Interview with Ankush Gupta, CEO, The BlockoPedia

This interview is with Ankush Gupta, CEO, The BlockoPedia.

For readers on Featured, could you briefly introduce yourself and your role as CEO of The Blockopedia, including the core Web3 problem you’re focused on right now?

I’m Ankush Gupta, CEO of The Blockopedia, which focuses on solving one of the most pressing issues in the Web3 space: trust and transparency in digital ecosystems. Our mission is to provide accurate, real-time insights and updates on Web3, blockchain, and cryptocurrency developments, ensuring that businesses and users can navigate the space confidently.

Right now, we’re diving deep into ORM (Online Reputation Management) in the Web3 world, particularly helping businesses manage negative press and content that can undermine their credibility. As Web3 becomes more mainstream, the challenge of maintaining a positive online presence in decentralized environments grows, making it even more critical to build transparent and reliable digital identities.

What pivotal experiences led you to become CEO of The Blockopedia in the blockchain media space?

My journey to becoming CEO of The Blockopedia was shaped by a combination of technical expertise and a deep fascination with how blockchain technology could revolutionize industries. Early in my career, I worked extensively in the SEO and digital marketing sectors, where I saw firsthand the importance of accurate data and trustworthiness for online success. This gave me a unique perspective on the need for reliable information in rapidly evolving spaces like Web3.

As blockchain gained traction, I realized that there was a gap in accessible, unbiased information about the technology and its implications. So, I shifted my focus to Web3, combining my background in digital media and my passion for the technology to bridge the knowledge gap. The Blockopedia was born out of this realization, aiming to become the go-to source for credible news, updates, and insights into the world of blockchain, crypto, and Web3.

You’ve highlighted reusable, verifiable credentials reducing KYC friction—what is your 90-day implementation playbook for rolling out decentralized identity in a new product?

To implement decentralized identity (DID) in a new product within 90 days, I follow a structured approach:

1. Research & Planning (Days 1-10)

Objective: Understand KYC needs and the user journey.

Action: Identify the identities requiring verification and map current KYC pain points. Research decentralized identity frameworks (e.g., Sovrin, uPort) and select the best fit based on compliance (e.g., GDPR). Define success metrics such as reducing verification time and improving user experience (UX).

Outcome: A roadmap and clear success criteria.

2. Prototype & Build (Days 11-30)

Objective: Develop the core DID infrastructure.

Action: Integrate a DID solution into the product’s user flow. Implement a decentralized identity wallet for onboarding and credential management. Focus on features like credential issuance and verification.

Outcome: A working prototype for user credential creation and verification.

3. Integration & Testing (Days 31-60)

Objective: Embed DID into the core experience.

Action: Integrate DID for authentication and authorization. Test the process with real users and edge cases. Add fallback mechanisms for traditional KYC when DID fails.

Outcome: A fully integrated DID system that provides secure user access.

4. User Education & Feedback (Days 61-75)

Objective: Educate users on DID benefits.

Action: Create tutorials on DID’s security and advantages. Gather feedback from early users to optimize the process and reduce dropout rates.

Outcome: Users feel confident in using DID, improving engagement.

5. Launch & Monitor (Days 76-90)

Objective: Roll out DID to a wider audience.

Action: Launch the DID solution and monitor its performance for scalability, security, and compliance. Optimize based on usage patterns.

Outcome: A fully functional, scalable DID system that enhances KYC.

This 90-day approach streamlines the implementation of decentralized identity, improving KYC efficiency while ensuring compliance and user satisfaction.

Building on programmable ownership, what concrete monetization model for NFTs have you tested or seen work best for creators, and what metrics showed durable value beyond hype?

One concrete monetization model for NFTs that has proven effective for creators is the “royalty-based NFT model,” where creators retain a percentage of every resale of their work on secondary markets. This model not only empowers creators with ongoing earnings but also ensures that their value grows as the work appreciates over time, creating a lasting financial connection between them and their audience.

Here’s how it works: creators mint NFTs representing their digital art, music, or other creative content and include a smart contract that guarantees a royalty payment with every secondary sale. For example, an artist could set a 10% royalty, meaning they will earn 10% of every resale price whenever their NFT is sold on a marketplace like OpenSea or Foundation.

The metrics that show durable value beyond the initial hype are:

• Resale Volume: We measure how many times the NFT is resold over a set period. High resale volume indicates ongoing interest and demand for the asset, which directly benefits the creator.
• Royalty Earnings: Tracking the royalties generated over time helps gauge the long-term financial viability of the model. For example, creators with consistent earnings from royalties can sustain income streams, unlike traditional one-time sales.
• Community Engagement: The success of NFT royalties also correlates with strong community engagement. A creator’s NFT might see higher resale value if there’s a passionate community behind the project, increasing both initial sales and resales.
• Price Appreciation: Tracking the price change between the initial sale and later resales shows the growth potential of the NFT, reflecting its inherent value rather than speculative hype.

