A Testimony To The Continued Success Of Upscale Shopping Destinations Despite an expected slowdown of the luxury sector, there has never been so much demand for large, luxury flagships and retail spaces. Mall operators are attracting luxury brands like ...

Bal Harbour Shops Goes On Tour With Traveling Luxury Pop-Up Activation

French beauty brand L’Occitane en Provence has launched a interactive virtual store for the holiday season. The digital activation developed by retail tech outfit Emperia ... the creation of virtual stores for brands including Lacoste, Dior and Burberry.

Why L’Occitane’s New Virtual Store Uses Gaming And Personalization

Unilever said it would freeze CEO Hein Schumacher's pay until 2026 after it met with 24 of its top shareholders, Reuters reported.

The CEO of Unilever won't get a pay increase for 2 years after a backlash from shareholders

Brands such as Titan Casket are trying to disrupt an industry dominated by legacy manufacturers who sell through funeral homes. Could updates to a key federal rule help encourage competition and better inform consumers?

The tricky business of direct-to-consumer caskets

A new deal for Every Man Jack would follow Unilever's (ULVR.L) agreement last week to sell one of its men's personal care brands, Dollar Shave Club ... make new investments in U.S. consumer, media and retail companies so it can focus on other sectors.

Carlyle to explore sale of men's grooming brand Every Man Jack -sources

Expands Omnicom's reach in fast-growing e-commerce & retail media segments NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Omnicom (NYSE: OMC) today announced it has agreed to acquire Flywheel Digital, the digital commerce business of Ascential (LSE: ASCL.

Omnicom Acquires Digital Commerce Powerhouse Flywheel

Expands Omnicom's reach in fast-growing e-commerce & retail media segmentsNEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Omnicom (NYSE: OMC) today

Luxury brand logos are losing their charm ✓ From a unique look to a standard combination of letters ✓ What about watch brand logos? ✓

Luxury Brand Logos Losing Their Charm — From A Unique Look To A Standard Combination Of Letters

Operator: Good morning, and welcome to Newell Brands Third Quarter 2023 Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode.

Newell Brands Inc. (NASDAQ:NWL) Q3 2023 Earnings Call Transcript

The first phase of Hollywood Park’s retail district totals 500,000 square feet, with 320,000 square feet currently under construction to be unveiled in 2024.

Local Eats Will Anchor the Retail District at Hollywood Park

L Brands

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9 Cool Case Studies of Global Brands Using LLMs and Generative AI

এলএলএম এবং জেনারেটিভ এআই ব্যবহার করে গ্লোবাল ব্র্যান্ডের 9টি দুর্দান্ত কেস স্টাডি

9 coole Fallstudien globaler Marken, die LLMs und generative KI nutzen

9 estudios de casos interesantes de marcas globales que utilizan LLM e IA generativa

9 études de cas intéressantes de marques mondiales utilisant des LLM et l'IA générative

एलएलएम और जनरेटिव एआई का उपयोग करने वाले वैश्विक ब्रांडों के 9 शानदार केस स्टडीज

LLM と生成 AI を活用したグローバル ブランドの 9 つの優れたケース スタディ

LLM과 생성 AI를 활용한 글로벌 브랜드의 9가지 멋진 사례 연구

9 estudos de caso interessantes de marcas globais usando LLMs e IA generativa

9 интересных кейсов мировых брендов, использующих LLM и генеративный искусственный интеллект

Yüksek Lisans ve Üretken Yapay Zeka Kullanan Küresel Markalara İlişkin 9 Harika Örnek Olay İncelemesi

9 nghiên cứu điển hình thú vị về các thương hiệu toàn cầu sử dụng LLM và AI sáng tạo

9 个全球品牌使用法学硕士和生成式人工智能的精彩案例研究

**SANTA CLARA, California, May 31st, 2024/Chainwire/--**CARV the largest modular data layer for gaming and AI, announced today a strategic investment from Animoca Brands, the company advancing digital property rights for gaming and the open metaverse. In addition, Animoca Brands will become an operator of CARV’s Tier 6 verifier nodes in support of CARV's decentralization of its data layer. The partnership will facilitate deeper integration and long-term synergies as they expand their respective gaming and open metaverse ecosystems. Founded as a gaming credential platform, CARV has evolved into a modular data layer protocol with strong traction from over 2.7 million users, 790 integrated games, and partnerships across major chains like Linea, BNB Chain, zkSync, and Ronin. The company has come good on its gaming credential roots by initiating ERC-7231, the standard approved by the Ethereum Community that binds multiple Web2 and Web3 identities to a single NFT, and partnering with the likes of Google Cloud and Netmarble’s web3 arm, MARBLEX. To support rapid scaling and growth, CARV is introducing community-operated verifier nodes that scrutinize outcomes at each protocol layer. These nodes are crucial for maintaining decentralization, security, and equitable value redistribution as the network expands. CARV aims to accelerate user onboarding and adoption to grow the pie for all stakeholders in its user-owned data ecosystem through partnering with Animoca Brands as a strategic node operator, relying on their experience and expertise in operating various blockchain infrastructures. Node holders will have the option for one-click delegating to Animoca Brands for node operations, ensuring network uptime and robustness. The rewards from node operations will initially be in the form of $veCARV, the staked version of CARV tokens. This also allows Animoca Brands and its portfolio of more than 400 gaming and metaverse companies to participate in CARV’s Infinite Play, a token-lock voting bribery system (CURVE & CONVEX model for gaming) for governance voting. Yat Siu, co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands, commented: “CARV’s mission to advance data self-sovereignty and the interoperability of personal assets in both Web2 and Web3 fits perfectly with the work we do at Animoca Brands. This strategic partnership with CARV will amplify our efforts to pioneer a more equitable framework via new asset classes, economies, and digital property rights. ”“This is a multi-faceted alliance between two leaders in their respective domains,” said Victor Yu, co-founder of CARV. “Through Animoca Brands’ strategic investment, its support as a node operator, and collaboration across our gaming ecosystems, we are taking a comprehensive approach over many years to come. By leveraging our modular data layer with Animoca Brands' far-reaching ecosystem, we aim to unlock new frontiers in user-owned data economies.” For more about CARV's highly anticipated node sale, set to begin on June 3, 2024 for whitelisted participants and June 5, 2024 for the public, users can visit https://node.carv.io. About CARV CARV is the largest modular data layer for gaming, AI, and ∞, pioneering a future where data generates value for all. As the sole author of ERC7231, CARV has built CARV Protocol, the modular data layer which has integrated with 40+ blockchains, Google Cloud, and other identity, storage, infra and AI providers. CARV's flagship gaming superapp, CARV Play, is integrated with more than 790 web2 & 3 games and serving 2.7M+ gamers. CARV is backed by top-tier funds and ecosystems such as Temasek’s Vertex Ventures, ConsenSys (developer of Metamask), Tribe Capital, IOSG Ventures, Animoca Brands, HashKey Capital, Infinity Ventures Crypto, MARBELX, and more. For more information, users can visit carv.io. About Animoca Brands Animoca Brands (ACN: 122 921 813), a Deloitte Tech Fast winner, a Fortune Crypto 40 company, and one of the Financial Times’ High Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2023, is a Web3 leader that leverages blockchain to deliver digital property rights to consumers around the world to help to establish the open metaverse. The company develops and publishes a broad portfolio of products including original games such as The Sandbox, PHANTOM GALAXIES™, Life Beyond, and Crazy Defense Heroes, and products utilizing popular intellectual properties from the worlds of sports and entertainment, such as The Walking Dead, Power Rangers, MotoGP™, and Formula E. It has multiple subsidiaries, including The Sandbox, Blowfish Studios, Quidd, GAMEE, nWay, Pixowl, Forj, Lympo, Animoca Brands Japan, Grease Monkey Games, Eden Games, Darewise Entertainment, Notre Game, TinyTap, SPORTPASS, PIXELYNX, WePlay Media, Gryfyn, and Azarus. Animoca Brands is one of the most active investors in Web3, with a portfolio of over 400 Web3 investments, both directly and through Animoca Ventures, including Yuga Labs, Axie Infinity, Polygon, Consensys, Magic Eden, Fireblocks, OpenSea, Dapper Labs, Yield Guild Games, and many more. For more information users can visit www.animocabrands.com or follow on X (Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok. Contact Co-Founder & COO Victor Yu CARV media@carv.io This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. **SANTA CLARA, California, May 31st, 2024/Chainwire/--**CARV the largest modular data layer for gaming and AI, announced today a strategic investment from Animoca Brands , the company advancing digital property rights for gaming and the open metaverse. In addition, Animoca Brands will become an operator of CARV’s Tier 6 verifier nodes in support of CARV's decentralization of its data layer. Animoca Brands Animoca Brands The partnership will facilitate deeper integration and long-term synergies as they expand their respective gaming and open metaverse ecosystems. Founded as a gaming credential platform, CARV has evolved into a modular data layer protocol with strong traction from over 2.7 million users, 790 integrated games, and partnerships across major chains like Linea, BNB Chain, zkSync, and Ronin. The company has come good on its gaming credential roots by initiating ERC-7231, the standard approved by the Ethereum Community that binds multiple Web2 and Web3 identities to a single NFT, and partnering with the likes of Google Cloud and Netmarble’s web3 arm, MARBLEX . ERC-7231, the standard approved by the Ethereum Community ERC-7231, the standard approved by the Ethereum Community Google Cloud Google Cloud Netmarble’s web3 arm, MARBLEX Netmarble’s web3 arm, MARBLEX To support rapid scaling and growth, CARV is introducing community-operated verifier nodes that scrutinize outcomes at each protocol layer. These nodes are crucial for maintaining decentralization, security, and equitable value redistribution as the network expands. CARV aims to accelerate user onboarding and adoption to grow the pie for all stakeholders in its user-owned data ecosystem through partnering with Animoca Brands as a strategic node operator, relying on their experience and expertise in operating various blockchain infrastructures. Node holders will have the option for one-click delegating to Animoca Brands for node operations, ensuring network uptime and robustness. The rewards from node operations will initially be in the form of $veCARV, the staked version of CARV tokens. This also allows Animoca Brands and its portfolio of more than 400 gaming and metaverse companies to participate in CARV’s Infinite Play , a token-lock voting bribery system (CURVE & CONVEX model for gaming) for governance voting . Infinite Play Infinite Play token-lock voting bribery system token-lock voting bribery system voting voting Yat Siu, co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands, commented: “CARV’s mission to advance data self-sovereignty and the interoperability of personal assets in both Web2 and Web3 fits perfectly with the work we do at Animoca Brands. This strategic partnership with CARV will amplify our efforts to pioneer a more equitable framework via new asset classes, economies, and digital property rights. ”“This is a multi-faceted alliance between two leaders in their respective domains,” said Victor Yu, co-founder of CARV. “Through Animoca Brands’ strategic investment, its support as a node operator, and collaboration across our gaming ecosystems, we are taking a comprehensive approach over many years to come. By leveraging our modular data layer with Animoca Brands' far-reaching ecosystem, we aim to unlock new frontiers in user-owned data economies.” ”“This is a multi-faceted alliance between two leaders in their respective domains,” said Victor Yu, co-founder of CARV. “Through Animoca Brands’ strategic investment, its support as a node operator, and collaboration across our gaming ecosystems, we are taking a comprehensive approach over many years to come. By leveraging our modular data layer with Animoca Brands' far-reaching ecosystem, we aim to unlock new frontiers in user-owned data economies.” For more about CARV's highly anticipated node sale, set to begin on June 3, 2024 for whitelisted participants and June 5, 2024 for the public, users can visit https://node.carv.io . https://node.carv.io https://node.carv.io About CARV CARV is the largest modular data layer for gaming, AI, and ∞, pioneering a future where data generates value for all. As the sole author of ERC7231, CARV has built CARV Protocol , the modular data layer which has integrated with 40+ blockchains, Google Cloud, and other identity, storage, infra and AI providers. CARV CARV CARV Protocol CARV Protocol CARV's flagship gaming superapp, CARV Play , is integrated with more than 790 web2 & 3 games and serving 2.7M+ gamers. CARV is backed by top-tier funds and ecosystems such as Temasek’s Vertex Ventures, ConsenSys (developer of Metamask), Tribe Capital, IOSG Ventures, Animoca Brands, HashKey Capital, Infinity Ventures Crypto, MARBELX, and more. For more information, users can visit carv.io . CARV Play CARV Play carv.io carv.io About Animoca Brands Animoca Brands (ACN: 122 921 813), a Deloitte Tech Fast winner, a Fortune Crypto 40 company, and one of the Financial Times’ High Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2023 , is a Web3 leader that leverages blockchain to deliver digital property rights to consumers around the world to help to establish the open metaverse. Animoca Brands Animoca Brands Deloitte Tech Fast Deloitte Tech Fast Fortune Crypto 40 Fortune Crypto 40 High Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2023 High Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2023 The company develops and publishes a broad portfolio of products including original games such as The Sandbox, PHANTOM GALAXIES™, Life Beyond, and Crazy Defense Heroes, and products utilizing popular intellectual properties from the worlds of sports and entertainment, such as The Walking Dead, Power Rangers, MotoGP™, and Formula E. It has multiple subsidiaries, including The Sandbox , Blowfish Studios , Quidd , GAMEE , nWay , Pixowl , Forj , Lympo , Animoca Brands Japan , Grease Monkey Games , Eden Games , Darewise Entertainment , Notre Game , TinyTap , SPORTPASS , PIXELYNX , WePlay Media , Gryfyn , and Azarus . The Sandbox The Sandbox Blowfish Studios Blowfish Studios Quidd Quidd GAMEE GAMEE nWay nWay Pixowl Pixowl Forj Forj Lympo Lympo Animoca Brands Japan Animoca Brands Japan Grease Monkey Games Grease Monkey Games Eden Games Eden Games Darewise Entertainment Darewise Entertainment Notre Game Notre Game TinyTap TinyTap SPORTPASS SPORTPASS PIXELYNX PIXELYNX WePlay Media WePlay Media Gryfyn Gryfyn Azarus Azarus Animoca Brands is one of the most active investors in Web3, with a portfolio of over 400 Web3 investments, both directly and through Animoca Ventures, including Yuga Labs, Axie Infinity, Polygon, Consensys, Magic Eden, Fireblocks, OpenSea, Dapper Labs, Yield Guild Games, and many more. For more information users can visit www.animocabrands.com or follow on X (Twitter) , YouTube , Instagram , LinkedIn , Facebook , and TikTok . www.animocabrands.com www.animocabrands.com X (Twitter) X (Twitter) YouTube YouTube Instagram Instagram LinkedIn LinkedIn Facebook Facebook TikTok TikTok Contact Co-Founder & COO Victor Yu CARV media@carv.io This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here . here here

