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The Rise of Blockchain-based Video Streaming: Exclusive Interview With Replay CEO Michael Jelen

A longer read about how Asimov’s Robopsychologist might be coming to life in AI as the Cognitive Architect. Last week at AI Engineer World Fair in San Francisco, engineers and technologists presented cutting-edge AI technology being developed. The conference was motivated by a think piece published by @swyx and @FanaHOVA, defining the role of the AI Engineer (AIE). This role sits at the intersection of product and technology, specializing in applying Large Language Models to software development. There was a common trend in some of the work presented: a need to overcome these models' more messy, probabilistic nature by making them more reliable and engineering-like. This is no surprise since AI Engineering focuses on applying these models to real-world problems. From building a question-answer engine like Perplexity to a tool for better note-taking like Granola, a certain level of determinism is needed to create products that can withstand real-world use. While at the conference, I also followed @hwchase17 on Sequoia's Training Data podcast, as he talked the notion of cognitive architectures. While this was part of a larger conversation about turning LLMs into reasoning agents, this notion of cognitive architecture pointed toward the idea that using LLMs is as much about human-to-machine cognition as it is about technology. Human-machine cognition means understanding human agency and translating it into instructions, considering the intricate steps we take when performing tasks (both conscious and subconscious), and translating them into machine code—that is, model language. Now, a small detour into science fiction: In Asimov's I, Robot, robopsychology is the field of understanding and troubleshooting the complex psychological and behavioral issues that arise as robots (read: AI) become more sophisticated and integrated into human society. Dr. Susan Calvin, a robopsychologist, navigates the dilemmas posed by the laws of robotics. Here, I see a parallel between Asimov's study of robotic psychology and the challenges of training AI models to do what we want them to do. We've built a technology we're still working to understand. @mustafasuleyman even suggests it isn't just a technology, but a new kind of digital species—what an idea! Given the challenges of engineering with language models and their incredible power, there might be a gap in applied AI waiting to be filled by Cognitive Architects—a role most likely already in existence in research labs at OpenAI, Anthropic, or Google. Much like an architect works alongside a civil engineer to research how humans live, the Cognitive Architect may work with computer scientists to study human cognition and its relation to model cognition. From examining the boundaries of the model's probabilistic knowledge (latent space) to using the right keywords and canonical definitions to express instructions, to decomposing complex human tasks into the flows of actions, tools, and models, the Cognitive Architect might be part of the recipe to applying these models in ways that don't just tame it down to an engineering feature, but also harness their true nature: To predict where we're most likely to go next. A longer read about how Asimov’s Robopsychologist might be coming to life in AI as the Cognitive Architect. Last week at AI Engineer World Fair in San Francisco, engineers and technologists presented cutting-edge AI technology being developed. The conference was motivated by a think piece published by @swyx and @FanaHOVA , defining the role of the AI Engineer (AIE). This role sits at the intersection of product and technology, specializing in applying Large Language Models to software development. @swyx @FanaHOVA There was a common trend in some of the work presented: a need to overcome these models' more messy, probabilistic nature by making them more reliable and engineering-like. This is no surprise since AI Engineering focuses on applying these models to real-world problems. From building a question-answer engine like Perplexity to a tool for better note-taking like Granola, a certain level of determinism is needed to create products that can withstand real-world use. While at the conference, I also followed @hwchase17 on Sequoia's Training Data podcast, as he talked the notion of cognitive architectures. While this was part of a larger conversation about turning LLMs into reasoning agents, this notion of cognitive architecture pointed toward the idea that using LLMs is as much about human-to-machine cognition as it is about technology. @hwchase17 Human-machine cognition means understanding human agency and translating it into instructions, considering the intricate steps we take when performing tasks (both conscious and subconscious), and translating them into machine code—that is, model language. Now, a small detour into science fiction: In Asimov's I, Robot, robopsychology is the field of understanding and troubleshooting the complex psychological and behavioral issues that arise as robots (read: AI) become more sophisticated and integrated into human society. Dr. Susan Calvin, a robopsychologist, navigates the dilemmas posed by the laws of robotics. Here, I see a parallel between Asimov's study of robotic psychology and the challenges of training AI models to do what we want them to do. We've built a technology we're still working to understand. @mustafasuleyman even suggests it isn't just a technology, but a new kind of digital species—what an idea! @mustafasuleyman Given the challenges of engineering with language models and their incredible power, there might be a gap in applied AI waiting to be filled by Cognitive Architects—a role most likely already in existence in research labs at OpenAI, Anthropic, or Google. Much like an architect works alongside a civil engineer to research how humans live, the Cognitive Architect may work with computer scientists to study human cognition and its relation to model cognition. From examining the boundaries of the model's probabilistic knowledge (latent space) to using the right keywords and canonical definitions to express instructions, to decomposing complex human tasks into the flows of actions, tools, and models, the Cognitive Architect might be part of the recipe to applying these models in ways that don't just tame it down to an engineering feature, but also harness their true nature: To predict where we're most likely to go next.

The Rise of the Cognitive Architect

During the COVID-19 pandemic, dating apps experienced a surge in users. Match Group, which owns over 45 dating brands including Tinder, Hinge, and OKCupid, reported an increase in subscribers and downloads in its second quarter 2020 earnings report, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. However, many dating platforms now struggle to grow sales, attract new users, and convince younger generations to pay for subscriptions. According to The New York Times, industry giants Match Group and Bumble have collectively lost over $40 billion in market value since 2021. Investors are now seeking innovation, prompting major companies to bring in leaders willing to experiment with new features, such as artificial intelligence, and strategies that would attract new users, especially the younger ones. AI in the Service of Love One of the most intriguing trends in the dating app market is the integration of artificial intelligence. Speaking at the Bloomberg Tech Summit in San Francisco, Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd highlighted how AI could enhance the search for connections. Herd proposed using AI assistants, or AI dating concierges, to reach out to potential partners, thereby expanding the pool of people each user can communicate with and increasing the chances of finding a perfect match. “There is a world where your dating concierge could go and date for you with other dating concierges ... and then you don’t have to talk to 600 people,” Herd explained during her interview. Startups are exploring how AI can improve matchmaking. Some apps use neural networks trained to identify the exact type of people a user is attracted to, making the dating experience more enjoyable. Liesel Sharabi, an associate professor at Arizona State University, noted that AI could help reduce "dating burnout" by making matches more accurate. “Looking at AI, there are all kinds of possibilities for helping to make the decision fatigue a little bit less pronounced when you're just having to swipe through so many profiles, and also helping to make the matchmaking process better by just improving upon some of the algorithms that they've been using," Sharabi said. There is even an AI platform called Meeno that people can consult about their relationships. Meeno was founded by Renate Nyborg, a former CEO of Tinder. By creating Meeno, she aimed to address the increased level of loneliness among young people that occurred after the COVID-19 pandemic. Meeno was designed to become a chatting partner and an unbiased advisor to people who feel lonely. One of the users, Andrew, shared his experience of using Meeno with Time Magazine. According to Andrew, Meeno didn’t suggest anything groundbreaking, but just the process of chatting with the app and reading advice on the screen that confirmed his own instincts gave him the confidence he needed to act. There is another platform where AI can give relationship advice. On YouMatch, the AI is trained to analyze people’s personality types and consider their behavior on the app to offer personalized advice on how they should navigate their romantic lives and deal with different situations. Beyond Romance: Facilitating Social Connections The Chinese dating app market is booming, largely due to features that promote social connections rather than just romance. New “social discovery” features help users find friends and acquaintances with similar interests and hobbies. Apps like Bumble offer BFF mode for finding friends and Bizz mode for networking, while Tinder's Friends of Friends feature helps users find potential friends. For many, dating apps have become virtual sanctuaries—a modern twist on the "third place,” a concept urbanists describe as a community space between work and home, The New York Times reports. These platforms allow users to explore hobbies, discuss popular topics, and meet new friends, helping to combat loneliness. Shift Toward Serious Dating In early 2023, Tinder released its international “Green Flags Study,” surveying 8,000 heterosexual men and women aged 18-34 across the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada. The study found that 53% of men and 68% of women are seeking a romantic relationship, indicating that a majority of singles using dating apps are looking for something serious. Hinge data shows that Gen Z singles are more clear and honest about their relationship intentions and expectations, with over half of users seeking a long-term, serious relationship with a deeper connection. This trend has led to a decline in “hookup culture”, which peaked with the rise of Tinder, and a growth in apps focused on serious relationships. To help users build deeper relationships, some startups rely on scientific findings and methodology. For example, YouMatch algorithms conduct each user's personality analysis based on the DISC (Dominance-Influence-Steadiness-Conscientiousness) methodology developed by American psychologist and Harvard graduate William Marston. After determining their personality type and assessing their values and goals, the app matches people with a higher level of personal compatibility, giving them more potential to build a common future. Prioritizing Users' Wellbeing and Safety Young singles are increasingly prioritizing mental health and well-being. According to a Hinge survey, 97% of users prefer dating someone who looks after their mental health and 86% are more likely to agree to a second date if their partner is attending therapy. Nearly 60% of users reported taking time to focus on themselves before entering a relationship. To support users' well-being, dating apps share content on mental health and dating ethics. Bumble, for instance, publishes articles on avoiding ghosting and managing dating burnout. Safety features are also a priority; Tinder's "Share My Date” feature allows users to share their date plans with friends and family with one click, just to be on the safe side. Overall, promoting safe and respectful communication has become a central trend among both major and emerging dating apps. During the COVID-19 pandemic, dating apps experienced a surge in users. Match Group, which owns over 45 dating brands including Tinder, Hinge, and OKCupid, reported an increase in subscribers and downloads in its second quarter 2020 earnings report , surpassing pre-pandemic levels. report report However, many dating platforms now struggle to grow sales, attract new users, and convince younger generations to pay for subscriptions. According to The New York Times, industry giants Match Group and Bumble have collectively lost over $40 billion in market value since 2021. lost over $40 billion lost over $40 billion Investors are now seeking innovation, prompting major companies to bring in leaders willing to experiment with new features, such as artificial intelligence, and strategies that would attract new users, especially the younger ones. AI in the Service of Love AI in the Service of Love One of the most intriguing trends in the dating app market is the integration of artificial intelligence. Speaking at the Bloomberg Tech Summit in San Francisco, Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd highlighted how AI could enhance the search for connections. Herd proposed using AI assistants, or AI dating concierges, to reach out to potential partners, thereby expanding the pool of people each user can communicate with and increasing the chances of finding a perfect match. highlighted how AI could enhance highlighted how AI could enhance “There is a world where your dating concierge could go and date for you with other dating concierges ... and then you don’t have to talk to 600 people,” Herd explained during her interview. Startups are exploring how AI can improve matchmaking. Some apps use neural networks trained to identify the exact type of people a user is attracted to, making the dating experience more enjoyable. Liesel Sharabi, an associate professor at Arizona State University, noted that AI could help reduce "dating burnout" by making matches more accurate. “Looking at AI, there are all kinds of possibilities for helping to make the decision fatigue a little bit less pronounced when you're just having to swipe through so many profiles, and also helping to make the matchmaking process better by just improving upon some of the algorithms that they've been using," Sharabi said . Sharabi said Sharabi said There is even an AI platform called Meeno that people can consult about their relationships. Meeno was founded by Renate Nyborg, a former CEO of Tinder. By creating Meeno, she aimed to address the increased level of loneliness among young people that occurred after the COVID-19 pandemic. Meeno was designed to become a chatting partner and an unbiased advisor to people who feel lonely. One of the users, Andrew, shared his experience of using Meeno with Time Magazine . According to Andrew, Meeno didn’t suggest anything groundbreaking, but just the process of chatting with the app and reading advice on the screen that confirmed his own instincts gave him the confidence he needed to act. experience of using Meeno with Time Magazine There is another platform where AI can give relationship advice. On YouMatch, the AI is trained to analyze people’s personality types and consider their behavior on the app to offer personalized advice on how they should navigate their romantic lives and deal with different situations. Beyond Romance: Facilitating Social Connections Beyond Romance: Facilitating Social Connections The Chinese dating app market is booming , largely due to features that promote social connections rather than just romance. New “social discovery” features help users find friends and acquaintances with similar interests and hobbies. Apps like Bumble offer BFF mode for finding friends and Bizz mode for networking, while Tinder's Friends of Friends feature helps users find potential friends. Chinese dating app market is booming Chinese dating app market is booming For many, dating apps have become virtual sanctuaries—a modern twist on the "third place,” a concept urbanists describe as a community space between work and home, The New York Times reports . These platforms allow users to explore hobbies, discuss popular topics, and meet new friends, helping to combat loneliness. reports reports Shift Toward Serious Dating In early 2023, Tinder released its international “ Green Flags Study ,” surveying 8,000 heterosexual men and women aged 18-34 across the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada. The study found that 53% of men and 68% of women are seeking a romantic relationship, indicating that a majority of singles using dating apps are looking for something serious. Green Flags Study Green Flags Study Hinge data shows that Gen Z singles are more clear and honest about their relationship intentions and expectations, with over half of users seeking a long-term, serious relationship with a deeper connection. This trend has led to a decline in “hookup culture”, which peaked with the rise of Tinder, and a growth in apps focused on serious relationships. apps focused on serious relationships. apps focused on serious relationships. To help users build deeper relationships, some startups rely on scientific findings and methodology. For example, YouMatch algorithms conduct each user's personality analysis based on the DISC (Dominance-Influence-Steadiness-Conscientiousness) methodology developed by American psychologist and Harvard graduate William Marston. After determining their personality type and assessing their values and goals, the app matches people with a higher level of personal compatibility, giving them more potential to build a common future. Prioritizing Users' Wellbeing and Safety Prioritizing Users' Wellbeing and Safety Young singles are increasingly prioritizing mental health and well-being. According to a Hinge survey , 97% of users prefer dating someone who looks after their mental health and 86% are more likely to agree to a second date if their partner is attending therapy. Nearly 60% of users reported taking time to focus on themselves before entering a relationship. survey To support users' well-being, dating apps share content on mental health and dating ethics. Bumble, for instance, publishes articles on avoiding ghosting and managing dating burnout . Safety features are also a priority; Tinder's "Share My Date” feature allows users to share their date plans with friends and family with one click, just to be on the safe side. avoiding ghosting avoiding ghosting dating burnout dating burnout Overall, promoting safe and respectful communication has become a central trend among both major and emerging dating apps.

