In this episode of The Blockchain Startup Show, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tim Dierckxsens, CEO and Co-Founder of Venly.

Tim takes us through Venly’s journey since its founding in 2017 and shares his insights into the evolution of blockchain tooling, the importance of simplifying Web3 for developers, and the challenges and opportunities of scaling a blockchain business in today’s market.

From creating developer-friendly platforms to addressing the challenges of blockchain adoption, this episode is packed with actionable advice for Web3 founders and leaders.

[00:02] Introduction to Tim Dierckxsens and Venly

• Tim’s background as a business consultant and how blockchain caught his attention.
• The founding of Venly and its mission to simplify blockchain adoption.
• Recognizing the need for middleware to address blockchain infrastructure challenges.

[04:05] How Venly Has Evolved Over Time

• The transition from a wallet provider to an all-in-one blockchain platform.
• Lessons learned from scaling too quickly and how Venly adapted to challenges.

[05:46] The Comeback of Enterprise Blockchain

• Observing a resurgence in private blockchain initiatives by companies like JP Morgan.
• Differences between public and private blockchain use cases.

[08:21] Blockchain Maturity and Long-Term Adoption

• Why blockchain adoption mirrors the rise of cloud technology.
• Understanding the Gartner Hype Cycle and blockchain’s long-term potential.

[13:08] Addressing Security Challenges in Blockchain

• Tackling smart contract vulnerabilities and ensuring protocol safety.
• The rise of liability insurance for blockchain platforms.
• Drawing parallels between blockchain security and traditional cybersecurity.

[17:04] Developer Enablement for Web3 Adoption

• The importance of no-code and low-code solutions for businesses.
• How Venly empowers developers with API-based platforms to bridge Web2 and Web3.

[27:32] Building for Web3 vs. Web2 Audiences

• Key differences in targeting native Web3 users versus traditional businesses.
• Why simplified tools and user-friendly interfaces are critical for scaling blockchain use cases.

[47:35] The Role of Regulation in Blockchain

• Why regulation should be seen as a framework for safety, not a limitation.
• Innovations in compliance, such as Cardano’s Midnight and its focus on privacy.

[55:28] Lessons from Six Years in Blockchain Leadership

• Tim reflects on Venly’s journey, sharing lessons from navigating market downturns.
• The importance of resilience, adaptability, and long-term thinking for founders.

[01:00:12] Final Advice for Aspiring Founders

• Why founders must be optimistic yet pragmatic to inspire their teams.
• Leading through uncertainty and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Tim Dierckxsens highlights the importance of simplifying blockchain technology for both developers and businesses. Venly’s focus on developer-friendly APIs and user-centric platforms makes it easier for companies to bridge the gap between Web2 and Web3. By removing technical barriers, Venly is playing a key role in accelerating blockchain adoption.

After six years of leading Venly, Tim emphasizes that resilience and adaptability are critical for success in the blockchain space. Founders must navigate rapid technological shifts and market...

In this episode of The Blockchain Startup Show, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kristina Kuleshova, Head of People and Culture at Magic Square.

Kristina shares her perspective on cultural and generational differences in Web3 teams, and how startups can best adapt to an inter-generational, inter-cultural workforce that’s radically different from anything that came before.

From cross-cultural management to generational insights, this episode is packed with actionable advice for founders looking to scale their teams effectively.

Episode Outline and Highlights:

[00:02] Introduction to Kristina Kuleshova and Magic Square

• Kristina's Web3 origin story
• Her role as Head of People and Culture at Magic Square
• Initial encounters with blockchain and its transformative potential

[10:06] Generational Differences in Web3

• Challenges in hiring and organizational culture within Web3
• The generational divide in crypto workplaces
• Strategies for creating inclusive environments

[18:09] Evolving Workforce Trends

• Contrasts in work attitudes between Gen Z and other generations
• The impact of digital age information access on productivity
• Cultural expectations and the pursuit of meaningful work

