Web3 Innovators

In this episode of Web3 Innovators, host Conor Svensson explores Declan Fox's remarkable journey from driverless cars at Jaguar Land Rover to his role as product lead at Linear, an Ethereum Layer 2 network. Declan shares his motivation for entering the blockchain world, emphasising its potential to empower users and reshape industries. The conversation highlights Linear's zero-knowledge-based EVM roll-ups, solving enterprise challenges and transforming blockchain scalability and privacy.

Key Moments:

• Declan's journey from driverless cars to blockchain, driven by the transformative potential of technology.
• Initial interest in using blockchain for distributed systems in autonomous vehicles.
• Transition to blockchain, inspired by ICOs and Ethereum smart contracts.
• Blockchain's role in streamlining enterprise operations, particularly in supply chain management.
• Layer 2 roll-ups as a game-changing solution, combining public blockchain benefits with privacy and control.

Standout Quotes:

•  "My drive comes from the possibilities of technology, bringing sovereignty to users, and reshaping our world."
•  "We've divided roll-ups into modules, handling databases off-chain on layer two while inheriting Ethereum's consensus and data guarantees."

Contact Declan Fox: Website | Twitter | LinkedIn
Declan is a founding member and Product Lead of Linea, the zkEVM rollup by ConsenSys. Previously Senior Product Manager for ConsenSys Rollups, delivering partially anonymous zero knowledge rollups, as well as proof of authority rollups, to enterprise customers. Prior to ConsenSys, built various DApps across the Ethereum ecosystem since 2017 including a tokenization engine for issuing and managing tokens representing real world assets onchain.

Connect with Us

Join the Web3 Innovators community and engage with like-minded individuals passionate about the potential of blockchain technology.

Contact Chainlens: Twitter | Discord | Telegram 

• Explore Chainlens 
• Email Chainlens

Contact Web3 Labs: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Discord | Tiktok

•  Explore Web3 Labs
•  Email Web3 Labs 

In this Web3 Innovators: Insights episode, we consider the complex world of web3 and explore the pressing issue of fragmentation. Is web3 too fragmented, and what does this mean for its future? Join us as we dissect the key points:

The Web3 Landscape

• Definition of Web3: We begin by defining web3 and its significance in the world of blockchain and decentralized technologies.
• The Early Days: A brief history of web3, starting with Bitcoin and the simplicity of the early blockchain era.
• Ethereum Emergence: The game-changing arrival of Ethereum and its role in introducing smart contracts and decentralized applications.

The Fragmentation Problem

• The Proliferation of Alt-Layer1s: We discuss the emergence of alternative layer one networks and their competition with Ethereum.
• Lack of Interoperability: Highlighting the challenges posed by limited interoperability between these blockchain networks.
• The Achilles Heel: Examining major security risks associated with bridges between blockchains and their impact on web3.

The Case for Consolidation

• Lessons from the Internet: Drawing parallels with the development of the internet and the benefits of a standardized backbone.
• The Startup Mentality: How the startup culture in web3 encourages the creation of alternative networks.
• The Pragmatic Approach: Advocating for focusing on layers and abstractions to build on existing networks, fostering faster evolution.

A Unified Web3 Future

• The Vision of Consolidation: Imagining a future where consolidation leads to a primary settlement layer with Ethereum and Bitcoin.
• Layer Two Networks: How other networks can thrive as layer two solutions, inheriting Ethereum's security guarantees.
• Accelerating Innovation: The potential benefits of a consolidated web3 for users and developers alike.

Chainlens is a leading blockchain explorer for Ethereum and Substrate networks.
Find out more - https://chainlens.com

Connect with Us

Join the Web3 Innovators community and engage with like-minded individuals passionate about the potential of blockchain technology.

Contact Chainlens: Twitter | Discord | Telegram 

• Explore Chainlens 
• Email Chainlens

Contact Web3 Labs: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Discord | Tiktok

•  Explore Web3 Labs
•  Email Web3 Labs 

In this episode of "Web3 Innovators," host Conor Svensson interviews Sebastiano Bea, Director of Product at Mythical Games, a next-generation game technology studio.

