Polygon chosen for Starbucks web3 ‘odyssey’

Starbucks has tapped Polygon as its blockchain provider for what the coffee giant is calling a web3 “odyssey.” 

The new initiative will allow Starbucks Rewards loyalty program members and Starbucks partners (employees) in the United States to earn and purchase digital collectible stamps in the form of NFTs.

The company said the membership program will unlock access to “immersive coffee experiences: from unique merchandise and artist collaborations to invitations to exclusive events.”

According to a report in TechCrunch published on Monday, the experiences, called “journeys,” will involve playing interactive games or taking on challenges which are designed to give the customer more in-depth knowledge of the Starbucks brand and coffee. Completing journeys will earn them NFTs, which the company has dubbed “journey stamps.”

Monday marks the first day that customers and partners can join the waitlist for the “experience,” which will launch later this year.

“As a leading infrastructure provider enabling people and technology to collaborate and exchange value globally and freely, Polygon provides the ideal launchpad for Starbucks’ entry into Web3,” said Sandeep Nailwal, co-founder of Polygon.

The announcement is likely to feature in much of Starbucks’ investor presentation, which is due to take place on Tuesday. 

The move is the latest corporate initiative aiming to bring NFTs to a more mainstream audience. Social media giant Meta has also begun a concerted push into digital assets on Instagram and Facebook. 

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