Building Web3

Venture Capital, Decentralized Economy, Scaling Challenges, & Tokenomics with 1KX

Jax Dwyer

Welcome to the Building Web3 Podcast, where we explore the cutting-edge developments in the decentralized economy and the future of blockchain technology. In this episode, host Jax Dwyer interviews Robert, the Head of Economics at 1KX, a prominent venture investment firm dedicated to advancing the decentralized web through strategic investments in token networks and blockchain protocols.

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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:08 Investment Verticals and Focus Areas
05:31 Token Design for a Hypothetical IoT Protocol
07:22 Finding Node Operators' Costs and Challenges
10:02 Engaging with 1KX and VC Funding Rounds
13:08 Challenges and Considerations in Token Design
15:30 Updating Tokenomics for Existing Protocols
18:47 Avoiding Copy-Pasting and Customizing Token Models
21:26 Innovative Token Designs and Mechanisms
25:21 The Future of Token Economies and 1KX's Role
28:53 Connecting with 1KX and Robert


In this comprehensive conversation, you will learn:

Robert's Background and Journey: Discover how Robert transitioned from a traditional career in finance and e-commerce to becoming a key player in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space. His expertise in pricing algorithms, data science, and language models led him to 1KX, where he now focuses on token design and tokenomics.

The Mission of 1KX: Get an insider's view into 1KX's mission to partner with visionary founders, protocols, and communities. Learn how 1KX is committed to bringing the best possible version of a decentralized economy to life through strategic investments in token networks, middleware, DeFi, NFTs, and other blockchain-based innovations.

Deep Dive into Tokenomics: Gain valuable insights into the complexities of token design, tokenomics, and the economic challenges faced by blockchain protocols. Robert explains the importance of crafting well-thought-out token economies that support value creation, value capture, and long-term sustainability in the decentralized ecosystem.

Challenges in Updating Tokenomics: Robert discusses the difficulties that arise when blockchain projects need to update their tokenomics after a token has already been launched. From surveying node operators to adjusting inflation rates, learn the various strategies 1KX uses to help portfolio companies refine their economic models to ensure long-term viability and growth.

Economic Design for Protocols: Explore the innovative approaches 1KX takes when designing token economies, including the importance of aligning economic incentives, community building, legal frameworks, and market integration. Robert shares real-world examples of how these elements come together to create robust and resilient token networks.

Success Stories and Case Studies: Hear about successful tokenomics implementations and what makes certain token designs stand out as exceptional in the decentralized finance space. Robert highlights the significance of unique, tailor-made solutions over off-the-shelf models, explaining why token design must be carefully aligned with the specific goals and audiences of each protocol.

The Future of Token Networks and Decentralized Economies: Delve into why 1KX believes that token networks are the future of global coordination, economic participation, and innovation. Learn how these networks offer unprecedented opportunities for decentralization, trustless transactions, and the creation of new financial ecosystems.

Advice for Aspiring Founders: Robert offers guidance to startups and aspiring founders on when and how to approach 1KX for investment and support. Whether you're in the pre-seed or seed stage, understanding the role of tokenomics and economic design can be crucial for your project's success.

Keywords: 1KX, venture i