Eric Lay

🙏 A Big Thank You to Our Friends at Tekkie Pinas! 🙏 Grateful to Mark Anthony Wagan for this fantastic article on the recent launch of the Kaia Mainnet. 🎉 It’s exciting to see our efforts being recognized as we continue to push the boundaries of Web3 with LINE’s NEXT WEB SDK. Check out the full article to learn more about how Kaia is set to reshape the future of blockchain. 👉 https://lnkd.in/eSKQMyDu #JBlaze #KaiaBlockchain #MainnetLaunch #Web3 #TekkiePinas #Innovation #Blockchain

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🚀 Exciting news! 🚀 The Kaia Wave has been updated, and applications are now officially live! 🎉 If you’re a Web3 builder looking to grow your project, this is your chance to join the Kaia & LINE NEXT Web3 Builder Support Program. From $95K in fee waivers, $700K+ in marketing support, and reaching 100M+ global LINE users, to VC connections and financial backing, this program is packed with opportunities to help Dapps take off. If you’re ready to push the limits and build on Kaia's Layer 1, now's the time to apply and bring your ideas to life. 🌍💡 📌 Check out the link and apply today #JBlaze #KaiaWave #Web3 #Blockchain #DappDevelopment #LINENEXT #VCOpportunities #TechInnovation #KaiaCommunity #Kaia

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🎉 Kaia hits $100M TVL milestone! This is a huge moment for Kaia and the Web3 space. Total Value Locked (TVL) crossing $100M is more than just a milestone—it’s proof of the growing trust and excitement within our community. 😍 For Kaia Portal users, this means some exciting updates (Yey!) 📈 An additional 12.5M $KAIA has been added to the Epoch 1 rewards pool. 📈 Estimated APR (Annual Percentage Rate), the yearly interest earned on staked assets, has increased by 50%. 📈 And, of course, the unmatched energy and vibes that come from a thriving community. For the industry, this is another sign of blockchain’s ability to empower communities while creating tangible value. 😎 Now, on to $150M TVL—where even more rewards are waiting. Let’s make it happen together! 🚀 To keep yourself updated on the latest developments and milestones at Kaia, make sure to follow Kaia Labs Limited #JBlaze #Kaia #KaiaChain #BlockchainInnovation #TVL100M #Web3Community #Milestone #KaiaFever #KaiaNatinIto #ThinkGrowth #KaiaWave

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🎮✨ 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗱𝘀—𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲. 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝘁? The gaming industry is evolving rapidly, creating unmatched opportunities for brands to connect with highly engaged audiences. To succeed, brands must prioritize value and respect the player experience. Here’s how to create campaigns that resonate: • 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴: Expand gaming IPs like Mass Effect across media to immerse audiences and enhance engagement. • 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗿-𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗨𝗚𝗖): Empower players on platforms like Roblox to create and interact with branded content, driving deeper connections and actionable results. • 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Build authentic relationships with gamers on Discord through interactive discussions, live events, and community-driven initiatives. • 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿-𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴: Create seamless, intrinsic ad experiences that enhance gameplay without disrupting immersion. • 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Develop interactive brand experiences that integrate storytelling with engagement, making your brand part of the gaming journey. The possibilities to engage and connect in gaming are endless—but only for brands willing to innovate. Learn more in the PDF and share your strategies in the comments below. #GamingMarketing #TransmediaStorytelling #UGC #PlayerFirst #ImmersiveExperiences #DiscordMarketing #Brand Partnerships

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⭐ This sports startup just raised $250mn and is betting big on live sports experiences. The company COSM stunned the world with videos like the one below. The following are my takeaways: I) Live Sports is king! It will become more valuable in times of AI generated content overflow as it is truly unique II) Sports is culturally unifying: Sports is and will be more than ever a culturally unifying experience in times of social media overload. People want real life things! III) Viewing experiences people deserve: Take the Sphere in Las Vegas, COSM or Abba Voyage in London and many more to follow. It is time now with new technology to create the next level in-person event experiences. IV) To all Entrepreneurs - No overnight success: Last but not least for all entrepreneurs: COSM is being celebrated as overnight success nowadays- the roots of the company go back to the 1950s. 😎 What do you think about watching sports this way? Follow me (Mark A. H.) for more about sports, sportsbusiness & entrepreneurship. #sports #sportsbusiness #cosm #behindtheathletes #sportsmedia Credit: Fanda Media

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🔥 Big news for Kaia! 🔥 While the KSL (Kaia Square Lounge) is happening right now in Korea (will be there next year promise 😁) , here’s another exciting update from our favorite chain destined to make an impact! 🚀 Kaia’s blockchain token, KLAY, has just been listed on HashKey Global, and with the Kaia mainnet now live, there are some fantastic rewards up for grabs. This is just the beginning of what’s to come. Curious about what makes Kaia a game-changer in the Web3 space? Dive into the full article to catch all the details and see why Kaia is one to watch! 👉 https://lnkd.in/gjAQM6jE #JBlaze #KaiaBlockchain #KLAY #Web3Innovation #HashKeyGlobal #Blockchain #GainingMomentum #ThinkGrowth