Sebastiano shares insights into how blockchain technology and NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are transforming the gaming industry. He discusses Mythical Games' successful titles like "NFL Rivals" and "Nitro Nation", emphasising their approach to creating games that are accessible to a mass market while incorporating blockchain elements. Sebastiano also addresses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding NFTs in gaming, highlighting the importance of trust and legitimacy. The conversation delves into the potential for NFTs to enhance user experiences and collaborations across various game genres.

Key Moments:

• Mythical Games' approach focuses on making games fun and accessible while gradually introducing digital assets and ownership.
• The flexibility offered to players, allowing them to choose between traditional and blockchain-based experiences.
• The role of limited edition assets and scarcity in driving value for digital assets in games.
• The distinction between "Play to Earn" and the value of enhancing the gaming experience with digital asset ownership.
• The need for trust and reputable companies to shape the perception of NFTs in gaming.
• The potential for big companies to explore NFT-based assets in the future.
• The impact of NFTs and digital asset ownership in games on the broader adoption of blockchain technology.

Standout Quotes:

• "We really don't think Play to Earn has a future, and actually, we're pretty sad that it did happen because a lot of the gaming community of the gamers got scared by it, and rightfully so."
• "The impact that digital assets, ownership inside games powered by blockchain technologies will have on gaming is going to happen a lot faster than 10 years."

Resources:

• Follow Sebastiano Bea on Twitter: @seba_bea
• Explore Mythical Games' channels for updates on their games: NFT Rivals, Mythical Company, Nitro Nation World Tour.

Contact Sebastiano Bea: Mythical Website | LinkedIn
Sebastiano is a Director of Product at Mythical Games, where his team is building the Mythical Platform, a full-service system for developers and publishers to build or integrate blockchain seamlessly into their games, and Mythical Marketplace, where players can trade digital assets peer to peer for real value. The platform and marketplace already power NFL Rivals, Nitro Nation World Tour, and Blankos Block Party. There, he brings his previous years of experience at NVIDIA working on best-in-class developer products for both consumers and enterprises.

Connect with Us

Join the Web3 Innovators community and engage with like-minded individuals passionate about the potential of blockchain technology.

Contact Chainlens: Twitter | Discord | Telegram 

• Explore Chainlens 
• Email Chainlens

Contact Web3 Labs: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Discord | Tiktok

•  Explore Web3 Labs
•  Email Web3 Labs 

In this episode of Web3 Innovators: Insights, we take a deep dive into the transformation of the internet from its decentralized origins to the centralized behemoth it became during the Web2 era.

Key Highlights:

1. The Rise of Web2 

• Explore how the Web2 era brought about the emergence of tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Discover how these companies abstracted essential application protocols, fundamentally altering the internet's structure.
• Learn how the initial principles of decentralization gave way to centralized services.

2. The Promise of Web3

• Delve into the world of Web3, where decentralization and open-source development are making a comeback.
• Explore key standards like ERC-20 and ERC-721 for tokens and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
• Understand the significance of Web3 protocols like the Interplanetary File System (IPFS) and Web3 naming services like Ethereum Name Service (ENS).

3. Impact of the Smartphone Revolution

• Trace the evolution from desktop-centric web usage to the dominance of smartphones.
• Learn how the app-first approach of smartphones challenged open web standards like HTML5.
• Understand the role of dedicated apps in transforming the user experience and reshaping the web landscape.

4. Lessons for Web3 

• Reflect on the past as we contemplate the future of Web3 and its open protocols.
• Discuss the potential disruptive forces that might redefine the Web3 experience.
• Consider the importance of learning from history to ensure a thriving, open Web3 ecosystem.

Join us as we unravel the intriguing journey from Web2 centralization to the promise of Web3 decentralization.

Chainlens is a leading blockchain explorer for Ethereum and Substrate networks.
Find out more - http://chainlens.com

Connect with Us

Join the Web3 Innovators community and engage with like-minded individuals passionate about the potential of blockchain technology.

Contact Chainlens: Twitter | Discord | Telegram 

• Explore Chainlens 
• Email Chainlens

Contact Web3 Labs: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Discord | Tiktok

•  Explore Web3 Labs
•  Email Web3 Labs 

In this episode of the Web3 Innovators Podcast, host Conor Svensson interviews Gautam Dhameja, Solutions Delivery Director at Parity Technologies. 

