## **Learning, Connection, and Innovation** The past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of enlightening talks, in-depth analyses, and engaging community interactions in the world of Web3. Let’s dive into our latest newsletter with some of the highlights that kept us hooked: ### **Leadership Insights with NEAR Foundation** In a lively fireside chat, [Laura Cunningham](https://twitter.com/lauranear) from Horizon spoke with NEAR Foundation’s departing CEO, [Marieke Flament](https://near.org/near/widget/ProfilePage?accountId=marieke.near). The conversation revolved around leadership dynamics in the Web3 domain and provided us with a broader understanding of where the industry is headed. Laura also appeared on an episode of [Blockchain for the Billions](https://rss.com/podcasts/blockchain-for-the-billions/1142634/) by[ #Decasonic](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Decasonic?src=hashtag_click) where she and host, [Grace Casey](https://twitter.com/GraceCasey23), explored [HZN1](https://twitter.com/hashtag/HZN1?src=hashtag_click), and delved into the influence of community within the[ #Web3](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Web3?src=hashtag_click) ecosystem. ### **The Current State of Web3 VC** [Paul Hsu](https://twitter.com/paulhsu) of [Decasonic](https://twitter.com/decasonic) gave an incisive overview of the Web3 venture capital landscape, and Decasonic’s unique approach to investments. It was an opportunity for many of us to grasp the financial undercurrents shaping the future of Web3 technologies including investor expectations, term sheet basics, and seed funding essentials. ### **OpenUX Weekly Office Hours & Product Audit Kick Off** [Georgia Rukusen](https://twitter.com/G_Rak) from [OpenUX](https://near.org/near/widget/ProfilePage?accountId=openux-xyz.near) delivered a detailed dive into Web3 UX, breaking down the new user onboarding experience on NEAR, discussing common PMF challenges, and exploring customer discovery. OpenUX will be hosting sessions every Friday, and HZN1 members can schedule 1:1 meetings with their experts. ### **Community Engagement at Cohort Social** One of the week’s most interactive sessions was the Cohort Social. Designed to bridge HZN1 community members, it presented a platform where ideas were exchanged, and new connections were made. ### **HZN1’s First Demo Day** Always specatacular to witness! HZN1 showcased their initial Demo Day, and it did not disappoint. The day was filled with deep discussions and insightful product walk-throughs that left many of us inspired. Here are some of the highlights: * **The Intersection of AI, Gamification, and Product Discovery:** [Gravvity](https://near.org/near/widget/ProfilePage?accountId=gravvity.near) delved into their unique approach of using AI and gamification for product discovery. The session was a testament to how diverse tools can intersect to create groundbreaking solutions. * **Setting up a Web3 Loyal Community with vSelf:** As they gear up for their private beta, [Vself](https://near.org/near/widget/ProfilePage?accountId=vself.near) took us on a behind-the-scenes journey of setting up a Web3 loyal community. Their step-by-step walkthrough was both informative and inspiring. * **Leveraging Web3 for Content Verification:** [Maarten Ectors](https://twitter.com/mectors) of [Contented Media](https://contentedmedia.com/) took the stage to illuminate how they're assisting brands in connecting with content creators, and undermining Getty Images’ control of the market. More intriguingly, he elaborated on their use of Web3 for ensuring the authenticity and verification of content. ### **Women in NEAR** [Anna Stoilova](https://twitter.com/annastoic) of [Rogues Studio](https://near.org/near/widget/ProfilePage?accountId=rogues.near) hosted an X space on "Women in NEAR", featuring Marieke, Laura, [Georgia Rukusen](https://twitter.com/G_Rak) of [OpenUX](https://near.org/near/widget/ProfilePage?accountId=openux-xyz.near), [Tatiana Yakushkina](https://twitter.com/meta_irony_) of [Vself](https://near.org/near/widget/ProfilePage?accountId=vself.near), and [Naomi Oba](https://medium.com/@naomioba?source=-a072e86fb032--two_column_layout_sidebar------0----------------------------) of NEAR is nao. They discussed the gender gap in tech & business, being “busy women builders” in the NEAR ecosystem, and why diversity is critical for mass adoption. ### **Technology Tree Session** [Ken Miyachi](https://near.org/near/widget/ProfilePage?accountId=kenjon.near) and [Petar Vujović](https://near.org/near/widget/ProfilePage?accountId=petarvujovic.near) led an enlightening session on leveraging the NEAR tech stack. They introduced "Tech Support: 1:1s" for HZN1 Teams. Founders can now schedule sessions with either Ken or Petar. ### **GCR <> HZN Idea-Stage Learning Track Kickoff** As part of the **[GCR](https://twitter.com/Globalcoinrsrch) x HZN** partnership, for the next few months, GCR will be curating valuable insights from these learning tracks to provide insights on key lessons building and navigating Web3. ### **Call to Innovators** For those looking to dive deeper and be a part of the next wave, applications are now open for #HZN2. Don't miss out on this opportunity to skyrocket your idea! Apply at [hzn.super.site](https://hzn.super.site) ### **MLH Demo & graduation** We would like to congratulate the MLH fellows for their incredible journey coming together to solve hard problems and completing the 12-week [MLH fellowship](https://fellowship.mlh.io/) this summer. It was a delight to engage with many of them during the [MLH x NEAR Horizon hackathon](https://events.mlh.io/events/9852-web3-build-hackathon-hosted-in-partnership-with-near-horizon), and we look forward to what they build next. ### **Horizon by the Numbers** **254 Projects:** We have 254 active projects at various stages of growth, showcasing a variety of blockchain-based innovations. **101 Vendors:** Our marketplace features 101 Web3-focused vendors offering a wide range of business products and services. **22 VCs and Backers**: We've partnered with 22 funding partners, so far, from around the world, focused on connecting with promising Web3 projects and founders. ### **Horizon Perks** In case you missed it from our [last newsletter](https://near.org/s/p?a=nearhorizon.near&b=101931408), the Horizon platform recently launched “Perks”, which you can think of as promotions that give you a discounted rate or special access to tools like GitHub and Notion. Check them out on the Horizon homepage under the “Perks” tab  ## **Don’t Forget!** Our [Founder Friday's](https://shortlink.near.foundation/horizon-office-hours-rsvp) happen every Friday, so be sure to [RSVP](https://shortlink.near.foundation/horizon-office-hours-rsvp) to attend. Each week offers something a bit different, from demo days to AMA’s featuring verified Horizon contributors, general office hours, demo days, and more! Follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/nearhorizon) and [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/nearhorizon/) for news, updates, announcements, discussions, trivia, and general Web3 buzz including how to get involved with our upcoming [HZN2](https://hzn.super.site) cohort! Here's to another week of learning and growth! 🚀 **The NEAR Horizon Team** **_Disclosure: The information provided by Horizon is for informational purposes only and Horizon Credit does not constitute a financial instrument, an offer to buy or sell securities, or any other form of investment, nor does it create any form of investment contract or relationship. Horizon does not provide investment advice or recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of crypto assets, securities, financial products, or any other investment vehicle. Any information or materials provided by Horizon are for general educational and informational purposes only. Furthermore, any service providers mentioned are not intended as a recommendation. Any decision to invest or engage in any product is solely at your discretion._**