Osmin Callis shares insights on leading Block Venture Studio

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Osmin Callis, Managing Director of Block Venture Studio and a respected figure in the technology industry with over 26 years of experience, including a prominent 13-year stint in investment banking and a previous role as Commercial Manager at Nchain. Callis is also well-known as the Secretary of the Society of African Earth Scientists for over a decade.
GNCrypto: 

– It is an honour to have you with us today, Osmin. Could you provide our audience with a comprehensive overview of your professional journey, current career goals, and motivations for becoming a leader in the dynamic world of Web3 and blockchain?

Osmin Callis: 

– With over 26 years of experience in the tech industry, the impact of the internet on my life has been indelible. I was born the same year the first mobile phone was first released; a big, ugly old phone that buzzed sound hit the market and the first internet protocol was developed, laying the foundation for the World Wide Web.

Initially, I began my career as a software developer at large financial institutions. However, I eventually discovered that my true passion lay working closely with clients and using my communication skills to help them solve real problems and generate new ideas.

Eventually, I became interested in blockchain technology. After leaving the investment banking industry, I started my own financial analysis business and was frequently asked about bitcoin by my clients. Intrigued, I researched and discovered that Bitcoin SV was not only a cutting-edge technology but a complete financial system on which businesses could run. That is how I spent those eight years talking about blockchain technology and helping others innovate. 

GNCrypto: 

– What is Block Venture Studio, and what is the ultimate goal of the Satoshi Block Dojo incubator? 

Osmin Callis: 

– I am fortunate to be part of an incubator that helps startups grow their businesses through blockchain technology. With Satoshi Block Dojo Incubator, I work as the Chief Operating Officer. In my role at Satoshi Block Dojo, I am responsible for guiding young start-ups with ideas to create services and products on the Bitcoin SV blockchain. 

Here we use a bottom-up approach, bringing founders into a blockchain, and Dojo Incubator facilitates any founders to apply with an interesting idea, after which that idea will be implemented on the blockchain. 

In January 2022, our startup accelerator launched its processes and managed to accept its first cohort. The accelerator allows you to guide your team members through a 12-week mentoring and training programme, which includes problem diagnosis and consideration of the commercial viability of the idea, product development, blockchain engineering, financial analysis, investment strategies and operational support, marketing and presentation preparation, which help them achieve long-term success. 

At Block Venture Studio, I am proud to have a great team. Our team likes to get together every week, discuss the possibilities we are working on, and brainstorm new ways and ideas. 

While the incubator is Dojo's primary focus, it also runs many events for those who may still need to become familiar with the Bitcoin SV blockchain's capabilities. For instance, networking is critical to success in any industry, and it's crucial in the Web3 space, where collaboration and innovation are essential. At Block Venture Studio, we host various events, including ideation jams, workshops, and university retreats, to bring people together and foster the exchange of ideas.

Ultimately, our goal is to create a supportive and collaborative ecosystem where startups can thrive and impact the world.

GNCrypto: 

– Networking and event culture are often seen as integral to success in many industries, and the Web3 and blockchain sectors are no exception. In large metropolitan areas like London, networking events and conferences are constantly present. But just how important are these events for professionals working in Web3 and blockchain? 

Osmin Callis: 

– Indeed, networking plays a significant role in the Web3, blockchain and cryptocurrency industries. It helps build and strengthen relationships between people and expands job hunting, networking, advice and learning opportunities. 

London is becoming increasingly crucial for the startup world regarding metropolitan areas. Recently, a government member announced his intention to make London one of the largest start-up capitals in the world, which is fantastic. 

This means that the government will support these activities in different ways, some financially, some by providing other resources and different kinds of support. So I am fortunate to be working with start-ups in a place where the culture and economic conditions are very favourable for these activities. 

GNCrypto: 

– What is your vision for the future of cryptocurrency, and how do you believe it can be integrated into economic and social systems stably and reliably?

Osmin Callis: 

– I am more focused on blockchain and Web3. Cryptocurrency is just one financial system element that embraces blockchain's power. 

The problems I have with cryptocurrency are a lot of misinformation and confusion in the cryptocurrency community about what the technology was invented for and what it is supposed to do. 

And when are confusion and misinformation, some individual actors take advantage of that confusion, and unfortunately, they are very predatory. They use cryptocurrency for their purposes and do not behave very honestly when blockchain technology is the technology that will bring honesty to our business, and honesty is profit and prosperity. 

So cryptocurrency is the least important aspect of this technology and the opportunities that will arise in the future. For example, I am thrilled to explore the issue now, how we can implement and use the token in a way that doesn't require having 10,000 coins and issuing new coins every week. 

In fact, I think it is contrary to what is possible because corporations don't want to introduce new coins every week. They have enough problems with the many currencies and fiat currencies they have to deal with. 

Therefore, in my view, in the future, there will be one blockchain protocol that we can use to create currencies that work in the realities of economic and social systems.

GNCrypto: 

– As the blockchain and cryptocurrency industries continue to grow, more and more women are finding success in these fields. But what is it like to be a successful woman in these male-dominated industries?

Osmin Callis: 

– Being a successful woman in the crypto industry is a unique and rewarding experience. It requires hard work, dedication, and an understanding of the industry and its players. I want more education, awareness and support for women in the crypto industry. This could include gender diversity initiatives, targeted training, mentorship programs and better access to resources. 

I am happy that the number of women making progress in the blockchain, Web3, and cryptocurrency industry is growing, but there's still room for more.

GNCrypto: 

– And finally, my traditional question: who and where do you see yourself in the next 3-5 years?

Osmin Callis: 

– My goal is to develop the Block Venture Studio worldwide. We are looking at many interesting places where we want to launch Block Venture Studio offices, such as Lagos in Nigeria, Malta, Asia, and India.