Welcome to the Collective. This week, we're exploring the wide world of Web3. From payments to advertising and everything in between, nothing will be the same once The Ownership Layer changes.

This week’s podcast guest is Billy Huang, Co-Founder and CEO of Insomnia Labs, a Web3 digital ad firm that’s worked with heavyweights like Coca-Cola and L’Oreal. Insomnia Labs even designed Steph Curry’s iconic Under Armour digital sneaker NFT for breaking the three-point record.

Billy shares insights into how Web3 is reshaping the ad world, creating new ways for brands to engage audiences, and how companies can leverage blockchain for immersive, interactive campaigns. 

Today, we prepare you to dive deep into our conversation with him. Let’s get to it.

— Antonio DiMeglio & Leon Li

Seeking impartial news? Meet 1440.

Every day, 3.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a brief 5-minute email. Enjoy an impartial news experience.

Join for free today!

The digital world is evolving, and Web3 is at the heart of this transformation. As we move toward a more decentralized internet, the concept of ownership is being redefined, offering individuals and businesses new ways to control and interact with their data and digital assets. But while the potential of Web3 is vast, many questions remain about how this new landscape will fully unfold. One emerging solution that could play a pivotal role in this shift is the rise of "appchains"—application-specific blockchains built to handle unique, task-driven needs.

In this essay, we'll dive into:

• The foundational concept of appchains and why they are emerging as a powerful solution in the Web3 space.

• How appchains differ from traditional blockchains like Ethereum and Bitcoin.

• How appchains could pave the way for a more efficient and scalable Web3 infrastructure.

But Web3 is much more than just appchains. We'll also explore the broader implications of decentralization, from reshaping industries like finance and gaming to the potential of a more democratized digital future. The ownership layer is forming, and with it, the way we interact with technology is being reimagined. Let’s get started.

The Rise of Ownership

In the world of Web3, ownership is undergoing a profound transformation. Unlike the centralized, permissioned models of Web2, where control often resides with big tech, Web3 puts ownership in the hands of the users.

At the heart of this shift is the concept of decentralization, where individuals can not only own digital assets but also participate in shaping the applications and ecosystems they use.

This ownership layer is unlocking new possibilities, from the way we transact to how we manage information, all while enabling a deeper sense of control over the digital world.

The rise of this ownership layer has introduced novel technologies and approaches designed to optimize this newfound power. Whether it’s through decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols that give users financial autonomy, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that represent true digital ownership, or decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) that enable community governance, the focus is on reclaiming control from centralized intermediaries.

But as exciting as these advancements are, they also raise a pressing question: how can we ensure that these decentralized applications (dApps) scale effectively and remain functional in an ever-expanding ecosystem?

The answer lies in app chains—a cutting-edge solution that offers the perfect blend of customization, efficiency, and scalability for Web3 applications.

What are App Chains?