If you’ve been involved in the NFT sphere since 2021, you may recall the formidable presence 0N1 Force once commanded when it came onto the scene that August. One of the first-ever true anime PFPs, it had an average sale price of over 6 ETH shortly after launch, according to OpenSea. However, following a period of popularity, 0N1 Force experienced a gradual decline, with the project’s minimum price languishing below 0.30 ETH during the summer of 2022.
Emerging from the 2022 slump, 0N1 Force now embarks on a new chapter, bolstered by changes in its ownership and leadership, a redefined roadmap, and the steadfast loyalty of its community. The floor recently rallied 90 percent to 1.1 ETH from May 8 to May 15 and now maintains a 1.5 ETH floor at the time of writing.
The project is now setting its sights on a resurgence reminiscent of the remarkable comeback story of Pudgy Penguins, with sales volumes surpassing $177 million.
A changing of the guard
The story of 0N1 Force’s resurrection begins in February 2023, when blockchain investment firm Old Fashioned Research (OFR) acquired the project from its previous owners: JR, IMCMPLX, Strawberry, CryptoSpaces, and LinkedEm. The new team boasts crypto veterans, including former Binance CFO Wei Zhou and Yield Guild COO Colin Goltra.
OFR was founded in late 2021 by Zhou and fellow ex-Binance executive Wayne Fu. According to TechCrunch, it was valued at $100 million in 2022 and aims to uplift and grow projects with long-term potential. According to the team, 0N1 Force was one such project. Few projects are as “groundbreaking and unique” as this one, they wrote in a February 25 Twitter thread.
Partnership with Horizen Labs
On May 4, more significant news came for the 0N1 Force community. The team announced a strategic partnership with Horizen Labs Ventures (HLV). The company has a reputable track record, having previously collaborated with prominent entities within the Web3 space, including Yuga Labs, ApeCoin DAO, The Sandbox, Jam City, Dust Protocol, and Animoca Brands.
The collaboration aims to leverage HLV’s experience advising successful Web3 projects and 0N1 Force’s capabilities in IP creation. The goal is to develop story-based solutions that cater to the evolving needs of the digital landscape in both web2 and Web3 environments.
In a May 15 Twitter Space, 0N1 Force CEO Henry Finn (AKA Starlordy) emphasized that the partnership underscores its commitment to growth and expanding its Web3 offering to its community. Further, Zhou — the strategic advisor to 0N1 Force’s ownership group — emphasized, “This partnership intends to create a unique experience for the community by integrating HLV’s knowledge and 0N1 Force’s strengths.”
While there are projects in the works that have not yet been revealed, HLV stated in the Twitter Space that one of them will be a rewards system for holders. Both Finn and Degentraland, who heads Web3 strategy for HLV, hinted at an off-chain point staking system, as well as potential avenues for holders to benefit from the 0N1 Force IP, both on-chain and off.
“The internal points system is a way to reward both new and OG holders by giving them a way to not only be celebrated but to find a way to redeem rewards both digital and physical,” Finn said. “Points will also reveal a leaderboard that will provide other perks as well.”
Franchise, R0N1N, and World Club
0N1 Force’s growth isn’t slowing any time soon. In addition to the HLV partnership, Finn says this is just the beginning of a string of updates to come. 0N1 Force recently rolled out three application-based programs: Franchise, R0N1N, and World Club.
The Franchise Model is intended to “foster and assist builders and creators within the ecosystem. The goal of the project is to equip community members who want to start their own businesses which the resources they need.”
“We provide a wide range of support in the form of marketing, network, distribution, and funding,” said the 0N1 Force team. “Our goal is to help franchise holders succeed by providing the tools they need to thrive.”
The World Club serves as a global social network for Web3 creators, founders, operators, and brands. The club will give holders opportunities to come together to organize events, dinners, and gatherings. Three or more members can start a proposal to form a club within a club that aligns with their interests.
The R0nin Ambassador Program is a business development program for holders who want to be involved in the business operations of the project and officially work on deals with the leadership. While most NFT projects tend to keep holders separate from leadership decisions, 0N1 Force encourages involvement and collaboration.
As an ambassador, participants will help with sourcing new partnerships and deals while enjoying exclusive perks and rewards. According to the graphic pictured below, members receive a unique PFP as a token of their ambassador status and may qualify for bonuses, commissions, and other incentives. This program provides an opportunity for individuals dedicated to the community to enhance their professional network and career prospects.
The future of 0N1 Force
Despite the new leadership being at the helm for less than a year, significant changes and new initiatives have already been implemented. As the space observes the unfolding narrative of 0N1 Force, the project’s journey stands as a testament to the community’s resilience. Having navigated through significant highs and lows, the project is currently on an upward trajectory, reaffirming its commitment to innovation and community engagement.
“What makes us different than any other project is our community,” Finn told nft now. “We have the most devoted community in Web3.”
With a new guard in command, an innovative franchise model, and a loyal community, 0N1 Force demonstrates the potential to rise, fall, and ascend once more in the ever-evolving digital landscape. While the future remains unknown, the coming times will be the ultimate test of the project’s resurgence.
“Our biggest news still hasn’t come out yet,” Finn said. “This is just the beginning.”
Editor’s note: This article was written by an nft now staff member in collaboration with OpenAI’s GPT-4.
