Poolside Hub Opening Week Recap: A Web3 Wonderland in Lisbon

Lisbon was truly electrified during the Web3 Splash: Poolside Hub Opening, that took place from April 10th to 14th. This unforgettable extravaganza showcased the best of Web3 technology through a series of sensational events, inspiring talks, and engaging panel discussions.

The event brought together some of the brightest minds from powerhouse companies like Hacken, Polkastarter, LayerX, CV Labs, Delphi, Three Sigma, and BNB Chain, providing an unparalleled opportunity for networking and collaboration. In a unique exhibition space, attendees were part of mesmerizing digital art exhibitions and hands-on workshops that catapulted them straight into the heart of the Web3 universe.

Get ready to dive deep into the highlights of this remarkable week as we recap the unforgettable experiences that brought the Web3 world to life at the Poolside Hub in Lisbon.

First day, Monday, April 10th

The evening began with a series of thought-provoking Poolside Talks, starting with Guilherme Sanchez from Kraken. Sanchez explored the intriguing intersection between traditional finance (TradFi) products and Web3 companies, shedding light on the possible synergies between these two worlds.

Next up, Mohit Malik from BNB Chain delivered an inspiring talk on the "Build n Build" concept, highlighting the importance of continuous innovation and collaboration within the Web3 ecosystem. His speech undoubtedly energized attendees and encouraged them to play an active role in shaping the future of this groundbreaking technology.

Eduardo Morgado, Co-Founder & COO of Three Sigma, took the stage to discuss "StarkExpress: Onboarding the next million users." His presentation provided valuable insights into overcoming the challenges of mass adoption and ensuring a seamless experience for newcomers in the Web3 space.

Diogo Vaz, Advisor for the Portuguese Ministry of Science, concluded the Poolside Talks segment with a fascinating introduction to "DeSci," or Decentralized Science. Vaz's talk sparked curiosity and prompted attendees to consider the vast implications of applying Web3 technologies to the realm of scientific research and collaboration.

Second day, Tuesday, April 11th

As we look back on the fantastic week that marked the opening of Poolside Hub, the second day, Tuesday, April 11th, stands out as a remarkable and unforgettable experience. ReFi Day at Poolside, a collaboration between ReFi Lisbon, impactMarket, Traditional Trade Factory, and friends, showcased the power of the Web3 community coming together to shape the future of our planet. The day focused on redesigning our value systems to prioritize the well-being of both people and the planet.

The Morning Session of ReFi Day provided a refreshing and rejuvenating start to the day. Partner restaurant Cobaia catered a thoughtfully curated breakfast with delicious coffee, setting the stage for the day's events.

Following breakfast, attendees were treated to a transformative yoga, breathwork, and meditation session. This practice allowed participants to release stress, improve mental clarity, and prepare their minds and bodies for the inspiring day ahead. The sense of unity and mindfulness achieved during this session laid the foundation for meaningful discussions and connections throughout the day.

ReFi Day encapsulated the spirit of Poolside Hub, demonstrating the power of the Web3 community in driving meaningful change. The day's events highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to caring for our planet and its inhabitants. The successful ReFi Day serves as a testament to the incredible potential of Poolside Hub and its role in fostering connections and ideas that will shape the future of the Web3 community.

Third day, Wednesday, April 12th

On Wednesday, April 12th, Poolside Hub's Opening Week celebrated its third day, focusing on the fascinating world of art and its intersection with the Web3 community. This day marked the opening of Poolside Hub and the launch of the innovative 100 Collectors platform, connecting emerging artists with discerning collectors from around the globe.

The day began with a captivating guided tour of the digital art exhibition "Emotion in Motion" by Ukrainian artist Denys Boldyriev. Pauline Foessel, Founder of Artpool and initiator with Poolside of 100 Collectors, led the tour, offering attendees an insightful look into the creative process and inspiration behind the artwork.

Following the tour, 100 Collectors hosted an exclusive breakfast at Cobaia, where participants enjoyed delicious food and engaging conversation in a relaxed atmosphere.

