Issue 43 ? Uptober

In this Issue:

? This Week in Web3

? Sustainable Solutions with Xctuality

? The 80/20 Rule for Web3 Founders

This Week in Web3 ??

??? UAE exempts crypto transfers, conversion from value-added tax

??? FTX's $1 Billion Tug-of-War: Who Gets Paid First?

UAE exempts crypto transfers, conversion from value-added tax

The UAE just threw down a new rule that’s shaking things up for the crypto scene – no VAT on crypto transfers or conversions. That's right, zero tax. If you’re doing anything crypto-related, whether it’s swapping tokens or moving your assets around, the government’s not taking a slice of the pie.

This is a huge move that makes the UAE even more of a hot spot for Web3 innovation. It’s not just about regulations; it's about laying the groundwork for the future of digital finance. The tax break gives crypto projects room to breathe and grow, which means the region is going to see a flood of new players looking to set up shop.

Bottom line? The UAE is getting serious about positioning itself as a global crypto hub, and this VAT exemption is a clear signal to the rest of the world: bring your business here, and we won’t nickel and dime you for being ahead of the curve.

FTX's $1 Billion Tug-of-War: Who Gets Paid First?

FTX is finally moving towards paying back customers after the chaos of last year’s collapse. The bankrupt crypto exchange just got the green light to start repayments, and there’s a solid $1 billion on the table. But here’s the kicker: that cash isn’t just for the customers who got caught in the crossfire. A whole lineup of firms is now jockeying to get their share too.

This isn’t just a straight refund situation. Everyone from creditors to other claimants is looking for a piece of the pie, which could complicate things even more. Customers are hoping to finally get some closure, but with so many hands in the pot, it’s not clear how much they’ll actually see in the end.

The clock is ticking, and while FTX is trying to make things right, it’s going to be a scramble to see who gets paid first—and how much is left over when all’s said and done. Either way, FTX is back in the spotlight, and the fight for that billion is just getting started.

Bitcoin’s Uptober Revival: Is the Bull Run Back?

Bitcoin is back in the spotlight this October, and it looks like "Uptober" might be making a comeback after a rough start to the month, or as some have been calling it, "Rektober." Despite a shaky beginning, BTC prices are climbing again, and investors are getting that familiar FOMO vibe.

What’s driving the rebound? A mix of optimism about Bitcoin ETFs and stronger macroeconomic signals. The market seems to be shaking off the early losses, and if history repeats itself, we could be looking at another legendary October for Bitcoin.

But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves. The crypto markets love to surprise, and a lot can still happen before the month is out. For now, though, it’s clear that Bitcoin isn’t done playing the long game—and neither are its bulls.

Is this the start of another rally? Are WAGMI?

Only time will tell, but things are heating up fast.

Sustainable Solutions with Xctuality

Xctuality is driving real change at the forefront of innovation, tackling today’s environmental challenges while laying the groundwork for the cities of tomorrow. With a bold blend of tech and sustainability, they’re setting the standard for future-proof urban living and establishing themselves as a leader in this vital field.

Here’s how they’re doing it, and why it matters.

Smarter Cities for a Greener Planet

Let’s talk spatial computing.

Xctuality is using this tech to reimagine urban living—think real-time data guiding everything from energy-efficient buildings to smarter public transport.

Xctuality is tackling the big stuff—resource management, reducing emissions, and making cities function like ecosystems, not just concrete jungles. Smarter cities for a greener planet.

Phygital Experiences That Stick

Xctuality doesn’t do gimmicks. Their phygital experiences—blending physical and digital—are all about real-world impact. Forget endless scrolling or cookie-cutter VR. Xctuality’s tech, backed by the Singapore Tourism Board Accelerator, lets you experience products and environments in a way that cuts down waste.

Like IKEA’s virtual furniture app, but on steroids—this tech allows users to fully engage before they commit, slashing returns and driving sustainability.

It’s a no-brainer for industries like retail and travel, where customer experience and environmental impact need to go hand in hand.

Enter Xctualyfe

Enter Xctualyfe, Singapore’s first home-grown metaverse platform, officially launched on October 3, 2022. Designed to push the boundaries of virtual interaction, Xctualyfe is a reflection of Xctuality’s bigger vision: to blend the digital and physical worlds into a seamless, immersive experience where global connections thrive.

At the heart of Xctuality’s innovation is Xctualyfe, a platform that goes beyond typical social networking, creating a space where users can explore, interact, and engage in ways that are as tangible as they are digital.

I just joined @xctualyfe and you can too, https://xctualyfe.com

The MetaFarms Revolution

This is where Xctuality goes next level. MetaFarms is the future of sustainable agriculture, combining blockchain with real-world farming.

And here’s where it gets interesting: with the help of COTI’s privacy tech, MetaFarms lets users securely store digital identities and preferences on-chain. No more data leaks, no more centralized storage silos waiting to get hacked. It’s all decentralized, encrypted, and safe, creating a farming ecosystem that’s as secure as it is sustainable.

And it doesn’t stop there—programmable security within MetaFarms means users get personalized experiences while keeping their data under lock and key. Efficiency meets security, all while driving sustainability.

Learn more about Metafarms, the world's first Web3 phygital farms, below ??????

Beyond Farming: Tokenizing the Amazon ??

It’s not just cities and farms on Xctuality’s radar—they’re going global with projects like Verde Whisper, aimed at conserving the Amazon Rainforest through tokenization. Partnering with COTI, they’re creating blockchain-backed solutions that protect this vital ecosystem and make it possible for people to contribute to its preservation actively. This is about real-world environmental impact, using decentralized tech to ensure transparency and accountability. Climate change doesn’t stand a chance when Xctuality’s tech is on the front lines.