Gautam shares his journey into the blockchain space, explaining the concepts that initially captured his attention, the challenges of data reconciliation, and the potential of decentralisation and immutability. They discuss Parity's role in the Polkadot ecosystem, the significance of solutions engineering, and the importance of balancing security and scalability. The conversation concludes with Gautam's vision of Polkadot's impact on scalability, security, and adoption over the next decade.

Standout Quotes:

 • "We want to make sure that we talk about use cases, the application layer, the solutions that we can bring to solve some of the real-world problems because at the end of the day, you know, like when we fly in an aeroplane, we don't look at what thrust engine is producing... the user is important and we have to talk in the language of the user."

 • "It's more of a road towards large-scale adoption with the basic infrastructure pieces in place."

Episode Highlights:

• Gautam's background and journey into the blockchain space.
• The role of blockchain in solving supply chain issues.
• The concept of decentralisation and immutability.
• Transitioning from exploring blockchain to diving deep into the technology.
• Exploring solutions engineering at BigchainDB and Parity Technologies.
• Parity's role in the Polkadot ecosystem and solutions delivery.
• Balancing security and scalability in blockchain development.
• Importance of user-centric language and real-world use cases.
• Decentralised identity and zero-knowledge proofs.
• The impact of Polkadot on scalability, security, and adoption.

Resources:

• Weekly Polkadot Digest by Bill Laboon
• Dot Leap Newsletter
• Polkadot Twitter
• Subscribe to the BlockShots Podcast hosted by Gautam Dhameja to learn about blockchain concepts in simple terms.

Contact Gautam Dhameja: LinkedIn | Twitter
Gautam leads the Solution Delivery team at Parity, where he focuses on building Web3 solutions for the Polkadot ecosystem. He has been working on decentralised systems and blockchain technology since 2017. Prior to coming into the Web3 space, he worked on IoT and Supply Chain solutions at Microsoft. Gautam also hosts the "Block Shots" podcast about concise explanations of blockchain concepts, and he has co-authored a book on blockchain fundamentals, "Beginning Blockchain".

Connect with Us

Join the Web3 Innovators community and engage with like-minded individuals passionate about the potential of blockchain technology.

Contact Chainlens: Twitter | Discord | Telegram 

• Explore Chainlens 
• Email Chainlens

Contact Web3 Labs: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Discord | Tiktok

•  Explore Web3 Labs
•  Email Web3 Labs 

In this Web3 Innovators: Insights episode, we dive deep into the world of Web3 data and explore what information users truly care about. We unravel the complexities of blockchain-powered applications and how it impacts the average user. 

Episode Highlights

1. The Future of Blockchain-Powered Applications

• Discover how blockchain technology will power countless applications behind the scenes, without users needing to be aware of it.
• Learn how this transformation will shape the Web3 landscape and what it means for the everyday user.

2. Making Blockchain Data User-Friendly

• Explore the challenges faced by non-technical users when dealing with hexadecimal and other technical details in decentralized applications.
• Find out why simplifying interactions using browser-based and hardware wallets is crucial for a more user-centric Web3 experience.

3. The Role of Tokens in Web3 Applications

• Understand why tokens are the main abstraction for users in Web3 and how they underpin various activities, from cryptocurrencies to NFTs and DeFi protocols.
• Delve into the importance of token-centric information and how it can enhance user interactions with Web3 platforms.

4. Introducing Chainlens - Web3 Labs' Data and Analytics Platform

• Get an exclusive look at Chainlens, a revolutionary data and analytics platform by Web3 Labs.
• Learn how Chainlens simplifies blockchain data, making it more accessible for users, and contributes to the overall improvement of Web3 UX.

5. Embracing User-Centric Web3 Experiences

• Discover the challenges faced by newcomers in understanding blockchain networks and the responsibility of the Web3 community to lower entry barriers.
• Learn how platforms like Metamask's portfolio view are leading the way in creating better user experiences in the world of Web3.

Chainlens is a leading blockchain explorer for Ethereum and Substrate networks.
Find out more - http://chainlens.com

Connect with Us

Join the Web3 Innovators community and engage with like-minded individuals passionate about the potential of blockchain technology.

