“Memes Are Main Pillar in Web3”: Industry Experts Debate IP and Investment Opportunities at MemeX Festival

“Memes Are Main Pillar in Web3”: Industry Experts Debate IP and Investment Opportunities at MemeX Festival

The MemeX Festival, held on February 18, 2025, during Consensus HK 2025, brought together blockchain enthusiasts, investors, and meme lovers to explore the fascinating intersection of meme intellectual property (IP) and investment opportunities. Here’s the most interesting moments from the meme coins discussion.

MemeCore, a leading EVM-based Layer 1 blockchain, hosted an event to connect Web2 and Web3 projects and boost brand visibility. The festival attracted more than 2,000 registrations, marking a significant moment for blockchain and meme communities.

A panel discussion called “Crypto Meme Magic: The Intersection of Meme IP and Investment Opportunities” was among the festival’s key events. I moderated the panel. Industry experts Thomas Kay (head of international business, WEEX Global), Christian Oertel (global expansion lead, Conflux Network), Larry Lundy (chief business officer, Hashpower X) and Tasso Lago (founder, Financial Move) discussed memes’ role in the blockchain ecosystem.

Christian brought up some real-world examples. “At Conflux, we’re working with IPs like McDonald’s in China,” he said. “The catch is, it’s mostly NFTs for now.” Still, he’s optimistic—look at Pudgy Penguins or Doodles. Those projects turned memes into IP through NFTs and token drops. It’s a glimpse of what’s possible.

Thomas added another layer. “IP is so recognizable,” he said. “People see your project and instantly know it’s you.” He shared some wild stats from WEEX Global: when Trump Coin launched, user activity tripled, and trading volume shot up tenfold. That’s the kind of impact meme IP can have—I was blown away.

How I’d Invest in Memes

The panelists had some great takes on meme coin investing. Tasso keeps it practical: “I check the charts first, then see if the meme’s building an ecosystem.” He’s a fan of Shiba Inu’s approach—engaging new projects and showing long-term promise. I think that’s a smart way to play it.

Larry loves Dogecoin’s versatility. “It’s one of the original proof-of-work minables,” he said. “A victimless way to move liquidity in and out.” He’s got a point—its emotional pull makes it a unique bet. “Memes are culture, and they’re business,” he wrapped up. I couldn’t agree more.

Where Memes Are Headed in Web3

As we wound down, we looked ahead. Christian called memes a “social phenomenon.” “You feel the full cycle of emotions and share it with thousands of strangers,” he said. “There’s something mystical there.” I feel that too—it’s what keeps me hooked.

Thomas doubled down on community. “The most activity in crypto right now? It’s in the meme space,” he said. “It’s a top driver for growth and engagement.” He’s spot-on—memes are where the energy is.

I closed things out with my own take: “Meme is a main pillar in Web3. It’s a door opener and the biggest community driver.” It’s why I’m so passionate about this at MemeCore.

My Final Thoughts

Hosting the Crypto Meme Magic panel was a blast. It showed me—again—how transformative memes are in blockchain. They onboard newbies, pump liquidity, and build communities like nothing else. The future? I think it’s about memes evolving into ecosystems, creating lasting IP, and linking Web2 to Web3.

With their mix of humor, culture, and investment potential, memes aren’t going anywhere—they’re here to shape the crypto world.

 

Source: https://yellow.com/news/memes-are-main-pillar-in-web3-industry-experts-debate-ip-and-investment-opportunities-at-memex-festival

 

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

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How to Onboard More People to Web3: Insights from MemeX Festival Panel

How to Onboard More People to Web3: Insights from MemeX Festival Panel

The MemeX Festival, hosted by Memecore, MemeX, and 852Web3, and co-hosted by Pudgy Penguins, Ton, and Hashkey Exchange, brought together some of the brightest minds in Web3 to discuss a pressing question: How can we onboard more people to Web3? The panel, moderated by Chin, Spaces Host from Unfungible, featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Anndy Lian, Cheryl Law, Master Chef, and Denton. Together, they shared their insights, strategies, and experiences in making Web3 more accessible to the masses.

This article captures the key takeaways from the panel discussion, highlighting the innovative approaches and actionable ideas shared by the speakers.


The Challenge of Onboarding to Web3

Moderator Chin set the tone for the discussion by emphasizing the importance of onboarding in Web3. “Whether you’re a builder, content creator, or just curious, the question remains: how do we get more people into Web3?” he asked. The panelists agreed that while Web3 offers immense potential, the journey to onboard users is fraught with challenges, including technical complexity, lack of awareness, and skepticism.


1. Making Web3 Fun and Accessible

Master Chef, representing WONTON and Hungry Degens, shared a unique approach to onboarding users by gamifying the experience. He explained how their NFT collection starts in a Web2 environment, allowing users to collect items like Pokémon cards before transitioning to on-chain assets. “We encourage users to collect in a Web2 environment first, like opening a pack of cards. Once they’re engaged, we introduce them to the on-chain experience,” he said. This gradual approach has proven successful, with over 4.5 million users engaging with their mini-app.

Chin praised this strategy, noting, “It’s about creating a familiar and enjoyable experience. People love to collect things, and by making it fun, you’re lowering the barrier to entry.”


