Salad Spotlight: Nandu Madhava
In the world of technology, change is constant, and those who embrace new ideas and technologies are the ones who make a lasting impact…
In the world of technology, change is constant, and those who embrace new ideas and technologies are the ones who make a lasting impact. Nandu Madhava is one such individual who has always been at the forefront of innovation, constantly seeking new opportunities to push boundaries and drive progress.
As a growth-stage advisor, Nandu is helping to shape the future of technology by taking an interest in blockchain startups and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. His visionary approach and ability to navigate uncharted waters have been key to his success.
Having spent several years at Twitter and Twitch, Nandu Madhava has now turned his attention to blockchain technology, recognizing its potential to transform the world as we know it. As a growth-stage advisor for blockchain startups, he has been instrumental in guiding major projects like Ethlas, playing a critical role in their current success by helping these projects scale.
Power to the Users
Nandu is not your average Silicon Valley entrepreneur. Despite his success in the tech industry, he remains a passionate gamer at heart. For years, he’s been playing popular games like League of Legends, immersing himself in the virtual world and all its intricacies.
In-game cosmetics, or “skins,” are a big part of that world. They offer gamers a way to express their digital identity, to showcase their personalities, and to stand out from the crowd. However, Nandu soon realized that the skins he collected in these games didn’t actually belong to him. They were stored in his account, but he had no real ownership of them.
That’s when he became interested in Web3 and NFTs. The idea of true ownership of digital assets, of being able to control and trade assets on a decentralized network, was a game-changer for him. This meant that he could finally own his digital collectibles and express his personality in a unique way. He became an active member of NFT communities like the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC), discussing the latest trends and discovering new projects.
By embracing Web3 and decentralized networks, Nandu believes we can create a more equitable and fairer world, where ownership and control are in the hands of the people, not just the big tech companies.
“The concept of owning all of your digital assets is so important to me. I’ve always loved how in-game skins really show off a gamer’s personality, but I didn’t like the idea of not fully owning them because it belongs to the studio or developers. NFTs fix these and give users complete ownership over their assets.”
Why Most Web3 Companies Are Behind
With years of experience scaling companies like Twitch and Twitter, Nandu is no stranger to what makes a company successful. And according to him, branding is a key factor that separates great companies from good ones. However, most Web3 companies tend to overlook this aspect.
Despite the importance of branding, many Web3 startups prioritize technology and scaling over developing a strong brand identity. This could prove to be detrimental in the long run, especially when compared to large traditional companies like Meta or Coca-Cola, which have managed to differentiate themselves with their pristine branding.
For Nandu, good branding helps give a company an identity, much like how in-game skins allow gamers to express their personality. By investing time and effort into branding, Web3 companies can benefit in the long run, just as Web2 companies have. Ultimately, it’s not just about creating great technology, but also establishing a brand that resonates with users and sets the company apart from its competitors.
“In some cases, branding is what makes or breaks a company. Web2 companies have a heavy focus on establishing their brand identity because it’s what makes them different from the rest. This is something that you don’t quite see in Web3 companies, but once they realise that, you’ll start to see immense growth.”
Beyond the Blockchain
Nandu’s passion for blockchain technology has not only made an impact in the business world but also in his personal life. His daughter, a talented artist, was inspired by the concept of NFTs and how they empower creators by recognizing and valuing their work. Together, they created their own NFT collection, DnD Skullz, which showcases his daughter’s artistic skills and aims to educate a younger audience about blockchain and digital wallets.
Nandu is proud that his advocacy for blockchain has influenced his family members to take a more hands-on approach to exploring this technology. He hopes that DnD Skullz will inspire more young entrepreneurs to embrace the potential of blockchain and its many applications. Through this project, he not only showcases his daughter’s creativity but also demonstrates the power of blockchain to unite people and drive innovation.
“What initially started as a way for me to spend more time with my daughter, has now turned into a NFT project. This collection is a way for us to showcase her amazing artwork, with the aim of educating the next generation on blockchain at the same time.”
Value From the Secondary Market
Nandu’s experience buying the Club Salad Access NFT on the secondary market made him appreciate the unique value proposition of Web3. In contrast to Web2, users in Web3 can still derive value from products through the secondary market. He observed that in NFT communities, members who minted their NFTs on day one and those who acquired them on the secondary market are treated equally, with the same value and benefits.
Despite buying his Club Salad Access pass on the secondary NFT marketplace, Nandu still feels like a valued member of the Salad Fam, as he has received the same value and perks as those who minted early. This highlights one of the key strengths of Web3 — the inclusivity of its communities. While exclusivity and scarcity are still vital components for the success of NFT collections, Web3 ensures that everyone has a chance to participate and benefit, regardless of when they join.
What’s Next?
Overall, Nandu’s journey from the world of Web2-focused startups to the cutting-edge realm of blockchain technology showcases the power of innovation and the importance of taking risks in the pursuit of progress. His work is inspiring, and we can all learn from his example as we strive to create a better future through technology.
Nandu’s story is also a testament to the power of gaming and the potential of Web3 and NFTs. As a successful entrepreneur and passionate gamer, he is at the forefront of a new era of digital ownership and expression.
Furthermore, Nandu’s advocacy for blockchain technology has now extended beyond just his own career and into his family life. It shows how the adoption of this technology can have a positive impact on personal and familial relationships, as well as on society at large. As more people become aware of the potential benefits of blockchain technology, we can expect to see wider adoption of NFTs and other blockchain-based applications.
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