As the Web3 ecosystem continues to evolve, conversations around the future of blockchain technology are becoming more focused on real-world applications, infrastructure, and long-term adoption.
We sat down with Ryan, one of our consultants here at Odiin, to get his perspective on the trends shaping the space, the biggest misconceptions around Web3 companies, and where he sees the industry heading as we move toward 2026.
What narratives or trends are you most excited about heading into 2026?
What I’m most excited about heading into 2026 is the push to bring real-world assets (RWAs) on-chain. We’re finally seeing protocols bridge traditional finance and crypto, tokenising things like bonds, loans, real estate, and other financial instruments in a way that’s programmable, composable, and accessible globally.
This trend doesn’t just expand DeFi beyond crypto-native assets, it opens the door to a whole new era of liquidity, transparency, and efficiency in finance.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about Web3 companies?
I think the biggest misconception is that Web3 companies are just gambling or purely speculative. In reality, most of the space is focused on building real infrastructure and financial tools — things like trading protocols, lending platforms, custody solutions, and cross-chain systems.
These companies are solving real technical and financial problems, just in a decentralised way rather than creating games of chance.
Which ecosystem do you think will dominate next year – Ethereum, Solana, or something else?
For me, heading into 2026, Solana is the ecosystem I’m most excited about. Its speed and low fees make it perfect for scalable DeFi and trading applications, and with bridges connecting it to Ethereum and other chains, liquidity and composability are finally coming together.
On top of that, institutional infrastructure is growing quickly, which means serious capital and sophisticated products can operate seamlessly.
What’s the biggest mistake Web3 companies make when hiring?
Chasing “unicorn” candidates who can do everything instead of building balanced teams. Founders often look for one person to cover multiple disciplines, but that slows hiring and can lead to unrealistic expectations. It often means overlooking strong specialists who would add more real value within a well-structured team. Building complementary skill sets tends to be far more effective long term.
What excited you most about the future of Web3?
What excites me most about the future of Web3 is the idea of getting to a world where people truly control their own money. I’m talking about a fully decentralised system where financial products, savings, and investments aren’t locked behind banks or intermediaries, but instead are accessible, transparent, and programmable for anyone, anywhere.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to get into the Web3 space?
If I were coming into Web3 as a developer, my advice would be to pick a language and really become an expert in it. The space moves fast, so whether it’s Rust for Solana or Solidity for Ethereum, deep knowledge in one area will take you far.
I’d also focus on areas that excite you, whether that’s DeFi, cross-chain protocols, or infrastructure like bridges and wallets. Web3 is huge, but being passionate about what you’re building is what makes it sustainable long term.
As Web3 continues to evolve, conversations like these highlight just how quickly the space is maturing. From tokenising real-world assets to building scalable infrastructure and decentralised financial systems, the industry is steadily moving beyond early experimentation and into practical, global applications. As Ryan’s insights show, the future of Web3 will likely be shaped by stronger ecosystems, deeper expertise, and a growing focus on building technology that delivers real value.
