"One AI horse racing dApp did more for adoption than most DeFi apps because..."
In this edition of Coffee with Calyptus, we sit down with the former CEO of Zilliqa, who made a bold yet natural shift from transforming contact centers at Sabio to pioneering in Web3 and AI.
From launching AI-powered dApps to navigating the realities of Web3 gaming, this conversation is a masterclass in adapting vision to market truths.
From transforming contact centers at Sabio to leading a Layer 1 blockchain at Zilliqa, what was the 'aha' moment that inspired your bold shift into Web3?
In contact centers, the goal was to digitize and automate processes to enhance customer experiences. Blockchain takes digitization to new heights through tokenization,coupled alongside AI, it’s poised to drive the next Industrial Revolution. I saw this future unfolding and wanted to be part of it, viewing the shift not as a bold leap but really as a natural progression.
As Zilliqa’s CEO, what’s the most significant lesson you’ve learned in designing tokenomics to drive real-world commercial adoption, particularly in the unique landscape of emerging markets?
In theory, a well-designed tokenomics model can seem fair to builders, token holders, and market participants, but if the token isn’t used as intended, it becomes purely speculative, undermining commercialization and potentially harming the project. The key is to build a product people want to use, one that generates revenue independently of the token, then the tokenomics will largely align naturally.
Roll1ng Thund3rz was a bold move into Web3 gaming, what surprised you most about building in that vertical, and how do you see it shaping mainstream crypto adoption?
On paper, tokenized gaming leveraging digital assets for value transfer promised perfect product-market fit. However, it’s clear that gamers prioritize escapism over financial rewards. Will gaming spark crypto’s ‘ChatGPT moment,’ a mainstream breakthrough? Based on my experience, it will be a challenge. Platforms like Zora, which offer creators an Instagram-like canvas to monetize digital ownership, are more likely to attract new users, motivated by finance and creativity. I’m excited to apply these insights to drive user adoption in my next Web3 or AI leadership role.
You’ve led Zilliqa through crypto’s hype cycles and quieter phases, how do you sustain momentum and conviction during market downturns?
As Zilliqa’s CEO, I ensured our Layer 1 blockchain remained relevant by integrating trending toolkits, such as the Eliza AI-powered developer toolkit for rapid on-chain development, and forging commercial models, like DeFi partnerships with DeBridge, to drive revenue and awareness. Lacking the large reward incentives of other chains, we stayed agile, engaging developers and building partnerships to sustain momentum and TVL in a crowded space. Having witnessed market dynamics firsthand, I’m eager to apply these growth insights in my next Web3 or AI leadership role.
How did you and the Zilliqa team integrate AI into blockchain development during your tenure as CEO?
As Zilliqa’s CEO, I led AI integration to streamline protocol development, enhancing efficiency for our small developer team. We launched AVA Stallion, an AI horse racing tipster dApp, with an 80% success rate, engaging non-crypto users and raising Zilliqa’s visibility through its novel use case. These experiences, and lessons learned from deploying autonomous agents, fuel my eagerness to drive AI-blockchain innovation in my next Web3 or AI leadership role.
Solidity Challenge 🕵️♂️
Will the functions alpha and beta return the same value? If not, what are the individual values?
Solidity Challenge Answer ✅
Answer: Yes, both functions will return the value 41247.
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