AI and the Rise of Meaningful Connections: Current Dating App Market Trends

The Noonification: Is The Rise of Runes a New Era for Bitcoin? (6/14/2024)

Is The Rise of Runes a New Era for Bitcoin?

রুন্সের উত্থান কি বিটকয়েনের জন্য একটি নতুন যুগ?

Ist der Aufstieg der Runen eine neue Ära für Bitcoin?

¿Es el auge de las runas una nueva era para Bitcoin?

L’essor des runes est-il une nouvelle ère pour Bitcoin ?

क्या रून्स का उदय बिटकॉइन के लिए एक नया युग है?

ルーンの台頭はビットコインにとって新たな時代となるのか？

룬의 부상은 비트코인의 새로운 시대인가?

A ascensão das runas é uma nova era para o Bitcoin?

Является ли «Возрождение рун» новой эрой для биткойнов?

Runes'un Yükselişi Bitcoin İçin Yeni Bir Dönem Mi?

Sự trỗi dậy của rune có phải là kỷ nguyên mới cho Bitcoin không?

符文的崛起是否开启了比特币的新时代？

Growing geopolitical unrest can be catastrophic on a humanitarian scale while leading to significant levels of volatility across international markets. For opportunistic investors, however, geopolitical uncertainty can pave the way for fresh opportunities to pick up defense stocks. Although the topic of buying defense stocks has historically proven to be a difficult one for retail investors to come to terms with on a moral basis, the industry is forecasted to grow to a market size of $367.3 billion by 2029 and will be buoyed by further government spending should the uncertain climate remain. Using the iShares US Aerospace & Defence ETF, an industry-specific exchange-traded fund with $6.3 billion AUM, we can see that since the flare-up of conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, the fund has grown around 40%. The ETF’s upward trend was sustained by an escalation of violence in the Middle East in late 2023, and the implications of these heightened aggressions are clear on Wall Street. “Increased geopolitical tensions usually force governments to allocate more money to the defense budget,” explains Maxim Manturov, head of investment advice at Freedom24. “Companies that supply essential defense equipment, technology, and services will benefit from this increased spending.” “Look for defense companies with a diversified portfolio across different defense sectors such as aerospace, cybersecurity, and military equipment manufacturing. Diversification helps reduce risks associated with fluctuations in specific defense segments and provides stability to the overall investment,” Manturov added. Despite its sustained growth in recent years against the backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, investors may still need to be wary of an overvaluation creeping in throughout the sector. According to a recent Goldman Sachs warning, European defense stocks had been trading at a 45% premium to broader equity markets, placing stocks at risk of a market correction. The value of the industry is likely to be determined more by its growth in light of the changing geopolitical landscape. Should escalations in Europe and the Middle East begin to slow, it’s inconceivable that the sector can sustain its strong rate of growth. With this in mind, investors should look to conduct sufficient research when diversifying their portfolio with defense stocks and choose only companies with a sustainable commitment to innovation to buy. Let’s explore three defense stocks that could offer the best upside for investors moving forward: 1. Lockheed Martin (LMT) With a market capitalization of $110 billion, it’s impossible to ignore Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) when looking at picking up defense stocks. Despite supply chain concerns impacting profits in 2024, Lockheed Martin beat sales predictions by 7.5% and earnings estimates by 10% in its first-quarter report and managed to earn $6.39 per share on sales of $17.2 billion for the period. Lockheed Martin is one of the world’s largest defense contractors and has built a reputation for its commitment to delivering a diverse portfolio of aerospace and defense solutions that feature aircraft and cybersecurity solutions among its wide repertoire. The firm is also renowned for its famous ‘Skunk Works’ research center in California, and Lockheed Martin continuously benefits from this industry-leading R&D to build next-generation electronics that can be seen across its suite of aerospace and defense products. 2. Raytheon Technologies (RTX) Another stock that’s proved its worth in 2024 is Raytheon Technologies (NYSE:RTX). Posting Wall Street growth of more than 15% over the first half of the year, Raytheon Technologies has rallied higher in recent weeks off the back of a positive first-quarter earnings report that saw earnings per share climb to $1.34, beating analyst expectations of $1.23. The company’s revenue of $19.31 billion also surpassed its $18.41 billion expectations by 4.86%. While Raytheon Technologies doesn’t have the same level of diversification as Lockheed Martin without the production of vehicles like warships and fighter jets, the firm is a key player throughout a wide range of global military platforms led by other contractors. Crucially, if investors were to have added the stock at the time of the landmark merger between Raytheon and United Technologies on April 3 2020, their ROI today would be in excess of 110%. This makes the stock one of the best performers on this list, and certainly a firm to keep a close eye on. 3. Northrop Grumman (NOC) One of the strongest five-year performers in this list is Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC). Despite widespread difficulty throughout Wall Street in 2022, NOC recorded growth of more than 36% throughout the calendar year. Although the stock has failed to build on its momentum entering 2024, posting a slight decline over the first two quarters of the year, Northrop Grumman managed to comfortably beat earnings expectations for the first quarter, posting earnings of $6.10 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.95 per share. Perhaps most impressively of all, is that this means NOC has managed to beat the consensus EPS estimates four times over the past four quarters, making it a stock that’s consistently confounding analysts. Another firm that specializes in aerospace and defense technology, including unmanned systems and cybersecurity innovation, Northrop Grumman is a key player in the growing stealth warfare industry and has developed a large space-focused portfolio. \ Given its long-term commitment to innovation, the firm appears to be a solid long-term bet for more sustained growth in the future. Opportunities for Research-Focused Investors The long-term growth of these defense stocks will rely heavily on the wider geopolitical landscape and the necessity of government spending on increasing defense-focused budgets. With this in mind, investors seeking to diversify their portfolios and add defense stocks should be mindful to conduct sufficient research into the state of defense spending and look to geopolitics for indicators as to whether industry-focused stocks are likely to show continued outperformance in the future. As uncertainty continues to afflict the geopolitical landscape, investors can still find opportunities within the growth of the defense sector with plenty of potential upside for its most innovative stocks. Growing geopolitical unrest can be catastrophic on a humanitarian scale while leading to significant levels of volatility across international markets. For opportunistic investors, however, geopolitical uncertainty can pave the way for fresh opportunities to pick up defense stocks. Although the topic of buying defense stocks has historically proven to be a difficult one for retail investors to come to terms with on a moral basis, the industry is forecasted to grow to a market size of $367.3 billion by 2029 and will be buoyed by further government spending should the uncertain climate remain. difficult one for retail investors difficult one for retail investors $367.3 billion by 2029 $367.3 billion by 2029 Using the iShares US Aerospace & Defence ETF, an industry-specific exchange-traded fund with $6.3 billion AUM, we can see that since the flare-up of conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, the fund has grown around 40%. The ETF’s upward trend was sustained by an escalation of violence in the Middle East in late 2023, and the implications of these heightened aggressions are clear on Wall Street. “Increased geopolitical tensions usually force governments to allocate more money to the defense budget,” explains Maxim Manturov, head of investment advice at Freedom24 . “Companies that supply essential defense equipment, technology, and services will benefit from this increased spending.” Freedom24 Freedom24 “Look for defense companies with a diversified portfolio across different defense sectors such as aerospace, cybersecurity, and military equipment manufacturing. Diversification helps reduce risks associated with fluctuations in specific defense segments and provides stability to the overall investment,” Manturov added. Despite its sustained growth in recent years against the backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, investors may still need to be wary of an overvaluation creeping in throughout the sector. According to a recent Goldman Sachs warning , European defense stocks had been trading at a 45% premium to broader equity markets, placing stocks at risk of a market correction. recent Goldman Sachs warning recent Goldman Sachs warning The value of the industry is likely to be determined more by its growth in light of the changing geopolitical landscape. Should escalations in Europe and the Middle East begin to slow, it’s inconceivable that the sector can sustain its strong rate of growth. With this in mind, investors should look to conduct sufficient research when diversifying their portfolio with defense stocks and choose only companies with a sustainable commitment to innovation to buy. Let’s explore three defense stocks that could offer the best upside for investors moving forward: 1. Lockheed Martin (LMT) With a market capitalization of $110 billion, it’s impossible to ignore Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) when looking at picking up defense stocks. Despite supply chain concerns impacting profits in 2024, Lockheed Martin beat sales predictions by 7.5% and earnings estimates by 10% in its first-quarter report and managed to earn $6.39 per share on sales of $17.2 billion for the period. beat sales predictions by 7.5% beat sales predictions by 7.5% Lockheed Martin is one of the world’s largest defense contractors and has built a reputation for its commitment to delivering a diverse portfolio of aerospace and defense solutions that feature aircraft and cybersecurity solutions among its wide repertoire. cybersecurity The firm is also renowned for its famous ‘Skunk Works’ research center in California, and Lockheed Martin continuously benefits from this industry-leading R&D to build next-generation electronics that can be seen across its suite of aerospace and defense products. 2. Raytheon Technologies (RTX) Another stock that’s proved its worth in 2024 is Raytheon Technologies (NYSE:RTX). Posting Wall Street growth of more than 15% over the first half of the year, Raytheon Technologies has rallied higher in recent weeks off the back of a positive first-quarter earnings report that saw earnings per share climb to $1.34 , beating analyst expectations of $1.23. earnings per share climb to $1.34 earnings per share climb to $1.34 The company’s revenue of $19.31 billion also surpassed its $18.41 billion expectations by 4.86%. While Raytheon Technologies doesn’t have the same level of diversification as Lockheed Martin without the production of vehicles like warships and fighter jets, the firm is a key player throughout a wide range of global military platforms led by other contractors. Crucially, if investors were to have added the stock at the time of the landmark merger between Raytheon and United Technologies on April 3 2020, their ROI today would be in excess of 110%. This makes the stock one of the best performers on this list, and certainly a firm to keep a close eye on. 3. Northrop Grumman (NOC) One of the strongest five-year performers in this list is Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC). Despite widespread difficulty throughout Wall Street in 2022, NOC recorded growth of more than 36% throughout the calendar year. Although the stock has failed to build on its momentum entering 2024, posting a slight decline over the first two quarters of the year, Northrop Grumman managed to comfortably beat earnings expectations for the first quarter, posting earnings of $6.10 per share , beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.95 per share. posting earnings of $6.10 per share posting earnings of $6.10 per share Perhaps most impressively of all, is that this means NOC has managed to beat the consensus EPS estimates four times over the past four quarters, making it a stock that’s consistently confounding analysts. Another firm that specializes in aerospace and defense technology, including unmanned systems and cybersecurity innovation, Northrop Grumman is a key player in the growing stealth warfare industry and has developed a large space-focused portfolio. \ cybersecurity Given its long-term commitment to innovation, the firm appears to be a solid long-term bet for more sustained growth in the future. Opportunities for Research-Focused Investors The long-term growth of these defense stocks will rely heavily on the wider geopolitical landscape and the necessity of government spending on increasing defense-focused budgets. With this in mind, investors seeking to diversify their portfolios and add defense stocks should be mindful to conduct sufficient research into the state of defense spending and look to geopolitics for indicators as to whether industry-focused stocks are likely to show continued outperformance in the future. As uncertainty continues to afflict the geopolitical landscape, investors can still find opportunities within the growth of the defense sector with plenty of potential upside for its most innovative stocks.

Capitalizing on Uncertainty: 3 Defense Stocks To Look Out For as Geopolitical Tensions Rise

Now that the mitigation measures of COVID-19 have made a deep stamp upon the global economy, many who were laid off or lost businesses during the various lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 are starting to renew their economic earnings through what is euphemistically called the “gig economy,” a term that grown in popularity over the past decade. Still, this term has taken on new proportions in the post-pandemic United States. Now, freelancing jobs offered through apps like Uber, Lyft, Doordash, Deliveroo, and many other app-based services, are being taken on by former professionals During the Covid pandemic, newer, digital-first work platforms like Uber Eats surged in popularity as millions were forced to shelter at home. Those who could afford it turned to online delivery apps. Scientific data indicates that the number of people working with these platforms has grown, too. “The Evolution of Platform Gig Work, 2012-2021” published by the University of Chicago in May 2023, tracked the earnings of gig workers through tax filings. What this study uncovered was that the number of people who report income from platform-based gig work to the IRS has exploded in recent years from just over one million to nearly five million workers. Aside from being a clear indication of just how many more people use tech platforms to help earn a living, this demonstrates how the gig economy is rising in popularity even for the convenience of those who prefer to work part-time or a specific schedule in order to take on other caregiving roles at home. But the gig economy is not limited to working-class delivery jobs. There has been a longstanding gig economy among the educated for decades within higher education—namely that of adjunct faculty. These professors are often graduate students working on their PhD, but even today, more and more are PhDs with no hope for full-time employment in sight. Adjunct faculty are not only paid a small amount compared to the tenure-track cohorts, but they lack job security, benefits, and even—depending on the institution—health insurance and sick leave. While evidence abounds as to how the global pandemic pushed the gig economy into popularity, even by its previous critics, the necessity of survival was likely the incentive to enter into this job market. With no possibility of leaving the house for millions, online platforms became the obvious solution, to include the class of people who decided to enter online trading from their homes. The impact of COVID-19 on global economies made a dent even among the middle classes that were willing to take marked investment risks from their sofas where Forex trading and myriad investment platforms became the focus for a number of working populations—especially the younger generations with savings, yet ample time to participate in the share and currency markets. What is surprising about the post-pandemic gig economy is not so much its enduring popularity, but how these jobs have alerted workers far beyond the gig theatre, that perhaps they too ought to have a greater say in their working hours, the ability to care for children and elderly relatives, and most of all, it has set off a larger conversation about the four-day work week, something currently under experimentation in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and the United Kingdom, among many countries. Perhaps the gig economy’s greatest legacy might actually be that it reshapes the landscape of labor rights—from the blue to the white-collar workers—across the planet. Now that the mitigation measures of COVID-19 have made a deep stamp upon the global economy, many who were laid off or lost businesses during the various lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 are starting to renew their economic earnings through what is euphemistically called the “gig economy,” a term that grown in popularity over the past decade. Still, this term has taken on new proportions in the post-pandemic United States. Now, freelancing jobs offered through apps like Uber, Lyft, Doordash, Deliveroo, and many other app-based services, are being taken on by former professionals During the Covid pandemic, newer, digital-first work platforms like Uber Eats surged in popularity as millions were forced to shelter at home. Those who could afford it turned to online delivery apps. Scientific data indicates that the number of people working with these platforms has grown, too. “ The Evolution of Platform Gig Work, 2012-2021 ” published by the University of Chicago in May 2023, tracked the earnings of gig workers through tax filings. What this study uncovered was that the number of people who report income from platform-based gig work to the IRS has exploded in recent years from just over one million to nearly five million workers. The Evolution of Platform Gig Work, 2012-2021 The Evolution of Platform Gig Work, 2012-2021 Aside from being a clear indication of just how many more people use tech platforms to help earn a living, this demonstrates how the gig economy is rising in popularity even for the convenience of those who prefer to work part-time or a specific schedule in order to take on other caregiving roles at home. But the gig economy is not limited to working-class delivery jobs. There has been a longstanding gig economy among the educated for decades within higher education—namely that of adjunct faculty . These professors are often graduate students working on their PhD, but even today, more and more are PhDs with no hope for full-time employment in sight. adjunct faculty adjunct faculty Adjunct faculty are not only paid a small amount compared to the tenure-track cohorts, but they lack job security, benefits, and even—depending on the institution—health insurance and sick leave. While evidence abounds as to how the global pandemic pushed the gig economy into popularity, even by its previous critics, the necessity of survival was likely the incentive to enter into this job market. With no possibility of leaving the house for millions, online platforms became the obvious solution, to include the class of people who decided to enter online trading from their homes. evidence abounds evidence abounds The impact of COVID-19 on global economies made a dent even among the middle classes that were willing to take marked investment risks from their sofas where Forex trading and myriad investment platforms became the focus for a number of working populations—especially the younger generations with savings, yet ample time to participate in the share and currency markets. marked investment risks marked investment risks Forex trading Forex trading investment platforms younger generations What is surprising about the post-pandemic gig economy is not so much its enduring popularity, but how these jobs have alerted workers far beyond the gig theatre, that perhaps they too ought to have a greater say in their working hours, the ability to care for children and elderly relatives, and most of all, it has set off a larger conversation about the four-day work week, something currently under experimentation in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and the United Kingdom, among many countries. Perhaps the gig economy’s greatest legacy might actually be that it reshapes the landscape of labor rights—from the blue to the white-collar workers—across the planet.

