Sponsorships are a cornerstone of events, sports and entertainment industries, yet the traditional model often leaves brands struggling with high costs, inefficiencies and a lack of measurable ROI. Blockchain technology carries an immense potential to solve these challenges with transparency and inclusivity and open the doors for new possibilities in the entertainment space.
Sponstar is a Web3 platform that presents a new model for sponsorships. The platform bridges traditional sponsorship models with blockchain technology to create a more accessible, data-driven ecosystem for brands and event organizers. At the core of this ecosystem is the STAR token, the currency that powers transactions, engagement, and rewards. Through innovative features like geofenced treasure hunts, Sponstar connects the physical and digital worlds, enabling participants to unlock exclusive rewards while providing brands with valuable first-party data.
In this interview, Manu Star, CEO of Sponstar, tells the story of Sponstar so far, explains how the project contributes to Web3 space and shares his predictions for 2025.
Cointelegraph: What is your hot take about the current trends in the crypto space?
Manu Star: The crypto space is moving beyond speculation toward real-world utility, and Sponstar is at the forefront of this shift. The current trend revolves around asset tokenization, the maturity of DeFi and the rise of decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) — all of which Sponstar leverages to transform the sponsorship landscape.
With our fractional sponsorship model powered by blockchain, we’re bringing real-world events into the Web3 ecosystem, allowing brands of all sizes to participate and benefit from verifiable ROI. Sponstar uses geofencing technology and first-party data capture to provide tangible benefits for brands, creating solutions that address real-world challenges and go far beyond the hype.
CT: What do you think will be the main narrative for Web3 in 2025?
MS: By 2025, interoperability and utility-driven ecosystems will define the Web3 space, and Sponstar is already setting the stage. The focus will shift to creating frictionless, user-centric experiences for non-crypto natives, something Sponstar excels at with our treasure hunt activations and STAR-powered loyalty ecosystem.
Sponstar bridges the gap between traditional systems and blockchain by seamlessly integrating tools like tokenized sponsorships, loyalty rewards and real-time data analytics into global events. Our mission aligns perfectly with the 2025 Web3 narrative: to deliver measurable value through inclusive, accessible and innovative solutions that redefine engagement in gaming, loyalty and event sponsorships.
CT: How was Sponstar born, and how does blockchain help address the gap you identified in the sponsorship market?
MS: Sponstar was born from firsthand experience observing major tier-1 events and celebrity-hosted gatherings being canceled due to a lack of sponsorship dollars. This exposed a fundamental flaw in the traditional sponsorship model: It was exclusive, inefficient and inaccessible to many brands. Smaller brands were locked out of opportunities due to high costs, while larger sponsors faced challenges with measuring ROI and ensuring transparency.
We saw an opportunity to revolutionize the space by leveraging blockchain technology. With Sponstar, we introduced fractional sponsorships, allowing multiple brands—big and small—to pool resources and participate in meaningful ways. Blockchain plays a crucial role by ensuring transparency, automating contracts and providing a seamless way to track engagement and performance.
By creating a more inclusive and measurable sponsorship ecosystem, Sponstar empowers events and brands to thrive, ensuring that transformative experiences aren’t derailed by funding challenges.
Source: Aido Studio
CT: How does fractional sponsorship level the playing field, and what role does the STAR token play in facilitating it?
MS: Fractional sponsorship lets smaller brands participate by sharing costs, creating opportunities that were once exclusive to large players. This levels the playing field, ensuring diverse participation at events. The STAR token facilitates this ecosystem by enabling seamless payments, rewards and governance. It also unlocks exclusive access for participants, ensuring transparency and measurable ROI.
CT: How does STAR address pain points related to data collection for brands?
MS: Brands struggle with unreliable, fragmented data. STAR solves this by leveraging geofencing and decentralized networks to capture real-time, first-party data from user interactions. This ensures accurate, actionable insights, helping brands measure ROI and refine strategies, making every sponsorship more impactful.
CT: How are you integrating real-world assets into the blockchain for major events to enhance authenticity and trust?
MS: Sponstar tokenizes real-world assets like sponsorships, activations and event spaces. This ensures authenticity and trust, allowing brands to track investments and audiences to engage securely. At events like SXSW, geofenced treasure hunts connect the digital and physical worlds, creating immersive experiences.
Source: Aido Studio
CT: What challenges did you face during your token launch, and how have they shaped your approach to building trust and credibility?
MS: Launching STAR came with significant challenges, including managing sell pressure in the absence of liquidity and addressing nefarious activities by market participants, such as manipulation attempts. These issues tested our resilience and forced us to act swiftly to protect the ecosystem.
We responded by enhancing transparency, strengthening security measures and establishing better liquidity management strategies. These experiences reinforced the importance of building trust with our community and creating a robust, fair marketplace for the STAR token, shaping our long-term approach to ecosystem stability and user confidence.
CT: What is your game plan to build a $1 billion sponsorship ecosystem in 2025?
MS: We aim to scale partnerships with global events, onboard diverse brands through fractional sponsorships and expand user reach with geofenced technology. By driving adoption and innovating experiences, we’re creating a vibrant ecosystem fueled by the STAR token.
CT: How do you plan to ensure the STAR token remains a sustainable, integral part of long-term brand engagement strategies?
MS: STAR’s value comes from its utility in payments, rewards and governance. By partnering with major brands, offering actionable insights and ensuring crosschain compatibility, STAR remains a cornerstone for brands seeking sustainable engagement strategies.
CT: What can we expect from Sponstar in the next 12 months, and how can new users, investors, and brands get involved?
MS: The next year is all about growth and innovation:
- Global event expansion: Activations at NYFW, SXSW, Art Basel and more.
- Enhanced features: New tools for brands to access real-time insights and performance metrics.
- Community growth: Increased adoption through treasure hunt activations and loyalty programs.
- Collaborations: Partnerships with marquee brands and creatives to redefine event sponsorships.
New users can join our treasure hunts at events like SXSW and earn STAR tokens by engaging with brands and exclusive experiences.
Investors have the opportunity to take part in a rapidly growing ecosystem revolutionizing sponsorships. STAR token, listed on CoinMarketCap, offers utility and growth potential as we expand partnerships and activations.
As for brands, partnering with Sponstar offers access to fractional sponsorships so they can capture first-party data and engage with audiences in innovative, measurable ways.
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