Episode Highlights with Timestamps:

• [01:20] Cory’s origin story his journey from studying CS, building XBOX games, catching the iOS mobile development wave and working at Gigster.
• [13:24] Inside Gigster: championing Web3 internally and growing the Web3 vertical to account for 18% of the company’s annual revenue—from scratch.
• [16:19] Opportunities in Web3: Cory’s take on the market’s maturation, the 2021-22 NFT bubble, blockchain infrastructure, the “Gold Rush” mentality, and untapped low-hanging opportunities.
• [22:32] Advice for entrepreneurs: being resourceful with technical talent, strategically hiring freelancers, and effectively leveraging gig workers.
• [25:22] The intersection of AI and blockchain: Is AI a fad? Using blockchain to validate digital ownership, protect user data from AI scraping, and manage sensitive medical data.
• [31:25] On-chain royalty payouts for intellectual property.
• [36:00] The dystopian implications of AI and the compounding effect of large language models (LLMs) self-training.
• [40:36] Close

About Our Guest

Cory Hymel is a seasoned technologist and innovator with a track record of building and scaling impactful tech solutions. He started his journey in computer science, creating Xbox games and riding the wave of iOS mobile app development, before making his mark in the startup world.

Cory spent pivotal years at Gigster, where he spearheaded the company’s Web3 initiatives, growing the vertical from zero to 18% of the company’s annual revenue. Throughout his career, he has been deeply involved in exploring how emerging technologies like blockchain and AI can drive innovation and solve real-world problems.

Beyond his work at Gigster, Cory is a thought leader in blockchain, AI, and the future of digital ownership. He regularly shares insights on how these technologies intersect and shape industries, solidifying his reputation as a visionary in the tech space.

About Gigster

Gigster is a technology company that connects businesses with world-class software development teams to create custom applications at scale. By blending automation and an extensive network of talented developers, Gigster simplifies the process of building high-quality software solutions.

Known for their ability to rapidly deliver innovative projects, Gigster has helped startups and enterprises transform ideas into reality. With a strong emphasis on emerging technologies like blockchain and AI, Gigster has positioned itself as a leader in enabling businesses to stay competitive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

Gigster

Website [https://www.gigster.com/]
Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/gigster/]

Follow and stay connected with Cory Hymel

Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-hymel/]

OVERNIGHT SUCCESS

PRESENTED BY DRAPER UNIVERSITY

HOSTED BY CHRIS JOANNOU

Episode Highlights with Timestamps:

• [01:20] Introductions, going to school as a girl in India, completing a CA, and getting into startups
• [05:09] Importance of parental support
• [06:19] Why ride-hailing is broken & becoming a web3 convert
• [10:44] How does DRIFE work? How can web3 be integrated with ride-hailing?
• [14:52] Tokenomics & sustainability beyond hype cycles
• [17:30] Navigating COVID and growth roadmap
• [20:52] Retaining ownership

About Our Guest

Firdosh Sheikh is the CEO and co-founder of DRIFE, a decentralized ride-hailing platform leveraging blockchain technology to empower both drivers and riders. With a background in Chartered Accountancy, she transitioned into the startup world, bringing her business acumen to disrupt traditional industries.

Under her leadership, DRIFE has expanded its operations to Dubai and India, aiming to revolutionize the ride-hailing industry by offering a more transparent, equitable, and sustainable model.

About DRIFE

DRIFE is a decentralized ride-hailing platform built on blockchain principles, aiming to empower both riders and drivers by eliminating intermediaries and providing better ownership and incentives.

DRIFE operates on a zero-commission model, giving drivers 100% of the fare while offering affordable rides. The platform uses an auction-based pricing model, letting drivers and riders set fair prices based on supply and demand. DRIFE's $DRF token ensures secure transactions and drives loyalty and incentives.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• DRIFE [https://www.drife.io/] [https://www.linkedin.com/company/drifeofficial/] [https://x.com/Drife_official]
• Follow and stay up to date with Firdosh Sheikh [https://www.linkedin.com/in/firdosh-sheikh/] [https://x.com/Firdosh_Drife]

OVERNIGHT SUCCESS

PRESENTED BY DRAPER UNIVERSITY

HOSTED BY CHRIS JOANNOU

Episode Highlights with Timestamps:

