Untangling Web3

Untangling Web3

por Jack Davies & Alec Burns

Noticias de tecnología Tecnología

Temporada 1

#117 Untangling: The Pixels Paradigm with Luke Barwikowski

Gaming is evolving beyond entertainment into a dynamic, player-driven economy—and Web3 is at the heart of that transformation. In this episode of Untangling Web3, Luke Barwikowski, founder and CEO of Pixels, joins to explore how blockchain is reshaping the gaming industry. Pixels is a social Web3 game that fuses casual farming gameplay with real-world economic mechanics. With over 10 million registered users, the game is setting new standards for interoperability, player ownership, and scalable token-driven economies in the Web3 space. Key highlights: Web3 gaming demands new economic models: Traditional gaming revenue models are struggling. Studios spend magnitudes more on user acquisition than on game development, often with razor-thin margins. Pixels flips this model by directly rewarding users for valuable behavior. Instead of spending $1 on ads, that dollar is given to users through the game itself—an approach made scalable through tokens. This “reward-to-play” model uses data-driven segmentation to tailor incentives to user profiles, ensuring economic sustainability while strengthening community participation. Precision reward systems drive user growth and retention: Rather than blanket airdrops or undifferentiated incentives, Pixels uses predictive analytics and behavioral segmentation to issue rewards based on user potential and engagement patterns. Whether encouraging gameplay, referrals, or in-game spending, each incentive is optimized for long-term growth. These mechanics mirror Web2 adtech systems but replace ad spend with value distribution to players, forming a player-centric economic loop. Bridging crypto-native and mainstream audiences Pixels initially focused on crypto-native users, but reaching the next wave of players means eliminating crypto onboarding barriers. Future iterations will remove mandatory wallet sign-ups and minimize crypto UX friction. While blockchain infrastructure powers the backend, the frontend will prioritize smooth, intuitive gameplay. New users can access Web3-native benefits—like real ownership and tokenized economies—without having to confront the technical complexities. Pixels illustrates how Web3 gaming can move beyond hype into scalable, user-owned ecosystems. By aligning player incentives with network growth, eliminating friction for mainstream adoption, and reimagining game economies through blockchain, projects like these signal a future where fun, fairness, and functionality co-exist. Web3 isn’t just enhancing games—it’s reinventing how they're built, played, and sustained. __ Learn more about Pixels here: https://www.pixels.xyz/ -- This episode is sponsored by the VeChain foundation. Learn more about VeBetterDAO here: https://vebetterdao.org/ -- Learn more about Web3 at: https://untanglingweb3.com/ -- Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at theuntanglingweb3podcast@gmail.com. Love what you're hearing? Show your support by becoming a subscriber and don't forget to leave us a stellar review. The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.

#116 Untangling: Why Bitcoin is Green Technology w/ Dr. Owen Vaughan

Bitcoin mining is often portrayed as environmentally harmful, but this episode of Untangling Web3 with guest Dr. Owen Vaughan, founder and CEO of Bitroots, redefines that perception. With a background in blockchain fundamentals, Owen explains how Bitcoin mining can drive renewable energy adoption, stabilize power grids, and economically benefit local communities. This conversation reveals how proof-of-work, when understood properly, is not only compatible with green energy but can be a force for accelerating the energy transition. Key highlights: Bitcoin Mining is a Clean Technology with No Emissions at Source: A mining machine only consumes electricity and produces heat, making Bitcoin mining itself emissions-free at the point of operation. The environmental footprint comes solely from the electricity source. Hydropower is currently the most common renewable input, and overall, 41% of Bitcoin mining is powered by renewables, a figure expected to rise to 70% by 2030. This trend is driven by the declining cost of renewable energy and favorable co-location opportunities near dams and wind farms. Mining Incentivizes Renewable Energy Expansion in Underserved Regions: In countries like Ethiopia and Uruguay, overproduction from hydropower dams has led to underutilized energy. Bitcoin miners are filling this demand gap by purchasing excess electricity that would otherwise be wasted. In Ethiopia, $200 million in revenue was generated in just six months from selling clean power to Bitcoin miners. This income helps fund grid expansion and provides economic stimulus to the local economy—demonstrating that mining can directly contribute to national infrastructure development. Sustainable Bitcoin Mining Extends to Recycling and Future Demand: With 95% of Bitcoin already mined, future mining revenue will increasingly rely on transaction fees. These, too, can be certified based on the energy source used to validate the blocks. Even post-halving and long after new coins stop being issued, the infrastructure and economic mechanisms for clean mining will remain critical. Certified mining also opens up potential for jurisdictional and ethical tracking of coin origins—much like ethically sourced diamonds or gold. Bitcoin mining offers a pathway to a more sustainable energy future. Certified clean coins, traceable to renewable sources, also provide a means for individuals and institutions to align their investments with ESG values. Rather than being an environmental threat, Bitcoin may be one of the most powerful green technologies in the Web3 toolkit. -- This episode is sponsored by the VeChain foundation. Learn more about VeBetterDAO here: https://vebetterdao.org/ -- Learn more about Web3 at: https://untanglingweb3.com/ -- Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at theuntanglingweb3podcast@gmail.com. Love what you're hearing? Show your support by becoming a subscriber and don't forget to leave us a stellar review. The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.