CARV Brings On Animoca Brands As Strategic Investor And Node Operator

**NEW YORK, NY, May 21st, 2024/CyberNewsWire/--**Memcyco Inc., provider of digital trust technology designed to protect companies and their customers from digital impersonation fraud, released its inaugural 2024 State of Website Impersonation Scams report. Notably, Memcyco’s research indicates that the majority of companies do not have adequate solutions to counter digital impersonation fraud, and that most only learn about attacks from their customers. More than half of all respondents (53%) said their existing cybersecurity solutions do not effectively address website impersonation attacks, and 41% said their existing solutions only protect them and their customers “partially.” Just 6% of brands claimed to have a solution that effectively addresses these attacks despite 87% of companies recognizing website impersonation as a major issue and 69% admitting to having had these attacks carried out against their own website. The creation of fake websites used for phishing-related attacks (which are a top cause of account takeover (ATO)) is a growing problem that has earned cybercriminals an astonishing $1 billion+ in 2023 alone, according to data from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. That’s more than three times the amount reported stolen in 2020. The report found that 72% of companies have a monitoring system in place to detect fake versions of their website, but still, 66% said that they primarily learn about digital impersonation attacks when they are flagged by customers.. More alarmingly, 37% of respondents learn about website impersonation attacks as a result of “brand shaming” by impacted customers on social media. The inability to adequately protect against digital impersonation fraud raises a question about companies’ responsibility to reimburse their customers. 48% of survey respondents are already aware of upcoming regulations likely to enforce customer reimbursements, making effective protection against digital impersonation fraud a ‘must-have’ for avoiding revenue loss. “One of the most alarming takeaways from the report is that website impersonation scams are growing because attackers rely on companies having limited visibility into these kinds of attacks,” said Israel Mazin, Chairman and CEO of Memcyco. “This creates a glaring blindspot in cybersecurity — the inability of companies to protect their customers online.” The State of Website Impersonation Scams report was conducted together with Global Surveyz Research, based on the responses of 200 full-time employees ranging from Director to C-level executives at organizations in the security, fraud, digital, and web industries, operating transactional websites with traffic of more than 10,000 monthly visits. Memcyco’s solution suite addresses the rising tide of website impersonation scams by using real-time alerts to secure end-users on every website visit and provides organizations with unparalleled insights into the scope and impact of all attacks on their sites. The full report can be found here. About Memcyo Memcyco offers a suite of AI-based, real-time digital risk protection solutions for combating website impersonation scams, protecting companies and their customers from the moment a fake site goes live until it is taken down. Memcyco’s groundbreaking external threat intelligence platform provides companies with complete visibility into the attack, attacker, and each individual victim, helping to prevent ATO fraud, ransomware, and data breaches before they occur. Memcyco’s “nano defender” technology detects, protects, and responds to attacks as they unfold, securing tens of millions of customer accounts and reducing the negative impact of attacks on workload, compliance, customer churn, and reputation. About Global Surveyz Global Surveyz is a global research company providing survey report-as-a-service that covers the whole process of creating an insightful and impactful B2B or B2C report for any target market. Global Surveyz was established in 2020 and is the brain-child of Ramel Levin. Contact Sheena Kretzmer sheena@memcyco.com This story was distributed as a release by Cyberwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. **NEW YORK, NY, May 21st, 2024/CyberNewsWire/--**Memcyco Inc., provider of digital trust technology designed to protect companies and their customers from digital impersonation fraud, released its inaugural 2024 State of Website Impersonation Scams report. Notably, Memcyco’s research indicates that the majority of companies do not have adequate solutions to counter digital impersonation fraud, and that most only learn about attacks from their customers. More than half of all respondents (53%) said their existing cybersecurity solutions do not effectively address website impersonation attacks, and 41% said their existing solutions only protect them and their customers “partially.” Just 6% of brands claimed to have a solution that effectively addresses these attacks despite 87% of companies recognizing website impersonation as a major issue and 69% admitting to having had these attacks carried out against their own website. The creation of fake websites used for phishing-related attacks (which are a top cause of account takeover (ATO)) is a growing problem that has earned cybercriminals an astonishing $1 billion+ in 2023 alone, according to data from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. That’s more than three times the amount reported stolen in 2020. astonishing $1 billion+ astonishing $1 billion+ The report found that 72% of companies have a monitoring system in place to detect fake versions of their website, but still, 66% said that they primarily learn about digital impersonation attacks when they are flagged by customers.. More alarmingly, 37% of respondents learn about website impersonation attacks as a result of “brand shaming” by impacted customers on social media. The inability to adequately protect against digital impersonation fraud raises a question about companies’ responsibility to reimburse their customers. 48% of survey respondents are already aware of upcoming regulations likely to enforce customer reimbursements, making effective protection against digital impersonation fraud a ‘must-have’ for avoiding revenue loss. “One of the most alarming takeaways from the report is that website impersonation scams are growing because attackers rely on companies having limited visibility into these kinds of attacks,” said Israel Mazin, Chairman and CEO of Memcyco. “This creates a glaring blindspot in cybersecurity — the inability of companies to protect their customers online.” “One of the most alarming takeaways from the report is that website impersonation scams are growing because attackers rely on companies having limited visibility into these kinds of attacks,” said Israel Mazin, Chairman and CEO of Memcyco. “This creates a glaring blindspot in cybersecurity — the inability of companies to protect their customers online.” The State of Website Impersonation Scams report was conducted together with Global Surveyz Research, based on the responses of 200 full-time employees ranging from Director to C-level executives at organizations in the security, fraud, digital, and web industries, operating transactional websites with traffic of more than 10,000 monthly visits. Memcyco’s solution suite addresses the rising tide of website impersonation scams by using real-time alerts to secure end-users on every website visit and provides organizations with unparalleled insights into the scope and impact of all attacks on their sites. The full report can be found here . here here About Memcyo Memcyco offers a suite of AI-based, real-time digital risk protection solutions for combating website impersonation scams, protecting companies and their customers from the moment a fake site goes live until it is taken down. Memcyco’s groundbreaking external threat intelligence platform provides companies with complete visibility into the attack, attacker, and each individual victim, helping to prevent ATO fraud, ransomware, and data breaches before they occur. Memcyco’s “nano defender” technology detects, protects, and responds to attacks as they unfold, securing tens of millions of customer accounts and reducing the negative impact of attacks on workload, compliance, customer churn, and reputation. About Global Surveyz Global Surveyz is a global research company providing survey report-as-a-service that covers the whole process of creating an insightful and impactful B2B or B2C report for any target market. Global Surveyz was established in 2020 and is the brain-child of Ramel Levin. Global Surveyz Global Surveyz Contact Sheena Kretzmer sheena@memcyco.com This story was distributed as a release by Cyberwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. This story was distributed as a release by Cyberwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here . here here

Memcyco Report Reveals 6% Of Brands Can Protect Their Customers From Digital Impersonation Fraud

\MARSEILLE, France, May 15th, 2024/Chainwire/--CROSS THE AGES(CTA),a multimedia gaming ecosystem, announced a $3.5 million equity round of funding, led by Animoca Brands. With additional investments from Sebastien Borget of The Sandbox and Nicolas Jeuffrain of Tenergie, this funding round builds upon $15 million raised from investors, totaling $23.5M in funding to date including community fundraising. The funds raised are being announced alongside the ecosystem’s Token Generation Event (TGE), with exchanges such as Bybit, KuCoin, GATE and MEXC listing the token. With this strategic investment, CROSS THE AGES is set to accelerate its many growth initiatives and build out the CTA universe and ecosystem. Since the release of its virtual trading card game in March 2023, CROSS THE AGES has garnered over 400k downloads and 148k monthly active users. “We are thrilled to welcome Animoca Brands as the lead investor in our first equity round,” said Sami Chlagou, CEO and Co-founder of CROSS THE AGES. “This collaboration signifies a shared commitment and a vote of confidence for CTA’s gaming universe to expand the IP amongst Animoca brands ecosystems and partners .”“Blockchain gaming is an important movement that is bringing true digital ownership to the masses” commented Yat Siu, the executive chairman and co-founder of Animoca Brands. “Cross The Ages perfectly embodies the values of this movement, enabling users to live experiences in a virtual environment solidly founded upon personal ownership.” About CROSS THE AGES Launched in 2020, CROSS THE AGES (CTA) is a transmedia intellectual property (IP) where futuristic fantasy meets sci-fi epic narrative. Leveraging blockchain technology, the CTA universe sets a new benchmark in innovative gaming, combining free-to-play and play-to-earn. The experiential ecosystem blends the virtual and real worlds, encompassing books, comics, gaming, esports, animation, collectibles, and an underlying gaming investment model to promote the transition to renewable energy in the real world. Already boasting partnerships with industry leaders like Ubisoft and Square Enix, CROSS THE AGES continues to push the boundaries of innovation in gaming and entertainment. For more information visit crosstheages.com/en-us. Website | X | YouTube | Instagram | Discord | Twitch Contact Chief Marketing Officer Patrick Mercanton patrick.m@crosstheages.com This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. \MARSEILLE, France, May 15th, 2024/Chainwire/--CROSS THE AGES(CTA),a multimedia gaming ecosystem, announced a $3.5 million equity round of funding, led by Animoca Brands . With additional investments from Sebastien Borget of The Sandbox and Nicolas Jeuffrain of Tenergie, this funding round builds upon $15 million raised from investors, totaling $23.5M in funding to date including community fundraising. Animoca Brands Animoca Brands The funds raised are being announced alongside the ecosystem’s Token Generation Event (TGE), with exchanges such as Bybit, KuCoin, GATE and MEXC listing the token. With this strategic investment, CROSS THE AGES is set to accelerate its many growth initiatives and build out the CTA universe and ecosystem. Since the release of its virtual trading card game in March 2023, CROSS THE AGES has garnered over 400k downloads and 148k monthly active users. “We are thrilled to welcome Animoca Brands as the lead investor in our first equity round,” said Sami Chlagou, CEO and Co-founder of CROSS THE AGES. “This collaboration signifies a shared commitment and a vote of confidence for CTA’s gaming universe to expand the IP amongst Animoca brands ecosystems and partners .”“Blockchain gaming is an important movement that is bringing true digital ownership to the masses” commented Yat Siu, the executive chairman and co-founder of Animoca Brands. “Cross The Ages perfectly embodies the values of this movement, enabling users to live experiences in a virtual environment solidly founded upon personal ownership.” About CROSS THE AGES Launched in 2020, CROSS THE AGES (CTA) is a transmedia intellectual property (IP) where futuristic fantasy meets sci-fi epic narrative. Leveraging blockchain technology, the CTA universe sets a new benchmark in innovative gaming, combining free-to-play and play-to-earn. The experiential ecosystem blends the virtual and real worlds, encompassing books, comics, gaming, esports, animation, collectibles, and an underlying gaming investment model to promote the transition to renewable energy in the real world. Already boasting partnerships with industry leaders like Ubisoft and Square Enix, CROSS THE AGES continues to push the boundaries of innovation in gaming and entertainment. For more information visit crosstheages.com/en-us . Website | X | YouTube | Instagram | Discord | Twitch crosstheages.com/en-us crosstheages.com/en-us Website Website X X YouTube YouTube Instagram Instagram Discord Discord Twitch Twitch Contact Chief Marketing Officer Patrick Mercanton patrick.m@crosstheages.com This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here . here here

