Every growing company understands that success comes from overcoming challenges, not just achieving milestones.

Mastering these challenges is key to sustaining growth. Whether it's about scaling the team, maintaining quality, or fostering innovation, companies must navigate their journey with resilience and strategic insight.

In this episode of The Blockchain Startup Show, we chat with with a special guest, Maud Bannwart, the COO of Alephium. Maud shares her experience in leading Alephium, a company known for its innovative approach in the crypto sector. She discusses the importance of finding the right talent, the role of innovation in driving success, and why expanding the team doesn't always equate to increased efficiency.

Join us to gain valuable insights on navigating the complexities of business growth. Maud's expertise will enlighten and inspire you, whether you're leading an established company aiming to optimize your growth strategy or an emerging business looking to make your mark in the competitive world of crypto.

Maud is the COO of Alephium, a pioneering layer one blockchain network focused on providing a secure, scalable, and decentralized platform for smart contracts and decentralized applications.

With a unique background that spans chemical engineering and startup experience, Maud has navigated diverse career paths to land in the crypto industry. She began her journey at EPFL in Switzerland, where she studied chemical engineering before transitioning into business and the tech startup world. Her early professional experience includes working at BestMind, a leading Swedish startup specializing in self-driving cars, where she met Alephium's founder, Cheng.

Before joining Alephium, Maud worked at the Swiss crypto exchange Lykke, where wore multiple hats, contributing to HR, legal aspects, investor relations, and product management.

Since joining Alephium in June 2021, Maud has been instrumental in overseeing all non-development activities, helping to shape the project’s identity and drive its growth. Her role involves strategic planning, community engagement, and ensuring the smooth operation of the blockchain network.

Maud’s passion for innovation and her diverse skill set make her a key player in the evolving blockchain technology industry.

Maud Bannwart’s career path, from chemical engineering to startups and eventually Alephium, showcases the value of diverse experiences and adaptability. Her varied background provided her with a unique perspective and skill set that benefited her roles in the crypto industry.

Alephium aims to offer a secure, scalable, and decentralized platform for smart contracts and decentralized applications. Founder Cheng's technical innovations, which couldn't be integrated into existing blockchains, led to the creation of Alephium, highlighting the importance of pioneering new solutions.

Alephium secured funding through a pre-sale with a conscious decision to limit the amount raised. This strategy ensured a focus on building a useful and sustainable product, emphasizing the need for mindful resource management in startup development.

Establishing a strong project identity and engaging with the community through transparent and respectful interactions is crucial. Alephium’s approach to building trust and fostering a supportive ecosystem is a key factor in its development...