Block by Block: A Show on Web3 Growth Marketing – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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Summary

In this episode, Matej from Oasis Labs and Oasis Foundation shares his journey from mechanical engineering into the world of Web3 and why privacy on-chain is more urgent than ever. He breaks down how Oasis works as a privacy protocol, helping developers easily integrate privacy into their dApps. The conversation dives into the rising importance of agents in Web3, the overlap between AI and privacy, and how Oasis is building tools to support verified autonomy for AI agents. Matej also explains the team’s approach to developer engagement—leaning into hackathons, social media, and interoperability with other chains. Throughout, he emphasizes that the future of privacy in Web3 depends not just on tech, but on community-driven adoption.

Takeaways

– Matej’s background in mechanical engineering eventually led him to crypto

– Oasis enables privacy for on-chain transactions through developer-first tools

– Developers are the main target audience for Oasis’s offerings

– A smooth dev experience is key to onboarding more builders

– AI and privacy are deeply intertwined in Oasis’s vision

– Decentralized AI alternatives can help protect user data and integrity

– Verified autonomy is a foundational need for future AI agents

– Imperial is a project working on deploying autonomous agents

– Oasis provides off-chain secure logic infrastructure for agents

– Privacy is becoming essential across verticals—DeFi, NFTs, and beyond

– Hackathons offer valuable insight into what developers actually need

– Crypto Twitter remains a primary channel for reaching the community

– Developer-driven solutions are the backbone of Oasis’s growth strategy

– Interoperability is crucial to making privacy available across chains

– Oasis is collaborating with multiple protocols to enable cross-chain privacy

– Events are core to Oasis’s 2025 strategy for brand and community building

– There’s a natural synergy between developer and retail community needs

– Oasis plans to double down on hackathons and events throughout 2025

Timeline

(00:00) Matej’s journey into Web3 and crypto

(02:57) What Oasis is and why privacy matters

(06:08) Developer focus and target users

(08:46) Making Oasis easy to build on

(11:47) The intersection of AI, privacy, and crypto

(15:50) AI agents and their use cases

(29:04) Why agents are gaining traction in Web3

(30:24) Why privacy should be a default, not an option

(34:47) How Oasis reaches and supports developers

(40:52) Navigating developer vs. retail community needs

(45:19) Oasis’s approach to cross-chain privacy integration

(52:38) What Oasis has planned for hackathons and events in 2025

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Summary

In this episode of Block by Block, Del Led shares how he got into crypto in 2020 and walks through the vision behind Peapods Finance. He breaks down the liquidity problems plaguing DeFi and introduces the concept of volatility farming — a model that rewards users for price fluctuations rather than relying on inflationary token yields. The conversation also touches on how Peapods Finance is using AI to automate strategies, why community engagement is central to retention, and what it will take for Peapods to become a blue-chip protocol. Toward the end, Del and Pete discuss the broader future of DeFi — especially how Bitcoin could play a larger role.

Takeaways

– Del Led’s crypto journey began in 2020

– DeFi is poised for a strong resurgence

– Peapods Finance tackles inflationary LP yields with a new model

– Volatility farming lets users earn from price swings rather than token emissions

– Peapods reimagines liquidity provision through pod-based structures

– Strong community engagement drives user retention

– AI is being integrated to power automated yield strategies

– Bitcoin’s role in DeFi is likely to grow over time

– Peapods aims to be a blue-chip protocol in the DeFi ecosystem

– Marketing innovation is essential for user acquisition and differentiation

Timeline

(00:00) Introduction to Peapods Finance and Del Led’s journey

(02:05) The evolution of DeFi and Peapods’ role in it

(05:09) Solving liquidity challenges with novel mechanisms

(10:12) What volatility farming is and how it works

(15:00) Perspectives from LPs and traders

(19:55) Marketing strategies and growth outlook

(24:50) How Peapods is using AI to optimize returns

(29:46) The future of DeFi and Bitcoin integration

(35:02) Final thoughts and vision for the road ahead

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Summary

In this conversation, Felipe Argento, co-founder of Cartesi, shares his journey into the world of blockchain and the vision behind Cartesi. He discusses the importance of decentralized computing, the technical foundations of Cartesi, and how it aims to bridge the gap between Web2 and Web3. Felipe emphasizes the need for developer engagement and education, highlighting various applications built on Cartesi and the future direction of the project.

