Smokers can soon look forward to a new way to earn while smoking. Puffpaw, a project aimed at helping people quit smoking, recently completed a $6 million seed funding round on September 5. This initiative, built on Berachain as its first DePIN project, has garnered support from the Berachain Foundation.
Innovative Smoking Cessation Approach
Puffpaw combines the concept of smoking with a mechanism aimed at encouraging users to quit. Founder Reffo explains, “We are developing our own e-cigarette and sensor devices. Our goal is not just to sell e-cigarettes and cartridges, but to enhance consumer experience through Web3 and help people quit smoking.”
The project employs an X-To-Earn model, utilizing sensors that track users’ smoking behavior and link to a mobile app via Bluetooth. By promoting a nicotine-free cartridge, users can maximize their earnings while gradually reducing nicotine intake.
Reffo, along with two partners who have a background in the e-cigarette industry, aims to merge e-cigarettes with blockchain technology. After observing the high smoking rates at Web3 events, he recognized an opportunity to create an engaging platform that incentivizes healthier habits rather than encouraging smoking.
Puffpaw Game Mechanics and User Engagement
Puffpaw has completed the initial development of its e-cigarette and hardware, expanding its team to 15 members. In October, they plan to launch a TG game with NFTs to kickstart user engagement. The game incentivizes users to consume specially designed nicotine-free cartridges, ensuring that the more they use, the more they earn—up to a daily limit. Beyond that limit, earnings diminish, reinforcing the goal of smoking cessation.
Reffo notes the importance of community and alignment with Berachain’s culture, particularly due to its founder’s name, “Smokey,” which resonates with the project’s theme. The plan is to leverage this community as they introduce their unique e-cigarettes and engage users in a meaningful way.
Sustainable Business Model Beyond X-To-Earn
As the Puffpaw project develops, they aim to create a sustainable business model beyond simply selling cartridges. The initial offering includes 10,000 NFTs, which grant holders a free e-cigarette and cartridges. Users will need to purchase new cartridges using tokens to continue playing, establishing a recurring revenue stream.
Puffpaw also plans to gather valuable data on smoking habits and consumer behavior, creating user profiles that can be monetized while ensuring data ownership remains with users. This strategy not only generates revenue from consumers but also opens avenues with B2B partners, such as pharmaceutical and medical device companies.
Reffo emphasizes that the long-term goal is to build brand loyalty through product innovation and community engagement rather than solely relying on token incentives. This distinguishes Puffpaw from traditional e-cigarette brands and other X-To-Earn models.
Launching in Key Markets
The team plans to enter the South Korean market first, leveraging partnerships with local brands to streamline product distribution. A flagship store in Seoul will serve as an experiential space where consumers can see the difference in Puffpaw’s offerings compared to traditional e-cigarettes, incorporating the X-To-Earn model.
Reffo shares insights on their growth strategy, highlighting consistent community engagement and regular AMAs to build awareness and foster support. As they prepare for significant upcoming events, including the launch of their game and NFT sale, Puffpaw is positioned to make a meaningful impact in the smoking cessation space.
In conclusion, Puffpaw represents an innovative fusion of health, technology, and consumer engagement, aiming to transform smoking habits while rewarding users for making healthier choices. As they roll out their platform, Reffo and his team are poised to redefine the landscape of smoking cessation and blockchain integration.
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