Bankless

In this dynamic discussion, Sam Cassat, founder of Aligned Capital, and Laura Jaramillo, lead product designer at Upshot, dive into the thrilling intersection of DeFi and NFTs. They highlight how the Metaverse is reshaping asset valuation, blending traditional art with digital innovation. The panel uncovers the unique liquidity challenges NFTs face and debates the excitement of in-person connections at crypto events like Metaverso. Engaging ideas like fractional ownership and community-driven initiatives reveal the transformative potential of NFTs in diverse sectors.

Justin Aversano, a renowned photographer famous for his NFT projects Twin Flames and the Birthday Project, opens up about his journey through grief and healing. He shares how personal loss inspired his creative ventures, intertwining art with emotion. Justin discusses the impact of NFTs on the art world, the significance of storytelling in photography, and how his experiences transformed his social confidence. He also delves into the collaborative power of art and the importance of sharing vulnerability in artistic expression.

Kevin Rose, a pioneering internet entrepreneur and partner at True Ventures, dives into his experiences transitioning from founding Digg to investing in Web3. He emphasizes the significance of community in this new landscape and discusses the blending of creativity with culture. Kevin shares his conviction about long-term NFT investments, the necessity of innovation, and the evolving relationship between artists and investors. He also explores the revolutionary potential of decentralized finance and the metaverse, highlighting the importance of self-sovereignty in the digital age.

Jack Dorsey's exit from Twitter sparks intriguing discussions about the platform's future direction. The contrasting performances of Bitcoin and Ethereum highlight potential shifts in the crypto landscape, particularly with the ETH-BTC ratio. Innovations like StarkNet and Tornado Cash reveal exciting advancements in DeFi technology. The launch of Gitcoin Round 12 promotes charitable crypto initiatives. Amidst inflation concerns, the relationship between traditional finance and crypto continues to evolve, highlighting the dynamic nature of this burgeoning market.

Dive into the vibrant world of NFTs with Clon, the creative force behind the Cool Cats phenomenon. Discover how he navigated the NFT landscape and found a unique product-market fit. The importance of community and strong founding values shines through as they discuss strategies for launching NFT projects. Clon shares advice for aspiring artists and reveals what sets successful projects apart in a saturated market. Plus, a peek into his daily life as an innovator in the space!

In this lively discussion, Scott Moore from Gitcoin highlights the power of Gitcoin Grants in advancing crypto advocacy. Joining him are Connor Spellese from Dow Research and Kristin Smith of the Blockchain Association, who emphasize the significance of grassroots support. Brian Quintenz shares insights on lobbying while Tomicah Tillemann stresses the importance of effective crypto policy. Sarah Roth-Gaudette and Jerry Brito discuss mobilizing community action, and Jake Chervinsky underlines the critical role of advocacy in shaping favorable regulations for the crypto industry.

Darren Langley, General Manager, and Dave Rugendyke, CTO of Rocket Pool, join the conversation on the groundbreaking decentralized ETH staking protocol. They discuss Rocket Pool's launch, which simplifies staking without the need for a full node or 32 ETH, democratizing access for everyone. The duo further explores the importance of decentralization in Ethereum's Proof-of-Stake transition, the potential risks of centralization, and the vibrant Rocket Pool community. Insights into RETH, governance, and future strategies keep the conversation dynamic and engaging.

Tim Beiko, a pivotal figure in Ethereum's core protocol meetings, shares his journey from clueless investor to integral developer. He discusses the technicalities of Ethereum client development, emphasizing the need for diversity to prevent centralization. Tim dives into the creation and impact of EIP-1559, providing insights into the community's demands and the challenges faced in its rollout. As upgrades like the merge loom, he reflects on the roles and responsibilities of core developers in maintaining Ethereum’s open and efficient nature.

Sandeep Nailwal and Mihailo Bjelic, co-founders of Polygon, dive into the innovative scaling solutions they offer for Ethereum. They address recent controversies about Ethereum's future, emphasizing that it is not abandoning its users. The duo highlights Polygon's partnerships, including one with DraftKings, and showcases their advances in the Metaverse, zkRollups, and the importance of collaboration over competition. They also explore the unique role of the MATIC token and the expansive growth of the Polygon ecosystem with over 5,000 teams onboard.

Mack Flavelle, co-founder of CryptoKitties and Dapper Labs, shares his insights as a pioneer in the NFT space. He reflects on the revolutionary launch of CryptoKitties, which established the ERC-721 standard and transformed digital collectibles. Mack discusses the shift in identity dynamics as NFTs gain mainstream traction and the importance of community in fostering meaningful projects like Stoner Cats. He also teases collaborations with major brands and the exciting future of his innovative ventures, including the Big Head Club.