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Guild Gaming IPO'd at a valuation of $60M, but just sold all of its assets for $130K. This post-IPO acquisition values Guild's business at just 0.21% of its IPO valuation. UNPOPULAR OPINION: 90% of VC-backed esports orgs will end up just like Guild. In case you forgot, FaZe Clan IPO'd at a valuation of $725M, and peaked at $1B. However, GameSquare Holdings Inc. acquired it for $17M, 2% of its IPO valuation. NIP Group recently IPO'd at $9 per share, and peaked at $16 per share 3 days later. 3 months later, it's now sitting at $7.12 per share, a 56.85% drop from its peak. How will stories of IPO failures impact the exit strategies of venture-backed orgs?

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🎙️ New Podcast Alert: How AI and Blockchain Are Revolutionizing Sports Fan Engagement The #sports industry is experiencing a groundbreaking #transformation, powered by #AI and #Blockchain technologies. These innovations are not just enhancing athlete performance but also redefining how fans connect with their favorite teams and players. In our latest #podcast, we dive deep into the evolving dynamics of fan #engagement, where platforms like LootMogul are leading the way: 🎟️ Fan #tokens and digital collectibles are creating new opportunities for fans to own a piece of their favorite teams. 🧠 Virtual coaching powered by AI delivers tailored insights and experiences, empowering athletes and fans alike. 💻 By merging traditional sports loyalty with cutting-edge digital tools, the connection between fans and athletes has never been stronger. Imagine a world where fans are no longer passive spectators but active participants, owning digital teams, earning exclusive perks, and enjoying immersive virtual experiences. This is the future of sports, and it’s happening now. 💬 Tune in to hear industry experts break down the impact of these technologies and share insights into what lies ahead for sports tech. 🎧 Listen now to the full podcast here: https://lnkd.in/ei7hpigz Let’s discuss! How do you think AI and Blockchain will shape the future of sports? Drop your thoughts below! Apurva Rajkotia Powerhouse Sri Peddu Kshitij Golwalkar Rajas Neve Navin Prasad Bahwan CyberTek #Podcast #SportsTech #AI #Blockchain #FanEngagement #DigitalCollectibles #LootMogul #atheletes #investing

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“VC money is pulling back from gaming.” Just returned from the G-Star Korean game conference, and here’s the vibe: the gaming industry is at a crossroads. The hype is evolving, and the strategies that worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. Whether you’re in development, marketing, or investments, this is what you need to know right now. Key takeaways: VC funding is drying up: The free-flowing capital that fueled gaming’s boom? It’s tapering off. Studios need to tighten their operations and rethink growth strategies to stay competitive. Traditional marketing is losing its edge: A one-size-fits-all approach no longer delivers big wins. Multiple conversations pointed to a growing need for innovative campaigns tailored to niche audiences. The industry is still local-first: Korea’s gaming scene is massive but insular—no Xbox, no PlayStation. Yet there’s a strong hunger from studios and labels to make waves internationally. And then there’s NEXON KOREA and Theorycraft Games’s “Supervive”—its pop-culture-inspired aesthetic is everywhere, showing how gaming can embrace a broader cultural canvas to connect with new audiences. What does this mean for the future? Pop culture is a growth hack: Imagine a K-pop group teaming up with a Western game or a Korean studio collaborating with a global artist. These partnerships are more than cool—they’re strategic. Collaborations cross borders: Gaming and music are natural allies, and they can help brands go global faster than ever before. Stay connected, stay relevant: Attending conferences like G-Star keeps you ahead of trends. If you’re not in the room, you’re missing out on insights that could shape the next big opportunity. Pop culture isn’t just entertainment—it’s a strategy. Where do you see the next big collaboration happening? Drop your thoughts below.

