In this conversation, Matt Gould, co-founder of Unstoppable Domains, shares his journey into the world of cryptocurrency and the inception of his company. He discusses the challenges faced in creating a user-friendly domain system for crypto transactions, the importance of building partnerships within the blockchain ecosystem, and the evolution of naming systems in the digital age. Gould emphasizes the significance of branding and digital identity, as well as the future of on-chain identity as the crypto landscape continues to evolve. In this conversation, Matt Gould discusses the evolution of domain names in the context of blockchain technology, emphasizing the need to transition traditional Web2 industries on-chain. He explains the technical aspects of mapping domains, the challenges of changing a resistant industry, and the importance of simplifying the consumer experience in crypto. Gould also shares insights on the future of domain transfers, the impact of regulation, and the potential intersection of AI and crypto, highlighting the ongoing innovation at Unstoppable Domains.
Takeaways

• Matt Gould got into crypto in 2013 while in San Francisco.
• Unstoppable Domains was founded to simplify crypto transactions.
  The company faced challenges linking multiple cryptocurrency addresses to a single domain.
• Privacy concerns were addressed by allowing users to rotate their addresses.
  Building partnerships with wallets and browsers was crucial for adoption.
  The evolution of the business included branching into traditional DNS domains.
• Naming systems have not evolved much in the digital world over the past 30 years.
• Unstoppable Domains aims to make naming systems more interoperable.
  The brand reflects a response to online censorship and the need for user control.
• The vision for widespread on-chain identity has not yet materialized. DeFi and on-chain technology are evolving from the foundations laid by Bitcoin and Ethereum.
• Mapping domains on-chain simplifies ownership and transfer processes.
  The domain industry is resistant to change due to established profit models.
  Consumer experience is crucial; simplifying crypto for non-technical users is a priority.
• Feedback from users has led to significant product adaptations at Unstoppable Domains.
• The complexity of supporting multiple blockchains and assets is a major hurdle for the crypto industry.
• Regulatory clarity in the U.S. could open new opportunities for crypto and domain integration.
• The future of domains includes new top-level extensions and digital real estate concepts.
• AI has the potential to revolutionize how domains and businesses operate on-chain.
• Innovation in traditional industries requires careful management of relationships and expectations.
  

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