Tag Archives: People

Anndy Lian on Web4: Why AI Must Rescue Crypto from Itself

Anndy Lian on Web4: Why AI Must Rescue Crypto from Itself

The Crypto Industry Is Lying to Itself, and I Wrote a Book About It

I sat down with Eddy on his show recently, episode 342, and we had a conversation I have been wanting to have publicly for years. No scripts. No promotional fluff. Just two people talking about what is broken in this industry and what might actually fix it.
Let me be direct. I launched my new book, “Web4: The Age of Autonomous Intelligence,” and I priced the ebook at $1.99. I could have charged $8.99 or more. I did not. I am not here to make money off this. I want people to read it, absorb the ideas, and start asking harder questions about the projects they put their money into. The book hit the Amazon top 10, which was encouraging, but the ranking is not the point. The concept spreading is the point.

The Gossip Piece That Became Something Bigger

When I started writing this book, I thought it would be a simple expose. A gossip piece, really. I wanted to name the projects pretending to be decentralized while operating like private companies. I have been investing in this space since 2017, and from day one, I saw fake projects everywhere. The same tricks recycled over and over. Launch pads, alpha groups, beta schemes, all extracting value from regular people while calling it community building.
I talked to many of the big players. Most of them told me this is just part of a capital-driven tech industry. I disagreed then and I disagree now. I asked them a simple question: what is the purpose of launching your coin or your platform? They said it is for the community. Then I asked: if it is for the community, why are you extracting 90%? The silence that followed told me everything.

Web3 Was a Beautiful Lie

Here is what Web3 was supposed to be. You own your data. Power returns to the people. No more Facebook model where one corporation controls everything and you just operate inside their walled garden. That was the pitch. It sounded good. It sounded great in every marketing deck and conference keynote.
It did not happen.
What happened instead was insider trading dressed up as decentralization. Projects governed by five or six people pretending to be DAOs. Token distributions designed so the founding team could dump on retail holders the moment liquidity appeared. I hate it. I hate watching people lose money to schemes that were rigged from the start.
I use the taco analogy with Eddy because it is simple and true. You run a restaurant for 20 years making authentic, handmade tortillas. Then some place opens down the street, buys Costco tortillas, and markets themselves as fresh and homemade. Ninety-five percent of customers cannot tell the difference. They believe the marketing. But you know. You can taste it. You can see the machine-made edges. That is Web3 right now. The marketing says decentralized. The reality is a small group pulling every string.

What Web4 Actually Looks Like

My vision for Web4 is not Web3 with an AI chatbot glued to the side. That is not what I am proposing. What I want is a completely new architecture where AI runs the consensus mechanism and the chain itself. Humans still participate. They still vote. They still propose. But the governance power, the treasury management, the decision-making framework, that belongs to AI working alongside the community.
Let me give you a concrete example. Say three founders start a blockchain. In the current model, each takes 30% of the token supply. Maybe 10% goes to the community. Those three people now control the entire network. They decide when to sell. They decide who gets funded. They decide everything.
In the Web4 model, each founder takes 3%. The AI manages the treasury. It decides when to sell tokens and how much. It works with the community on proposals. If the project needs to hire, AI and the community evaluate candidates together. If there is a governance vote, AI scans wallets to ensure each vote comes from an independent source, not one person operating twenty wallets. The founders still build. They still go to conferences and push the project forward. But they do not hold the keys to the kingdom.
Why does this matter? Because humans extract. That is what we do. We see profit and we think about vacations, about keeping more than we need, about securing our own future at the expense of others. AI does not need to pay bills. AI does not dream about a trip to Bali. AI operates in black and white. That makes it fairer by default.

The Trust Problem Is the Real Problem

I keep coming back to trust. If you lose the trust of the people, your decentralized product is dead. No amount of market making or liquidity partnerships will save it. Right now, the industry chases narratives. RWA one week. Tokenized stocks the next. We are kissing the stock market to get liquidity, and I do not see the value in that. We are just following money around instead of solving our own foundational problem.
The question every person in this space should ask is simple: are we actually decentralized? If the answer is no, and I believe for most projects it is no, then what are we even selling? What is the point? We cannot keep pivoting from narrative to narrative while ignoring the rot at the center.