Takeaways

- Felipe's journey into crypto began on Reddit.
- Cartesi aims to solve the decentralized computing problem.
- Linux provides the foundation for Cartesi's execution environment.
- The target audience includes developers from Web2 and Web3.
- Cartesi supports complex applications beyond simple DeFi.
- Community education is crucial for the growth of Web3.
- Cartesi's modular approach allows for various execution setups.
- The importance of building a strong developer community.
- Applications like decentralized exchanges and bug bounty programs are being built on Cartesi.
- Felipe invites developers to join the Cartesi Discord for collaboration.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Cartesi and Felipe's Journey
(05:03) The Vision Behind Cartesi
(09:47) Technical Foundations: Linux and Modular Blockchain
(15:08) Target Audience and Developer Engagement
(20:04) Applications Built on Cartesi
(25:09) The Future of Cartesi and Community Education

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In this conversation, James Ross, founder of Mode Network, a Layer 2 Blockchain on Ethereum, discusses his journey into the crypto space, the achievements and challenges faced by Mode Network in its first year, and the strategic pivot towards integrating AI into decentralized finance. He elaborates on the launch of the AI Agent App Store, the collaboration with BitTensor for decentralized intelligence, and the establishment of the AI Agent Founder School to nurture new talent in the ecosystem. Looking ahead, James shares insights on future developments and enhancements for Mode Network.

Takeaways

• James Ross entered crypto in 2017, driven by interest in fintech.
• Mode Network launched on January 31, marking its one-year anniversary.
• The team at Mode Network is small but highly productive.
• Aggressive shipping and community engagement are key to success in crypto.
• The pivot to AI is seen as essential for the future of DeFi.
• BitTensor integration allows for decentralized intelligence and data science competition.
• The AI Agent App Store enables users to discover and utilize new agents.
• The AI Agent Founder School provides structured support for aspiring founders.
• Future developments include expanding synth data and enhancing the platform.
• Mode Network aims to become a stage one roll-up with lower fees and faster transactions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to James Ross and Mode Network
01:54 The Journey into Crypto and DeFi
06:09 Mode Network's First Year: Achievements and Challenges
11:12 Pivoting Towards AI in DeFi
20:07 Integrating BitTensor: Decentralized Intelligence
26:06 Launching the AI Agent App Store
31:06 AI Agent Founder School: Nurturing New Talent
37:21 Looking Ahead: Future Developments for Mode Network

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Summary

In this conversation, Kim Currier, Head of Partnerships and Marketing at Decentraland Foundation, discusses her journey into the crypto space, the unique aspects of Decentraland as a social virtual world, and the various user experiences it offers. She highlights the importance of brand partnerships in creating engaging experiences and shares insights on community growth strategies, including the introduction of marketplace credits to enhance user engagement and digital identity. In this conversation, Kim Currier from Decentraland discusses the innovative ways users can earn credits through engagement, the importance of social interaction, and the emotional stories that emerge from the virtual world. She highlights the community's growth, the welcoming approach for Web2 users, and the various events and opportunities available within Decentraland. The conversation also touches on the relationships formed in the virtual space and the potential for educational experiences.

Takeaways

— Kim Currier transitioned from traditional marketing to the crypto space during the pandemic.  

— Decentraland is a social virtual world focused on user-generated content.  

— The platform allows users to build and experience a 3D world collaboratively.  

— Friendship gatherings and parties are the most popular use cases in Decentraland.  

— Brands are encouraged to create engaging experiences rather than just advertisements.  

— Partnerships with brands like Doritos and Mountain Dew focus on providing value to users.  

— Events play a crucial role in attracting new users to Decentraland.  

— Marketplace credits will incentivize users to engage with their digital identity.  

— The community in Decentraland is characterized by generosity and gifting.  

— Decentraland aims to connect individuals across the globe in a virtual space.  

— Users can earn credits by engaging in various activities in Decentraland.  

— Social interaction is a key focus, encouraging users to meet and connect.  

— Creators receive 97.5% of sales, promoting a creator-first economy.  

— Badges and achievements enhance user experience and engagement.  

— Emotional stories highlight the impact of Decentraland on users' lives.  

— The platform fosters real friendships and connections, even romantic ones.  

— Decentraland is making efforts to welcome Web2 users without requiring crypto knowledge.  

— Upcoming events aim to enhance community engagement and participation.  

— Training and educational opportunities are being explored within the platform.  

— The community is active and continuously creating new experiences.

