Starbucks sees ‘unprecedented interest’ as Polygon NFT Rewards platform launches

Starbucks Odyssey, the coffee chain new Web3 reward platform built on Ethereum side chain Network Polygon, is officially rolling out to the world. And the company says demand for the platform so far has been “unprecedented.”

Starbucks launched the platform on Thursday to a first group of beta testers chosen from the waiting list. Additional testers will be added to the platform in January 2023 before increased functionality and access arrive early next year.

The company did not state how many customers have signed up to the waiting list, nor how many users have gained access this week. However, a spokesperson said Decrypt that Starbucks has seen “unprecedented interest in Starbucks Odyssey”, and that the response from customers has been “overwhelming” so far.

First announced in September following months of teasingStarbucks Odyssey builds on the firm’s existing Starbucks Rewards initiative, but with a Web3 twist. Users can earn reward points for buying food and drinks in stores, but also for participating in activities via the Odyssey mobile app, such as quizzes and other digital experiences.

By completing activities and collecting points, users get “Travel Stamps” tokenized as NFT collectibles on Polygon. These stamps, which reflect the history of the 51-year-old coffee juggernaut, can be collected and eventually traded. An NFT is a blockchain token which represents ownership of a unique resource, including digital goods such as art and collectibles.

The stamps and points also collectively unlock access to potential exclusive experiences, such as online beverage-making classes, events at Starbucks’ flagship Reserve Roastery locations, or even a trip to the company’s coffee farm in Costa Rica.

In 2023, Starbucks Odyssey will launch its NFT marketplace powered by Nice gateway, which allows users to buy and sell their travel stamps, as well as purchase limited edition NFTs created in collaboration with the company’s partners. Funds from the latter NFT sale will be used in part to donate to charitable causes, the company said.

Starbucks is one of several big brands that have recently tapped Polygon for a Web3 push, alongside Meta with NFT minting on InstagramReddit with NFT avatars that have already reached more than 3 million usersand Nike’s upcoming digital clothing platform.

Polygon Studios CEO Ryan Wyatt recently discussed the brand success with Decryptand points to factors such as a mix of Web2 and Web3 experience in his business development team, as well as growing consensus around the Ethereum ecosystem as opposed to other layer-1 blockchain networks.