Entrepreneur, investor, founder of Chrono.tech - the first project that converts man-hours into currency value. Projects: LaborX.io Сhrono.tech TimeX.io You can find out more about me here: Instagram.com/sergeichrono
🏝️ Quite a few countries in SEA and Europe, are making it easier for digital nomads to work within their borders. Yet I haven’t met a real nomad with a thriving career. Hear me out.
They tend to be young people open to sharing housing and a few hours of work each day in exchange for a lifestyle that emphasizes adventure and making new friends. I see it as a pre-career stage where you’re figuring out your next move.
One exception is people who live in one country for several years before moving to another place. This is kinda cool and doable, even with a family and school-aged kids.
🏠 I’ve lived in several countries and travel constantly for work and networking. But I definitely prefer having a solid home base that gives me a sense of stability. Always did and always will.
🎮 Remember Atari? Got some news for gamers and crypto fans this gloomy Monday. The game producer is bringing their classics to the blockchain with an on-chain arcade.
They already released Asteroids, with more games like Breakout coming soon. You'll only need to buy a relatively cheap (0.0015 ETH) NFT access pass and start the adventures.
And this is all happening on Base, which is pretty awesome. I love to see how gaming is evolving with crypto. The idea of having your scores recorded on the blockchain and competing for real prizes adds another layer of excitement.
It surely is a fun blend of old-school gaming with modern tech. As a fan of both retro games and crypto, I can't wait to try this out.
🧑💻 I've been meaning to write about the role of Developer Relations (DevRel) for a while. For those who might not be familiar, DevRel is all about building bridges between companies and their developer communities. I believe this field serves a unique mission while fostering innovation and growth in our industry.
DevRel positions combine tech skills with community engagement. So besides being about coding it is also about understanding and supporting developers, advocating for their needs, and promoting the company’s tech.
It's not every day that you find a job where you can code in the morning, host a webinar in the afternoon, and engage with a global community by evening. This blend of responsibilities is fascinating.
Also, they get paid really well.
🎓 Many of the people who have succeeded in Web3 haven’t graduated from top universities—in fact, some haven’t graduated at all. They don’t have special training or have completed any blockchain courses.
The reality is that many Web3 builders are self-taught. And I think that’s beautiful.
When Bitcoin took off in 2017, it captivated thousands. They did their own research and became so fascinated that they’re still deeply involved, excelling as community managers, content leads, and product owners. This trend emerged organically.
The lack of traditional higher education is not a barrier in our industry. You’ll hardly notice who has formal degrees and who doesn’t—perhaps only a few do.
Yet, the space is full of smart, enthusiastic, and innovative individuals who prove that unconventional paths can lead to remarkable success.
Image: thielfellowship.org
📰 Recently, Ethereum has been out of the spotlight. However, it remains the second biggest cryptocurrency and the first one with a real use case. The network's decentralization depends on the number of addresses owning ETH. It needs to be talked about to be traded more.
In my opinion, Ethereum's importance cannot be overstated. Its smart contract capabilities and role in decentralized finance make it a cornerstone of the crypto world.
🔗 Ethereum is not just a digital asset; it's a platform for innovation and a catalyst for the broader adoption of blockchain technology. This is why ETH will always have a spot in my portfolio.
Image: Ethereum.org
💼 Another thing I love about Web3 is the revolution in HR. This space moves fast, there’s no time to waste. You have to be incredibly efficient to stay afloat, and HR professionals are no exception.
I keep hearing wild stories from friends in other industries about the lengthy and confusing hiring processes—or even questions about their start sign.
Now, judging by the feedback of both talent and employers who published on LaborX, Web3 companies have streamlined their hiring processes to be faster and more transparent.
So yes, I might be biased, but in my experience, the Web3 HR professionals I've encountered are some of the finest. They get things done quickly and effectively, making the entire process not just bearable, but enjoyable.
🧠 Twitter seems to be obsessed with Elon Musk's statement regarding his son, whom he referred to as "dead" due to the woke mind virus and the use of puberty blockers. This got me thinking on the broader issue.
Personally, I am not in favor of interfering with nature, especially at a young age. In such cases, I believe it’s more beneficial to work with a child’s mind. If a child is unhappy with their body, we should help them address the underlying issues causing their discomfort. When they are old enough, they can make those big decisions for themselves.
On the other hand, there is nothing inherently wrong with being 'woke'. Challenging traditional norms is a driving force behind innovation. If we didn't challenge the norms, women might still be denied education. It’s ok to question conventions and propose new models, embracing diversity.
💡 If everyone strictly adhered to the norm, there would be no Bitcoin and, quite possibly, no Tesla either.
⚖️ Better Finance: It's All About Regulations
I guess it’s Europe's forward-thinking approach to crypto regulation that has created an environment where innovation thrives alongside consumer comfort and protection.
