At 4Catalyzer we strive to transform 21st century medicine by solving today’s most challenging problems – across life science research tools, medical devices and therapeutics

4Catalyzer

In the first part of this series, we explored three foundational marketing strategies to amplify interaction. We emphasized the importance of understanding your audience, as it allows for tailored marketing efforts. We also highlighted the key role of writing compelling content to educate, inspire, and foster engagement. Lastly, we placed a strong emphasis on optimizing user experience, from building user-friendly interfaces to streamlining the onboarding process. In this second part, the aim is to build upon these fundamental principles established earlier, exploring more strategies to maximize user engagement. Fostering Community Engagement Building a community around your product is one of the most powerful things you can do to increase engagement while building trust. A strong community will be vital in creating a sense of belonging that goes beyond your product. Cultivating such a community involves more than just providing a platform for interaction; it requires active participation, genuine connections, and a shared sense of purpose. Ultimately, a thriving community will catalyze growth, driving not only increased engagement but also customer retention and advocacy. Let’s delve deeper into how fostering community engagement can amplify product interaction. Building Online Communities Around the Product When building a community around your product, you want to focus on creating a space where users interact, collaborate and share their product insights. There are several ways and channels to build a community - this decision will ultimately be based on your company objectives and on your audience. For example, if your company’s business model is B2C and your target audience is Gen Z, you might be better off by building a community on TikTok. On the contrary, if you have a B2B business with decision-makers as a target audience, you will be better off building your community on LinkedIn. If you have enough dev resources, you might also opt for your own product-based community - the decision is up to you. Remember, communities can also live outside of social channels, and they can take various forms, including forums, online groups, and even offline events. Regardless of the platform or format, the key to building a thriving community lies in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where members feel valued and supported. Implementing feedback Feedback implementation is an essential part of fostering community engagement. It allows you to demonstrate to your user base that you value their opinions. Place careful attention to any questions that come through customer service and analyze product usage for engagement assumptions. By leveraging user feedback, you will gain valuable insights enabling you to make informed decisions to improve your product and tailor it to your target audience. Feedback requests could include: Surveys and polls
Feedback forms
User testing
Social listening Effective communication Effective marketing communication is the cornerstone of keeping your user base warmed up through continuous nurturing. Regular updates and announcements When communicating with your audience, regular updates and announcements are essential in keeping them informed about product releases, new features, and other relevant information. Regular communication helps keep your audience engaged and invested in your brand, making sure they stay informed and up-to-date with the latest updates. Some key strategies to improve your communication: Keep a consistent schedule. Whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, build a predictable cadence.
Multi-channel distribution. If your business model allows for it, make sure to distribute your updates and announcements on all channels - this could include via email, social media, and in-app notifications.
Have a clear and concise message. Like with all communication, make sure to keep focus on the most important information.
Engage your audience. If the nature of your communication allows it, always make sure to include a call to action. Nurturing your community Building effective communication goes beyond just sharing updates and announcements—it involves actively nurturing your community in order to build and maintain that level of trust. Your communication should always be tailored to your target audience's needs and pain points - whilst also maintaining your company objectives. Think about it as if you are helping a friend… chances are you wouldn’t just blast them random promotions - you would take your time to craft a message that makes them understand why you are sharing it with them. Then, once you have worked on a more human communication, you can take a step back and see where your more objective-focus CTA can be added. Leverage Data Analytics An effective marketing strategy can’t be such without leveraging data analytics. Data analysis is crucial for making informed decisions. Data gives you valuable insights into user behavior. Let’s explore the importance of knowing your metrics to inform strategic decision-making. Knowing your metrics The first thing you want to do to increase product engagement is to know your metrics. This involves identifying and tracking the metrics that are relevant to your business objectives. If you are looking to improve your sign-up rate, ideally you will want to take a look at not only your average sign-up rate but also at all the metrics surrounding the onboarding process. That could span from email open rates and CTR, to app downloads. Take note of each of these metrics and understand where you are starting from. This will allow you to benchmark against past performance. Your analysis could look something like this: User sign-up rate: 50% User churn rate: 27% App Download rate (paid adv): 5% Top pages viewed: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4. The above is solely an example, but make sure to take some time to understand what metrics you are tracking and to analyse them. You might find that you need a specific metric, but you are not currently tracking it or, you might realize that you have been tracking past metrics wrong. This exercise will be your starting point for increasing your product engagement. Market research When analyzing your company metrics, it is also vital to do market research and gather industry and competitor-specific metrics so that you can benchmark against them. By understanding the competitive landscape, you will be able to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, allowing you to develop more effective strategies, differentiate yourself in the market, and craft a more compelling GTM messaging. Conclusion In conclusion, strategic marketing can help you master product engagement in several ways. By focusing on understanding your audience, crafting compelling content, and optimizing user experiences, you lay a strong foundation for driving increased engagement. Moreover, by fostering community engagement, implementing feedback mechanisms, and nurturing effective communication, you create spaces where users feel valued, heard, and empowered to interact with your brand. Leveraging data analytics further enhances your ability to make informed decisions and tailor your approach to meet the evolving needs and preferences of your audience. Ultimately, mastering product engagement is an ongoing journey, and by implementing the strategies outlined in this two-part series, you will be able to improve engagement and position yourself for success in building lasting relationships with your audience. In the first part of this series, we explored three foundational marketing strategies to amplify interaction. We emphasized the importance of understanding your audience, as it allows for tailored marketing efforts. We also highlighted the key role of writing compelling content to educate, inspire, and foster engagement. Lastly, we placed a strong emphasis on optimizing user experience, from building user-friendly interfaces to streamlining the onboarding process. In the first part of this series , we explored three