Contact Chainlens: Twitter | Discord | Telegram 

• Explore Chainlens 
• Email Chainlens

Contact Web3 Labs: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Discord | Tiktok

•  Explore Web3 Labs
•  Email Web3 Labs 

In this episode of Web3 Innovators, your host Conor Svensson chats with Oleg Giberstein, COO and co-founder of Coinrule. Coinrule is a user-friendly platform for automated trading in the crypto space. Oleg shares his journey from a background in banking and risk roles to diving deep into the world of crypto and blockchain. He discusses the concept of non-state controlled currencies, the challenges and potential of DeFi, and the importance of liquidity for the adoption of crypto. They also touch on stablecoins, the future of payments, and the role of blockchain in privacy and transparency.

Standout Quotes:

 • "At the end of the day, what is money? The key question is not even the medium of exchange itself. The key question is who sets interest rates?"

 • "This trend is really supported also by the rise of retail available AI because in the future you don't need JP Morgan to tell you what to buy. You have an AI assistant that kind of runs on live market data and gives you trading ideas."

Episode Highlights:

• Oleg shares his journey into the world of crypto and blockchain, driven by an interest in private currencies and monetary policy.
• The appeal of non-state controlled currencies and the complexities of interest rate decisions by central banks.
• The analogy between religion's historical influence and central banks' role in the economy.
• The role of choice in crypto adoption and the potential of different currencies serving various purposes.
• The challenges of working with exchange APIs, particularly in the decentralised finance (DeFi) space.
• The potential for AI in trading and the impact on retail traders and investors are explored.
• The challenges and potential of DeFi, along with centralised and decentralised stablecoins, are discussed.
• Coinrule's upcoming partnership with Coinbase, expansion into traditional securities, and the launch of a strategies marketplace.

Resources:

Website: Coinrule

Twitter: @CoinRuleHQ

LinkedIn: Coinrule

Contact Oleg Giberstein: LinkedIn | Twitter

Oleg Giberstein is the Co-founder and COO of Coinrule, a Y Combinator-backed platform that simplifies automated cryptocurrency trading for retail investors. Holding an MPhil degree from the University of Oxford, he gained experience in Banking and Risk roles at Citigroup before diving into the world of blockchain. Passionate about the technology, Oleg is also a co-organiser of CryptoMonday, London's longest running crypto meetup, and has played an active role in DeFi, web3, and DAOs like OrangeDAO, contributing to the future of digital assets.

Connect with Us

Join the Web3 Innovators community and engage with like-minded individuals passionate about the potential of blockchain technology.

Contact Chainlens: Twitter | Discord | Telegram 

• Explore Chainlens 
• Email Chainlens

Contact Web3 Labs: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Discord | Tiktok

•  Explore Web3 Labs
•  Email Web3 Labs 

In this Web3 Innovators: Insights podcast episode, we delve into the future of blockchain governance by drawing parallels with the remarkable journey of the Linux community. Our exploration focuses on the challenges and considerations in governing public permissionless blockchain networks, with a special emphasis on Ethereum. We also examine how open-source principles, which shaped the growth of Linux, may influence the development of blockchain networks in the long run. Join us as we discuss the potential role of corporations in contributing to the evolution of public blockchain networks.

Key Takeaways:

1. Governance Challenges in Public Blockchain Networks:
   • Explore the unique challenges faced by public permissionless blockchain networks like Ethereum as they integrate into the financial system.
   • Understand the importance of having a robust governance framework to meet the demands placed on these networks as their adoption grows.
2. Learning from the Linux Community:
   • Discover the fascinating parallels between the Ethereum and Linux communities, both having a profound impact on technology landscapes.
   • Unravel how the open-source model of Linux played a vital role in its global dominance and how Ethereum might follow a similar path.
3. Corporate Contributions to Blockchain Development:
   • Examine the potential future where companies, from web3 pioneers to traditional financial institutions, become significant contributors to blockchain networks.
   • Learn from the experience of Linux, where major corporations played a crucial role in shaping its growth and impact on various industries.

Join us as we explore the world of blockchain governance and its intriguing ties to the Linux legacy.

