Walken
Walken is a Solana-based, free-to-play mobile platform that converts users' daily steps into in-game gems used to upgrade NFT CATthlete characters for competitive battles, serving health-conscious mobile gamers and Web3 crypto users.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersSheridan, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingSoftware
What Walken does
Walken operates a free-to-play, move-to-earn mobile gaming platform built on the Solana blockchain. Users download the app on iOS or Android, and the platform converts real-world physical activity (steps recorded via mobile devices or wearables) into in-game gems at a stated rate of 1,000 steps per gem. These gems are used to upgrade NFT-based athlete characters called CATthletes across three attributes (Speed, Strength, Stamina), which players then deploy in a one-button matchmaking battle game to earn the native WLKN token. The platform also hosts an integrated NFT marketplace where users can buy and sell CATthletes and equipment.
The business operates a token-mediated revenue model with two disclosed streams: fees tied to WLKN token transactions within the ecosystem and commissions from NFT marketplace trading. The core app is free to download and use; monetization occurs indirectly through token economics and user-to-user marketplace activity, with WLKN also purchasable on third-party cryptocurrency exchanges such as Utorg. Walken targets two primary consumer segments, Health-Conscious Gamers and Web3/Crypto Enthusiasts, and reaches them through a product-led growth motion supported by an ambassador program and multilingual community channels on Telegram (English and Russian), Discord, Twitter, and Medium.
The company is privately held, was founded in 2021, and operates with 1–10 employees. It is incorporated in the Cayman Islands while maintaining a registered presence in Sheridan, United States. Walken has raised approximately $2.3M across funding events in 2022, with investors including IVC, Shima Capital, Animoca Brands, GSR, Big Brain Holdings, HTX Ventures (Huobi Ventures), Yield Guild Games, and several other crypto-native funds. No post-2022 funding, acquisitions, product launches, revenue figures, or headcount changes are disclosed in the supplied data.
Walken firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Walken
- Legal name
- Walken
- Website
- https://walken.io
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Walken is a Solana-based, free-to-play mobile platform that converts users' daily steps into in-game gems used to upgrade NFT CATthlete characters for competitive battles, serving health-conscious mobile gamers and Web3 crypto users.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Walken industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Blockchain Move-to-Earn Gaming
- NAICS
- Amusement Arcades (71312)
- SIC
- Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)
- akta.pro primary industry
- On-Chain Game Engines & Developer Tooling (SDKs, APIs, Unity/Unreal plugins) (FSAPAGAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Gaming NFTs & In-Game Asset Marketplaces (FSADANAF), NFT Marketplaces & Aggregators (primary/secondary, discovery, cross-market routing) (FSAPAFAB)
Keywords
Where Walken is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Sheridan
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Walken business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Operations
Revenue model
- WLKN Token Transactions: WLKN is the native token used for all platform operations. The platform benefits from token utility and circulation within the ecosystem. Players can earn tokens through gameplay and purchase them on cryptocurrency exchanges.
- NFT Marketplace Trading: The platform hosts an NFT marketplace where users buy and sell CATthlete characters and items. The marketplace enables trading of digital assets within the Walken ecosystem.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free-to-play base app with optional token purchases |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
Walken product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Walken operates a free-to-play mobile blockchain game built on Solana that converts users' real-world walking activity (1000 steps = 1 in-game gem) into upgrades for NFT characters called CATthletes. Players compete their upgraded CATthletes in one-button Battle-games to earn the native WLKN token, and can buy or sell NFT items and characters on an integrated Walken Marketplace.
Product overview
Walken is a Web3 move-to-earn NFT gaming platform built on the Solana blockchain. The core offering consists of the Walken Platform mobile application, which tracks users' physical activity through step counting and converts it into in-game gems (at a rate of 1000 steps = 1 gem). These gems are used to upgrade NFT characters called CATthletes, which users then employ in Battle-games to earn the WLKN token. The ecosystem includes a native WLKN cryptocurrency token used for platform operations and trading, and a dedicated Marketplace for buying and selling NFT items. The platform gamifies fitness by allowing players to benefit financially through gameplay mechanics including competing in battles, upgrading CATthletes, and trading NFTs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Walken Platform A free-to-play mobile gaming platform built on the Solana blockchain that tracks users' physical activity through mobile or wearable devices and converts steps (1000 steps = 1 in-game gem) into upgrades for NFT CATthlete characters, which players then use in Battle-games to earn WLKN tokens.
- WLKN Token The native utility token of the Walken ecosystem, short for Walken, used to operate within the Walken NFT game. WLKN can be purchased on cryptocurrency exchanges such as Utorg or earned by winning Battle-games and engaging with platform mechanics.
