Asset Dash: Revolutionizing Investment Tracking and Rewards in Crypto

In a recent episode of The Cove Podcast, host James sat down with Matthias, the CEO and co-founder of Asset Dash, to discuss the platform's innovative approach to investment tracking and rewards in the cryptocurrency space. The conversation covered a wide range of topics, from Asset Dash's core features to the upcoming launch of their premium Vanta NFT membership and the future of crypto adoption.

What is Asset Dash?

Asset Dash is a comprehensive platform designed to provide users with a seamless experience for tracking investments and earning rewards. At its core, Asset Dash offers a robust portfolio tracking system that covers both traditional finance and cryptocurrency investments. However, what sets Asset Dash apart is its unique rewards infrastructure, which allows users to earn various perks and deals based on their investment activity and platform engagement.

The Journey of Matthias in Crypto

Matthias's journey in the crypto world began about seven to eight years ago when he first started investing personally. His passion for the space quickly led him to seek ways to get involved professionally. He started by creating Telegram channels to share market commentary, which eventually led to freelance opportunities and full-time roles in the industry.

Before founding Asset Dash, Matthias was the first hire at Unstoppable Domains, a company that sells domains on blockchains. He helped grow the company to unicorn status. He also served as VP of Marketing at Roundhill Investments, an ETF manager in the United States, where he contributed to the company's growth to over a billion dollars in assets under management (AUM).

The Genesis of Asset Dash

Matthias recognized a significant opportunity to create an all-in-one experience for investors, starting with tracking but with the goal of building additional products and services on top of that foundation. The key product that emerged from this vision was the rewards functionality, which has been enthusiastically embraced by tens of thousands of members on the platform.

Asset Dash's rewards system offers a variety of benefits, including discounts at popular retailers like Ledger and NFL Shop, as well as unique perks such as free prints of NFTs on metal canvases for home display. The company has built an end-to-end reward infrastructure aimed at returning as much value as possible to its members.

Asset Dash's Tiered Membership System

Asset Dash operates on a tiered membership system, consisting of Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels. A member's tier determines the extent of rewards they can access, the deals they're eligible for, and the types of giveaways they can participate in. This tiered system is designed to incentivize user engagement and investment activity on the platform.

Introducing Vanta: The Pinnacle of Asset Dash Membership

One of the most exciting developments discussed in the podcast is the upcoming launch of Vanta, Asset Dash's new premium membership tier. Vanta represents the pinnacle of the Asset Dash experience and will be limited to just 10,000 holders.

Matthias explained the concept behind Vanta:

"Vanta is the top tier premium membership of the entire Asset Dash experience. Vanta holders will be capped at 10,000. They'll be at the top of the Asset Dash ecosystem. And our main focus is to return value back to Vanta holders."

The Vanta membership is conceptualized as a reimagining of what premium membership could look like if companies like Netflix or American Express were created today with the ability to launch limited supply NFTs for their earliest supporters.

The Asset Dash Marketplace and Coin System

In conjunction with the Vanta launch, Asset Dash is introducing a new marketplace and coin system. The Asset Dash Marketplace will allow members to use a new in-app currency called Asset Dash Coins to directly purchase a variety of items. These include Amazon gift cards, NFTs from popular collections like Mad Lads, SMBs, and DeGods, and other digital assets.

Matthias elaborated on the coin system:

"Asset Dash coins will be an entirely in-app currency. So they won't be on chain. And that currency will be able to be used to buy things from this marketplace that we're launching. So you'll directly be able to convert those coins into NFTs, gaming items, gift cards, so on and so forth."

This new system is designed to supercharge the existing rewards infrastructure, providing users with more tangible benefits for their engagement with the platform. Importantly, Vanta holders will receive the highest boost to their rewards multiplier, allowing them to accumulate coins faster and access the best deals first.

Partnerships and Brand Engagement

Asset Dash has positioned itself as a premier platform for brands to engage with crypto-native audiences. The company has developed technology that allows brands to easily plug in and offer deals and rewards to Asset Dash users. This could include early access to new applications, exclusive discounts, or special promotions.

Matthias highlighted their approach to brand partnerships:

"We basically go to brands and say, look, if you want to engage with our community, you need to offer them a deal. You need to offer them a reward. And we built out the technology that allows any of these brands to plug and play these deals and rewards in a few clicks."

This strategy benefits both the brands, who get targeted exposure to a crypto-savvy audience, and Asset Dash users, who receive valuable deals and rewards.

The Role of NFTs in Asset Dash's Ecosystem

NFTs play a significant role in Asset Dash's ecosystem, particularly with the introduction of Vanta. The Vanta NFTs will serve as membership cards, unlocking the highest tier of rewards and benefits within the Asset Dash platform.

Moreover, Asset Dash has partnered with Magic Eden, a popular NFT marketplace, to facilitate the launch and trading of Vanta NFTs. This partnership will include various incentives for trading Vanta NFTs once they go live.

Matthias envisions Vanta as "the premier web3 rewards card," emphasizing that ownership of a Vanta NFT will unlock amazing deals and perks for users. The fact that Vanta is an on-chain NFT means that users can buy, sell, and trade their membership, adding an extra layer of value and flexibility to the Asset Dash ecosystem.

Bridging Traditional Finance and Crypto

One of Asset Dash's unique selling points is its ability to bridge the gap between traditional finance and cryptocurrency investments. The platform supports over 150 traditional finance platforms, including major brokers like Robinhood, TD Ameritrade, Fidelity, and Charles Schwab. This comprehensive coverage allows users to track all their investments in one place, regardless of whether they're in stocks, bonds, or cryptocurrencies.

This bridging effect has led to an interesting phenomenon where traditional finance users on the platform are becoming increasingly curious about crypto. Matthias noted:

"We've seen a ton of our trad-fi members on our platform start using crypto wallets because they want to get the rewards that we're offering on the crypto side of things."

This trend has inspired Asset Dash to develop educational resources, such as their "Learn to Earn" program, which has seen users complete over 470,000 courses in just three months.

The Path to Crypto Mass Adoption

As a builder of a consumer-facing product in the crypto space, Matthias offered valuable insights on the current state of crypto adoption and what it will take to achieve mass adoption. He acknowledged that we're still far from mass adoption in terms of raw user numbers, but he's optimistic about the future.

Matthias believes that the key to driving adoption is creating experiences that recreate familiar Web2 concepts while unlocking the unique functionalities that Web3 provides. He cited Asset Dash's approach of reimagining the American Express experience in a crypto-native way as an example of this strategy.

Another crucial factor in driving adoption, according to Matthias, is mobile-first development. He emphasized:

"I do think the next frontier is mobile. I think we put a high focus on mobile majority of our members are on our mobile app. We also launched our xNFT, which is now the third most downloaded xNFT and slowly, hopefully moving in number one."

This focus on mobile is backed by data showing that consumers generally have better experiences on mobile apps compared to web apps. Matthias believes that mobile will be a key factor in onboarding the next billion people into crypto.

The Importance of Education in Crypto

Throughout the conversation, Matthias repeatedly emphasized the importance of education in driving crypto adoption. Asset Dash has taken this to heart with their "Learn to Earn" program, which incentivizes users to educate themselves about various aspects of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

This focus on education serves multiple purposes. It helps onboard new users who might be intimidated by the complexity of the crypto space, it keeps existing users engaged and up-to-date with the latest developments, and it helps build a more informed and responsible crypto community overall.

The Future of Asset Dash

Looking to the future, Asset Dash has ambitious plans to continue expanding its offerings and improving the user experience. The launch of Vanta and the new marketplace represent significant steps forward, but Matthias hinted at even more developments on the horizon.

While he didn't provide specific details about future plans, Matthias emphasized that the team is always exploring new ways to leverage blockchain technology and create value for their users. He also mentioned that they're continually evaluating the potential for an on-chain Asset Dash token, although there are no concrete plans for this at the moment due to regulatory considerations.

The Role of Community in Asset Dash's Success

Throughout the interview, Matthias frequently referenced the Asset Dash community and the important role it plays in the platform's success. He highlighted the genuine passion of their users, which is evident from the engagement on their social media channels and within the app itself.

This strong community engagement is a key driver of Asset Dash's development strategy. The team constantly seeks feedback from users and aims to create features and rewards that genuinely excite and benefit their community. This user-centric approach has been crucial in building loyalty and driving organic growth for the platform.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Current Crypto Landscape

While the conversation primarily focused on Asset Dash's successes and future plans, Matthias also touched on some of the challenges facing the crypto industry as a whole. In the wake of high-profile collapses like Luna and FTX, there's increased scrutiny on crypto projects, particularly those based in the United States.