• [00:45] Yael shares her entrepreneurial journey, shaped by experiences like hyperinflation during the Soviet Union's collapse, an entrepreneurial father, Wall Street, and moving to Israel during the startup boom. She also transitioned from traditional finance to a PhD in startup valuations.
• [10:08] The similarities between Israel and Silicon Valley, with startup hubs growing beyond Silicon Valley and new opportunities arising after Yael’s move to Israel.
• [12:29] Yael discusses how her background in economics and finance led to her interest in startups. She highlights the importance of understanding funding stages, equity distribution, and creative financing for startups in tough times.
• [15:55] Yael’s introduction to blockchain and Bitcoin, her disillusionment with traditional finance, and the power of smart contracts and ICOs. She reflects on the early days of SolidBlock, building one of the first real estate tokenization platforms.
• [22:36] Navigating pivots and business model changes when unit economics aren’t working, the importance of resilience, and managing fixed costs against revenue as a founder.
• [28:57] A sidebar on the Draper Venture Network and Draper Portfolio Companies.
• [30:29] Yael reflects on her hustle during COVID-19, the blessings of remote work, and the first wave of institutional adoption of tokenization technology by firms like JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs.
• [34:43] Yael breaks down SolidBlock’s services, which focus on brokers and syndicators, not average investors. The importance of trusted broker and seller networks.
• [39:20] How Web3 can bring clarity to affiliation and attribution, success in NFTs & royalties, and why AI will never disrupt brokers & agents in real estate.
• [43:21] The benefits of blockchain and smart contracts in tracking deals and introductions, ensuring transparency in commissions and conversions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of rewarding successful introductions and the visibility that blockchain provides in sales processes.

About Our Guest
With a background in law and technology, Yael Tamar has become a leader in blockchain innovation, empowering asset owners to tokenize real estate and democratize investment. Under her leadership, SolidBlock successfully tokenized major properties. She’s passionate about blockchain adoption and is now expanding her technology to tokenize assets beyond real estate.

Since the recording of this podcast she has now expanded her technology to tokenize assets beyond real estate. Yael is currently building DIBS, a multi-broker network for the secondary market of private company shares, offering secure, transparent, and compliant Web3-powered transactions.

About SolidBlock
SolidBlock provides an all-in-one platform that enables asset owners to easily tokenize their real estate holdings. This process breaks assets into digital shares, allowing investors to trade them.

They made history by tokenizing the world’s first commercial property in Aspen, Colorado, raising $18M for the renowned St. Regis Aspen Resort.

Now, SolidBlock is partnering with real estate projects globally and working to grow their network by collaborating with real estate companies, municipal projects, and investors.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• SolidBlock [https://www.linkedin.com/company/solidblock-co/] [https://x.com/SolidBlockCo]
• Follow and stay up to date with Yael Tamar [https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaeltamar/] [https://x.com/yaeltamar]

OVERNIGHT SUCCESS

PRESENTED BY DRAPER UNIVERSITY

HOSTED BY CHRIS JOANNOU

Episode Highlights with Timestamps:

• [00:45] Introductions
• [01:29] Matt shares his journey as a seasoned marketing leader, starting with his first taste of entrepreneurship flipping baseball cards. He discusses how his early passion for sports, celebrities, and connections led him to work for the NBA. Matt also dives into building the digital marketing frameworks we rely on today and explores the exciting opportunities awaiting marketers in Web3.
• [11:39] The key moments that made Matt a Web3 optimist: starting with early experiments with creator tools in the mid-2010s, followed by investing in crypto, and witnessing the rise of NBA Top Shot. These experiences highlighted blockchain's potential—not just for collectibles, but as a game-changing tool for identity management, CRM solutions, and transforming digital touchpoints.
• [16:06] Exploring the world of NFT memberships. How the misuse of NFTs as unsustainable profit centers lead to distrust in the technology. How to properly use NFT’s for the future of marketing and community building through loyalty and long-term engagement. Understanding the nature of how communities are built and how blockchain can enhance these multidirectional interactions with CRM and loyalty programs integrating with existing consumer behaviors.
• [21:14] The evolution of community-building in Web3, from early missteps to the return of a digital agency mindset. Key insights on how successful communities are built, the importance of quality membership, and why connecting products to communities is crucial for long-term success.
• [25:32] Matt discusses how education and transparency are key to overcoming negative associations with blockchain, and why differentiating use cases is essential for building trust. The future of blockchain depends on smart integration and clear, positive results that will outweigh the actions of bad actors.
• [29:02] Culture is the heartbeat of modern marketing. Learn how communities, nano-influencers, and the rise of new platforms are reshaping how we connect, create, and adapt in a rapidly evolving world.
• [32:41] The Creator Economy is shifting! Dive into the future of content creation, social impact, and how creators can leverage their work beyond financial gain in a world that is changing how we value creativity.
• [36:35] How will AI change the creative landscape? From helping creators improve their output to the rise of average content, Matt Wurst discusses how AI tools can enhance human creativity—but they won’t replace it.
• [42:01] Why human intelligence cannot be replaced by AI. And the importance of our own experiences in shaping our ability as creators and
• [47:17] Outro.