The Future is Secure and Sustainable ??

Xctuality is all about blending sustainability with security. Whether it’s creating energy-efficient cities, building phygital retail experiences, or using Web3 to revolutionize agriculture, their work always comes back to two key elements: trust and impact. By integrating COTI’s privacy solutions into their ecosystem , Xctuality ensures that all their innovations—from smart cities to tokenized rainforests—are both secure and transparent. It’s the perfect mix of tech, privacy, and purpose.

Want to learn more?

Xctuality is showing the world that sustainable solutions and cutting-edge tech don’t have to be at odds. Whether it’s through the privacy-first approach of Persona NFTs or the ambitious goals of Verde Whisper, they’re building a future that works for both people and the planet.

Join us for Web3 Weekly???

This Wednesday, October 9, at 9 PM (PH time), Nick will chat about sustainable solutions with the founders of Xctuality ! ????

Hear from Warren Woon, CFA , CEO, and Adrian Oliveiro , CTO, as they explain how Xctuality connects people and spaces to help fight climate change and improve urban life. ??

??Join us for this exciting talk about the future of smart cities and the Metaverse.

The 80/20 Rule for Web3 Founders ??

Why Opportunity Costs Matter More Than Opportunities

In Web3, opportunities are everywhere. Partnerships, new projects, token launches—you name it. But here's the truth: not all opportunities are worth it. If you want to win in this space, it's not about grabbing every shiny object. It’s about knowing what to let go of.

Founders get caught up in the idea that more opportunities equals more success.

But the reality?

Every opportunity you say "yes" to comes with a hidden cost: your time and focus.

And if you're constantly scattered, you're never going to hit that 20% of actions that generate 80% of your results.

Time is the most valuable resource you've got. You can raise more capital, hire more people, and launch more projects—but once you lose time, it's gone. The opportunity cost of mismanaging your time is often far greater than any opportunity you might think you're chasing.

So, let’s dig into how you can protect your time.

Know Your 20% ??

Every founder knows the 80/20 rule, but most don’t truly apply it.

Ask yourself: What’s the 20% of activities that are driving 80% of your growth?

Whether it’s securing partnerships, building product, or engaging your core community—double down on those.

Be ruthless about cutting the rest.

??Pro Tip

Start tracking your time for a week.

Where are you spending it?

If 80% of your time is on activities that aren't moving the needle, adjust immediately.

Guard Your Calendar Like It's Your Seed Round ???

Time blocking is your best friend. Meetings, calls, and random "quick chats" will drain you. The more of these you take, the less time you have for the deep work that actually scales your startup. Every hour wasted in a pointless meeting is an hour lost building something that could change the game.

??Pro Tip

Set strict "meeting-free" blocks in your calendar. Don’t let people schedule over them. Use these for focused work and only break them for something mission-critical.

Say ‘No’ Often (and Without Guilt) ??

As a founder, you'll get pitched constantly. From potential partnerships to new hires to side projects, the distractions are endless. Learning to say "no" is a superpower.

You don’t owe anyone your time, and saying no frees you up to focus on what truly matters.

??Pro Tip

Have a default response ready, like, "This sounds interesting, but my focus is on X right now. Let’s revisit this in the future." It’s polite, direct, and reinforces your priorities.

Outsource the 80% ?

You’re a founder, not an everything-doer. Identify what’s in your 80%—the stuff that isn’t critical to growth but still needs to get done. Then delegate, automate, or outsource it. Whether it’s admin work, social media management, or customer support, free yourself from low-leverage tasks.

??Pro Tip

Use tools like Zapier to automate workflows or hire freelancers for specific tasks. Even if you’re early-stage and bootstrapped, consider where you can invest in delegating.

Audit Your Relationships

20% of the people in your network will account for 80% of your growth, whether through advice, connections, or collaboration.

On the flip side, 20% will drain 80% of your energy. You need to audit your relationships and cut the time spent with those who aren’t adding value.

??Pro Tip

Focus on cultivating relationships with people who challenge you, provide opportunities, or help you grow. Distance yourself from those who aren’t aligned with your mission.

Beware of Shiny Object Syndrome

The Web3 space moves fast, and there’s always a new project, trend, or token to jump on. But chasing every new thing will spread you thin.

Stay focused on your core vision and let the hype pass you by.

??Pro Tip

Before jumping on a new opportunity, ask yourself: Does this directly support my main goal right now? If not, walk away. If it does, move forward with intention and a plan.

Create Systems, Not Stress

Scaling requires systems. When you systemize repeatable tasks, you free up your mind and time to focus on high-leverage work.

Without systems, you're stuck putting out fires every day.

??Pro Tip

Document your processes and create SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for common tasks. Whether it’s onboarding new employees, handling customer support, or managing community engagement, systematize it all.

Final Thought

In Web3, opportunities are like waves—there's always another one coming. But if you’re constantly chasing them all, you'll drown. The real game is in knowing when to say no, focusing on your 20%, and protecting your time like it’s your most precious asset—because it is.

"Focus on your likes, not your wants.

You may not want to exercise, but you like how it makes you feel.

You may not want to write, but you like the feeling of accomplishment.

You may not want to wake up early, but you like the calm beauty of the morning.

Wanting is the desire you feel before doing something.

Liking is the satisfaction you feel after doing something.

Let your likes guide you."

- James Clear, author of Atomic Habits

? Question for you:?What "likes" are guiding you today?

Focus on what moves the needle, build systems to protect your time, and learn to say no to distractions—because the only opportunity that matters is the one that gets you closer to your vision.

Grateful for all the builders, innovators, movers, and shakers I've connected with along the way. ??

Thank you for 7K

Next stop 10k ??

See you next week!

LFG ??????

– Nick ∞

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