[30:53] The New Model of Team Building

• Balancing professional duties with personal passions in crypto
• The importance of adaptability and rapid decision-making
• The value of flexibility and changing perceptions of job-hopping

[45:19] Attracting Experienced Talent

• Transitioning from established companies to startups
• The role of mutual selection in recruitment
• Benefits of tenure and experience in Web3 teams

[51:16] Non-Traditional Employment

• The rapid pace of change
• Differences in employment structures and their impact
• Attracting non-crypto native talent

[56:59] Crypto Work Culture

• The rise of remote work and digital nomadism
• Cultural attitudes towards remote work in different regions
• The fun and rewarding environment of the crypto industry

Building Stronger Teams in Web3

Kristina Kuleshova highlights the importance of bringing people together across different age groups and backgrounds in Web3. As the industry evolves, creating an environment where collaboration and fresh ideas thrive is key. Leaders can build strong teams that handle the volatility of the industry by encouraging diversity and making quick, thoughtful decisions.

The Value of Experience and Broader Perspectives

The crypto industry benefits from combining the energy of younger generations with the knowledge of more experienced professionals. By recognizing and addressing the unique needs of older candidates, startups can build balanced teams. This approach not only strengthens company culture but also helps drive lasting success.

In this episode of The Blockchain Startup Show, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ceri Power, Head of People at the StarkNet Foundation.

We discuss Ceri’s experiences with hyper-growth teams Chainlink and Status, exploring how to build teams that effectively integrate crypto-native and non-crypto-native talent. Ceri shares lessons on operational efficiency, open-source collaboration, and community-driven marketing—and what early-stage founders can learn from more established teams.

We touch on Web3 recruiting, and how competence trumps credentials. We also examine the crucial role of founders in shaping company culture and their strategic importance as the public face of their organizations.

Join us as we take a peek “behind the curtain” to see how some of crypto’s most successful teams have scaled…

Episode Outline and Highlights:

[00:02] Scaling Web3 Companies

• Introduction to Ceri Power and her role at StarkNetInsights from scaling Chainlink and Status
• The importance of operational efficiency and open-source collaboration

[11:47] The Value of Hiring Non-Crypto Talent

• Transition from traditional credential-based hiring to valuing skills and agency
• The integration of non-crypto-native talent and changing industry perceptions
• Creating a flexible, growth-oriented work culture

[20:45] Purpose, Passion in Crypto

• The intersection of ideas and innovation
• Bringing fresh perspectives into crypto
• Meaning and purpose

[31:02] Founders and Web3 Culture

• The role of founders as public figures and cultural leaders
• The importance of strong personal branding and active involvement in hiring
• Setting the company's trajectory through consistent messaging

[41:35] Building Strong Foundations for Success

• Making tough decisions as a founder to manage team dynamics and performance
• Early intervention and saying goodbye with grace
• Advice for seed-stage founders

[45:40] Early-stage Hiring

• The importance of strategic hiring decisions in the early days
• Dangers of settling for less than exceptional talent
• Clear organizational vision and effective delegation for scaling

[50:53] Strategic Hiring for Long-Term Success

• Challenges of hiring during crypto's volatile boom and bust cycles
• Intentional hiring decisions and maintaining sustainability
• Impact of hiring and firing on company culture and reputation

Creating a Culture of Adaptability in Web3

In crypto, a flexible, open team culture is essential. Ceri Power shares how blending crypto-native and non-crypto-native talent helps companies thrive in the face of constant change. By fostering collaboration and encouraging new perspectives, early-stage teams can cultivate a dynamic work environment that welcomes innovation and builds resilience.

Sustainable Growth Through Thoughtful Hiring

Scaling quickly doesn’t mean hiring at random. Ceri emphasizes the importance of purpose-driven recruitment, where each hire aligns with the company’s long-term vision. For founders, this approach isn’t just about filling seats—it’s about building a foundation for sustainable growth and a strong, cohesive culture that will weather the ups and downs of the crypto industry.