About Our Guest
Matt Wurst is the CMO at Genuin, a platform focused on creating a comprehensive network for brands, creators, and consumers. With extensive experience in both in-house and agency roles, Matt has collaborated with organizations like the NBA, revelation (acquired by Jellyfish), 360i and Mint.

Matt’s journey into Web3 began with the desire to return digital ownership to creators and consumers, away from corporate control. Passionate about the intersection of AI and Web3, Matt explores how these technologies are reshaping marketing, communities, and the creative process.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Matt on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewwurst/]
• Matt on X/Twitter [https://x.com/mwurst]

OVERNIGHT SUCCESS

PRESENTED BY DRAPER UNIVERSITY

HOSTED BY CHRIS JOANNOU

Episode Highlights with Timestamps:

• [00:45] Matt shares his backstory, describing how childhood hobbies like gaming and collecting laid the foundation for his work with non-fungible assets, ecosystems, and entrepreneurship.
• [04:03] Reflecting on his Waldorf schooling experience, Matt explains how it encouraged him to explore various art forms and build a wide range of skills, shaping him into a generalist who now wears multiple hats at Bonfire.
• [06:08] From studying Computer Science to working at Goldman Sachs and Uber, Matt recounts his time in intense work cultures, gaining valuable experience at a high-growth scale-up nearing an exit.
• [10:00] The journey into entrepreneurship: how Matt met his co-founder Mel and began building their vision during nights and weekends before fully committing.
• [13:20] Matt's "Web3 Eureka" moment: discovering NFTs and how they disrupt Web2 reward mechanisms, enabling brands to transform transactional relationships into ones rooted in strong brand affinity.
• [17:00] Bonfire’s mission: empowering creators to own their relationships with superfans. Matt discusses how Web2 offers only marginal improvements to existing problems, whereas Web3 allows creators to reclaim ownership of customer relationships from social networks and marketing platforms.
• [21:04] A deep dive into the technicalities of on-chain technology for creators, with discussions on platforms like Rally and the risks of financial speculation in Web3 creator reward systems.
• [23:00] Balancing community feedback with the product vision and roadmap. Matt addresses the challenges of working with early-stage technology and the importance of healthy skepticism about the space's direction.
• [27:04] Unexpected creator requests and discovering their "zone of genius" in relation to the broader Web3 ecosystem.
• [29:38] Podcast NFTs: exploring the unique relationships podcasters have with their audiences. Matt brainstorms ways to address engagement challenges in Web2 and how Web3 can strengthen creator-fan relationships.
• [35:04] Tips for creators on community building and monetization. Matt compares scaling for monetization with identifying superfans, offering insights on how creators can successfully leverage Web3 to monetize their work.
• [39:21] How Adam Levy uses free podcast NFT drops to identify his superfans more effectively.
• [43:25] Outro.

About Our Guest
Matt Alston is the co-founder of Bonfire, a groundbreaking platform designed to empower creators and communities in the Web3 ecosystem. With a background spanning technology, finance, and entrepreneurship, Matt has worked at leading organizations like Goldman Sachs and Uber, gaining invaluable experience in high-growth and innovative environments.

