Ben’s List 43

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So without further ado, I’m sharing a bunch of Web3 news as I’ve been doing for the past month or so. Am I convincing you to jump down into this particular rabbit hole with me?

This week I’m also sharing a great article about the dark side of e-commerce and sextoys, as well as a fantastic resource about community building. Do you have more than 1,000 community members already?

Let’s start with going viral with product launch strategies. I’m a Poolsuite Executive Member and can’t wait to meet you at the pool 🙂

Product

Founder of Poolside FM Knows How to Make Shit Go Viral

“‘Why it’s worth doing something like Poolsuite even though it’s been going since 2014 without making any money is having a digital playground to fuck around on with cool smart people, that’s an invaluable thing,’ he said. ‘We are building this for fun and because we know hundreds of thousands of people are going to enjoy it.'”

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The Hype Subsidy – Why Early Hype is Dangerous in Consumer Social

“As tempting and sexy as hype may be, I’m a believer in avoiding it as long as possible. This may seem counterintuitive. If a social network’s network effect is a function of how big the network is, then isn’t hype, which usually comes with a flood of users, a good thing?  …Hype creates the aura that something is bigger, more important, and more inevitable than it actually is. In this way, it acts like a subsidy on engagement in a consumer social network.”

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Web3

At the Intersection of NFTs and Creative Commons Licenses

“In short, if a CC license makes it legally possible to create infinite copies of a work, and NFTs are designed specifically to provide something that cannot be copied, is it problematic for a CC-licensed work to be minted as an NFT?”

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DAOs, A Canon

“What is (and isn’t) a DAO? Why do DAOs matter? How do DAOs fit into web3, crypto, the creator economy, future of work, and many other areas?”

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MIT Predicted a Societal Collapse. Here’s How NFTs Can Prevent That.

“Since its initial boom, developers and enthusiasts worldwide have found ways to incorporate NFTs into different aspects of life. As a company that uses blockchain technology to trace products throughout the supply chain, Real Items has created a way to pair physical products with digital twins or NFTs. These physical assets integrated with NFTs are called ‘Phygitals.‘”

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Community

A Founder’s Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your First 1,000 Community Members

“The friction to joining a Slack community is low, but the friction to forgetting about a Slack community is also low. We wanted to build the muscle memory of logging into a new app, a distinct URL, and commit to creating a community that would justify this new habit.”

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E-Commerce

“It Actually Hurt Me”: Inside The Dangerous Rise Of Dropshipped Sex Toys

“The dropshipper – who is effectively the middleman in a global online supply chain – will sniff out a trend, whether it’s cow-print skirts or viral vibrators, find a corresponding product from a wholesale site and create a listing for the item they’re selling – usually for a drastically marked up price. This technique has become a huge problem in the fashion world. Depop is full of dropshipping victims who believe they have ordered a gorgeous dress only to receive a cheap, ill-fitting garment. Now it is increasingly a problem with sex toys, too.”

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Community Events
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What began in 2013 as a simple meetup in a Copenhagen park has blossomed into one of Scandinavia’s largest and most anticipated Tech events. “TechBBQ started as a networking event for local entrepreneurs, and it has grown because of the need to connect the Danish and Nordic ecosystem with the rest of the world,” says TechBBQ’s Head of Marketing, Vera Liscinska. Now, the event serves as a vital hub, offering founders world-class networking, media exposure, and opportunities to engage with investors and like-minded peers. “We want TechBBQ to be where every fifth handshake is relevant and impactful.” . 📸 Photo: PR / TechBBQ 2024 Theme: “One Giant Leap” The theme for TechBBQ 2024, “One Giant Leap,” is inspired by the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur. “We believe that ‘One Giant Leap’ embodies that feeling of being a founder; a constant leap of faith in something you believe in,” according to TechBBQ’s Head of PR & Communications, Keyvan Thomsen Bamdej. The theme highlights how small steps contribute to broader leaps in innovation, sustainability, and equity, reflecting the urgency of today’s challenges. “Together, small actions propel us toward a brighter future.” Maintaining a ‘Hyggelig’ Atmosphere Amid Growth TechBBQ is renowned not only for its size but also for its welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere. “The way we do business in the Nordics is very informal, and it’s important that our event reflects these values,” says the team. Despite its growth, the event remains cozy and inclusive, emphasizing collaboration and diversity. “Our team comes from various cultural and educational backgrounds, which makes us more empathetic and inclusive in our interactions.” Beyond the Summit: Year-Round Support for Startups TechBBQ offers more than just an annual summit. Throughout the year, it runs various initiatives aimed at supporting startups. “We always have side projects that engage and support our target audience: startup founders,” they explain. One standout program is their Hero Academy, which offers tailored courses for seed and pre-seed startups. “Hero Academy helps startup founders establish themselves on the market and access crucial resources,” the team shares. . 📸 Photo: PR / TechBBQ Sector-Specific Focus: UrbanTech and Life Science The 2024 event will also feature expanded focus areas like UrbanTech and Life Science. “We foster innovation and growth in the UrbanTech ecosystem, accelerating the development of smart, green cities,” the organizers explain. The Life Science area will focus on both Planetary Health and Human Health, showcasing innovation in these crucial fields. “We are bringing back our Life Science area to showcase the best of the local ecosystem.” Opportunities for Investors: Nordic Investor Day and Matchmaking Investors have plenty to look forward to at TechBBQ 2024. Nordic Investor Day, held on September 10th, focuses on the state and future of Nordic ventures. “We will highlight and discuss the opportunities of today and the challenges of tomorrow,” says the team. Additionally, an LP/VC Matchmaking event will facilitate connections between limited partners and venture capitalists. Finally, TechBBQ just launched, in collaboration with Lab08, their newest AI matchmaking tool, TechBBQ Vicinity, to assist investors in their effort to meet the most relevant startups during the event. “All investor and business angels ticket holders can upload their thesis, get a list of the most relevant startups for you, and connect with them on our networking app, Brella.” Advice for First-Time Attendees to TechBBQ For those attending TechBBQ for the first time, the team offers simple yet impactful advice: “Network as much as possible with anyone relevant to your business growth.” Whether it’s a future investor, supplier, or co-founder, connections are key. “It doesn’t need to be a big sales pitch each time. A quick LinkedIn connection can lead to deeper meetings post-summit.” Finally, they add with a smile, “don’t forget to try our BBQ!” . 📸 Photo: PR / TechBBQ

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Community Events
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Maya Noël, General Director at France Digitale, unveils the exciting plans for FDDay 2024. From co-hosting CES 2024 Tech Trends to facilitating networking and collaboration among attendees, this event promises to be a game-changer in the European startup scene. Dive in to discover more about this innovative gathering.

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Community Startup
The Venue

The Venue Barcelona, a new hub for innovation in music, sports, and events, recently opened with an inaugural event featuring over 120 companies. This dynamic ecosystem, home to notable names like Barcelona Music Tech Hub and Live Nation Entertainment, serves as a collaborative incubator, fostering innovation among corporations, startups, and organizations.

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