I’ve seen this model work particularly well in the digital art and music industries, where creators who foster active communities can generate continuous income without relying solely on primary sales. One artist I worked with sold a series of NFTs with royalties set at 20%, and in less than a year, their monthly royalty income exceeded their initial primary sale profits.

This model effectively bridges the gap between initial creation and long-term earnings, enabling creators to benefit from the sustained value of their work, especially when driven by a loyal fan base.

Many Web3 products struggle to retain users after incentives fade—what specific retention mechanic has kept users engaged for you once rewards taper off?

In my experience, community-driven value has been the most effective retention mechanic once rewards start to taper off in Web3 products. When initial incentives, such as token rewards or limited-edition NFTs, begin to fade, the focus needs to shift to creating a deeper connection with users—one that goes beyond just financial incentives.

For example, at The Blockopedia, we leveraged exclusive access and user-generated content as key retention strategies. Once users were onboarded through incentives, we focused on providing long-term value by integrating them into our community-driven content creation process. This included:

• Exclusive Content and Early Access: Users who remained active in the community received exclusive access to high-quality content, industry insights, and early access to events. For instance, members were given priority access to Web3-related news, interviews with industry leaders, and early product launches. This added value beyond the rewards, giving them something they couldn’t easily find elsewhere.
• Gamification through Leaderboards and Reputation: We integrated a leaderboard system that rewarded users based on their level of engagement, contribution, and content creation. By creating a reputation system where users could earn status and recognition, we shifted focus from financial rewards to social capital. The gamification of these elements kept users involved, as they strived to increase their standing within the community.
• Co-Creation Opportunities: Allowing users to contribute content, suggest improvements, or take part in product development gave them a sense of ownership and involvement. This co-creation dynamic fosters a deeper emotional connection with the product and its ecosystem.
• Ownership through NFTs: For the most loyal users, we provided opportunities to earn or buy exclusive NFTs that served as both collectibles and status symbols within our ecosystem. These NFTs were tied to tangible benefits, such as access to special webinars, private discussions with industry experts, or invitations to exclusive events.

By shifting the focus from external incentives to community integration, recognition, and ownership, we were able to keep users engaged long after the initial rewards faded. It’s not just about what users get, but how they feel involved in the ecosystem—this is the key to long-term retention in Web3.

Turning complex crypto topics into plain-language content is a focus for you—what is your step-by-step editorial framework at The Blockopedia for shipping accurate, high-performing explainers?

At The Blockopedia, our approach to creating accurate, high-performing crypto explainers is simple and focused on clarity. Here’s how we do it:

Define the Core Message: We begin by identifying the key takeaway we want our readers to have. Whether it’s explaining decentralized finance (DeFi) or blockchain consensus, we start with a clear, simple core message to guide the entire piece.

Know the Audience: We tailor the complexity of our content based on the reader’s familiarity with the subject. For beginners, we use analogies and simple terms. For more experienced readers, we can dive deeper into technical concepts, but we always keep the central idea accessible.

Break Down Concepts: Complex ideas are broken into manageable sections. Each section focuses on one key aspect of the topic. For example, when explaining how a smart contract works, we may start by defining it, then move on to its use cases, followed by real-world examples.

Use Analogies & Examples: To make crypto easier to understand, we often rely on analogies. For example, comparing blockchain to a public ledger helps demystify its function. Real-life examples of crypto in action, such as buying a coffee with Bitcoin, help make abstract ideas more relatable.

Visual Support: We enhance understanding with visuals like flowcharts, graphs, and diagrams. These simplify concepts, such as showing how a transaction flows on a blockchain or how decentralized exchanges operate.

Research & Verify: Accuracy is critical in the crypto space. We conduct thorough research, consult with experts, and cross-check information to ensure the content is correct and up-to-date. We also highlight the latest trends to keep our readers informed.

Actionable Takeaways: Every explainer ends with actionable steps, guiding readers on how to apply what they’ve learned. For instance, after explaining how decentralized exchanges work, we provide a beginner’s guide to using one.

Feedback & Iteration: We track engagement metrics like time on page and comments to gauge how well the content resonates. We also actively solicit feedback and update articles regularly to improve clarity and keep them current.

By following this process, we ensure that The Blockopedia’s content remains accessible, engaging, and valuable, helping readers understand complex crypto topics with ease.

For go-to-market in regulated Web3 categories, which compliance–UX tradeoff do you resolve first, and why?

In regulated Web3 categories, the first compliance-UX tradeoff I focus on is ensuring secure, user-friendly identity verification. This is essential because user trust and legal compliance are paramount in sectors like DeFi or NFTs, where regulations like KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) are non-negotiable.

Why this comes first: Regulatory compliance cannot be compromised, especially in markets with strict requirements like financial services or NFTs linked to real-world assets. At the same time, UX must not be hindered by overly complex verification processes, which can alienate users or reduce conversion rates.

