize the most important NFT news from this week.

1. Orange Comet Announces The Walking Dead NFT Collection

Creative studio Orange Comet recently unveiled its latest NFT (Non-Fungible Token) collection, The Walking Dead NFT Collection, which is already available for purchase on OpenSea.

Dedicated to the final season of one of the most successful TV franchises of all time, the drop focuses on the Walker Access Pass NFT.

Walker Access Pass NFTs come with one of ten custom 3D Walker models created by Dante F. and the team at Orange Comet.

A Walker Access Pass entitles holders to lifetime access to exclusive THE WALKING DEAD NFT drops. At least five exclusive drops are expected each year. Furthermore, the passes will allow holders early access to “The Walking Dead virtual universe”, which is expected to be released in 2022.

1. Johnson & Johnson Is Set to Enter the Metaverse with Virtual Skin Care Products

Johnson & Johnson filed trademark applications for NEUTROGENA and AVEENO as a first step towards entering the metaverse and exploring non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

The trademark applications state that the company is planning to provide “virtual beauty, skin care, sun care, and cosmetics products.”

Furthermore, Johnson & Johnson will implement online retail services that will offer virtual goods and physical goods delivery, thereby bringing together virtual and real worlds.

1. John Richmond Partners with Shiba Inu to Release NFT Fashion Collection

John Richmond teamed up with cryptocurrency provider Shiba Inu in order to launch a NFT-based fashion collection later this year.

The NFT collection, dubbed “John Richmond x Shib”, will include 10,000 non-fungible tokens (NFTs). They will be released in the second quarter of 2022.

The collaboration will also include a fashion show in Milan, Italy, and a clothing line available at boutiques worldwide.

1. Parler Launches New NFT Marketplace: DeepRedSky

Parler, the world’s premier free speech social media platform launched its new NFT marketplace, DeepRedSky.

The marketplace provides a user-friendly experience and connects enthusiasts and collectors with individuals and brands in politics, media, sports, and the arts.

DeepRedSky’s first showcase collection is the Official CryptoTRUMP Club featuring the one-of-a-kind personality of the 45th President of the United States.

There are 10,000 NFTs in this limited-edition collection, including 250 extremely rare NFTs.

1. Wingstop Plans to Enter the Metaverse with Virtual Food and Drinks

Wingstop Inc., the American chain of aviation-themed restaurants specializing in chicken wings, filed a trademark application to enter the metaverse and issue non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

The trademark application specifies that the company will provide “virtual goods,” namely “virtual food and drink.”

Wingstop plans to offer online retail services to allow users to buy, sell, and trade these virtual goods.

A virtual world featuring restaurants, food, and drink is among the company’s plans for the future.

1. HEIR Fills Trademark for “6 RINGS” to Enter the Metaverse with Virtual Lifestyle and Athletic Wear

HEIR, the NFT platform designed for athletes launched by basketball star Michael Jordan and his son Jeffrey Jordan, filed a trademark application for “6 RINGS” to enter the metaverse.

Based on the trademark application, the company aims to offer “virtual goods, namely, clothing, footwear, headwear, bags, sports bags, art, toys, collectibles authenticated by non-fungible tokens (NFTs).”

Through this virtual clothing line, the company will provide “lifestyle and athletic wear, including t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, sweatpants, sweatshirts, jackets and sockets.”

1. CryptoLeague Raises a Pre-Seed Round of $2.2M to Empower Web3 Investing Communities

CryptoLeague, a Wynwood-based web3 technology company, has announced it has closed a pre-seed round that will enable the company to accomplish its mission – enabling web3 investors to become financially independent.

Among the participants in the $2.2 million round of funding are Gaingels, Great Oaks Venture Capital, Magic Fund, Side Door Ventures, Darling Ventures, Boutique Capital, Florida Funders, and a group of web3-focused super angels.

CryptoLeague will use the funds to further develop its product and build its global team.

1. Singer Billie Eilish Is Headed to the Metaverse

American singer and songwriter Billie Eilish filed two trademark applications for her name and Blohsh logo expressing her plans to enter the metaverse.

Based on trademark applications, the celebrity will offer non-fungible tokens (NFTs), digital collectibles created with blockchain-based software technology, tokens, and virtual currency for use in video games and online virtual worlds.

1. SandStorm Closes $2.5M Seed Round and Debuts First Platform to Connect Top Brands with Metaverse Builders

This week, Sandstorm announced the release of its live platform and NFT marketplace on Polygon and Ethereum, connecting the best builders of the metaverse with the world’s top brands.

