Building the Next Pokémon: Insights from DailyVee Episode 670
Did you know that the concept of intellectual property can transform the way we experience positivity and accountability? Gary Vaynerchuk isn’t just building a brand; he’s crafting a universe similar to Disney or Marvel.
The Exciting Launch of VeeFriends and Topps
In DailyVee Episode 670, Gary Vaynerchuk celebrated a landmark moment for his IP-driven initiative, VeeFriends, by rolling out new Topps Chrome trading cards. Available in more than 1,000 GameStop locations and hundreds of independent card shops across the U.S., these cards mark the brand’s public debut in the traditional collectibles market. As fans and newcomers unpack foil-wrapped blasters, they’re not only chasing rare pulls—they’re engaging with a universe of 250 characters built on practical positivity, optimism, and accountability. This collaboration marries nostalgia for Pokémon-style trading cards with modern storytelling that Gary has honed over four years of strategic development.
Cards as Building Blocks of Identity
For Gary, collecting cards was more than a childhood hobby—it was the training ground for his entrepreneurial mindset. Growing up as an immigrant from the Soviet Union, baseball and comic cards became tangible proof that he could win at something in America. He recalls, “Cards are the foundation of my entrepreneurial journey.” Each card represented an emotional lesson: resilience, negotiation, vision. Today, VeeFriends cards serve as conversation starters around ambition and self-belief. One parent described how their child’s reaction to pulling the Ambitious Angel card led to a heartfelt discussion about setting goals—demonstrating how cards can shape identity and values beyond mere transactions.
Digital Expansion: NFTs, Kids Books, and Live Shopping
VeeFriends isn’t confined to paper and ink. Gary has layered his IP with digital collectibles, including VeeFriends NFTs and animations on YouTube Kids produced by the team behind CoComelon. There’s even a children’s book series that “is crushing,” according to the transcript. On the live-shopping front, VeeFriends has partnered with platforms like Whatnot and TikTok Shop to create an interactive QVC-like experience. Hundreds of streamers are unboxing VeeFriends packs in real time, demonstrating how digital and physical cards can coalesce into a unified community. This multi-channel approach reflects the modern entrepreneur’s need to blend e-commerce, content creation, and fan engagement.
Patience: A Fundamental Ingredient for Success
One of Gary’s core messages for any entrepreneur—novice or seasoned—is patience. Starting from zero may feel daunting, but it also offers a clean slate with no legacy distractions. “When you’re starting at zero, you have no choice but to be patient,” he states. Patience isn’t about waiting passively; it’s an active strategy that underpins sustainable growth. Gary positions patience alongside tenacity and accountability as key traits for anyone who dreams of building an empire rather than chasing fleeting trends. Placing IP at the center, he argues, requires a marathon mindset, not a sprint to quick riches.
What Does Patience Look Like in Practice?
Embracing patience involves a three-fold commitment:
- Embrace the grind: Live-stream for hours, host interviews, and continuously share your progress with the community.
- Accept constructive criticism: Listen to feedback—even from skeptics—then refine your approach.
- Cultivate a long-term vision: Prioritize building meaningful IP over instant viral fame.
True entrepreneurs understand that patience, combined with consistent daily effort, separates those who create lasting impact from those who burn out chasing the next hype cycle. If you want to be the next Pokémon or Disney, patience is non-negotiable.
The GameStop Event and Community Interaction
On launch day at GameStop, VeeFriends enthusiasts gathered for a meet-and-greet, pack pulls, and photo ops with Gary himself. The energy was palpable: collectors traded cards, compared character stats, and shared personal stories of why certain VeeFriends creatures resonated with them. Importantly, Gary acknowledged the skeptics in the card community, offering empathy for their concerns while inviting them to judge the project by fan engagement and sales velocity rather than hearsay. This inclusive approach illustrates how IP-driven brands can strengthen community bonds through transparency and shared passion.
Building Dreams Beyond Expectations
Gary’s ambition extends beyond building a successful product—he wants to establish a cultural touchstone on par with his heroes.
“I want to be Walt Disney. I want to be Jim Henson. I want to be Stan Lee,” he passionately shares.
Unlike those chasing overnight fortunes, he emphasizes that achieving such legendary status demands decades of sustained effort. By methodically rolling out new comic books, character arcs, and multimedia content, VeeFriends aims to embed its 250 characters into everyday life: on apparel, backpacks, social feeds, and beyond. For Gary, every new comic issue, cartoon episode, or live-stream is a brick in the foundation of a universe that fans can explore for generations.
The Future is Here
As VeeFriends’ characters come to life through each pack opening and every NFT drop, a new chapter in IP-driven entrepreneurship unfolds. Gary’s journey showcases how the strategic fusion of ‘pokemon’-style collectibles, digital innovation, and unshakeable patience can redefine what it means to be an entrepreneur today.
Bold Actionable Takeaway:
• Embrace patience as your secret weapon: build IP brick by brick, community member by community member, and the rest will follow.
What’s your vision for creating lasting impact? Share how you’re integrating cards, digital assets, or storytelling into your entrepreneurial universe.