CROSS THE AGES Raises $3.5M In Equity Round Led By Animoca Brands And Lists On Major Exchanges

The resurgence of web3 social media platforms has led to several businesses and companies using them to engage with customers. Decentralized social media enhances a brand’s digital presence in multiple ways and provides enormous potential for long-term growth. In this article, we will explore in detail why brands are now using web3 social media platforms for their marketing campaigns. Direct Consumer Relationships Unlike traditional social media, web3 platforms don’t have any centralized intermediaries who control content distribution or moderate online interactions. Thus, brands can forge direct customer connections and authentically communicate with them to build stronger relationships. Since web3 social platforms have more transparency, companies find it easier to demonstrate their core brand values to the audience. The absence of third-party intermediaries also reduces marketing costs and fosters trust between the brand and consumers. Moreover, web3 platforms usually have more data privacy and security compared to web2 social media. Most traditional social media harvest user data without their knowledge and sell them to companies for advertising campaigns. However, such an approach doesn’t benefit anyone except the intermediary. The user doesn’t get any share of the profit despite generating valuable datasets. Similarly, companies often run unsuccessful ads that do not cater to the right audience. Web3 users have sovereign data ownership with direct monetization opportunities. Thus, customers can consensually provide or sell their data to brands for targeted advertising. This setup benefits both parties as users gain from sharing data and brands can customize their ads. A personalized marketing strategy through shared data exchange on social media creates deeper connections between brands and customers. Leverage Tokenization Opportunities One of the most important features of web3 social media is digital assets and tokenization. Companies can tokenize anything in the digital space to create valuable tokens for the online marketing space. Businesses can use tokens in social media marketing to reward customers for purchases, create content, and generate interest among other users. Tokenization helps in organic growth, lead generation, and brand advocacy through active token-gated communities. The use of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in marketing campaigns has provided a sense of exclusivity to customers. These unique virtual assets and collectibles are ideal for rewarding loyal consumers and enhancing brand value. Product users can utilize their limited-edition NFTs as special access keys to attend exclusive live events or have curated digital experiences. These NFTs can also unlock promotional offers, which will further drive customer engagement and create brand affinity. The biggest advantage of NFTs is seamless monetization for companies and consumers. Brands can mint NFTs for customers, and users can sell them in marketplaces to create a sustainable economy without relying on third parties. After the 2021 crypto boom, major brands like Nike, Adidas, Dolce and Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, and others launched their own NFT collections. However, these NFTs are indivisible and suffer from liquidity challenges due to their underlying technologies. The new generation of NFTs leverages the ERC-404 token standard, which enables fractional ownership, more liquidity, and easy trading on NFT marketplaces. Tomo uses the ERC-404 standard to mint Tomojis, which can potentially disrupt digital marketing for big brands. Community-Driven Marketing A company’s success depends on the strengths and foundational integrity of its community. Web3 social media empowers the customer community to lead a brand’s marketing campaign. Companies can collaborate directly with content creators or general users to co-create ads without relying on traditional methods. After all, word of mouth is the strongest marketing technique when paid campaigns fail to make an impact. User-generated content and crowdsourced promotional activities create ripple effects among new and existing customers. Authentic reviews, stories, and testimonials through text, images, or videography consolidate a brand’s credibility and create relatable brand interactions. Web3 social media can incentivize user-generated collaborative marketing efforts through token rewards. The rewards mechanism creates a feedback loop for users to contribute to the company’s growth through brainstorming ideas and content creation. A community’s collective wisdom has immense potential to sway customer behavior either in favor or against a brand. Thus, optimal community involvement on web3 social media can help companies reap enormous dividends through innovative decentered marketing. Collaborative Influencer Marketing Although web2 influencers have massive followers and established personal branding, a major chunk of profits from brand collaborations go to social media companies. Additionally, the collaborations might come off as inauthentic and forced ways of monetizing their digital presence. On the contrary, web3 social media establishes direct connections between influencers and fans, which is more profitable for all stakeholders. Influencers can create new revenue streams through brand marketing on web3 media with potentially higher earnings. Web3 influencers have more control over these partnerships and thereby create meaningful campaigns that resonate with their values or visions. An alignment of beliefs and principles can go a long way in creating lasting impressions on customers. Thus, web3-based ad campaigns reach the audience as genuine endorsements and might have more impact on consumer behavior. Additionally, tokenized economies can incentivize followers to actively participate in these campaigns to earn rewards. These programs can create a mutually beneficial system where the influencers, brands, and customers gain simultaneously from authentic engagements. The Future Potential of Brand Marketing For Web3 Social Media According to a Statista report, brands spent approximately $270 billion in social media advertising campaigns in 2023. The budget expenditure for digital marketing is projected to surpass the $300 billion mark this year. However, as users become more wary of data privacy, they’re unwilling to share their data for irrelevant ads. Thus, brands need to be extra cautious about how they collect user data and harness them for targeted advertising. Web3 social media holds the promise of forging direct and authentic relations between companies, customers, and influencers. Although it’s still very early for decentralized social media, they’re slowly entering the market and amplifying their digital footprint. This is the right opportunity to respect user privacy and leverage the benefits of blockchain-based tokenized social media platforms. Even if 50% of traditional digital marketing spending comes into web3 social media, it means opening up a $135 billion market. Thus, the future holds enormous potential for robust growth in brand marketing on web3 social media platforms. The resurgence of web3 social media platforms has led to several businesses and companies using them to engage with customers. Decentralized social media enhances a brand’s digital presence in multiple ways and provides enormous potential for long-term growth. In this article, we will explore in detail why brands are now using web3 social media platforms for their marketing campaigns. web3 Direct Consumer Relationships Unlike traditional social media, web3 platforms don’t have any centralized intermediaries who control content distribution or moderate online interactions. Thus, brands can forge direct customer connections and authentically communicate with them to build stronger relationships. Since web3 social platforms have more transparency, companies find it easier to demonstrate their core brand values to the audience. The absence of third-party intermediaries also reduces marketing costs and fosters trust between the brand and consumers. Moreover, web3 platforms usually have more data privacy and security compared to web2 social media. Most traditional social media harvest user data without their knowledge and sell them to companies for advertising campaigns. However, such an approach doesn’t benefit anyone except the intermediary. The user doesn’t get any share of the profit despite generating valuable datasets. Similarly, companies often run unsuccessful ads that do not cater to the right audience. Web3 users have sovereign data ownership with direct monetization opportunities. Thus, customers can consensually provide or sell their data to brands for targeted advertising. This setup benefits both parties as users gain from sharing data and brands can customize their ads. A personalized marketing strategy through shared data exchange on social media creates deeper connections between brands and customers. Leverage Tokenization Opportunities One of the most important features of web3 social media is digital assets and tokenization. Companies can tokenize anything in the digital space to create valuable tokens for the online marketing space. Businesses can use tokens in social media marketing to reward customers for purchases, create content, and generate interest among other users. Tokenization helps in organic growth, lead generation, and brand advocacy through active token-gated communities. The use of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in marketing campaigns has provided a sense of exclusivity to customers. These unique virtual assets and collectibles are ideal for rewarding loyal consumers and enhancing brand value. Product users can utilize their limited-edition NFTs as special access keys to attend exclusive live events or have curated digital experiences. These NFTs can also unlock promotional offers, which will further drive customer engagement and create brand affinity. The biggest advantage of NFTs is seamless monetization for companies and consumers. Brands can mint NFTs for customers, and users can sell them in marketplaces to create a sustainable economy without relying on third parties. After the 2021 crypto boom, major brands like Nike , Adidas , Dolce and Gabbana , Louis Vuitton , and others launched their own NFT collections. However, these NFTs are indivisible and suffer from liquidity challenges due to their underlying technologies. Nike Nike Adidas Adidas Dolce and Gabbana Dolce and Gabbana Louis Vuitton Louis Vuitton The new generation of NFTs leverages the ERC-404 token standard, which enables fractional ownership, more liquidity, and easy trading on NFT marketplaces. Tomo uses the ERC-404 standard to mint Tomojis, which can potentially disrupt digital marketing for big brands. Community-Driven Marketing A company’s success depends on the strengths and foundational integrity of its community. Web3 social media empowers the customer community to lead a brand’s marketing campaign. Companies can collaborate directly with content creators or general users to co-create ads without relying on traditional methods. After all, word of mouth is the strongest marketing technique when paid campaigns fail to make an impact. User-generated content and crowdsourced promotional activities create ripple effects among new and existing customers. Authentic reviews, stories, and testimonials through text, images, or videography consolidate a brand’s credibility and create relatable brand interactions. Web3 social media can incentivize user-generated collaborative marketing efforts through token rewards. The rewards mechanism creates a feedback loop for users to contribute to the company’s growth through brainstorming ideas and content creation. A community’s collective wisdom has immense potential to sway customer behavior either in favor or against a brand. Thus, optimal community involvement on web3 social media can help companies reap enormous dividends through innovative decentered marketing. Collaborative Influencer Marketing Although web2 influencers have massive followers and established personal branding, a major chunk of profits from brand collaborations go to social media companies. Additionally, the collaborations might come off as inauthentic and forced ways of monetizing their digital presence. On the contrary, web3 social media establishes direct connections between influencers and fans, which is more profitable for all stakeholders. Influencers can create new revenue streams through brand marketing on web3 media with potentially higher earnings. Web3 influencers have more control over these partnerships and thereby create meaningful campaigns that resonate with their values or visions. An alignment of beliefs and principles can go a long way in creating lasting impressions on customers. Thus, web3-based ad campaigns reach the audience as genuine endorsements and might have more impact on consumer behavior. Additionally, tokenized economies can incentivize followers to actively participate in these campaigns to earn rewards. These programs can create a mutually beneficial system where the influencers, brands, and customers gain simultaneously from authentic engagements. The Future Potential of Brand Marketing For Web3 Social Media According to a Statista report, brands spent approximately $270 billion in social media advertising campaigns in 2023. The budget expenditure for digital marketing is projected to surpass the $300 billion mark this year. spent spent However, as users become more wary of data privacy, they’re unwilling to share their data for irrelevant ads. Thus, brands need to be extra cautious about how they collect user data and harness them for targeted advertising. Web3 social media holds the promise of forging direct and authentic relations between companies, customers, and influencers. Although it’s still very early for decentralized social media, they’re slowly entering the market and amplifying their digital footprint. This is the right opportunity to respect user privacy and leverage the benefits of blockchain-based tokenized social media platforms. Even if 50% of traditional digital marketing spending comes into web3 social media, it means opening up a $135 billion market. Thus, the future holds enormous potential for robust growth in brand marketing on web3 social media platforms.