foundational marketing strategies to amplify interaction. the first part of this series In this second part, the aim is to build upon these fundamental principles established earlier, exploring more strategies to maximize user engagement. Fostering Community Engagement Building a community around your product is one of the most powerful things you can do to increase engagement while building trust. A strong community will be vital in creating a sense of belonging that goes beyond your product. Cultivating such a community involves more than just providing a platform for interaction; it requires active participation, genuine connections, and a shared sense of purpose. Ultimately, a thriving community will catalyze growth, driving not only increased engagement but also customer retention and advocacy. Let’s delve deeper into how fostering community engagement can amplify product interaction. Building Online Communities Around the Product Building Online Communities Around the Product When building a community around your product, you want to focus on creating a space where users interact, collaborate and share their product insights. There are several ways and channels to build a community - this decision will ultimately be based on your company objectives and on your audience. For example, if your company’s business model is B2C and your target audience is Gen Z, you might be better off by building a community on TikTok. On the contrary, if you have a B2B business with decision-makers as a target audience, you will be better off building your community on LinkedIn. If you have enough dev resources, you might also opt for your own product-based community - the decision is up to you. Remember, communities can also live outside of social channels, and they can take various forms, including forums, online groups, and even offline events. Regardless of the platform or format, the key to building a thriving community lies in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where members feel valued and supported. Implementing feedback Implementing feedback Feedback implementation is an essential part of fostering community engagement. It allows you to demonstrate to your user base that you value their opinions. Place careful attention to any questions that come through customer service and analyze product usage for engagement assumptions. By leveraging user feedback, you will gain valuable insights enabling you to make informed decisions to improve your product and tailor it to your target audience. Feedback requests could include: Feedback requests could include: Surveys and polls Feedback forms User testing Social listening Surveys and polls Feedback forms User testing Social listening Effective communication Effective marketing communication is the cornerstone of keeping your user base warmed up through continuous nurturing. Regular updates and announcements Regular updates and announcements When communicating with your audience, regular updates and announcements are essential in keeping them informed about product releases, new features, and other relevant information. Regular communication helps keep your audience engaged and invested in your brand, making sure they stay informed and up-to-date with the latest updates. Some key strategies to improve your communication: Some key strategies to improve your communication: Keep a consistent schedule. Whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, build a predictable cadence. Multi-channel distribution. If your business model allows for it, make sure to distribute your updates and announcements on all channels - this could include via email, social media, and in-app notifications. Have a clear and concise message. Like with all communication, make sure to keep focus on the most important information. Engage your audience. If the nature of your communication allows it, always make sure to include a call to action. Keep a consistent schedule. Whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, build a predictable cadence. Keep a consistent schedule. Multi-channel distribution. If your business model allows for it, make sure to distribute your updates and announcements on all channels - this could include via email, social media, and in-app notifications. Multi-channel distribution. Have a clear and concise message. Like with all communication, make sure to keep focus on the most important information. Have a clear and concise message. Engage your audience. If the nature of your communication allows it, always make sure to include a call to action. Engage your audience. Nurturing your community Nurturing your community Building effective communication goes beyond just sharing updates and announcements—it involves actively nurturing your community in order to build and maintain that level of trust. Your communication should always be tailored to your target audience's needs and pain points - whilst also maintaining your company objectives. Think about it as if you are helping a friend… chances are you wouldn’t just blast them random promotions - you would take your time to craft a message that makes them understand why you are sharing it with them. Then, once you have worked on a more human communication, you can take a step back and see where your more objective-focus CTA can be added. Leverage Data Analytics Leverage Data Analytics An effective marketing strategy can’t be such without leveraging data analytics. Data analysis is crucial for making informed decisions. Data gives you valuable insights into user behavior. Let’s explore the importance of knowing your metrics to inform strategic decision-making. Knowing your metrics Knowing your metrics The first thing you want to do to increase product engagement is to know your metrics. This involves identifying and tracking the metrics that are relevant to your business objectives. If you are looking to improve your sign-up rate, ideally you will want to take a look at not only your average sign-up rate but also at all the metrics surrounding the onboarding process. That could span from email open rates and CTR, to app downloads. Take note of each of these metrics and understand where you are starting from. This will allow you to benchmark against past performance. Your analysis could look something like this: User sign-up rate : 50% User sign-up rate User churn rate: 27% User churn rate: App Download rate (paid adv): 5% App Download rate (paid adv): Top pages viewed: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4. Top pages viewed: The above is solely an example, but make sure to take some time to understand what metrics you are tracking and to analyse them. You might find that you need a specific metric, but you are not currently tracking it or, you might realize that you have been tracking past metrics wrong. This exercise will be your starting point for increasing your product engagement. Market research Market research When analyzing your company metrics, it is also vital to do market research and gather industry and competitor-specific metrics so that you can benchmark against them. By understanding the competitive landscape, you will be able to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, allowing you to develop more effective strategies, differentiate yourself in the market, and craft a more compelling GTM messaging. Conclusion Conclusion In conclusion, strategic marketing can help you master product engagement in several ways. By focusing on understanding your audience, crafting compelling content, and optimizing user experiences, you lay a strong foundation for driving increased engagement. Moreover, by fostering community engagement, implementing feedback mechanisms, and nurturing effective communication, you create spaces where users feel valued, heard, and empowered to interact with your brand. Leveraging data analytics further enhances your ability to make informed decisions and tailor your approach to meet the evolving needs and preferences of your audience. Ultimately, mastering product engagement is an ongoing journey, and by implementing the strategies outlined in this two-part series, you will be able to improve engagement and position yourself for success in building lasting relationships with your audience.

