In this episode, Zack Guzman, founder of Trustless Media and Coinage, discusses his journey from traditional media to Web3, the innovative uses of blockchain technology in the media sector, and how it can create a more transparent and democratized environment for content creation and consumption.The Concept of Ownership in Web3 OwnershipZach explains that Web3 enables a new internet paradigm where audiences can genuinely own pieces of the content they consume. Unlike the traditional models where subscribers are passive, Trustless Media allows audiences to become active participants through NFTs and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). This new setup incentivizes both creators and audiences to contribute meaningfully to the content ecosystem. Coinage: Community-Driven Crypto News Coinage is Trustless Media’s first venture focusing on crypto news. Zach explains that in an industry built on being 'trustless,' trustworthy content is crucial. Coinage engages its community in the content creation process. For instance, members vote on what projects to cover, creating a collective filtering mechanism to navigate biases. This democratic approach ensures the content is as unbiased and informative as possible. An example given is the 'Crypto Project of the Year' contest, where members voted to crown the best projects, adding a level of trust and validation to the awards. Expanding Beyond CryptoTrustless Media is also venturing into the food industry with the Best Dish Ever show. This project allows food enthusiasts to vote on the best dishes and restaurants, democratizing food content similar to how Coinage handles crypto news. With significant community participation and partnerships with known chefs, the platform blends Web3 technology with universal interests like food, demonstrating the scalability of Trustless Media’s model beyond the crypto space.Challenges and Future Opportunities One of the challenges Zach points out is making blockchain technology accessible to those unfamiliar with it. The Best Dish Ever project tackled this by enabling easy credit card payments without needing prior knowledge of crypto wallets. Zach sees huge potential in mainstream content niches and believes the future of Web3 in media lies in its ability to make complex technology user-friendly. The ultimate vision is to restore trust and connection between media creators and their audiences. Advice for Web3 Newcomers Zach advises newcomers to focus on solving real-world problems with Web3 technology rather than getting caught up in the hype. He stresses the importance of grounding oneself in practical applications and real use-cases to navigate the noise and distractions prevalent in the space. By concentrating on tangible problems and how Web3 can address them, new entrants are more likely to succeed and make meaningful contributions. Lightning Round and Conclusion Mark wraps up the episode with a lightning round of quick questions, where Zach shares insights about his daily routine, favorite books, and other personal preferences. The conversation concludes with Zach encouraging listeners to explore legitimate NFT projects and get involved in community-driven content platforms. He emphasizes that Web3 has evolved beyond speculative investments, offering real solutions and opportunities for both creators and audiences. Get full access to FiftyOne Insights – Web3 for Business at www.dematerialzd.xyz/subscribe
How KIKI World is Flipping the Script on Traditional Beauty KIKI World, a next-gen beauty brand, is pioneering a new, Web3-enabled business model with community and co-creation at the core. By harnessing consumer insights and community feedback, KIKI World co-founders Jana and Brendon developed a platform that not only creates products people want but also gives them a stake in the company's success. This approach has shortened product development cycles and created a loyal community of engaged consumers. 3 highlights: • Consumers are co-creators and co-beneficiaries: They're rewarded for voting and for sales, depending on the product traits they keep in their wallet • KIKI World products contain a chip that tracks how much members use their products in real life; usage gives rewards • Each vote generates first-party data (accessible on-chain!) and helps KIKI World to understand and predict what consumers desire and shorten the time-to-market for its products In this episode, we’re diving deep into how Brendon and Jana aim to flip the script on traditional beauty – with the help of Web3. Read more in our deep dive here: https://51insights.xyz/p/kiki-world-more-than-make-up Bio Brendon: Brendon has built and scaled companies from early-stage startups to international names by bringing a strategic approach to brand and product leadership. He leverages over a decade of leading teams of creatives, marketers, and technologists to create transformative businesses that combine innovation and tactical prowess to drive growth. Bio Jana: Jana is the Co-Founder and CEO of KIKI World, a blockchain enabled platform creating new ways to connect, create products, movements and friends online and onchain. Since its inception in 2023, KIKI has introduced several tech enabled personal products including Pretty Nail Graffiti, with its community and continues to expand to host brands and experiences where communities are co-creators and co-owners of their shared interests. Prior to KIKI, Jana has launched and scaled several tech, biotech and material science enabled consumer businesses with global distribution as an entrepreneur leading EPIC and 12:01 – the active innovation platform. Get full access to FiftyOne Insights – Web3 for Business at www.dematerialzd.xyz/subscribe