#115 Untangling: Losing All Your Bitcoin...?

In this episode, Alec shares a harrowing story of Bitcoin loss, digital vulnerability, and eventual recovery. After his phone was stolen during a night out, Alec discovered that his Coinbase account had been compromised—resulting in the theft of his entire Bitcoin holdings. This candid conversation explores what went wrong, how crypto thefts are becoming more sophisticated, and what lessons can be drawn to protect yourself in the age of digital finance. Key highlights: How the Theft Happened and the Shocking Aftermath: Alec recounts the moment his phone was snatched in London and how, within minutes, the thieves accessed his Coinbase app and drained his Bitcoin. Despite biometric protections and multi-factor authentication, the attackers managed to bypass security and execute transactions. Alec describes the emotional toll, the helplessness of watching the funds move in real time, and the feeling of transparency without control as he tracked the Bitcoin theft on-chain. The Role of Custodians and Coinbase’s Response: The episode highlights a surprising silver lining: Coinbase investigated the incident thoroughly and refunded the stolen funds after six weeks. Alec praises the company’s approach, transparency, and user support—contrasting it with other platforms where victims often receive no compensation. This part of the conversation reignites the debate between self-custody and trusted custodians, underscoring the importance of platforms that provide recourse in the event of security failures. Crypto Security, Recovery Challenges, and Broader Implications: Jack and Alec delve into how the immaturity of police investigations, social engineering, and growing AI-enabled attacks complicate crypto security. They explore how blockchain’s immutability—one of its greatest strengths—can also work against victims. They also reflect on the limitations of traditional law enforcement when it comes to investigating digital theft, and how Alec's experience may push more crypto holders toward regulated platforms, especially those that can offer a chance at recovery. This episode is a powerful reminder that Bitcoin and blockchain may be secure technologies, but the people using them remain vulnerable. Alec's experience offers a cautionary tale and a call for better security practices, awareness, and institutional protections. Whether you store your tokens on-chain or with a custodian, being proactive about your security is non-negotiable. And sometimes, as Alec learned, choosing the right platform—like Coinbase—can make all the difference between loss and recovery. -- This episode is sponsored by the VeChain foundation. Learn more about VeBetterDAO here: https://vebetterdao.org/ -- Learn more about Web3 at: https://untanglingweb3.com/ -- Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at theuntanglingweb3podcast@gmail.com. Love what you're hearing? Show your support by becoming a subscriber and don't forget to leave us a stellar review. The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.