Neobanks with crypto on-ramps are products of this approach. These user-friendly platforms make it easier for everyday people to access and use digital currencies, seamlessly integrating with traditional banking services. Such a feature is only possible with regulatory clarity and commitment to fostering innovation.
Contrast this with the United States, where the regulatory foundation is a tangled web of agencies and state-level regulations. Crypto businesses face a constant struggle to navigate this complex system, often stifling the very innovation they are based on.
The EU model is a win for consumers. They get to enjoy convenient financial services.
#betterfinance
🫂 Creating Opportunities for People
The second thing that struck me is Chrono.tech is more relevant than it has ever been. After all, our mission is literally to bridge the gap between employers and skilled professionals, making job opportunities more accessible and efficient.
We’re committed to developing innovative employment solutions that align with the modern, global workforce. One such initiative is our upcoming micro-task platform, designed to offer flexible, scalable opportunities that meet today’s dynamic job market demands.
🛠️ This platform will allow users to earn through short, actionable tasks, making work accessible from anywhere and opening doors to new income streams.
🚧 Has anyone witnessed yesterday’s mayhem firsthand? In case you missed it, late Thursday night, CrowdStrike, a major cybersecurity firm, accidentally unleashed chaos with a faulty software update. This mishap caused Microsoft-based systems to crash, leading to government offices, banks, and airlines displaying the infamous blue screen of death.
It was a massive disruption.
But here’s the interesting part: Bitcoin remained completely unaffected. Since it relies on Linux-based frameworks instead of Microsoft software, its operations continued smoothly. While banks and other centralized systems were struggling, Bitcoin miners were just chugging along.
While any operating system can potentially face mishaps, the decentralized nature of Bitcoin ensures no single point of failure can disrupt the entire network.
It’s just another reason to appreciate the infrastructure behind crypto.
📚Web3 Reading List: Vitalik Buterin
By the way, while we’re on the topic, if you haven’t checked out Buterin’s blog, you really should. It’s not just about Ethereum, I promise.
He has a knack for breaking down complex concepts into simple language. Before you know it, you're diving into self-discussions on multi-dimensional gas and stateless clients, and understanding it all.
Jokes aside, for anyone looking to build a career in Web3, reading thought leaders like Vitalik is a must—it broadens your perspective and keeps you ahead of the curve.
Image: Vitalik Buterin's blog
🌐 Our Time Farm community spans the globe with a diverse user base. Here are the numbers I've mentioned in the previous post, and they reflect an interesting trend.
🔝 The top 5 countries include Nigeria, Iran, the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. I'm not surprised by the strong presence of the Western world—it has always been quick to adopt new trends and is big on gaming.
Becoming a hit in developing countries is no less exciting. Introducing Web3 opportunities through simple things like gaming can lead to significant outcomes.
It potentially opens doors to new job opportunities, particularly in regions that can benefit the most. This global shift towards digital engagement is not just about entertainment; it's about empowering communities and fostering economic growth through innovation.
Looking ahead, I hope to see even more diverse communities join us on Time Farm and other projects within the Chrono.tech ecosystem.
💥 My newsfeed is filled with Trump pictures. Alongside the conspiracy theories and some rather bizarre (and not-so-bizarre) opinions, Bitcoin's sudden rise right after the recent events is catching everyone's attention.
All the crypto media is digging into his views on digital currencies. And then, there’s JD Vance, Trump's pro-crypto pick for the new VP.
Twitter, as always, takes things to the extreme. Overnight, Trump has morphed into a superhero on our timelines. It's a bizarre turn of events that's hard to ignore.
Let's keep this light-hearted and fun; I'm not delving into politics here—just sharing a quirky piece of art that's circulating.
And as for what could happen to crypto if Trump returns to power? Well, let's not speculate. The future of digital currencies is unpredictable enough without adding fortune-telling to the mix.
Binance celebrated its 7-year anniversary, and what a journey it has been! Since its inception, they have onboarded 210m users, become the biggest crypto exchange brand, and even reshaped the industry.
I can highlight at least 4 ways of how they did that.
• Expanded to serve millions worldwide, fostering global cryptocurrency adoption.
• Became the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume.
• Set new benchmarks for industry-leading security protocols.
• Pioneered new products and technologies, including Binance Coin (BNB), Binance Launchpad for token launches, Binance Smart Chain for DeFi solutions, and innovative trading features.
Witnessing Binance's path is yet another reminder of how community and creativity may shape the trajectory of Web3 initiatives.
💡As both developers and users, we should take inspiration from their commitment to security, global accessibility, and pioneering spirit.
Image: Binance post
TON: Defining Market Trends
I find it fascinating that throughout this year, TON has defied market trends with a 1,400% increase in TVL, which right now exceeds $700 million. Also, it made it to the top ten cryptocurrencies by market capitalization.