Mastering Product Engagement: Amplifying Interaction through Strategic Marketing (Part II)

to have launched the world's fastest internet, capable of transmitting 1.2 terabits of data per second. This means that a film could be downloaded 150 times in 1 second. Analysts say this could have broad implications for stock trading, business transactions, and national security. China claims The advent of 1.2 terabit internet is comparable to constructing a super-fast, expansive information highway, poised to radically transform the global digital ecosystem. This leap in internet speed heralds a new epoch brimming with boundless opportunities and potential. Picture a world where downloading full-length movies becomes an instantaneous task, completed in just a few seconds. This speed would not only redefine entertainment but also streamline information access like never before. Additionally, lag-free video conferencing would no longer be a luxury but a standard expectation, facilitating smoother, more efficient remote work and global collaboration. In the realm of , the impact would be profound. With such high-speed internet, virtual experiences would become so seamless and immersive that they would effectively bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds. This would not only elevate gaming and entertainment but also open up novel avenues for remote education, virtual tourism, and interactive social engagements. virtual reality Beyond personal convenience and entertainment, 1.2 terabit internet has the potential to catalyze groundbreaking innovations across various sectors. In healthcare, for instance, it could enable real-time, high-definition telemedicine consultations and the rapid transfer of large medical imaging files, significantly improving patient care and medical research. In the field of education, it promises an enriched learning environment through high-quality, interactive online resources and virtual classrooms, making education more accessible and engaging. The impact on scientific research would be equally transformative. Fast internet would facilitate the swift sharing of large datasets and complex simulations, accelerating discoveries and collaboration in fields ranging from climate science to astrophysics. In the business realm, this speed could drive new efficiencies in data analytics and cloud computing, leading to more informed decision-making and innovation. Moreover, the integration of this ultra-fast Internet with emerging technologies like the Internet of Things ( ) and artificial intelligence (AI) could unlock unprecedented levels of automation and smart technology applications in everyday life, from smart cities to personalized healthcare. IoT Many business leaders and experts have been engaged in discussions and numerous conferences have been arranged to explore the nature of the latest technologies, their implications for the future, and how the internet ties into it all. The 18th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Kyoto, Japan in October was one such gathering aimed at discussing the future of the Internet and how it will impact our lives. The introduction of 1.2 terabit internet to the larger consumer market would not just be an upgrade in speed; it would mean a gateway to a future replete with unimaginable advancements and opportunities across all facets of society. This technological leap promises to reshape the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us, marking a significant milestone in our journey towards a more connected and innovative future. Superfast internet has the potential to profoundly impact numerous sectors, including education, medicine, and even space travel. It can facilitate access to a vast array of educational resources globally, enabling students in remote or underprivileged areas to access the same quality of education as those in more developed regions. Enhanced internet speeds can support more interactive and immersive learning experiences, such as virtual or augmented reality-based classrooms, making education more engaging and effective. Faster internet enables real-time collaboration among students and educators worldwide, breaking down geographical barriers and fostering global learning communities. Superfast internet can vastly improve telemedicine capabilities, allowing for real-time, high-definition video consultations and remote diagnostics, even in specialties that require significant bandwidth, like radiology. The ability to quickly share large datasets, such as genome sequences or medical imaging, can accelerate medical research and collaboration across borders, leading to faster breakthroughs in treatments and drug development. Enhanced internet speeds could make remote robotic surgery more feasible, allowing expert surgeons to operate on patients thousands of miles away with minimal lag, significantly expanding access to specialized surgical care. In space missions, the ability to transmit large amounts of data quickly and reliably is crucial. Superfast internet could significantly reduce the time it takes to send data between Earth and spacecraft or space stations, enhancing scientific research and monitoring. Improved internet speeds could enhance the remote operation of spacecraft, allowing for more precise and timely maneuvers, which is particularly important in unmanned missions. For manned missions, superfast internet would improve the quality and reliability of communication between astronauts and mission control, critical for both operational success and the psychological well-being of astronauts on long-duration missions. In short, the advent of superfast internet utilized in real-world applications stands to revolutionize various aspects of our lives. This technological leap would represent nothing short of a significant step towards a more interconnected and advanced global society.

