CryptoSlate’s SlateCast recently hosted Brandon Kumar, co-founder of Layer3, to discuss the platform’s mission to revolutionize crypto engagement through user-owned value. Kumar shared insights into Layer3’s business model, future goals, and the broader trends shaping the crypto industry. Layer3’s core mission revolves around “user-owned value,” which flips the traditional advertising model.

Users on Layer3 can earn economic value while discovering and engaging with relevant protocols and projects within the crypto ecosystem. Unlike traditional platforms like Google or Facebook, Layer3 ensures users share the economic value generated from their activity. Kumar’s background in traditional finance significantly influenced his approach to Layer3.

His experience in venture capital and technology investments allowed him to recognize the potential of the crypto space early on. He emphasized the importance of robust business models and defensibility in Layer3’s growth strategy. Layer3 operates as a two-sided marketplace, bridging the gap between large layer-one and layer-two ecosystems like Optimism and Decision and users seeking meaningful ways to engage with on-chain protocols.

The platform offers more than just “quests” for rewards, providing users with a holistic experience that includes trading, prediction markets, and on-chain engagement opportunities. Layer3 also supports Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) and plays an active role as a delegate in ecosystems like Optimism and Arbitrum.

The platform aims to create meaningful on-chain engagement rather than superficial activity. Regulatory uncertainty is one of the most significant challenges for Layer3 and the entire crypto industry. Kumar highlighted the burden of compliance faced by U.S.-based crypto startups and the complications of navigating regulations.

Looking ahead, Layer3 plans to expand its operations into three core verticals: distribution, trading, and a skunkworks division focused on cutting-edge development at the intersection of AI, conversational finance, and crypto. The platform will also introduce a proprietary token to facilitate revenue-sharing and user incentives.

Kumar foresees two major narratives dominating the next crypto cycle: mobile-first development and the “TikTok-ification” of capital markets. He sees growing engagement from younger generations, with Gen Z’s financial habits shaped by platforms like Robinhood, sports betting apps, and crypto-native products.

“Speculation of everything” will be a core theme of the next cycle, as 24/7 real-time markets become the norm, driven by crypto-native tools.

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