Make The Most Out Token2049

Attending TOKEN2049, Breakpoint, and F1 in Singapore this year was a blast. As the Head of Business Development for Umoja Labs, I got to expand Umoja’s visibility while learning and networking with the best of the best across the blockchain, DeFi, and digital asset communities. Here are my top takeaways to make the most out of an international crypto conference trip.

TOKEN2049

1. Make Time For Exclusive Networking: As Head of BD, I’ve gotten to go to a few DeFi events, but TOKEN2049’s curated guest list blew me away. Each event created intimate, high-value networking opportunities with big names like Blockchain Founders Fund and Levitate Labs. I even got invited to hang out with some influencers like Evan Luthra, Eric Spivak and other KOLs, which taught me as much about digital assets as it did about how to become an asset. If your schedule is too hectic to attend other events, then I suggest you do like we did and co-sponsor events like Umoja’s Network & Chill, Network & Dine, and the Network & After Party. Our invite-only gatherings brought together top investors, VIPs, and industry leaders, allowing for authentic conversations on the future of crypto.

These events reinforced the strategic direction of our startup and highlighted why customers need Bitcoin-based yield strategies like ours. They also showed me how big a part I can play in shaping the next phase of blockchain technology.

1. Attend Side Events, 1:1s & Networking Parties: To be honest, the networking events were just as valuable as the panels if not more. Key gatherings like the BTC Masquerade, ArbiVerse, and the XBTO Inner Circle Party were excellent opportunities to connect with peers and potential collaborators. Additionally, 1:1 chats with Awaken Finance, Seapad Fund, and In Square DAO led to meaningful discussions about partnerships that will advance Umoja’s yBTC adoption and foster broader growth within the ecosystem.

2. Promote Your Solution: One of the key objectives for attending TOKEN2049 was to promote yBTC, Umoja’s principal-protected, yield-bearing Bitcoin token. Institutional players showed strong interest in how yBTC can monetize BTC holdings without requiring them to sell. The feedback has set the stage for several follow-up discussions and potential partnerships.

Breakpoint

1. Grab Food With People Who Do Cool Things: Breakpoint offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the vibrant and growing Solana ecosystem. What began as my casual quest for food turned into engaging conversations with teams working on innovative financial solutions in the Colosseum Hackathon Arena. These discussions spanned Solana-native DeFi, composable assets, and staking innovations, aligning closely with Umoja's plans for smartcoins and yBTC. The event opened doors for potential collaborations within Solana’s ecosystem, helping us explore new ways to integrate our products and expand our presence.

2. Keep Track of Innovative Solutions and Trends: I attended Breakpoint because it showed cutting-edge developments in Solana’s native tooling, with highlights including projects such as Solana-based Telegram bots and gaming applications. These new use cases for composable assets offered valuable insights into how Umoja can enhance user engagement and financial products.

Singapore GP

1. Explore Singapore:  I’ve never been to an F1 event, but all my friends who’ve been assured me that it would be a great networking opportunity in a unique setting. They were 100% right.  The F1 in Singapore provided a vibrant atmosphere for informal networking and allowed for conversations that wouldn’t have been possible in more formal settings. This event was a catalyst for fostering relationships that could evolve into significant partnerships.

Watching the race was not only thrilling but also symbolic of the fast-paced world of blockchain innovation. The high-energy environment paralleled the innovation and momentum seen across the crypto space during these events.

Closing Thoughts

Now that I’ve attended my first international conference, I’m excited to keep the momentum going. I was able to have a lot of great conversations across TOKEN2049 and Breakpoint. Now my focus is turning those conversations into actionable partnerships. Several potential collaborators expressed interest in integrating with Umoja, particularly within the realms of DeFi and institutional crypto adoption.

Next Stop (Messari Mainnet & Amsterdam BTC) Market Expansion: Stay tuned for my next conference tip list as I touch down in NYC to position Umoja for our next phase of growth.