The Rise and Rise of the Gig Economy in a Post-Pandemic World

Since April 1, the crypto market has been hit with a tsunami of new tokens. We’re talking more than one million in less than sixty days. Over 370,000 new tokens sprouted on Ethereum. But Solana stole the show. A whopping 640,000+ new tokens, most of them meme-tastic creations were launched on the platform. What does this surge in new coins mean for developers, project founders, and CEOs in the space? What You Should Know This isn't your grandma's crypto market. This landscape is a meme-fueled rollercoaster. Of the total 643,000 new tokens launched on Solana, 466,914 were memecoins. Pump.fun, Solana's memecoin factory, is churning them out faster than a Shiba Inu chasing its tail. Some of these freshly minted tokens are straight rug pulls. They only want to survive long enough to cash out and ghost investors who were too lazy to do their own research. Don’t let bad actors dash off carrying your hopes, dreams, and hard-earned cash. A Dune Analytics dashboard tracks the number of new tokens launched on the Solana-based memecoin platform pump.fun. But Ethereum isn't sitting on the sidelines. Its layer-2 blockchain, Base, has become a playground for degens creating memecoins at warp speed. With numbers doubling since April, the massive volume of new tokens means devs, founders, and CEOs must prioritize transparency, security, and building trust with their communities. We’ve been here before. Back in 2017 when the ICO craze was really popping I reviewed hundreds of projects for a top review site. Most of them were trash. From January to December 2017, the value of BTC rose 1500% – the largest one-year increase in history. As bitcoin gained value and legitimacy, trading volumes increased and hundreds of new crypto coins were issued. The following year 751 crypto coins became defunct – the most casualties of any year. Of those, 390 failed due to lack of trade volume and 237 due to issues with fraud. Don’t be the next victim. I’ve grown stealthy at spotting crypto winners and losers based on their publicly available information. You don’t have to be Nostradamus to know most meme projects will crash and burn. A handful will emerge stronger than ever. These will have a community that is vibrant and engaged. The token will tap into humor or pop culture effectively and spark virality. Those with long-term sustainability will move beyond the hype, trends, and shilling. They’ll boast active development, innovative features, or clear utility within a decentralized application (dApp) or ecosystem. These are the projects that soar above the sea of mostly shitcoins riding FOMO and FUD. Keep reading for some additional tea on winning strategies in crypto’s Wild West. Standing Out Is More Difficult Than Ever Project founders and CEOs must be aware of the increased saturation. With one million new tokens flooding the market, it's safe to say that competition has never been more intense. Every project wants more attention and investors. Standing out in this crowded market will require exceptional innovation, marketing, and community-building strategies. Now, get this. The influx of tokens, particularly meme coins, suggests a shift in user expectations. Many users are now seeking entertainment, community, and quick gains alongside traditional investment opportunities. Projects that can cater to these diverse needs may find greater success. Strategies for Success If you’re a project founder, dev, or CEO you need to be prepared to handle intense competition for attention, funding, and user adoption. For me, this demands exceptional innovation, marketing, and community-building strategies. Remember high levels of competition in the space also signals a thriving and dynamic market packed with opportunities. To strike success in this crowded field requires identifying niche markets, catering to specific user needs, and offering unique value propositions can lead to success even in a crowded field. The Gold Rush was a period of intense competition, where thousands flocked to California in hopes of striking it rich. Like the crypto space, it was a crowded field, with everyone seeking the same precious resource. But, not everyone found gold by digging in the same spot. Some prospectors found success by venturing into less explored areas, using different techniques, or focusing on providing services to other miners (like selling tools or supplies). One pro tip is to focus on differentiation. Whether it's through unique features, innovative technology, or a compelling value proposition, finding ways to stand out is crucial in a crowded market. Building a Strong Community An effective strategy for project founders to differentiate themselves and achieve long-term success is to build a strong community. This includes tactics for engaging with investors, fostering trust, and creating a loyal following. This community-driven approach not only strengthens a project's position but also fosters a sense of shared ownership and purpose among its members. I’ve seen the spillover buzz from retail investors make a project more appealing to institutional investors. It’s a powerful force that can propel any project to new heights. The Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC), a collection of 10,000 unique Bored Ape NFTs is an example of successfully building a strong community. This project executed several strategies including exclusive benefits, celebrity endorsement, and an active social media presence. They continue to share updates and build a sense of togetherness among members. Creative and Effective Marketing Strategies Fostering community-driven initiatives aligns with another essential tool in the arsenal of project founders. Creative and effective marketing strategies are crucial for projects to stand out from the crowd. Leveraging the power of social media trends, forming strategic partnerships with influencers, and publicity campaigns on crypto news sites help founders stay afloat and emerge stronger than ever. By harnessing these tactics, projects can gain much-needed visibility and traction in an increasingly saturated market. Shiba Inu (SHIB) is a project that started as a meme coin and managed to create a massive following and achieve significant market success. I’ve followed some of their effective marketing approaches. Right out of the gate, SHIB leveraged Reddit, Twitter, and Telegram to engage directly with their audience. They focused on community engagement, viral marketing, strategic partnerships, and transparency. Navigating Regulatory Challenges Project founders and CEOs must stay informed about the latest regulations and compliance measures to ensure their token offerings are above board and legally sound. Regulatory challenges are becoming increasingly complex and can land you in jail. Get expert legal counsel, and implement strong compliance protocols. These moves are essential steps for projects to thrive in the constantly changing regulatory environment. A proactive approach reduces legal risks and increases trust and credibility with investors and users. Ripple (XRP) is a prime example of a crypto project that effectively navigates regulatory challenges. Despite facing significant hurdles, their comprehensive approach to regulation is a model of resilience and adaptability. They continue to apply a combination of proactive legal defense, strategic partnerships, and industry advocacy. This is why they’re positioned as a leader in the blockchain and crypto space. Collaborating and Networking Strategic partnerships and collaborations can be a game-changer for project founders and CEOs. Teaming up with other industry players, networking with investors, and connecting with experts are necessary tools to strengthen your position in the market. This interconnected approach stirs innovation. It also creates a supportive ecosystem. Founders are able to build authority and generate organic traffic to their projects. This is a great way to overcome challenges and discover new opportunities in the face of a million new tokens flooding the market. A prime example of a crypto project successfully collaborating and networking in the current environment is Polygon (MATIC). This layer-2 (L2) scaling solution focuses on enhancing scalability and user experience for Ethereum and other blockchain ecosystems. It also collaborates heavily with DeFi, NFT, and gaming projects. Conclusion With this recent explosion of tokens, the crypto world is more chaotic (and potentially profitable) than ever. Founders, developers, and CEOs must adapt. Stay ready to pivot your strategies and tactics to gain a competitive advantage. How can you embrace new technologies like AI or ML to stay ahead of the curve? The crypto market is evolving with this token tsunami as investors fall into two camps. Will FOMO (fear of missing out) cause your audience to dive headfirst into the memecoin madness? Or does FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) make your prospects hodl Bitcoin and laugh at the memecoin chaos from the sidelines? Do your research and experiment. It’s simple. The future of your project is in your hands. Make it count. Those who can navigate this dynamic, memecoin-filled landscape with innovation, integrity, and adaptability are poised to thrive. The world of crypto is continuously changing. Stay afloat, stay innovative, and stay connected. Since April 1, the crypto market has been hit with a tsunami of new tokens. We’re talking more than one million in less than sixty days. Over 370,000 new tokens sprouted on Ethereum. But Solana stole the show. A whopping 640,000+ new tokens, most of them meme-tastic creations were launched on the platform. What does this surge in new coins mean for developers, project founders, and CEOs in the space? What You Should Know This isn't your grandma's crypto market. This landscape is a meme-fueled rollercoaster. Of the total 643,000 new tokens launched on Solana, 466,914 were memecoins. Pump.fun, Solana's memecoin factory, is churning them out faster than a Shiba Inu chasing its tail. Some of these freshly minted tokens are straight rug pulls. They only want to survive long enough to cash out and ghost investors who were too lazy to do their own research. Don’t let bad actors dash off carrying your hopes, dreams, and hard-earned cash. A Dune Analytics dashboard tracks the number of new tokens launched on the Solana-based memecoin platform pump.fun. But Ethereum isn't sitting on the sidelines. Its layer-2 blockchain, Base, has become a playground for degens creating memecoins at warp speed. With numbers doubling since April, the massive volume of new tokens means devs, founders, and CEOs must prioritize transparency, security, and building trust with their communities. We’ve been here before. Back in 2017 when the ICO craze was really popping I reviewed hundreds of projects for a top review site. Most of them were trash. From January to December 2017, the value of BTC rose 1500% – the largest one-year increase in history. As bitcoin gained value and legitimacy, trading volumes increased and hundreds of new crypto coins were issued. The following year 751 crypto coins became defunct – the most casualties of any year. Of those, 390 failed due to lack of trade volume and 237 due to issues with fraud. Don’t be the next victim. 751 crypto coins became defunct I’ve grown stealthy at spotting crypto winners and losers based on their publicly available information. You don’t have to be Nostradamus to know most meme projects will crash and burn. A handful will emerge stronger than ever. These will have a community that is vibrant and engaged. The token will tap into humor or pop culture effectively and spark virality. Those with long-term sustainability will move beyond the hype, trends, and shilling. They’ll boast active development, innovative features, or clear utility within a decentralized application (dApp) or ecosystem. These are the projects that soar above the sea of mostly shitcoins riding FOMO and FUD. Keep reading for some additional tea on winning strategies in crypto’s Wild West. Standing Out Is More Difficult Than Ever Project founders and CEOs must be aware of the increased saturation. With one million new tokens flooding the market, it's safe to say that competition has never been more intense. Every project wants more attention and investors. Standing out in this crowded market will require exceptional innovation, marketing, and community-building strategies. Now, get this. The influx of tokens, particularly meme coins, suggests a shift in user expectations. Many users are now seeking entertainment, community, and quick gains alongside traditional investment opportunities. Projects that can cater to these diverse needs may find greater success. Strategies for Success If you’re a project founder, dev, or CEO you need to be prepared to handle intense competition for attention, funding, and user adoption. For me, this demands exceptional innovation, marketing, and community-building strategies. Remember high levels of competition in the space also signals a thriving and dynamic market packed with opportunities. To strike success in this crowded field requires identifying niche markets, catering to specific user needs, and offering unique value propositions can lead to success even in a crowded field. The Gold Rush was a period of intense competition, where thousands flocked to California in hopes of striking it rich. Like the crypto space, it was a crowded field, with everyone seeking the same precious resource. But, not everyone found gold by digging in the same spot. Some prospectors found success by venturing into less explored areas, using different techniques, or focusing on providing services to other miners (like selling tools or supplies). One pro tip is to focus on differentiation . Whether it's through unique features, innovative technology, or a compelling value proposition, finding ways to stand out is crucial in a crowded market. focus on differentiation focus on differentiation Building a Strong Community An effective strategy for project founders to differentiate themselves and achieve long-term success is to build a strong community. This includes tactics for engaging with investors, fostering trust, and creating a loyal following. This community-driven approach not only strengthens a project's position but also fosters a sense of shared ownership and purpose among its members. I’ve seen the spillover buzz from retail investors make a project more appealing to institutional investors. It’s a powerful force that can propel any project to new heights. The Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC), a collection of 10,000 unique Bored Ape NFTs is an example of successfully building a strong community. This project executed several strategies including exclusive benefits, celebrity endorsement, and an active social media presence. They continue to share updates and build a sense of togetherness among members. Creative and Effective Marketing Strategies Fostering community-driven initiatives aligns with another essential tool in the arsenal of project founders. Creative and effective marketing strategies are crucial for projects to stand out from the crowd. Leveraging the power of social media trends, forming strategic partnerships with influencers, and publicity campaigns on crypto news sites help founders stay afloat and emerge stronger than ever. By harnessing these tactics, projects can gain much-needed visibility and traction in an increasingly saturated market. Shiba Inu (SHIB) is a project that started as a meme coin and managed to create a massive following and achieve significant market success. I’ve followed some of their effective marketing approaches. Right out of the gate, SHIB leveraged Reddit, Twitter, and Telegram to engage directly with their audience. They focused on community engagement, viral marketing, strategic partnerships, and transparency. Navigating Regulatory Challenges Navigating Regulatory Challenges Project founders and CEOs must stay informed about the latest regulations and compliance measures to ensure their token offerings are above board and legally sound. Regulatory challenges are becoming increasingly complex and can land you in jail. Get expert legal counsel, and implement strong compliance protocols. These moves are essential steps for projects to thrive in the constantly changing regulatory environment. A proactive approach reduces legal risks and increases trust and credibility with investors and users. Ripple (XRP) is a prime example of a crypto project that effectively navigates regulatory challenges. Despite facing significant hurdles, their comprehensive approach to regulation is a model of resilience and adaptability. They continue to apply a combination of proactive legal defense, strategic partnerships, and industry advocacy. This is why they’re positioned as a leader in the blockchain and crypto space. Collaborating and Networking Collaborating and Networking Strategic partnerships and collaborations can be a game-changer for project founders and CEOs. Teaming up with other industry players, networking with investors, and connecting with experts are necessary tools to strengthen your position in the market. This interconnected approach stirs innovation. It also creates a supportive ecosystem. Founders are able to build authority and generate organic traffic to their projects. This is a great way to overcome challenges and discover new opportunities in the face of a million new tokens flooding the market. A prime example of a crypto project successfully collaborating and networking in the current environment is Polygon (MATIC). This layer-2 (L2) scaling solution focuses on enhancing scalability and user experience for Ethereum and other blockchain ecosystems. It also collaborates heavily with DeFi, NFT, and gaming projects. Conclusion With this recent explosion of tokens, the crypto world is more chaotic (and potentially profitable) than ever. Founders, developers, and CEOs must adapt. Stay ready to pivot your strategies and tactics to gain a competitive advantage. How can you embrace new technologies like AI or ML to stay ahead of the curve? The crypto market is evolving with this token tsunami as investors fall into two camps. Will FOMO (fear of missing out) cause your audience to dive headfirst into the memecoin madness? Or does FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) make your prospects hodl Bitcoin and laugh at the memecoin chaos from the sidelines? Do your research and experiment. It’s simple. The future of your project is in your hands. Make it count. Those who can navigate this dynamic, memecoin-filled landscape with innovation, integrity, and adaptability are poised to thrive. The world of crypto is continuously changing. Stay afloat, stay innovative, and stay connected.