However, Matthias sees these challenges as opportunities for responsible, innovative projects to stand out. By focusing on creating real value for users, maintaining transparent operations, and prioritizing user security and education, Asset Dash aims to build trust and longevity in the volatile crypto landscape.

The Potential of Web3 for Brand Engagement

One of the most intriguing aspects of Asset Dash's model is how it reimagines brand engagement for the Web3 era. Traditional advertising models often provide little direct value to consumers. Asset Dash flips this model on its head by requiring brands to offer tangible value to users in exchange for engagement.

Matthias explained this approach:

"The way we see it is instead of some brand paying for a Twitter ad, where the end user gets nothing out of the Twitter ad besides seeing it and the brand just gives money to Twitter. We have this new framework where actually you want to get in front of one of our members, give them something of value, give them a free NFT, give them a deal, give them early access."

This model not only benefits users but also provides brands with more meaningful engagement and potentially higher ROI on their marketing spend. It's a win-win scenario that showcases the potential of Web3 technologies to reshape traditional business models.

The Intersection of DeFi and CeFi

Asset Dash's platform sits at an interesting intersection between decentralized finance (DeFi) and centralized finance (CeFi). By supporting both traditional financial platforms and various blockchain networks, Asset Dash provides a unique vantage point on how these two worlds are converging.

Matthias noted that many of their users who start on the traditional finance side eventually become curious about crypto and DeFi. This natural progression, facilitated by Asset Dash's comprehensive platform, could play a significant role in bridging the gap between these two financial paradigms.

The Power of On-Chain Rewards

One of the key innovations that Asset Dash brings to the table is the concept of on-chain rewards. While traditional loyalty programs are siloed within a company's own ecosystem, blockchain technology allows for more open, interoperable reward systems.

Matthias hinted at the potential for future developments in this area:

"I think what's so exciting is that we already have that entire infrastructure. Vanta is just going to be the next evolution of that, right? So it's not like we need to go out and figure out how do we do rewards? How do we do deals? We've been doing that now for about a year. What Vanta is going to do is basically take that to another level."

This suggests that we might see even more innovative uses of blockchain technology in the rewards space from Asset Dash in the future.

The Importance of Mobile in Crypto Adoption

Throughout the interview, Matthias repeatedly emphasized the importance of mobile in driving crypto adoption. This focus on mobile-first development sets Asset Dash apart from many other projects in the space.

Matthias believes that mobile is crucial for several reasons:

1. User Experience: Mobile apps generally provide a smoother, more intuitive user experience compared to web apps.
2. Accessibility: Most people have their phones with them at all times, making mobile apps more accessible than desktop alternatives.
3. Integration with Daily Life: Mobile apps can more easily integrate with users' daily lives, increasing engagement and adoption.
4. Emerging Markets: In many emerging markets, mobile phones are the primary (or only) way people access the internet.

By prioritizing mobile development, Asset Dash is positioning itself to capture the next wave of crypto adopters.

The Role of NFTs in Membership and Loyalty Programs

The introduction of Vanta NFTs represents an innovative approach to membership and loyalty programs. By making membership an NFT, Asset Dash is adding several unique properties to their premium tier:

1. Transferability: Users can sell or trade their membership if they no longer want it.
2. Scarcity: The limited supply of 10,000 Vanta NFTs creates inherent scarcity and potential value appreciation.
3. On-Chain Verification: The blockchain provides a transparent, immutable record of membership.
4. Interoperability: As an NFT, Vanta could potentially be used or recognized by other platforms in the future.

This approach could set a new standard for how companies structure their premium membership tiers in the Web3 era.

The Future of Crypto Regulation

While not a central focus of the conversation, the topic of regulation did come up, particularly in relation to the potential for an on-chain Asset Dash token. Matthias's cautious approach to this topic reflects the broader uncertainty in the crypto industry regarding future regulations.

However, Asset Dash's focus on providing tangible value to users and their emphasis on education could position them well in a more regulated future. By prioritizing user benefits and transparency, they're building a model that could be more palatable to regulators while still leveraging the innovative potential of blockchain technology.

