Latest Pudgy Rods News
Igloo, Inc., the Pudgy Penguins parent company, acquired the Frame team to develop a new Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain, Abstract, aimed at revolutionizing consumer crypto.
The Deets
- Team Integration: Frame's co-founders, Cygaar and Beans, will join Igloo.
- New Blockchain: The team will help build Abstract, an Ethereum Layer 2 solution.
- Frame Sunset: Frame will be phased out as part of the acquisition.
- Community Focus: Abstract aims to onboard the next generation of crypto users.
The Bulk
Igloo, Inc., the parent company of Pudgy Penguins, announced the acquisition of Frame, a team of crypto developers. Frame's co-founders, Cygaar and Beans, are set to contribute to the development of Abstract, a new Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain designed to capitalize on the consumer crypto opportunity.
Launched in 2023, Frame was built by a leading team of blockchain developers with a focus on empowering creators and ensuring proper reward systems through its proprietary onchain royalty system. With this acquisition, Igloo plans to leverage Frame's innovative technology and extensive experience to build for the next generation of crypto users. Abstract promises to be a secure, ultra-fast, low-cost, and developer-friendly blockchain, positioning itself as a significant player in the evolving crypto landscape.
š¤ Founder Feedback
Since inception, Igloo has remained steadfast in our commitment to creating a Web3 ecosystem that enables new ways for brands to interact directly with their consumer base. Frame's team has unmatched experience in building platforms that change the dynamic of how users interact with blockchain technology and how to easily merge both the real and digital worlds.Luca Netz, CEO Pudgy Penguins
š What's Next?
Igloo plans to continue developing an end-to-end user and builder experience, with a focus on integrating Abstract's capabilities into its existing ecosystem. Stay tuned for updates on the launch and development progress of Abstract.
For more web3 and NFT news, visit the Lucky Trader newsfeed.
Spencer Ventures announced the acquisition of 48 Pudgy Penguins NFTs from the Stary Night/3AC Collection, purchased via a deal with Sotheby's.
The Deets
- Acquisition includes the Pudgy Penguins and Pudgy Rods from the 3AC Collection.
- Thesis: revives hope in the NFT community, showcasing the potential of projects.
- Support: Pudgy Penguin GIF impressions surpass global population count.
- Support: Pudgy Penguins licensing opportunities with Pudgy Toys and more.
The Bulk
Spencer Ventures showcased major support for the Pudgy Penguins brand, acquiring 48 Pudgy Penguins and the corresponding Pudgy Rogs from the now infamous Three Arrows Capital NFT collection.
In the announcement, Spencer indicated that Pudgy Penguins has successfully etched its place in the digital space and has a chance to lead the charge for NFTs in the future. In support of the thesis, the investor indicated the major adoption the Pudgy IP has experienced via impressions globally, particularly through GIFs. He also indcated the potential for licensing opportunites, as evidence by the recent Walmart launch with Pudgy Toys, marks Pudgys as a leader in the space.
š By the Numbers
Though no official deal metrics have been shared, Spencer told Blockworks that the group had reached a deal with Sotheby's in the "mid-six figures."
āWhy It Matters
The acquisition underscores the growing confidence in Pudgy Penguins as a leader in the NFT sector.
š¤ Investor Insights
Quite simply put, Pudgy Penguins seems incredibly well positioned to lead the next cycle in NFTs.Spencer
š What's Next?
Spencer additionally teased something "lil" on the horizon for the Pudgy Penguins community, sharing an image of a Lil Pudgy alongside.
For more web3 and NFT news, visit the Lucky Trader newsfeed.
Pudgy Penguins toys are now for sale in Walmart, starting with the mainstream entry of Pudgy Toys in 2,000 nationwide stores.
The Deets
- 26 Pudgy Toys sold in 2,000 Walmarts across the US, priced from $2.99-$11.97
- Each Pudgy Toy acts as a portal to Pudgy World, an immersive open-world digital player experience.
- NFT Collaboration: Toys incorporate traits from popular NFT collections like Meebits and DeGods, offering licensing royalties to existing NFT holders.
The Bulk
Pudgy Penguins announced its newest retail venture: Pudgy Toys, now available in 2,000 Walmart stores across the U.S.
Luca Netz, CEO of Pudgy Penguins, emphasized the significance of this partnership: "Merging unique digital experiences with blockchain technology is transforming the toy industry. Walmart's inclusion symbolizes the evolving consumer-brand relationship in the digital age."
Every Pudgy Toy sold in Walmart acts as a key to the digital realm of Pudgy World. Users can immerse themselves in this open-world multiplayer digital experience, by scanning the QR code on the toy's included birth certificate. Scanning the QR enables users to claim specific traits for their digital Pudgy character.
Additionally, the toy designs incorporate traits from globally popular NFT collections like DeGods and Meebits, ensuring existing NFT holders gain licensing royalties for each corresponding toy sold.
