Big Bucks for Digital Avatars
In a recent twist of digital fate, Genies, the company renowned for its cutting-edge avatar technology, has snagged $65 million in its Series B funding round. This funding, led by the investment firm Bond, alongside heavyweights like Coinbase Ventures and Dapper Labs, will power its ambitious NFT marketplace.
What’s in Store for Gamers and Creators?
The cash injection aims to facilitate the development of Genies’ NFT Marketplace, a platform where users will not only be able to create their own avatars but also tokenize them, sprinkling a bit of uniqueness into the virtual landscape. Think of it as a place where your digital self can strut its stuff alongside an impressive wardrobe of NFT clothing.
A Vision for the Metaverse
Genies has a lofty goal: to provide a single, comprehensive “virtual portable identity” that users can leverage across the sprawling metaverse. In their latest tweet, they emphasized the intention to help individuals express themselves in this digital wonderland.
From Celebrities to Everyday Users
Initially, Genies aimed to cater primarily to high-profile celebrities, crafting bespoke avatars for event launches. Fast forward to today, CEO Akash Nigam revealed plans to broaden their audience to include kids as young as six. This inclusive approach means that everyone can dip their toes into the world of digital fashion and avatar creation.
The NFT Adventure Begins
The journey into NFTs kicked off for Genies back in March when they auctioned off a series of tokens related to soccer superstar Mesut Ozil’s move from Arsenal F.C to Galatasaray. The tokens sold out at $670 each, pulling in around $347,000, marking a successful entry into the non-fungible tokens arena.
