Jesse Pollak, creator of Base, discusses team dynamics and strategic focus for the upcoming year. Ben Leventhal, founder/CEO of Blackbird, highlights tech's role in revolutionizing restaurant economics. Julian Holguin, CEO of Doodles, shares innovative storytelling in the Doodleverse. Yele Bademosi, cofounder/CEO of Onboard, explores blockchain's potential in Africa's entrepreneurial landscape. The conversation dives into community connections, decentralized economies, and the creative chaos of the crypto era.
Basecamp emphasizes the power of in-person interactions to strengthen community bonds and foster collaboration within the Base ecosystem.
The Base team adopts a startup culture that prioritizes autonomy and innovation, enabling rapid development and adaptability in a dynamic industry.
The mission to create a global on-chain economy focuses on enhancing user experiences and driving broader adoption through engaging applications and collaboration.
Deep dives
Basecamp's Significance and Community
Basecamp serves as a pivotal gathering for the broader Base community, highlighting the importance of face-to-face interactions in a previously remote-only environment. The creator of Base felt that bringing the team together was crucial to solidifying bonds and fostering collaboration, particularly as they moved closer to the product launch. The decision to host the event in Idlewild was driven by a desire for a unique and meaningful experience that would help create lasting memories for participants. Such connections not only emphasize the value of community but also contribute significantly to the innovative spirit of the Base ecosystem.
Curating an Inclusive Event
The careful curation of participants ensured a diverse representation within the Base ecosystem, balancing team members, partners, and selected builders to create a rich environment for collaboration. A key constraint in planning was the limited capacity of the venues, which necessitated thoughtful selection of invitees. The organizers employed an application process to ensure additional builders who were previously unknown could be included, fostering an inclusive atmosphere. This effort aimed to reinforce the connectivity within the ecosystem, showcasing the value of collaboration across different backgrounds and perspectives.
Functions of the Base Team
The Base team operates like a startup, emphasizing autonomy and engineering-driven leadership, with a culture of rapid innovation and development. Initially composed of a small group, their early projects helped to navigate challenges and adapt to the rapidly changing demands of the industry. The team’s ongoing commitment to collaboration and shared goals fosters a unique environment where creativity thrives. With a diverse leadership structure in place, the team is now more equipped than ever to push boundaries and achieve ambitious technological advancements.
Crafting a Clear Mission
The team articulated a clear mission: to build a global on-chain economy that enhances innovation, creativity, and freedom. This formulation emerged from a desire to prioritize inclusivity and drive meaningful change within the community. The focus on fostering creativity was particularly emphasized, as it plays a critical role in ensuring a vibrant economy driven by passionate builders. This mission reflects a broader vision for the future of Base, aiming to lead the next generation of economic opportunities and creative expression.
Encouragement for New Development
At the Basecamp event, the call to action centered around creating valuable applications and simplifying user experiences for individuals and developers. Emphasis was placed on the importance of developing engaging products that attract new users and drive broader adoption of on-chain solutions. The focus on user experiences that exceed current market offerings serves to elevate the industry as a whole. The message underscored a commitment to working collaboratively to bring millions more into the on-chain economy through generous outreach and user-friendly platforms.
The Ecosystem’s Vision for Collaboration
With the emergence of various innovative ideas and product offerings, the Base ecosystem is positioned to cultivate a thriving environment for builders and creators alike. Individuals within this space are encouraged to embrace interconnectedness, recognizing that their contributions can have a meaningful impact on the community and the larger economic landscape. By nurturing collaboration and encouraging diverse perspectives, the ecosystem aims to build a foundation for creativity that transcends traditional boundaries. This collective vision fosters a sense of shared purpose, igniting enthusiasm for the future of on-chain technology.
This is my conversation with Jesse Pollak (creator of Base), Ben Leventhal (founder/CEO of Blackbird), Julian Holguin (CEO of Doodles), and Yele Bademosi (cofounder/CEO of Onboard).
Timestamps:
(00:00) - intro
(00:50) - Jesse Pollak, Base
(09:41) - how the Base team is structured
(17:25) - how the mission and strategy came together
(27:43) - the focus in year two
(35:38) - Ben Leventhal, Blackbird
(39:35) - the restaurant P&L
(43:36) - identity and payments
(51:25) - Flynet as an L3
(53:11) - building an economy
(55:46) - the current era of crypto
(57:27) - Julian Holguin, Doodles
(59:40) - the status quo and the new model
(01:09:36) - people want to be a part of something
Into the Bytecode: - Sina Habibian on X: https://twitter.com/sinahab - Sina Habibian on Farcaster - https://warpcast.com/sinahab - Into the Bytecode: https://intothebytecode.com
Disclaimer: this podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not financial advice nor a recommendation to buy or sell securities. The host and guests may hold positions in the projects discussed.
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