Now, look at the current stats: while the crypto market is still kind of shaky, Toncoin keeps increasing. A perfect example of a Web3 project done right. If you build something people actively use, the market sentiment won’t matter much.
Speaking of TON, we’ve just added the ability to connect TON wallets to Time Farm, making it even easier to get those rewards. Go check it out 😉
👾 I still remember the first buzz with NFTs and CryptoKitties—it felt like the beginning of something huge. For several years, everyone has been talking about the potential of crypto gaming, and it seems like it’s finally happening, largely thanks to Telegram mini-apps.
Telegram is now approaching 1 billion monthly active users, mainly because it allows easy game launches. It’s amazing to see how quickly this field is evolving, creating a solid real-world use case for blockchain apart from digital money.
💡 Crypto gaming has gone beyond just being a concept and is becoming a 'normality.' It's an exciting time to be part of this community and witness how everything is coming together.
📈Santiment found that the term “Bitcoin” is being talked about more positively on social media now than at any time in the past 16 months. This trend is about more than just Bitcoin's price going up; it has broader implications for the blockchain industry and Web3.
When people talk positively about Bitcoin, it shows growing trust in the technology behind it. This increased attention can attract more developers, investors, and users to the Web3 space, driving growth and innovation.
It also helps mainstream DeFi and encourages people to explore other blockchain technologies like smart contracts and dApps.
The positive buzz around Bitcoin isn't just about money. It highlights the potential for Bitcoin and blockchain to revolutionize industries, improve transparency, and provide financial inclusivity.
💡The renewed interest in Bitcoin comes at a good time for the Web3 space, as we enter a phase of meaningful development and adoption.
🤔 What can you do if you don’t have a ‘proper’ education but have a passion for decentralized tech? I’ve seen many people start as content writers, community managers, and project managers, building fantastic careers in the Web3 space.
These positions are excellent entry points for several reasons.
•They often require strong communication and organizational skills rather than formal education.
•These roles allow you to connect with key players and communities in the industry.
•You gain hands-on experience with decentralized technologies and blockchain applications.
To grow further, you need to immerse yourself in the community, continuously learn, and take on new challenges. Stay curious and innovative, push yourself out of that comfort zone, and you’ll find your path.
💂 My Euro trip was a blast, and London is the absolute highlight! It isn't just a big, shiny city of art, culture, and red buses, but it’s also global hub of fintech innovation.
London’s energy and creativity were absolutely electrifying. All those meetings, conferences, non-stop networking–I’ve got a bunch of opportunities and ideas for months ahead.
Beyond excited to see how all these fresh insights will turn out!
📈 Honestly, it's been fascinating to watch the launch of Ether ETFs. Some people were pretty skeptical at first, but they turned out to be a huge success, breaking past $1 billion in no time.
Now, everyone's eyes are on the ETH price, but it hasn’t moved much yet.
Sure, big investments from institutions are important, but if regular investors like you and me aren't jumping in, the market just feels kind of flat. To really see a strong upward trend, we need both the big players and everyday investors getting involved. Plus, what's happening in the larger crypto market always has an impact.
🎙 Our team interviewed Nelson Lopez, Gate.io's Global Head of People. Twice. The interview turned out incredibly insightful because Nelson approaches every task with passion. He is one of those OG Web3 enthusiasts who entered the industry over a decade ago and still has a burning passion for it. These are the people who keep Web3 moving. I highly recommend reading the full interview on the LaborX blog.
Gate.io certainly employs best practices tailored to the Web3 workflow.For instance, they adopt a highly personalized approach to every employee, refusing the one-size-fits-all model. In return, they seek out exceptional team members—individuals who dream of contributing to the world’s financial education and independence.
💡 I guess, this is the best kind of deal: onboard people who love what they do and give them the freedom to do it.
📈 Better Finance: Fractional Shares
Apart from crypto, one of the coolest products that neobanks get to offer is fractional shares. They enable everyday investors to own a piece of the world's biggest companies without substantial capital.
Fractional shares allow investors to buy a portion of a share rather than the whole thing. This democratizes investing and makes it accessible.
And yes, you can buy and sell fractional shares in European neobanks.
💡The world needs a similar but a lot more well-thought-out universal model for the future of finance: inclusive, accessible, and regulated. This way, we can create a financial system that benefits all and drives forward the next wave of economic advancement.
#betterfinance
🗺 I wanted to share a few thoughts on the Time Farm's roadmap we’ve just published. It’s certainly been a long journey from our early days developing HR products to the vibrant ecosystem we’re building now.
Our vision has always been about more than just immediate gains. We aim to create a platform where real value is exchanged, and where every action has meaning.
