Balenciaga’s Game-Changing Merch Drop: Luxury Meets Tech!

Welcome back, young builder! The Geral just got a whole lot smarter (not that it wasn't already). Why? We're now featuring grants updates! Say goodbye to the endless scrolling and missed deadlines—now you can find all the juicy funding details thanks to us. Think of it as your shortcut to securing that sweet, sweet grant money. So, sit back, relax, and let The Geral do the heavy lifting. You're welcome.

Coverage:

• Fashion brands dive into web3

• EU set to launch AI x web3 regulations

• Forbes crypto inner circles

• CharmVerse Grants tracker

Fashion Brands Dive Into Web3: More Than Just a Trendy Gamble?

Hot off the digital press, Balenciaga's music division has teamed up with French music maestro BFRND for the latest NFC-connected merch drop. And guess what? They've added a mini-game for kicks, following the current meta with Notcoin and all these mini-game projects popping. And honestly, why sell just clothes when you can sell a whole experience, right? Apparently, nothing screams "luxury" like playing a branded game in your overpriced hoodie.

While Balenciaga and its ilk, like Gucci and Tommy Hilfiger, have previously flirted with platforms like Roblox, it seems they're keen to go all in alone. Balenciaga’s mini-game invites fans to navigate their iconic show sets via a dedicated site, WeChat, or even touchscreens in select stores. This move into gaming by luxury brands isn't just about fun and games. It's about locking down that sweet brand loyalty. After all, why mingle with the masses when you can have an exclusive digital playpen?

In less pixelated news, Hugo Boss has rolled out its new Web3 loyalty program, dubbed Hugo Boss XP. This isn't just a loyalty card, it's an “engagement revolution.” Members can now earn NFTs that unlock everything from exclusive products to once-in-a-lifetime brand experiences. It's set to kick off next month, and if you thought collecting points was addictive, wait until you're collecting digital tokens that might just be worth something. Maybe.

Meanwhile, the Aura Blockchain Consortium is patting itself on the back for onboarding 40 million products onto the blockchain. Yes, that's millions of products now eternally put into the blockchain, ensuring you can always verify whether that tote is truly from Tod’s or just a bad knock-off. It's a significant step for blockchain’s use in luxury goods, even if half of us are still trying to figure out exactly why we need our handbags on a blockchain…

So, there you have it. Whether it’s NFC-enabled merch that plays music, blockchain for your boots, or digital sneakers for virtual tokens, the fashion industry’s dive into Web3 might seem like a bold move into the future—or just a desperate grasp for relevance in the web3 age. Either way, we'll keep watching with a bucket of popcorn in hand because this is definitely getting interesting.

EU Gets a Heads Up: Ready for the Blockchain-AI Mashup?

Today, we're also talking about the European Blockchain Observatory and Forum (EUBOF) waving a giant red flag at the European Union (EU) to brace itself for the oncoming storm of decentralized AI networks. Because, apparently, merging blockchain and AI is the new black.

In a recent report, EUBOF politely suggested that the EU should start prepping for the future where blockchain and AI join forces, especially in finance and healthcare. But wait, there’s more! Property management and supply chains are also in for a crypto makeover. Who knew your condo’s plumbing issues and your grocery deliveries could get so high-tech? EUBOF, an initiative by the European Commission since 2020, has been poking around in the blockchain space, urging the EU to make the most of blockchain's potential. After all, the EU did drop the MiCA regulations last year to tame the wild west of crypto. Now, EUBOF is back, nudging the EU to embrace blockchain’s endless possibilities in DeFi, energy, the metaverse, smart contracts, automotive, and even decentralized social media. Because why not?

As if that wasn’t enough, the convergence of blockchain and AI promises to jazz up smart contracts and potentially revolutionize multiple sectors. With CBDCs (Central Bank Digital Currencies) looming on the horizon, traditional money might just have to be on stage as well. These digital currencies will be backed by central banks, promising faster transactions and ironclad expenditure histories. Fancy.

