Tennis legend Maria Sharapova appeared on the Binance Blockchain Week Paris 2022 to share her curiosity in nonfungible tokens (NFTs).
Throughout an unique interview with Cointelegraph, Sharapova talked about that “she is exposing herself to this new world of crypto and Web3,” noting that the sector will assist her higher have interaction along with her followers. Sharapova was additionally one of many strategic buyers behind MoonPay’s Collection A financing spherical, but she talked about that she goals to bridge her private experiences to the digital world transferring ahead.
Cointelegraph: What are you doing right here as we speak at Binance Blockchain Week Paris?
Maria Sharapova: I’m crypto curious and want to determine methods to bridge the unbelievable bodily experiences that I have been in a position to have with my followers over so a few years. I’m now discovering methods to incorporate experiences within the digital world, in order that’s what I’m most enthusiastic about. Additionally, as a feminine entrepreneur, I imagine it’s necessary to pave the way in which for different ladies to enter Web3. Cash is a subject that I really feel we don’t communicate sufficient about as ladies.
CT: Do you’ve gotten plans to launch an NFT venture?
MS: I’ve been taking a look at this area for a number of months now, as I’m somebody who’s extra in favor of alternatives for the lengthy haul. After I noticed the chance to bridge bodily with digital experiences, I knew I wished it to be a long-term expertise for myself. Storytelling is essential and it’s an enormous element of Web3. I believe tales can be instructed higher for each events when fascinated by a venture long-term.
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CT: Do you suppose NFTs might help create higher fan engagement?
MS: Completely. NFTs are about discovering methods to speak with the suitable communities fascinated with what I’m doing inside a distinct kind of area. For instance, I used to be seen on a tv display each week taking part in tennis for therefore a few years, but I not have that platform each day as a result of I retired a few years in the past. The Web3 expertise has given me entry to my followers in completely new methods. I really feel like I’m extra engaged with them, versus them simply being engaged by watching me compete.
CT: As a feminine entrepreneur and former athlete, do you’ve gotten plans to get extra ladies concerned in Web3?
MS: I wish to enable ladies to have an area the place they experiment with Web3. For instance, I used to be 17 after I received my first grand slam and social media was on no account a part of that have. It took years for me to get snug with social media over time. I believe Web3 can also be an space the place one has to get on the market with the intention to be taught and develop from it. As I discussed earlier, the dialog about cash, finance, crypto and blockchain is a taboo dialog. Individuals could really feel that except they find out about these subjects, they shouldn’t communicate up. However I believe this must be the opposite method round — you be taught much more in the event you ask questions and become involved.
CT: Why did you determine to spend money on MoonPay?
MS: I wish to diversify my portfolio. At first, my investments had been round client items. For instance, I invested within the sunscreen model Supergoop early on. I’m now exposing myself to a completely new class.
CT: What do you suppose are the largest challenges related to Web3 and the way can we overcome these?
MS: I’d like to see the standard of Web3 experiences come by a bit extra and enhance, particularly within the digital area.
Current: Are decentralized digital identities the longer term or only a area of interest use case?
CT: Any extra feedback?
MS: I’m actually within the NFT area as a result of it bridges my ardour for vogue, inside design and creating areas which might be distinctive to people and communities. I’ve grow to be extra on this area as a result of it has extra of a design perspective. It’s additionally a completely new income stream that each artists and girls are discovering.
