Staff Writer • 2024-06-20
Darran Garnham, founder of Toikido, has rapidly emerged as a trailblazer in the world of entertainment. From toys to digital collectibles, his innovative approach is transforming how we engage with products and media. In a recent episode of the SGM Podcast, Garnham shared insights into his journey, vision, and the strategies behind Toikido’s success. The Genesis of Toikido The idea for Toikido was born during the global lockdown. Garnham, observing his children's interactions with digital media, spotted a significant gap in the market. "I was watching what they were playing, what they were consuming, and I saw there was a gap in speed of entertainment for today's generation," he explained. This realization led him to create a company that bridges the digital and physical worlds, offering unique experiences tailored to modern consumers. Innovative Partnerships and Iconic Collaborations Toikido’s rapid success can be attributed to its strategic partnerships and innovative product lines. One of the company's notable achievements was securing global rights to the immensely popular game Among Us, which became a catalyst for their growth. Garnham's ability to forge meaningful collaborations is evident in his partnership with Gary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee) on the VeeFriends project. "Gary is a force of nature. We achieved in eight minutes what I do in a day with other people," Garnham remarked, highlighting the dynamic synergy between them. Embracing Web3 and Digital Collectibles Garnham is a firm believer in the potential of Web3 technologies and NFTs to shape the future of entertainment. Toikido's latest venture, Bad Eggs, exemplifies this vision. "We launched Bad Eggs this week with the premise of 'bad eggs doing good.' We want to build a community that can have a positive impact on the world," he said. This initiative aims to blend digital collectibles with real-world community projects, such as resurfacing basketball courts and redeveloping skateboard parks, demonstrating how digital innovations can drive tangible change. Balancing Digital and Physical Worlds Understanding the importance of balancing screen time with physical activities, Garnham emphasizes the integration of digital and physical experiences. "I believe kids should be doing other things away from digital. All my kids are swimmers, cricketers, they’re out doing stuff," he noted. Toikido’s products, like Pinata Smashlings, seamlessly blend physical toys with digital platforms like Roblox, providing a holistic entertainment experience. Looking Ahead: The Future of Toikido As Toikido continues to expand, Garnham's vision remains steadfast. The company is poised to launch several new projects, including a high-budget animation series for Pinata Smashlings and various community-driven initiatives under the Bad Eggs brand. Garnham's commitment to innovation and community impact is setting new standards in the entertainment industry. Final Thoughts By bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds, he is creating a new paradigm in entertainment. As he continues to lead with passion and foresight, Toikido is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of this ever-evolving industry. For more insights and updates on Toikido’s projects, you can follow Darran Garnham on social media and join the growing community of Bad Eggs. The future of entertainment is here, and it’s being shaped by visionaries like Garnham.
@NFT Today Magazine