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 Series A financing round, 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 at the moment at Binance Blockchain Week Paris?
Maria Sharapova: I’m crypto curious and wish to determine bridge the unimaginable bodily experiences that I have been capable of 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 vital to pave the best way 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 could have plans to launch an NFT mission?
MS: I’ve been this house for a number of months now, as I’m somebody who’s extra in favor of alternatives for the lengthy haul. Once I noticed the chance to bridge bodily with digital experiences, I knew I needed it to be a long-term expertise for myself. Storytelling is essential and it’s an enormous part of Web3. I believe tales shall be instructed higher for each events when desirous about a mission long-term.
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CT: Do you suppose NFTs will help create higher fan engagement?
MS: Completely. NFTs are about discovering methods to speak with the suitable communities all for what I’m doing inside a special kind of house. For instance, I used to be seen on a tv display each week taking part in tennis for thus 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 could have plans to get extra ladies concerned in Web3?
MS: I need to enable ladies to have an area the place they experiment with Web3. For instance, I used to be 17 once I won my first grand slam and social media was on no account a part of that have. It took years for me to get comfy with social media over time. I believe Web3 can also be an space the place one has to get on the market so as to study 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 needs to be the opposite approach round — you study much more in case you ask questions and become involved.
CT: Why did you resolve to spend money on MoonPay?
MS: I need to diversify my portfolio. To start with, my investments had been round shopper 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 most important challenges related to Web3 and the way can we overcome these?
MS: I’d like to see the standard of Web3 experiences come via a bit extra and enhance, particularly within the digital house.
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CT: Any extra feedback?
MS: I’m actually within the NFT house as a result of it bridges my ardour for trend, inside design and creating areas which are distinctive to people and communities. I’ve grow to be extra on this house 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.