The project will allow brands that are not yet present in the metaverse to search hundreds of verified builders to explore what is possible for their business and to establish a virtual footprint in Web3.

In addition, SandStorm closed its $2.5 million seed round from an all-star lineup of Web3 investors, including the Founder of Sandbox Sebastien Borget, Fenbushi Capital, Sanctor Capital, The Sandbox, and others.

1. CVS Pharmacy Plans To Enter the Metaverse with Virtual Prescription Drugs and Healthcare Services

American retail corporation CVS Pharmacy filed four trademark applications for CVS, CVS PHARMACY, CVS HEALTH, and the CVS heart logo, expressing its intention to enter the metaverse.

Based on the trademark applications, the company plans to offer virtual goods, including prescription drugs, health, beauty, and personal care products, as well as other general merchandise for use in virtual worlds.

Additionally, CVS Pharmacy plans to offer healthcare services in augmented reality and virtual reality. Services will include non-emergency medical treatments, wellness programs, advisory services relating to nutrition, personalized routines, and more.

As part of this week’s NFT news roundup, we provide a look at the most relevant NFT stories from this week.

1. NFT Stadium Launches New Marketplace That Connects Fans With Celebrities, Teams, Brands, and More

NFT Stadium has announced the launch of its new marketplace where fans can interact and connect with their favorite teams, athletes, gamers, musicians, and more.

The Genesis NFT collection was released yesterday, enabling NFT holders to benefit from a wide range of rewards and privileges, including early minting, reduced platform fees, and future in-person events.

1. Basketball Player LaMelo Ball is Headed to the Metaverse

LaMelo Ball, a professional basketball player for the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association (NBA), has filed trademark applications for LAMELO BALL, 1 OF 1 and M.E.L.O., indicating his intention to enter the metaverse.

LaMelo Ball plans to create “Virtual and digital interactive representations of LaMelo Ball for use in virtual experiences, augmented reality experiences, and the metaverse.”

1. L’oréal Is Set To Enter The Metaverse With Virtual Cosmetics

L’Oréal has filed 17 trademark applications showing its interest in the virtual world and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Through its trademarks corresponding to well-known brands like Maybelline, NYX, and IT Cosmetics, the company aims to provide “virtual cosmetics, makeup preparations, cosmetic brushes and makeup brushes, digital animated and non-animated designs and characters” and much more.

1. Puma Changes Twitter Handle to ‘Puma.eth’ and Buys Feline-Themed NFTs

Puma has changed its Twitter handle to “Puma.eth”. The domain name was registered with Ethereum Name Service (ENS), a distributed and open naming service based on the Ethereum blockchain.

Also, Puma has shown its interest in NFTs by purchasing feline-themed NFTs from Cool Cats NFT, Lazy Lions, Gutter Cat Gang, IlluminatiNFT, and CatBlox.

1. Web3 Startup Fast Break Labs Raises $6M Seed Funding to Develop Virtual Basketball Association (VBA) Game

Image source: VBA

Fast Break Labs, an emerging web3 startup, has raised $6 million in a seed round led by early-stage venture firm Patron and blockchain fund Pantera Capital.

Fast Break Labs plans to use this fund to develop the Virtual Basketball Association (VBA), an online fantasy basketball game built on Solana that allows players to create their own virtual basketball team, then compete against other teams to win prizes.

1. CarForCoin is Auctioning Real Cars as NFTs

Image source: CarForCoin

CarForCoin, a marketplace where people can buy cars with crypto or cash, launched NFT-based auctions.

By participating in these auctions, people will be able to get NFTs while also buying real exotic cars.

1. Vivid Labs Launches Vivid NFT App for Shopify, Enabling Merchants to Mint and Sell Multimedia NFTs

Image source: VIVID NFT App

Vivid Labs, provider of the leading NFT publishing platform, VIVID, announced the launch of its VIVID NFT App on the Shopify App Store.

With the VIVID NFT App, eligible Shopify Plus merchants can mint, manage, and sell multimedia non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on their Shopify stores.

1. Nelson Mandela’s Paintings Depicting His Time in Prison Will Be Sold as NFTs

Image source: Bonhams

Next month, the first non-fungible tokens (NFTs) of the anti-apartheid hero and former South African president Nelson Mandela’s art will be sold worldwide.

The NFT collection, titled “My Robben Island,” contains five colorful watercolors painted by Mandela after he stepped down from the presidency in 1999, as well as The Motivation, a handwritten explanation of the harsh conditions on the island prison.