One Million New Tokens Since April: How Crypto Project Founders Rise Above the Noise 

As someone who works with crypto assets, you likely know about Ethereum, Bitcoin, and many other names that sound as though they come from a science fiction comic book. Has real estate tokenization, nevertheless, caught your attention? You did indeed read correctly: real estate. “Since virtually all things are becoming digitized, why should real estate differ? Just chill, and get ready to delve into real estate tokenization, the real estate market of tomorrow.” Real Estate Tokenization What, however, is the tokenization of real estate? Said another way, it is the representation of a real estate asset as digital tokens on the blockchain or chain of blocks. Does it not sound like anything from a Black Mirror episode? Basically, each token represents a small token of the value of the whole. Take, for example, splitting a cake, which is your property, into tokens with your friends. In addition, being able to buy and sell these tokens on an online exchange makes it easier to handle property deals. Though the notion is not so novel, it may seem to be revolutionary. It really is similar to what businesses do when they issue stock to denote ownership of the business. What then distinguishes the tokenization of real estate? Dissecting a few of its benefits: For ages, individuals have considered the real estate market an illiquid asset because they cannot easily convert it into cash. Tokens allow a property to be sold more quickly and readily, however, giving the owner additional liquidity. Access: Previously limited to individuals with huge capital, real estate tokenization enables a larger number of people to engage in the real estate market by enabling the division of a property. Transparency: Since token transactions are safe and visible because they are logged on the blockchain, fraud is less likely and market confidence is increased. Practices of Real Estate Tokenization You're probably wondering, "How does this all really work in practice? It sounds fantastic in theory." Let me illustrate. Assume for the moment that you own a downtown office tower. It is a substantial commitment in addition to being valuable property. Perhaps you wish to release some equity without selling the house outright. Here's where tokenization of real estate becomes useful. There are, say, a thousand tokens worth of construction value. Every token would stand in for one-thousandth of the property. A digital marketplace may then be used to sell some of those tokens. Besides, a section of a building might be bought by investors without having to pay a significant sum of money to acquire the whole structure. It is because of this reason that real estate tokenization is beautiful since it fast-tracks the democratization of the property sector. Consider this tokenized 87 square meter, 4 bedroom home in Benimàmet, Valencia, which is valued at around 99,000 euros. The entry token, or minimal investment, is 100 euros, and 994 tokens have been distributed in all. Investors may therefore choose among 994 "slices" of the pie, each of which represents a stake in the property. An 11.05% yearly profit is what the corporation projects. Another instance is from a US project that is trying to generate $100 million by selling 100 million tokens for $1 apiece for a 374-unit, 24-story multifamily residential building in downtown San Jose. Alterra Worldwide is the company developing this initiative. Real Estate Tokenization: The Direction of Real Estate Investing? I think this all sounds very amazing. But tokenization of real estate is not without its difficulties, like everything else. Among the greatest challenges is regulation. Like every financial industry innovation, real estate tokenization is governed by a constantly changing regulatory environment. Additionally, tokenization exposes another risk which is real estate speculation. This may lead to a real estate bubble, on the one hand, while making it easier for people to invest in real estate on the other hand. It is important to invest prudently and responsibly. Real estate tokenization is an innovative and fascinating way to get real estate investments done. Real estate tokenization can possibly open up liquidity, reach, and clarity as concerns real property deals by allowing for the subdivision of a given property into digital tokens. While it does come with its own share of challenges similar to any other financial innovation, it's worth noting that this one brings in its own sets of issues. Make sure before getting into the real estate tokenization world that you completely understand these problems. Always remember, even though blockchain investment in virtual land may appear to be the key to your internet mansion, carry out sufficient personal research and make prudent financial decisions, for as the saying goes, do not invest all the eggs or in this scenario – the coins into a single basket. As someone who works with crypto assets, you likely know about Ethereum, Bitcoin, and many other names that sound as though they come from a science fiction comic book. Has real estate tokenization, nevertheless, caught your attention? You did indeed read correctly: real estate. “Since virtually all things are becoming digitized, why should real estate differ? Just chill, and get ready to delve into real estate tokenization, the real estate market of tomorrow.” Real Estate Tokenization What, however, is the tokenization of real estate? Said another way, it is the representation of a real estate asset as digital tokens on the blockchain or chain of blocks. Does it not sound like anything from a Black Mirror episode? Basically, each token represents a small token of the value of the whole. Take, for example, splitting a cake, which is your property, into tokens with your friends. In addition, being able to buy and sell these tokens on an online exchange makes it easier to handle property deals. Though the notion is not so novel, it may seem to be revolutionary. It really is similar to what businesses do when they issue stock to denote ownership of the business. What then distinguishes the tokenization of real estate? Dissecting a few of its benefits: For ages, individuals have considered the real estate market an illiquid asset because they cannot easily convert it into cash. Tokens allow a property to be sold more quickly and readily, however, giving the owner additional liquidity. Access: Previously limited to individuals with huge capital, real estate tokenization enables a larger number of people to engage in the real estate market by enabling the division of a property. real estate tokenization Transparency: Since token transactions are safe and visible because they are logged on the blockchain, fraud is less likely and market confidence is increased. Practices of Real Estate Tokenization You're probably wondering, "How does this all really work in practice? It sounds fantastic in theory." Let me illustrate. Assume for the moment that you own a downtown office tower. It is a substantial commitment in addition to being valuable property. Perhaps you wish to release some equity without selling the house outright. Here's where tokenization of real estate becomes useful. tokenization There are, say, a thousand tokens worth of construction value. Every token would stand in for one-thousandth of the property. A digital marketplace may then be used to sell some of those tokens. Besides, a section of a building might be bought by investors without having to pay a significant sum of money to acquire the whole structure. It is because of this reason that real estate tokenization is beautiful since it fast-tracks the democratization of the property sector. Consider this tokenized 87 square meter, 4 bedroom home in Benimàmet, Valencia, which is valued at around 99,000 euros. The entry token, or minimal investment, is 100 euros, and 994 tokens have been distributed in all. Investors may therefore choose among 994 "slices" of the pie, each of which represents a stake in the property. An 11.05% yearly profit is what the corporation projects. Another instance is from a US project that is trying to generate $100 million by selling 100 million tokens for $1 apiece for a 374-unit, 24-story multifamily residential building in downtown San Jose. Alterra Worldwide is the company developing this initiative. Real Estate Tokenization: The Direction of Real Estate Investing? I think this all sounds very amazing. But tokenization of real estate is not without its difficulties, like everything else. Among the greatest challenges is regulation. Like every financial industry innovation, real estate tokenization is governed by a constantly changing regulatory environment. Additionally, tokenization exposes another risk which is real estate speculation. This may lead to a real estate bubble, on the one hand, while making it easier for people to invest in real estate on the other hand. It is important to invest prudently and responsibly. Real estate tokenization is an innovative and fascinating way to get real estate investments done. Real estate tokenization can possibly open up liquidity, reach, and clarity as concerns real property deals by allowing for the subdivision of a given property into digital tokens. While it does come with its own share of challenges similar to any other financial innovation, it's worth noting that this one brings in its own sets of issues. Make sure before getting into the real estate tokenization world that you completely understand these problems. real estate tokenization Always remember, even though blockchain investment in virtual land may appear to be the key to your internet mansion, carry out sufficient personal research and make prudent financial decisions, for as the saying goes, do not invest all the eggs or in this scenario – the coins into a single basket.

