In the fast-paced world of Web3, hackathons have become a breeding ground for innovation, with developers from around the globe coming together to build the decentralized applications of tomorrow. But amidst the frenzy of competition and the allure of prize money, one startup is taking a different approach – EasyA, founded by brothers Dominic and Phil Kwok, aims to attract serious builders and founders rather than opportunistic “bounty hunters.”
With a thriving community of over a million users on its mobile app, which enables developers to easily launch their own Web3 projects, EasyA has already made significant strides in democratizing access to blockchain technology. The projects emerging from its ecosystem have collectively raised funds at a staggering $3 billion valuation from top venture capital firms like a16z crypto and CMT Digital.
Redefining the Hackathon Experience
EasyA’s unique approach to hackathons sets it apart in the industry. Rather than catering to participants who hop from one contest to the next in pursuit of prizes, the Kwok brothers are laser-focused on attracting founders committed to building impactful Web3 companies for the long haul.
We really want to make sure that our participants actually stick around and build their projects because that’s where we see the future of Web3 really being built from.
– Dominic Kwok, Co-Founder of EasyA
Another key differentiator is EasyA’s single-chain approach to hackathons. By having participants focus on launching projects on a specific blockchain ecosystem, such as Solana, Polkadot, or Ripple’s XRP Ledger, EasyA enables developers to dive deep into the technology and receive dedicated support.
Consensus Hong Kong: A Global Stage
The upcoming EasyA Hackathon at Consensus Hong Kong is poised to be a landmark event, with hundreds of developers from across Asia and beyond converging to build the next wave of Web3 innovation. The Kwok brothers anticipate a diverse turnout, with participants hailing from Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, China, and even Western countries.
When asked about the unique aspects of the Asian developer community, Phil Kwok highlighted their keen understanding of cross-border use cases, given the multitude of currencies in the region. He expects to see a surge of solutions tackling frictions in international payments and remittances.
Emerging Trends and Regulatory Shifts
Beyond geographic differences, the Kwok brothers also shared insights into the thematic trends they anticipate will shape the projects at Consensus Hong Kong. The intersection of artificial intelligence and Web3 has emerged as a hot topic, with developers eager to explore the potential synergies between these cutting-edge technologies.
Another area poised for growth is decentralized finance (DeFi), particularly in light of the regulatory shifts expected under the Trump presidency. With the easing of restrictions on U.S. participation in DeFi protocols and airdrops, the Kwoks predict an explosion of activity as developers tap into this previously inaccessible market.
Bridging the Developer Gap
As keynote speakers at Consensus Hong Kong, Dominic and Phil Kwok will share their insights on the challenges Web3 ecosystems face in attracting and retaining developers. With the growth of Web3 talent largely stagnant, EasyA is on a mission to onboard the next generation of builders through its user-friendly tools and immersive hackathon experiences.
Right now, Web3 firms are competing over the same developers, and the growth of Web3 devs has pretty much stagnated. And obviously at EasyA, our whole mission is actually to bring way more developers into the space. That starts with making it easy.
– Dominic Kwok, Co-Founder of EasyA
To support this goal, EasyA is unveiling significant upgrades to its platform that will streamline the development process and enable creators to build more easily on-chain. These enhancements, set to be revealed during the Kwoks’ keynote address, promise to lower the barriers to entry and attract a wave of fresh talent to the Web3 ecosystem.
The Road Ahead
As the Web3 landscape continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, initiatives like the EasyA Hackathon at Consensus Hong Kong serve as crucial catalysts for innovation and collaboration. By focusing on nurturing committed founders and providing a supportive environment for experimentation, EasyA is helping to lay the foundation for the decentralized applications and platforms that will shape our digital future.
With the Kwok brothers at the helm, EasyA is poised to make a lasting impact on the Web3 ecosystem, one hackathon at a time. As developers from around the world converge in Hong Kong to showcase their skills and vision, the stage is set for a new era of blockchain innovation – one that prioritizes substance over short-term gains and empowers creators to build the decentralized world of tomorrow.