1. BitsCrunch Secures $3.6M in Funding for NFT AI-based Analytics and Security Tools

Crypto and non-fungible token (NFT) ecosystem analytics firm BitsCrunch has raised $3.6M in a funding round led by Animoca Brands, Coinbase, Crypto.com, Polygon Studios, and others.

The company will use the fund to further develop and refine AI-based analytical tools to determine the fair price of NFTs, identify wash trading warnings, and determine whether an NFT is a copy or forgery of a genuine asset.

1. Hugo Boss Plans to Enter the Metaverse with Virtual Clothing, Footwear, Watches, and more

Hugo Boss filed a trademark application titled “BOSS,” indicating its intention to sell virtual goods, such as clothing, footwear, jewelry, watches, backpacks, and much more.

These items will be geared towards online and virtual world usage.

By eliminating hierarchy, such organizations are the newest form of business in the digital age.

They can distinguish themselves in many ways, depending on their objectives.

No matter whether you are going to join an existing DAO or start your own, you must learn exactly what it is and how it works.

In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you might need about Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAO).

Let’s get to it.

What is a DAO?

According to Wikipedia, a DAO is “an organization represented by rules encoded as a computer program that is transparent, controlled by the organization members and not influenced by a central government, in other words, they are member-owned communities without centralized leadership.”

Therefore, you should think of them as internet-based businesses owned by all their members, rather than by a single person. There are treasuries built into the system that no one can access without the group’s approval. Proposals and votes ensure that everyone in the organization has a voice in decisions.

Therefore, unlike traditional organizations with hierarchical structures, DAOs have a flat, fully democratic structure.

How is DAO governance coordinated?

DAO governance is coordinated through tokens and NFTs, which grant voting rights.

Those individuals who possess these governance tokens in an electronic wallet and have confirmed their ownership can become DAO members.

As part of the governance process, members vote on proposals via blockchain, and the more governance tokens a member owns, the more power they have in the voting process.

How do DAOs work?

DAOs are built on smart contracts. Contracts specify the rules of the organization and hold the group’s assets. Once contracts are live on Ethereum, only a vote can alter its rules.

Any action that doesn’t follow the rules and logic of the code will fail.

As the treasury is also expressed in smart contracts, no one will be able to spend money without the group’s consent. This means that DAOs don’t need a central authority. Instead, decisions are taken collectively by the group, and payments are automatically authorized in the event that votes pass.

Examples of DAOs

The application of a DAO can be quite numerous and can be beneficial in several business sectors.

Among the things you can do with a DAO are:

• A charity – anyone can contribute and join, and the group can decide how the donations will be spent.

• A freelancer network – freelancers could join and pool their money to pay for office space and software subscriptions.

• Ventures and grants – you might start a venture fund that pools investment capital and chooses which ventures to support. The repaid money can later be redistributed to DAO members.

Types of DAO memberships

In a DAO, the outcome of voting is usually determined by the membership model. Among the most popular DAO membership models are token-based and share-based.

Token-based membership

Token-based membership equates voting rights with ownership. As the most open form of DAO, it’s considered permissionless. The public is also free to trade or acquire tokens without real restrictions. This means that anyone can participate in voting.

Share-based memberships

DAOs based on share tokens remain relatively open, but they are permissioned. To become a member of a share-based system, you must submit a proposal. Usually, this proposal is accompanied by goods or services. Most people use tokens of the DAO to do this.

Most popular DAOs in 2022

IBC DAO

IBC is a decentralized autonomous organization run by its members collectively. It aims to create the gaming future and the intersection between real-life and the metaverse by building a gaming guild.

By providing a steady source of income, play-to-earn is transforming the gaming industry. Guilds like IBC DAO help players become part of this gaming revolution by investing in NFTs, metaverse plots, and early-stage P2E games.

Flamingo DAO

Flamingo aims to support, purchase, archive, collect, and possibly tokenize important pieces of the NFT ecosystem. Flamingo will allow its members to create and deploy NFT-focused investment strategies.

DASH

Dash is an open-source cryptocurrency. It is an altcoin that derives from the Bitcoin protocol. Furthermore, it is a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) that is managed by a subset of users called “masternodes”.

Gnosis DAO

Gnosis is a decentralized platform built using Ethereum smart contracts that allows anyone to create prediction markets. Gnosis utilizes blockchain technology’s decentralized, transparent, and immutable nature to get forecasts that can be accessed by anyone.

Aragon DAO

DAO is a company providing all the functionality needed to run a DAO on the Ethereum blockchain. It is Aragon’s belief that its tools will promote the adoption of DAOs as an alternative form of governance.