Matt’s journey into Web3 began with a fascination for NFTs and their potential to revolutionize creator economies. Passionate about helping brands and creators build direct and meaningful relationships with their audiences, Matt and co-founder Mel at Bonfire are redefining how creators engage with their superfans through blockchain technology.

About Bonfire
Bonfire is a Web3-native platform that enables creators and communities to own their relationships with their superfans. By providing tools to launch and manage custom experiences on the blockchain, Bonfire empowers creators to break free from the limitations of traditional Web2 platforms.

Focused on delivering scalable and accessible solutions, Bonfire allows creators to build token-gated communities, reward superfans, and foster genuine connections. With a mission to transform transactional relationships into ones rooted in loyalty and engagement, Bonfire is at the forefront of Web3 innovation, reshaping the future of creator economies.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Bonfire Website [https://www.bonfire.xyz/]
• Bonfire Twitter/X [https://x.com/bonfire_tweets]
• Bonfire Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonfirexyz/]
• Follow and stay up to date with Matt Alston [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-alston/] [https://x.com/matt__alston]

OVERNIGHT SUCCESS

PRESENTED BY DRAPER UNIVERSITY

HOSTED BY CHRIS JOANNOU

Episode Highlights with Timestamps:

• [00:45] Introduction and Masha’s origin story
• [03:21] Transitioning from Entrepreneurship to working at Rarible
• [04:30] Leadership at Rarible and being early adopters of the NFT space
• [06:30] Building new technology, how did the early Rarible team prioritize their roadmap? Breaking down marketing in Web3
• [08:44] The importance of community building in Web3, how do you build community? The relationship between NFTs, community and the product roadmap - the importance of understanding your user in building your product.
• [13:15] What is the difference between Rarible and Rarible protocol? How does Rarible support creators and web3 builders?
• [16:19] Phygital: What’s happening? How is Rarible supporting the adoption of Physical X Digital space. Membership passes. Ownership. Merchandise. Growing communities.
• [19:52] What’s exciting Masha in the Web3 space? Community growth. Multichain growth.
• [22:45] How to get started in Web3? The Artist roadmap on how to build

About Our Guest
Masha is the former Head of Marketing & Communications at Rarible. She was the first marketing employee at Rarible and helped the team shape their roadmap and understanding on how to manage all things marketing. PR, social media, community growth, events and more. During her time she was able to drive the strategy which grew Rarible’s owned channels to over 1 million followers.

Since the recording of this podcast, Masha is now continuing to build her Web3 Marketing consultancy at It Takes Two.

About Rarible
Rarible.com is a decentralized marketplace for buying, selling, and creating non-fungible tokens (NFTs). It allows users to mint their own NFTs without requiring coding knowledge, enabling artists, creators, and collectors to trade digital assets such as art, music, domain names, and collectibles.

Built on blockchain technology, Rarible supports multiple networks like Ethereum, Tezos, and Polygon, offering users flexibility in choosing their preferred platform. The platform emphasizes user governance, allowing participants to vote on platform upgrades and decisions through its native cryptocurrency, $RARI.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Rarible [https://rarible.com/] [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rarible/] [https://x.com/rarible]
• Follow and stay up to date with Masha: [https://x.com/masha_vy] [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariavyazemskaya/]

OVERNIGHT SUCCESS

PRESENTED BY DRAPER UNIVERSITY

HOSTED BY CHRIS JOANNOU

Episode Highlights with Timestamps:

• [00:45] Lars Seier’s origin story: A glimpse into his entrepreneurial beginnings and early exposure to business during childhood.
• [04:34] Career journey: From owning and running a bar to transitioning into traditional finance and finding his passion for trading.
• [06:45] Building a brokerage: The story of creating a brokerage firm that evolved into a SaaS company, showcasing Lars' ability to adapt and innovate.
• [10:25] Overcoming setbacks: Insights into maintaining resilience and focus during challenging times. Lars shares what drives and motivates him as an entrepreneur.
• [15:20] Starting fresh: Why Lars decided to exit SaaS and build anew, leading to his venture into Web3 and the creation of his own blockchain platform.
• [18:49] Leveraging experience: How Lars’ background in traditional finance and brokerage informed his understanding of blockchain’s potential, and the gaps preventing mass adoption in the financial sector.
• [25:37] Regulatory needs for blockchain: A discussion on the role of regulation, combating fraud, and protecting intellectual property to enable blockchain’s widespread adoption.
• [29:37] Excitement for Web3: Lars shares his thoughts on the future of Web3, including enterprise and corporate adoption of blockchain technology.

