Jayendra emphasized that currently, around 80-90% of crypto developers are Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) developers. He noted that while the EVM is widely adopted, it was not originally designed with performance in mind. This has led to issues such as high gas fees, making the ecosystem less accessible to everyday users and developers.
2. Importance of Grit in Founders
According to Jayendra, successful founding requires grit and creativity. He mentioned that being a good founder is a fundamentally different skill set than merely excelling academically or within a traditional corporate structure. It requires perseverance and the ability to think outside the box, which are essential traits for navigating the chaos of startup life.
3. Life-Altering Events Foster Reflection
Jayendra shared how losing his father during his junior year of college pushed him to reassess his values and life goals. He realized he had taken his family for granted and became more thoughtful about his relationships. This life event ultimately led him to pursue a more meaningful career path focused on fulfillment, rather than just financial rewards.
4. The Evolution of Say Labs
Jayendra explained the mission of Sei Labs as scaling the EVM, aiming to create the first parallelized EVM blockchain. Initially, the project started with aspirations to build a decentralized alternative to Robinhood but evolved into focusing on performance improvements of existing blockchain infrastructure. This adaptability highlights the importance of responding to developer needs and market conditions.
5. Conviction and Investment Strategy
Jayendra recounted a personal investment experience where he sold Ether too early, learning the lesson that winners tend to keep winning. He advocated for a more nuanced approach to investing where initial profits are taken slowly, rather than cashing out entirely. This reinforces the idea that successful investing is often about understanding when to hold rather than frequently trading.
6. Fostering Healthy Relationships Matter
Jayendra also touched on the significance of maintaining stable relationships, suggesting that founders in committed relationships often exhibit traits like responsibility and reliability that can translate positively into their professional endeavors. He added that these interpersonal skills often become valuable assets when collaborating with co-founders, investors, and team members.
7. The Reality of Founder's Life
Jayendra humorously illustrated the tough life of a founder by referring to a pie chart depicting perks of being one, which left no room for free time, low stress, or a great salary. Despite the challenges, he remarked that the thrill of building something impactful makes it worthwhile, showcasing the paradox of the startup lifestyle.
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