From Startup Founder to Venture Capitalist – with Adrian Mendoza | S4 E41

Send us a textIn this episode of the Web3 CMO Stories podcast, host Joeri Billast is joined by Marc Vanlerberghe, the CMO of Algorand.  Marc details his extensive career in marketing, including his time at Google launching Android. He draws parallels between marketing for Android and marketing in the Web3 space, emphasizing the importance of developers and community. Marc also discusses Algorand's recent rebrand and its aim to reflect the blockchain’s identity as the 'grown-up' chain with 2 billion transactions. Furthermore, he explores key differences between Web3 and traditional tech marketing, noting the essential role of community-driven creation and the high barriers to entry. Marc shares insights on successful strategies, including a highly engaging community-driven ad campaign. The episode concludes with a look at exciting developments in Algorand, such as staking rewards and efforts to reduce UX barriers. Tune in for a compelling conversation on blockchain marketing and innovative solutions driving mainstream adoption.This episode was recorded through a Podcastle call on September 19, 2024. Read the blog article and show notes here: https://webdrie.net/creating-impactful-marketing-campaigns-in-web3-with-marc-vanlerberghe-cmo-at-algorand/Looking to recharge and gain fresh insights into Web3 and AI? Check out the Sintra Synergies Retreat—an immersive 5-day experience in Portugal, designed for forward-thinking leaders like you. Learn more and secure your spot at sintrasynergies.com.

Send us a textWondering what sets the stage for the next big altcoin surge? Join me, Joeri Billast, in an insightful conversation with Quinten François, a key thought leader in the crypto community. Together, we unravel the intricacies of the current reaccumulation phase dominated by Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, setting the scene for potential altcoin growth. Gain exclusive insights from Quinten as he highlights intriguing trends in the altcoin landscape, including AI, real-world assets, and the buzz surrounding decentralized physical infrastructure networks. We also cast a spotlight on the ever-evolving landscape of Web3 gaming, with Quinten sharing his journey and the transformative impact of KOL marketing in the crypto sphere since he became a full-time KOL in 2017.Amidst the noise of the crypto world, how do you ensure genuine engagement? Explore the challenges of authentic marketing strategies and the nuances of identifying fake interactions on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Discover how WeRate is pioneering solutions to tackle fake reviews and review bombing through innovative technology. Lastly, we ponder the emergence of a "killer app" in the blockchain domain, particularly in gaming, while reflecting on how trends like the metaverse and AI transition from traditional tech realms into crypto. Don't miss these thought-provoking discussions and stay connected with me on X for the latest updates and insights into these ever-evolving technological landscapes.This episode was recorded through a Podcastle call on September 10, 2024. Read the blog article and show notes here:  https://webdrie.net/how-kols-shape-project-visibility-and-success-in-cryptocurrency-with-quinten-francois/Looking to recharge and gain fresh insights into Web3 and AI? Check out the Sintra Synergies Retreat—an immersive 5-day experience in Portugal, designed for forward-thinking leaders like you. Learn more and secure your spot at sintrasynergies.com.

Send us a textCurious how a startup founder transitions to the world of venture capital? Join us for an engaging conversation with Adrian Mendoza as he shares his fascinating journey from working in a small ad agency during the dot-com boom to becoming a venture capitalist. Adrian provides a unique perspective on how experiences in e-commerce and user experience design, alongside his passion for data analytics, paved the way for his successful startup. His insights into the emergence of mobile apps and their impact on marketing strategies have greatly shaped his approach to investing today.Discover the secrets to achieving product-market fit and the vital importance of understanding customer needs right from the start. Adrian walks us through a game-changing exercise involving a matrix that helps entrepreneurs analyze roles and motivations in purchasing decisions. We also touch on the competitive advantage of diversity in business teams, emphasizing how unique perspectives from overlooked founders can lead to successful financial outcomes. This conversation uncovers the real power of varied experiences in driving positive results.But that's not all. Learn essential strategies for securing venture capital funding in fintech, AI, and cybersecurity. We explore the intricacies of the fundraising process, comparing it to a sales cycle, and the art of crafting a compelling pitch. Adrian shares invaluable tips on refining both personal and company narratives to align with investor expectations. Don't miss out on the excitement of hosting investors on our podcast, gaining insights, and the encouragement to share these learnings with others who could benefit. Join us, subscribe, and let's grow together!This episode was recorded through a Podcastle call on September 4, 2024. Read the blog article and show notes here:  https://webdrie.net/from-startup-founder-to-venture-capitalist-with-adrian-mendoza/Looking to recharge and gain fresh insights into Web3 and AI? Check out the Sintra Synergies Retreat—an immersive 5-day experience in Portugal, designed for forward-thinking leaders like you. Learn more and secure your spot at sintrasynergies.com.

