Tennis legend Maria Sharapova appeared on the Binance Blockchain Week Paris 2022 to share her curiosity in nonfungible tokens (NFTs).
During 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 interact along with her followers. Sharapova was additionally one of many strategic traders behind MoonPay’s Series A financing spherical, 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 right now at Binance Blockchain Week Paris?
Maria Sharapova: I’m crypto curious and want to work out tips on how to bridge the unbelievable bodily experiences that I’ve 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. Also, as a feminine entrepreneur, I consider it’s essential to pave the way in which for different ladies to enter Web3. Money is a subject that I really feel we don’t communicate sufficient about as ladies.
CT: Do you might have plans to launch an NFT undertaking?
MS: I’ve been this space for a number of months now, as I’m somebody who’s extra in favor of alternatives for the lengthy haul. When 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 element of Web3. I feel tales will likely be advised higher for each events when interested by a undertaking long-term.
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CT: Do you suppose NFTs can assist create higher fan engagement?
MS: Absolutely. NFTs are about discovering methods to speak with the suitable communities concerned with what I’m doing inside a unique kind of space. For instance, I used to be seen on a tv display each week enjoying tennis for so 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 might have plans to get extra ladies concerned in Web3?
MS: I wish to enable ladies to have a space 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 feel Web3 can also be an space the place one has to get on the market with the intention to be taught and develop from it. As I discussed earlier, the dialog about cash, finance, crypto and blockchain is a taboo dialog. People might really feel that until they find out about these subjects, they shouldn’t communicate up. But I feel this needs to be the opposite approach round — you be taught much more if you happen to ask questions and get entangled.
CT: Why did you determine to put money into MoonPay?
MS: I wish to diversify my portfolio. In the start, my investments have 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 largest challenges related to Web3 and the way can we overcome these?
MS: I’d like to see the standard of Web3 experiences come by way of a bit extra and enhance, particularly within the digital space.
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CT: Any further feedback?
MS: I’m actually within the NFT space 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 space as a result of it has extra of a design perspective. It’s additionally a completely new income stream that each artists and ladies are discovering.