#114 Untangling: Bitcoin's Institutional Rise

In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving relationship between Bitcoin, blockchain, and financial institutions. Once a symbol of rebellion against the banking system, Bitcoin is now embraced by institutions and governments alike—raising big questions. Are they legitimizing crypto or diluting its original purpose? As BlackRock, PayPal, and governments tokenize assets, we explore whether this new wave of adoption is saving Web3 or reshaping it altogether. Key highlights: The Institutional Era of Bitcoin and Crypto Finance: there has been a massive influx of institutions into the Bitcoin space. With over 10% of Bitcoin’s total supply now held by institutions, ETFs, and governments, and public companies like MicroStrategy owning over half a million BTC, the duo reflects on how this shift has transformed Bitcoin from a peer-to-peer payment network into a mainstream financial asset. The approval of ETFs, growing regulatory clarity, and widespread adoption by traditional financial firms all underscore this new financial paradigm. Benefits and Trade-Offs of Institutional Involvement: Institutional adoption brings with it pros like regulatory clarity, increased financial stability, and global legitimacy. It’s driving up prices, enabling better user protections, and opening new enterprise use cases beyond just finance—like digital identity and supply chain management. However, it also raises concerns about centralization, custodial dominance, and potential protocol-level influence. Cultural Shifts and the Future of Innovation: Many innovators have either exited the space or moved on to more flexible ecosystems like Ethereum. While Bitcoin thrives as “digital gold,” innovation now happens largely outside the BTC base layer. So does Web3's real future lies in alternative chains and what does rise of custodians like Coinbase and PayPal means for user control and digital self-sovereignty? The institutionalization of Bitcoin is undeniably reshaping the crypto landscape. What began as a decentralized experiment is now a critical part of the financial system. While some of the original dreams of Web3 may be fading, this mainstream adoption could be the key to realizing its broader potential—from stable payment rails to real-world blockchain use cases. Whether you're a purist or pragmatist, one thing is clear: the future of Bitcoin and blockchain will be built by institutions, innovators, and communities—together. -- This episode is sponsored by the VeChain foundation. Learn more about VeBetterDAO here: https://vebetterdao.org/ -- Learn more about Web3 at: https://untanglingweb3.com/ -- Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at theuntanglingweb3podcast@gmail.com. Love what you're hearing? Show your support by becoming a subscriber and don't forget to leave us a stellar review. The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.

#113 Untangling: The Stablecoin Age

In this episode, we explore the rise of stablecoins—the digital dollar alternatives that are reshaping how money moves in the age of crypto and Web3. Once a niche financial tool, stablecoins are now processing trillions annually, attracting institutional players like PayPal and Stripe, and even overtaking Visa in transaction volume. With new legislation like the U.S. GENIUS Act and regulatory clarity on the horizon, we unpack how these stable tokens are becoming foundational to the future of digital assets. Key highlights: What Are Stablecoins and Why Are They Taking Off? Stablecoins—tokens pegged to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar—and explain their appeal to both crypto traders and institutions. They discuss how these assets offer the technological benefits of blockchain (borderless, 24/7, transparent) without the volatility of traditional crypto. From powering over 70% of crypto trading volume to acting as a hedge in inflation-ridden economies, stablecoins are proving invaluable across multiple use cases. The Types of Stablecoins and How They Work: The episode dives into the different categories: fiat-backed (like USDC and USDT), crypto-collateralized (like DAI), and algorithmic (like the defunct Terra/LUNA). Alec and Jack explain how each type maintains its peg, the risks involved, and how new legislation is prioritizing transparency, 1:1 fiat reserves, and regulatory accountability—especially for the fiat-backed models favored by institutions. Circle's USDC, for example, is praised for regulatory compliance, while Tether faces continued scrutiny. The Regulation Revolution and Institutional Adoption: With the U.S. GENIUS Act now law and the CLARITY Act progressing through Congress, the regulatory landscape for stablecoins is rapidly maturing. The hosts highlight how these laws define rules for issuance, reserves, and oversight—giving stablecoins a green light to scale. Meanwhile, companies like PayPal, Revolut, and even JPMorgan are entering the stablecoin race, and firms are starting to pay salaries in digital dollars. This signals a huge shift in the way digital assets are used globally. Stablecoins are no longer just a stepping stone into crypto—they are becoming a core layer of the Web3 financial stack. With stronger regulation, massive adoption by tech-forward companies, and a user experience that rivals traditional finance, stablecoins could redefine how the world transacts. As countries choose between stablecoins, CBDCs, and crypto-native currencies, one thing is clear: stable, programmable money is here to stay. -- This episode is sponsored by the VeChain foundation. Learn more about VeBetterDAO here: https://vebetterdao.org/ -- Learn more about Web3 at: https://untanglingweb3.com/ -- Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at theuntanglingweb3podcast@gmail.com. Love what you're hearing? Show your support by becoming a subscriber and don't forget to leave us a stellar review. The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.

