Space Runners

Summary

Space Runners is a pioneering brand at the intersection of fashion, technology, and the metaverse, redefining the concept of wearable design in virtual and physical realms. Renowned for its innovative collaborations with leading brands and influencers, Space Runners creates digital fashion items, including NFTs, that integrate seamlessly into virtual worlds and gaming ecosystems. With a mission to push the boundaries of creativity and connectivity, the company has become a trailblazer in merging style with immersive technology. By catering to both digital natives and traditional fashion enthusiasts, Space Runners is shaping the future of fashion in an increasingly interconnected and digitized world.

History

Per McKinsey over the next three to five years, generative AI could contribute $150 billion to the apparel, fashion and luxury markets. Fashion designers can enrich product ideation by collaborating with AI agents that generate creative options from data. This convergence of co-creation and AI graphic generators is reshaping the global fashion industry. And fashion-tech platforms like Space Runners empower aspiring fashion designers by providing intuitive tools to enable them to seamlessly design, create and collaborate and grow in the fashion space.

At Space Runners, the core team is committed to harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence to enhance creativity and foster meaningful collaborations. By embracing the synergy between AI and co-creation, they envision a future where fashion is not only a reflection of personal style but also a celebration of individuality and collective imagination. Space Runners was in the news when it raised $10 million in a seed funding round co-led by Pantera Capital and Polychain Capital. The fashion-tech platform will work with artists and brands to create items for gaming. In some cases these NFTs can be redeemed for real-life access to events or meet-and-greets with celebrities and athletes. “Our goal is to build the first end-to-end Fashion ecosystem on the blockchain with the newly secured financing” Space Runners co-founder Won Soh explained in in a statement.

In its first collection with former NBA Champions Kyle Kumza and Nick Young, Space Runners launched NBA Champions Sneaker Collection which reportedly sold 10,000 NFTs in nine minutes. Space Runners now has over 500, 000 members across Discord, Instagram and Twitter. “Pantera is proud to support Space Runner’s vision to pave a new way to interact with fashion on the blockchain” said Paul Veradittakit- a partner at Pantera Capital. “Digital identity and self-expression will be a key component in the metaverse…Fashion will be just as, if not more, important in the Metaverse than the real world.”

With its new seed funding round Space Runners wants to extend its brand to be the largest supplier of “interoperable fashion items for different metaverses and games” according to a statement from the company. Apart from this financing round, investors have contributed around $30 million to Space Runners till date. And according to the company’s official roadmap Space Runners also plans to launch its own blockchain which will then be represented by its native SPACE token.

In recent news luxury fashion brand Balmain teamed up with Space Runners to drop five limited-edition colorways of Unicorn Sneaker- all paired with an NFT with prices ranging from $1595 to $2095. Users received a link to redeem their Unicorn NFT after making a purchase and all NFTs offered a variety of features including the ability to be worn in the fashion metaverse gaming universe created by Space Runners. Unicorn Sneaker NFTs also gives users exclusive access to Balmain releases, digital wearables and limited-edition physical apparel. Space Runners CEO explained in a release: “We are thrilled Balmain entrusted us to not only do justice to one of fashion’s most identifiable designs- the Unicorn- but also take consumers on a journey inspired by the tremendous legacy of Balmain.”

Vision

Space Runners envisions a future where fashion transcends physical boundaries, seamlessly blending into the digital and virtual realms. As a fashion tech platform, it aims to redefine the way people perceive, interact with, and own fashion by leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain, NFTs, and augmented reality. The platform is committed to creating a decentralized fashion ecosystem where users can express their identity, creativity, and individuality through unique digital wearables that exist both as artistic expressions and functional assets within metaverse and gaming environments. Space Runners strives to democratize fashion by making it accessible across virtual platforms, allowing users from all over the world to participate in an interconnected and innovative digital style revolution.

At its core, Space Runners is driven by a vision to bridge the gap between traditional fashion and futuristic technology, empowering both creators and consumers in the process. The platform aspires to build a collaborative and immersive fashion culture, where designers, brands, and users co-create digital experiences that redefine ownership and creativity in a decentralized world. By prioritizing sustainability and inclusivity, Space Runners seeks to establish itself as a leader in ethical and innovative fashion, setting new standards for how style, technology, and self-expression intersect in an increasingly digital-first era.