Later in the day, the Poolside Podcast Session featured a riveting conversation between host Catarina Cabral and Pauline Foessel. They discussed the 100 Collectors community launch and delved into the power of blockchain technology in the art world.

The evening continued with a thought-provoking Poolside Talk titled "The Challenges of being a Web3 Artist in the Web2 World." A panel of artists, gallerists, and collectors explored the obstacles faced by Web3 artists in the current Web2 landscape and discussed the potential for NFTs to democratize the art industry.

To cap off the day, attendees headed to the Art Terrace for a Happy Hour sponsored by Bombay Sapphire.  The Poolside x Punch Session featuring Soluna was an event everyone enjoyed. Attendees had the opportunity to unwind, let their hair down, mingle, and immerse themselves in the art world while witnessing an exclusive live performance by the talented Denys Boldyriev.

Fourth day, Thursday, April 13th

Kicking off the day, DeNites TV aired a live episode titled "Web3 & Media," featuring an engaging conversation with representatives from Crowdclass and Judas. The discussion was expertly moderated by Miguel Magalhães, ensuring a vibrant exchange of ideas and knowledge about the intersection of Web3 and the media landscape.

The excitement continued with the Poolside Talks segment, which focused on "Web3 in Portugal." The panel brought together esteemed speakers from CV Labs, LayerX, GFDL Advogados, and Hacken, with Edward Ward from Poolside moderating the session. Attendees gained valuable insights into the current state of Web3 in the country and the potential for its future development.

Another highlight of the day was the introduction of the Delphi Labs Accelerator during the Poolside Talks. Delphi representatives shared their vision and goals for the accelerator, sparking interest among entrepreneurs and developers in the Web3 space.

The Poolside x Delphi Night delivered a fun and engaging networking session to cap off the day. The event offered a relaxed atmosphere with a live DJ, delicious food, and drinks, creating the perfect environment for attendees to mingle, share ideas, and forge lasting connections within the Web3 community.

Fifth day, Friday, April 14th

The day began with an exclusive brunch event organized in collaboration with Talent Protocol and Startup Lisboa. Attendees, who were pre-selected based on their profiles, checked in on a first-come, first-served basis. The brunch offered a delightful spread and provided an excellent opportunity for Web3 builders to engage in inspiring conversations and connect with like-minded individuals.

The agenda included a Web3 District Talk, where experts discussed the future of Web3 in Lisbon, followed by more brunch, chats, and margaritas to keep the conversations flowing.

As the day progressed, the excitement continued to build with the Poolside Opening Week finale, the Party Day! This night of celebration and networking kicked off with a groundbreaking conversation led by João Rosado, Head of Incubation at Startup Lisboa. He shared insights on what's in store for Lisbon's Web3 startups, projects, and companies, emphasizing the growing importance of the Web3 community in the city.

Next, Yan Ketelers, CMO at Poolside, took center stage to present the future of Poolside Accelerator and Hub. Yan outlined the organization's vision and plans, highlighting its mission to nurture thriving Web3 enthusiasts, founders, builders, mentors, and investors community. He also showcased the impressive projects selected and enrolled in the first cohort.

The energy in the room peaked as the evening transformed into a memorable party. Attendees enjoyed delicious food and drinks while the music of Bunny Kills Bunny set the mood for a night of dancing and celebration. The official launch of Poolside was marked with style, as the Web3 community in Lisbon united in a shared vision for the future.

Let this be the beginning of great things. Let this be the beginning of a new era.

About Poolside
Poolside is an ecosystem designed exclusively for Web3 builders. With its suite of services and expert resources, Poolside helps Web3 projects make a splash in the rapidly evolving world of Web3. In addition to being a physical hub at the heart of the Web3 district in Lisbon, Poolside also hosts a remote accelerator program that takes selected projects from ideation to market launch, while providing initial funding of up to $100,000. The Poolside ecosystem is rapidly expanding with key partners and a growing community of Web3 builders, mentors, and investors.