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Vault Blacklist Vol. 01: Fake Founder Archetypes Exposed

How these fake founder archetypes ruin your brand from day one

Welcome to the Vault Blacklist – a satirical brand roast disguised as a toy drop. This series exposes the startup archetypes that sabotage strategy, worship aesthetic over value, and end up spinning in circles before their brand ever begins. If you’ve worked in branding long enough, you’ve met every one of these characters. This satirical series breaks down fake founder archetypes—persona-driven branding disasters disguised as startup ambition.

Black textured background with bold yellow text “WOULD YOU BUY THIS TOY?” and red subhead “FAKE FOUNDERS. REAL RED FLAGS.” Surrounded by five toy mockups in clamshell packaging: Founder Barbie, Crypto Bro, Wellness Coach, LinkedInfluencerr, and AI Agency.

🎮 Founder Barbie™ Starter Kit

Tagline: Bought a logo before the offer. Built for vibes, not value.

  • Oversized blazer, biker shorts, and filtered ambition

  • Website mockup that says "COMING SOON"

  • USB of product mockups with zero market fit

  • Vision board with pastel dreams

  • Instagram grid of beige textures and generic quotes

Warning: May result in zero strategy, multiple pivots, and delusional self-belief.


Blister pack toy featuring a chic woman in a tan blazer and cycling shorts. Accessories include vision board, “Coming Soon” laptop, phone, and USB. Caption: “Bought a logo before the offer. Built for vibes, not value.”

👤 The LinkedInfluencerr Starter Kit

Tagline: Built my brand in 6 weeks. #1 in engagement pods.

  • Ring light, tote bag, and a reusable coffee cup

  • Laptop with Notion tabs open, none finished

  • Mic for podcast episodes that never aired

  • TOP VOICE plaque from an echo chamber

Warning: May result in LinkedIn addiction and thought-leadership inflation.


Cheerful man in LinkedIn blue shirt. Accessories: coffee cup, ring light, mic, Top Voice plaque, and tote bag. Caption: “Built my brand in 6 weeks. #1 in engagement pods.”

🌿 Eco Startup Founder Kit

Tagline: Entrepreneurial spirit sold separately. Includes token accessories for greenwashing.

  • Hoodie, sustainable cup, and empty tote bag

  • "Sustainability Certificate" from a no-name vendor

  • Plant-based font choices, purpose-free execution

Warning: May result in performative values and marketing fluff.


Green-themed founder with hoodie, coffee cup, ECO AF tote bag, and “Sustainability Certificate.” Caption: “Entrepreneurial spirit sold separately. Includes token accessories for greenwashing.”

🚗 Crypto Bro Starter Kit

Tagline: Includes zero real assets.

  • Oversized hoodie and permanent shades

  • Bored Ape NFT, Bitcoin and Ethereum coins

  • VR headset and endless buzzwords

  • Circuit board backdrop for extra confusion

Warning: May result in trust loss, SEC emails, and a Discord with 4 active users.


Hoodie-wearing man with VR headset, Bitcoins, Ethereum laptop, and Bored Ape card. Caption: “Includes zero real assets.” Neon circuit board packaging background.

🧥 Wellness Coach Kit

Tagline: You’re not tired, you’re misaligned.

  • Crystal, pink journal, and barefoot wisdom

  • Flow State Trophy and framed mantras

  • Instagram grid full of quotes and cacao ceremonies

Warning: May result in soft branding and vague service offers.


Yoga coach in leggings and crop top. Accessories: crystal, “Authentic AF” frame, flow state journal, and water bottle. Caption: “You’re not tired, you’re misaligned.”

🤖 AI Agency Starter Kit

Tagline: We polish what AI makes. Zero originality included.

  • Suit and smiley emoji

  • Robot clipart, AI certificate, and "strategy" laptop

  • Background full of charts, but no results

Warning: May result in cookie-cutter visuals and brand confusion.


Corporate man in suit with accessories: robot toy, smiley emoji, “Strategy” laptop, and AI certificate. Caption: “We polish what AI makes. Zero originality included.”

The Vault Collector Poster

This isn't just a roast. It's a mirror. The Vault Blacklist Toy Edition is your reminder to build brands with substance, not just style. If you recognize yourself here… it might be time for a reset.


Grid of all six toy kits on dark background. Red title “Vault Blacklist – Toy Edition Vol. 01” with a Series 1 badge. Each toy labeled with emoji: Founder Barbie, Wellness Coach, LinkedInfluencer, Crypto Bro, Eco Startup, and AI Agency. Warning at bottom: “May destroy your brand before it begins.”

Want the full PDF and the exact GPT-4 prompt I used to create them?

⬇️ COMMENT "BLACKLIST" on LinkedIn. I'll send both – the roast and the recipe.

@MARIYADESIGNSTUDIOHQ | www.mariya.design


Text on dark background with bright red glowing “COMMENT BLACKLIST.” CTA: “I’ll send both — the roast and the recipe.” Bottom includes Toy Prompt Template for GPT-4.


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