About Our Guest
Lars Seier Christensen is the co-founder and former CEO of Saxo Bank, a pioneer in online trading and investment platforms. Under his leadership, Saxo Bank became a global fintech powerhouse, serving clients in over 170 countries.
In addition to his success at Saxo Bank, Lars is a prominent investor, entrepreneur, and advocate for blockchain technology. He is the founder and chairman of Concordium, a leading blockchain platform that emphasizes user privacy, transparency, and regulatory compliance.
Since stepping away from Saxo Bank, Lars has focused on building ventures across finance, technology, and hospitality, solidifying his reputation as a visionary leader with a passion for innovation and community building.

About Concordium
Concordium is a public, proof-of-stake blockchain designed to balance privacy and accountability. With a unique identity layer, it ensures that users can maintain their anonymity while still being able to prove their identity if necessary.
The platform is built with businesses and developers in mind, offering fast transactions, low costs, and interoperability. By combining cutting-edge technology with a strong focus on compliance, Concordium paves the way for blockchain adoption in industries requiring regulatory alignment, such as finance, healthcare, and supply chain.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Concordium [https://concordium.com/]
• Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/concordium/]
• Twitter/X [https://x.com/ConcordiumNet]

Follow and stay up to date with Lars Seier Christensen:

• LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsseier/]
• Twitter/X [https://x.com/larsseier]

OVERNIGHT SUCCESS

PRESENTED BY DRAPER UNIVERSITY

HOSTED BY CHRIS JOANNOU

• Introduction:
  • Host: Chris welcomes special guest Hrish Lutleka, Co-founder and CEO of SuperWorld.
  • SuperWorld introduced as a virtual world in augmented reality, a digital twin of the existing world.
• Guest Background:
  • Hrish's impressive background includes co-founding Rogue Initiative Studios and holding senior positions at renowned institutions.
  • Educational background in political science and business.
• SuperWorld Mission:
  • Empowers users to create, discover, and monetize content globally using augmented reality.
  • Integration of web3 and virtual real estate as NFTs, dividing the world into 64 billion plots.
• Entrepreneurial Journey:
  • Hrish's journey from management consulting to Wall Street and venture capital.
  • Exploration of Eastern Europe and co-founding Rogue Initiative Studios.
• AR/VR Space Entry:
  • Inspired by the success of Pokemon Go, Hrish delves into the AR/VR space.
• Life Philosophy:
  • Discussion on Hrish's positive energy and life philosophy.
  • Emphasis on pursuing passions and enjoying the entrepreneurial journey.
• SuperWorld Applications:
  • Commercial ventures and social impact causes on the platform.
  • Examples include virtual real estate, digital art creation in the Amazon jungle, and disaster relief initiatives.
• Web3 and NFT Integration:
  • SuperWorld's early entry into web3 and NFTs, with a focus on real-world utility.
  • Community engagement through stakeholder relationships and direct transactions.
• Time Capsule Concept:
  • SuperWorld as a gateway to the metaverse, allowing users to visualize historical or future content in specific locations.
• Getting Started with SuperWorld:
  • Accessible through the website or mobile app.
  • Users can buy virtual real estate, create content for free, or mint NFTs in the NFT salon.
• SuperWorld's Impact:
  • Positive response from users and alignment with the evolving understanding of concepts like NFTs and web3.
• Closing Statements:
  • Invitation for listeners to explore SuperWorld and join in building the virtual world together.
  • Contact details provided for further inquiries.
• Outro:
  • Chris expresses excitement about SuperWorld's impact and encourages listeners to reach out to Hrish.
  • Hrish shares contact details, emphasizing SuperWorld's accessibility and commitment to educating people about emerging technologies.
  • Gratitude for the podcast community and anticipation for future developments in the metaverse.

Links

SuperWorld

Rogue Initiative Studios

TopTal

Unreal Engine

Unity

OVERNIGHT SUCCESS

PRESENTED BY DRAPER UNIVERSITY

HOSTED BY CHRIS JOANNOU