The roadmap represents a leap in that direction, especially with the integration of the SECONDS and TIME tokens into our ecosystem. These tokens are not just rewards—they’re the backbone of our products, the powerful engagement and growth drivers.
The features we’ve planned for 2024, 2025, and beyond are designed with sustainability and user empowerment in mind. Each step is about enhancing the user experience and creating long-term value.
🙏 Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support and feedback are priceless.
💸 Buying crypto in Europe is super easy with neobanks like Revolut, N26, and Monzo. You just open the app, select the coin you want, and buy it directly from your account. No need for complicated exchanges or extra apps.
European legislators have made this possible by creating clear regulations that allow these banks to offer crypto services safely and securely.
I'm currently in Europe, and it feels great to be in such a tech-friendly environment, where buying crypto doesn't feel like you're doing something illegal.
🤖 Adapting to AI
Various reports suggest that AI might take over many jobs, and while that might sound alarming, there's no need to panic. In the Web3 sector, I keep seeing a surge in demand for skilled professionals. That led me to two takeaways.
Firstly, for some of us, it’s time to rethink career paths. For instance, while AI might replace certain roles, like customer service representatives, leadership positions such as Chief Customer Officers (CCOs) will remain critical.
This shift doesn't mean abandoning your current role; it means aiming higher and evolving into more strategic positions.
👀 I saw this firsthand with a friend who replaced an in-house copywriter with ChatGPT. Initially, it seemed like a cost-effective solution, but soon they noticed a drop in engagement and the content became increasingly generic. They ended up rehiring their copywriter, who now commands a higher salary due to her unique value.
🏛️ I promised to stay away from politics, but Vitalik Buterin's article struck a chord. He makes a crucial point about the pitfalls of supporting candidates solely based on their "pro-crypto" stance.
In the blockchain space, it's not just about regulations; it's about values like privacy, global cooperation, and inclusive innovation. Politicians should embrace these principles holistically, not just as a campaign tagline.
It's easy to get swayed by promises, but we must scrutinize beyond rhetoric. As Buterin argues, a candidate's stance on encryption, internet freedom, and international relations matters deeply.
💡I also believe that we need leaders who uphold the original blockchain values consistently, regardless of political labels.
🇳🇬 Spotlight on Nigeria: A Growing Gaming Powerhouse
I kept reflecting on the latest Time Farm numbers. Nigeria's rise in the gaming world is remarkable. The lack of job opportunities for young Nigerians has pushed many to seek alternative ways to make money, and many are taking gaming as a career path.
Nigeria's gaming business is set for exponential growth. With an increasing smartphone use and a growing digital infrastructure, the potential is immense.
Despite the rise in crypto adoption, the country still lacks proper regulation. But I believe it's only a matter of time before this changes. Sometimes, I feel it will be the communities in developing countries that drive crypto adoption, not the West.
The trend in Nigeria isn't just about gaming; it's about creating new job opportunities and fostering economic growth through innovation.
💡Seeing this shift is inspiring. Nigeria is a prime example of how digital engagement can empower communities and drive positive change.
Image: Ryze Labs
Transforming Web3 Financial Services
The launch of TON’s native USDt marks a significant milestone, showcasing rapid adoption and user engagement.
With a massive increase in TVL and strong integration across exchanges and DeFi protocols, USDt-TON is central to TON’s ecosystem. The gasless payment feature lowers entry barriers, aligning with Web3's goal of democratizing financial access.
Once again, TON demonstrates the transformative potential of Web3 projects. Integrating financial services into platforms like Telegram will be a serious step shaping the future of Web3 in general and digital payments in particular.
Keep building.
🪙 USDt-TON: Setting New Standards in Web3
If you’re following TON’s development, this is the next article you should look into. For those short on time, here’s my brief summary.
In April, native USDt was launched on the TON blockchain, enabling instant USDt transfers via Telegram messages. What happened next was mind-blowing.
Within three months, USDt-TON reached $580 million in circulation and integrated with major TON protocols and dApps. The addition of gasless USDt payments has made transactions even easier, paving the way for seamless financial interactions on Telegram. There are currently nearly 489K holders and 37 million TON TVL (over $269 million) in liquidity pools.
They say it might be the fastest-growing launch of USDt.
Two-Stage Rock Star Partnerships
Our partnership with Brave unfolded in two stages.
1️⃣ First, we integrated $BAT (Basic Attention Token) as a payment method on LaborX. This allows freelancers to get paid in $BAT for completing tasks, and employers to use it for payments.
2️⃣ Second, we listed Brave’s job openings on LaborX and regularly update them.
This is part of our standard procedure with all our top-tier partners, whether they’re well-established companies or emerging startups.
Everyone is on the hunt for skilled Web3 experts, and we’re making LaborX the go-to platform to find them.