Steve Kim - Co-Founder & CEO at Four Pillars
10/25/24 • 67 min
Today, I am speaking with Steve (Namwoong) Kim, Co-Founder at Four Pillars, a global blockchain research firm based in Seoul, South Korea. Four Pillars is influential throughout the blockchain space, known for its deep knowledge and research of key infrastructure and unique tech emerging in web3.
Steve’s academic background includes a degree in Economics from Penn State University, where he also pursued a minor in political philosophy. Steve’s passion for blockchain emerged from his interest in Austrian economics and the philosophical underpinnings of decentralization.
During this interview, Steve shares his incredible personal journey, beginning with his early life in South Korea. We then dive into his studies in the U.S., his pivot towards economics, and how some insight into financial hardship motivated him to explore blockchain technology. Steve’s reflections on the ideological and technological transformations within the crypto space provide unique insights into the intersection of economics and blockchain. We also discuss his vision for Four Pillars, the importance of interoperability in web3, his research on The Graph, and his experiences writing influential research that bridges Eastern and Western perspectives on blockchain development.
Show Notes and Transcripts
The GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem. Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.
Twitter: GRT_iQ
www.GRTiQ.com
Today, I am speaking with Steve (Namwoong) Kim, Co-Founder at Four Pillars, a global blockchain research firm based in Seoul, South Korea. Four Pillars is influential throughout the blockchain space, known for its deep knowledge and research of key infrastructure and unique tech emerging in web3.
Steve’s academic background includes a degree in Economics from Penn State University, where he also pursued a minor in political philosophy. Steve’s passion for blockchain emerged from his interest in Austrian economics and the philosophical underpinnings of decentralization.
During this interview, Steve shares his incredible personal journey, beginning with his early life in South Korea. We then dive into his studies in the U.S., his pivot towards economics, and how some insight into financial hardship motivated him to explore blockchain technology. Steve’s reflections on the ideological and technological transformations within the crypto space provide unique insights into the intersection of economics and blockchain. We also discuss his vision for Four Pillars, the importance of interoperability in web3, his research on The Graph, and his experiences writing influential research that bridges Eastern and Western perspectives on blockchain development.
Show Notes and Transcripts
The GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem. Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.
Twitter: GRT_iQ
www.GRTiQ.com
Previous Episode
Ben Huh - Orange DAO
Today I am speaking with Ben Huh, a pioneering entrepreneur, co-founder, and investor. Many listeners will know Ben as the visionary behind the massive success of Cheezburger, the internet sensation that transformed memes and user-generated content into a business powerhouse.
Ben’s career spans decades of innovation, from his early entrepreneurial efforts to his role as a thought leader in web3. He’s currently an integral part of Orange DAO, where he continues to champion tech, web3, crypto, and DAOs.
During this interview, we explore Ben’s remarkable journey—from growing up as the son of immigrants, his time at Northwestern University, the rise of Cheezburger, to his current work empowering the next generation of web3 entrepreneurs. I think you’ll find Ben’s insights into meme culture, decentralization, and entrepreneurship are second to none.
Show Notes and Transcripts
The GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem. Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.
Twitter: GRT_iQ
www.GRTiQ.com
Next Episode
Julian Zawistowski - Director at Golem Foundation
Today I am speaking with Julian Zawistowski, Director at Golem Foundation. Julian is a co-founder and longtime leader behind Golem, a project initiated to leverage collective computing power through decentralized networks.
Since entering the blockchain space in 2013, Julian has applied his economics and policy background to drive innovation and create decentralized infrastructure for public good. Growing up in Poland, Julian witnessed the country’s historic transition away from communism—a pivotal experience that sparked his fascination with economics and shaped his mission to drive decentralization.
During this interview, Julian discusses his journey from Golem Factory to the Golem Foundation, exploring the evolution of decentralized computing, the importance of public goods funding, and the future of web3. Julian also shares insights on Ethereum staking, the challenges of decentralized coordination, and his team’s use of The Graph.
Show Notes and Transcripts
The GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem. Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.
Twitter: GRT_iQ
www.GRTiQ.com
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