Introduction to Web3 Startups and Career Paths

Introduction:?

In this article, I'll be providing an overview of this exciting new industry and the types of jobs it's creating.

Web3 refers to the decentralized internet being built on blockchain technology. Instead of large centralized platforms, control and value are distributed across global open networks. This enables new business models powered by cryptoassets and public blockchains like Ethereum, Polygon, Solana etc.

Let's look at some examples of these Web3 startups:

- Uniswap - A decentralized cryptocurrency exchange running on Ethereum, allowing anyone to swap tokens without centralized intermediaries. Over $10 billion traded per week!

- Axie Infinity - A blockchain-based game where players collect NFT creatures called Axies to battle and trade. The company behind it has surpassed $1 billion in revenue.?

- Chainlink - Provides a decentralized oracle network that connects smart contracts on blockchains to external data needed to trigger execution based on real world events.

So in Web3, traditional platforms are replaced by protocols, software-based rules that coordinate activity across decentralized networks. Value accrues to the protocols and their governance token holders, rather than centralized entities.

Career Paths:

Now let's discuss some of the main career paths emerging in this space:

- Blockchain development - Building the protocols, smart contracts, and applications that bring Web3 ideas to life. Skills like Solidity, Python and Web3.js are in high demand.

- Crypto economics - Designing token models and incentive mechanisms to align network participants. Apply game theory and behavioral economics.

- Product management - Help set product vision and lead development of Web3 apps. Bridge business goals with technical realities.?

- Marketing - Promote apps and networks to the crypto native audience. Requires understanding of communities like Reddit, Discord, and Twitter.?

- UX/UI design - Craft intuitive user experiences and visually appealing interfaces. Account for new user behaviors around crypto wallets and keys.

- Research - Academics studying cryptoeconomics, applying social sciences like psychology and sociology to inform protocol design.

- Policy - Shape regulatory policy around cryptocurrency, which lacks clear legal frameworks so far.

- Venture capital - Funding promising blockchain startups and tokens. Firms like A16Z Crypto specialize in this emerging asset class. Many more are joining.

There are so many exciting opportunities to build what's next for the internet and finance. I hope this article provided a useful introduction to Web3 startups and careers. Check back again as we dive deeper into blockchain development roles!