My approach to balancing these:

• Simplified Onboarding: Start with a frictionless onboarding process where users can explore the product without immediately engaging in full identity verification. For example, let users access public features, like browsing NFTs or viewing DeFi protocols, before needing to authenticate.
• Progressive Disclosure: Introduce verification steps progressively, only asking for KYC when a user is about to engage in a transaction or when they approach a certain threshold. This reduces the upfront friction.
• Decentralized Identity Solutions: Leverage decentralized identity (DID) systems to allow users to maintain control over their data, which can both satisfy compliance and improve UX. For example, integrating DID solutions for one-click verification from trusted sources (like verified identity wallets) can reduce data entry errors and enhance trust.

Ultimately, the key is not sacrificing compliance for a seamless UX but finding a middle ground where both are prioritized. Ensuring users don’t face unnecessary friction while still adhering to regulatory demands is the tradeoff that delivers the most sustainable go-to-market strategy in the Web3 space.

Inside The Blockopedia, how do you structure a new hire’s first 30 days using “staged ownership” so they contribute meaningful work without overwhelm?

At The Blockopedia, we use a “staged ownership” approach for new hires, breaking their first 30 days into three key phases: Onboarding, Observation, and Ownership. This allows them to gradually take on meaningful work while minimizing overwhelm. Here’s how we structure it:

1. Onboarding (Week 1): In the first week, the focus is on understanding the company’s culture, tools, and the Web3 space. New hires are introduced to our content management systems, communication channels, and key processes, but they’re not yet expected to produce deliverables. This phase is about giving them the foundational knowledge they need to succeed. We assign them a “buddy” or mentor to guide them through the technical and strategic landscape of The Blockopedia.
2. Observation (Weeks 2-3): In weeks 2-3, new hires start shadowing team members on real projects. They observe how different departments work together, from content creation to community management. This phase is designed to build confidence without requiring immediate contributions. They’re encouraged to ask questions and get familiar with the typical workflows, like content research or engaging with our Web3 community. At the end of this phase, they’ll have gained insight into the product and business strategies.
3. Ownership (Week 4 and beyond): By the fourth week, new hires begin to take ownership of specific tasks or small projects. These tasks are clearly defined and manageable, ensuring they can contribute meaningfully without being overwhelmed. For example, a new writer may be asked to draft an explainer article on a trending Web3 topic, with input and feedback from senior team members. Ownership doesn’t mean going solo — they have resources and support, but the responsibility is theirs to manage.

The key to success here is setting clear expectations, providing frequent feedback, and celebrating small wins. By the end of the first month, the new hire has had a comprehensive understanding of the role, contributed real work, and feels empowered to take on more complex responsibilities.

This staged ownership approach avoids overwhelm by gradually increasing responsibility while fostering a sense of contribution and ownership from day one.

Looking ahead, what underappreciated shift in blockchain and media will reshape how audiences discover and own content, with one practical step leaders can take this year to get ready?

The underappreciated shift I see in blockchain and media is the rise of programmable content ownership through NFTs and decentralized identity. This shift will fundamentally change how audiences discover, engage with, and own content by creating a direct, transparent link between creators and consumers, without intermediaries. Blockchain enables creators to tokenize their content, offering audiences a new way to access, trade, and even co-own intellectual property.

For example, instead of simply consuming content, audiences can own fractional shares of videos, articles, or even access rights, with their ownership verifiable and secure on-chain. This could mean a music fan owning part of a song’s royalties or a reader holding a stake in an article’s success via an NFT-based share. It transforms passive consumption into active participation, with clear incentives for audiences to engage, curate, and support creators.

One practical step for leaders to get ready is to start exploring decentralized content platforms and integrate NFT capabilities into their media strategies. Leaders can begin by identifying early opportunities for tokenizing their content or introducing blockchain-based rewards for engagement. A straightforward step could be setting up a system for creators to release limited-edition, tokenized content for their most loyal followers, allowing audiences to feel ownership over the content they support.

By embracing programmable ownership now, leaders can position their media outlets to be at the forefront of this transformation, offering new ways for creators and consumers to interact directly while also building a more engaged and loyal audience.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Thank you for the opportunity. One thing I’d like to emphasize is the importance of staying agile in the fast-evolving Web3 space. The blockchain and media sectors are changing rapidly, and success often hinges on being able to adapt quickly to new technologies and market demands. As much as technical innovation is important, creating a culture of continuous learning, openness to experimentation, and fostering collaborations within the Web3 ecosystem can be game-changers.

For anyone looking to lead or innovate in this space, my advice is to stay grounded in community-building. Web3 is not just about tech; it’s about building ecosystems where users feel ownership, agency, and direct involvement in the product’s journey. Nurturing relationships and staying customer-centric will make all the difference as this industry matures.

Thank you again for the opportunity to share my insights!