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TikTok ban is jet fuel for $4B Triller / AGBA reverse merger. But this is financial engineering to salvage 2 struggling companies. Retail investors, be wary! Let’s break it down… TARGET: Triller • “AI-powered” music-focused social video platform • Founded 2015 by Bobby Sarnevesht and Ryan Kavanagh • Owns Bare Knuckle league, Amplify.ai, Julius, Thuzio, FITE • Raised $218M+ and TBD debt • Biz model = rev share, ticket sales / PPV / subs / merch, advertising, platform fees • Rapid US and int'l growth via TikTok bans (e.g. India) • 200 est employees PERFORMANCE • 2.2M creators, 450M+ user accounts • 2023 revenue of $45M, down from $54M in 2022 • Q3 YTD showed $104M loss, $378M in debt / liabilities vs $6M current assets • $1M cash & equivalents CONTROVERSIAL HISTORY • 2022 Sony sued for unauthorized music use • 2023 UMG sued for same reason  • Owes music rightsholders $23.6M in unpaid fees • 2022 called off $5B reverse merger with video ad platform SeaChange • 2022 missed M&A payment to Verzuz owners • Filed for NASDAQ IPO in Aug 2023 and Jan 2024 • Reputation for inflating users and usage TARGET: AGBA • Tech-driven wealth mgmt and financial services • 4 biz lines: Platform, Distribution, Healthcare, Fintech  • Founded 1993 by TBD • Focuses on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area • Biz model: interest income, commissions, asset mgmt fees • Publicly listed on NASDAQ, holding co registered in BVI, operates in HK  PERFORMANCE • Stock fell 80% 4Q 2022, has traded < $1 since July • $140M market cap, $19M of cash ($17M is restricted), $18M debt • 400k individual and corp customers • 2023 revenue of $54M, up 74% YoY, but a loss of $43M • 176 est employees DEAL DETAILS • All stock deal, AGBA acquiring Triller in reverse merger • New combined AGBA will be 80% owned by current Triller stockholders and RSU holders • Current AGBA shareholders will own 20% of new combined co • Expected May close VALUATION • Triller at $3.2B and AGBA at $800M, for $4B total • …BUT seeking alpha estimates as of 4.23 AM stock price, Triller’s real valuation is $1.3B •….and based on TikTok share repurchase valuation of 17x revenue, implies $765M Triller valuation • As of 4.23 AM stock trading at $2.40, up 500% from $0.40 the day pre announcement DEAL RATIONALE / SYNERGY • Leverage Triller’s large social audience to drive traffic to AGBA’s financial services and create more engagement via live events, webinars, etc  • Create personalized AGBA financial services via Triller user analytics and insights • But IMO here’s the real angle… • “access public capital markets and secure the liquidity needed for rapid growth” – aka a cash grab from retail investors • Triller is being aggressive when competitor TikTok faces US regulatory challenges (senate vote is today, Tuesday!) More analysis to come in my Friday newsletter! --- I’m the founder of RockWater Industries. We do m&a and strategy advisory for #media #agency #creatoreconomy. DMs are open.

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Crowd sourcing a quote from you for this week's newsletter: Here's what I need: For years people have said mobile gaming will be the next big thing in gaming and esports. The Esports World Cup now has at least two mobile games on the docket and maybe more. Is the EWC going to be the catalyst that propels mobile game esports into mainstream esports? Is mobile gaming the future. Would love to quote YOU in the newsletter.

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A perfect example of hiring fractional: The founders of 1v1me know that paid acquisition is not their strength. Instead of trying to figure it out on their own, they're hiring a Fractional Head of User Acquisition for 5 hrs / week to own this for them. This person will be responsible for managing an ad buying agency, and advising the founders on the best-in-class strategies. They'll be embedded into the team and feel like a full-time hire (except for less hours per week). It's a much better alternative to outsourcing user acquisition entirely.

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Title: Partnership Opportunity: Talent Arise S2 Dear Potential Partners, We're excited to introduce Talent Arise S2, a premier event that brings together talent, innovation, and industry leaders. We're seeking partnerships with forward-thinking brands, banks, and startups to collaborate and drive mutual growth. Partnership Benefits: - Amplified brand visibility through event banners, social media, and live streams - Targeted audience engagement and brand promotion - Association with a talent-promoting event, elevating brand image and reputation - Exposure to potential customers and partners - Enhanced brand loyalty and customer retention Estimated Metrics: Tournament: - Total Engagement: Almost 2,000+ - Total Views: Almost 6,000+ - Reach: Almost 60,000+ Live Stream: - Total Engagement: 750 - Total Views: Almost 6,000+ - Engagement Rate: 20.73% - Reach: 7,600 - 27,500 Partnership Request: - Branded shirts or products for event showcase - Collaboration on event activations and content creation By partnering with us, you can expect: - Increased brand recognition and awareness - Access to a targeted audience and potential customers - Enhanced brand image and reputation - Opportunities for lead generation and customer acquisition Event Schedule: - August 17-20: Group Stages - August 21-22: Qualifiers - August 24: Grand Finale live If you're interested in exploring this partnership opportunity, please respond by August 19. Let's work together to drive growth and innovation! NayaPay SadaPay HBL Easypaisa Jazz tapmad foodpanda Faisal Movers Daewoo Pakistan Express Bus Service LTD Ufone 4G Telenor Microfinance Bank Limited Zong CMPak Ltd Zameen.com #PartnershipOpportunity #TalentAriseS2 #BrandCollaboration #GrowthAndInnovation #EventMarketing #Sponsorship #BusinessPartners #Startups #Banks #Brands #MarketingStrategy #PartnershipsMatter

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