The Biggest Brands You Didn’t Know Are in Web 3
Web 3.0 isn’t just a new phrase, it’s a whole new world of possibility. With the help of blockchain technology, we’re now able to create decentralized projects that don’t fall prey to common pitfalls like data breaches or centralized control. There are so many exciting and brand-new companies in this space, including some that you may not have heard of yet.
We all know about Google, Facebook, and Amazon when it comes to internet-based businesses — but they’re not the only ones pioneering new ways of connecting people with information or services and taking advantage of new technologies.
Brands have long been at the forefront of new technologies. When you think about it, it makes sense: brands want to make sure that their customers continue to love their products and services, and staying on top of emerging technology is a good way of doing that.
There are some big brand names in the world — from Coca-Cola to Prada, and more — that you probably didn’t know have invested in Web 3.0:
Nike
Nike, one of the biggest sporting goods brands in the world, has been getting involved in Web 3.0 for some time now. The company has made it clear that it’s aware of the future of technology, and has invested accordingly. The biggest Nike product out there based on Web 3.0 technologies was created when Nike purchased RTFKT Studios*alled the CryptoKicks Dunk Genesis. The project was a hit and managed to sell 600 pairs of NFT sneakers in just six minutes, for a total of $3.1 million.
Simultaneously, Nike launched their own Web3 platform, called Swoosh, to boost its product presence in the non-fungible token(NFT) space. The Swoosh platform is the hub of Nike’s Web3-related activities, mainly to showcase its NFT and virtual apparel product line, giving customers the opportunity to create products and earn royalties.
Other than that, Nikeland is Nike’s purpose-built metaverse space that uses the Roblox platform, allowing their fans to meet, socialize, take part in promotions and engage with a whole new range of experiences.
LVMH
LVMH, the French company behind brands like Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Dior, has also been investing heavily in Web 3.0 technologies. LVMH has been working on a centralized system that allows retailers to connect with customers using different devices.
Elsewhere, plenty of LVMH-owned brands have dipped into the metaverse. Louis Vuitton dabbled in NFTs and collaborated with Louis the Game, exploring AR/VR applications, whilst Fendi collaborated with Ledger on luxury IRL crypto wallet accessories.
Most notably, LVMH launched its very own blockchain last year — the Aura Blockchain Consortium. The founding members include Prada, Cartier, OTB Group, and most recently Mercedes Benz. Focusing on providing a more immersive and tailored luxury experience, the group has already begun blending blockchain integrations into its physical offerings.
Several products from the different brands across the Consortium already have physical certificates accompanying them, providing increased proof of authenticity by utilizing blockchain technology. The primary goal of the Consortium and its strategic partners is to raise the standards of luxury goods and they aim to do so by providing blockchain-based product tracking from start to finish — raw materials to consumer goods.
McLaren
McLaren, the British company behind some of the fastest cars in the world, is also getting involved with blockchain-based Web 3.0 technologies. McLaren has partnered with the Malaysia-based crypto company Applied Blockchain to create a cloud service that will allow car owners to track their vehicles’ performance. The system will also let drivers set parameters for the car, like maximum speed and whether the car will be able to be driven by someone else.
McLaren Special Operations (MSO) Lab, is McLaren’s “customizing” division that takes individual standard cars and customizes them to clients’ tastes. The MSO Lab:
- Provides its clients with exclusive access to limited-edition McLaren NFTs.
- Serves as the HQ for members to collaborate, connect and unlock new metaverse experiences in the exclusive community.
- Gives access to the digital sketches created by the company’s design team to all first-generation owners of the NFT collection.
McDonald’s
Everyone knows about how McDonald’s has been struggling to regain its former glory. However, one thing that the company has done very well — and has received very little credit for — is investing in emerging technologies. McDonald’s has been using artificial intelligence for years to maximize efficiency in its supply chain and to ensure that there are no bacterial issues with its food.
Additionally, the company filed 10 trademark applications to the US Patent and Trademark Office on February 4, 2022, covering McDonald’s and McCafe.
One of the trademarks was reportedly for “virtual food and beverage products,” including NFTs, whilst another included “operating a virtual restaurant online featuring home delivery.” Similarly, McD has also trademarked entertainment services and events under the McDonald’s and McCafe brands, including “online actual and virtual concerts.”
