Jack Harlow concert-goers scanned QR codes on their telephones earlier than coming into the multi-platinum rapper’s present on Monday in Lexington, KY.
What they might not have identified was how their entry had been facilitated by blockchain tech.
MITH is a Polygon-based fan engagement startup that partnered with Harlow to supply on-chain VIP tickets for the rapper’s current mini-tour in Kentucky. The corporate created on-chain data of attendance on the exhibits, however its founders informed Blockworks they’re taking a “mullet” strategy to get customers on board — Web2 within the entrance, Web3 within the again.
Sooner or later, MITH will launch platforms for creatives to monetize fan interactions and for followers to accrue rewards and collectibles — with the on-chain items occurring behind the scenes.
Incubated by Vary Media Companions in 2022, MITH got here out of stealth in late November after Jack Harlow debuted his MITH-powered web site the place followers may buy premium expertise tickets for his upcoming slate of exhibits.
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MITH validated the tickets with Tokenproof, an on-chain ticketing protocol, so followers had the choice so as to add their ticket to a crypto pockets however solely wanted to scan a QR code to enter.
Test in for Personal Backyard members for the final cease on the No Place Like Dwelling Tour – smooooth due to our mates at @tokenproof pic.twitter.com/YPuByo4eqh
— MITH (@OnlywithMITH) December 3, 2023
MITH didn’t pay Harlow for his use of the platform, the corporate’s co-founders informed Blockworks, saying he “wished to advise on the long run” of the product and “have upside.”
Quickly after Harlow’s web site went up, Axios reported that MITH raised $3.5 million in seed funding with participation from Warner Music Group, Winklevoss Capital and the NEAR Basis, amongst others.
MITH initially constructed a extra advanced platform for Harlow earlier than the rapper requested the corporate to reduce the “Personal Backyard” web site to focus simply on tickets, Sanchez mentioned.
A demo of the scrapped web site, which is extra in step with MITH’s broader imaginative and prescient for the platform, exhibits a spot for Harlow or different creators to make membership tiers. Creators may gate reside streams or chat rooms relying on how a lot followers pay, as an example. Buying habits and fan engagements all go on-chain, however the platform in any other case bears a Web2 look.
“Jack is creating sensible contracts again right here with out even figuring out it,” Sanchez mentioned of the tiered membership web site.
MITH has a post-FTX sensibility, co-founder Matty Ayers mentioned, specializing in the technological prospects unlocked by blockchain with out letting lay perceptions of crypto scare customers off.
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“We create a pockets for you, and we don’t even let you know,” Ayers mentioned. “For those who deal with ‘pockets,’ that has a sure feeling. For those who deal with ‘account,’ like that is my profile, it’s a very completely different feeling.”
Emilia Clarke and Halle Berry are presently advisors to the undertaking alongside Harlow, and Sanchez mentioned MITH plans to open up “self-serve” to extra creators within the first half of 2024. Ayers mentioned MITH can also be engaged on “co-creation” the place followers can create spinoff works began by well-liked creatives, and monetization and mental property rights are dealt with by way of blockchain.
MITH’s founders consider one of the best makes use of of blockchain tech for fan engagement will in the end emerge down the street.
“We’re assembly with some heavy hitters within the digital identification area which are tied to [layer-1s] and we’re saying, ‘are you guys going to leap into the long run with us?’ It’s not gonna be about speculative belongings. It’s gonna be about participation and enjoying in a playground and testing instruments and assumptions,” Ayers mentioned.