In this episode of Understanding Crypto, James Burtt sits down with Zebu Digital's founder, Ashton Barger. Ashton has worked in the web3 industry for most of his career. He is currently focused on establishing innovative methods to assist brands and web-based businesses in developing IRL (in real life) activations, and bridging the gap between real-life activations and digital projects.

Making the Transition to web3

Ashton’s interest in bitcoin technology piqued in 2017 while he was a university student. He was particularly interested in alternative applications of blockchain technology outside of bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, specifically use cases for supply chains for larger businesses as well as private and public blockchain applications. After graduating from university, he worked briefly at a marketing agency then left to get into blockchain full time. [Listen from 1:23]

James comments, "What you've been able to do is take this web3 digital world and make sure that it interlinks and intertwines with the real world." Ashton responds that real-world applications for web3 brands are important for reaching a larger cross section of consumers. It’s about making it easy for them to use and understand. He and James agree that new users need the right education, so that they would not be compelled to use Web 2.0-based solutions if more effective web3 technologies are available. Ashton encourages the companies he partners with to educate consumers about the transition from physical to digital through relatable examples. He thinks that the best course of action for organizations is to develop methods to reward their current real-world communities. "You've got to reward that community in a way that they actually want to be rewarded or that actually gives them genuine value," he says. [Listen from 8:12]

NFTs Done the Right Way: Zebu Live 

In the Moonbird project, NFTs are merely a gateway to investment within the larger project. James believes the program has great promise as well as a practical, cutting-edge plan. He credits the project owner for the project’s prospective success. Entrepreneurs who have expertise in launching real-world firms usually produce fruitful web3 projects, he posits. Ashton agrees: “I think what you'll start to see in web3 spaces, is that the ones that are going to stay around are the ones that know how to run a business, know how to keep revenue,” he tells James. 

He also supports a new start-up called Dancing SeaHorse, which is the title sponsor for his company's major annual event, Zebu Live which is a gathering of savvy brand builders and innovators. This group has been assisting businesses and developing experience in the music industry. Additionally, they have developed web3 spaces to bring music into the environment. They are now constructing a location on Hollywood Boulevard where NFT holders will have exclusive access. Community, functionality, and ownership are defining features of the web3 space and typically indicate a successful project, James remarks; he believes the project has potential. He and Ashton talk about the schedule for this year's Zebu Live conference. He is excited to chat with Steven Bartlett in particular. Additionally, he is eager to share his future plans for the area. Several keynote speakers' discussions will also share their vision for the web3 sector. James believes that the conference offers attendees a fantastic opportunity to interact with web3 technologists in the real world. [Listen from 19:25]

The Way Forward

Ashton's business, ZEBU, is eager to expand their Zebu Live model and host various conferences in addition to their regular gatherings. They've already started making preparations for Zebu Live 2023. He is optimistic about the future and believes that they have just begun to explore the sector's full potential.

Key Takeaways:

• The right education is crucial to help brands bridge the knowledge gap between users' familiarity with Web 2.0 applications and the developing web3 industry.

Resources

James Burtt on Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Clubhouse

Paul Abercrombie on Website | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram 

 Zebu Live

Dancing Seahorse

Moonbird