Why Should Brands Turn To Web3 Social Media?

Hi everyone, here. I’m a brand strategist and communications expert with blockchain and crypto projects. I create Value Propositions and build brand awareness among users, developers, and VC funds. Daria Strategy Recently, I spoke at the about the value of technology from the perspective of product and brand building. In this article, I share the main takeaways from my speech and empower you to build not code-focused products but Love Marks for your users and partners using innovative technologies like Account Abstraction. ETHBucharest conference Account Abstraction The purpose of creating Love Marks in the Web3 industry Initially, I want to give you an overall understanding of brand building and the purpose of creating Love Marks in the Web3 industry. Big and famous companies like and others have built outstanding brands and connections with their audiences because they propose not only products but additional experience in the form of design, smell, sound, and other brand attributes. Nike, Starbucks, Netflix, Balenciaga, McDonald’s, The brands switched from traditional advertising to to give their customers a holistic, immersive experience. phygital (physical + digital) engagement The principles of immersive brand experiences: Personalization Simplicity and ease of use Emotional engagement Interactive elements Consistency across channels Storytelling Use of visual and audio elements Real-time responsiveness Gamification Community building If you want to build something outstanding, these principles must be included in your product strategy. In this article, I’ll reveal some of them: personalization, simplicity and ease of use, emotional engagement, and gamification. Read it to the end to learn about the cases and examples. The main idea of branding is to help a company or project stand out from the crowd and be more visible in a highly competitive market. So, how about blockchain brands? Unlike traditional businesses, blockchain-powered products don’t have smell or sound, but they can use the power of innovations! However, these innovations often do not look easy to use and implement by the mass audience. As a result, the user feels lost while using tech-sophisticated products. It is no secret that the blockchain and crypto industry has many challenges that build barriers between products and users. I’m sure you all know all these issues and can add even more. Even , the person who knows everything about blockchain, often has trouble when using DApps. In his article, his attitude to user experience. Vitalik Buterin Vitalik described Brand experience challenges appear in addition to UX challenges. You can see some of them in the picture. People don’t trust crypto companies; they are afraid of making mistakes and don’t have enough information about the sphere and each particular project: So, the main idea of brand experiences in the blockchain field is to tackle obstacles, add extra value, and create strong emotional connections with users. In other words, you need to build your product and communication to make it a Love Mark for different categories of users. Let me introduce you to Joe. Joe is our user. He can be a trader, developer, NFT artist, anyone! But in all cases, Joe is a real human with rational thoughts and emotional feelings. Like most of us, he decides based on the first impression. Joe wants to try two products, A and B. Both have good ideas and a solid technical foundation, but they have different UX, UI, and marketing. UX, UI, and marketing make a difference and influence the brand perception. Of course, Joe wants to use Product A because it not only gives him answers to his questions but also interacts with him and opens new frontiers of brand experience, including the help of Account Abstraction. In September 2023, the announced the successful conclusion of the grant round. This grant initiative will support 18 teams in their efforts to build diverse projects centered around Account Abstraction. Such massive investment in AA-supporting projects shows that the concept is promising and will be explored and implemented as much as possible. Ethereum Foundation Clave was one of these This project has been launched recently, and here is my interview with its co-founders: 18 projects supported by the Ethereum Foundation. https://youtu.be/6p8JjV6mgbo?embedable=true believes AA can help attract the How can it be implemented? There are three main business features that influence the brand experience: Ethereum Foundation next 1,000,000 users to Web3. Onboarding non-Web3 users to Web3 seamlessly; Paying gas fees instead of users when they mint NFTs makes transactions on blockchain; I turning Web3 into a more secure and user-friendly environment. The different categories of companies and users can benefit from implementing : Account Abstraction How does Account Abstraction Empower Web3 and Web2 Businesses In this part, I will share four examples of using AA to attract users, engage with them, and create immersive brand experiences. These examples show how Account Abstraction can empower traditional businesses or make Web3 projects more user-friendly. 1. Friendly DeFi with Enhanced Security and Privacy Account Abstraction in DeFi products allows Web3 newcomers to overcome the barrier and be more open to new technologies. A user could designate a group of friends or family members as their . If the user loses their private keys, they can contact their guardians and get help . That’s how people can plan their future with savings in crypto. social recovery guardians recovering their account 2. Phygital Experience and Innovative Engagement Models Bridging the digital and physical gap is key to Web3's mass adoption. To build immersive, interactive experiences, blockchain brands must bring the power of Web3 to users worldwide in a way that is easy to onboard, fun, and accessible. You probably know about , which was turned into plush toys in the US and UK. The magic happens when a buyer scans a QR code on the box and gets their dedicated NFT without any gas fees. It’s possible because of . Pudgy Penguins' NFT collection native AA by zkSync 3. Exciting Gaming with Seamless Interaction Across Platforms AA allows gamers to manage their addresses and program them with better experiences. The smart contract creates with information that can be ported across different apps. a customizable wrapper I like this user case of where gamers can exchange their skins from Assassin’s Creed for the skins from Diablo and use them to enhance the gaming experience and become active users of both gaming platforms. cross-game interoperability, 4. Personalized Loyalty Loyalty programs are very popular in engaging audiences in traditional industries such as fashion, HoReCa, hospitality, etc. In Web3, tried to implement a revolution of loyalty with its Odyssey program. The program is closed, but it can be reimagined later, and AA can be a good instrument for onboarding more non-Web3-native Starbucks customers. Starbucks No matter what type of tokens you use for a loyalty program, AA helps simplify the user experience and commitment to the brand. Customers can join without a wallet and technical knowledge. Pay fees and reward your customers using the blockchain that works best for you. Another example of using loyalty programs is digital collectibles from famous sports teams and athletes. Such collectibles have become very popular among . Using Account Abstraction helps sell these collectibles more easily and grow the communities faster. F1, American Football, and the NBA The Road Ahead The journey towards fully realizing the potential of Account Abstraction for immersive brand experiences is still in its early stages. Challenges such as interoperability between different platforms, user privacy concerns, and the development of universal standards need to be addressed. However, the benefits of creating a more integrated, personalized, and engaging digital landscape are undeniable. As technology evolves and brands become more adept at leveraging AA, we can expect to see even more innovative and immersive experiences that blur the lines between the digital and physical worlds, ultimately transforming how consumers interact with their favorite brands. Account Abstraction is a tool for turning a mountain of GitHub code into a Web3 Love Mark for all types of users. When your project is a Love Mark, you get more attention, user-generated content, longer business life, and more profit. I want to empower you to experiment, innovate, and create an unforgettable brand experience for users in Web3 and beyond! Read my previous articles about and making blockchain as popular as AI launching a Web3 Project in 2024. Follow me on social media: , , and LinkedIn X . YouTube