How a Faster Internet Can Change Our World

In this interview I am speaking with Fisher Yu, the co-founder and CTO of Babylon. We will discuss combining Bitcoin's security features with Proof-of-Stake networks, the challenges faced during the development of Babylon, and the exciting possibilities in this groundbreaking synergy. Please tell us your name and what you do My name is Fisher Yu. I am the co-founder and CTO of Babylon, a project aiming to scale Bitcoin and secure the decentralized world. Can you provide an overview of your background and experience in blockchain security and cryptography? What projects or research have you been involved in? I did my Ph.D. at Australian National University, focusing on network information theory. In my last year of Ph.D., I invented a decentralized media delivery platform and sold it to Dolby Laboratories. I then joined the University of Southern California as a Postdoc to study the security of decentralized systems systematically. During my Postdoc, I invented Polyshard and Coded Merkle Tree with my colleagues, among the most cited works in the blockchain scalability and data availability areas. I then joined Dolby Laboratories to lead the production of decentralized multimedia delivery networks. In the meantime, I have been collaborating with Professor David Tse on academic research and industry consulting. I have helped a few high-profile blockchain projects upgrade existing chains and launch new ones. A recent research paper from me, Professor Tse, and our co-authors, which was recently accepted by the world's most respected security conference, the 2023 IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy Summit, entitled "Bitcoin-Enhanced Proof-of-Stake Security: Possibilities and Impossibilities," forms the foundation of Babylon. Why did you find Babylon? I've witnessed firsthand how information infrastructure is often concentrated in the hands of a select few entities. This concentration raises concerns about centralization and the potential for censorship and manipulation in our digital world. Our current systems are not as transparent, fair, or democratic as they should be. I recognized the potential of blockchain technology and saw an opportunity to disrupt this status quo. Blockchains can bring about decentralization, creating new social structures that prioritize transparency, fairness, and democracy. They can empower individuals and foster innovation, crucial for building a more equitable and inclusive digital landscape. Babylon, in particular, is my response to the challenge of scaling Bitcoin to ensure a more secure and decentralized world. It's a way to leverage the power of Bitcoin's security while expanding its utility in a broader ecosystem. By doing so, I hope to contribute to the ongoing transformation of our digital world into one that better aligns with the values of transparency, fairness, democracy, and individual empowerment. How exactly does Babylon work? It operates through a suite of Bitcoin security-sharing protocols, each leveraging distinct security features inherent to Bitcoin. These features encompass Bitcoin's Proof-of-Work (PoW) power, the Bitcoin asset itself, and its reputation as one of the most censorship-resistant global blockchains. Our current primary focus is on the Bitcoin Staking protocol. This protocol is designed to leverage unused Bitcoins to improve the economic security of Proof-of-Stake (PoS) systems. What makes it particularly noteworthy is its ability to allow Bitcoin holders to stake their bitcoins directly on the Bitcoin network in a trustless manner, eliminating the need for third-party custody, bridging, or wrapping services. Interestingly, the staked bitcoins can be effectively utilized as a staking asset within PoS systems. This functionality has various essential properties, including generating yields and being slashable, delegatable, and easily unstaked. Achieving this is made possible through advanced cryptographic technologies and by fully using Bitcoin's existing scripting language, all without requiring any modifications or forks to the Bitcoin network itself. What problem did you aim to solve with Babylon? The primary problem we set out to tackle is the security challenges that PoS blockchains face. While PoS systems have emerged as a promising alternative to address the energy consumption concerns associated with Bitcoin's PoW mechanism, they come with their issues. One of the most critical issues is the vulnerability to non-slashable long-range safety attacks. These attacks pose a large risk to the integrity and security of PoS chains, and addressing them is a complex problem. Another challenge is the limited staking capital available for security, especially for smaller PoS chains, which can hinder their ability to withstand attacks and provide a high level of security. Additionally, PoS systems can struggle with low liveness resilience, meaning they may face challenges in maintaining consistent and reliable network operations. However, we firmly believe that integrating Bitcoin can effectively resolve these problems. By leveraging the security features and robustness of the Bitcoin network, we aim to create security-sharing protocols that bring together the strengths of PoS systems and Bitcoin, essentially achieving the best of both worlds. In doing so, we hope to enhance the security and resilience of PoS blockchains while addressing their limitations, ultimately contributing to a more secure and sustainable blockchain ecosystem. What were your biggest challenges when building Babylon? One of the most significant challenges we encountered was navigating the limitations of Bitcoin's scripting language. Bitcoin's scripting language is intentionally limited in its expressiveness, making it quite basic and restrictive compared to more sophisticated smart contract languages used on other blockchain platforms. This limitation means it's exceedingly challenging to program complex functions or have the Bitcoin network understand off-chain events, which is crucial for our security-sharing protocols. In contrast to languages like Solidity, which enables developers to program a wide range of functions in smart contracts, working with Bitcoin's scripting language requires a different level of creativity and problem-solving. It demands a deep understanding of multiple disciplines, including cryptography and economics, and the ability to provide rigorous scientific proofs to ensure the security and effectiveness of our protocols. All these elements must seamlessly come together to design protocols to extract Bitcoin's security and share it with other decentralized systems. Overcoming the limitations of Bitcoin's scripting language has been a multifaceted challenge that has required a unique blend of skills, innovative thinking, and a commitment to the principles of security and decentralization. It's a testament to the complexity and intricacy of the blockchain space and the dedication required to address its unique challenges. What are the main advantages of utilizing Bitcoin's security model for proof-of-stake chains compared to traditional proof-of-work mechanisms? One of the main advantages of utilizing Bitcoin's security model for proof-of-stake chains compared to traditional proof-of-work mechanisms is the efficiency factor. PoS has already been demonstrated to be a more energy-efficient consensus mechanism than PoW. We're in an era where the environmental impact of cryptocurrencies is a pressing concern, and PoS has a significant edge in this regard. The reduced energy consumption associated with PoS makes it more sustainable and contributes to lower transaction processing times, another clear benefit. However, it's important to acknowledge that PoS has its own security challenges that must be addressed. These issues can't always be solved internally within the PoS system itself. This is where Bitcoin, the largest and most secure blockchain globally, comes into play. Bitcoin has a proven track record of robust security and attack resistance, making it a valuable resource for PoS chains needing external support. Combining the strengths of PoS and Bitcoin's security model can lead to a more secure and decentralized blockchain ecosystem. It's a natural progression in the evolution of blockchain technology. By leveraging Bitcoin's security, PoS chains can enhance their overall security posture and gain the trust of users and investors. This symbiotic relationship between PoS and Bitcoin can potentially contribute greatly to