239: Improving Crypto User User Experience: Pedro from Wallet Connect

In this live-recorded episode from Digital Asset Summit in New York, Sam chats with Pedro, the founder of WalletConnect. Together, they unpack what it takes to make crypto more usable for everyday users and developers. Pedro dives into the journey of WalletConnect—from solving MetaMask's dominance to powering over 600 wallets and working with Stripe for seamless crypto payments. We talk about decentralization, account abstraction, stablecoins, interoperability across blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, and Sui, and how WalletConnect’s upcoming token launch fits into the mission of making Web3 feel more like Web2. If you're a developer, founder, or builder trying to simplify crypto UX—this one's a must-listen. Key Timestamps [00:00:00] Introduction: Sam sets the stage for a live episode from DAS NYC with Pedro from WalletConnect. [00:01:00] What is WalletConnect?: Pedro explains how it bridges wallets and apps across chains. [00:02:00] Backstory: Pedro’s journey from building Ethereum wallets to creating WalletConnect. [00:04:00] Web3 vs Web2 UX: Comparing crypto integrations to Stripe and how WalletConnect is closing the gap. [00:05:00] Stablecoins & Payments: How stablecoins enable predictable fundraising and payroll. [00:07:00] Developer Stack: SDKs, Privy, Thirdweb—how to integrate wallets + payments. [00:09:00] Identity Layer: Wallets solve auth and payments in one; building token-gated flows. [00:10:00] Institutional Adoption: Stripe, AWS, node operators—why institutions are finally onboard. [00:11:00] Focus Shift: Why payments and identity are the key value props of Web3 now. [00:13:00] Challenges: Fragmentation, tribalism, and why interoperability must win. [00:15:00] Missteps of the Past: Web3 messaging hype vs real impact of account abstraction. [00:17:00] Ethereum’s Tradeoffs: The need to be more pragmatic and less idealistic. [00:19:00] Biggest Challenge Now: Fighting tribalism and building a truly neutral platform. [00:21:00] Chain Landscape: What Ethereum, Solana, and Sui can learn from each other. [00:25:00] Smartphone Analogy: Why blockchains will become as boring—and stable—as iOS vs Android. [00:26:00] The Ask: Get involved, stake, govern, and participate in the WalletConnect ecosystem. Connect https://walletconnect.network/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/walletconnect-foundation/ https://x.com/WalletConnect https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedrouid/ https://x.com/pedrouid Disclaimer Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. Finally, it would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/