- alectcoughlin
#29: FinTech + Creator Economy: 'Less Rolex, More F.I.R.E.'
Updated: Aug 16, 2021
Gen Z + Millennials are redefining entrepreneurship + success.
The most prolific VCs including Andreessen Horowitz are enabling them by building products, tools, infrastructure etc that power the Creator Economy. Too much to unpack in one micro essay so this is the first of several.
Shoutout to a16z’s Anish Acharya who's post inspired this micro essay.
Gen Z + Millennials have a VERY different idea of ownership vs Baby Boomers
Look at the debates raging around NFTs.
Whether it's BurntBanksy burning an original Banksy (“Morons”) + generating an NFT around the act or the $69 million paid for a Beeple vs a Van Gogh on your wall...the answer of which one, NFT or original / physical piece, varies from one generation vs another.
Shoutout to Chamath + the All In Podcast last week where they broke down the profile of those bidding on the Beeple piece, super interesting + inspired this point.
Building products that embrace "Less Rolex, More F.I.R.E."
"This generation is defined more by hustle culture than creative culture; indeed, our conceptions of entrepreneurship and success are being redefined (less Rolex, more F.I.R.E). Like Apple, neobanks and consumer fintech startups are positioning themselves as the premium product — desirable because of their association with top creators and useful (or aspirational!) because of bundled features that empower fans to become creators themselves. This approach works when the product combines brand positioning with utility that is purpose-built for aspiring creators, which lends the potential to be more durable than a traditional marketing partnership." - Anish Acharya
Evolution of the "Endorsement Deal" aka “Did you hear about the deal 50 Cent did with Vitamin Water 2.0!?!?”
Whether you're an established ballplayer, artist, musician etc or an emerging Creator, the implications on the way you build your business through collaborations are significant.
Sure, you can do a traditional deal that is transactional, featuring you within an overarching interruptive media strategy.
Your agent will dig it because of the rip they get off the upfront cash they generate by putting the deal together.
There's a place for that move but if you're playing the long-game, there's a much more compelling way to get involved given the way communities are built and associated products / businesses are designed to create associated value etc.
Maybe take a look at the blueprints Maverick Carter, Troy Carter, Rich Kleinman and others are laying out...
March 19, 2021 (Tweet Link)