How to create a DAO

There are several open-source solutions available for creating and starting a DAO. Aragon is one popular choice for the Ethereum blockchain.

Aragon-based DAOs are quite simple to create. Basically, you need to:

1. Own an Ethereum Name Service domain.

2. Ensure that you have enough crypto to pay the DAO creation fee (around 0.2 ETH plus gas fee).

3. Create an organization that is linked to the ENS domain through the Aragon DApp.

4. Launch the DAO after configuring your settings, such as the duration of the vote and the support percentage needed.

Other popular platforms for creating DAOs include Snapshot and DAOstack Alchemy.

Several mainstream gaming platforms have started adopting marketplace mechanisms within their ecosystems.

The reason is that savvy gamers have identified the true potential of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in the gaming industry.

In response to this, many popular gaming platforms tiptoed into white-label NFT marketplaces.

So, let’s explore what they are and why they are so important to the gaming industry.

What are white-label NFT marketplaces?

NFT marketplaces are online platforms for buying and selling NFTs. These exchanges convert digital assets into non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

In such a system, participating in a white-label NFT marketplace benefits both creators and investors.

In fact, white-label NFT marketplace solutions provide ready-made solutions to launch NFT platforms for creating, minting, buying, and selling digital assets. They are similar to well-known platforms such as OpenSea, Rarible, Foundation, etc., and they’re custom-tailored according to every business need and niche, making them unique.

Popular firms making inroads into NFT marketplaces

Ubisoft

Ubisoft, the company behind multi-million-dollar games like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, launched an NFT platform called Quartz in early December, where it sells in-game items like guns and helmets from the video game Ghost Reckon Breakpoint.

Gamestop

Gamestop partnered with ImmutableX (a layer-2 platform) to launch an NFT marketplace. The Immutable X-powered NFT marketplace will open later this year. The two businesses have established a $100 million grant fund in Immutable’s IMX tokens to help developers launch their game NFT projects on the platform.

Fractal

In December, Twitch co-founder Justin Kan announced Fractal, a Gaming NFT Marketplace on Solana. The platform will function both as a primary and secondary marketplace, allowing players to purchase non-fungible tokens from game businesses for usage in-game and a secondary marketplace for peer-to-peer trading.

What’s the need for gaming-specific marketplaces?

With the trade volume on NFT gaming platforms like Crypto Kitties, Axie Infinity, and Crypto Punks, it’s safe to assume that gaming-specific NFT marketplaces will emerge shortly. The trade volume is too large to rely on a single platform for very long. It’s also possible that, as gaming NFTs improve, OpenSea will no longer be the ideal venue to sell them.

The characteristics and architecture of game-specific NFT marketplaces are still being developed. However, because of the large amount of money and time people spend playing online games, a dedicated NFT platform is needed. Gamers are looking forward to it because they believe that it will mean lower costs, more prizes, and cross-chain compatibility.

It’s not the first time NFTs and Blockchain have come together. While GameStop’s involvement lends credibility to the notion, several blockchain games embrace the play-to-earn model by tokenizing in-game assets using NFT technology. The tokens can then be traded for other tokens or sold on marketplaces for real-world money.

Multi-chain compatibility is a must

At the moment, gamers buy their assets within a single game. Because the asset is exclusive to that gaming ecosystem, you also exit the asset when you leave the game. Considering how the lines between gaming, investment, and trading are blurring, this is a terrible waste of resources.

It means that NFT trading and investment must be extremely efficient, the polar opposite of what happened with Crypto Kitties on the Ethereum network. It is for this reason that new games are being developed on blockchains with lower gas costs.

Developing new games that incentivize NFTs will require white-label NFT platforms that are gaming-specific and compatible with various blockchains. The success of gaming NFTs depends on interoperability, tradable assets, etc.

Propelling gaming industry in Web3.0

Gaming is a massive industry, and NFT trading is one of the ways to profit from it. In a larger sense, games can be compared to entire economies or even Metaverses in their own right. There are NFTs, and then there are the native tokens within the platform, then there are more speculative and third-party approaches.

A decentralized player-driven economy drives the gaming industry’s foray into the web3.0 environment. Traditionally, gaming platforms were centralized and driven by powerful ecosystems.

Would you fancy facilitating this trend?

In spite of the looming uncertainty surrounding NFT and crypto, investments in NFT-based products continue to soar. If you’re an entrepreneur reading this article, building a white-label NFT marketplace will pay you dividends.  All you need to do is connect with a proficient NFT gaming platform development company to proceed.