Backpack's 'fock it' mentality can be summed up in one iconic image, a snapshot from the three month long series titled 'Saturday, live from Chicago'. More than a picture, it's a symbol of relentless dedication and innovation.
Since it's inception the photo has been appropriated by companies around the world becoming a synonymous with the grind of startup life.
For Backpack it means much more.
It represents a pivotal period in Backpack's history when a group of like minded individuals came together to collaborate on next generation technologies which have a chance to change the world forever.
A defining era filled with caffeine fueled all nighters were the norm.
What is 'Saturday, live from Chicago'?
‘Saturday, live from Chicago’ is a cornerstone of Backpack lore. It's a photographic series that chronicles the formative days when the team was perfecting Wallet and xNFT functionality, putting the finishing touches on Mad Lads artwork and dreaming up the NFT minting experience.
They are a time capsule of Backpack's early history which was captured over a three month period at the Chicago-based office where Armani Ferrante, Tristan Yver and the growing team were building the future of web3.
It chronicles a time where talented people are working day and night to push the boundaries of finance and a permissionless future.
At the time, Backpack was a multichain crypto wallet that was building out the novel xNFT (executable NFT) platform and perfecting the user experience.
The Iconic Beanbag Photo
One particular image stands out from the series: the beanbag photo. Taken in early February 2023, this snapshot captures the essence of the early days of Backpack.
It’s more than just a photo of developers lounging on beanbags in a makeshift office; it represents a moment in time before all the milestones that would soon follow.
Before Mad Lads.
Before Exchange.
Before multichain.
Before mobile applications.
Before investment rounds.
Before global recognition.
The now-famous beanbag photo has gained quasi-internet fame and inspired content and marketing campaigns across multiple industries. Traditional tech companies have used it to fuel narratives around AI productivity tools, hustle culture, and the modern startup grind.
Crypto brands like Galactic Geckos, Shuffle and Retardio have harnessed the familiar image for their own communities.
The photo has become a fixture on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram, popping up in everything from memes to serious corporate marketing.
For Backpack 'Saturday, live from Chicago' isn't just a series of images.
It's a piece of history that speaks to the power of collaboration, innovation and the drive to build new technologies. It's a reminder of the potential that comes from locking in with your team and pushing through late nights, setbacks and challenges.
Further Information
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our support team via support@backpack.exchange.
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