Coinbase Founder Brian Armstrong Receives Over 150 Project Applications
Brian Armstrong, the founder of Coinbase, has garnered significant interest from the crypto community, with more than 150 project applications submitted in response to his call for innovative ideas. Armstrong expressed his excitement, stating, “We’ve gotten more than 150 applications so far! Awesome to see.”
One of the intriguing ideas that Armstrong teased is the possibility of developing a web3 version of LinkedIn. This concept aims to revolutionize the way projects are conducted on the web3 platform. Armstrong elaborated on this idea, emphasizing the potential for companies to use “soulbound NFTs to verify employment or credentials.”
In order to establish a decentralized LinkedIn, Armstrong proposed the inclusion of an interface for exploring employee and employer profiles. He also suggested the use of techniques such as minting NFTs by verifying a user’s .com email from their company.
Armstrong’s consideration of a web3 LinkedIn aligns with his recent call for developers to prioritize decentralization. He envisions a future where developers can monetize their work through meaningful engagement and greater decentralization.
Challenges of Implementing a Web3 LinkedIn
LinkedIn currently functions as a centralized platform for professional networking and credential verification. A web3 version of LinkedIn would require fundamental changes in its operational framework. Instead of relying on a central authority for credential verification, a web3 LinkedIn would utilize blockchain technology. This would enable users to securely store their data as NFTs and allow employers to issue these NFTs for enhanced authenticity.
Interoperability on the web3 platform would also enable users to share their data across various platforms and services without the need for intermediaries.
However, Armstrong’s vision for a web3 LinkedIn faces the challenge of execution. Many innovative concepts have lost momentum after an initial surge of excitement. For example, the crypto community recently witnessed a shift from Friend.Tech to CyberConnect, a social media network focused on content and digital identity. While Friend.Tech generated considerable buzz with its community tokens, CyberConnect’s user engagement has been gaining traction.
Hot Take: Will Brian Armstrong Revolutionize LinkedIn on Web3?
Brian Armstrong’s proposal for a web3 version of LinkedIn shows his ambition to transform the professional networking landscape. By leveraging blockchain technology and decentralization, Armstrong aims to empower developers and users in their pursuit of meaningful engagement and ownership of their data. However, the challenges of execution and the precedent set by previous startups losing momentum after implementation raise questions about the feasibility of revolutionizing LinkedIn on the web3 platform. Only time will tell if Armstrong’s vision will become a reality and reshape the future of professional networking.