The Rise of Tokenization in Property Investment

Hello, readers; I'm thrilled to have you join me as we explore an exciting trend in the industry known as Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG). This cutting-edge technique is transforming how we handle customer queries, offering superior accuracy compared to traditional chatbots. With RAG, our chatbots can tap into recent data, providing more relevant responses—a capability many pre-trained Language Models (LLMs) lack. An Example to start with Let's dive into a common scenario: picture yourself managing an online retail giant like Walmart or Amazon. Your customers frequently inquire about products and other stuff. However, given the ever-changing nature of your inventory, constantly re-training a chatbot becomes impractical over time. That's where RAG heads up. By leveraging your product catalog, RAG swiftly retrieves relevant information from your data store or the knowledge base. It then generates a response with this information. This approach not only reduces training costs but also ensures seamless adaptation to dynamic data in modern businesses. Large Language Models (LLM’s) Before delving into the central idea of RAG, let's first examine a more familiar and straightforward concept: Large Language Model (LLM). Natural Language Processing (NLP) specialized models, such as LLMs are excelling at generating text by leveraging the extensive data they've been exposed to during training. These models, including ChatGPT, utilize transformer architectures to grasp the context and meaning of the input data. A famous example of a chatbot using an LLM model is the ChatGPT3.5 and GPT-4 models. In terms of LLMs, we encounter two main issues. One is the scarcity of knowledge about a specific domain that was not presented during training of LLM. The second is the generation of inaccurate and unreliable responses, often referred to as “hallucinations” resulting from insufficient exposure to recent data. To tackle these problem, an alternative approach is to fine-tune the LLM on domain-specific information. However, we will now explore a more straightforward solution involving Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG). Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) is an NLP technique that combines retrieval and generative AI models. It leverages the strengths of both retrieval models, which are good at retrieving accurate information from various data sources, and generative models, which excel at producing unique and human-like responses. By combining these capabilities, RAG aims to provide accurate and human-like responses while overcoming the limitations of each model type.  In a RAG-based AI system, a retrieval model is used to find relevant information from existing data sources while the generative model takes the retrieved information, synthesizes all the data, and shapes it into a coherent and contextually appropriate response. Components of a RAG system The primary components of the RAG include: Indexing documents: In this step, data from various sources are collected, preprocessed, and broken into chunks before being indexed into a vector database. We have previously discussed vector databases in a previous blog.
Retrieval: Once the documents are indexed, during the inference time, accurate documents are retrieved from the vector database using the similarity score between the input query and document embeddings.
Generation: After retrieving the accurate data, it is passed to a Generative AI to generate a unique and human-like response. The RAG process utilises the advantages of the other two models to deliver a more accurate answer. These valuable resources can help construct a Retrieval Augmented Generation model. Vector databases like LangChain FAISS, ChromaDB, Weaviate DB, Pinecone, Qdrant DB, and Milvus; and generative models such as GPT, Llama2, HuggingFace, an open-source platform with numerous pre-trained models for NLP, computer vision, and more. How RAG is being used today? Retrieval Augmented Generation can enhance business customer support by creating advanced chatbots that deliver swift and precise responses, resulting in increased customer satisfaction. Furthermore, this technology can generate informative knowledge base articles and help documents for your business by combining generative capabilities with domain-specific data retrieval. Resources Here are some other resources you may find helpful: IBM research blog on RAG
Nvidia’s blog on RAG In conclusion, Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) marks a significant advancement in natural language processing by integrating retrieval and generative AI models. It effectively addresses the limitations of traditional chatbots and large language models, providing accurate and contextually relevant responses. Through its capability to index, retrieve, and generate information, RAG greatly enhances customer support and knowledge systems. This technology offers businesses a valuable tool for improving interactions, promising enhanced customer experiences in the digital realm. Its adaptability to dynamic data and specific queries positions RAG as a promising asset for driving business success and customer satisfaction through efficient dialogue systems. Wishing you an enjoyable and fruitful learning journey! Hello, readers; I'm thrilled to have you join me as we explore an exciting trend in the industry known as Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG). This cutting-edge technique is transforming how we handle customer queries, offering superior accuracy compared to traditional chatbots. With RAG, our chatbots can tap into recent data, providing more relevant responses—a capability many pre-trained Language Models (LLMs) lack. An Example to start with Let's dive into a common scenario: picture yourself managing an online retail giant like Walmart or Amazon. Your customers frequently inquire about products and other stuff. However, given the ever-changing nature of your inventory, constantly re-training a chatbot becomes impractical over time. That's where RAG heads up. By leveraging your product catalog, RAG swiftly retrieves relevant information from your data store or the knowledge base. It then generates a response with this information. This approach not only reduces training costs but also ensures seamless adaptation to dynamic data in modern businesses. Let's dive into a common scenario: Large Language Models (LLM’s) Before delving into the central idea of RAG, let's first examine a more familiar and straightforward concept: Large Language Model (LLM). Natural Language Processing (NLP) specialized models, such as LLMs are excelling at generating text by leveraging the extensive data they've been exposed to during training. These models, including ChatGPT, utilize transformer architectures to grasp the context and meaning of the input data. A famous example of a chatbot using an LLM model is the ChatGPT3.5 and GPT-4 models. In terms of LLMs, we encounter two main issues. One is the scarcity of knowledge about a specific domain that was not presented during training of LLM. The second is the generation of inaccurate and unreliable responses, often referred to as “ hallucinations” resulting from insufficient exposure to recent data. To tackle these problem, an alternative approach is to fine-tune the LLM on domain-specific information. However, we will now explore a more straightforward solution involving Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG). hallucinations” Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) is an NLP technique that combines retrieval and generative AI models. It leverages the strengths of both retrieval models, which are good at retrieving accurate information from various data sources, and generative models, which excel at producing unique and human-like responses. By combining these capabilities, RAG aims to provide accurate and human-like responses while overcoming the limitations of each model type.  In a RAG-based AI system, a retrieval model is used to find relevant information from existing data sources while the generative model takes the retrieved information, synthesizes all the data, and shapes it into a coherent and contextually appropriate response. Components of a RAG system The primary components of the RAG include: Indexing documents: In this step, data from various sources are collected, preprocessed, and broken into chunks before being indexed into a vector database. We have previously discussed vector databases in a previous blog. Retrieval: Once the documents are indexed, during the inference time, accurate documents are retrieved from the vector database using the similarity score between the input query and document embeddings. Generation: After retrieving the accurate data, it is passed to a Generative AI to generate a unique and human-like response. The RAG process utilises the advantages of the other two models to deliver a more accurate answer. Indexing documents: In this step, data from various sources are collected, preprocessed, and broken into chunks before being indexed into a vector database. We have previously discussed vector databases in a previous blog . Indexing documents: previous blog Retrieval: Once the documents are indexed, during the inference time, accurate documents are retrieved from the vector database using the similarity score between the input query and document embeddings. Retrieval: Generation: After retrieving the accurate data, it is passed to a Generative AI to generate a unique and human-like response. The RAG process utilises the advantages of the other two models to deliver a more accurate answer. Generation: These valuable resources can help construct a Retrieval Augmented Generation model. Vector databases like LangChain FAISS, ChromaDB, Weaviate DB, Pinecone, Qdrant DB, and Milvus; and generative models such as GPT, Llama2, HuggingFace, an open-source platform with numerous pre-trained models for NLP, computer vision, and more. These valuable resources can help construct a Retrieval Augmented Generation model. Vector databases like LangChain FAISS, ChromaDB, Weaviate DB, Pinecone, Qdrant DB , and Milvus ; and generative models such as GPT, Llama2, HuggingFace, an open-source platform with numerous pre-trained models for NLP, computer vision , and more. LangChain FAISS, ChromaDB, Weaviate DB, Pinecone, Qdrant DB Milvus GPT, Llama2, HuggingFace, an open-source platform with numerous pre-trained models for NLP, computer vision How RAG is being used today? Retrieval Augmented Generation can enhance business customer support by creating advanced chatbots that deliver swift and precise responses, resulting in increased customer satisfaction. Furthermore, this technology can generate informative knowledge base articles and help documents for your business by combining generative capabilities with domain-specific data retrieval. Resources Here are some other resources you may find helpful: IBM research blog on RAG Nvidia’s blog on RAG IBM research blog on RAG IBM research blog on RAG Nvidia’s blog on RAG Nvidia’s blog on RAG In conclusion, Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) marks a significant advancement in natural language processing by integrating retrieval and generative AI models. It effectively addresses the limitations of traditional chatbots and large language models, providing accurate and contextually relevant responses. Through its capability to index, retrieve, and generate information, RAG greatly enhances customer support and knowledge systems. This technology offers businesses a valuable tool for improving interactions, promising enhanced customer experiences in the digital realm. Its adaptability to dynamic data and specific queries positions RAG as a promising asset for driving business success and customer satisfaction through efficient dialogue systems. Wishing you an enjoyable and fruitful learning journey!

Revolutionising Chatbots: The Rise of Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG)

Do you remember seeing an image of an egg receiving millions of likes on Instagram, unlike any other post? If you have, you would know that there wasn't anything extraordinary about that simple, plain picture of an egg. Likewise, you cannot even fathom how a digital image of a particular subject matter, such as a dog or painting, can be valued higher than expensive possessions like cars or homes. Well, this is the captivating reality of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), a digital phenomenon that marked its meteoric rise in 2021, creating overnight millionaires but later encountering a drastic decline. NFTs became very popular, catching the interest of artists, investors, and the public. They quickly went from being popular to being something people were unsure about. The story of NFTs is complicated. They grew a lot, changed in value a lot, and had unexpected things happen. It shows both the good and bad sides of new digital ideas and investments. The significance of NFTs NFTs are different from tangible art or other things you can touch because they're digital and one-of-a-kind. They can't be replaced by anything else. This specialness makes them valuable and interesting, unlike regular money. For the familiars, NFTs are changing how they think about owning things digitally. Previously, copying digital things was easy, with no complex processes involved, so it was hard to know who owned what. But NFTs are like one-of-a-kind digital certificates proving you're the owner. This is a big deal because it's changing how we think about ownership in the online world. When an art enthusiast, or rather, when you purchase an art piece or antique piece via a gallery or any physical location, people get to know about them through several data sources. However, in the digital world, things work differently, and even more with the adoption of blockchain technology. Even then, this one particular challenge is resolved through NFTs as they provide the buyers with proof of ownership that is not accessible or copied by anyone other than the authorized. You can now easily guess why NFTs are so significant. Some of the key factors are as follows: Ownership and authenticity: NFTs offer unchangeable proof of ownership and genuineness for digital assets that promise transparency and trust in transactions.
Unique digital assets: Each NFT constitutes a distinct asset, such as art, collectables, or digital content, having distinct characteristics that render them valuable and irreplaceable.
Diverse use cases: NFTs find applications across various industries like intellectual property, digital art, gaming, collectibles, and real estate opening up new revenue channels and ownership opportunities.
Blockchain technology: Utilizing blockchain technology, NFTs ensure rigid security, transparency, and decentralized verification of ownership, which helps mitigate the risk of fraud and thereby build trust in digital transactions.
Revolutionizing ownership: NFTs are not just a new way to buy, sell, and trade digital assets. They are revolutionizing digital ownership, offering a secure and efficient platform that could reshape industries such as real estate, art, and copyright law.
Innovative digital economy: NFTs constitute a mushrooming sector in the digital economy, bringing forth a novel approach to ownership and originality that has the potential to modify asset valuation and exchange mechanisms.
Challenges and opportunities: While NFTs possess risks like market volatility and environmental concerns, they also bring positive scopes for democratizing asset access, redefining ownership paradigms, and streamlining legal procedures, in the digital era. NFTs are not just a passing trend. They're a big change in technology that could change how we own digital stuff, create new markets, and change how we think about digital value. Scopes beyond digital art While digital art has been the most prominent use case for NFTs, their potential extends far beyond. The NFT ecosystem encompasses a wide range of assets, from intellectual property rights to antique pieces to digital real estate in the online world. Take, for example, songwriters and musicians can issue NFTs on their copyrighted productions/songs. Music, when issued as NFT, allows the fans to buy and obtain ownership of that unique masterpiece from their artists. Other than the usual channel of earning, this approach enables musicians and songwriters to generate a new revenue channel and form a deeper engagement with fans. What's more, the creators at Crypto Podcast can also issue and tokenize their unscripted episodes, allowing their listeners to own their favorite podcast discussions. Now, if you thought that NFTs only involve tokenization of assets from the creative industry, you are wrong. The application of NFTs also surrounds the real estate sector, which simplifies the transaction of real estate with fixed property ownership and with in-game assets, enabling hardcore gamers to own digital and unique game items. Implications for artists, collectors, and the crypto community NFTs can encompass many things. The limit is endless. As such, their implications can vary differently for different fields and owners. Say, for enthusiast collectors, through NFT, get to possess a one-of-a-kind digital work with an assured license of originality. Moreover, they can take further advantage of the NFT's appreciated value over time. On the other hand, NFTs present a thrilling opportunity for artists to monetize their hard work and efforts while also enhancing their visibility and interaction with their supporters. This direct connection with fans, free from intermediaries, allows artists to set their own transaction rates and retain all the proceeds from their work. It's a new era of empowerment for artists, where their creativity and talent can be directly appreciated and rewarded. Similarly, the inclusion of the crypto community with NFT has more benefits for mainstream businesses. As awareness about NFTs increases, people will start to use cryptocurrencies and accept blockchain technology more. So, in this context, both parties benefit equally. Looking Ahead To top it all, as we further go into the broader aspects and positive potentials of these NFTs, we can understand that there is so much more to explore in the domain as we are still on the surface. The quick growth of NFTs is just the start. It’s leading to more important changes for owning things in the online world in the future. Ultimately, an NFT's core value is not just its assets but the overall potential it represents and can unlock shortly. Who knows what can be ventured through NFTs in the new digital frontier? Even though there's a lot we don't know about NFTs, one thing is sure: they could change how we think about owning things online. This could be for music, property, or digital art. There are many possibilities, and we're still figuring them all out. Knowing this should make us feel good about the future of digital creativity and business. Featured image source. Do you remember seeing an image of an egg receiving millions of likes on Instagram, unlike any other post? If you have, you would know that there wasn't anything extraordinary about that simple, plain picture of an egg. Likewise, you cannot even fathom how a digital image of a particular subject matter, such as a dog or painting, can be valued higher than expensive possessions like cars or homes. Well, this is the captivating reality of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), a digital phenomenon that marked its meteoric rise in 2021, creating overnight millionaires but later encountering a drastic decline. seeing an image of an egg Non-Fungible Tokens NFTs became very popular, catching the interest of artists, investors, and the public. They quickly went from being popular to being something people were unsure about. The story of NFTs is complicated. They grew a lot, changed in value a lot, and had unexpected things happen. It shows both the good and bad sides of new digital ideas and investments. story of NFTs The significance of NFTs NFTs are different from tangible art or other things you can touch because they're digital and one-of-a-kind. They can't be replaced by anything else. This specialness makes them valuable and interesting, unlike regular money. For the familiars, NFTs are changing how they think about owning things digitally. Previously, copying digital things was easy, with no complex processes involved, so it was hard to know who owned what. For the familiars, NFTs are changing how they think about owning things digitally. Previously, copying digital things was easy, with no complex processes involved, so it was hard to know who owned what. But NFTs are like one-of-a-kind digital certificates proving you're the owner. This is a big deal because it's changing how we think about ownership in the online world. When an art enthusiast, or rather, when you purchase an art piece or antique piece via a gallery or any physical location, people get to know about them through several data sources. However, in the digital world, things work differently, and even more with the adoption of blockchain technology. Even then, this one particular challenge is resolved through NFTs as they provide the buyers with proof of ownership that is not accessible or copied by anyone other than the authorized. You can now easily guess why NFTs are so significant. NFTs Some of the key factors are as follows: Ownership and authenticity: NFTs offer unchangeable proof of ownership and genuineness for digital assets that promise transparency and trust in transactions. Unique digital assets: Each NFT constitutes a distinct asset, such as art, collectables, or digital content, having distinct characteristics that render them valuable and irreplaceable. Diverse use cases: NFTs find applications across various industries like intellectual property, digital art, gaming, collectibles, and real estate opening up new revenue channels and ownership opportunities. Blockchain technology: Utilizing blockchain technology, NFTs ensure rigid security, transparency, and decentralized verification of ownership, which helps mitigate the risk of fraud and thereby build trust in digital transactions. Revolutionizing ownership: NFTs are not just a new way to buy, sell, and trade digital assets. They are revolutionizing digital ownership, offering a secure and efficient platform that could reshape industries such as real estate, art, and copyright law. Innovative digital economy: NFTs constitute a mushrooming sector in the digital economy, bringing forth a novel approach to ownership and originality that has the potential to modify asset valuation and exchange mechanisms. Challenges and opportunities: While NFTs possess risks like market volatility and environmental concerns, they also bring positive scopes for democratizing asset access, redefining ownership paradigms, and streamlining legal procedures, in the digital era. Ownership and authenticity: NFTs offer unchangeable proof of ownership and genuineness for digital assets that promise transparency and trust in transactions. Ownership and authenticity : Ownership and authenticity Unique digital assets: Each NFT constitutes a distinct asset, such as art, collectables, or digital content, having distinct characteristics that render them valuable and irreplaceable. Unique digital assets : Unique digital assets Diverse use cases: NFTs find applications across various industries like intellectual property, digital art, gaming, collectibles, and real estate opening up new revenue channels and ownership opportunities. Diverse use cases : Diverse use cases Blockchain technology : Utilizing blockchain technology, NFTs ensure rigid security, transparency, and decentralized verification of ownership, which helps mitigate the risk of fraud and thereby build trust in digital transactions. Blockchain technology Blockchain technology Revolutionizing ownership: NFTs are not just a new way to buy, sell, and trade digital assets. They are revolutionizing digital ownership, offering a secure and efficient platform that could reshape industries such as real estate, art, and copyright law. Revolutionizing ownership : Revolutionizing ownership Innovative digital economy: NFTs constitute a mushrooming sector in the digital economy, bringing forth a novel approach to ownership and originality that has the potential to modify asset valuation and exchange mechanisms. Innovative digital economy : Innovative digital economy Challenges and opportunities: While NFTs possess risks like market volatility and environmental concerns, they also bring positive scopes for democratizing asset access, redefining ownership paradigms, and streamlining legal procedures, in the digital era. Challenges and opportunities : Challenges and opportunities NFTs are not just a passing trend. They're a big change in technology that could change how we own digital stuff, create new markets, and change how we think about digital value. Scopes beyond digital art While digital art has been the most prominent use case for NFTs, their potential extends far beyond. The NFT ecosystem encompasses a wide range of assets, from intellectual property rights to antique pieces to digital real estate in the online world. Take, for example, songwriters and musicians can issue NFTs on their copyrighted productions/songs. Music, when issued as NFT, allows the fans to buy and obtain ownership of that unique masterpiece from their artists. Other than the usual channel of earning, this approach enables musicians and songwriters to generate a new revenue channel and form a deeper engagement with fans. What's more, the creators at Crypto Podcast can also issue and tokenize their unscripted episodes, allowing their listeners to own their favorite podcast discussions. songwriters and musicians can issue NFTs Crypto Podcast Now, if you thought that NFTs only involve tokenization of assets from the creative industry, you are wrong. The application of NFTs also surrounds the real estate sector, which simplifies the transaction of real estate with fixed property ownership and with in-game assets, enabling hardcore gamers to own digital and unique game items. Now, if you thought that NFTs only involve tokenization of assets from the creative industry, you are wrong. The application of NFTs also surrounds the real estate sector , which simplifies the transaction of real estate with fixed property ownership and with in-game assets, enabling hardcore gamers to own digital and unique game items. NFTs also surrounds the real estate sector Implications for artists, collectors, and the crypto community NFTs can encompass many things. The limit is endless. As such, their implications can vary differently for different fields and owners. Say, for enthusiast collectors, through NFT, get to possess a one-of-a-kind digital work with an assured license of originality. Moreover, they can take further advantage of the NFT's appreciated value over time. On the other hand, NFTs present a thrilling opportunity for artists to monetize their hard work and efforts while also enhancing their visibility and interaction with their supporters. This direct connection with fans, free from intermediaries, allows artists to set their own transaction rates and retain all the proceeds from their work . It's a new era of empowerment for artists, where their creativity and talent can be directly appreciated and rewarded. retain all the proceeds from their work Similarly, the inclusion of the crypto community with NFT has more benefits for mainstream businesses. As awareness about NFTs increases, people will start to use cryptocurrencies and accept blockchain technology more. So, in this context, both parties benefit equally. crypto community with NFT Looking Ahead To top it all, as we further go into the broader aspects and positive potentials of these NFTs, we can understand that there is so much more to explore in the domain as we are still on the surface. The quick growth of NFTs is just the start. It’s leading to more important changes for owning things in the online world in the future. quick growth of NFTs Ultimately, an NFT's core value is not just its assets but the overall potential it represents and can unlock shortly. Who knows what can be ventured through NFTs in the new digital frontier? Even though there's a lot we don't know about NFTs, one thing is sure: they could change how we think about owning things online. This could be for music, property, or digital art. There are many possibilities, and we're still figuring them all out. Knowing this should make us feel good about the future of digital creativity and business. Featured image source. Featured image source . source