š¤ Retail Reacts
Pudgy Penguins bridges our physical and digital play realms. Their innovative approach and pricing align with our commitment to providing Every Day Low pricesBrittany Smith, Walmart US VP of Merchandising
š By the Numbers
Three toys will be exclusive to Walmart - two chrome collectible figures inside mystery Igloos and a Blind Box with a Clip-On Plush. Lastly, buying Pudgy Toys will offer consumers the chance to find a golden ticket, which unlocks rare traits for Pudgy World.
š¬ Take Action
Those interested can find Pudgy Toys now available in Walmart, and access the Pre-Alpha of Pudgy World accessible at www.PudgyWorld.com.
š§ Learn More
For more web3 and NFT news, visit the Lucky Trader newsfeed.
Pudgy Penguins officially launched Pudgy Toys and Pudgy World, introducing the first-ever community-licensed mass-market products that blend NFTs and blockchain technology with physical toys.
The Deets
- Pudgy Toys: First-ever mass-market product licensed directly from the community.
- Pudgy World: A digital platform that provides a seamless introduction to blockchain technology and NFTs.
- Soulbound and Tradeable NFTs: Pudgy Toys come with unique trait boxes that unlock Soulbound and Tradeable NFTs on Pudgy World.
- Global Retail Presence: Pudgy Toys will be available in leading retail and specialty stores around the world, courtesy of Retail Monster and PMI Toys.
š By the Numbers
Prices range from $8.99 - $24.99 and shipping for Pudgy Toys will begin on June 3, with expected delivery in late June depending on your geographic location.
The Bulk
Pudgy Penguins, one of the most recognizable names in the NFT space, is pioneering a groundbreaking initiative by launching Pudgy Toys and Pudgy World.
Pudgy Toys are not just physical collectibles. Every purchased toy includes a birth certificate unlocking a unique trait box from Pudgy World's first season. These trait boxes hold a range of common to epic traits that owners can equip on their Forever Pudgy Penguins, leading to an enriched, personalized toy experience.
But that's not all. Each trait is minted on the blockchain as a tradable NFT, and the Forever Pudgy Penguin itself becomes a Soulbound NFT. The minting process is powered by 0xPolygonLabs and is gasless, while the traits marketplace utilizes Origin Protocol's technology.
āWhy It Matters
The launch of Pudgy Toys and Pudgy World represents a pivotal moment in the convergence of the NFT space and mainstream consumer products. Luca Netz has famously said that the toy line represents a "Trojan Horse" for those not in web3 to understand the power of digital collecting, the launch of Pudgy Toys is the first step.
š¬ Take Action
To purchase your Pudgy Toy and mint your Forever Pudgy Penguin, visit the official Pudgy Toys purchase page.
Pudgy Penguins will release "Pudgy Toys" on May 18, according to a teaser released by the project.
š§ Wait, What?
Pudgy Penguins toyline was initially teased in February when the project announced it was working with Retail Monster to drop a collectible toys. You also might recall that tweet from project owner Luca Netz that teased a meeting with Walmart.
āļøWhy It Matters
Pudgy Penguins has recently been lauded for its ability to reach an audience outside of the existing web3 userbase and a line of toys in retail stores will only fuel the distribution of its IP beyond the walls of web3.
š¤ Project Prose
š§ Learn More
- Retail Monster to Help Launch Pudgy Toys
- Pudgy Penguins Raise $9M
- Pudgy Penguins Empowering Community Growth
Pudgy Penguins announced a $9 million seed round raise that will help scale its team and IP in a funding round led by 1KX. The news was first reported by CoinDesk.
āļøWhy It Matters
Put simply, while many projects are running out of funds Pudgy Penguins has importantly added funds to its warchest. The project cemented itself as one of the leading web3 brands over the course of the last year and an infusion of capital should only bolster its potential impact and IP expansion moving forward.
š By the Numbers
Pudgy Penguins is one of the lone NFT projects that has increased its floor price in the last year, growing since the takeover of the newest team headed by Luca Netz. The project is up more than 200 percent in the last year.
š¬ Take Action
Listen to the team discuss the raise and answer questions during the Pudgy Penguins Seed Round Twitter Spaces at 4:30 p.m. ET.
š¤ Founder Feedback
Hey everyone I'm proud to announce our recent seed round, led by 1kx. We spent many months finding the right partners that were aligned with our vision and the interests of the community, and I'm glad to say that I believe we found the perfect partners to help take us to the new frontier. For the last year, we faced endless adversity, but together, we huddled and persevered in the toughest of times. The path to being the face of NFTs and #1 in the space won't be easy, but it will get done. Our only disadvantage up until this point had been our lack of capitalization, and today, I'm proud to say that we have evened the playing field. I hope you're ready...it's #PenguSzn.Luca Netz
Pudgy Penguins is set to represent web3 IP and technology at the Las Vegas Licensing Expo from June 13-15.
