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OWND operates a curated platform for investing in fashion non-fungible tokens (NFTs). It allows individuals to acquire digital fashion assets from leading brands using traditional payment methods, bypassing typical cryptocurrency complexities. This approach significantly lowers the barrier for consumers interested in owning digital wearables and collectibles within the fashion sector.
Anker Bach Ryhl and Mads Lunau Liechti founded OWND in 2022. Their core insight stemmed from observing significant obstacles users faced on existing crypto platforms engaging with digital assets. This propelled them to create a more intuitive and accessible experience tailored for acquiring and managing fashion NFTs.
The platform targets a digitally-native audience, including Gen Z, and other enthusiasts eager to participate in the evolving digital fashion economy. OWND's vision is to democratize fashion NFT ownership, empowering a broader audience to effortlessly acquire and interact with digital representations of high-fashion items and brands, fostering a new era of digital ownership.
OWND has raised $750K across 1 funding round.
OWND has raised $750K in total across 1 funding round.
OWND has raised $750K in total across 1 funding round.
OWND's investors include byFounders, Skyfall Ventures, Steel DAO.
OWND is a Copenhagen-based technology startup founded to simplify access to fashion NFTs for Gen Z users, enabling easy purchases of curated digital collectibles from major brands like Nike, Adidas, and Gucci using Apple Pay or credit cards.[1] The platform solves the technical barriers of blockchain and crypto by offering utility-driven NFTs that unlock physical items, exclusive drops, and in-person meetups, targeting internet-native users seeking cultural and social identity through fashion.[1] In 2023, OWND raised $750,000 in pre-seed funding led by byFounders and Skyfall, with participation from Steel DAO, ahead of its April 2023 launch, positioning it as a curated alternative to platforms like OpenSea.[1]
Note: Multiple entities share the "OWND" name, including an advertising agency (ownd.com, ownd.agency) focused on modern marketing with 20-49 employees and $1-5M revenue,[3][7] and an investor rewards app (owndapp.io) that connects shareholders to exclusive deals from owned companies.[5] This analysis centers on the NFT startup as the primary tech company match, given its funding, product focus, and alignment with "technology company."[1]
OWND was co-founded by Anker Bach Ryhl and Mads Lunau Liechti, who identified pain points in crypto platforms after struggling with multiple sign-ups and blockchain complexity to get started.[1] The idea emerged from a desire to make NFT investing as straightforward as buying sneakers, targeting Gen Z hesitant due to technical hurdles.[1] Pivotal early traction came via a $750,000 pre-seed round in February 2023, co-led by Nordic VCs byFounders and Skyfall, plus Steel DAO (backed by Bessemer Venture Partners), fueling a planned April 2023 launch with handpicked NFTs from premium brands.[1]
OWND rides the NFT evolution from speculative 2021 hype to utility-driven adoption, particularly in fashion where digital tokens integrate with physical products and social identities.[1] Timing aligns with maturing blockchain infrastructure and Gen Z's dominance as digital natives, amplified by post-2022 crypto winter lessons favoring accessible, brand-backed use cases.[1] Market forces like mainstream payment integration (Apple Pay) and VC interest in Nordic tech lower entry barriers, while curating high-profile brands differentiates it amid NFT marketplace saturation.[1] OWND influences the ecosystem by democratizing investment for non-experts, potentially accelerating fashion's Web3 shift and inspiring similar utility plays.
OWND's accessible model positions it for growth if NFT utility gains traction in fashion, especially with Gen Z driving cultural adoption amid blockchain simplification trends.[1] Next steps likely include post-launch scaling, partnerships with more brands, and expansion beyond fashion as investor rewards apps and marketing tools emerge as potential pivots or competitors.[1][5][7] Evolving crypto regulations and AI-enhanced personalization could amplify its edge, evolving OWND from NFT gateway to broader digital ownership hub—rewarding early movers who simplify tech for the masses.[1]
OWND has raised $750K across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $750K Seed in February 2023.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 1, 2023 | $750K Seed | byFounders, Skyfall Ventures | Steel DAO |