A lot of pairings between commerce and finance make sense. Traditional brick-and-mortar businesses continue to operate with a mixture of cash and digital payments, which works well for them. Larger companies may use stocks and shares as a means of maintaining interest and profitability in their operation. But startups are making a significant change to the norm as they seek to accommodate the financial zeitgeist. One example is entrepreneur Jonny Dodge, who has recently put his company’s acceptance of cryptocurrency in the spotlight.
While there is a broader trend taking place across markets and industries, the salient story here is Dodge himself. He made his name in Formula One events, typically considered a more traditionally-minded sector, but has expanded his portfolio to include more crypto-based businesses. The best illustration at present is My Ocean, which has recently received a fresh aesthetic and social media push.
The company operates in a space not conventionally considered part of the digital sphere: yachting. However, in 2022, the chartering and sale of large boats has become more populated by wealthy individuals who made their fortune off of investments on the blockchain. The move to accept cryptocurrency as payment for yacht sales and chartering suggests Dodge views Web3 initiatives as a noteworthy player in the future of finance.
Interest in chartering yachts is growing, especially among the aforementioned newly-minted crypto billionaires. Young entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to experiences, rather than property, to find a place for their excess funds. Businesses in industries from healthcare to travel are beginning to accept digital currencies such as Bitcoin as payment for their services. However, My Ocean marks one of the first examples of a business prioritizing Web3-based clients in their marketing efforts.
A quick look at the company’s social media outlets can indicate Dodge’s future intentions. Despite the high value of services it is dealing in, WhatsApp is the first port of call for prospective clients to get in touch with My Ocean, a platform that remains a cornerstone of emerging online communities.
Alongside My Ocean, Dodge is also developing a galactic travel business, Space Experiences. Due to the likely exclusivity of its offerings and clientele, it is currently unknown if and how he plans to include blockchain technology in that venture. Many observers would suggest that, while space travel is currently reserved for the established elite, it may not be long before it mirrors yachting in its accessibility to a new generation of entrepreneurs. It’s almost sure that, when that transition eventually occurs, Dodge will identify and include it in his plans.
