Black NBA Star And Tech Entrepreneur Launch Social App To Redefine The Creator-Fan Relationship
Black-owned web3 social marketplace, Calaxy has launched its app, helping creators to monetize their content and connect with their fans.
Helping Creators to Monetize
Tech entrepreneur Solo Ceesay and NBA player Spencer Dinwiddie founded Calaxy in 2021 to build a new infrastructure allowing content creators ownership and equitable value exchange compared to the current social media landscape.
It’s described as reimagining how people use social media, empowering more meaningful and fulfilling fan experiences.
Despite the creator economy being one of the fastest-growing sectors of the internet, creators still need help to monetize with the rise of algorithms and reliance on brand deals.
The app will allow creators to cut out costly intermediaries and receive payment directly from fans on delivery of the requested experience.
“By giving creators the tools they’ve been calling out for and a professionalized platform to build their economies, Calaxy allows them to continue to do what they love while being remunerated adequately,” said Dinwiddie in a press release.
Last year, Calaxy raised $26 million in strategic funding co-led by Animoca Brands and HBAR Foundation with support from Polygon. It also previously raised $7.5 million in a seed round supported by NFL player Ezekiel Elliot and “The Bachelor” Matt James.
The Calaxy App
The Calaxy app gives creators the toolkit to interact with fans in one place and rewards them for their engagement through monetization.
Built on the Hedera network and powered by blockchain technology, the social media platform will provide creators with an end-to-end toolkit to build communities, sell from various experiences, and receive an instant payout.
Creator Tokens allow fans to utilize a suite of personalized experiences with the creator in a fair exchange of value.
Experiences include video calls, exclusive fan content and shout-outs which creators can customize depending on their audience.
Ceesay said in a press release, “Launching Calaxy is a major step towards this goal and means that fans and creators can finally experience what we have long been shouting for an intuitive platform where they can build a successful, personalized economy.”
The app features a home feed to connect with the platform’s community, and an “experience scroll” where users can discover tailored experiences offered by their favorite creators.
Each Calaxy user can set up a non-custodial Calaxy wallet to send, receive and store cryptocurrencies.
The Calaxy wallet has been designed for users who have yet to gain prior experience in the crypto market.
The Future of Calaxy
Several creators, including Cosplayer Logan Chitwood, YouTuber and TikTokker Eric Struk, are listed to go live on the platform.
“Calaxy is the breath of fresh air this industry needs, paving the way for an alternative, engaging, and tailored content-sharing experience for celebrities and fans,” said Struk.
“I cannot wait to start sharing content and building relationships with my community on Calaxy.”
R&B star Teyana Taylor, The Bachelor’s Matt James and NFL star Ezekiel Elliot are also due to offer experiences in the coming months.