Send us a textWorld-renowned crypto and blockchain expert Anna Tutova reveals how her background in international law and a curiosity sparked by Bitcoin in 2017 led her on an inspiring journey into the world of Web3 and cryptocurrency. Despite early family discouragement, Anna's insights offer a captivating look into the shifting crypto markets from Asia to Europe and Dubai, and the influential role of digital assets in crisis situations like those in Ukraine. Join us as Anna paints a vivid picture of how these technologies are transforming financial landscapes globally, illuminating both challenges and opportunities.Curious about the role of blockchain technology in shaping digital identities? Our conversation with Anna delves into the complexities of navigating the crypto sector's information overload and misinformation. We tackle the importance of discerning credible news amidst the noise and explore how blockchain might hold the key to combating fake news and AI-generated deepfakes. With Anna's optimistic outlook, we chart a future where blockchain and crypto continue to evolve, setting the stage for innovative solutions and widespread adoption.As traditional financial institutions increasingly embrace blockchain, discover how over 880 million people are now part of the crypto movement. We explore the impact of major global events and industry shifts on the crypto market's growth, and Anna shares practical advice for newcomers eager to understand Web3. From her experiences at the European Blockchain Convention in Barcelona to the best resources for staying informed, this episode offers valuable guidance to both seasoned enthusiasts and those just starting their crypto journey. Tune in and be part of this thrilling exploration into the ever-evolving world of blockchain technology.This episode was recorded at the European Blockchain Convention in Barcelona on September 26, 2024. Read the blog article and show notes here: https://webdrie.net/insights-from-interviews-with-vitalik-buterin-cz-and-web3s-global-leaders-with-anna-tutova-at-european-blockchain-convention/Watch the YouTube version here: https://youtu.be/hDoB8F2Jk1kLooking to recharge and gain fresh insights into Web3 and AI? Check out the Sintra Synergies Retreat—an immersive 5-day experience in Portugal, designed for forward-thinking leaders like you. Learn more and secure your spot at sintrasynergies.com.

Send us a textWhat if the core principles of Web3 are being compromised by the very infrastructure meant to support it? Join us as we tackle this critical issue with Ashton Hettiarachi, the visionary founder of Openmesh. Ashton draws fascinating parallels between historical power structures and the current dominance of tech giants like AWS, revealing how centralization poses a serious threat to the integrity and accountability of the Web3 network. With AWS hosting a whopping 75% of Ethereum nodes, we are standing at a crossroads where the ideals of decentralization hang in the balance.Listen in as we navigate the complexities of incentivizing independent node operators and making decentralized infrastructure a reality. Ashton takes us through the economic challenges of running nodes and the centralization roadblocks in node operation services. Hear about the exciting journey of Openmesh, from its inception in 2020 to its innovative solutions today, including how it aims to democratize node operation with a decentralized, immutable cloud model. Discover how leveraging unused compute resources and bandwidth from independent providers can revolutionize Web3 infrastructure. Don't forget to share this episode, follow our show, and leave your reviews to help us reach more listeners passionate about preserving the ethos of Web3.This episode was recorded through a Podcastle call on September 3, 2024. Read the blog article and show notes here: https://webdrie.net/the-battle-for-decentralization-safeguarding-web3-integrity-with-ashton-hettiarachi-founder-of-openmesh/Looking to recharge and gain fresh insights into Web3 and AI? Check out the Sintra Synergies Retreat—an immersive 5-day experience in Portugal, designed for forward-thinking leaders like you. Learn more and secure your spot at sintrasynergies.com.

Send us a textIn this solo episode, I share my experience attending the European Blockchain Convention in Barcelona. As a key opinion leader, along with my crew Dénes and Oliver, I captured valuable video content, interviews, and insights throughout the event. I also discuss an in-depth interview with media personality Anna Tutova, delving into global Web3 adoption trends and the future of blockchain media. Stay tuned for the upcoming episode with Anna and all the video content from the event. Make sure to subscribe and follow on social media for more updates!

Send us a textWhat happens when you combine blockchain technology, AI, and a passion for solving brand safety and monetization problems? Meet Anoir Houmou, the visionary founder and CEO of RECRD, a transformative Web3 video engagement platform. Anoir shares the riveting journey of RECRD's evolution, from tackling brand safety for advertisers to empowering content creators to monetize their viral videos. Hear his personal anecdotes, including how a friend's viral video sparked the need for a platform that truly rewards creators. Discover the trials and triumphs that shaped RECRD's innovative approach, attracting a wave of users and investors eager to join the revolution.In this episode, we delve into how RECRD leverages blockchain to revolutionize creator payments and ownership, enabling seamless global transactions with built-in wallets and real-world applications of NFTs. Anoir introduces us to 'rebounds,' a groundbreaking engagement method that redefines interactions beyond traditional likes and comments. Gain insights into the platform's unique mechanics that boost user recognition and engagement, creating a transparent and trustworthy ecosystem. Join us as we uncover RECRD's broader vision, set on turning ideas into reality through milestone achievements, and learn how you can explore its features and contribute your feedback.This episode was recorded through a Podcastle call on August 27, 2024. Read the blog article and show notes here: https://webdrie.net/innovating-video-engagement-with-blockchain-and-ai-with-anoir-houmou-ceo-at-recrd/Looking to recharge and gain fresh insights into Web3 and AI? Check out the Sintra Synergies Retreat—an immersive 5-day experience in Portugal, designed for forward-thinking leaders like you. Learn more and secure your spot at sintrasynergies.com.