Mercedes-Benz has launched their own NFT project, Mercedes-Benz Next. In the latest episode of the FiftyOne Insights Podcast, I sit down with Max Orgeldinger, founder of 0xNXT, the studio behind Mercedes-Benz’s Web3 presence. We discuss the journey, challenges, and the power of collectability. Here are three key takeaways: 1. Understand the Space: Brands need a deep understanding of Web3 technology, culture, and community. Max’s advice: “Show me your wallet” as a litmus test for partners. 2. Find Your Brand’s Voice: Identify your unique role and voice in Web3, aligning with your brand heritage and values, rather than chasing trends. 3. Patience and Realistic Expectations: A sustainable Web3 presence requires patience and a long-term strategy, with continuous experimentation and adaptation. Resources Mentioned Mercedes-Benz Next (Twitter: @MercedesBenzNXT) Max Orgeldinger (Twitter: @MaxOrgeldinger) "Read, Write, Own" by Chris Dixon Farcaster (Social App) Mercedes-Benz NFT, Web3 for brands, NFT collectibles, Automotive Web3, Web3 marketing strategy, NFT regulations, Crypto-native artists, Web3 user experience, Immersive commerce NFT, Blockchain loyalty programs. Get full access to FiftyOne Insights – Web3 for Business at www.dematerialzd.xyz/subscribe
Discover the intersection of art, community, and Web3 with Sebastian Oddo, VP of Global Digital Marketing Innovation at Mastercard, as he shares his insights on the future of consumer engagement and the role of advancing technologies like blockchain and AI. From Sports Marketing to Web3: Sebastian Oddo's Journey Anyone who wishes to stay ahead of the curve should listen to this Dematerialized Podcast episode. Interviewing Sebastian Oddo, a significant player at Mastercard in international digital marketing innovation, is host Marc. When he left sports marketing to join Vayner3, Sebastian started his adventure into Web3. Being there at the height of the NFT boom offered him a wealth of expertise in starting Web3 campaigns for companies. These days, he's out to inform everyone about Web3's possibilities, from legal teams to marketing experts. In this episode, find out how Web3 is revolutionizing the marketing scene. Sebastian feels that authenticity, community, and culture will be critical components of brand development in the future. The brands that listen to their communities and provide experiences and goods that appeal to them will succeed in Web3. The Artist at the Core of Web3 Sebastian firmly feels that Web3 can enable artists and give them new chances. One way Mastercard assists artists in navigating the fascinating world of Web3 is via the Mastercard Artist Accelerator program. This program educates upcoming musicians and artists about the direction of music and how to use Web3 technology to advance their careers and establish novel connections with their audience. Authenticity, Community, and Culture: The Keys to Brand Building In the Web3 age, Sebastian thinks authenticity, community, and culture will be crucial to brand development. He emphasizes the significance of companies listening to their communities, comprehending their problems, and providing sincere answers that satisfy their demands. Thanks to Web3, brands have a unique chance to build communities, get insightful input, and work together to create experiences and products that really speak to their consumers. The Convergence of Web3 and AI The prospect of Web3 and AI combining to influence customer involvement in the future excites Sebastian. Though several companies have abandoned their early NFT efforts, he sees this as an opportunity for creativity and development. Sebastian is confident that blockchain technology and AI will soon become indispensable aspects of our everyday lives, just as the internet was once thought to be a fleeting fad. Resources Mentioned: Mastercard Artist Accelerator program Pass to Priceless (Mastercard's Web3 marketing platform) Read, Write, Own by Chris Dixon NFTs are a Scam by Bobby Hundreds Sebastian Oddo on X Sebastian Oddo on LinkedIn Keywords: Web3, art, community, consumer engagement, blockchain, AI, Mastercard, Vayner3, Gary Vaynerchuk, NFTs, brand building, authenticity, culture, emerging technologies, innovation, artist accelerator, digital marketing, Read Write Own, Chris Dixon, Bobby Hundreds, NFTs are a Scam. Get full access to FiftyOne Insights – Web3 for Business at www.dematerialzd.xyz/subscribe
In this inaugural episode of the FiftyOne Ventures podcast series, Marc Baumann explores the intersection of travel and blockchain with guest Steffen Boller, Dir. of New Business Ventures at Lufthansa Innovation Hub. They dive into the workings of Uptrip, Lufthansa’s groundbreaking loyalty program that leverages Web3 technology to gamify and personalize travel rewards. Boller shares insights into the creation process of Uptrip, strategies for integrating Web3 into traditional business models, and the potential future impacts of blockchain on the travel industry and beyond. They also discuss the challenges of pioneering Web3 projects in established corporations and the importance of creating meaningful, user-centric Web3 applications for widespread adoption. Timestamps: 00:26 Exploring Uptrip: A Web3 Loyalty Program by Lufthansa 01:18 Inside the Lufthansa Innovation Hub: Fostering Digital Transformation 02:34 The Genesis of Uptrip: Merging Blockchain with Loyalty Programs 03:51 User Experience and Community: The Heart of Uptrip 10:59 Navigating Web3 in Corporate Settings: Challenges and Strategies 15:26 Evaluating Success and Future Directions for Web3 in Travel 21:37 Lightning Round: Quickfire Questions with Steffen Links: http://linkedin.com/in/steffen-boller https://lh-innovationhub.de/ https://uptrip.app/ https://www.podpage.com/fiftyone-insights/ Get full access to FiftyOne Insights – Web3 for Business at www.dematerialzd.xyz/subscribe