Monetizing Name and Likeness: The Modern Instantiation of the Bowie Bond

The Bowie bond, initiated by David Bowie in 1997, paved the way for monetizing oneself through debt with investors purchasing a share of Bowie's past work and getting paid based on its royalties. The success of this bond highlighted the potential in leveraging one's name and likeness for financial gains. Fast forward to the present day, this concept has evolved into a more elaborate form with examples like meme coins and the DJT company, representing a trading card based on the value of Donald Trump's enterprise, name, and recognition. This modern approach mirrors the Bowie bond but on a grander scale, indicating the trend of famous individuals capitalizing on their brand value. By taking companies public, celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Mr. Beast are able to exhibit the worth of their name and likeness, exemplified by the significant Goodwill value on their balance sheets, showcasing a new form of recognizing and utilizing personal brand equity in the financial world.