On the Market and the Noise

Eddy asked me about Bitcoin and whether now is the time to buy. I said no. I do not think we have seen the bottom. I believe the lowest point will come after the US midterms, maybe October or November. The recent price movements look like fake pumps to me. I told a friend I would not buy at 66,000 and then watch it drop to 44,000 and panic sell. Why suffer through that? Wait for a clear green candle with real volume sustained over days or weeks. Buy at 80,000 and sell at 100,000. You still make a strong return without the psychological torture.
I also told Eddy to ignore the social media influencers promising AI trading bots that make money while you sleep. If everyone has the same tool, nobody has an edge. The real advantage in algorithmic trading is data speed, not the bot itself. And if those influencers were truly making that much money, why are they still creating content?

Open Source Is the Path Forward

One more thing I feel strongly about. The future of AI belongs to open-source, open-weighted models. I respect what the frontier labs are doing, and they deserve to earn money during this phase. But paying enormous API fees forever is not sustainable. It reminds me of the early Microsoft days when you paid hundreds for a Windows license. Eventually the cost drops. Eventually the open model wins.
If you surrender all your data to a proprietary frontier model, you are handing power to a corporation, which hands it to a government. Once that power is gone, you do not get it back. Run your own model. Train your own model. Be sustainable. That is the Web4 philosophy applied to AI itself.

Why I Keep Showing Up

I cannot change everything. I know that. But I will not stop sharing the truth. Instead of going on podcasts to say Bitcoin is going to a million next year or XRP is hitting $100, I want to talk about what is real. What is broken. What can be fixed. If you love this industry, ask yourself why you are still here. What are you hoping for? What is missing?
I want the industry to be better. That is the only thing driving me. Read the book. It is $1.99. Share it. Talk about it. Let us push this conversation forward together.
View it at: https://youtu.be/pLVZ8-ggeiQ

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”.

www.anndy.com
j j j

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”.

www.anndy.com
j j j

How Influencers and Content Can Onboard More People onto Web3: Insights from Taipei Blockchain Week 2024

How Influencers and Content Can Onboard More People onto Web3: Insights from Taipei Blockchain Week 2024

The Taipei Blockchain Week 2024 brought together some of the brightest minds in the blockchain and Web3 space to discuss the future of the industry. One of the standout panels of the event was titled “How Influencers and Content Can Onboard More People onto Web3”, featuring a diverse group of panelists:

  • Anndy Lian, Intergovernmental Blockchain Advisor
  • Dan, representing Retail DAO
  • Andrew Weiner, VP of WEEEX Global
  • Emily Lai, CMO of HYPE

The discussion was lively, insightful, and packed with actionable advice on how influencers and content creators can help bridge the gap between Web2 and Web3, making blockchain technology more accessible to the masses. Below, we’ll explore the key takeaways and quotes from the panelists.

The Role of Authenticity in Influencer Marketing

One of the first topics discussed was the importance of authenticity in influencer marketing. Andrew Weiner emphasized that the biggest mistake in influencer marketing is working with influencers who don’t genuinely use or believe in the product they’re promoting. He stated:

“The worst mistake you can make with influencer marketing is getting people to say something good without them authentically using it. Today’s consumers want to see and be educated on how things actually work, not just be sold to.”

This sentiment was echoed by Dan, who shared his approach as a content creator. He explained that he only promotes projects he believes in and ensures transparency with his audience:

“If a company approaches me, I first have to find out if they’re going to be around in a few years. I also make it clear to my audience when content is sponsored. Authenticity is key.”

The panelists agreed that audiences are becoming increasingly savvy and can easily spot inauthentic endorsements. For Web3 projects, building trust through genuine engagement is far more effective than flashy but hollow marketing campaigns.

Community First: The Foundation of Web3 Success

Anndy Lian brought a unique perspective as both an investor and advisor. He stressed the importance of community-driven projects, stating that the strength of a project’s community often determines its success:

“I don’t look at the product first; I look at the community. If the community is strong and genuinely engaged, that’s a good sign. Projects that focus on building a real community will always have a better chance of succeeding.”

