The Web3 world is buzzing. HackerNoon’s “Startups of The Year 2024” is the world’s largest decentralized startup competition. It includes more than 150,000 participants and has received almost 300,000 votes in the Web3 category so far. So now we’re in this incredible kind of Cambrian moment of innovation in decentralization, blockchain, DeFi. What if we aren’t really building a decentralized future after all, but just replicating the old power structures we’ve tried to escape with shiny new tech?

Web3: An Echo Chamber of Elites?

Let's be honest. Today, Web3 is a super echo chamber-y vibe. Instead, we witness the same dismaying familiar faces, the same fault Silicon Valley narratives overwhelming the conversation. It's easy to get caught up in the hype, the potential for financial gain, and forget the core promise of decentralization: empowerment for everyone, not just the privileged few.

Think about it. What kind of Southeast Asian artists are you witnessing on the leading edge of the NFT revolution? What kind of DAOs are being spearheaded by creatives hailing from Jakarta, Manila or Ho Chi Minh City? The answer, sadly, is not enough.

This is not merely an issue of representation, it is an issue of innovation. A truly decentralized Web3 needs diverse perspectives, and Southeast Asia, with its rich artistic heritage and burgeoning tech scene, is a goldmine of untapped potential.

This isn't a pipe dream. These artists have already been doing the work, walking the walk, spreading their wings, turning imagination into reality – the world of what’s possible. They’re just missing the resources, the voice, and the spotlight that they’ve earned.

  • A Filipino artist using NFTs to directly fund their community art projects, bypassing traditional gatekeepers.
  • A Malaysian musician building a DAO to collectively manage and distribute their music, cutting out record labels.
  • A Vietnamese designer creating metaverse experiences that celebrate Southeast Asian culture, challenging Western-centric norms.

Southeast Asia is teeming with artistic creativity as well as a rich cultural tapestry. Beyond this, it’s a region that has flourished as an early adopter for such technology. The extent to which the region has adopted smartphones and internet access is truly breathtaking. In turn, an emerging generation of digitally native artists are excited to pursue new creative horizons.

Forgotten Voices, Unforgettable Potential

These barriers dampen creativity and limit the ability of Southeast Asian artists to engage with the decentralized revolution to its fullest extent. It's time to change that. As economist and former Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx put it, equity is not just a moral imperative—it’s a strategic one.

The Web3 category of the Startup of the Year awards was divided into three sub-industries: Decentralization, Blockchain, and DeFi. Overall, 1,936 early-stage, high-growth startups went through the program. The entire Southeast Asian region is still poorly represented.

  • Limited Access to Funding: Traditional funding sources are often inaccessible or prioritize Western-centric projects.
  • Lack of Technical Expertise: Navigating the complexities of blockchain, NFTs, and DAOs can be daunting without proper guidance.
  • Weak Networks: Connecting with the global Web3 community can be challenging without established connections.

We all have a responsibility to identify and take risks on new talent from Southeast Asia. And this isn’t some charity handout – it’s an investment in the future of Web3.

This year’s Startups of The Year awards attracted nearly 300,000 votes, the majority of them in that new Web3 category. Just imagine the potential! Imagine if even a small percentage of that energy were dedicated to amplifying the work of up-and-coming artists from Southeast Asia, boom!

A Call to Action: Build Bridges, Not Walls

Think of it this way: Web3 is like a garden. If we plant the same old seeds, we’re going to get the same old flowers. Introducing new seeds to this garden will create tremendous diversity in our ecosystem. These new voices, cultures and artistic visions will invigorate a new creative placemaking environment.

So let’s do our part to ensure Web3 isn’t just another Silicon Valley sequel. It’s time to elevate Southeast Asia’s most overlooked voices and unleash their unforgettable talent. The future of decentralization depends on it. It's time to build bridges, not walls. Are you with me?

  • Web3 Startups: Prioritize diversity and inclusion in your hiring practices. Offer mentorship programs specifically designed for Southeast Asian artists. Create grants and funding opportunities tailored to their needs.
  • Investors: Look beyond the usual suspects. Invest in projects that are empowering Southeast Asian artists and communities. Support platforms that are showcasing their work.
  • Community Members: Amplify the voices of Southeast Asian artists. Share their work, attend their events, and connect them with your networks.

The Startups of The Year awards gathered almost 300,000 votes in the Web3 category. Imagine what could be achieved if even a fraction of that energy was directed towards supporting emerging artists in Southeast Asia.

Think of it this way: Web3 is like a garden. If we only plant the same seeds, we'll only get the same flowers. Bringing in new seeds – new perspectives, new cultures, new artistic visions – will create a richer, more vibrant ecosystem.

Let's make Web3 a truly global movement, not just a Silicon Valley sequel. Let's empower the forgotten voices of Southeast Asia and unlock their unforgettable potential. The future of decentralization depends on it. It's time to build bridges, not walls. Are you with me?