creating a better-decentralized world where security and efficiency coexist harmoniously. What potential risks or challenges can arise when implementing Bitcoin's security in a proof-of-stake environment, and how can they be mitigated? There are some potential risks and challenges when implementing Bitcoin's security in a proof-of-stake environment. One of the primary challenges is achieving and maintaining synchronicity between the PoS chains and the Bitcoin network. Both systems must work seamlessly together to ensure the security and integrity of transactions. Any discrepancies in timing or data between the two could lead to vulnerabilities. Another significant concern is the risk of double-spending in a PoS environment, where participants have a stake in the network. Unlike PoW, where miners invest computational power, PoS relies on participants' ownership of tokens. If there's a flaw in the integration that allows for double-spending, it could undermine the entire system's trustworthiness. Additionally, managing stake withdrawal delays can be a challenge. In PoS, participants often need to lock up their tokens as collateral, and there can be time delays before they can withdraw their stake. This introduces a potential friction point for users wanting to exit the system quickly. To mitigate these challenges, it's crucial to implement robust cryptographic measures and mechanisms for secure communication and data transfer between the PoS chains and the Bitcoin network. Time-locking and advanced Bitcoin timestamping can also be valuable tools to ensure that transactions and data are properly synchronized and secure. Furthermore, continuous monitoring and auditing of the integration are essential steps to identify and address potential vulnerabilities promptly. Regular security assessments and stress tests can help uncover weaknesses and ensure the implementation remains resilient against attacks. Are any specific technical considerations or modifications needed to make Bitcoin's security compatible with proof-of-stake chains? When it comes to making Bitcoin's security compatible with PoS chains, it's interesting to note that no modifications are required for the Bitcoin network. The innovation here lies in developing a Bitcoin staking protocol, which transforms Bitcoin into a staking asset that can be slashed, withdrawn, and delegated for use on PoS chains. The key lies in the PoS chains themselves, which need to incorporate specific logic to accept Bitcoin staking. This can typically be achieved by implementing smart contracts, a feature most PoS chains support. Using smart contracts ensures that the integration process is relatively non-intrusive, allowing PoS chains to harness Bitcoin's security while maintaining their functionality and rules. So, in essence, the technical considerations and modifications primarily revolve around the PoS chains, which must be designed to accept and interact with Bitcoin as a staking asset. This approach minimizes the need for changes to the Bitcoin network, ensuring compatibility with a range of PoS chains efficiently and streamlined. What is your long-term vision for Babylon? In the long term, my vision is to foster coexistence between Bitcoin and PoS chains in the decentralized landscape. The ultimate goal is to bridge these two blockchain technologies by using Bitcoin as a security backbone for PoS networks. The main idea behind this vision is to create an integrated, secure, and decentralized economy. We believe that by achieving this, we can not only retain the value of Bitcoin but also provide opportunities for Bitcoin holders to earn meaningful yields. This, in turn, could promote broader adoption of Bitcoin and PoS chains, leading to a more interconnected financial system. In this future scenario, the focus lies on enabling trust and interoperability between these blockchain ecosystems. The aim is to contribute to the evolution of the cryptocurrency landscape, gradually disrupting traditional finance and other sectors with more equitable and inclusive systems. The commitment here is to continue developing innovative solutions that support the overarching vision, strongly emphasizing security, scalability, and sustainability. The main goal is to empower individuals and institutions to actively participate in this evolving decentralized economy, unlocking new possibilities and reshaping the financial landscape. The long-term vision centers around realizing a more secure, efficient, and accessible global financial ecosystem driven by the synergy between Bitcoin and PoS chains. What are the most critical factors determining the success and adoption of Bitcoin to secure proof-of-stake chains in the blockchain industry? Several critical factors come to mind when determining the success and adoption of using Bitcoin to secure proof-of-stake (PoS) chains in the blockchain industry. First and foremost, it's the establishment and widespread adoption of Bitcoin security sharing protocols, particularly the Bitcoin Staking protocol. These protocols create a marketplace where Bitcoin holders become security suppliers while PoS chains and other decentralized infrastructures become consumers. The effectiveness of these protocols in facilitating this exchange of security plays a pivotal role in the success of this integration. However, one significant challenge is that the Bitcoin and PoS ecosystems are somewhat foreign to each other. This highlights the importance of market education. To bring these two worlds together successfully, there needs to be a joint effort to educate both Bitcoin holders and PoS enthusiasts about the benefits and intricacies of this security-sharing model. This education is critical to building trust and fostering cooperation between the two communities. Moreover, a solid economic model is essential for this shared security market's long-term sustainability and prosperity. Ensuring that the incentives are well-aligned for Bitcoin holders and PoS chains is crucial. This means establishing clear and fair compensation mechanisms that encourage participation in securing PoS chains while providing appropriate rewards to Bitcoin holders. Additionally, a strong and engaged community is vital. Communities play a significant role in blockchain, and their support can make or break a project. In the context of Bitcoin securing PoS chains, having an active and enthusiastic community that believes in the value of this integration can help drive adoption and ensure its continued success. What are the most exciting possibilities and innovations that can emerge from the synergy between Bitcoin and proof-of-stake chains in the coming years? One of the most intriguing prospects is unlocking the 21 million Bitcoins for the PoS economy. This could have a transformative effect, activating a massive pool of capital and creating a strong alignment between Bitcoin and the PoS world. Thinking about how this capital injection could fuel new developments and opportunities is exciting. One area where we can anticipate significant innovation is in security infrastructure. Bitcoin's robust security track record can provide a solid foundation for PoS chains, enhancing their overall security posture. This, in turn, could pave the way for more confidence in blockchain technology and potentially attract new participants and investors to the ecosystem. DeFi is another realm where the synergy between Bitcoin and PoS chains can lead to exciting innovations. DeFi has been a major driving force in the blockchain space. With the added security and stability that Bitcoin can provide, we might see even more sophisticated and secure DeFi applications emerge. This could lead to improved financial services, better lending and borrowing options, and increased accessibility for users worldwide. Furthermore, the liquidity market is poised for innovation. With Bitcoin's participation in PoS security, we could witness the creation of more efficient and liquid markets. This could make it easier for users to move assets between chains and ecosystems, fostering greater interoperability and reducing friction in the blockchain space. Lastly, the synergy between Bitcoin and PoS chains might also catalyze the launch of more application-specific blockchains and infrastructure. Powered by Bitcoin's security, these chains could be tailored to specific industries or use cases, enabling more specialized and optimized solutions. This diversification could open up new possibilities across many sectors, from supply chain management to healthcare.

