From Progress to Core: Pedro Gomes - WalletConnect

Main topics: 

• The evolution of Wallet Connect and navigating hype cycles 
• Protecting the core: essentials for sustainable infrastructure 
• How market dynamics influence product focus and decision-making 
• Balancing innovation and public goods vs business models 
• The significance of account abstraction and blockchain-level fixes 
• Leadership lessons: stepping back, seeking feedback, and measuring success 
• The future of blockchain user experience with localized wallets and stablecoins 

Timestamps: 
00:00 - Introduction and the human side of crypto conversations 
02:16 - Normalizing ups and downs in tech journeys 
03:41 - Pedro’s early life before crypto and search for impact 
04:43 - Disillusionment with science and turn to photography 
06:08 - From photography to coding and e-commerce opportunities 
07:48 - Transition into fintech and learning about regulation 
10:33 - Discovering Bitcoin and crypto’s value over time 
12:31 - The challenge of innovation within regulatory constraints 
14:05 - Building Wallet Connect independently with community support 
15:50 - Balancing market momentum with product focus 
19:35 - The explosive growth of Wallet Connect during bull markets 
24:06 - Moving from open source to a sustainable business model 
26:47 - Diversification of Wallet Connect products and market noise 
27:16 - Returning to focus: the importance of the core in turbulent times 
30:40 - The influence of resource abundance and making better decisions 
36:33 - Certification, localization, and wallets tailored to user needs 
40:20 - Protecting the core as the blockchain space matures 
44:24 - Interoperability at the blockchain layer — a crucial frontier 
50:23 - The need for local stablecoins to unlock the next wave of wallets 
54:42 - Inspiring impact and global lessons from different markets 
57:46 - Ethereum’s decision-making process and the importance of product managers 

Resources & Links:

• Wallet Connect
• Ethereum Foundation
• Account Abstraction (EIP-4337)
• Tachyon Accelerator
• Solana
• Tempo (Blockchain project)
• MetaMask

Connect with Pedro:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter