Ep. 84: Media in Crypto with Mike Dudas of The Block

The world of cryptocurrency is fascinating. It is also noisy. And if you are trying to learn more about digital currency or blockchain technology, it’s necessary to sift through a lot of misinformation to get to the good stuff. So, how do you know who to listen to in a space where everyone seems to be shouting from the rooftops? Is there a media outlet you can trust to deliver the truth in an otherwise LOUD ecosystem? Mike Dudas is the founder and CEO of The Block, the most reliable source of information for all things crypto. The media startup aims to cut through the noise, making the blockchain and cryptoassets accessible by way of social engagement and discourse, market information and education. Prior to founding The Block, Mike worked in business development for Google, PayPal and Venmo, and he cofounded Button, Inc., the premiere partnerships platform for mobile commerce. Today, Mike joins us to share his background in media and technology, discussing how to gain credibility in what he calls frontier tech—with or without business school credentials. He explains how The Block was born on Twitter and what it takes to build a media company in the modern era. Listen in for Mike’s insight on building a trusted brand and learn how he is working to amplify the best information, in an effort to influence what gets built in the blockchain space. Topics Covered Mike’s background in media and technology Degree from Stanford (tech bug) Google, PayPal and Venmo How to gain credibility in frontier tech Accomplishments, network Publish thoughts online Business school less important Mike’s inspiration for The Block Crypto research took months (misinformation) Strength in amplifying ideas, attracting experts Mike’s insight on building a trusted brand Approachable, willing to experiment with topics Diversity of perspectives How The Block raised capital Traditional venture startup Variety of investors What’s different about building a media company today Reporters/journalists brands themselves All writing consistent with mission of company Reach people in channels where spend time How The Block is working to empower citizen journalists Desire to develop social element Facilitate pseudonymous sources Mike’s definition of success Happy with accomplishments in all facets of life Balance business, family and health Connect with Mike The Block https://www.theblockcrypto.com/ The Block on Twitter https://twitter.com/theblock__ The Block on Medium https://medium.com/the-block-crypto The Block on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/theblockcrypto/ Mike on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdudas/ Mike on Twitter https://twitter.com/mdudas Resources Vitalik Buterin https://vitalik.ca/ Fred Wilson on AVC https://avc.com/author/fred8784/ Frank Chaparro’s Fidelity Article https://www.theblockcrypto.com/2018/10/15/fidelity-the-2-5-trillion-wall-street-giant-is-launching-a-brand-new-institutional-brokerage-and-custody-business-for-crypto/ Bakkt https://www.bakkt.com/index ErisX https://erisx.com/ Skift https://skift.com/ The Infatuation https://www.theinfatuation.com/ theSkimm https://www.theskimm.com/ Sriram Krishnan https://sriramk.com/ Felix Salmon http://www.felixsalmon.com/ Taylor Lorenz https://www.theatlantic.com/author/taylor-lorenz/ Mike Isaac https://www.nytimes.com/by/mike-isaac Lopp’s Resources Page https://lopp.net/bitcoin.html Satoshi Nakamoto Institute https://nakamotoinstitute.org/ Connect with Boost VC Boost VC Website https://www.boost.vc/ Boost VC on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/boostvc/ Boost VC on Twitter https://twitter.com/BoostVC