NFT
Tennis legend Maria Sharapova appeared on the Binance Blockchain Week Paris 2022 to share her curiosity in nonfungible tokens (NFTs).
Throughout an unique interview with Cointelegraph, Sharapova talked about that “she is exposing herself to this new world of crypto and Web3,” noting that the sector will assist her higher interact along with her followers. Sharapova was additionally one of many strategic traders behind MoonPay’s Sequence A financing spherical, but she talked about that she goals to bridge her private experiences to the digital world transferring ahead.
Maria Sharapova (proper) with Cointelegraph senior reporter Rachel Wolfson (left) at Binance Blockchain Week Paris 2022. Supply: Rachel Wolfson
Cointelegraph: What are you doing right here as we speak at Binance Blockchain Week Paris?
Maria Sharapova: I’m crypto curious and want to determine how you can bridge the unbelievable bodily experiences that I have been capable of have with my followers over so a few years. I’m now discovering methods to incorporate experiences within the digital world, in order that’s what I’m most enthusiastic about. Additionally, as a feminine entrepreneur, I imagine it’s vital to pave the best way for different girls to enter Web3. Cash is a subject that I really feel we don’t communicate sufficient about as girls.
CT: Do you have got plans to launch an NFT venture?
MS: I’ve been taking a look at this house for a number of months now, as I’m somebody who’s extra in favor of alternatives for the lengthy haul. Once I noticed the chance to bridge bodily with digital experiences, I knew I wished it to be a long-term expertise for myself. Storytelling is essential and it’s an enormous part of Web3. I feel tales will likely be informed higher for each events when fascinated by a venture long-term.
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CT: Do you suppose NFTs might help create higher fan engagement?
MS: Completely. NFTs are about discovering methods to speak with the appropriate communities fascinated by what I’m doing inside a special kind of house. For instance, I used to be seen on a tv display screen each week taking part in tennis for therefore a few years, but I not have that platform each day as a result of I retired a few years in the past. The Web3 expertise has given me entry to my followers in completely new methods. I really feel like I’m extra engaged with them, versus them simply being engaged by watching me compete.
CT: As a feminine entrepreneur and former athlete, do you have got plans to get extra girls concerned in Web3?
MS: I wish to permit girls to have an area the place they experiment with Web3. For instance, I used to be 17 once I gained my first grand slam and social media was on no account a part of that have. It took years for me to get comfy with social media over time. I feel Web3 can be an space the place one has to get on the market with a view to study and develop from it. As I discussed earlier, the dialog about cash, finance, crypto and blockchain is a taboo dialog. Folks could really feel that until they find out about these matters, they shouldn’t communicate up. However I feel this needs to be the opposite means round — you study much more should you ask questions and become involved.
CT: Why did you resolve to put money into MoonPay?
MS: I wish to diversify my portfolio. To start with, my investments have been round client items. For instance, I invested within the sunscreen model Supergoop early on. I’m now exposing myself to a completely new class.
CT: What do you suppose are the largest challenges related to Web3 and the way can we overcome these?
MS: I’d like to see the standard of Web3 experiences come by a bit extra and enhance, particularly within the digital house.
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CT: Any extra feedback?
MS: I’m actually within the NFT house as a result of it bridges my ardour for vogue, inside design and creating areas which are distinctive to people and communities. I’ve turn into extra on this house as a result of it has extra of a design perspective. It’s additionally a completely new income stream that each artists and girls are discovering.