- CATthletes NFT characters in the Walken game that users upgrade using gems earned from walking. Each CATthlete has attributes (Speed, Strength, Stamina) that determine performance in Battle-games against other players.
- Walken Marketplace An NFT marketplace within the Walken platform where users can buy and sell NFT items including CATthletes and equipment to boost their gaming performance or monetize unused assets.
Quantifiable outcome
- 1000 steps = 1 in-game Gem conversion rate for upgrading NFT characters
Companies that use Walken
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Walken technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Walken partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- SolanacoreWalken is built on the Solana blockchain, utilizing its infrastructure for fast, low-cost transactions for the WLKN token and NFT functionality. Solana provides the underlying blockchain technology that enables the platform's token economy and NFT marketplace.
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Walken competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- StepN: The category-defining move-to-earn app built on Solana where users earn GST/GMT by walking and minting NFT sneakers. Most directly comparable to Walken in mechanics (steps → token earnings, NFT character/item upgrade loops, marketplace) and Solana-based architecture.
- Genopets: Solana-based move-to-earn RPG that converts real-world steps into in-game energy used to evolve NFT creatures and battle. Closely matches Walken's Solana + step-conversion + NFT pet + battle game loop.
- Sweatcoin: Move-to-earn pioneer that rewards users with the SWEAT token for verified daily steps via mobile app. Comparable core mechanic of converting physical activity into a tradable digital token, though Sweatcoin is non-NFT and broader in consumer reach.
- Step App: Move-to-earn fitness app on Avalanche where users earn tokens by walking/running and use them to upgrade NFT sneakers and compete. Directly comparable to Walken's fitness-to-token-to-NFT loop and competitive gaming component.
- OliveX (EVOLVE): Fitness-focused blockchain gaming company behind titles like Dustland Runner and EVOLVE token. Most comparable to Walken in combining real-world fitness activity (running) with NFT assets and tokenized rewards on a consumer mobile product.
Emerging players
- Step Hero: Move-to-earn RPG on Polygon and BNB Chain combining step tracking with NFT heroes used in PvP and PvE gameplay. Comparable to Walken's NFT character + battle + fitness loop, though on different chains.
- Dustland Runner: Audio-based run-to-earn game originally from OliveX where players earn FITFI tokens by running. Comparable to Walken in activity-to-token conversion and mobile-first onboarding, but focused on running rather than walking.
- MoveZ: Move-to-earn fitness app combining step tracking, NFT avatars, and MOVEZ token rewards. Closely comparable to Walken's core loop of steps → token → NFT upgrade, with a similar consumer Web3 audience.
Broad incumbents
- Axie Infinity: The category-defining play-to-earn game on Ronin where players earn AXS/SLP by battling NFT Axies. Comparable to Walken in Web3 gaming economic design (NFT character upgrade + PvP battles + token rewards), though Axie's gameplay is not fitness-linked.
- Star Atlas: AAA-quality Web3 space MMO built on Solana with NFT ships, crew, and land assets used in a player-driven economy. Comparable to Walken in Solana-native architecture and NFT-driven in-game economy, though focused on premium PC gaming rather than casual mobile.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights5 records
Customer concentration
Walken social profiles
Digital presenceWalken financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Walken leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Walken funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors14 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Walken M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Walken
What does Walken do?
Walken operates a free-to-play mobile blockchain game built on Solana that converts users' real-world walking activity (1000 steps = 1 in-game gem) into upgrades for NFT characters called CATthletes. Players compete their upgraded CATthletes in one-button Battle-games to earn the native WLKN token, and can buy or sell NFT items and characters on an integrated Walken Marketplace.
Is Walken a public or private company?
Walken is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Walken founded?
Walken was founded in 2021. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Walken based?
Walken is headquartered in Sheridan, United States, in the North America region.
How does Walken make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. WLKN Token Transactions are the primary driver. The others are NFT Marketplace Trading.
Who are Walken's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are StepN, Genopets, Sweatcoin, Step App and OliveX (EVOLVE). Emerging players are Step Hero, Dustland Runner and MoveZ. Broad incumbents are Axie Infinity and Star Atlas.
Does Walken have an API?
No public API is recorded for Walken.
What industry is Walken in?
Walken's product category is Blockchain Move-to-Earn Gaming. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAPAGAB, On-Chain Game Engines & Developer Tooling (SDKs, APIs, Unity/Unreal plugins), with a secondary code of FSADANAF, Gaming NFTs & In-Game Asset Marketplaces. Its NAICS code is 71312 and its SIC code is 7990.