Digital sports fashion startup Fancurve announced the launch of its new platform for the non-fungible token (NFT) sports apparel and collectables.
Fancurve intends to reveal its initial collection of digital products in May. The platform will feature soccer jerseys wearable in the metaverse.
By making NFTs wearable in the metaverse instead of just being static images on screens, companies can add additional value for buyers.
To fund the launch of its platform, Fancurve has raised a $6.25 million seed round led by blockchain venture capital firm Greenfield One. German football players Andre Schurrle and Mario Gotze also participated in the round.
“At Fancurve, we’re focused on updating the meaning of sports fandom – for today’s digital world and redefining what it will become in the future,” said Chris Chaney, Fancurve Founder and CEO. “Our priority is to build a trustworthy and engaging platform for our users as they explore the growing Web3 ecosystem. In doing so, we’re striving to be nothing less than the largest and most innovative digital wearables platform for sports fans across the globe.”
Fancurve aims to appeal to both sports and fashion consumers, two areas that have experienced significant blockchain-related activity. Last week, digital fashion brand RTFKT Studios revealed its new collection of customizable NFT sneakers, Nike CryptoKicks.
Sports apparel is tightly licensed, and acquiring rights is very expensive. In the U.S., Fanatics, the majority owner of sports NFT platform Candy Digital, owns the licensing rights for most sports leagues. Whether this includes digital rights or only physical rights is unclear.
However, Fancurve looks like it’s initially targeting soccer, mentioning that it has a deal with one of Spain’s LaLiga clubs.
Fancurve is a digital sports fashion platform that empowers fans to express their passions, personalities and connection through premium digital sports wearables. We develop unique collaborations that bring together global communities through their shared passion for football, culture and fashion.
By connecting fans with the world’s leading athletes, clubs, culture-defining brands and designers, Fancurve is building a community that will shape the future of sports fashion. Fancurve will also serve as a Web3 launchpad for fashion and lifestyle brands and products to enter the metaverse.
Fancurve is backed by Greenfield One, Shima Capital, 6th Man Ventures, OneFootball and Reverb Ventures, with angel investment from MP & Silva co-founder Carlo Pozzali, Sorare growth lead Brian O’Hagan and OneFootball CEO Lucas Von Cranach.