The Deets
- Pudgy Penguins to showcase alongside major character brands
- Aim to represent web3 IP and technology
- Licensing Expo connects influential brands and retailers
The Details
As part of its growth strategy, the Pudgy Penguins are forging partnerships to amplify their IP efforts. These collaborations will help them connect with key industry players, leveraging the power of NFTs and Web3 to create new opportunities in the world of character licensing.
The Las Vegas Licensing Expo serves as a hub for influential brands and retailers, facilitating deals that shape the industry landscape.
āļøWhy It Matters
Perhaps no project is thinking about IP expansion as aggressively as Pudgy Penguins, which has recently filed more trademark applications and worked with major retailers and brands to help push its Pudgy Toys line. The cute brand lends itself to a major demographic of potential consumers and is already making splashes with eyeballs outside of web3, most notably on Instagram where all the most recent posts have generated hundreds of thousands of impressions.
š¬ Take Action
To learn more about the Licensing Expo or to purchase tickets, visit their website.
š§ Learn More
Pudgy Penguins released a brand builders guide, pitch deck, and newcomers onboarding to empower community members and grow their personal brands while pushing forward the Penguin IP.
The Deets:
- Brand Builders Guide for Pudgy Penguins ecosystem
- Pitch Deck to expand opportunities with Penguins
- Newcomers Onboarding for understanding Pudgy Penguins
The Details
The Pudgy Penguins Brand Builders Guide offers resources for those looking to build within the Pudgy Penguins ecosystem, including colors, stylistic suggestions, character sheets, fonts, and more. By providing these guidelines, the team aims to make it easier for community members to utilize the Penguins' intellectual property (IP).
The Pudgy Penguins Pitch Deck is designed to help holders expand their opportunities with their Penguins, including in licensing. The pitch deck offers insights into the brand's accomplishments and provides suggestions on what to include in a presentation.
The Newcomers Onboarding is created for people new to The Huddle, the Pudgy Penguins community, helping them understand the overall vision of Pudgy Penguins and how each part plays a role in it.
āļøWhy It Matters
Pudgy Penguins wishes to make its IP recognizable and available to the masses and leaning into its own community to help drive that growth seems like a smart play. Providing the tools and resources for community members to push the brand forward showcases a clear incentive alignment, something that's distinctly contradicted in many web2 brands that discourage the re-sharing or promotion of an entitie's content.
š¬ Take Action
Penguing enthusists can xplore the resources provided by Pudgy Penguins:
Last week, Pudgy Penguins filed two new U.S. Trademark applications, as reported by trademark and copyright attorney, @NeerMcD.
ā Why It Matters
CEO Luca Netz has been vocal that he envisions Pudgy Penguins existing as a brand outside of the NFT space, and today's news perhaps sheds a little light on exactly what Netz may have up his sleeve for the project's future.
š The Deets
Mentioned in Application 97842598 are the following items:
- Printed comic books; printed materials, namely novels and series of fiction books and short stories featuring scenes and characters based on video games
- Collectable printed trading cards
- Various merch items (hoodies, hats, pants, etc.)
- Board games, puzzles, action figures, stuffed animals, trading card games, stress relief toys, social emotional toys, educational toys
- Candy, various snacks, cereal, frozen yogurt
- Retail store services featuring virtual goods
- Entertainment services, namely providing virtual characters for use in online and virtual environments
- A website allowing users to upload and download music, video clips and images
Application 97842583 added these items:
- Audio and video recording featuring music and artistic performances
- Downloadable music files authenticated by NFTs
- Downloadable multimedia file containing artwork relating to characters through NFTs or soulbound tokens
š³ļøGo Deeper
Pudgy Penguins inked a partnership with Retail Monster to help "put our upcoming Pudgy Toyline on the shelves of retailers around the world," the project announced this afternoon.
ā Why It Matters
The Pudgy Toyline is a major initiative for Pudgy Penguins, and today's announcement sheds more light on the project's plans for launch. Retail Monster's stated goal is to help "deliver family brands to retail."
š Need to Know
- Retail Monsters has experience representing large brands including Disney, Dreamworks and Hasbro.
- Retail Monsters will additionally serve as licensing agents, presenting Pudgy Penguins with licensing opportunities through their partners and connections.
- Ealier this month, Pudgy Penguins CEO Luca Netz shared a preview of what the upcoming Pudgy Penguin figurines may look like.
š§ Learn More
Netz was vocal over the weekend in reaction to OpenSea's decision to temporarily reduce royalty fees, stating he didn't think he could have justified buying Pudgy Penguins for $2.5M without having the safety net of royalties to fall back on.
Netz further stated that Pudgy Penguins had been preparing for the move for 10 months, "so for us, it isn't detrimental." Netz is hopeful that the Pudgy Toyline, among other verticals, can boost revenue for the company in the coming days with the future of creator royalties looking unclear.
š¤ Community Feedback
This is huge! Congrats to @LucaNetz and and the rest of the team. Cant wait to get my hands on some Pudgy Plushies (jk idk what you will call them but, thats my vote)@TitoToro_