2. Show, Don’t Tell

Denton, founder of Moon Ring, emphasized the importance of demonstrating the value of Web3 rather than overwhelming users with technical jargon. “Show people what Web3 can do. Let them experience it,” he said. Denton highlighted the success of Moon Ring, a wearable device that allows users to earn tokens by contributing their data. “People don’t even realize they’re interacting with the blockchain. They just wear the ring, track their biometrics, and earn rewards. It’s seamless and user-friendly.”

This “show, don’t tell” philosophy resonated with the audience, as it shifts the focus from explaining blockchain technology to showcasing its tangible benefits. Denton added, “No more chains, no more gas fees. Just a simple, enjoyable experience.”


3. Leveraging Meme Culture

Anndy Lian, Managing Director of LIFT Ecofund and a bestselling author, brought a fresh perspective to the discussion by advocating for the use of memes as an entry point to Web3. “If you want to grow big, you have to be as degen and as silly as you can,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience. Anndy explained that meme coins and meme culture are powerful abilities for engaging users. “Memes are fun, relatable, and easy to understand. They create a sense of community and excitement.”

He also stressed the importance of showing users how they can benefit financially. “If you tell people how they can make money, they will come. Whether it’s Web1, Web2, or Web3, the principle remains the same,” he said. Anndy’s candid advice to projects was to focus on creating fun and engaging experiences that resonate with users.


4. Building Emotional Connections

Cheryl Law, Head of Asia for Pudgy Penguins, highlighted the role of emotional connections in onboarding users. “Pudgy Penguins is not just about selling dreams and visions. We’re selling physical toys that people can touch and feel,” she said. Cheryl explained that these toys create an emotional attachment, making it easier for users to engage with the brand and explore Web3.

She shared a personal anecdote about onboarding her mother, who initially dismissed Web3 as complex and intimidating. “When she saw the Pudgy Penguin toys, she was intrigued. It’s cute, it’s tangible, and it’s something she could relate to,” Cheryl said. This approach has helped Pudgy Penguins reach a broader audience, including those who might not typically engage with Web3.

Cheryl also emphasized the importance of distribution and visibility. “We’re everywhere—TikTok, Facebook, YouTube. We’re playing the long-term game, building a community, and creating mindshare,” she said. By combining physical products with a strong online presence, Pudgy Penguins has successfully bridged the gap between Web2 and Web3.


5. Simplifying the Onboarding Process

One recurring theme throughout the discussion was the need to simplify the onboarding process. Cheryl shared how Pudgy Penguins uses QR codes to make it easy for users to join their ecosystem. “You scan the QR code, enter your Gmail, and you’re in the Pudgy world. It’s that simple,” she said. This streamlined approach removes the technical barriers that often deter new users.

Denton echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of removing friction. “No one wants to deal with gas fees or complicated wallets. The experience should be as smooth as possible,” he said.


6. The Role of Community and IP

The panelists agreed that community and intellectual property (IP) play a crucial role in onboarding users. Anndy pointed out that strong IP can create a sense of identity and belonging. “Pudgy Penguins is a great example. They’ve built a brand that people want to be a part of,” he said.

Cheryl added that community building is at the heart of Pudgy Penguins’ strategy. “We’re not just selling toys or NFTs. We’re creating a community where people feel connected and valued,” she said. This sense of community fosters loyalty and encourages users to explore Web3 further.


7. The Power of Memes and Mass Adoption

Anndy and Cheryl both highlighted the potential of memes to drive mass adoption. “Memes are universal. They transcend language and culture,” Cheryl said. Anndy added, “Memes are the perfect entry point. They’re fun, they’re relatable, and they make Web3 less intimidating.”

The panelists also discussed the role of meme coins in onboarding users. While acknowledging the risks, Anndy argued that meme coins can be a powerful ability for engagement. “It’s a lot easier to get someone to buy a $1 meme coin than to explain the intricacies of blockchain technology,” he said.


Conclusion: A Multi-Faceted Approach

The panel discussion at MemeXFestival provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of onboarding users to Web3. From gamification and emotional connections to meme culture and community building, the speakers shared a range of strategies to make Web3 more accessible and appealing.

As Chin aptly summarized, “It’s about creating experiences that resonate with people. Whether it’s through toys, memes, or seamless technology, the goal is to make Web3 fun, engaging, and easy to use.”

The journey to onboard the masses to Web3 is just beginning, but with innovative approaches like these, the future looks promising. As the panelists demonstrated, the key lies in meeting users where they are, making the experience enjoyable, and showing them the value of Web3.

 

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

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Anndy Lian to Speak at SiGMA – World’s iGaming Festival

Anndy Lian to Speak at SiGMA – World’s iGaming Festival

Anndy Lian will be speaking at SiGMA – World’s iGaming Festival on 8-9 June 2020, at Manila.

Anndy Lian is an all-rounded business strategist with more than 15 years of experience in Asia. He currently plays a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organization, an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

Anndy advises the Secretariat on the latest concepts and applications of blockchain technologies in cybersecurity and IoT network data integrity across smart factories and upskills the Secretariat staff in blockchain technologies as applicable to productivity. Meet him at SiGMA Manila and join the conversation: 

#SiGMAmanila #SiGMA2020 #iGaming #gambling #onlinecasino #onlinepoker

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

j j j