Budweiser Joins Forces with VaynerNFT to Tap Into the NFT Metaverse

VaynerX today announced the launch of VaynerNFT, a company offering strategic consulting and education to Intellectual Property owners, brands, celebrities and associations looking to harness the power of NFTs as part of their long-term business strategy. Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) is partnering with VaynerNFT as the first-ever global NFT agency of record, with Budweiser to become the first brand to invest. VaynerNFT is led by Gary Vaynerchuk, chairman of VaynerX and Avery Akkineni as president, a VaynerX veteran who was most recently head of VaynerMedia APAC. 

NFTs have recently entered the marketing scene in a major way, going from a niche tech trend to multi-billion dollar space propelled by major moments in the digital art, sports and gaming industries. Gary Vee’s own VeeFriends project, which launched in May 2021, has already amassed over $50M in sales and counting, according to publicly available blockchain records. And brands want in. Vaynerchuk, the serial entrepreneur, saw a way to connect two of his business interests - NFTs and marketing services - and thus, VaynerNFT was born.       

VaynerNFT will help companies strategically map NFT projects to help them be at the forefront of the NFT revolution and create long-term value for brands and their communities. Opportunities include creating new revenue streams around IP or owned assets; creating value for NFT holders that gives them exclusive rights and special access to our brand; ongoing brand engagement by making NFT ownership more exciting; providing unprecedented levels of access; and direct physical and digital product sales. Companies can work with VaynerNFT in a number of ways: on a consulting basis; an NFT launch strategy; or with a full NFT development partnership to determine the best way for a brand to bring their NFT to market, from strategy, asset development through to launch. 

“NFTs promise to be a major part of the digital ecosystem going forward, so it’s important for brands to know how they can fully leverage this space – from the opportunity through to the execution,” said Vaynerchuk. “With the successful launch of VeeFriends—my personal NFT product—together with VaynerX’s understanding of what’s needed to move ground breaking initiatives for some of the biggest brands in the world, we are excited to launch VaynerNFT and help brands innovate in the NFT world, starting with Budweiser as a first-of-its-kind partnership.”

When selecting clients to launch this venture, Vaynerchuk considered his key long-term relationships first; and immediately thought of Budweiser. The beer giant has been a VaynerMedia client for nearly a decade, having launched major award-winning campaigns, including the recent Cannes Lions Gold winning work, The Future Official.

“At AB InBev, we’re always looking for new ways to innovate and provide the best experience for our consumers,” says Richard Oppy, Head of Global Brands, AB InBev. “As a first-mover in the NFT space, now focusing on Budweiser, a global brand that is synonymous with sports, music and entertainment experiences, we will continue to provide our fans with more valuable experiences and bring them even closer to their favorite athletes, musicians, and celebrities through collectible NFTs. We believe this work will also pave the way for more innovative programs across all of our global brands. Our partnership with VaynerNFT, which has been built on nearly a decade of creative collaboration between AB InBev and VaynerX, is designed for long-term brand building around successful NFT programs.” 

The partnership between AB InBev and VaynerNFT, which kicks off with immediate effect, is dedicated to maximizing iconic brand assets, including ambassadors, sponsorship assets, food and beverage assets, merchandise and product, while extending the Budweiser community into the Metaverse. First work is expected in the second half of 2021.