First Off The Blocks First Digital

The Metaverse represents a sprawling digital realm where people can seamlessly travel between virtual worlds, interact with fellow users, and participate in a wide range of experiences. It also blends the concepts of Web3 and gaming, where users can claim ownership of digital assets to transform virtual items and properties into limited and transferable commodities.
In the latest episode of First Off The Blocks, host Karen Tang discusses the Metaverse’s potential to reshape our digital lives and redefine the concept of reality with Sebastien Borget, Co-founder and COO of Sandbox. They talk about how the Metaverse differs from traditional virtual worlds and online gaming platforms, misconceptions and the role of blockchain technology in shaping the Metaverse.
Tune in to discover how the Metaverse is making waves in industries outside of gaming and entertainment, its potential as well as its challenges, and learn more about the integration of AI technology.

As crypto markets expand, so does the need for crypto data analysis. Investigating blockchain data can produce powerful information about real-time market trends, transactions, and sentiment analysis. But it faces challenges due to decentralized data sources across various blockchains. Chainalysis is one of the analytics platforms out there that provides continuous transaction monitoring for all cryptocurrencies.
In the latest episode of First Off The Blocks, host Karen Tang discusses the current state of the data analytics landscape with Kim Grauer, Director of Research at Chainalysis. Highlighting everything from emphasizing the role of analytics in monitoring and compliance to the advancements of law enforcement getting up to speed and learning about cryptocurrency. 
Tune in to discover why there's no comparable dataset in traditional finance and how Chainalysis is enhancing security for crypto users around the world.

With the threat of attacks, hacks and security compromises always on the horizon, Web3 and Web2 companies continue to create new lines of defense to protect digital assets and identities. The result? Overly complex technology that feels just out of reach for the average user.
In this latest episode of First Off The Blocks, host Karen Tang discusses the evolution of Web3 security with Pascal Gauthier, Chairman and CEO at Ledger. They tackle everything from the current crypto landscape, the pros and cons of self-custody, to how Ledger plans to solve the UX UI dilemma without compromising on the integrity of its cold wallet technology.
Tune in to get an overview of the latest Ledger projects, plus key insights on how Web3 wallet companies should be approaching innovation, from bearish to bullish markets.
 

Balancing the need for web3 innovation and security has created a hostile environment for advancement, especially with the recent collapse of several crypto banking institutions. The United States’ approach to regulation has driven more and more web3 companies and projects overseas, where they can push ongoing developments forward.
In this episode of First Off the Blocks, Karen Tang speaks with Boris Alergant, Head of DeFi at Ripple who is spearheading the global shift towards web3 adoption. Boris shares insights on the current state of DeFi, how companies can better protect themselves, and the latest technology from Ripple set to change the landscape for years to come. 
The pair discuss: 
The need for disruption in the traditional finance sphere, especially when it comes to payment speeds and liquidity.
How Ripple is adopting a web2.5 strategy to appeal to traditional institutions, and what this means for global DeFi adoption.
Why the politicization of crypto in the United States is contributing to domestic brain drain, and what this means for the future of DeFi. Listen to learn more about Ripple’s latest projects and how DeFi and CeFi can work synergistically, when the right strategies take shape. 
 

Discover the game-changing potential of liquid staking in this episode of First Off The Blocks. Host Karen Tang brings together Mike Silagadze, Founder and CEO of Ether.fi, Darren Langley, General Manager of Rocket Pool, and Amitej Gajjala, Co-Founder and CEO of Stader Labs, to delve into this innovative approach to traditional staking. 
Learn about the DeFi narrative around liquid staking derivatives, the differences from traditional staking, and the potential impact of liquid staking on the DeFi landscape. Join us for this enlightening conversation that could reshape your understanding of blockchain liquidity.
 

In the wake of black swan events, the crypto landscape has undeniably shifted. Regulatory responses have varied, and the market's power balance has seen notable changes. With this transformation, what does the future hold for the world of crypto? 
In this episode of First Off The Blocks, host Karen Tang chats with Dmitry Lapidus, Junior Partner at Dragonfly VC. They delve deep into a wide-ranging discussion on these dramatic changes, the re-evaluation of investment strategies, and how DeFi has become a force to reckon with in the crypto venture capital landscape. 
Tune in to get insights into Dmitry's investment approach, thoughts on the future of the crypto space, and more.