The idea behind it is that, suppose you are hanging out in the metaverse and get hungry. Unlike usual, you don’t have to put down your headset. Instead, you can simply walk into a McDonald’s in the metaverse and place an order, which will arrive at your door a little while later.
Budweiser
Budweiser has been flirting with crypto for many years now. In May 2014, Budweiser teamed up with Coinbase on a bitcoin payments initiative for concertgoers. Then, in June 2019, Budweiser invested an undisclosed amount in blockchain-as-a-service (BaaS) startup BanQ to assist unbanked workers.
However, the company’s strategy took a turn into Web 3 territory in August 2021, when Budweiser bought the beer.eth domain for 30 ETH ($95,000 at the time) and a rocket NFT for 8 ETH ($25,000 approx. at the time).
In November 2021, Budweiser released its first set of NFTs, the Budverse Cans: Heritage Edition, which consists of 1,936 NFTs, a reference to the year the company released beer in cans. Similarly, in January 2022, Budweiser partnered with 22 emerging artists and dropped a collection of 11,00 NFTs, with a mint price of $499 per NFT.
Recently, in June 2022, Stella, and later Budweiser, partnered with Ethereum-based NFT horse racing game Zed Run to release in-game horse skins based on its Clydesdale mascots, among other things.
Budweiser, one of the most iconic beer brands in the world, has recently partnered with the blockchain company Civic to let its customers prove who they are and gain access to Budweiser-exclusive offers.
Budweiser customers will be able to use Civic’s blockchain-based identity system to prove their identities and become part of Budweiser’s loyalty program. Budweiser is also exploring the possibility of allowing Budweiser drinkers to use the brand’s blockchain-based platform to make donations to charities.
FIFA
The FIFA brand is one of the most recognizable brands worldwide. However, in recent years, FIFA has been rocked by scandal after scandal — and many people blame the organization’s corruption for the recent downfall of football. FIFA has also been exploring blockchain-based platforms, which would make it easier for people to track where money is going. FIFA has also been exploring ways to let fans bet on games and even buy and sell tickets through blockchain-based platforms.
Ahead of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, FIFA unveiled a portfolio of new future-focussed web 3.0 games to entertain and engage a wider group of fans. These games include: AI League, Upland, Matchday, and Phygtl.
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 also has an official crypto exchange sponsor — Crypto.com — and it’s just one of several decentralized tie-ins for the World Cup. In September, FIFA launched its own NFT platform on the Algorand blockchain — which is present at the World Cup, too.
The Algorand blockchain became FIFA’s official blockchain partner in May and is a regional supporter of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, for North America and Europe. The blockchain will also be an official sponsor of the Women’s World Cup, which begins next year in Australia and New Zealand.
NFL
The NFL is a league that’s all about winning — and it’s also a league that’s been exploring blockchain-based technologies. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has said that the league is looking into blockchain to see how it can help teams track player data and improve medical services for players.
The league has signed a deal with a blockchain company, FanChain, to use its technology to let fans vote on what happens within the league — like choosing the location of the Super Bowl.
Moreover, the NFL now has a partnership blockchain game, NFL Rivals. Although no real details are available at the time, there have been rumors of “Rarity League” drops, which are 32 collections of “unique generative 3D NFL franchise-themed NFTs” which will be released before the game comes out.
Additionally, Blockchain infrastructure firm Chain announced new sponsorship deals with the National Football League’s (NFL) New England Patriots, Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution, and National Basketball Association’s Miami Heat.
Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg, the musician and cannabis advocate, has been exploring blockchain-based technologies and has even created a cryptocurrency — named COIN — to be used in his weed business. The COIN token will be used by customers to buy cannabis products from the California-based dispensary owned by Snoop Dogg.
The musician intends to expand the use of COIN to include other industries. He’s also contributed to the development of the Web 3.0 platform Metaverse and is working on his own blockchain-based decentralized
Conclusion
Web 3.0 is a big shift away from the centralized systems that currently rule the internet. It’s a big leap towards decentralization, and brands are starting to see the benefits of investing in it. With the new technologies, brands and artists can better understand their customers, deliver better products and services, and position themselves for long-term success.
Did you find our blog on Biggest Brands You Didn’t Know Are in Web 3 helpful? Leave us your thoughts below and follow us for regular blogs on gaming, web3, and communities! Connect & engage with us to be part of our exclusive community. Find us at:
