Go Slow to Grow Fast

Breaking Down Blockchain: Exciting Present Applications & Future Innovations

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Is blockchain a game changer, or just another buzzword? This week, Go Slow to Grow Fast dives into the world of blockchain, beyond the hype and speculation, into real applications shaping industries. Samantha Lewis, Partner at Mercury, is joined by Manolo Sanchez, former CEO of BBVA, and Ian Epstein, co-CEO of Profitr and Global Head of Capital Markets & Distribution at Republic. Talking points include the power of decentralized technology, how startups can harness blockchain for security and transparency, and where the blockchain space is headed next. This episode is part of the Software Day at the Ion series, a collaborative initiative between the Ion and Mercury fund.  

Key Insights & Timestamps: 

  • [00:00]: Podcast begins  
  • [01:28]: Background & introductions for Manolo, Ian & Samantha 
  • [06:30]: Increasing relevance & revolutionizing blockchain across industries 
  • [16:12]: Blockchain’s application to the everyday person anywhere  
  • [22:02]: What’s holding blockchain back from increasing adoption? 
  • [31:56]: Investment backing for blockchain & how to talk to customers about it 
  • [35:54]: Q&A, including AI vs blockchain & new US administration impact 

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    Key Takeaways: 

    • Blockchain Has a Marketing Problem: “Blockchain is an incredibly valuable piece of technology infrastructure,” Samantha explains, citing Mercury’s focus on blockchain and fintech investments as a sign of blockchain’s current market impact and future success. “It gets a bad name because of the craziness that goes on in the crypto markets, so being able to separate those two is key.” 
    • Programmable is Key: “if you want to dumb this down, blockchain is digital money that’s programmable,” Manolo defines, explaining the importance of blockchain as an accessible transaction of value. “The ability to transfer value at the speed of the internet and to use native tools for programming, that creates a new paradigm.”  
    • Breakout Failures & Lack of Killer Apps: “Blockchain has failed to break out, and I think that the reason are business leaders in the web3 industry are pretty bad,” Ian states, lending his opinion to the growing sentiment that blockchain should be given more of an opportunity to make a mark in US financials. “I think it’s been a failure to have a contiguous operating system and to find high quality application layers.”  

      • Guest Spotlight: 

      Manolo Sanchez: 

      Manolo Sanchez is the former Chairman, President and CEO of BBVA Compass. Currently, he is an Adjunct Professor at Rice University and serves on the Boards of several fintech startups and companies.  

       

      Ian Epstein: 

      Ian Epstein is the Co-CEO of Profitr, CEO of OpenDeal Broker, and  EVP at Republic. He has a background in global capital markets, liquid cross asset portfolio management, and private equity strategies. 

       

      Samantha Lewis: 

      Samantha Lewis is a Partner at Mercury Fund. Her specific focus is on Mercury’s Power theme, where she seeks to fund startups utilizing blockchain, data platforms and fintech to rethink the way people access capital and opportunity, build wealth, spend money and organize as communities.  

      Resources Mentioned: 

      Mercury | mercuryfund.com, Profitr | profitr.com, Republic | republic.com, Rice University | business.rice.edu 

      For More Information: 

      Produced by Speakerbox Media. For more episodes, visit MercuryFund.com/Content. 

      Stay Connected: 

      • Ian Epstein on LinkedIn 
      • Manolo Sanchez on LinkedIn 
      • Samantha Lewis on LinkedIn 
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        Go Slow to Grow FastBy Mercury Fund