Episode Highlights with Timestamps:
- [00:45] Matt shares his backstory, describing how childhood hobbies like gaming and collecting laid the foundation for his work with non-fungible assets, ecosystems, and entrepreneurship.
- [04:03] Reflecting on his Waldorf schooling experience, Matt explains how it encouraged him to explore various art forms and build a wide range of skills, shaping him into a generalist who now wears multiple hats at Bonfire.
- [06:08] From studying Computer Science to working at Goldman Sachs and Uber, Matt recounts his time in intense work cultures, gaining valuable experience at a high-growth scale-up nearing an exit.
- [10:00] The journey into entrepreneurship: how Matt met his co-founder Mel and began building their vision during nights and weekends before fully committing.
- [13:20] Matt's "Web3 Eureka" moment: discovering NFTs and how they disrupt Web2 reward mechanisms, enabling brands to transform transactional relationships into ones rooted in strong brand affinity.
- [17:00] Bonfire’s mission: empowering creators to own their relationships with superfans. Matt discusses how Web2 offers only marginal improvements to existing problems, whereas Web3 allows creators to reclaim ownership of customer relationships from social networks and marketing platforms.
- [21:04] A deep dive into the technicalities of on-chain technology for creators, with discussions on platforms like Rally and the risks of financial speculation in Web3 creator reward systems.
- [23:00] Balancing community feedback with the product vision and roadmap. Matt addresses the challenges of working with early-stage technology and the importance of healthy skepticism about the space's direction.
- [27:04] Unexpected creator requests and discovering their "zone of genius" in relation to the broader Web3 ecosystem.
- [29:38] Podcast NFTs: exploring the unique relationships podcasters have with their audiences. Matt brainstorms ways to address engagement challenges in Web2 and how Web3 can strengthen creator-fan relationships.
- [35:04] Tips for creators on community building and monetization. Matt compares scaling for monetization with identifying superfans, offering insights on how creators can successfully leverage Web3 to monetize their work.
- [39:21] How Adam Levy uses free podcast NFT drops to identify his superfans more effectively.
- [43:25] Outro.
About Our Guest
Matt Alston is the co-founder of Bonfire, a groundbreaking platform designed to empower creators and communities in the Web3 ecosystem. With a background spanning technology, finance, and entrepreneurship, Matt has worked at leading organizations like Goldman Sachs and Uber, gaining invaluable experience in high-growth and innovative environments.
Matt’s journey into Web3 began with a fascination for NFTs and their potential to revolutionize creator economies. Passionate about helping brands and creators build direct and meaningful relationships with their audiences, Matt and co-founder Mel at Bonfire are redefining how creators engage with their superfans through blockchain technology.
About Bonfire
Bonfire is a Web3-native platform that enables creators and communities to own their relationships with their superfans. By providing tools to launch and manage custom experiences on the blockchain, Bonfire empowers creators to break free from the limitations of traditional Web2 platforms.
Focused on delivering scalable and accessible solutions, Bonfire allows creators to build token-gated communities, reward superfans, and foster genuine connections. With a mission to transform transactional relationships into ones rooted in loyalty and engagement, Bonfire is at the forefront of Web3 innovation, reshaping the future of creator economies.
Resources & Links Mentioned:
OVERNIGHT SUCCESS
PRESENTED BY DRAPER UNIVERSITY
HOSTED BY CHRIS JOANNOU