#112 Untangling: Chain-Owned Liquidity w/ Marc Boiron & Simran Singh

In this episode of Untangling Web3, we’re joined by Marc Boiron, CEO of Polygon Labs, and Simran Singh, Head of DeFi Trading at GSR, to explore how the Katana blockchain is reshaping the future of Web3 by tackling one of the ecosystem’s most critical challenges: liquidity fragmentation. Built by Polygon Labs and incubated in collaboration with GSR, Katana is a bold experiment in consolidating value, optimizing capital flow, and unifying a splintered blockchain ecosystem. Key highlights: The Problem with Fragmented Liquidity and DeFi Silos: Marc and Simran explain how today’s DeFi landscape is plagued by silos—with dozens of decentralized exchanges, lending protocols, and wrapped assets across multiple chains. This leads to inefficient markets and shallow liquidity pools that fail to meet the needs of both institutions and retail users. Katana’s Bold, Opinionated Design Philosophy: At the heart of Katana is an “opinionated” model—a deliberate departure from neutral, general-purpose chains. Katana selects a single best-in-class protocol for each DeFi function (like Sushi for swaps or Morpho for lending), limiting duplication and boosting efficiency. The ecosystem also curates preferred versions of assets (e.g. one wrapped BTC standard), reducing redundancy and maximizing network utility. Yield Generation and Sustainable Incentives: Katana’s yield model goes beyond emissions by integrating real economic value. The chain also incentivizes long-term liquidity provisioning rather than short-term mercenary farming. This creates a flywheel of productivity and makes Katana not just another DeFi chain—but a viable candidate for becoming the most efficient Web3 liquidity layer. Katana represents a powerful reimagining of how blockchain ecosystems can operate—one that challenges fragmentation with focus, and replaces redundancy with purpose. With support from industry giants like Polygon and GSR, it aims to become the go-to destination for deep, usable DeFi. Whether you're a builder, investor, or user, Katana's emergence signals a shift in how Web3 businesses and companies can collaborate to create unified, user-friendly infrastructure. __ Learn more about Katana & Polygon here: https://polygon.technology/blog/katana-foundation-announces-katana-network-incubated-by-polygon-labs-and-gsr https://katana.network/blog/wake-up-samurai-katana-is-here -- This episode is sponsored by the VeChain foundation. Learn more about VeBetterDAO here: https://vebetterdao.org/ -- Learn more about Web3 at: https://untanglingweb3.com/ -- Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at theuntanglingweb3podcast@gmail.com. Love what you're hearing? Show your support by becoming a subscriber and don't forget to leave us a stellar review. The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.

#110 Untangling: The Future of Robotics

Welcome to the final installment of our three-part robotics series on the Untangling Web3 podcast. In this episode, we explore how robots and automation are transforming real-world industries—from agriculture and manufacturing to healthcare, humanoid design, and beyond. As the lines blur between robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and human labor, we examine how this revolution is already unfolding and what the future might hold. Key highlights: Sector-by-Sector Applications of Robotics: we consider how robots are being used today across key sectors. In manufacturing, robots dominate production lines with precision and 24/7 uptime. In logistics, massive fleets of warehouse bots (like those used by Amazon) are reshaping how goods move from factory to front door. In agriculture, autonomous tractors, drones, and AI-powered sensors are helping boost crop yields while solving labor shortages. And in healthcare, surgical robots, exoskeletons, and even companion bots are supplementing human doctors and care providers. The Rise of Humanoids and AI-Native Robots: One of the most forward-looking discussions explores the shift toward humanoid robots—bipedal machines designed to fit seamlessly into human-built environments. These machines offer a general-purpose solution for industries facing labor shortages, especially in aging societies. The hosts also explore the integration of AI and large language models (LLMs), allowing robots to understand natural language, learn from users, and personalize their tasks. This shift marks a move from rule-based behavior to AI-native agency. Soft Robotics, Swarms, and Ethical Futures: Emerging trends like soft robotics, which mimic human tissue and enable safer interactions, and swarm robotics, where many small bots collaborate to complete complex tasks like environmental clean-up. But with this explosion of capability comes enormous ethical questions. From job displacement to regulation, digital rights for robots, and geopolitical control over robotic infrastructure, the discussion highlights how society must prepare for a radically automated future. The future of robotics is here—and it’s far more nuanced, powerful, and intertwined with AI than most people realize. Whether it’s building homes, harvesting food, or assisting in surgery, robots are moving from the lab to the real world at scale. As we navigate this new age of automation, the way we design, regulate, and relate to these machines will define our shared future. -- This episode is sponsored by the VeChain foundation. Learn more about VeBetterDAO here: https://vebetterdao.org/ -- Learn more about Web3 at: https://untanglingweb3.com/ -- Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at theuntanglingweb3podcast@gmail.com. Love what you're hearing? Show your support by becoming a subscriber and don't forget to leave us a stellar review. The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.