Chapters

— (00:00) Introduction to Decentraland and Kim Currier  

— (02:07) Journey into the Crypto Space  

— (04:11) Understanding Decentraland: A Virtual World  

— (08:18) User Experiences in Decentraland  

— (13:54) Brand Partnerships and Engagement Strategies  

— (19:32) Growth Strategies and Community Engagement  

— (27:04) Earning Credits Through Engagement  

— (29:10) Bragging Rights and Social Interaction  

— (31:36) Emotional Stories from Decentraland  

— (36:17) Building Relationships in the Virtual World  

— (39:22) Welcoming Web2 Users to Decentraland  

— (43:14) Exploring Training and Educational Opportunities  

— (45:12) Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

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Summary

In this conversation, Ben Celermajer, the Strategy Lead at Synthetix, discusses the evolution of Synthetix from its origins as Haven to its current state in the DeFi landscape. He highlights the challenges faced by the platform, including the need for a new direction encapsulated in SIP 420, which aims to put the SNX token back at the core of the ecosystem. Ben emphasizes the importance of user engagement and product performance, outlining Synthetix's strategy to revitalize its offerings and attract new users. The conversation also touches on the broader DeFi ecosystem and the competitive landscape, with a focus on simplifying the user experience and enhancing community involvement.

Takeaways

— Synthetix has a rich history in the DeFi space.  

— The transition from Haven to Synthetix marked a significant evolution.  

— SIP 420 aims to reestablish the SNX token's importance.  

— User engagement is crucial for Synthetix's future success.  

— The platform is shifting towards a product-led strategy.  

— Synthetix aims to simplify the user experience for new users.  

— The DeFi landscape is highly competitive and requires innovation.  

— Community involvement is key to Synthetix's revitalization efforts.  

— Synthetix is focusing on performance over decentralization in product development.  

— Future updates and product releases are expected to increase.

Chapters

- (00:00) Introduction to Synthetix and Ben Celermajer

- (01:39) The Evolution of Synthetix: From Haven to Today

- (04:45) SIP 420: A New Direction for Synthetix

- (11:06) Reassessing Product Strategy and User Engagement

- (20:20) The Renaissance of Synthetix: Revitalizing the Ecosystem

- (25:14) Targeting New Users: Simplifying the Experience

- (36:32) Future Directions and Community Engagement

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Summary

In this conversation, Reka, the Director of Marketing at RISC ZERO, shares her unique journey from veterinary medicine to the world of crypto. She discusses her experiences in community building through Guild, the innovative technology behind Boundless, and the challenges of promoting zero-knowledge (ZK) technology. Reka emphasizes the importance of making ZK relatable and accessible, while also introducing the concept of the Berry as a new approach to verifiable compute. In this conversation, Reka discusses the innovative marketing strategies employed for the launch of Boundless, focusing on making zero-knowledge (ZK) technology more accessible and engaging. She emphasizes the importance of community involvement, creative storytelling, and the use of NFTs to create a relatable brand narrative. Reka shares insights on building trust within the team and the community, as well as the challenges of changing perceptions in a technical field. The conversation highlights the significance of co-creation and flexibility in marketing approaches, particularly in the crypto space.


Takeaways

– Reka transitioned from veterinary medicine to crypto through a series of fortunate events.
– Her experiences in volunteering and entrepreneurship shaped her journey into the crypto space.
– Working in veterinary medicine provided her with valuable life lessons and friendships.
– Guild.xyz serves as a community-building tool in the crypto industry.
– Boundless aims to make zero-knowledge technology more accessible to developers.
– ZK technology has the potential to solve scalability issues in blockchain.
– The Berry represents a new approach to verifiable compute in the crypto space.
– ZK has a perception problem that needs to be addressed for wider adoption.
– Reka believes in the importance of community and collaboration in crypto.
– The future of ZK technology could revolutionize how we interact with blockchains. We need to bring it down and make it more accessible.
– How do we make this more fun?
– The proof isn’t just being made; it’s about its use.
– Proof of verifiable work is useful and beneficial.
– This is our product analogy for better understanding.
– We had 1.5 million mints in 48 hours, showing engagement.
– It’s important to involve people in the reading process.
– We had over 10,000 proof of reads, indicating interest.
– Co-creation with the community is essential for success.
– It’s done with love and intention, which resonates with the audience.