Send us a textCould the world be a better place through Web3 innovation?Join us as Amanda Terry, co-founder of Metagood and a leader in the Web3 space, takes us on her extraordinary journey from the traditional realms of Twitter and NBC to pioneering impactful projects like OnChainMonkey. Amanda reveals how her team launched the first-ever 10K PFP collection onchain in a single Ethereum transaction, aligning community interests for global good. Learn about Metagood's bold venture into Bitcoin with the Ordinals Protocol and the challenges they faced while migrating users from Ethereum to Bitcoin.Dive into the dynamic world of Web3 as we discuss emerging communication tools like Gigaverse, set to revolutionize real-time interactions within NFT communities. Amanda also offers insights into her investment strategies at ACTAI Ventures, focusing on the societal benefits of digitization through crypto and AI startups.Explore the future of digital art on blockchain with groundbreaking projects like OnChainMonkey, offering new horizons for artists on Bitcoin. To top it off, Amanda shares her personal philosophies on entrepreneurship, emphasizing alignment, grit, and the pursuit of fulfilling ventures. This episode promises a rich blend of innovation, strategy, and heartfelt wisdom from a true visionaryThis episode was recorded through a Podcastle call on August 1, 2024. Read the blog article and show notes here: https://webdrie.net/from-ethereum-to-bitcoin-the-onchainmonkey-migration-story-with-amanda-terry/Looking to recharge and gain fresh insights into Web3 and AI? Check out the Sintra Synergies Retreat—an immersive 5-day experience in Portugal, designed for forward-thinking leaders like you. Learn more and secure your spot at sintrasynergies.com.

Send us a textHow does a financial analyst become a tech entrepreneur at the forefront of Web3 gaming? Join us as Casey Grooms, co-founder of Soulbound, shares his incredible transformation from crunching numbers at Wells Fargo to revolutionizing the gaming industry. Discover how Casey’s early ventures into Web3 in 2017 with a music tech company set the stage for Soulbound's evolution. Initially focused on tracking in-game achievements, Soulbound has now grown into a vibrant social gaming platform that offers a Twitch-like experience specifically for Web3 gamers. Casey’s journey and insights offer a captivating glimpse into the future of gaming and content creation.Casey also reveals groundbreaking revenue models that are changing how gamers and micro-streamers monetize their passion in the Web3 space. Imagine transitioning from traditional gaming models to earn-to-play systems where your engagement translates to real rewards! Soulbound's bounty boards, user-generated content, and community-building features provide multiple income streams. Exciting innovations like integrated live streaming and prediction markets promise even more opportunities for creators to boost their earnings. Plus, get a sneak peek into Soulbound's upcoming Telegram app designed to gamify streaming and betting. Don’t miss out on this chance to learn how Web3 is redefining what it means to be a gamer and a content creator.This episode was recorded through a Podcastle call on August 1, 2024. Read the blog article and show notes here: https://webdrie.net/redefining-gaming-and-content-creation-in-web3-with-casey-grooms-co-founder-of-soulbound/

Send us a textUnlock the future of agriculture with our special guest, Henry Duckworth, co-founder and CEO of Agridex, as he shares how blockchain technology is revolutionizing the agricultural sector. Henry explains how Agridex is deploying blockchain to create a seamless digital marketplace, offering farmers faster, more reliable payments and providing consumers with transparent information about their food's origins and carbon footprint. We dive deep into the significance of immutable data and instant settlements via USDC, especially in regions like Argentina where currency volatility is a critical issue.Discover how partnerships with companies like Bastion are transforming digital wallets through integrated custodianship and insurance, reducing risk and providing a safety net for users. We tackle pressing issues in the cocoa industry such as child labor and underinvestment, and explore how blockchain can enhance traceability and streamline international trade with smart contracts. Henry sheds light on how instant settlements can relieve financial stress for farmers, improving the overall efficiency of agricultural businesses by reducing unnecessary documentation and potential job displacement.Our conversation also takes a personal turn as we share our journeys into the world of Web3. From my adventures in business analytics and social media marketing to Henry's passion for blockchain in agriculture, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and excitement. We also discuss the latest advancements in the Solana ecosystem and my upcoming speaking engagement in Singapore. Don't miss out on this engaging discussion, and remember to follow us for more insightful content. Your feedback and reviews are invaluable in helping us reach a wider audience, so please share your thoughts!This episode was recorded through a Podcastle call on July 23, 2024. Read the blog article and show notes here: https://webdrie.net/revolutionizing-agriculture-with-blockchain-agridexs-future-vision-with-henry-duckworth-ceo-and-co-founder-at-agridex/Looking to recharge and gain fresh insights into Web3 and AI? Check out the Sintra Synergies Retreat—an immersive 5-day experience in Portugal, designed for forward-thinking leaders like you. Learn more and secure your spot at sintrasynergies.com.