He also highlighted the pitfalls of working with influencers who have a short-term mindset, noting that some influencers are quick to sell their tokens, which can harm the project and its community:

“The worst kind of influencers are those who sell early. If you’re bullish on your project, you should hold and support it. A strong community and long-term commitment are what drive success.”

This focus on community was a recurring theme throughout the panel. Emily Lai summarized it well:

“At the end of the day, it’s not just about the go-to-market strategy. Consumers and communities need to genuinely want to engage with and use the product. That’s what creates lasting momentum.”

The Marketing Funnel for Influencers: Different Types for Different Stages

The panelists also discussed the different types of influencers and how they fit into the marketing funnel. Anndy Lian broke it down into three stages:

  1. Awareness Stage:
    At this stage, projects can work with influencers who have large followings, even if their engagement is low or their content is less authentic. The goal is to create noise and get the project on people’s radar.
  2. Engagement Stage:
    Here, projects should collaborate with influencers who have a more engaged audience, even if their reach is smaller. These influencers can help build trust and drive meaningful interactions.
  3. Conversion Stage:
    Finally, projects need to work with high-integrity influencers who have built trust with their audience over time. These influencers can drive conversions and long-term loyalty.

Anndy explained:

“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. You need to work with different types of influencers at different stages of your project. But ultimately, the goal is to build a community that’s real and engaged.”

The Challenges of Onboarding New Users to Web3

One of the biggest challenges in the Web3 space is onboarding new users, especially those unfamiliar with blockchain technology. Dan, who creates educational content for retail traders, shared his insights:

“The problem with getting people into DeFi is that it’s too complicated. There are too many steps, too many things to remember, and too many ways to lose money. It has to be a gradual process.”

He explained that his most popular content is often educational, such as tutorials on how to use platforms like Coinbase or how to navigate decentralized finance (DeFi). By breaking down complex topics into simple, actionable steps, he’s able to attract and retain a wider audience.

East vs. West: Differences in Influencer Marketing

The panel also explored the differences between influencer marketing in Asia and the West. Andrew Weiner noted that in the West, cryptocurrency has historically been viewed with skepticism, which has shaped the way content is created:

“In the West, crypto was a boogeyman for years. Now, the narrative is shifting, and people are more open to learning about these products. Educational content is crucial for onboarding new users.”

In contrast, Anndy Lian pointed out that in Asia, marketing strategies are often more aggressive and creative. He mentioned the prevalence of referral programs and multi-level marketing (MLM) models in the region, which can be highly effective in driving adoption:

“In the Chinese-speaking market, a lot of projects use referral or MLM strategies to onboard users. It’s very different from the West, where these methods are less common.”

Creativity in Influencer Marketing: Standing Out in a Crowded Market

As the Web3 space becomes increasingly competitive, creativity in marketing is more important than ever. Andrew Weiner shared an example of experiential marketing, which he believes is the next frontier:

“We recently partnered with Michael Owen, a world champion soccer player, to create unique experiences for our users. Instead of just giving away USDT, we’re offering opportunities to attend exclusive events, like coaching sessions or live games. These types of experiences are far more engaging and memorable.”

Anndy Lian added that some projects are even exploring unconventional platforms like OnlyFans to reach new audiences. While this approach may not be suitable for every project, it highlights the importance of thinking outside the box.

The Future of Influencer Marketing in Web3

As the panel wrapped up, the speakers shared their thoughts on the future of influencer marketing in the Web3 space. Emily Lai emphasized the need for authenticity and trust:

“The highest-tier influencers are those who have built trust with their audience over time. In a crowded market, trust is what sets you apart.”

Dan highlighted the importance of education:

“Educational content is key to onboarding new users. The more we can simplify and demystify Web3, the more people we can bring into the space.”

Finally, Anndy Lian reiterated the importance of community:

“At the end of the day, it’s all about the community. A strong, engaged community is the foundation of any successful Web3 project.”

Conclusion

The panel at Taipei Blockchain Week 2024 provided valuable insights into how influencers and content creators can help onboard more people onto Web3. From the importance of authenticity and community to the need for creativity and education, the discussion highlighted the many facets of effective marketing in the blockchain space. As the industry continues to evolve, these strategies will play a crucial role in driving adoption and building a more inclusive Web3 ecosystem.

 

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”.

www.anndy.com
j j j