Account Abstraction Helps Web3 Founders Create Brands Users Love

When faced with tough economic conditions, often look to reduce overheads to remain afloat. Given the high inflation and rising interest rates that played out globally in 2023, growth and expansion plans may have been put on hold. But despite the recent downturn, predictions for the year ahead are cautiously optimistic. A recent report from the (IMF) predicts that global economic growth is likely to remain at a steady 3.3% in 2024. business leaders International Monetary Fund Investing in brand and design is one of the most effective ways to remain resilient during an economic downturn, helping companies to stand out from the competition and win the trust of consumers. The most successful brand and are driven by highly skilled professionals with the skills and expertise to execute multifaceted strategies that resonate with audiences. design campaigns Here we present 15 examples of excellence in the field of brand and marketing that are helping companies to thrive in 2024. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) stands as a global leader in edge-to-cloud solutions, helping to revolutionize businesses worldwide. With a mission to facilitate seamless connectivity, robust protection, insightful analysis, and decisive action on data and applications from edge to cloud, HPE empowers enterprises to translate insights into tangible actions with unparalleled agility in today’s dynamic landscape. , serves as the Brand Strategy Manager for Hewlett Packard Enterprise. In his position at the helm of brand strategy, Askew orchestrates HPE’s strategic initiatives, ensuring the alignment of branding efforts with the company’s overarching mission and vision. With a keen understanding of market dynamics and consumer behavior, Askew plays a pivotal role in shaping HPE’s brand narrative and positioning in the industry, driving forward its legacy of innovation and transformation. Jeff Askew IBM is the Vice President of Brand Experience & Design at IBM and Lead for the IBM Blue Studio. He has been with this major tech firm since 2014 during which time Todd has played an instrumental role in marrying the design and software development disciplines, Todd Simmons The IBM Design Language provides the guidance and assets used to express the IBM brand in products, communications, marketing, events and digital experiences consistently and elevant user experiences. His work has contributed to IBM’s Quantum System Two, a winner of the 2023 Innovation by Design Awards. Todd’s work crosses nearly every category of creative output. He is outcome-obsessed, and his unique combination of creative and strategic thinking has been central to the many successful engagements he has led over the years. Todd believes that strong design is built on understanding which is why one of IBM’s key principles is to never delegate understanding. Global Brand at GSK Rowan Green is a distinguished professional serving as the Director of Brand Identity for Global Brand at GSK. Here, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s identity and strategy on a global scale. In addition to corporate responsibilities, Rowan generously volunteers his time as a student mentor at the University of Plymouth, contributing to the development and growth of future generations of professionals. With a wealth of experience spanning various sectors, Rowan has made significant contributions to renowned organizations such as the National Trust, Forestry England, Lisson Gallery, and the University of Oxford, among others. His extensive background underscores his expertise in brand development, design, and strategic leadership, making him a highly respected figure in the industry. Rowan Green’s dedication to both their professional endeavors and philanthropic pursuits exemplifies his commitment to excellence and community engagement. Feely Studio Feely Studio stands out as a dynamic entity, composed of a team of fervent designers dedicated to empowering startups and helping with their onward journey. Whether startups seek to elevate their marketing strategies, secure funding across various stages (from pre-seed to Series A), or allure top-tier talent, Feely offers specialized expertise in crafting impactful branding and marketing websites. At the helm of Feely Studio’s creative endeavors is Anastasia Sycheva, serving as both the Art Director and co-founder. With a blend of artistic vision and entrepreneurial spirit, Sycheva leads the team in delivering innovative design solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each startup client, fostering their growth and success in the competitive landscape. Liberty Mutual Insurance With a legacy spanning over a century, Liberty Mutual Insurance has been a pioneer in developing innovative insurance solutions tailored to address the evolving needs of society. Their dedication to breaking away from conventional mindsets and exploring new territories within the industry is driven by a steadfast commitment to ensuring peace of mind for their customers. At the helm of Liberty Mutual’s creative endeavors is Michael Wood, who serves as the Executive Creative Director. With expertise in copywriting, storytelling, brand management, brand marketing, branding and identity, strategic thinking, and social media engagement, Wood leads the charge in crafting compelling narratives and strategic initiatives that redefine the insurance landscape. Under Wood’s guidance, Liberty Mutual continues to push boundaries, embracing innovation and customer-centricity to shape the future of insurance branding. Sanofi Consumer Healthcare Sanofi is an innovative global healthcare company on a mission to help people build toward a healthier future. The company uses consumer-inspired, science-based products and solutions that are creatively designed and simple to use to empower people to take an active role in their health. helps to further this mission with his reputation for delivering intelligent and carefully considered brand communication solutions, Joe Durkin works as Sanofi’s Head of Brand Design to further this mission. He has 20 years of success, helping companies create and promote their brands, design packaging and produce emotionally compelling consumer experiences. Joe Durkin SAP SAP develops enterprise software to manage business operations and customer relations. The company is the world’s leading enterprise resource planning software vendor with a global network of customers, partners, employees, and thought leaders. SAP offers an end-to-end suite of applications and services enables its customers to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and make a difference worldwide. is the VP of Creative Enablement, Brand Awareness and Marketing at SAP. During her time at SAP she strategically developed and transformed the SAP brand to be more open, approachable and relevant for all-sized businesses. Resulted in year-over-year brand growth and consistent placement in the top 25 of Interbrand’s Best Global Brands study. Laura Johnson Takeda At Takeda, the overarching mission is to foster better health for individuals and a brighter future for the world. Rooted in enduring values, their commitment to advancing science and technology remains unwavering. The company’s ambition is to continuously deliver transformative treatments, thereby generating significant societal value while prioritizing an exceptional experience for its people. serves as the driving force behind Creative and Corporate Brand Engagement at Takeda. His multifaceted role encompasses various responsibilities aimed at nurturing a vibrant brand community within the organization and facilitating seamless communication of branding updates and changes. McArdle ensures that global corporate materials and assets are promptly updated to reflect high-level organizational changes, collaborating closely with stakeholders across the organization to ensure accurate dissemination of content. Maxwell McArdle FINIEN FINIEN, a purposefully small consultancy, is spearheaded by brand strategist, entrepreneur, and best-selling author Fabian Geyrhalter. Their mission is to empower Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) and founders navigating brand transformations by offering swift strategic, verbal, and visual clarity to reposition their brands for growth. With a focus on companies based in the US or Europe, their clientele typically generates a minimum of $5 million in revenue. At the helm of FINIEN’s creative endeavors is Jessie (Campbell) Irving, serving as the Creative Director. With an illustrious career trajectory, Irving earned her title after 22 years of dedicated service, succeeding Geyrhalter in the role. As a highly creative and strategic leader, she is entrusted with designing and driving the creative direction and execution of brand transformations across various platforms and mediums, catering to both B2B and B2C audiences. Trellix Trellix pioneers an evolutionary XDR architecture that dynamically learns and adjusts to the pace of cyber threats, offering intelligence on advanced cyber threats. Their innovative approach to security is revolutionizing the industry, providing businesses with the assurance that they are safeguarded at all times. Wesley Porter, a seasoned Graphic Design graduate from Kansas State University, boasts over 25 years of exemplary creative experience. Having honed his skills at renowned agencies like MMGY, TracyLocke, TPN, and Integer, Porter has garnered numerous awards for his work with multiple Global 500 brands. Currently, he serves as the Director of Brand Design + Creative at Trellix, where his extensive expertise drives innovative branding solutions. Through his leadership, Trellix continues to establish itself as a leader in the realm of cybersecurity, offering clients peace of mind and unparalleled protection through strategic brand design initiatives. Medtronic , Communications Director for Cranial and Spinal Technologies at Medtronic, brings a wealth of expertise in executing strategic communication campaigns, change management initiatives, and digital strategies. With a demonstrated track record of delivering measurable results for executive leaders, internal and external audiences, and key stakeholders, Greenberg plays a vital role in shaping Medtronic’s communication landscape. Through her strategic vision and effective communication strategies, she helps to amplify the impact of Medtronic’s innovative solutions, driving positive change in healthcare worldwide. Rita Greenberg Medtronic stands as a global leader in healthcare technology, boldly tackling humanity’s most challenging health issues with transformative innovations that improve lives. The Future Forward Inc. The Future Forward stands out as a prominent creative agency based in NYC, dedicated to empowering brands to wield greater influence through the seamless integration of strategy, design, and technology. Their name encapsulates their philosophy – they are committed to helping teams envision a positive future and actively contribute to its realization. Rad Bratich, serving as the Creative Director, brings his expertise to the forefront of The Future Forward’s creative endeavors. With a keen eye for innovation and a passion for pushing boundaries, Bratich leads the team in crafting compelling narratives and transformative experiences that resonate with audiences. Under his guidance, The Future Forward continues to drive positive change and shape the future of branding and design. Watson Creative Watson Creative stands out as a research-based creative studio specializing in empowering challenger brands. Their portfolio proudly showcases collaborations with industry giants such as Nike, Disney, and Kaiser Permanente, serving as a testament to their prowess in driving transformation and fostering growth. While their focus primarily centers on mid to large businesses, Watson Creative remains open to partnering with startups and small businesses alike. Jennifer Crotteau, serving as the COO/Integrator, plays a pivotal role in orchestrating Watson Creative’s operations and ensuring seamless integration across all facets of the organization. With a keen eye for strategic execution and operational efficiency, Crotteau contributes to the studio’s continued success in delivering impactful solutions to their diverse clientele. Under her leadership, Watson Creative continues to push boundaries and elevate brands to new heights in the competitive landscape. Cisco Systems Cisco empowers individuals to forge powerful connections, whether in business, education, philanthropy, or creativity. Through its hardware, software, and services, Cisco enables the creation of Internet solutions that underpin networks, facilitating access to information anywhere, anytime. serves as the Director of Global Creative Operations at Cisco Systems, Inc. In her role, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing and optimizing the creative operations globally. With a keen focus on ensuring efficiency and excellence in creative processes, Fedele contributes to Cisco’s mission of enabling seamless connectivity and driving innovation across various domains. Under her leadership, Cisco continues to lead the way in creating transformative solutions that empower individuals and organizations worldwide. Lisa Fedele AbbVie AbbVie, a global biopharmaceutical company, emerged in 2013 following its separation from Abbott. With a mission centered on leveraging its expertise, dedicated workforce, and innovative approach, AbbVie aims to develop and market advanced therapies addressing some of the world’s most complex and severe diseases. serves as the Associate Director of Corporate Brand at AbbVie, overseeing brand strategy and governance across a workforce of over 50,000 employees worldwide. Rathmann’s dedication to creating impactful brand experiences, aligned with business objectives and resonant with diverse audiences, is evident in her leadership. She possesses a proven track record of spearheading cross-functional teams, fostering strong relationships and communities, and cultivating a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence within AbbVie. Abbie Rathmann This article was originally published by on Emily Branch The Sociable.

