RTFKT

RTFKT (pronounced “Artifact”) was a US-based digital fashion and collectibles company founded in 2020 by Benoit Pagotto, Chris Le, and Steven Vasilev. It developed virtual sneakers, digital wearables, and collectible projects that brought together design, gaming culture, and blockchain-based ownership. Its work was associated with NFTs and digital identity, and its releases often connected virtual objects with physical products or experiences. Nike acquired RTFKT in December 2021. The company became part of Nike’s efforts to explore digital products and experiences, while retaining its distinct RTFKT identity and community. Notable projects included its CloneX avatar collection and digital sneaker releases. In January 2025, Nike announced that it would wind down RTFKT’s operations. RTFKT is therefore best described as a digital fashion brand whose operating activities were wound down by its owner, rather than as a continuing standalone company.

RTFKT was founded in 2020 by Benoit Pagotto, Chris Le, and Steven Vasilev as a digital fashion and collectibles company. The company built its identity around digitally native products and the use of blockchain-based tokens to represent ownership of virtual goods. Its early category focus included virtual sneakers and digital wearables, drawing on sneaker design and gaming culture. RTFKT gained attention through collectible releases and collaborations, including its CloneX avatar project. The brand’s approach joined digital objects, online communities, and virtual identity, and some projects linked digital releases with physical merchandise or experiences. NFTs were central to its positioning during the period when digital collectibles attracted significant attention. Nike acquired RTFKT in December 2021. The acquisition placed the company within Nike’s broader exploration of digital products and experiences, while RTFKT continued to operate under its own name. Its projects remained associated with digital sneakers, wearables, and avatar-based collectibles. In January 2025, Nike announced that it would wind down RTFKT’s operations. That announcement brought its work as an operating Nike-owned venture to a close. RTFKT’s history is consequently tied to the growth of NFT-based digital fashion and collectibles, its acquisition by Nike, and the later decision to end its operations.

• 2025

  Nike announced a wind-down of RTFKT operations

• 2021

  Nike acquired RTFKT

• 2020

  RTFKT founded

A digitally native fashion and collectibles brand at the intersection of sneakers, gaming culture, NFTs, and virtual identity.

• CloneX

  An avatar-based digital collectible project associated with RTFKT.

• Digital sneakers and wearables

  Virtual fashion products and digital collectibles forming part of RTFKT’s product focus.

• Nike decided to wind down RTFKT operationsOther

• Unconfirmed

  Reported2021.12.14

  Nike acquires RTFKT[2]Nike 收购 RTFKTinnovationintextiles.com

  Nike acquired RTFKT, a startup designing digital sneakers and collectibles. Nike's CEO said the company planned to invest in the RTFKT brand and use the team to extend Nike's digital footprint and capabilities.

• 2021.12.13

  Reported2021.12.13

  Nike announces acquisition of RTFKT[3]耐克宣布收购RTFKTtechcrunch.com

  Nike announced that it was acquiring NFT studio RTFKT. The acquisition terms were not disclosed.

Read more

1. 1RTFKTwikidata.org
2. 2Nike 收购 RTFKTinnovationintextiles.com
3. 3耐克宣布收购RTFKTtechcrunch.com
4. 4C Ventures' Backed RTFKT to be Acquired by NIKEprnewswire.com
5. 5Nike acquires RTFKT virtual sneaker creator for metaverse push | EconoTimeseconotimes.com
6. 6Nike acquires virtual sneakers and crypto collectibles startup RTFKT - Engadgetengadget.com
7. 7Nike just acquired a virtual goods company as it accelerates its metaverse playbusinessinsider.com