Vault Blacklist Vol. 01: Fake Founder Archetypes Exposed
- Mariya Vasileva
- Apr 5
- 2 min read
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.

🎮 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.

👤 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.

🌿 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.

🚗 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.

🧥 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.

🤖 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.

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.

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

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