I have been curious about the intersection of technology and humanity for as long as I can remember. Beyond academia, I have experience researching intricate systems and distilling them into clear, engaging stories. So it’s no surprise that the launch of UR by Mantle was an initiative that immediately piqued...
Mantle is the first-ever, fully decentralized, on-chain ecosystem and currently has just over $3 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL). It recently launched UR, the world’s first neobank that’s fully on the blockchain. This unique platform aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). It...
Does UR actually democratize finance, or merely water down DeFi ideals? This should be the question the decentralized finance community should be asking itself right now. Mantle’s UR neobank is now live, with the potential to become the connective tissue between TradFi and DeFi. But rather, is it a benevolent...
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is exploring ways to update its rules to better accommodate blockchain-based financial systems. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins opening remarks at the “DeFi and the American Spirit” roundtable. He described a new approach that would focus on promoting innovation while protecting investors. Atkins went...
Let’s face it, diving into DeFi today is like trying to build an IKEA bookshelf without the manual. You have a great idea that just needs to be executed, but the puzzle pieces are scattered everywhere. These rules are very confusing, and one misguided step could double the damage to...
You open your customized metaverse avatar, brimming with amazement. Now you’re all set to stake some ETH and earn rewards that will pay for your virtual land acquisition! Then, out of the blue, a pop-up appears yelling, “Your transaction is subject to SEC review!” Sounds ridiculous, right? That’s the stifling...
As someone who helped design metaverse landscapes in graphic novels well before Zuckerberg put on that VR helmet, I’m still waiting for the kicker. Believe me, nobody knows better than I what is most important in this fast-evolving internet-based world. Recently, I’ve been feeling that Casper Network is being very...
Today, Casper, a layer-1 blockchain that launched in early 2021, is making inroads with enterprises and the decentralized finance (DeFi) space. The blockchain emphasizes scalability, security, and flexibility. Casper stands out with emphasis on practical use cases and enterprise-grade tokenomics. This new approach is the one currently generating the most...
The blockchain space continues to change rapidly, and each new generation of platforms attempts to fix the shortcomings of their predecessors. The Casper Network has attracted a lot of buzz. Enterprises are already chomping at the bit to harness its groundbreaking blockchain technology beyond crypto for real-world applications. Since entering...
Casper Network. The name really does speak for itself enterprise-grade blockchain solutions, just like that. Upgradable smart contracts, WebAssembly support, and a shiny new Casper 2.0 upgrade with the "Zug Consensus" – it all sounds incredibly…corporate. Before we get carried away on the self-driving bandwagon, hold up. Instead, are we...
A billion-dollar valuation for the ability to palm scan? No joke. While everyone’s chasing the next crypto unicorn, I can’t shake the feeling we're blindly galloping towards a future where our bodies are the ultimate key – and the ultimate target. Humanity Protocol’s H token has skyrocketed, partially fueled by...
It’s that same sort of exuberance you felt when you first heard about the metaverse. The fulfillment of digital utopia, being in touch with everyone on planet Earth through expansive online metaverses, creating prosperous virtual societies? It sounded revolutionary. Now, look at Horizon Worlds. Clunky avatars, digital tumbleweeds, and a...
Zuckerberg wants AGI. Personal superintelligence, he calls it. An AI that essentially runs your life. Sounds convenient, right? Maybe. But let's be brutally honest: entrusting the keys to your existence to a single, centralized entity – especially one with Zuckerberg's track record – is a recipe for disaster. Well, it’s...
Just as Mark Zuckerberg made headlines with a big pivot to the now overly-hyped Metaverse, he’s undertaking another big pivot. He’s recently been exploring the thrilling worlds of AI and AGI (Artificial General Intelligence). After the hype and billions of dollars, Meta’s Metaverse projects—especially Horizon Worlds—have found difficulty in attracting...
As a response, the Global South is increasing its efforts to create and deploy Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). This increased focus will improve service delivery, increase financial inclusion, and create economic opportunity. As these countries begin their own journeys towards digital transformation, there is much that can be learned. The...
Take Fatima as an example, a skilled weaver in a rural Ethiopian community. Though her detailed designs are breathtaking, getting her products in front of customers outside of her small local market is an ongoing challenge. Picture this—Fatima exploring a bustling metaverse marketplace. Today, her engaging digital tapestries are critically...
Consider the case of a smallholder farmer in rural Africa, not able to receive a loan due to the lack of a verifiable national ID. Or a woman entrepreneur in Latin America, swimming against bureaucratic red tape just to register her business. This is not merely an inconvenience, it is...
On the AI front, Meta seems to be making all the right moves. It’s primarily focused on creating what they term “personal superintelligence.” This new initiative marks a departure from the company’s earlier metaverse-centric plans, marking a major pivot in strategy. Meta believes in an AI future that’s closely integrated...
