Insights from Hack Seasons: Experts Forecast Web3's Role in Transforming Finance, AI, and Widespread Adoption by 2025

At the Hack Seasons Conference in Bangkok, influential industry figures exchanged views on the evolving trends that are set to redefine the Web3 landscape come 2025 and beyond. This event served as a collaboration hub for founders, investors, and developers aiming to explore the future of blockchain, decentralized technologies, and their practical uses.

Ron Bodkin, the visionary behind Theoriq, expressed his enthusiasm for the swift strides being made in AI and its integration with Web3. \"We're witnessing a rapid evolution in creating AI agents, with our testnet already attracting over 100,000 users and achieving 10 million transactions in just the first month,\" Bodkin mentioned. He foresees a future where a diverse ecosystem of AI agents flourishes, driven by democratization that empowers developers and users to leverage AI’s capabilities within DeFi, decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) governance, and prediction markets.

Alan Chiu, one of the minds behind Boba Network, stressed the increasing necessity to address the interests of mainstream users within the next few years. He highlighted stablecoins as perfect examples of blockchain innovations meeting everyday requirements. \"The emergence of stablecoins is merely the start. We can expect a wave of applications interweaving blockchain into our everyday routines,\" he observed. Chiu’s optimistic outlook mirrors a broader movement towards blockchain technology seamlessly integrating into the fabric of daily life.

Marcus Le, a core contributor at Viction, pointed out a significant shift within the Web3 sector—moving from infrastructure development to the creation of consumer-oriented applications. He suggested that this evolution would yield user-friendly solutions that would appeal to institutional investors, particularly as regulatory environments become more favorable. \"Now is the ideal time for applications that make Web3 accessible to everyday users, turning blockchain into a practical tool for regular activities,\" he asserted.

The Evolution of DeFi: Embracing Institutions and Leaving Fragmentation Behind

The insights shared at the conference suggest that DeFi is on the cusp of a significant expansion. Seg from Sonic Labs pointed out that clarity in regulations is fostering a transition for DeFi from a niche sector to acceptance by traditional financial entities. \"The efficiency of DeFi surpasses that of traditional finance, and as institutions grow increasingly comfortable, we’ll witness a merging of both realms,\" Seg articulated.

Ran Yi, co-founder of Orderly, added that DeFi initiatives are poised to command greater market presence, surpassing centralized and conventional financial frameworks. He insisted that decentralization will further penetrate areas like identity verification and social applications. \"Supportive regulations and solid infrastructure will propel DeFi to the forefront,\" he noted.

According to AV, CMO of Electra, DeFi stands as the cornerstone of Web3's evolution. He elaborated on how integrating real-world assets, decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN), and community-focused tokens are crucial for driving user growth and ecosystem expansion. \"DeFi remains not just a segment of Web3 but its very bedrock,\" AV stated.

COTI’s CEO, Shahaf Bar-Geffen, discussed how blockchain can decentralize data and enhance privacy, particularly in DeFi, which is essential in multiple sectors. He predicted that the cyclical nature of DeFi will persist, influenced by trading patterns and ongoing advancements in the blockchain landscape.

Real Revenue and Real-World Impact

Another significant trend that garnered attention was the rise of DePIN. Tom Trowbridge, co-founder of Fluence, expressed his belief that DePIN could elevate the altcoin market by tapping into genuine revenue streams from practical applications. Chloe Phung, co-founder and co-CEO of U2U Network, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of blockchain moving beyond speculative ventures to address real-world challenges in sectors like telecommunications, IoT, and artificial intelligence.

James Ross Croyle, CEO of MetaHub, underscored the necessity for blockchain to operate in the background for users. He envisages an environment where wallets are created effortlessly, allowing users to engage with blockchain-enhanced services with ease. Andrew Saunders, CGMO of SKALE, added that major corporations and consumer-oriented enterprises are venturing into Web3, drawn in by the seamless, user-friendly systems exemplified by SKALE’s gas-less frameworks. \"These advancements will pave the way for broader acceptance and mass adoption of blockchain technology,\" Saunders noted.

The conference spotlighted the significance of technological advancements in the growth of Web3. Natalie Leung, General Manager at BuzzUp, identified a convergence between AI and decentralized storage as a game-changer. \"The technology is advancing rapidly, posing strong competition to traditional solutions while ushering more users and businesses into the Web3 space,\" she remarked.