The Rise of NFTs: The Future of Digital Ownership

It happens every few months: an article or video describing a shocking new TikTok trend lands in one of your feeds, one you simply can not believe is real. From people biting into Tide detergent pods and trying to climb across stacked crates to eating corn on the cob attached to a power drill, these trends become a core part of the cultural discourse for a few days or weeks before the world turns and moves on to the next one. As TikTok is fundamentally an entertainment vehicle, it’s not surprising its users seek this sort of thing out, nor is it surprising the algorithm built to capture your attention rewards these content creators. What those who don’t use TikTok may find surprising is there is increasing visibility and popularity of edutainment communities, people who gather around content subjects designed to entertain and also educate. There is an untold number of these communities, including #BookTok, #FoodTok, #MoneyTok, and #BeautyTok. But there’s one that has really lifted off in the last year or two that no one saw coming: #PrisonTok. #PrisonTok is an Eye-Opener Like many niche communities on TikTok, #PrisonTok offers a window into a world many know only through the lens of mass media and news reports. #PrisonTok creators come from all angles, including legal professionals, those who work in prisons, the formerly incarcerated, and even, believe it or not, . those who are currently serving time and accessing the internet with a smartphone they’re not allowed to have One leading #PrisonTok influencer, Sabrena Morgan, has built an engaged audience with more than 51,000 followers as she shares her journey from addiction and self-destruction to her four years in federal prison and where she is now, re-entering society while trying to spark a broader conversation about the justice-related things people tend to shy away from. In a recent episode of the , Sabrena shares the emotional evolution she underwent while on pre-trial and away at prison and how that helped her not only develop good, healthy habits but also to live a life driven by intention and a desire to, in her words, “not waste time.” Nightmare Success podcast with Brent Cassity The honest, raw perspective of someone who re-invents their fundamental approach to life is not one that makes its way through to Hollywood, but its popularity on TikTok tells us that it is a mistake by the major studios and producers: people want these stories. Beyond Entertainment and Human Interest And while other #PrisonTok influencers take a sillier approach to their content, offering up things like prison recipes, it’s important to understand the real value of #PrisonTok extends beyond entertainment and human interest. In the words of , #PrisonTok and related communities have become an important step for those facing the prospect of incarceration: “Unfortunately, for many years, there has been a lack of information to those who are going to prison. That’s a very big problem that social media is beginning to address, and the availability of this information has already had a meaningful impact on thousands of people.” federal prison consultant Sam Mangel Mangel, who offers similar, , knows first-hand. After he was arrested for insurance fraud violations in 2016, Mangel engaged an attorney who specializes in white-collar criminal defense. Despite his purported expertise, Mangel’s lawyer failed to prepare him for several key pre-sentencing steps, which culminated in a sixty-month sentence, more than three times greater than the guideline recommendation for his crime. complementary, and informative content about prison on his YouTube channel Mangel turned his attention to what he could do to return to his family as quickly as possible, which was a tall order in the pre-#PrisonTok world. Mangel ultimately served less than two years of his sixty-month sentence, returned home, and now assists white-collar offenders (including CEOs, medical professionals, politicians, and foreign nationals) in preparing for incarceration as a federal prison consultant. If he were faced with the same circumstances in today’s information environment, it’s likely Mangel would have been better informed and would have known to speak with his attorney about the critical steps they missed. It’s possible he would have engaged the services of a consultant for personalized guidance. And armed with all of that, it’s likely he would have found himself with a far better outcome than a sixty-month sentence. The Power of Breaking Down Information Silos While many media outlets focus on security concerns that threaten to and groups that liken social media use to smoking cigarettes, communities like #PrisonTok offer what has long been the promise of social media and the internet broadly: breaking down data silos, improving access to critical information, and connecting people. That’s why it’s important to highlight communities like these, which clearly offer so much help to those in need. These are an important counter-point to the current discourse around TikTok and social media. ban TikTok in the United States

The Rise (and Real Value) of #PrisonTok

#PrisonTok-এর উত্থান (এবং আসল মূল্য)

Der Aufstieg (und der wahre Wert) von #PrisonTok

El auge (y el valor real) de #PrisonTok

L'essor (et la valeur réelle) de #PrisonTok

#PrisonTok का उदय (और वास्तविक मूल्य)

#PrisonTok の台頭（そして真の価値）

#PrisonTok의 상승(및 실제 가치)

A ascensão (e valor real) de #PrisonTok

Рост (и реальная ценность) #PrisonTok

#PrisonTok'un Yükselişi (ve Gerçek Değeri)

Sự trỗi dậy (và giá trị thực) của #PrisonTok

#PrisonTok 的兴起（及其真正价值）

How AI Adoption Can Help Nonprofits Predict Donor Behavior and Optimize Their Fundraising Have you heard of the 3rd sector? Well, it employs a “mere” 12 million workers in the United States alone. The people who have dedicated their lives to solving the world's most pressing problems. So, you’d think they’d be getting the latest and greatest of technological resources the world has to offer. Think again. For decades, the nonprofit sector has faced significant challenges in keeping up with a rapidly evolving tech space. Despite comprising 1.6 million organizations and raising $500 billion annually in the United States, nonprofits are struggling to leverage recent advancements to further their missions. But this is starting to change. According to a Google survey featured on philanthropy.com, more than half of nonprofits are already turning to generative AI, like Open AI’s ChatGPT, to streamline content creation and grant writing. While this is a positive step forward, a study conducted by Stanford University highlights that nearly 80% of nonprofits still lack an organization-wide policy for AI usage. With potential solutions literally at their fingertips, most nonprofits still have a limited understanding of AI―over a third rating their understanding as low. Additionally, only a quarter have concrete ideas for how generative AI could benefit their organizations. This puts nonprofits at risk of being left behind by another tech wave. Again. Despite the collective scale of the industry, individual organizations are often financially constrained, requiring them to stretch every dollar of funding. This makes AI absolutely mission-critical, so they can do more with less. Here, a few new platforms on the rise, like Donorsearch AI, Dataro, and the newly launched Hatch AI, can do their best work. Unlike generative AI tools already in play, Hatch blends AI and 3rd party data enrichment to provide nonprofits with a comprehensive understanding of their donors. By analyzing over 80 data points collected from various public sources, Hatch enables organizations to create personalized engagement strategies tailored to the preferences and interests of their supporters. With access to this new information, nonprofits can now identify major donors, predict donor behavior, and tailor their outreach efforts with unprecedented precision. To date, the company has already partnered with over 150 nonprofits across North America to optimize their fundraising operations. Notable clients include Volunteers of America and Texas A&M University-Commerce. And the momentum is building. With recent funding of $3 million, totaling $5 million in investment, Hatch’s vision of “AI for Good” is gaining traction. Another indicator that AI tools are on the rise within the nonprofit sector is the heightened interest from high-caliber, AI-focused VC funds. Hatch’s recent round was led by Differential Ventures, with participation from Character, venture capitalist Howard Morgan, and a group of prominent angel investors. Previous investors included David Magerman, Tiferes Ventures, and Adam Miller, founder of Cornerstone OnDemand. At this moment, nonprofits are poised at a unique crossroads. Here, at the intersection of AI and social good, these organizations have the chance to lead this tech movement for good. And the world is counting on them to do it. If they don’t, we all suffer the consequences of “what could have been.” However, to achieve these goals, nonprofits must prioritize training, establish clear policies and strategies for AI, and leverage platforms like Hatch to fully understand and build their community. How AI Adoption Can Help Nonprofits Predict Donor Behavior and Optimize Their Fundraising How AI Adoption Can Help Nonprofits Predict Donor Behavior and Optimize Their Fundraising Have you heard of the 3rd sector? Well, it employs a “mere” 12 million workers in the United States alone. The people who have dedicated their lives to solving the world's most pressing problems. So, you’d think they’d be getting the latest and greatest of technological resources the world has to offer. Think again. For decades, the nonprofit sector has faced significant challenges in keeping up with a rapidly evolving tech space. Despite comprising 1.6 million organizations and raising $500 billion annually in the United States, nonprofits are struggling to leverage recent advancements to further their missions. But this is starting to change. According to a Google survey featured on philanthropy.com , more than half of nonprofits are already turning to generative AI, like Open AI’s ChatGPT, to streamline content creation and grant writing. While this is a positive step forward, a study conducted by Stanford University highlights that nearly 80% of nonprofits still lack an organization-wide policy for AI usage. philanthropy.com philanthropy.com With potential solutions literally at their fingertips, most nonprofits still have a limited understanding of AI―over a third rating their understanding as low. Additionally, only a quarter have concrete ideas for how generative AI could benefit their organizations. This puts nonprofits at risk of being left behind by another tech wave. Again. Despite the collective scale of the industry, individual organizations are often financially constrained, requiring them to stretch every dollar of funding. This makes AI absolutely mission-critical, so they can do more with less. Here, a few new platforms on the rise, like Donorsearch AI, Dataro, and the newly launched Hatch AI, can do their best work. Unlike generative AI tools already in play, Hatch blends AI and 3rd party data enrichment to provide nonprofits with a comprehensive understanding of their donors. By analyzing over 80 data points collected from various public sources, Hatch enables organizations to create personalized engagement strategies tailored to the preferences and interests of their supporters. With access to this new information, nonprofits can now identify major donors, predict donor behavior, and tailor their outreach efforts with unprecedented precision. To date, the company has already partnered with over 150 nonprofits across North America to optimize their fundraising operations. Notable clients include Volunteers of America and Texas A&M University-Commerce. And the momentum is building. With recent funding of $3 million, totaling $5 million in investment, Hatch’s vision of “AI for Good” is gaining traction. Another indicator that AI tools are on the rise within the nonprofit sector is the heightened interest from high-caliber, AI-focused VC funds. Hatch’s recent round was led by Differential Ventures, with participation from Character, venture capitalist Howard Morgan, and a group of prominent angel investors. Previous investors included David Magerman, Tiferes Ventures, and Adam Miller, founder of Cornerstone OnDemand. At this moment, nonprofits are poised at a unique crossroads. Here, at the intersection of AI and social good, these organizations have the chance to lead this tech movement for good. And the world is counting on them to do it. If they don’t, we all suffer the consequences of “what could have been.” However, to achieve these goals, nonprofits must prioritize training, establish clear policies and strategies for AI, and leverage platforms like Hatch to fully understand and build their community.

