Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) 2024, held in Seoul, South Korea, stood out as one of Asia’s key blockchain events this year. Despite the bearish market sentiment, attendees remained undeterred, focusing on innovation and forward-thinking projects rather than short-term price movements. With over 250 side events, the week was packed with opportunities for networking, development, and showcasing the latest in blockchain technology.
Key Takeaways from KBW 2024
- Unwavering Focus on Progress: Attendees were focused on building and driving innovation forward, largely ignoring the current market conditions. This resilient mindset showcased the determination of the blockchain community to continue pushing the industry to new heights, even when market sentiment is low.
- Emerging Alt L1s: Solana Challengers Aptos and Sui continued their ascent as significant competitors in the Layer 1 (L1) blockchain space. Investor Arthur Hayes made headlining by claiming that Aptos could surpass Solana . The Aptos ecosystem continues to grow across various verticals, focusing on seamless user experiences where blockchain integration is nearly invisible. Meanwhile, the Sui team brought immense energy to the event. Although they are widely recognized for their blockchain gaming efforts, Sui hinted at larger ambitions beyond gaming. Their side event was buzzing with builders and projects, underscoring their potential as a major player in the blockchain space
- DeFi’s Resurgence: While DeFi has been quiet recently, KBW saw considerable developments in the sector. The return of decentralized finance (DeFi) was a central theme, with speakers discussing its future potential.
- Blockchain and AI Synergy: The intersection of blockchain and artificial intelligence was a significant focus, with discussions on how these technologies can co-evolve, particularly in decentralized finance (DeFi) and asset tokenization. The Sahara AI team left a lasting impression with their innovative ideas and approaches. Their presence highlighted the increasing synergy between blockchain and AI, with many looking forward to what they will bring to the table in the near future. For more see our recent report here (LINK).
- The Power of Networking: The sheer number of side events — over 250 — allowed attendees to connect, share ideas, and establish new collaborations. From up-and-coming projects to traditional financial firms, the event fostered a vibrant atmosphere of partnership and innovation. For the first time, KBW also hosted an “Institutional Stage,” where financial institutions and asset managers, such as VanEck or Coinbase, discussed the future of crypto.
Looking Ahead
Korea Blockchain Week 2024 reaffirmed the blockchain industry’s resilience and long-term vision. With a strong focus on DeFi, gaming, RWAs, and AI, KBW highlighted the broader trend of moving beyond market cycles to prioritize real-world applications and technological advancement. The insights and connections formed during the event will undoubtedly shape the blockchain landscape for years to come.
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Established in 2019, MV Global has emerged as a force in the Web3 landscape focused on early-stage investments and venture building. Our mission is clear: to partner with mavericks, visionaries, and free thinkers to leverage blockchain-enabled technologies to build for the future.