Highlighting 15 Exemplary Designs and Brands of 2024

Elmo checks in with the internet to find it is full of . anxious, broke, and depressed people Surprising no one, depressing everyone. In an age where the internet serves as a mirror to society's collective psyche, a simple check-in by a beloved character like Elmo unveiled so much about the current state of public sentiment. Yeah, the adorable red Muppet from Sesame Street decided to ask how everyone was doing on X (formerly Twitter), and oh boy, did the internet have a lot to say. The responses ranged from heartbreakingly honest to calls for help, painting a vivid picture of the collective mood online. With over 198 million views, Elmo's post didn't just go viral; it opened a floodgate of emotions, leading to an unexpected yet necessary conversation about mental health. So, what does this tell us, especially those of us navigating the ? Let's dive in. complex world of marketing and community engagement The Power of Asking "How Are You?" First off, when was the last time a brand genuinely asked you how you were doing? And I mean, really asked, not just as a prelude to selling you something. Elmo's simple question struck a chord because it felt real, unfiltered, and devoid of any marketing agenda. It's a powerful reminder that behind every screen, there's a human being, possibly waiting for a sign that someone cares. But here's a twist: this isn't just about how brands interact with consumers. It's a two-way street. Behind every brand logo, social media post, or promotional email, there's a person. Someone who's navigating their own set of challenges, trying to bridge the gap between corporate objectives and genuine human connection. It's easy to forget that in our rush to express dissatisfaction or demand attention, we're addressing fellow human beings. People who, just like us, appreciate kindness and understanding. This realization brings me an important reflection: kindness should be the cornerstone of our interactions online, not an afterthought. In a world often criticized for its capitalist drives, where transactions often overshadow genuine human interaction, choosing kindness IS revolutionary. Digital spaces need to be better. Kinder. So, the next time a brand asks, "How are you?" consider it an opportunity. An opportunity to engage in a more meaningful, empathetic convo. And when we, as consumers, reach out to brands, let's remember the power of kindness. In our demanding, fast-paced world, a little kindness can go a long way. Let’s create a ripple effect that, despite—or perhaps because of—capitalism, transforms our online interactions into something more human, more connected. Lessons from Pop Culture You know how sometimes a TV show, a song, or even a tweet can just explode and suddenly, everyone's talking about it? Like when the " . The internet couldn't stop gabbing about old times, deep friendships, and how quickly the time flies. Friends" gang got back together Or when Taylor Swift dropped "Folklore" out of the blue, and all of a sudden, we're all deep in feels, talking about escape and the tales we spin in our heads just to get by. And oh, how can we forget the whole "Don't Worry Darling" press tour drama? Talk about a rollercoaster. Or how about the buzz around Lewis Hamilton switching to Ferrari? It's like, for a moment, these stories become the center of our universe, pulling us into a vortex of opinions, emotions, and sometimes, heated debates. These slices of pop culture, including Elmo's heartfelt check-in, really highlight how much sway these moments have over our current discourse. They shine a light on stuff we usually don't talk about, or at least not in the public eye. For brands, these moments underscore the power of storytelling that resonates on a personal level, illustrating the importance of crafting messages that speak directly to the human experience It's fascinating, isn't it? How a simple question, a reunion, a song, or even the hint of scandal can open up floodgates of conversation about deeper, sometimes more complex issues. It's like, through these shared cultural experiences, we find a common ground to explore ideas and feelings that might have stayed buried under the hustle of everyday life. Pretty cool, if you ask me. The Empathy Factor Here’s a question for you: How can brands channel this same level of empathy and engagement without it coming off as insincere or opportunistic? When a tries to be funny, we often shush them off for trying too hard. B2B SaaS LinkedIn page It's a tightrope walk, indeed. The key lies in genuine intention. When Sesame Street followed up with mental health resources, it wasn't just a PR move; it was a responsible, empathetic response to a community's outcry. Imagine if all brands took a similar approach, using their platforms not just to sell but to support, educate, and uplift. It's about adding real value to the lives of the people in your community. Sounds normal yet revolutionary, doesn't it? Being More Than a Brand Ever noticed how some brands just get it? Like Nike, right? They're not just about sneakers and sports gear. They stand up for what's right, , sparking conversations about equality and grit. championing athletes no matter their background And then there's Ben & Jerry's. Sure, their ice cream is to die for, but have you seen how they dive headfirst into the big issues? Climate change, social justice—you name it, they're on it, pushing us all to think a bit harder about the world we're spooning that Cherry Garcia into. ( ) Cherry Garcia is not their best flavor, and I think that’s something we can all agree on These brands, they're playing a bigger game. They're not just logos or catchy jingles. They're out there, making a difference, being a shoulder to lean on, and heck, sometimes a megaphone for change. Consider the journey of a small, local coffee shop that used its platform to highlight community stories during the pandemic, offering a virtual space for shared experiences and support. Or think about a tech startup that provides free resources to educators, demonstrating a commitment to education beyond its product offering. These examples show that no matter your size, your brand can have a meaningful impact by focusing on what matters most—people. And I know what you’re thinking, "That's all cool for them, but what about smaller companies? We're just starting, or maybe we're a mid-sized company trying to build our community. How do we show we're more than just another brand?" First off, start with what you stand for. What's the heart and soul of your brand? Maybe you're all about sustainability, or perhaps community service gets you fired up. Use that. Let it shine through your content, your products, even your customer service. Small acts and consistent messaging can start big conversations. Second, listen and act. It's one thing to say you care, and another to show it. Engage with your community. Hear their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs. Then, see where you can lend a hand, offer a platform, or simply amplify their voices. It's about creating a space where empathy leads the way. Remember, being more than a brand isn't about the size of your marketing budget. You can start right where you are. The Challenge and Opportunity for Brands Some might wonder, 'Can brands truly afford to prioritize empathy in cutthroat markets?' Absolutely. It's not just a nice-to-have; it's a must-have for building lasting relationships. Skeptics may argue that the bottom line is king, but remember, consumers are increasingly choosing brands that stand for something more. Showing genuine empathy isn't just good ethics; it's smart business. Now, back to you. How can your brand or the brands you admire follow in these footsteps? How can you leverage your platform to not only drive sales but also drive positive change? It starts with listening—truly listening—to your community. From there, it’s about taking meaningful action, whether that’s through sharing resources, starting conversations, or showing up for your audience in ways that matter most. Elmo’s check-in was a small gesture with a big impact. It’s a call to action for all of us in the digital space to remember the power of empathy, the importance of community, and the potential we have to make a difference. In the end, it’s not just about what we want to say but about what our audience needs to hear. So, how will your brand respond? Let’s make the internet a little less sad, together.