The Rise of AI for Good

This is 2024; businesses are increasingly reliant on cloud-based resources and remote workforces. This shift necessitates robust security solutions to safeguard sensitive data and access to critical applications. Two prominent technologies addressing these needs are Business and . While VPNs have long been a cornerstone of enterprise security, SASE represents a next-generation approach that builds upon and expands the functionalities of VPNs. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) This article delves into the rise of business VPNs and SASE, exploring their functionalities, advantages, and limitations. We'll also analyze how SASE is transforming the security landscape and its potential impact on the future of VPNs. The Role of Business VPNs in Secure Access A Business VPN establishes a secure tunnel between a user's device and a corporate network. This encrypted tunnel ensures that all data transmitted between the device and the network remains confidential, even over public Wi-Fi connections. VPNs provide several key benefits for businesses: Business VPNs empower employees to securely access internal resources like file servers, applications, and databases from any location with an internet connection. This facilitates remote work arrangements and enhances business continuity. Remote Access: VPNs significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access by encrypting data traffic. This is particularly important for businesses handling sensitive information. Enhanced Security: Granular access controls can be implemented through VPNs, allowing administrators to restrict access to specific resources based on user roles and permissions. Access Control: While Business VPNs offer a reliable security solution, they come with certain limitations: VPNs can sometimes introduce performance overhead due to the encryption and decryption processes. This can be particularly noticeable for bandwidth-intensive activities. Performance Bottlenecks: Scaling a traditional VPN solution to accommodate a growing workforce or fluctuating network traffic can be complex and resource-intensive. Scalability Challenges: Traditional VPNs are primarily designed for on-premises network access. They may not seamlessly integrate with the growing number of cloud-based applications and services businesses rely on. Limited Cloud Integration: SASE: A Cloud-Centric Approach to Secure Access SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) is a cloud-based security framework that converges various network security functions into a single, unified service.  These functions typically include: ZTNA replaces the traditional "castle-and-moat" security model by continuously verifying user identity and access permissions, regardless of location or device. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): A CASB secures access to cloud applications by enforcing access controls, data security policies, and malware detection. Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): SWG filters web traffic, blocks malicious websites, and prevents malware downloads. Secure Web Gateway (SWG): FWaaS provides next-generation firewall functionality to inspect and filter network traffic for threats. Firewall as a Service (FWaaS): SASE offers compelling advantages over traditional VPNs: SASE eliminates the need for complex VPN setups, simplifying access for remote users and enhancing their experience. Improved User Experience: SASE's cloud-native design and ZTNA approach provide a more robust security posture with continuous user and device verification. Enhanced Security: The cloud-based nature of SASE enables effortless scaling to accommodate growing organizations and evolving security needs. Scalability and Agility: SASE offers a centralized platform for managing all network security functions, streamlining security operations and reducing administrative overhead. Unified Management: SASE integrates seamlessly with cloud applications and services, providing holistic security for the modern, cloud-centric enterprise. Comprehensive Cloud Security: However, SASE implementation requires careful consideration: Reliance on a single SASE vendor can lead to vendor lock-in, potentially limiting flexibility and increasing costs. Vendor Lock-In: Integrating SASE with existing security infrastructure can be complex and require specialized expertise. Integration Complexity: The Evolving Landscape: VPNs vs. SASE While VPNs have served businesses well for many years, SASE represents a paradigm shift towards a more comprehensive and adaptable security model. Here's a breakdown of their key differences: Feature Business VPN SASE Deployment Model Primarily on-premises Cloud-based Security Approach Perimeter-based Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) User Experience Requires manual configuration Simplified, centralized access Scalability It can be complex to scale Effortless scaling Cloud Integration Limited Seamless integration Management Decentralized Centralized When to Choose a Business VPN vs SASE The decision between a Business VPN and SASE hinges on several factors specific to your organization's needs: A Business VPN may suffice if your primary concern is securing access to on-premises resources. However, for a more robust security posture with ZTNA and comprehensive cloud application protection, SASE is a clear choice. Security Requirements: Businesses heavily reliant on cloud applications and services will benefit tremendously from SASE's seamless cloud integration. A VPN might be adequate for now if on-premises resources remain your primary focus. Cloud Adoption: Implementing and managing SASE requires some expertise in cloud security. If your IT team lacks the necessary resources, a Business VPN might be a more manageable option in the short term. IT Resources: Businesses anticipating significant growth or fluctuating network traffic should prioritize SASE's effortless scaling capabilities. A VPN might be sufficient for a static network environment. Scalability Needs: Here's a table summarizing the ideal use cases for each technology: Use Case Ideal Solution Secure remote access to on-premises resources Business VPN Access control for cloud applications and services SASE Secure branch office connectivity Business VPN (with potential migration to SASE in the future) Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) implementation SASE Simplified security management for geographically dispersed teams SASE drive_spreadsheetExport to Sheets The Future of Business VPNs and SASE While SASE represents the future of secure access, Business VPNs are not likely to disappear entirely. Here's a glimpse into what the future holds: Many businesses will likely adopt a hybrid approach, leveraging Business VPNs for specific use cases while implementing SASE for broader cloud-centric security. Hybrid Approach: Traditional VPN providers are likely to enhance their offerings to better integrate with cloud environments and offer improved performance. VPN Enhancements: As cloud adoption continues to accelerate, SASE is poised for widespread adoption across businesses of all sizes. The growing focus on zero-trust security principles will further fuel this trend. SASE Adoption: Conclusion In conclusion, Business VPNs and SASE are crucial in securing today's evolving enterprise landscape. Understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases empowers businesses to make informed decisions about their security architecture. As the digital landscape shifts towards the cloud, SASE is expected to become the dominant security solution for the modern, globalized workforce. By proactively adopting cloud-based security solutions like SASE, businesses can ensure they have the agility and scalability necessary to thrive in the ever-changing digital age.

The Rise of Business VPNs and SASE: Securing the Evolving Enterprise Landscape

Hey everyone! and just like you, I’ve been fascinated with the recent progress of artificial intelligence. Realizing that I needed to stay abreast with all the developments happening, I decided to embark on a personal journey of learning, thus was born! With this series, I will be learning about LLMs and share ideas, experiments, opinions, trends & learnings through my blog posts. You can follow along the journey on HackerNoon or my personal website . In today’s article, we’ll be looking at the case study of how Klarna leveraged Gen AI and what other companies can learn from it. , I’m Nataraj 100 days of AI here here How is Klarna using generative AI? There are lots of ways generative AI is being used by companies, and we have explored some of them . In case of Klarna, they launched an AI customer support assistant that is available 24*7 and supports 30+ languages. They launched the assistant using Open AI as their LLM provider. If we have to guess, they have finetuned it using their own customer support interaction data set that they have collected over the years. in a previous post What features does the Klarna AI assistant support? The assistant is designed to handle wide range of questions related to refunds, returns, payment-related issues, cancellations, disputes, and invoice inaccuracies, ensuring swift and effective solutions. Like any tech feature, its available 24*7 across all geographies. For customers who want to know what they can afford and not afford, it also provides info related to purchase power, spending limits and the reasons why it exists. All the info of a customer account is with the assistant to help any questions related to it. Is the new AI assistant effective? Its cool to say that we have used gen AI and see the stock pop up, but the real question is, does the feature deliver value to the company. And from the numbers, it looks like it is beating expectations. Here are some of the numbers. Two-thirds of all customer service chats are handled by the assistant, which is an impressive 2.3M conversations. Customer satisfaction same as human conversations. 25% drop in repeat inquiries Estimated to drive $40M in profit improvements to the company. What are the takeaways from Klarna’s gen AI assistant? Its clear that generative AI is being adopted and creating value for companies at all stages. Customer support will get more effective and cheaper. If the new assistant is handling two-thirds of all conversations, it means the next set of companies which start their customer support teams will not require the same number of people in their teams. And this also means the existing customer support teams might be larger than needed. We will see a lot of growth stage startups follow Klarna to boost their profitability and reduce expenses. For companies like Klarna whose stocks are down due to the concern of profitability, companies with similar concerns will start to look at leveraging AI to cut costs and boost profitability. Open AI’s board drama didn’t effect its trust among companies to use them for production scale deployments. When Sam Altman was fired and re-hired at Open Ai, one of the concerns was that this would reduce the trust among developers to use Open Ai to create AI applications. When a large public company publishes such a case study its clear that the board drama at Open Ai didn’t effect Open AI’s abilities. Expect more companies to announce improvements because of using gen AI technology in fields outside customer support. More case studies using generative AI will come from more public companies showing how they are leveraging Ai. This is a function of every company wanting to get a piece of the AI narrative and the fact that gen AI features are actually delivering on value. If you are a company with large data set related to customer support, you should explore creating an AI assistant for support interactions. That’s it for Day 19 of 100 Days of AI. I write a newsletter called Above Average where I talk about the second order insights behind everything that is happening in big tech. If you are in tech and don’t want to be average, . subscribe to it Follow me on , or for latest updates on 100 days of AI or . If you are in tech you might be interested in joining my community of tech professionals . Twitter LinkedIn HackerNoon bookmark this page here

100 Days of AI, Day 19: Klarna’s AI Chatbot and The Rise of Generative AI in Startups

এআই-এর 100 দিন, 19তম দিন: ক্লারনার এআই চ্যাটবট এবং স্টার্টআপে জেনারেটিভ এআইয়ের উত্থান

100 Tage KI, Tag 19: Klarnas KI-Chatbot und der Aufstieg der generativen KI in Startups

100 días de IA, día 19: El chatbot de IA de Klarna y el auge de la IA generativa en las empresas emergentes

100 jours d'IA, jour 19 : le chatbot IA de Klarna et l'essor de l'IA générative dans les startups

एआई के 100 दिन, दिन 19: क्लार्ना का एआई चैटबॉट और स्टार्टअप्स में जनरेटिव एआई का उदय

100日間のAI、19日目: KlarnaのAIチャットボットとスタートアップにおける生成AIの台頭

AI 100일, 19일차: Klarna의 AI 챗봇과 스타트업에서 생성 AI의 부상

100 dias de IA, dia 19: AI Chatbot de Klarna e a ascensão da IA generativa em startups

100 дней искусственного интеллекта, день 19: чат-бот Klarna с искусственным интеллектом и рост генеративного искусственного интеллекта в стартапах

100 Gün Yapay Zeka, 19. Gün: Klarna'nın Yapay Zeka Sohbet Robotu ve Yeni İşletmelerde Üretken Yapay Zekanın Yükselişi

100 ngày của AI, Ngày 19: Chatbot AI của Klarna và Sự trỗi dậy của AI sáng tạo trong các công ty khởi nghiệp

人工智能 100 天，第 19 天：Klarna 的人工智能聊天机器人和初创企业中生成式人工智能的兴起

Ishan Pandey: Hi John, welcome to our "Behind the Startup" series. Could you share some insights into your transition from a traditional investment banking background to becoming a FinTech entrepreneur and how your experiences have influenced the vision and direction of MANTRA? I had been in crypto for. For a long time before I actually joined a bank. I bought my first bitcoin in 2013, which was when I was back in university. So I think I've been pretty crypto native in technology, technologically driven, since a very young age. Even when I was at the bank, I was researching fintech and blockchain and other types of financial technology applications. So it was more about the culture and the type of business I wanted to work in. John Patrick Mullin: I definitely like the convergence of both the tech and the finance part, but it was more about this. I think the reason that I ended up shifting out and going into entrepreneurship is the ability to build something from scratch, lead people, work with people on incredibly tough challenges every day, and I'm just a bit of a workaholic, so entrepreneurship suits me. Ishan Pandey: Could you elaborate on the specific products and features that MANTRA is planning to launch to facilitate DeFi participation for both institutional and retail investors? At MANTRA we are building our Module layer which has MANTRA Token Service Module, MANTRA Assets Module, Guard Layer, MANTRA Compliance Module that enable creation, management and trading of RWAs for institutions, businesses, retailers, developers and users at ease. John Patrick Mullin: Ishan Pandey: How does MANTRA collaborate with regulatory authorities and industry partners to establish best practices and standards for tokenizing RWAs within the DeFi ecosystem? MANTRA is in the process of applying for requisite licensing for on chain exchange and brokerage, as well as asset investment management products in the UAE. We also work with regulated partners in other jurisdictions. One of the ways that we're able to cooperate and adhere to regulatory requirements is through our unique custom guard module on the MANTRA Chain, which allows us to create a compliant cocoon for many of the on chain applications that would require oversight, regulatory oversight and compliance. John Patrick Mullin: Ishan Pandey: How do tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) contribute to MANTRA’s strategy and offer unique opportunities for investors? Can you provide examples of tokenized RWAs that  MANTRA Finance plans to offer? MANTRA plans to offers a variety of RWAs to offer unique and extensive opportunities that includes stocks, bonds, commodities, real estate, art work and varied illiquid Traditional Assets. John Patrick Mullin: Ishan Pandey: What motivated the decision to debut yield-bearing DeFi products initially, followed by the launch of a Central Limit Order Book (CLOB) DEX and derivative products? Initially, we decided that it would make the most sense to launch with vault style products or yield bearing products, which obviously allow users to get exposure to not just RWAs, but other types of crypto yield bearing instruments. I think the two things in crypto that people are interested in is both the yield seeking part as well as the speculative part. So we want to cater to both parts of this user experience. We believe that naturally an exchange is really important to have within an ecosystem, whether that's a DEX, an order book exchange, etc. but we also believe in bringing finance onchain. So it made sense to launch an onchain sentiment order book that sits on top of an AMM, allowing for both. Simple swapping as well as more sophisticated trading structures. John Patrick Mullin: Ishan Pandey: What role does MANTRA Chain play within the MANTRA ecosystem, and how does it generate revenue? John Patrick Mullin: MANTRA Chain is the underpinning of everything within the MANTRA ecosystem. The OM token is the center of all this, which is the native token of the MANTRA Chain. We believe in this idea of the app chain thesis. So the protocol that we're developing, which is MANTRA Chain, has created specifically purpose built technology and software that allows applications that build on top of it to comply with local regulations across the globe. It's really the protocol for the entirety of our ecosystem. Ishan Pandey: As MANTRA moves towards its initial equity financing round, what are the key priorities for the company in terms of investor relations and fundraising activities? We raised $11 million, led by Shorooq Partners, which is a leading fintech VC in the UAE. Some of the priorities for the company, now that we've raised this capital, is hiring, expanding the team, growing our licensing capabilities, etc. John Patrick Mullin: Ishan Pandey: How does MANTRA ensure the integrity and authenticity of tokenized RWAs on its platform, especially considering the potential for fraud or misrepresentation in the tokenization process? MANTRA has its own Guard Module and Passportable DIDs that ensures a walled garden of KYC/KYB and Anti Money Laundering system. John Patrick Mullin: Ishan Pandey: Could you elaborate on the potential challenges associated with cross-border compliance and regulatory differences when dealing with tokenized RWAs from various jurisdictions, and how MANTRA plans to address them? One of the things that is obviously incredibly important when it comes to dealing with RWAs and other types of products is the ability to adhere to local regulations. So because of that, we built this idea of the guard module, which allows for permissioning across the wallet, the product, the pool, the asset, etc. and we have this customizable ability to allow and permission usage from individuals from different jurisdictions and also block them from others. So we can actually stop people who are not able to touch and interact with products at the smart contract level via this guard module. John Patrick Mullin: Ishan Pandey: How does MANTRA plan to educate investors about the benefits and risks of investing in tokenized RWAs compared to traditional financial instruments? Education is a really important thing when you're creating a new market, and we're definitely beating the drum for RWAs and tokenized on chain financial products. We're doing interesting things with respect to various hackathons. Obviously a lot of in person engagement, educational content from our social media team and marketing team, and we'll also have some unique incubator style arrangements where we'll be actually supporting teams to build on this RWA focused ecosystem. John Patrick Mullin: Additionally, we're cooperating with major academic institutions, particularly their blockchain clubs, that will allow us to educate the next generation about onchain financial products. Ishan Pandey: How does MANTRA perceive the role of RWAs in the future of crypto? Additionally, how does MANTRA aim to bring RWAs into the mainstream investor's radar? John Patrick Mullin: I believe that RWAs are just an extension of the financial system bringing it on chain. RWAs is frankly a bad acronym, it was called STO not too long ago. So I think there's a better way to actually describe these type of products and it's mainly just geared around tokenization. So I believe almost everything can be tokenized. That doesn't mean everything should be tokenized, but most financial products and platforms in my opinion in the future will be on some degree of a blockchain, although you may not know that it's on a blockchain. So I think this is incredibly important for our strategy. We believe the financial ecosystem is moving onchain and we'll be at the forefront of that. Don’t forget to like and share the story! Vested Interest Disclosure: This author is an independent contributor publishing via our brand-as-author program. Be it through direct compensation, media partnerships, or networking, the author has a vested interest in the company/ies mentioned in this story. HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR

