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 together with her followers. Sharapova was additionally one of many strategic traders behind MoonPay’s Collection A financing spherical, but she talked about that she goals to bridge her private experiences to the digital world shifting ahead.
Cointelegraph: What are you doing right here as we speak at Binance Blockchain Week Paris?
Maria Sharapova: I’m crypto curious and wish to work out tips on how 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 best way for different ladies to enter Web3. Cash is a subject that I really feel we don’t converse sufficient about as ladies.
CT: Do you might have plans to launch an NFT venture?
MS: I’ve been taking a look at 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 wished it to be a long-term expertise for myself. Storytelling is essential and it’s an enormous element of Web3. I believe tales shall be instructed higher for each events when fascinated by a venture long-term.
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CT: Do you suppose NFTs may also help create higher fan engagement?
MS: Completely. NFTs are about discovering methods to speak with the precise communities considering what I’m doing inside a distinct 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 now not have that platform every day as a result of I retired a few years in the past. The Web3 expertise has given me entry to my followers in solely 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 might have plans to get extra ladies concerned in Web3?
MS: I wish to permit ladies to have an area the place they experiment with Web3. For instance, I used to be 17 once I received my first grand slam and social media was by no means a part of that have. It took years for me to get snug with social media over time. I believe Web3 can be an space the place one has to get on the market as a way to be taught and develop from it. As I discussed earlier, the dialog about cash, finance, crypto and blockchain is a taboo dialog. Folks could really feel that until they learn about these subjects, they shouldn’t converse up. However I believe this needs to be the opposite approach round — you be taught much more in case you ask questions and get entangled.
CT: Why did you resolve to spend money on MoonPay?
MS: I wish to diversify my portfolio. At first, my investments have 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 via a bit extra and enhance, particularly within the digital house.
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CT: Any further 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 develop into 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.
