Pudgy Penguins — the flock of 8,888 NFT cartoon penguins living on the Ethereum blockchain — have recently inked a partnership deal with NASCAR. This collaboration is another big step forward for the project, as it continues to build its impressive roster of partnerships with big-name brands. While specifics of the partnership are still being kept close to the chest, the announcement joins a string of moves that positions Pudgy Penguins’ further entry into various verticals.
The move highlights the brand's resurgence since its acquisition in 2022, transforming it from a once-struggling project into a prominent player in both the Web3 and traditional consumer spaces. Currently Pudgy Penguins floor price is 9.26 ETH, or roughly $25,000 USD. This incredible rarity makes it a top NFT collection to hold.
From College Project to NFT Powerhouse
In July 2021, four college students started the Pudgy Penguins project. These creative envoys are Cole Villemain, Clayton Patterson, MickyJ, and Jonah. The launch was accompanied by massive hype, compounded by the monumental possibilities that these one-of-a-kind penguin NFTs apparently had. After the initial enthusiasm, the project started to stall. That initiative had real challenges maintaining community support and ultimately didn’t come through with what it promised.
Ever since came under new ownership in 2022, Pudgy Penguins has rebranded itself entirely. The new leadership has focused on building brand recognition through strategic partnerships and expanding the project's reach beyond the Web3 space. That strategy change has been immensely successful, breathing new life into the project and cementing its place in the NFT marketplace.
Expanding Horizons Through Strategic Partnerships
Pudgy Penguins has been very intentional in pursuing partnerships with an eclectic mix of brands. The involvement further demonstrates their commitment to bridging the digital and physical worlds. The collaboration with PEZ resulted in the development of limited-edition Pudgy Penguins-branded dispensers. Pudgy Penguins recently revealed a huge partnership with Random House. Together, they are releasing the forthcoming KAMALA AND ME children’s book, which will delight and inspire a new generation of future leaders.
These game-changing events aside, the project has been cultivating powerful alliances in the expanding Web3 community. Our most recent partnership is with My Neighbor Alice, an exciting blockchain-based social simulation game. Most recently, Pudgy Penguins teamed up with Lotte’s Bellygom to release limited-edition collectibles. These partnerships demonstrate a focused, deliberate effort to weave the Pudgy Penguins brand into numerous sectors. Combined, this jukebox-style approach goes a long way toward enhancing its visibility and glamor.
What's Next for the Penguins?
The year-long partnership with NASCAR is a big step for the Pudgy Penguins, taking them to new heights as they enter the motorsports space. The partnership is sure to be dynamic and groundbreaking. Fans should expect exclusive branded merchandise, digital collectibles and immersive fan experiences to get them closer to the action. This partnership is an indication of the Pudgy Penguins’ pledge to explore deeper into new, inventive pathways to expand their footprint and reach.
