Meme creators are becoming millionaires as the meme economy collides with NFTs. Uniswap is leading the way for Decentralized Exchanges and The National Hockey League is causing quite the stir with a new advertising announcement.
The power of decentralized exchanges
From Almanack, by Nat Eliason
Uniswap, a decentralized exchange, is one of the first killer apps in crypto.
They only need 13 employees to do what Coinbase needs 1,700 employees for
Users can create a new token and instantly make it accessible to anyone
$100M for the NHL
From Huddle Up, by Joseph Pompliano
The NHL will for the first time be placing advertisements on team jerseys
This follows the NBA and other leagues, despite a vocal segment of fans voicing displeasure
Expected revenue is over $100M
More revenue = higher salary cap = higher salaries
The new online identity
From Digital Native, by Rex Woodbury
🎨 Gen Zs are reviving digital customizable creativity.
Here are some companies paving the way for a new online identity:
Scout: Build 3D customizable virtual rooms, “Myspace for the Roblox generation”
Scapin’: Users create virtual spaces for friends or strangers to hang out in
Dreamworld: Combining social networks, sandbox games and virtual spaces.
Polywork: A Gen Z LinkedIn. Less cringe-worthy, more authentic.
Universe: Mobile-friendly website builder allowing you to build a personal site from your phone.
“73% of Gen Zs believe they need more self-expression to live a happy, healthy life. But that expression now needs to come online.”
The future of VR
From Reality Check, by Mathew Olson
Facebook launched Horizon Workrooms, a VR space for work
This is another step towards embracing the metaverse, which Ben Thompson says Facebook is best positioned to do among current tech giants
One uncertainty is whether their positioning is as good for an enterprise product vs a consumer one
The Meme Economy
From 1729, by Harry Jones
Memers are becoming millionaires. The meme economy is coming
“Meme Analysts” roam through reddit to find the next viral hit
Value comes from cultural significance, and is captured via NFTs
Extra Reading
Overcoming mental roadblocks with your new projects (Personal Brand Brief, by Joel Hansen)
Building Calm (First 1000, by Ali Abouelatta)
Monetary Maximalism (The Pomp Letter, by Anthony Pompliano)
China and Semi-conductors (Chinese Characteristics, Guest Post by Jorden Nel of Vineyard Holdings)
Copywriting tips from Amazon (Marketing Examined, by Alex Garcia)