Antoine Mclaughlin is the CEO of Kandiid. Unlike many other social media apps, Kandiid operates in a “Judgement Free Zone”, which mean comments are disabled to encourage true expression. Kandiid also does not shadowban or restrict creativity from users. The objective for Antoine is simple, “Kandiid is a vehicle of content driven by the people with the intent of empowerment”. Kandiid boasts the first of its kind, “Klub” feature, that’s accessible from the home screen – opening up a galaxy filled with possibilities. The user can monetize from digital art as well as linking crypto & NFT products. It’s totally up to the user. We’re talking about an entrepreneur’s wonderland! Simply create a profile, post your art, access a value, and publish for the world to see. Kandiid doesn’t call user’s followers or fans, instead the platform is based on CONNECTIONS!! Antoine stands behind the premise, “Your Network is Your Networth”, and believes everyone holds the capability to shape the narrative as a Kreator of every article of content created.
FMM: With the creation of NFT’s (Non Fungible Token) in 2014, the popularity has taken off with cryptocurrencies and subsequently the metaverse, you saw a pivot in the past two years on the novel technology largely due in part to the Covid19 pandemic. Explain.
In 2020 with the COVID-19 in its infant stage, the art and technology sector rose nearly 70%. The isolation and fear of recession led many to explore opportunities in cryptocurrencies and NFTs. As fate would have it, Kandiid launched to the public in October of 2021, which gave consumers in the entertainment sector of technology a valued resource. With the Kandi id platform, we introduced an open gateway to market, shop, and promote nft’s. In addition, the platform through our “Klub” technology makes the metaverse accessible with the click of a button.
FMM: Tell us about your background and what led you launch Kandiid app.
After developing my first App “Spornado”, I came up with the idea of creating Kandiid in 2018 as a social networking marketplace app to give creatives resources to monetize their artwork. I, myself and college friend Tyler Roper designed the initial features and functionality for the app. In April 2019, I relocated to Seattle, Washington and contracted app designers PubGENIUS Inc. to create the first build of Kandiid. In 2018, Co-founders Michael Jackson and Justin Bethel, joined Kandi id as the first active board members and investors. In 2019 Air Force veteran Leighton Lawrence joined the executive board. The executive team expanded in 2020 to include recording industry executives Benny Pough of Dverse Media Group and Lewis Tucker, formerly of Uptown and Bad Boy Records. NFL players Terrence Fede & Kyle Phillips joined Kandiid as investors and influencers for the Kandiid app in 2021. The Kandiid app was incorporated in April 2020, and the app was beta tested until September 1, 2020. The Kandiid app’s initial release to the public was in October 2021.
Hip-hop artist Soulja Boy was the first celebrity to join Kandiid as an equity holder in October 2021. In October 2021, Soulja Boy announced Kandiid nationally on the syndicated radio show – The Breakfast Club and on his official Twitter account. The app gained popularity as a result, and the Kandiid platform grew to over 15,000 unique users in less than 24 hours of Soulja Boy’s post. Key influencers in entertainment; D Teck, Karine “Sho-time” Thornton, Keith “Youngin” George II, DjeFeezy, Lamont “Renzo” Bracy, Frederick Wingate aka “The Kandiid Guy”, and nft influencer Stackpack, joined Kandiid as both advisors and infrastructure heads.
FMM: What solution does it solve?
Kandiid is the solution to the social marketplace. Kandiid creates entrepreneurs out of everyday ordinary people by empowering them to control the narrative. They can monetize every post, create folders of content, or simply share. Kandi id is the one-stop shop for creative.
FMM: Is your network your net worth?
With Kandiid, the creators control the narrative. The premise of “Your Network is Your Net Worth”, is driven by the creators drive to engage and market their brand! From selling nft’s, artwork, music, or simply an ideal, the creators control their own destiny.
FMM: Take us through the Kandiid app.
The Kandiid app operates with the same features of a social media app. The user(s) can follow, like, and share content; however, what makes Kandiid unique is the “Klub” feature that allows users the ability to enter a marketplace of endless possibilities. The Kandi id platform operates on a “Judgment Free” zone which means, users can’t comment on users posts, nor will they be banned for shadow banning. The platform is a safe haven to be free of expression and creativity. From the beginning interface, users can create a profile, upload content, and place a value on their art.
The main functionality on the Kandiid platform is the ability to create Kandiid albums. Albums can be up to 50 pieces of content in one post. Max 40 photos and 10 one-minute videos can go inside one album. Users can have an unlimited amount of albums. Users have the ability to post albums free or charge users to view them. Albums can be labeled mature for any content that is NSFW. In addition, users can link urls inside of albums to promote external products and solutions.
The Klub feature on Kandiid highlights user albums on the Klub feed for viewing. The Klub feature is where NFT creators have VIP access to directly promote created art to users on the app in one set location. The Klub feature adds categories based on upcoming events and partnerships.
The homepage of Kandiid provides access to creators’ featured posts, which are placed in order by time created. By accessing the magnifying glass icon, users are redirected to the explore page. On the explore page, users can search for connections, view paid, verified, or top free content.
FMM: You have key influencers in entertainment; D-Teck, Sho-time, Keith “Youngin” George, DjeFeezy & Stackpack,on the Kandiid app just to name a few, why is the Kandiid app the best of breed for freedom of expression amongst social networking platforms.?
The answer is simple, influencers are always looking for the next big thing! The influencers we have on the platform are powerful in their respective niche. Kandiid’s curve appeal is its smooth functionality and resources that assist influencers with strengthening their brand. Once users follow the influencers over to Kandiid, the interactions and engagement level is organic and reciprocated through sales of merch, involvement, and loyalty.
FMM: You have serious heavy weights for investors. Tell us about your investors.
Our investors are diverse in age, race, and professional stature. At Kandiid, we believe that every shareholder holds significant value. From our internal investors to the many shareholders, they all believe in the vision of revolutionizing the social universe. One group of investors hold a special place in the foundation of Kandiid; The San Antonio Investment Group. The group consisted of a family, The George’s and a few of their family friends. The group personifies everything that is great about America. The investors include brothers Knick George, Kris George, their mother and father Carol and Keith George Sr., and family friends Nicholas Ramos , Carlos Navarro, and Rene Gonzalez. The group was brought together by Keith George II, who acts as a strategic advisor at Kandiid. It is powerful that one of our soldiers would bring his entire family to the table as investors; but that’s who we are! Different, outside the box, and forward thinking.
FMM: What is your vision for the Kandid app in 2023?
As Kandiid moves forward, we are excited about what 2023 holds in store. On the development end, we have an A-Grade team of tech giants working to push the platform to another galaxy. Literally! Kandiid will lead the charge as the gateway to the metaverse shortly. From there, the possibilities are endless. In addition, Kandiid will continue to upgrade and enhance its current features and widgets, which in return, will further empower creators. I also envision more partnerships and integrations in the realm of music, film, and the arts.