Bridging Traditional Finance and Crypto: The Rise of MANTRA's Tokenization Ecosystem

ঐতিহ্যগত অর্থ এবং ক্রিপ্টো ব্রিজিং: MANTRA এর টোকেনাইজেশন ইকোসিস্টেমের উত্থান

Brücke zwischen traditionellem Finanzwesen und Kryptowährungen: Der Aufstieg des Tokenisierungs-Ökosystems von MANTRA

Uniendo las finanzas tradicionales y las criptomonedas: el auge del ecosistema de tokenización de MANTRA

Faire le lien entre la finance traditionnelle et la cryptographie : l'essor de l'écosystème de tokenisation de MANTRA

पारंपरिक वित्त और क्रिप्टो को जोड़ना: MANTRA के टोकनाइजेशन इकोसिस्टम का उदय

従来の金融と仮想通貨の橋渡し: MANTRA のトークン化エコシステムの台頭

전통적인 금융과 암호화폐 연결: MANTRA 토큰화 생태계의 부상

Unindo finanças tradicionais e criptografia: a ascensão do ecossistema de tokenização do MANTRA

Соединение традиционных финансов и криптовалюты: развитие экосистемы токенизации MANTRA

Geleneksel Finans ve Kripto Arasında Köprü Kurmak: MANTRA'nın Tokenizasyon Ekosisteminin Yükselişi

Kết nối tài chính truyền thống và tiền điện tử: Sự trỗi dậy của hệ sinh thái mã thông báo của MANTRA

连接传统金融和加密货币：MANTRA 代币化生态系统的崛起

Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization is viewed by many as a completely new paradigm in the global economic system - how we buy and sell items, preserve wealth, and accept payment for services rendered. Tokenization could be a $10 trillion industry by 2023. It means that any asset can be digitized and placed for sale on a blockchain, which helps to facilitate global access for a given asset. So there are no closed doors, and it provides many alternative financing options for owners. RWA Tokenization In Art Art is known to be a highly illiquid asset. Imagine a famous work of art worth millions of dollars. Instead of this piece of art being owned by a single high-net-worth (HNW) individual,  it could be owned by thousands of individuals and put to a more communal use. Each individual would have a much smaller upfront investment. Digital art (which is also a real-world asset) can also be tokenized. So graphics designers who make images can tokenize them and distribute them to audiences. The tokenization of images and videos also allows the original creators to retain ownership of their works of art, which is an added benefit in an industry where agencies can take a large share of the profits. Five NFTs of Andy Warhol were from an auction. The NFTs were minted from five preserved records of Warhol’s work in 1985, recovered from floppy disks. sold for a total of $3.4M RWA Tokenization In Real Estate Real estate offers huge potential for RWA tokenization. Long heralded as a bastion of wealth and a highly illiquid yet stable asset, real estate can now be tokenized and fractionalized. This means that a multi-million dollar mansion can be purchased by a group of interested investors, with each person owning perhaps 1% of the property. Alternatively, a large multi-family residential unit can be group-owned, offering rental income proportional to the tokenized shares in the property, with near-zero red tape and instant transfer. Real estate is known for stable income, and no longer do investors need to own the property outright can also be tokenized. This makes it much easier for the underlying investors to trade them. Real estate funds is a prominent example of live real estate tokenization, with a fully integrated marketplace for buyers, sellers, and agents. Home addresses can even be minted on the blockchain and the title is registered with the local authorities for a 100% compliant transaction. Propy , recently backed by Brock Pierce and named the RWA tokenization project of the year in 2023, is also making moves toward real estate tokenization mass adoption. EstateX RWA Tokenization In Metals Precious metals, the stalwart of the monetary system, can also be tokenized. 50 years ago the US dollar was de-pegged from gold, but there is a growing appetite to once again see precious metal-backed currencies. Some metals are very hard to invest in. Gold costs $2,100 for an ounce at present. Silver is more affordable, at $25. But it's still hard to transfer and store physical items. With asset tokenization, such metals can be fractionalized and represented as cryptocurrencies. This means they are easy to trade and the minimum investment is quite low. is one example of a real-world asset provider that is offering fractionalized silver, through the . This helps to democratize access, and the cost for a troy ounce is $26 ($1 above spot). Collectible textile products and shoes are also sold through the Mercate marketplace as fractionalized NFTs. The company has previously worked with Microsoft, Ticketmaster, and BHP Hilton. BlockApps Mercata marketplace Where Does RWA End? Ultimately, it’s conceivable that practically every asset will have a token equivalent. Tokenization has no real downsides and a plethora of advantages. The main issue right now is with regulation and compliance. Red tape is a huge challenge and legal authorities are known to move very slowly. However, innovation in RWA is at unprecedented levels, and the public at large can benefit massively from asset tokenization, as well as institutions and commercial enterprises. It makes the asset much easier to invest in and opens up alternative revenue streams for asset owners. It can also create entirely new markets for investors. Even banks such as HSBC are now , and are finally starting to come onboard to blockchain. The idea of tokenizing every item listed on a balance sheet is plausible, with commodities, art, and real estate being the sectors where the most progress has been made. starting to tokenize assets

Unveiling The Rise of Real World Asset Tokenization: Exploring Trends in Art, Real Estate, and Metal

রিয়েল ওয়ার্ল্ড অ্যাসেট টোকেনাইজেশনের উন্মোচন: শিল্প, রিয়েল এস্টেট এবং মেটালের প্রবণতা অন্বেষণ

Enthüllung des Aufstiegs der Tokenisierung realer Vermögenswerte: Erkundung von Trends in den Bereichen Kunst, Immobilien und Metall

Revelando el auge de la tokenización de activos en el mundo real: explorando las tendencias en arte, bienes raíces y metales

Dévoilement de l'essor de la tokenisation des actifs du monde réel : exploration des tendances dans les domaines de l'art, de l'immobilier et du métal

वास्तविक दुनिया में संपत्ति टोकनीकरण के उदय का अनावरण: कला, रियल एस्टेट और धातु में रुझानों की खोज

現実世界の資産トークン化の台頭を明らかにする: アート、不動産、金属のトレンドを探る

실제 자산 토큰화의 부상 공개: 예술, 부동산 및 금속 분야의 동향 탐색

Revelando a ascensão da tokenização de ativos do mundo real: explorando tendências em arte, imóveis e metal

Раскрытие роста токенизации активов в реальном мире: изучение тенденций в искусстве, недвижимости и металле

Gerçek Dünyada Varlık Tokenizasyonunun Yükselişini Ortaya Çıkarıyoruz: Sanat, Gayrimenkul ve Metal Trendlerini Keşfetmek

Tiết lộ sự trỗi dậy của mã thông báo tài sản trong thế giới thực: Khám phá xu hướng trong nghệ thuật, bất động sản và kim loại

揭开现实世界资产代币化的崛起：探索艺术、房地产和金属领域的趋势

As a CTO, I've spent decades navigating the ever-evolving landscape of technology. The pace of change has become dizzying, pushing the boundaries of what's possible seemingly every day. But with this incredible progress comes a growing responsibility – the responsibility to ensure that technological advancements serve humanity, not the other way around. This is where the concept of ethical tech leadership takes center stage. Evolution of Ethical Tech Leadership Ethical tech leadership isn't just about ticking compliance boxes. It's about striking a delicate balance between pushing the boundaries of innovation and ensuring ethical considerations remain at the forefront of decision-making. Data from indicates a clear correlation between businesses with higher levels of technological maturity and those that prioritize ethical considerations in their approach to technology. Harvard Business Review It's about more than just compliance; it's about cultivating a moral compass within the organizational culture. Leaders are tasked with fostering a commitment to responsibility and accountability, setting the stage for a tech landscape driven by ethical principles. The landscape of ethical concerns in technology is constantly shifting. Just a few years ago, the biggest debate might have been around "screen time" for children. Today, we grapple with far more complex issues like algorithmic bias in AI, the erosion of user privacy through data collection practices, and the potential for weaponization of emerging technologies like facial recognition. Let’s look at everything that falls into the realm of ethical tech leadership and how tech leaders are navigating evolution. Responsible AI: Navigating the Ethical Challenges The ascent of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought forth unprecedented challenges, especially concerning bias and transparency. Recently, Elon Musk’s decision to was met with severe backlash, predicting the lack of regulation the platform will be subjected to in the near future. fire Twitter’s ethical AI team There is a lot of concern around how datasets used to train AI algorithms can inadvertently reflect societal biases, leading to discriminatory outcomes. According to , AI datasets often contain a gender and racial bias which can lead to prejudiced results. For example, an AI used in the criminal justice system might be more likely to recommend harsher sentences for people of color if the training data contained such a bias. TIME magazine A company demonstrating strong leadership in addressing AI bias is IBM. They have outlined that guide the development and deployment of their AI solutions. These principles focus on transparency, accountability, fairness, and explainability IBM Artificial Intelligence Pillars Likewise, tech leaders must lead the charge in implementing ethical AI frameworks, ensuring algorithms are fair and decision-making processes are transparent. By continuously monitoring and evaluating AI systems, they can pave the way for a more responsible and accountable tech future. Data Privacy: Safeguarding User Trust in the Digital Era Data has become the lifeblood of the digital age, fueling innovation and personalization across countless industries. However, with this immense power comes a profound responsibility – the responsibility to safeguard user privacy. Tech leaders find themselves as custodians of data ethics, establishing robust protection policies and transparent data handling practices. The stakes for protecting user privacy have never been higher. Consumers are increasingly worried about how their data is collected, used, and potentially shared. According to a , Americans cite their personal data being collected as stressful, with 79% of participants being concerned about companies, and 64% about how the government uses their personal data. Pew Research survey This erosion of trust can have a significant impact on a company's bottom line.  Data breaches can lead to hefty fines, reputational damage, and a decline in customer loyalty. The infamous of 2013 caused hackers to steal data associated with 3 billion accounts. It almost derailed the platform’s acquisition by Verizon and led to a slew of lawsuits leading to the company having to pay to its users. Yahoo data breach $117.5 million in settlements To build trust, ethical tech leaders must establish robust data protection policies. These policies aim to clearly outline data collection, usage, and sharing practices, while also detailing user rights aligned with regulations like GDPR. Transparency is key, with user-friendly privacy policies explaining data practices and offering clear opt-out options for third-party sharing. Finally, ethical leaders must  navigate the evolving regulatory landscape to ensure compliance with local and international data privacy laws. This comprehensive approach fosters trust and a responsible tech ecosystem that respects user privacy. Sustainable Technology Practices: Nurturing a Greener Future While technology has propelled progress, it has also left an environmental footprint. A 2019 by the Shift Project showed that the world’s collective digital carbon footprint accounted for nearly 3.7 percent of all greenhouse emissions. This is comparable to aviation industry emission levels. study From the vast energy consumption of data centers to the e-waste generated by constantly evolving devices, the tech industry has a significant impact on the planet. This is where the role of ethical tech leaders becomes crucial. They are called upon to spearhead the adoption of sustainable technology practices, ensuring that technological advancements don't come at the expense of our environment. Ethical tech leaders must champion eco-friendly solutions across their organizations. This includes implementing measures to reduce energy consumption in data centers, such as utilizing renewable energy sources or employing energy-efficient cooling systems.  They should also encourage the development of hardware and software designed for lower power consumption. By prioritizing sustainability, ethical tech leaders not only contribute to the fight against climate change but also position their organizations as pioneers in responsible tech development.  This commitment to a greener future attracts environmentally conscious consumers and investors, fostering a competitive advantage in the long run. The Future of Ethical Tech Leadership As we stand at the crossroads of technological evolution, the role of tech leaders and CTOs as ethical leaders has never been more crucial. As technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality become more prominent, new questions around privacy and user experience will need to be addressed. Ethical tech leaders will be instrumental in navigating this uncharted territory. They will need to be adaptable, forward-thinking, and committed to fostering a dialogue about the ethical implications of emerging technologies. By proactively addressing these challenges, ethical tech leaders can help ensure that technology remains a force for good in the world.

The Rise of Ethical Tech Leadership

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