Saddle up. We’re taking a lap around the NFT track with Chris Wiedmar — the Louisvillian who is changing the Derby game by merging the longest-running sporting event in the US with the virtual world of Web3.
Chris is a co-founder of Party Horses LLC, a company launching a collection of 10,000 Derby-themed NFTs with real world benefits — think private parties + exclusive bourbon releases. 2,000 pre-mint NFTs go on sale March 1 with the public mint going live on March 15.
We asked Chris 10 questions about his new startup + favorite things in Louisville. Keep reading to find out about 30 super rare NFTs and which restaurant menu he’d take to a deserted island.
Describe your perfect day in Louisville.
I’m a sucker for a diner, so I’d start off with breakfast at Twig & Leaf. Since I’m on Bardstown Road, then I’m stopping at my favorite sneaker boutique, Oneness, to grab some sneakers. Lunch at Jack Fry’s, then if there was a concert on the Waterfront that’d be the icing on the cake. Maybe, take my buddy’s pontoon to Captain’s Quarters for a nightcap followed by a karaoke song or two at Akiko’s.
Bonus: The last karaoke song Chris sang was Meatloaf’s “I Would Do Anything for Love.”
What other Louisville tropes did you kick around when deciding on a theme for your NFTs?
Derby theme was a no brainer. We had kicked around if we could characterize bourbon — like a bourbon barrel with different characteristics.
We also looked at riffing off of Louisville restaurants, but for a generative art piece, it made sense to go with horses. People love horses.
You can only choose one local restaurant menu to bring with you to a deserted island — which one is it and why?
Seviche. It’s the best place in town and I wish there was a close second but it’s my favorite. I would be fine living on a deserted island, let’s put it that way. I get the skirt steak chimichurri almost 95% of the time.
What were the last 3 things you did locally?
I went to a UofL basketball game, had dinner at Seviche, and took my kids to the Louisville library.
Who is another local leader you’re inspired by? Why?
Michael Brizendine. He’s behind a startup called Yornest — a messaging app more or less for colleges.
I met with Michael probably 18 months ago. He was a sophomore at Bellarmine and had an amazing story. He lost his family in Haiti during the earthquakes and moved here when he was 12. The kid’s energy and enthusiasm for life after what he’s seen is incredible.
I love that kid’s zest. He’s had so much success with his app he kind of pulled like a Zuckerberg and dropped out [of college]. I wish nothing but the best for him. He’s the kind of guy you want to see win.
Name 3-5 other local leaders, influencers, or movers + shakers you’re watching.
Two of the guys I’m working with — Brooke Smith and Justin Delaney. They’ve done great work on startups, businesses they’ve invested in, and the time they invest in people.
There’s a guy named Larry Horn, too. He’s in the startup ecosystem and he’s a connector. It’s a tough job. Startup world is hard to begin with and he connects startups with investors. People like that give back with their time and to the community in the tech space.
What are your Derby day pro tips?
Hydrate. It is a marathon not a sprint.
Each NFT is generated randomly, but will there be any super rare ones?
Robby Davis is doing at least 30 one-off hand drawn horses and those will be rare because they aren’t going through the generative process. There will be at least 20 easter eggs within them that result in real world experiences, which I can’t share right now, but look for very specific brand traits when those come out.
What’s something that every Louisvillian should know about?
Every Louisvillian should know there’s a strong tech startup scene. It’s not as advertised as much as I wish it would be, but there are a lot of people that want Louisville to succeed and a lot of really cool companies, apps, and products.
What do you think Louisville will be known for in 10 years?
I think right now it’s known for horse racing, bourbon, restaurants and I don’t see those things going anywhere but I hope it will continue to be a creative and welcoming city. I would like to see Louisville be a Web3 city. I think that’s part of our goal and mission at Party Horses — to shine a light showing that people can create really great technology and creative art.