#109 Untangling: The Anatomy of a Robot

In this second installment of our three-part robotics series, we dissect the inner workings of robots and explore the components that bring them to life. While science fiction often romanticizes humanoid machines, this episode is firmly grounded in the real-world anatomy of robotics—how artificial intelligence (AI), mechanical parts, and software work together to build functional and increasingly autonomous machines. From sensors to actuators, we break down the building blocks of modern automation. Key highlights: Brains, Controllers, and AI Integration: At the core of every robot is its “brain”—the controller that processes inputs from sensors and determines actions. We examine how hardware limitations have historically held robots back and how recent advances in miniaturized processors and edge computing are changing that. The team also compares the computational capacity of robots versus humans, highlighting how AI enables faster reaction times and specialized performance in specific, task-oriented domains. Sensory Systems and Real-World Awareness: A robot’s ability to navigate its environment hinges on a blend of advanced sensors, including cameras, LiDAR, infrared, ultrasonic, gyroscopes, and more. These devices serve as robotic "eyes," "ears," and "skin," enabling high-precision perception. The episode dives into how robots not only perceive physical reality but also extend beyond human capability through internet-based data input—offering a new kind of digital "sense." Muscles, Actuators, and Energy Constraints: The “muscles” of a robot—its actuators—convert processed commands into movement. While humans outperform robots in versatility, adaptability, and energy efficiency, machines shine in strength, speed, and precision. However, major challenges remain, particularly in energy usage and power systems, with robots still heavily reliant on limited battery life. The discussion compares robotic movement and endurance with biological efficiency, revealing both strengths and limits in today’s designs. Robots may seem like futuristic sci-fi marvels, but understanding their anatomy—from AI-driven minds to real-world sensors and actuators—makes them less mysterious and more tangible. While still far from matching the adaptability of humans, robots are becoming increasingly powerful thanks to rapid progress in robotics, AI, and mechanical engineering. As we build toward a more automated future, knowing how these systems work is key. Join us next time as we explore how these technologies are being used in the real world—and where they might take us in the decades ahead. -- This episode is sponsored by the VeChain foundation. Learn more about VeBetterDAO here: https://vebetterdao.org/ -- Learn more about Web3 at: https://untanglingweb3.com/ -- Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at theuntanglingweb3podcast@gmail.com. Love what you're hearing? Show your support by becoming a subscriber and don't forget to leave us a stellar review. The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.

