I mean, let’s not kid ourselves, Web3 has a PR problem. For others, it remains an upscale gilded cage. It has become a playground for the crypto-rich, entirely insulated from the typical American. The early days were rife with stories of exorbitant NFT prices and complex DeFi protocols, creating an image of exclusivity and inaccessibility. Remember the Bored Ape Yacht Club? It was cool, sure, but it screamed "if you have to ask, you can't afford it." This perception based on some real failures and highly publicized media accounts has crippled widespread adoption. It’s an elite country club with a 10-year waiting list. To Washington it’s great — for the people already inside, but it feels awfully unwelcoming to the rest of us.
Which is why Friends With Benefits' (FWB) evolution to date is so interesting. This time, though, it’s more than a rebrand, it’s a potential inflection point.
FWB’s “Friends With Builders” initiative is one way the organization is trying to address this exclusivity straight on. It’s all part of cutting through the hype and buzzwords and getting down to what really matters – real world utility. The program's partnerships with major tech players like AWS, Alchemy, and Base signal a serious commitment to building practical applications. This isn't about creating the next speculative token; it's about leveraging Web3 technology to solve everyday problems. Consider it a replacement bridge rather than another fancy house on millionaire’s row.
The kicker here is the focus on taking the complexity of the underlying Web3 technology out of the equation for the end-user. Instead of forcing people to learn about wallets and gas fees, FWB wants to create products that are simply better, faster, or more convenient. Like Blackbird, the restaurant loyalty app. While this powers the ecosystem with crypto (FLY), the premise is more about rewarding customers and less about the intricacies of the blockchain. This is crucial for mainstream adoption. Just like the internet today, no one has to understand Web3 in order to use it. They just need to see its value.
That’s something I think a huge amount of Americans can really connect to, which is the frustration over being overwhelmed by confusing technology. We want solutions, not headaches. This pragmatic turn toward utility is a welcome departure. Previously, this space has unfortunately provided more hype than substance.
Can FWB truly change the narrative? Will it be able to cleanse itself from its own historical legacy as a cabal of crypto insiders? The answer, I’d argue, is in its relentless pursuit of inclusivity. From “Friends With Builders” to the cohort-based model, this method and its emphasis on sustained, long-term product development is indicative of a truly earnest commitment to growing an inclusive and multidisciplinary Eden of creative minds. It's not about quick wins or flashy hackathons; it's about building something lasting, something that benefits everyone.
The new pilot program with World (formerly Worldcoin) is an encouraging start. Forty mini-apps later, this approach is unlocking previously unimaginable potential. A few of these apps have gone so far as to get investors interested and get term sheets. Most importantly, it demonstrates an openness to test and learn, an attitude that is critical for innovation.
At the end of the day, FWB’s success will come down to its ability to attract and empower an excitingly diverse group of builders. That includes involving all citizens, regardless of their level of expertise or their means. It means meeting them with the support and resources they need to thrive. And it starts with celebrating their successes—achievements that far outweigh their potential.
Take for example the “Maker Movement” of the early 2010s. It was never about taking your money, it was about democratizing technology, empowering individuals to build their own incredible products and solutions. Though Web3 holds this inclusive power, it must first dismantle its existing entry walls. FWB’s “Friends With Builders” program is an example of a Web3-native “Maker Movement.” Its emphasis is on building real-world implementations and fostering a dynamic artistic culture of makers.
FWB CEO Greg Bresnitz displays something rare in the crypto space: humility. He readily admits that Web3 has not completely proven itself yet. This is a welcome change from the grandiose expectations and hyperbole that have defined much of the industry. Web3 has an amazing tooling ecosystem. Now, it needs to develop not just financial applications but products that are more accessible and useful to a wider variety of people.
This humility is important for establishing trust and credibility. FWB is not out here just trying to shill for their own interests. If it is serious about being the incubator of that glorious future.
FWB's evolution is a call to action. It’s not just an invitation to shape Web3. It’s an invitation to join the Web3 revolution not as passive observers, but as active participants. Whether you're a developer, a designer, a marketer, or simply someone with a great idea, there's a place for you in this new ecosystem. We hope you’ll join us in creating a Web3 that is inclusive, accessible, and genuinely enriching for all its participants. Together, we can create a Web3 where everyone is your friend with benefits.
Think about the "Maker Movement" of the early 2010s. It was all about democratizing technology and empowering individuals to create their own products and solutions. Web3 has the potential to be a similar force, but it needs to overcome its current barriers to entry. FWB's "Friends With Builders" initiative is, in essence, a Web3-native "Maker Movement," focused on building practical applications and fostering a community of creators.
The Humility Factor: Web3 Still Has to Prove Itself
FWB CEO Greg Bresnitz displays something rare in the crypto space: humility. He acknowledges that Web3 has yet to fully demonstrate its potential. This is a refreshing contrast to the often-overblown promises and unrealistic expectations that have plagued the industry. Web3 has great tooling infrastructure but needs to develop products that are accessible and useful to a wider audience, moving beyond specialized financial applications.
This humility is crucial for building trust and credibility. It shows that FWB is not just trying to pump its own bags; it's genuinely committed to creating a better future.
A Call to Action: Let's Build Together
FWB's evolution is a call to action. It's an invitation to join the Web3 revolution, not as passive observers, but as active participants. Whether you're a developer, a designer, a marketer, or simply someone with a great idea, there's a place for you in this new ecosystem. Let's work together to build a Web3 that is inclusive, accessible, and truly beneficial to everyone. Let's make Web3 a place where everyone is a friend with benefits.