Chapters

(00:00) From Veterinary Medicine to Crypto: A Unique Journey
(08:59) Building Communities in Crypto: The Guild Experience
(12:01) Exploring Zero Knowledge Technology: The Rise of Boundless
(22:06) Understanding ZK: Overcoming Misconceptions and Challenges
(29:54) Introducing the Berry: A New Approach to Verifiable Compute
(31:13) Making ZK Accessible and Fun
(36:48) The Power of Community Engagement
(41:54) Building Trust and Collaboration
(46:13) Innovative Launch Strategies
(52:31) Co-Creation and Flexibility in Marketing

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Summary

In this conversation, Harrison Hines, co-founder of Fleek, shares his journey into the crypto space, the evolution of Fleek, and the company's focus on AI agents and trusted execution environments. He discusses the implications of recent developments in AI, particularly the emergence of DeepSeek and its impact on the market. Hines emphasizes the importance of simplifying technology for users and developers, and outlines Fleek's core offerings and target audience in the rapidly evolving landscape of web infrastructure and AI. In this conversation, Harrison discusses the rapid growth of prompt-based web app building products, particularly focusing on Fleek's strategy to target non-technical users with their agent products. He emphasizes the importance of market research and customer development in shaping their offerings. The conversation also highlights the need for improved user experience, especially for non-developers, and explores the potential of token models in engaging the community and aligning incentives. Harrison shares insights on the infrastructure needed to support innovation and lower barriers for users, ultimately aiming to create a seamless experience for building and deploying agents.

Takeaways

— Harrison Hines transitioned from equity crowdfunding to crypto after discovering Ethereum.

— Fleek aims to simplify the deployment of AI agents for non-technical users.

— The recent developments in AI, particularly with DeepSeek, are seen as bullish for the industry.

— Fleek’s infrastructure leverages trusted execution environments for AI agent hosting.

— The company is focused on lowering the barrier for non-technical users to engage with AI agents.

— Fleek’s core offerings include website and app hosting, as well as AI agent hosting.

— The importance of privacy and verifiability in AI agents is emphasized.

— Fleek’s approach is to provide a user-friendly experience without overwhelming users with technical details.

— The company is positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for AI agents in various applications.

— Fleek’s infrastructure decisions are driven by the needs of its products and services.

— Bolt.new achieved 20 million in ARR in two months.

— Targeting non-technical users is a key strategy.

— Market research is crucial for understanding user needs.

— Lowering costs can drive innovation in agent deployment.

— User experience improvements are on the horizon.

— Agents could become the new apps on phones.

— Token models can enhance community engagement.

— Infrastructure is essential for enabling new platforms.

— Listening to customer feedback drives product development.

— The future of agents is promising across various industries.

Chapters

(00:00) Harrison Hines: From Startup to Crypto Pioneer

(03:01) Fleek: Revolutionizing AI Agent Deployment

(05:57) DeepSeek and OpenAI: The Cost of Innovation

(09:03) Fleek’s Positioning in the AI Agent Landscape

(11:47) Trusted Execution Environments: The Future of AI Agents

(15:11) Simplifying Privacy for Users and Developers

(17:57) Fleek’s Core Offerings and Target Audience

(34:50) The Rise of Prompt-Based Web App Building

(38:53) Understanding the Agent Space and Market Research

(43:04) Infrastructure for Innovation: Lowering Barriers

(46:57) Enhancing User Experience for Non-Technical Users

(52:41) Token Models and Community Engagement

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Summary

In this conversation, Steven Waterhouse discusses his extensive background in technology and venture capital, focusing on his transition from crypto to AI. He emphasizes the enabling nature of AI as a technology that enhances human capabilities rather than detracting from them. Waterhouse explores the evolution of AI, its applications, and the challenges it faces, including the Turing test and the need for better understanding of language and context. He also discusses the intersection of AI and crypto, advocating for an AI-first approach in product development, and highlights the potential for AI to improve efficiency and profitability in various sectors. In this conversation, Steven Waterhouse discusses the future of data and machine learning, the role of crypto as an incentive mechanism, and the importance of decentralization in technology. He emphasizes the need for innovative AI infrastructure and the potential for AI to evolve from the crypto space. The discussion also touches on the intersection of AI and zero-knowledge (ZK) technology, highlighting the opportunities for privacy and decentralized applications.

Takeaways

— Steven Waterhouse has a rich background in technology and venture capital.

— AI is seen as an enabling technology that enhances human capabilities.

— The transition from crypto to AI reflects a broader trend in technology.

— Understanding AI requires a grasp of its foundational elements, including data and models.

— The Turing test highlights the ongoing challenges in AI's understanding of human language.