#108 Untangling: The History of Robotics

In this episode of the Untangling Web3 podcast, we dive into the fascinating and ever-evolving world of robots, robotics, and their intersection with artificial intelligence (AI). From ancient mythology to cutting-edge tech, this episode explores how our visions of mechanical beings have transformed from mythical automatons to industrial arms, humanoid assistants, and autonomous drones. We trace this journey from Asimov’s science fiction to real-world innovation and ask: what happens when automation meets ambition? Key highlights: The Origins of Robotics and Sci-Fi Inspirations: The episode kicks off by going way back—literally—to ancient Greek myths like Talos, imagined metal giants powered by magic, and traces that lineage through history to literary visions like Karel Čapek’s play “R.U.R.” (which coined the term “robot”) and the iconic writings of Isaac Asimov. Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics are highlighted as early governance frameworks that still influence today’s discussions about robotic ethics, AI control, and coexistence with machines. Industrial Automation and the Rise of Robotic Arms: From Henry Ford’s assembly lines to the first robotic arm patents in the 1950s, the episode chronicles the practical evolution of robotics in manufacturing. We cover the leap from basic machine tools to robotic arms capable of precision and autonomy, used in everything from automotive assembly to pharmaceutical packing. Japan’s early dominance in this field, driven by labor shortages and technological innovation, illustrates how robots revolutionized modern production. Modern Robotics, Humanoids, and the Role of AI: Fast-forward to today’s AI-enhanced robotics—this includes everything from Boston Dynamics’ quadrupeds to Tesla’s Optimus and autonomous drones. The conversation highlights how perception, feedback loops, and decision-making make modern robots fundamentally different from their predecessors. We also touch on real-world applications like healthcare robotics, military drones, and the promise (and risks) of placing humanoid robots into homes and public environments. The world of robotics is no longer confined to sci-fi or factory floors. As AI supercharges automation, robots are becoming more intelligent, mobile, and integrated into daily life—from hospitals and homes to warehouses and war zones. But as machines become more autonomous, questions of control, ethics, and purpose become increasingly urgent. Whether you dream of robotic butlers or fear the rise of machine overlords, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how far we’ve come—and where we might be headed next. -- This episode is sponsored by the VeChain foundation. Learn more about VeBetterDAO here: https://vebetterdao.org/ -- Learn more about Web3 at: https://untanglingweb3.com/ -- Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at theuntanglingweb3podcast@gmail.com. Love what you're hearing? Show your support by becoming a subscriber and don't forget to leave us a stellar review. The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.

#107 Untangling: Web3 for Sports with Tom Fleetham

The global sports industry is worth over $500 billion, but cracks are beginning to show beneath the surface. Today’s sports ecosystem is dominated by aging fanbases, legacy monetization models, and an increasingly distracted younger generation. In this episode of Untangling Web3, Tom Fleetham joins to break down the real opportunities for Web3 in sports—beyond hype and speculation. With years of experience at the intersection of sports, technology, and blockchain, Tom examines how loyalty, digital ownership, and new models of engagement could reshape the fan experience. Key highlights: The disconnect between global reach and monetization: Major sports clubs often boast global fanbases in the hundreds of millions, yet the vast majority of those fans generate little to no revenue for the clubs. Ticketing and merchandise are limited in geographic scope, leaving international fans with few meaningful ways to engage or contribute financially. Web3 offers a solution: blockchain-based digital assets and memberships that allow fans worldwide to participate, own, and benefit from their loyalty in tangible ways. The long-term potential of tokenized ownership and governance: Tokenization can radically transform fan engagement by offering shared ownership models and governance rights. Tokenized assets, such as shares in a club or NFT-based voting rights, could unlock new revenue streams, deeper fan loyalty, and entirely new community-driven club models. Opportunities for decentralized prediction markets and fan-led ecosystems Blockchain-powered prediction markets present a viable entry point for Web3 sports applications. These systems could allow fans to create their own betting pools or fantasy systems, fostering a sense of ownership and skill-based engagement. More radically, a non-league team could go fully on-chain, leveraging Web3 tools for everything from tokenized ticketing to DAO-based decision-making. Web3 offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rewire the sports industry from transactional relationships to participatory ecosystems. By enabling real fan ownership, decentralized decision-making, and global monetization through digital assets, blockchain can deliver more than hype—it can bring long-term value to clubs and communities alike. To realize this future, both sports organizations and builders must think beyond short-term gains and commit to creating products and experiences that resonate with fans for the long haul. __ Learn more about Tom Fleetham and his podcast here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommyfleets/ https://linktr.ee/fanzon3 -- This episode is sponsored by the VeChain foundation. Learn more about VeBetterDAO here: https://vebetterdao.org/ -- Learn more about Web3 at: https://untanglingweb3.com/ -- Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at theuntanglingweb3podcast@gmail.com. Love what you're hearing? Show your support by becoming a subscriber and don't forget to leave us a stellar review. The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.

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