EP. 10 From Bitcoin's Roots to Blockchain's Broader Applications with Nick Avramov from Symbiosis

SwapSpace Huddle

In this episode of SwapSpace Huddle, host Turpal sits down with Nick Avramov, a seasoned crypto entrepreneur, co-founder of Symbiosis Protocol, and former marketing director at ChangeNow. Nick shares his journey in the crypto space, from writing a master’s thesis on blockchain logistics to witnessing the ICO boom of 2016 and the evolution of Web3. The discussion covers Bitcoin’s role in crypto, the rise of CBDCs, the importance of proper tokenomics, and how blockchain can extend beyond finance into real-world applications.

Episode Breakdown

🕐 00:00:00 - Introduction to Nick Avramov
Nick shares his background in crypto, starting with a master’s thesis on blockchain’s role in logistics and his early experience in VC funding and crypto startups.

🕐 00:02:07 - The ICO Boom of 2016-2017
A deep dive into the unregulated ICO craze, how projects raised millions with just a whitepaper, and why 99% of them failed.

🕐 00:05:51 - Bitcoin’s Role in the Crypto Market
Nick discusses Bitcoin’s dominance, its historical all-time highs, and why it remains the "gold standard" despite the rise of Ethereum, Solana, and Layer 2 solutions.

🕐 00:09:58 - The Next Big Driver of Web3 Adoption
What needs to happen for Web3 to go mainstream? Nick argues that user experience (UX), real-world applications, and financial incentives will drive mass adoption.

🕐 00:14:33 - The Future of Telegram, TON, and Mini-Apps
The potential of Telegram as a super-app, how TON blockchain can integrate crypto into everyday use, and the regulatory challenges ahead.

🕐 00:19:20 - The Rise and Fall of the Metaverse
Nick shares insights on why Facebook’s Metaverse failed, how blockchain could still reshape digital identity, and why AI and blockchain should remain separate industries.

🕐 00:25:09 - Stablecoins, CBDCs, and the Battle for Digital Currencies
How Tether (USDT) and USDC promote the U.S. dollar, why China is pushing CBDCs instead of stablecoins, and what role governments will play in crypto regulation.

🕐 00:31:24 - The Importance of UX in Crypto Adoption
Nick explains why the current complexity of wallets, gas fees, and blockchain addresses is a major barrier to adoption and how account abstraction can fix this.

🕐 00:37:02 - Blockchain in Healthcare and Digital Identity
A look at how blockchain could revolutionize medical records, digital ID verification, and pharmaceutical research, ensuring data privacy and global accessibility.

🕐 00:46:26 - Tokenomics Done Right: The Missing Piece in Web3 Projects
Nick shares common mistakes in tokenomics, how poor economic models lead to failure, and why game theory is essential in designing sustainable tokens.

🕐 00:54:29 - Crypto’s Wolf of Wall Street Moment: Scams, Market Makers, and Reputation Risks
The dark side of crypto, from Logan Paul’s CryptoZoo scam to how anonymous teams lost credibility after the ICO era.

🔗 Guest: Nick Avramov – Co-Founder of Symbiosis Protocol, Former Marketing Director at ChangeNow
📌 Tags: #crypto #bitcoin #blockchain #Web3 #stablecoins #CBDC #TON #Metaverse #tokenomics #cryptoeducation #SwapSpaceHuddle