Revolutionizing Proof-of-Stake: Leveraging Bitcoin's Strengths 

Today, I am speaking with Miguel Machado, and we will look into the ever-evolving landscape of technology integration within Fortune 500 companies. In this interview, Miguel shares his insights on the role of in contemporary business growth, offers advice on assessing AI readiness, and discusses examples of companies that have harnessed AI for success. AI We'll also look at the potential risks and challenges of AI integration, strategies for aligning technology with business objectives, and the importance of fostering innovation and adaptability within large-scale tech projects. Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do: I am Miguel Machado, a Tech & AI Serial Entrepreneur and the CEO and co-founder of 3 ventures: Keenfolks, Scoretize, and OG. As a global AI partner, Keenfolks connects the dots across the corporate, marketing, and prop tech sectors to help Fortune 500 businesses increase productivity and expand. Scoretize is an AI-powered tool designed for marketing agencies to provide comprehensive digital audits, reporting, and pitching services for their clients. OG offers a go-to-market solution to deploy AI to Fortune 500 Marketing. How do you envision AI's role in the growth of businesses founded today? When it comes to the growth of today's fresh businesses, the use of AI is a real game-changer. Picture this: AI isn't just some tech tool, but it can wear multiple hats, from CEO to Managing Director, Marketing Director, and even your go-to Executive Assistant. For example, a project from Portuguese founder João F. Santos raised €4 million valuation all executed by AI. AI's potential to expedite processes, foster seamless coordination, and facilitate rapid knowledge acquisition is a beacon of transformative power. As businesses navigate the competitive terrain, this capacity positions them to achieve unprecedented levels of competitiveness. We are on the cusp of an AI-first business realm, where innovation is supercharged by AI's capabilities, heralding an era of unparalleled growth and efficiency. What are some specific areas within a business where AI implementation can lead to significant growth opportunities? When I think about the world of AI capabilities, I believe it is not about scratching the surface – it is about how you can shake up an entire sector. AI's functional skills can tackle various tasks such as customer support, analyzing customer data, product design, AI-powered analytics, talent acquisition by screening resumes, and many more. But I believe we should be digging deeper. We're at a turning point where anyone can drive big changes in several industries. I've got my eyes on fields like law, HR, finance – you name it. Anticipate developments over the next six months that'll make the achievements of the last 50 years seem modest. It's like breathing new life into industries. We're in for an incredible journey that's set to reshape industries and stretch the limits of what we thought was doable. As a founder, what steps should be taken to assess if AI is the right fit for one’s business and growth strategy? When you're stepping into the AI arena, it's all about getting down to the basics. You've got to start by checking if you've got the key ingredients in your toolkit to make things happen. Take a good look at what data you're working with, how your current processes are chugging along, and the tech stack you've got going on. Then, it's time to incorporate language models, the creative power of , and top-notch marketing technology. generative AI Once you've got that mix in place, you'll start to get a sense of the bigger picture. You'll size up the maturity level of your industry or company and wrap your head around how much of a climb you're looking at. Armed with this comprehensive view, you can decide if you're up for the challenge of rolling out automation, cranking up your efficiency, and firing up competitiveness at scale. This isn't just about using AI tools – it's about a whole new level of innovation and growth that's going to stand out in the crowd. Can you provide examples of successful businesses that have utilized AI to fuel their growth, and what key lessons can other founders learn from their experiences? One standout example that comes to mind is OpenAI, which is making waves with its diverse solutions rooted in the capability to generate massive datasets, granting them expertise across various domains. Microsoft is actively harnessing this by using that capacity to infuse acceleration into all its consumer products, strategically anchoring their growth. What's remarkable is that these opportunities are accessible to all of us today, and we're witnessing multiple companies adopting a similar blueprint: Notion AI, Canva, Grammarly, and many others. The invaluable takeaway from these pioneering ventures is twofold: first, no sector is undisputed to transformation when the right AI strategy is deployed – you can vie for success across any landscape. Second, the velocity of execution demands an entirely new timeframe; what once took a year to accomplish must now be tackled within a week. What are some of the potential risks and challenges associated with integrating AI into a business, and how can founders mitigate these risks? We must admit that Integrating AI into a business comes with its own risks and challenges. First, something is unsettling about how language models can create very realistic illusions. They can make up completely different situations that we can't easily control. For example, there's a puzzling move called Move 27 in the game of Go. In this move, an algorithm won against a human champion using a strategy that still confuses us. This shows that we're entering into a technological area that could take us to unexpected places. This might have legal and business consequences. The second big problem is that there is not enough quality data that can work well with language models and Generative AI models. Making sure the data is accurate and the algorithms can make sense when they talk to each other is hard. This shows the importance of having good data and managing it well to . use AI properly Finally, the third risk involves the potential for unethical deployment of AI and inadequate data protection measures, both of which can pose substantial threats to society at large. As AI's capabilities expand, these technologies' responsible and ethical application becomes an ever more pressing concern. As we navigate the complexities of AI integration, it's paramount that we address these risks head-on, charting a path that maximizes the benefits while minimizing potential pitfalls. In the context of large-scale technology integration, what are the main challenges that F500 companies typically face, and how can they effectively overcome them? One of the most prevalent challenges we've encountered in assisting Fortune 500 companies with AI integration revolves around a fundamental shift in perspective. It's crucial to recognize that AI demands strategic groundwork rather than immediate tactical implementation. This journey transcends the mere utilization of tools like ChatGPT for drafting emails; it's about cultivating an encompassing Integrative AI vision. This entails seamlessly fusing available language models into the fabric of a company's vision, operations, and processes. It's a holistic endeavor that requires foresight and alignment across the organization. Another challenge is that F500 companies forget to keep the ultimate goal in sight – the development of proprietary products that adhere to compliance standards, mitigate data protection risks, and safeguard intellectual property rights. This foresight-driven approach empowers companies to navigate the AI landscape with a clear direction and a commitment to innovation that's underpinned by ethical considerations. Finally, the third challenge pertains to preparedness and training rather than just the allocation of resources. It's not solely about acquiring the tools but also about building an informed workforce capable of