According to the report, CBDCs will coexist with traditional money—which many people are not too enthusiastic about… Supported on blockchains, these digital currencies will offer transparency and speed, making online payments faster and more reliable. Imagine your international transfers taking seconds instead of days. Revolutionary!

CBDCs will also tackle regulatory, technological, and user experience issues, all while ensuring financial stability and shaking up the banking industry. Just your average day in the future of finance. Smaller agile countries are leading the way, with the big players eventually catching up. Think of it as a digital relay race where everyone’s trying to pass the baton without dropping it.

So far, the EU hasn't commented on EUBOF's report. But after rolling out the MiCA regulations in 2023 and the AI Act in 2024, the EU is clearly not shy about moving forward with regulation.

Forbes Web3’s Inner Circle Mixer

Now, let’s talk about Forbes Web3’s Inner Circle Welcome Mixer at Consensus Austin. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t just about networking. It was a spectacle complete with gourmet eats and a drone show that left downtown Austin glowing. On May 28, Forbes Web3, in collaboration with Galxe and TakeOver, threw an event that was as much about making connections as it was about showing off. Supported by heavy hitters like Mutant Labs, Metaplex, Steady Stack, Shrapnel, and Delta Blockchain Fund, this event aimed to be more than just another meetup. It was an experience designed to forge relationships and spark collaborations. Because why settle for a handshake when you can have a drone show?

The Inner Circle Welcome Mixer didn’t just serve up small talk. It offered an evening filled with “culinary delights” (yes, that’s code for fancy finger food), interactive activities (think networking games, but less cringe), and a drone show that was the talk of the town. For those keeping score, this was the first time downtown Austin had such a luminous invasion. This event wasn’t just about impressing the guests; it was about making a statement. By teaming up with Galxe-a leader in decentralized identity and blockchain tech- Forbes web3 signaled its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the space. Galxe’s involvement brought a touch of tech cred to the soirée, with its arsenal of tools like Quest, Passport, Score, Compass, and Alva ensuring that attendees could dive deep into the future of digital identity and blockchain.

If you’ve been to NFTNYC or TOKEN2049 in Dubai, you’re probably already familiar with The Inner Circle events. These mixers have become legendary for creating platforms where web3’s elite can connect, collaborate, and celebrate their latest innovations. The Consensus Austin edition was no different, blending enriching conversations with immersive experiences. Because if you’re going to talk about the future of tech, you might as well do it over a gourmet meal with a side of blockchain fireworks.

This latest event was a testament to Forbes's dedication to Web3. Let’s see if it continues in that direction.

Blockchain Grant Updates

Introducing a new feature in The Geral: Grants Updates! Stay informed about the latest funding opportunities without the hassle of constant searching. Here are some key deadlines you don't want to miss:

• End of Arbitrum Frame It Epoch 1: June 4th

• Deadline for Uniswap Hook Incubator Application: June 28th

• End of ARB Grants Phase 3: June 30th

For more details, including links to application pages and tips for successful applications, bookmark the CharmVerse grants tracker! Stay ahead in the funding game with our updates!

Cool Stuff Seen on CharmVerse

Tired of endlessly searching for funding opportunities? Meet the CharmVerse Grants Tracker—your new best friend in the chaotic world of web3 funding. No more sweating over missed deadlines or sifting through endless pages of information. We've got you covered with real-time updates on grant programs, key deadlines, and all the tips you need to actually land that funding.

Think of it as your personal grants assistant, minus the coffee runs. With everything you need in one spot, you can focus on what really matters: making your projects awesome. So, once again, bookmark the CharmVerse Grants Tracker today and let us handle the boring stuff. Because who needs more stress, right?

Memes of the month🔥

Let’s get rolling with the best memes seen on the internet these past couple of weeks. Simple and 🔥, just like this newsletter.

This is how we would describe the financial situation of many crypto degens:

Meanwhile, this is what people think:

On the other side of the spectrum:

Cheers to the custodians🥂.

That’s a wrap for The Geral #27! See you in two weeks for another deep dive into the world of Web3 communities.