Elmo Checks In, Everything Is Not Okay: A Lesson in Empathy for Brands

1. What is your company in 2–5 words? We build 100+ Year Brands. 2. Why is now the time for your company to exist? It seems like every article you read is about some “sexy” startup that’s trying to blitzscale so they can go public… many of which, like Icarus, come crashing back down to Earth in a fiery blaze. We exist for the founders who want to build a long-lasting, valuable piece of Americana. A brand that will outlive them. A brand that people will be benefiting from a century from now. We’re building brands that help mankind ascend to a higher level. 3. What do you love about your team, and why are you the ones to solve this problem? I love that we’re building brands that will one day influence the culture. Think about the impact Brooks Brothers or Yuengling Brewery has had. There are iconic brands that are being founded right now, and we want to help them get to that level one day. 4. If you weren’t building your startup, what would you be doing? Probably building another agency. 5. At the moment, how do you measure success? What are your metrics? Success is the number of clients we’ve had and the numerical growth we’ve helped them achieve. We like to track their revenue before/after working with us. We know if their sales are growing, we’re doing our job. 6. In a few sentences, what do you offer to whom? We have an incubator (The Foundry) where we help e-commerce Founders run ads, grow their email lists, monetize their databases, and recruit armies of affiliates and influencers. 7. What’s most exciting about your traction to date? We’re just getting started - but we’ve already helped a few brands 4-5x their revenue in under a year. 8. Where do you think your growth will be next year? I want to have 100 brands inside of our incubator. 9. Tell us about your first paying customer and revenue expectations over the next year. One of the first brands I worked with had a 525% increase in revenue in 8 months. They should be able to double or triple their current revenue in the next twelve months if they keep executing the game plan we created. 10. What’s your biggest threat? Boredom. The most successful long-term brands have a simple playbook that they execute year after year after year, without getting distracted. Sometimes staying the course is the hardest thing. This startup founder interview template is based on ’s . HackerNoon Founder & CEO David Smooke ten questions for startup founders Would you like to take a stab at answering some of these questions? The link for the template is HERE.

Chris Orzechowski on Building 100+ Year Brands

Nothing excites people more than a "trend." In the 24/7 market of Web3, opening social media reveals intense discussions on different topics at every moment: sky-high fines for Binance, snapshots for StarkNet airdrops, Bitcoin Core Dev opposing ORDIs. Various popular topics are intertwined with well-known projects, and many leading projects in history have gained fame by leveraging a trending topic. From the IEOs of 2019 to the DeFi Summer of 2020 and the NFT craze of 2021, each storm in the Web3 industry has seen projects emerge, quickly ascending to the forefront of their respective tracks. Just mention a specific track, and people immediately think of these projects. It's evident that at times, a project's market visibility depends on its foothold in trending topics. Trends are fleeting, and a project's utilization of these topics must be prompt, swiftly positioning itself within the trend. How can Web3 brands leverage topics? The relationship between Web3, brands, and topics can be discussed within the Web3 domain: The Relationship Between Brands and Topics In the Web2 realm, the market is already quite mature, and the launch of certain products often triggers trending topics. For example, the release of ChatGPT by OpenAI quickly ignited attention in the AI field. This move not only prompted many tech companies to follow suit by releasing their AI products but also attracted a significant influx of funds into the AI sector. The market size of the Web3 domain is far smaller than that of Web2. In this domain, the relationship between brands and topics is more about brands attaching themselves to trending topics to open up market visibility. Innate Connection of Brands to Topics This relationship is the most natural and stable, indicating that a brand's core values, mission, vision, product, or service itself is closely related to the topic. Long before the topic gains popularity, a project deeply engages in this field, lacking only in market visibility. When the trending topic arrives, the project naturally gains higher recognition among the public. For example, Uniswap, founded in 2018, experienced explosive growth during the DeFi Summer of 2020, becoming the leading project in the DEX track. For brands inherently tied to trending topics, any promotional content related to the hot topic is appropriate and easily accepted by users due to the high alignment between the brand and the trending topic. However, for projects that are not closely aligned with trending topics, does this mean they can only watch as trending topics spark widespread discussions and generate significant traffic without getting a piece of the action? These projects also have their own strategies to capitalize on the momentum: Utilizing Trending Topics for Growth and Customer Acquisition Seizing the opportunity presented by a trending topic is a rare occurrence. Even projects that may not seem directly related to popular trends can employ marketing strategies to align their brand with these hot topics. Different projects adopt various approaches to ride the trend: : Recently, both Starknet and Layerzero announced airdrop plans, prompting an increasing number of projects to declare support for their mainnets to capitalize on the hype. Projects actively engage in collaborations and announce partnerships within the ecosystem to boost their brand mentions in trending topics. They strive to divert the attention of users interested in airdrops towards their own initiatives. Ecosystem Support : The emergence of a trending topic signals an opportunity for content explosion. Media platforms and data accounts on social platforms start releasing news and integrated data related to the trending topic. Projects can leverage this content surge to amplify their presence in the conversation around the hot topic. Content Creation : Joint campaigns can take various forms. For example, there are ecosystem-based joint campaigns where projects within the same ecosystem collaborate to launch large-scale activities. In the case of the previous hot topic of the Scroll mainnet launch, many projects on the Scroll mainnet collaborated on platforms like Web3 growth platforms like Galxe and TaskOn to introduce joint campaigns, attracting users. Joint Campaigns There are also holiday-themed joint campaigns. For the annual highlight—Christmas, projects often team up to launch joint campaigns. Dozens of projects released their Christmas activities on growth platforms, including leading projects in the DEX track like 1inch. Utilizing growth platforms and similar tools to collaborate on activities with multiple projects allows for a win-win scenario: : Collaborative marketing efforts through joint campaigns can expand prize pools, increasing attractiveness and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the campaign. Expand Prize Pools : For smaller projects, actively participating in these joint campaigns, especially when established projects are involved, can increase their brand visibility. Even projects with similar levels of recognition can mutually attract users, collectively boosting their exposure. Enhance Brand Exposure These joint campaigns provide an opportunity for projects to pool resources, attract a broader audience, and achieve a synergistic effect in terms of marketing and brand promotion. Forcing the Continuation of Project Lifecycles through Trend Utilization If a brand seems to have no connection whatsoever with the current trending topics, there are still instances where projects insist on forcing a link. Some projects may find themselves in the declining phase or approaching it, and in an attempt to extend their lifecycle, they continually associate with trending topics, leading to a somewhat pathological relationship between the brand and the topic. The current buzz around the integration of AI and Web3 has prompted many projects to claim the launch of AI-related initiatives, even when the practical applications are only loosely related to AI. In such cases, some projects might overlook the relevance between the topic and the brand's core values, mission, vision, product, or service. They may even disregard the sensitivity and negativity associated with the topic. Despite the lack of substantial connection, these projects are willing to do whatever it takes to link themselves with the trending topic, as long as it captures users' attention and clicks. This forced association can lead to an unstable brand image and may even result in long-term negative impacts, as users may develop doubts about the authenticity and reliability of the project. Market Chaos Triggered by Trending Topics Faced with trending topics, many projects, driven by the idea of not missing out, employ all means, even if completely unrelated, to get their project names into the spotlight of popular discussions. This excessive focus on topics has led to some issues, particularly in situations where market brands excessively pursue short-term popularity. Emphasis on Speculation and Performance Projects overly fixated on immediate trends often prioritize speculation and performance in their strategies. To quickly capture attention, some brands may align themselves with popular topics regardless of relevance, employing exaggerated marketing and speculative tactics to gain momentary attention. Over time, this approach can have adverse effects on the overall ecosystem of the market. Difficulty for Users to Identify Projects with Long-Term Value Users find it increasingly challenging to distinguish projects with genuine long-term value amid the multitude of brands focusing on trending topics. Excessive promotion and speculative tactics mask the true nature of projects, requiring users to carefully analyze the background and data to discover their real long-term value. For the majority of users, who may not have the time and resources to delve into project details, the chaos driven by speculation and performance is detrimental to attracting new users. It may even drive away existing users, contrary to the goal of utilizing trending topics for growth and customer acquisition. This market is highly competitive, with numerous new projects emerging at every moment. To avoid being eliminated, ensuring the product's growth rate is crucial. The market is still in its growth phase, presenting the optimal opportunity to establish a strong foundation. Sometimes, seizing a single opportunity can propel a project to new heights, providing a stable foothold. However, it's essential to approach trend marketing with prudence, carefully balancing the relationship between the project and trending topics. By utilizing marketing strategies, projects can achieve growth and customer acquisition, ultimately becoming projects that hold long-term value in the eyes of users. Also published . here

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