understanding and effectively interacting with the technology. At Keenfolks, we specialize in facilitating workshops that provide a roadmap for successful AI adoption and offer the expertise needed to navigate these challenges successfully. How do you assess the current state of technology integration within F500 companies, and what are some of the key factors that determine its success or failure? Within the realm of Fortune 500 companies, a significant proportion finds themselves in the initial phases of AI integration. While many currently leverage data in descriptive capacities, there's an impending shift toward predictive and prescriptive capabilities, a transition that the advent of Generative AI will notably catalyze. The degree of a company's maturity in terms of strategic vision and foundational data infrastructure plays an important and very pivotal role in determining the ease of assimilating Generative AI and hastening operational processes. Sectors like finance, technology, and travel exhibit advanced levels of integration, whereas domains such as Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Pharmaceuticals, and Retail lag behind, characterized by mid to lower maturity levels in their convergence of data strategy, systems and the deployment of Generative AI. This landscape underscores the dynamic trajectory of AI adoption and the diverse challenges various industries face in aligning their strategies with this transformative wave. What strategies do you recommend for F500 companies to align their technology integration efforts with their overall business objectives and long-term growth plans? When it comes to aligning technology integration efforts with the broader business objectives and long-term growth plans of Fortune 500 companies, some smart strategies come into play. To start, dive into real-world business scenarios that can rev up efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive sales growth. The initial step entails fostering synergy between business teams and technological counterparts. Marketing teams are great at understanding what consumers want, but they might find technical stuff a bit confusing. On the other hand, IT teams are technology experts, but understanding the market dynamics might be tricky. This is where Integrative AI comes in. Think of it as a detailed guide that smoothly connects bold visions and practical strategies and integrates the latest tech innovations. This roadmap shows the way to a future where AI works together with business leaders in perfect harmony. It's like blending business goals and tech know-how, all powered by Integrative AI – when different AI technologies join forces to create advanced systems. How can F500 companies strike a balance between leveraging existing legacy systems and adopting new technologies during the integration process? In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, decisions made merely two years ago could now render inadequate systems and technology. The present moment warrants deep introspection into the technology stack and its intricate connections with existing legacy systems. It's a prime opportunity to contemplate the Consumer Data Platform, cloud infrastructure, data storage solutions, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Content Management Systems (CMS) – aligning all these components with the demands of a new era, where data, integration, and consumer interactions stand as paramount considerations. The imperative is to harmonize these elements to effectively cater to the demands of a swiftly transforming digital landscape, ensuring that your technological foundation is not only resilient but also agile enough to accommodate future advancements. In today's fast-changing technology world, choices made just two years ago might not work well with new systems and technology now. Right now, it's important to think about the technology we're using and how it connects to our old systems. It's a good time to think about things like the Consumer Data Platform, Cloud infrastructure, Customer Relationship Management, and Content Management Systems– aligning all these components with the demands of a new era where data, integration, and consumer interactions stand as paramount considerations. The goal is to make all these parts work together to meet the needs of the fast-changing digital world. Can you share some best practices for managing the complexities of integrating multiple technology systems and platforms within F500 companies? Navigating the intricacies of integrating various technology systems and platforms within Fortune 500 companies demands a well-structured approach. At Keenfolks, we developed a 7-step methodology to help F500 companies improve consumer engagement and tech efficiency and accelerate sales. It focuses on connecting a company's processes, data, and tech stack with generative and language models, culminating in proprietary technology solutions tailored to the company's unique needs. AI tools Comprising seven sequential steps, the methodology commences with an understanding of the business model and objectives, followed by an audit to identify integration gaps and bottlenecks. Clear objectives, data strategy, and technological alignment are emphasized before creating a roadmap for integration. Subsequent deployment, optimization, and scaling efforts enable seamless transitions, leveraging real-time data and user feedback. By strategically integrating generative AI and aligning it with business objectives, the methodology provides a structured path for F500 companies to effectively navigate technology integration complexities while harnessing the potential of AI-driven innovation. How important is it for F500 companies to foster a strong culture of innovation and adaptability when undertaking large-scale tech integration projects? In today's dynamic business landscape, fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability is not just important but essential for Fortune 500 companies embarking on large-scale tech integration projects. The convergence of technology, consumer expectations, and market shifts demands a proactive approach that constantly embraces change and harnesses innovation. An agile and innovative mindset is the driving force behind successful tech integration. It facilitates the seamless alignment of cutting-edge technologies with an organization's strategic goals, ensuring optimal results, increased operational efficiency, and sustained growth. By nurturing a culture that encourages creativity, experimentation, and flexibility, F500 companies can confidently navigate the complexities of tech integration, capitalize on emerging opportunities, and remain at the forefront of their industries. Looking into the future, what exciting AI trends do you see that could revolutionize how founders grow their businesses? Looking ahead, the holds immense promise in revolutionizing how C-level leaders propel their businesses to new heights. The emergence of no-code solutions is set to democratize AI adoption, allowing brands to integrate advanced technologies into their operations without requiring extensive technical expertise. landscape of AI trends The ease of experimenting through rapid pilots will foster innovation, enabling Fortune 500 companies to swiftly iterate and refine their AI-driven strategies. Communities will play a pivotal role, harnessing the knowledge of language models to create platforms that facilitate collaborative learning and skill enhancement. The synergy between AI and blockchain will reshape industries by ensuring transparency, security, and trust in data transactions. The pervasive connection between AI and various domains, from healthcare to manufacturing, will amplify productivity and redefine possibilities. Moreover, productization will gain momentum, transforming AI models into scalable solutions catering to diverse business needs. At Keenfolks, as we continue to navigate these transformative trends, we remain dedicated to empowering C-level executives to leverage AI's potential for sustainable growth and innovation.

