Silicon Valley-based financial services startup Figure has launched a bid to make distributed LEDGER technology more approachable – by creating a crypto-themed mascot that its masterminds hope will dispel public fears about blockchain technology.
This is “Blockchain,” an anamorphic, talking, walking, wisecracking stack of blocks that is not only huggable and cute, but also wants to educate you on “how fast and convenient” Figure can apply and secure loans. The lovable mascot also wants to tell you all about “how the power of blockchain makes the post-loan process more efficient, secure and less costly.”
The Financial Times, so often a source of crypto-skepticism, took the news with a pinch of salt, quipping,
“We now have a personification of the marvel that is the distributed dream-ledger. And what’s especially lucky is that personification of the blockchain has given unto us a literal blockhead.”
But Figure appears to be deadly serious about the educative powers of its new mascot project.
Brad Simmons, Figure’s chief marketing officer, stated,
“Rather than ignore the challenge of educating consumers about blockchain technology, we chose to embrace it. We saw an opportunity to own the demystification of blockchain by creating a relatable and helpful character named Blockchain who will work to bridge the knowledge gap and break down the benefits of blockchain technology in easily digestible terms.”
The company is set to feature its new mascot in ad campaigns that air across broadcast and digital platforms in the United States, with 30-second spots and a longer video set for release.
