RTFKT

RTFKT (pronounced "artifact") is a digital fashion company creating virtual sneakers and collectible non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The company was founded in January 2020 by three friends, Benoit Pagotto, Chris Le, and Steven Vasilev, who met while working at eSports team Fnatic.

The founders say they were inspired by gaming and crypto culture as well as their experience in the fashion industry. RTFKT uses blockchain technology to create unique digital artifacts, mainly digital sneakers, to sell as NFTs and collectibles. In order to purchase RTFKT's digital merchandise, users must have access to the blockchain and have a digital crypto wallet.

In 2021, the startup launched the Clone X NFT collaboration with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, providing an array of digital avatars styled with various collectible traits to be used in the metaverse.

RTFKT secured $8M USD in funding on May 4, 2021, in a funding round led by Andreesen Horowitz.

In December 2021, Nike acquired RTFKT to create digitial sneakers; terms of the deal were not disclosed. According to John Donahoe, president and CEO of NIKE, Inc.,

We’re acquiring a very talented team of creators with an authentic and connected brand. Our plan is to invest in the RTFKT brand, serve and grow their innovative and creative community and extend Nike’s digital footprint and capabilities.