The State of Technology Integration in F500 Companies: Insights from an AI Advocate

Congrats on raising new financing for Hoken Tech. How much money did you raise? And what are the terms of the deal? Thanks, in this case, we managed to get 30 thousand euros from an Italian government fund dedicated to culture and art and in more the advantage of these funds is that only half we will have to repay over 8 years. Who participated in the round? And how will these investors help the business grow beyond the money? As previously mentioned, the main actor of these capitals derives, indirectly, from the Italian government, and this also allows us to demonstrate to everyone, how our project has the qualities and characteristics of interfacing with important institutions such as governments Worldwide. What is your company’s current valuation? What data/traction/evidence supports this valuation? We are still a young startup, but despite this, we are making great steps forward, and even the data we are collecting is encouraging and allow us to better define our goals and also the needs of users who are our first supporters. What does your company offer today? And what do you think it will provide in the future? Our business at Hoken Tech is to provide museums and artists with tools to catalyze frictionless, rapid trade of their art. We identify institutions looking for new revenue streams, facilitate the integration of the crypto-based solution, and attract visitors to museums who use QR Codes to buy the NFT too! This is not your regular art collecting closet; we can target all aspects of your business from concept to execution. In the coming months, we will present something never seen in the world, that is an NFT distributor that can be placed anywhere, as it does not require electricity or batteries, and inside it is possible to insert a capsule that contains the NFT to be redeemed, all in a decentralized way and using the EOS blockchain. What differentiates your product and/or offering from competitors? In our case, our NFTs are eco-sustainable as they exploit the EOS blockchain, and for the uninitiated, it is the first blockchain in the world to be carbon neutral, and consequently, everything created on this blockchain, including the NFTs, I can boast of this title and feature. Furthermore, we can offer an integration of these NFTs also on users' websites to integrate something decentralized on centralized portals, having the advantage of both, in fact with our solution you can sell an NFT through any payment method, which it goes from PayPal, to credit card and even bank transfer, which not everyone can offer yet on the market. Who are the founders and key team members? What exceptional skills, abilities and perspectives does this team have? Pro tip: add a picture of your team! Our team is currently made up of two members and in particular, Antonella, who holds the role of CEO of Hoken Tech, born in 1992 who, after graduating in business management, takes over the reins of the family's farm to transform it into an innovative startup of online commerce. And it represents the commercial soul of the company, essential for maintaining relationships with users of the caliber of institutions such as museums and other cultural and non-cultural bodies. Then we have Alfredo, who holds the position of CTO, and is the technological backbone of the startup thanks to his experience in the crypto and blockchain sector since 2011, he has accumulated the necessary experience to concretely develop products and services that exploit the blockchain, not to forget the numerous books also written in the blockchain field (in total he has written over 100 books), and the recent victory as Best Crypto Journalist 2021, also lies behind the NFT distributor which will be launched shortly. In laymen’s terms, how do you plan on spending the money? Half of the funds will be invested to cover all expenses related to professionals such as notaries, lawyers, and accountants to make all our operations legally proofed, to operate clearly and transparently, while the other part of the funds will be used for all the equipment and raw materials essential to operate in this area. What’s exciting about your traction to date? And how do you plan on measuring growth going forward? An important aspect of traction and the parameters to be taken into consideration is to have models and systems that are in line with our society. Obviously, as a young company, we did not have all this information but thanks to the incubation program, which we followed and won, we have learned a lot. Helios (which is part of the Helios VC in which Brok Pierce also participates), and their mentors such as Gavriel Shaw, who have provided us with several templates to use that we’ve found helpful, especially for us the SaaS template created by is proving very useful and simple compared to other templates. Christoph Janz What are your revenue expectations over the next three years? One of our advantages is that we can diversify the various sectors in which we can operate, and therefore we can multiply our offer by the various sectors, not only therefore to the art and culture sector, but also in tourism, the product sector agri-food and more. In this sense, we have developed a 5-year projection, by inserting our various fixed costs and the potential revenues deriving from the various projects that we are going to carry out. What is your TAM (Total Addressable Market)? And what is your strategy to acquire the maximum share of this market? Our main market is the institutional one and specifically the museums, which are over 55 thousand worldwide, of which over 4 thousand in Italy (we are only talking about public museums) and we aim to offer a new form of revenue provided by the digitization of works in blockchain through NFTs. And this is where our strategy comes into action thanks to the NFT distributor as it allows us to attract visitors and at the same time be able to exploit NFTs as a form of monetization. In your funding raising pitch deck, what is your favorite slide? What problem are you solving? And Why is now the time for your company to solve this? The main problem that we are going to solve for institutions such as museums, is the recovery of capital for their structures, since, especially in Italy, most museums are free and depend on aid from the Italian government which is unfortunately not enough. This problem presents itself to us as an opportunity because thanks to NFTs the museum itself puts a new product in its catalog and in its store to be traded as if it were a poster, postcard, or catalog. In addition, thanks to the traction that the NFT sector had in 2021, many are and are approaching the same and want to integrate this technology in some way also in their company. What are the potential risks to the business? i.e. technology, regulatory, incumbents, legal, etc. One of the main problems we have, at least in Italy, is dictated by the lack of regulation, and therefore we must always be in line with what is promulgated by the Italian government and be compliant with them. In fact, having a company like ours in Italy and not abroad as most do, obliges us to follow all the laws of the country, and even if they are sometimes quite restrictive, it allows us to have a significant advantage towards competition, as it does not automatically comply with the various Italian laws, and this is why our company has relied on a law firm specialized in the crypto and blockchain sector, led by an extraordinary woman like Olivia. What intellectual and digital property does the company own? Or intend to build/own? i.e. patents, patents pending, copyrights, trade secrets, trademarks, domains, bored apes, etc. We embrace the same philosophy as the blockchain, where the code is open, public, and transparent, allowing us to be clear with everyone and provide something that others cannot provide, which is trust because if everyone knows what you do and how you do it, there is no 'it is a patent or secret that can provide the same trust as something transparent and public if it is not possible to verify it how can you trust that product, technology or patent, as you may have a patent but no one would know how it works or what secrets it hides. Regarding digital assets, we have budgeted our cryptocurrencies so as to focus ourselves on this sector and this technology, and also because the amount of cryptocurrencies that a company owns is easily controllable thanks to the blockchain and it is impossible to change even in the budgets, making us also a reliable company also from a financial and economic point of view. Why should we think Hoken Tech could grow to the moon?! The only way that companies have to grow and expand is to offer innovative and cutting-edge products, and we too, being a company operating in the sector of new technologies, must constantly evolve and always provide new solutions to everyone, and this is why we have developed the NFT distributor, something that our competitors have not and have not thought of and which is difficult to replicate, which for us is already ready to be launched on the market, and has already obtained crazy numbers at events into whom we showed it, we even had to remove it because we had blocked an entire hackathon due to our distributor NFT. Would you like to take a stab at answering some of these questions? Also check out: The link for the template is HERE. ten questions for every founder :-)

4CATALYZER

4catalyzer.com

-- employees

Since n.d.

COMPANY RANKING

4CATALYZER

EVERGREEN INDEX #900

Representing this company? Click here to claim and customize this page!

4Catalyzer WIKI

Apply to get your Tech Company News Page live on HackerNoon.com today!

4CATALYZER

4catalyzer.com

-- employees

Since n.d.

COMPANY RANKING

4CATALYZER

EVERGREEN INDEX #900

RELATED COMPANIESRANK

STORIES ABOUT 4CATALYZER

Representing this company? Click here to claim and customize this page!

4Catalyzer WIKI

Apply to get your Tech Company News Page live on HackerNoon.com today!