Chainlens is a leading blockchain explorer for Ethereum and Substrate networks.
Find out more - http://chainlens.com

Connect with Us

Join the Web3 Innovators community and engage with like-minded individuals passionate about the potential of blockchain technology.

Contact Chainlens: Twitter | Discord | Telegram 

• Explore Chainlens 
• Email Chainlens

Contact Web3 Labs: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Discord | Tiktok

•  Explore Web3 Labs
•  Email Web3 Labs 

In this episode of the Web3 Innovators podcast, Conor Svensson, founder of Web3 Labs, interviews Rajesh Sinha, Co-founder and COO of Launchnodes. Launchnodes is focused on providing non-custodial, enterprise-grade Ethereum solo staking services on leading cloud platforms and client-zone hardware. Rajesh discusses his journey from traditional finance roles to founding Launchnodes, his insights into the potential of blockchain technology, and the evolution of staking and its impact on the financial landscape. The conversation delves into how staking can bridge the gap between crypto and traditional finance, the challenges of Ethereum's transition to proof of stake, the emergence of impact staking, and the broader future possibilities of staking and blockchain technology.

Key Moments:

• Rajesh's journey from traditional finance roles to founding Launchnodes.
• The excitement around the potential of blockchain technology and its impact on various industries.
• Launchnodes' focus on making Ethereum solo staking more accessible to a broader audience.
• The role of Launchnodes in providing solo staking services and supporting other blockchains.
• Regulatory challenges and the gradual integration of traditional financial players into digital assets.
• The vision for staking in the future, including making the user experience more user-friendly.
• The potential for staking rewards to be integrated into various financial products and services.
• The importance of transparency and data-driven impact assessment in charitable initiatives.
• Future possibilities for using staking rewards to fund diverse initiatives beyond financial products.

Standout Quote:

"We think Ethereum is going to change the world. We think Ethereum in particular is going to be a general-purpose technology. It's going to help bank the unbanked. It brings programmable money to the world. So it's all super exciting and super powerful." 

Resources:

Website: Launchnodes

Twitter: @launchnodes

LinkedIn: Launchnodes

Contact Rajesh Sinha: LinkedIn

Rajesh Sinha is the co- founder of Launchnodes. Launchnodes helps financial businesses and individuals stake their assets independently.  They maximise customers’ returns by providing the nodes and maintaining infrastructure required to run non-custodial staking operations.

Connect with Us

Join the Web3 Innovators community and engage with like-minded individuals passionate about the potential of blockchain technology.

Contact Chainlens: Twitter | Discord | Telegram 

• Explore Chainlens 
• Email Chainlens

Contact Web3 Labs: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Discord | Tiktok

•  Explore Web3 Labs
•  Email Web3 Labs 

In this Web3 Innovators: Insights episode, we explore the revolutionary concept of disintermediation in the world of web3 and its potential to eliminate middlemen in financial transactions. Before the emergence of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, online transactions relied on intermediaries like banks, payment providers, and centralised platforms. However, with the advent of blockchain technology and web3 initiatives, the trust has shifted to decentralised, immutable ledgers, paving the way for disintermediation.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Rise of Web3: Understand the core principles of web3 and how it challenges traditional financial intermediaries. Explore the benefits of decentralised networks and the potential impact on the financial ecosystem.
2. Empowerment and Risks: Discover how web3 empowers individuals with complete sovereignty over their digital assets. But also, learn about the risks associated with self-custody and the complexity that may deter everyday users from embracing this new paradigm.
3. The Role of Intermediaries in Web3: Delve into the importance of intermediaries even in the decentralised web3 world. Explore how intermediaries can simplify services, add financial value, and create transparency for users.

Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we unravel the intricate relationship between web3, disintermediation, and the potential future of finance.

Chainlens is a leading blockchain explorer for Ethereum and Substrate networks.
Find out more - http://chainlens.com

Connect with Us

Join the Web3 Innovators community and engage with like-minded individuals passionate about the potential of blockchain technology.

Contact Chainlens: Twitter | Discord | Telegram 

• Explore Chainlens 
• Email Chainlens

Contact Web3 Labs: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Discord | Tiktok

•  Explore Web3 Labs
•  Email Web3 Labs