3 minute read
Hybrid Meta: New Model for Web 3.0
Hybrid Meta: The innovative new business model for Web3
When Hybrid Meta contacted Total Licensing, we were intrigued by their new business model that seemingly found a way to bridge the gap between traditional licensed apparel and the rise of the Web3 movement that has both captivated and confused audiences in recent times. Hybrid describe themselves as the worlds first eco-system for officially licensed apparel that combines physical and metaverse fashion using blockchain authentication. Hybrid work with Big Picture Licensing to sign the global brands for the model and has already secured four iconic licenses to launch wave #1 drops from Q4. We had a Q&A session to find out more with their CEO and cofounder, Ben Nolan.
Total Licensing (TL): So what is Hybrid Meta and how does the model work?
Ben: Hybrid will bridge the gap between the Web3-savvy community and mass-market audiences by offering both a physical AND a digital product. We plan to onboard regular consumers and fans each week through live drops at prices which are inclusive for all fans to be able to own a limited-edition apparel product of their favourite brands. All products made by Hybrid are strictly limited-edition using highend sustainable materials from our dedicated smart factories. Brands and talent will be able to offer limited-edition products that have unequivocal authenticity and provenance. Every single item produced comes with a ‘fingerprint technology’ code (similar to QR) embedded into the design that proves the product is rare, real, authentic, official, and sustainable.
TL: So what exactly are consumers buying, the physical product or the digital version?
Ben: They are buying both. As massadoption of metaverse platforms has yet to take place, obviously the physical product is going to be the main driver for now and will resonate with audiences, but with each sale of the physical product we give the consumer a digital version of the same item that they eventually might want to use in a metaverse, social media or gaming environment.
TL: Is the digital version compatible with metaverse platforms and if so which ones?
Ben: It is our aim to ensure their digital ‘wearable’ is compatible with the most popular metaverse platforms as the industry grows. Once the user owns the digital version, we are able to create additional versions and ‘airdrop’ them for free to their digital wallet so they can use them in a growing list of platforms.
TL: What is the price point of your products?
Ben: Between $50 USD and $250 across a selection of apparel items, the average RSP will be $99.
TL: Who manufactures the apparel and what type of quality is it?
Ben: We do. We are currently at the final stages of development and production of our own label, of which the base garments will be made ultrapremium with fashionable styles and cuts, with sustainable materials in strictly ethical working conditions. All of this information will be available when consumers scan the code on their item, so they know that they are supporting more sustainable and ethical fashion processes.
TL: What will compel the consumer to purchase one of your pieces?
Ben: Hybrid have created a design studio and production infrastructure that enables us to create a variation on each design in any given limitededition drop. The artwork would be
the same, but each one will have its own individual point of difference that ensures every single item is unique, rare and collectable. Fans will be able to own a true one-of-a-kind piece whenever they purchase from Hybrid, and our blockchain authentication process means that this uniqueness is provable and unequivocal.
TL: Does that mean they will be able to sell the product in the future?
Ben: Yes, the Hybrid marketplace, due to launch early 2023 where fans can purchase and trade their unique pieces with other super fans and collectors. www.hybrid-meta.com