— AI and crypto can intersect, but the focus should be on AI first.

— Product market fit is crucial for successful ventures in both AI and crypto.

— AI has the potential to make companies more profitable by improving efficiency.

— The future of AI involves collaboration between humans and machines.

— Innovative approaches in AI development can lead to significant advancements.

— The future of data involves labeling messy data for machine learning.

— Synthetic data can be effective for training models.

— Decentralization is key to overcoming centralized control.

— Investing in AI infrastructure is crucial for future developments.

— Crypto can serve as an incentive mechanism in technology.

— The focus is shifting from crypto to AI applications.

— Digital art and gaming will continue to evolve.

— ZK technology is becoming more relevant and ready for use.

— Trust between AI agents is a significant challenge.

— Collaboration and support are essential in the tech industry.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Steven Waterhouse

(02:05) Career Journey and Transition to AI

(05:14) AI as an Enabling Technology

(08:28) Understanding AI: From Data to Applications

(13:06) The Evolution of AI and Its Challenges

(15:51) AI and the Turing Test

(16:31) The Intersection of AI and Crypto

(22:17) AI-First Approach in Product Development

(28:03) Future of AI and Human Collaboration

(30:02) The Future of Data and Machine Learning

(33:06) Crypto as an Incentive Mechanism

(36:01) Decentralization and Centralized Control

(39:03) Investing in AI Infrastructure

(43:11) Pivoting from Crypto to AI

(46:57) Exploring AI and ZK Opportunities

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Summary

In this conversation, Orkun Kilic, co-founder of Citrea, shares his journey into the world of cryptocurrency, detailing how he transitioned from skepticism to becoming a key player in the Bitcoin ecosystem. He explains the concept of ZK rollups and their significance in making Bitcoin programmable, addressing the technical challenges faced in building on Bitcoin. Orkun discusses the potential for DeFi on Bitcoin and the importance of user experience in driving adoption. He emphasizes the need for a robust developer ecosystem to support innovative applications built on Citrea, aiming to enhance the usability of Bitcoin for everyday users. In this conversation, Orkun Kilic from Citrea discusses the innovative features of their platform, including the use of Bitcoin as a guest token and the unique smart contract capabilities. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong developer community through initiatives like the Origins program and hacker houses. The discussion also touches on branding strategies, addressing skepticism about Bitcoin's programmability, and the lessons learned in balancing technical development with community engagement.

Takeaways

— Orkun’s journey into crypto began with skepticism about Bitcoin.

— ZK rollups are crucial for making Bitcoin programmable.

— Building on Bitcoin presents unique technical challenges.

— Collaboration with other ZK projects is essential for growth.

— DeFi on Bitcoin has immense potential due to its large user base.

— User experience is key to driving Bitcoin adoption.

— Citrea aims to abstract the complexities of Bitcoin for users.

— The first ZK rollup on Bitcoin sets a precedent for future projects.

— Native applications are prioritized for better user experience.

— Citrea is focused on creating applications that meet real user needs. Citrea deploys smart contracts on Bitcoin using EIP 7720.

— The security of Citrea is closely tied to Bitcoin’s decentralization.

— Citrea aims to support high-value applications, not meme coins.

— The Origins program focuses on incubating early-stage projects.

— Hacker houses foster community and developer engagement.

— Branding is crucial for creating an ecosystem around Citrea.

— Authentic community engagement is more valuable than mere metrics.

— Skepticism about Bitcoin’s capabilities can be addressed through organic growth.

— Balancing technical development with community building is essential.

— Building something influential requires targeted user engagement.

Chapters

(00:00) Orkun’s Journey into Crypto

(02:58) Understanding ZK Rollups and Bitcoin

(05:59) The Technical Challenges of Building on Bitcoin

(09:03) Collaborations and Partnerships in the ZK Space

(11:51) The Potential of DeFi on Bitcoin

(14:57) User Experience and Adoption Strategies

(17:58) Building a Developer Ecosystem for Citrea

(26:33) Building on Citrea: The Role of Smart Contracts

(29:04) Understanding Citrea’s Data Availability and Security

(31:29) Innovative Applications and Partnerships in Citrea

(34:05) The Origins Program: Incubating Future Projects

(35:58) Hacker Houses: Engaging Developers and Building Community

(38:52) Branding and Community Building in the Crypto Space

(43:03) Addressing Skepticism: The Long-Term Vision for Citrea

(50:12) Lessons Learned: Balancing Technical and Community Growth

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