Mission Statement

As a fashion-tech platform, Space Runners’ mission is to revolutionize the way fashion is designed, created, and launched. Space Runners aims to empower individuals, particularly aspiring fashion designers, by providing innovative tools that seamlessly integrate co-creation and AI technologies. This approach not only fosters creativity but also enhances efficiency, allowing users to bring their unique collections to life in both physical and digital realms. With a commitment to pushing the boundaries of fashion-tech, Space Runners is on a mission to redefine the industry, making it more accessible, collaborative, and cutting-edge.

Leadership Team

Deniz Ozgur (CEO)
Won Soh (CEO)
Mijoo Kim (Creative Director)
Josh (Head Of Operations)
Michael (Head Of Partnerships)
Una (Head Of Marketing)

Products and Services

At the core of their offerings is the NFT Marketplace, serving as a digital hub where collectors can seamlessly trade runners, items, and other in-game assets with minimal fees. This marketplace facilitates a vibrant ecosystem for users to explore, trade, and enhance their virtual collections.

In addition to the marketplace, Space Runners introduces a unique gaming dimension, allowing users to play and battle with their NFTs. Each NFT possesses distinctive power, speed, and durability characteristics, adding an immersive layer to the gaming experience. This innovative approach creates a dynamic gaming environment, where the rarity and value of NFTs are influenced by strategic gameplay and skill development.

To enhance user engagement and transparency, Space Runners provides the NFT Visual Explorer—a specialized blockchain explorer tailored for NFT holders. This visual tool allows users to track and visualize their NFTs, providing a comprehensive overview of their digital assets both numerically and aesthetically. Space Runners also introduces NFT Upgrading & Nurturing, allowing owners to actively improve the skills of their NFTs through gameplay. This interactive feature not only enhances the chances of winning in battles but also increases the rarity and intrinsic value of NFTs over time.

Furthermore, the platform integrates Item Equipment, offering unique sets of items associated with each collection. Equipping these items enhances the skill traits of NFTs, elevating their overall power and rarity. This strategic aspect adds depth to the gaming and collecting experience. Embracing the decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape, Space Runners provides a suite of DeFi tools for players. From staking and renting to collateral, farming, and DAO participation, users can leverage these financial instruments to enhance their in-game strategies and overall engagement.

Awards and Recognition

Space Runners has quickly garnered recognition as a groundbreaking fashion tech platform, seamlessly merging the realms of fashion, technology, and the digital metaverse. By leveraging blockchain technology and NFTs, the platform has revolutionized how consumers experience and own fashion in virtual spaces. Its collaborations with global influencers and renowned brands have cemented its position as a leader in the digital fashion industry, creating innovative, one-of-a-kind digital wearables that transcend traditional fashion boundaries. These creations are not only artistic and stylish but also functional, as they integrate with gaming environments and metaverse platforms, offering users an immersive and personalized virtual experience.

The platform’s dedication to innovation and creativity has resonated with both tech enthusiasts and fashion-forward audiences, earning accolades for its forward-thinking approach. Space Runners’ vision extends beyond digital wearables; it seeks to redefine ownership and identity in a digital-first world, fostering a unique blend of exclusivity and accessibility. By positioning itself as a bridge between traditional fashion and emerging technologies, Space Runners has become a symbol of the future of fashion, influencing how brands and consumers perceive and interact with fashion in a digital and decentralized age.

References

• Official website Space Runners
• Polychain, Pantera Lead $10M Investment in Metaverse Fashion House Decrypt
• LinkedIn profile of Space Runners LinkedIn
• Space Runners raises $10 million to build a blockchain-backed fashion metaverse The Block
• Instagram profile of Space Runners Instagram
• Space Runners Raises $10m to Develop Fashion Metaverse Yahoo! Finance
• Twitter profile of Space Runners Twitter
• Balmain and Space Runners Launches Unicorn Sneaker NFTs Crypto Times
• Profile of CEO LinkedIn
• Balmain X Space Runners Vogue Business
• Pantera and Polychain Lead $10M Bet on Metaverse Fashionistas CoinDesk
• Space Runners Announce “NBA Champions” Sneaker NFTs HypeBeast
• How Entrepreneurs Can Innovate And Stay Ahead Of The Curve Forbes
• Space Runners and Smiley Present Game-Changing NFT Partnership Hype
• Space Runners Raises $10M with Polychain, Pantera, Jump Crypto and Accel Business Insider