Conclusion: Asset Dash's Vision for the Future of Investing and Rewards

Asset Dash represents a bold vision for the future of investing and rewards programs. By combining comprehensive investment tracking with innovative reward mechanisms and educational initiatives, they're creating a platform that serves both crypto natives and those just beginning to explore the space.

The upcoming launch of Vanta and the new marketplace system

represents a significant evolution of their model, promising even greater benefits for users and a more engaging platform overall. As the crypto industry continues to mature and evolve, platforms like Asset Dash that focus on user value, education, and innovative use of blockchain technology are likely to play a crucial role in driving adoption and shaping the future of finance.

With their mobile-first approach, focus on bridging traditional finance and crypto, and innovative use of NFTs for membership, Asset Dash is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing interest in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. As they continue to develop and expand their offerings, they may well become a key player in onboarding the next wave of crypto users and reshaping how we think about investments and rewards in the digital age.

Facts + Figures

• Asset Dash supports over 150 platforms on the traditional finance side, including Robinhood, TD Ameritrade, Fidelity, and Charles Schwab.
• The platform covers 10 different blockchains for DeFi and NFT tracking.
• Asset Dash's Learn to Earn program has seen users complete over 470,000 courses in just three months.
• The upcoming Vanta NFT membership will be limited to 10,000 holders.
• Asset Dash has partnered with Magic Eden for the launch and trading of Vanta NFTs.
• The platform's rewards system has powered 50-60,000 claimed deals from members.
• Asset Dash's xNFT is currently the third most downloaded xNFT.
• The new Asset Dash Marketplace will launch in June, featuring over 1,000 products at launch.
• Matthias was the first hire at Unstoppable Domains, which recently achieved unicorn status.
• At Roundhill Investments, Matthias helped grow the company to over a billion dollars in assets under management (AUM).
• Asset Dash's rewards infrastructure includes partnerships with brands like Ledger, NFL Shop, and Game Stop.
• The platform offers cashback deals in crypto, handling the crypto transactions for brands not comfortable with direct crypto payments.
• Asset Dash has built a Shopify plugin to make it easy for any brand on Shopify to deploy deals directly into their application.
• The company's focus on mobile is driven by data showing that consumers generally have better experiences on mobile apps compared to web apps.
• Asset Dash sees the mobile platform as key to onboarding the next billion people into crypto.

Questions Answered

What is Asset Dash?

Asset Dash is a comprehensive platform for tracking investments and earning rewards. It provides users with a seamless experience to monitor their investments across both traditional finance and cryptocurrency markets. The platform also features a unique rewards system that offers users various perks and deals based on their investment activity and platform engagement.

How does the Asset Dash rewards system work?

The Asset Dash rewards system operates on a tiered membership structure, with Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels. Users earn rewards based on their tier and activity on the platform. These rewards can include discounts at partnered retailers, cashback offers, exclusive deals, and access to special features. The upcoming Vanta NFT membership will offer the highest level of rewards and benefits within the Asset Dash ecosystem.

What is Vanta and how does it fit into Asset Dash?

Vanta is Asset Dash's new premium membership tier, represented by an NFT. Limited to 10,000 holders, Vanta will sit at the top of the Asset Dash ecosystem, offering the highest level of rewards and benefits. Vanta NFT holders will receive the greatest boost to their rewards multiplier, allowing them to accumulate Asset Dash Coins faster and access the best deals first in the new Asset Dash Marketplace.

How is Asset Dash bridging traditional finance and crypto?

Asset Dash supports over 150 traditional finance platforms alongside 10 different blockchains for DeFi and NFT tracking. This comprehensive coverage allows users to monitor all their investments in one place, regardless of whether they're in stocks, bonds, or cryptocurrencies. The platform has observed that many traditional finance users are becoming increasingly curious about crypto, leading to the development of educational resources like their "Learn to Earn" program.

What role does mobile play in Asset Dash's strategy?

Asset Dash places a strong emphasis on mobile-first development. The majority of their members use the mobile app, and they've also launched an xNFT (currently the third most downloaded). They believe mobile is crucial for driving crypto adoption due to its superior user experience, accessibility, easy integration with daily life, and importance in emerging markets where mobile is often the primary means of internet access.

How does Asset Dash approach brand partnerships?

Asset Dash has positioned itself as a platform for brands to engage with crypto-native audiences. They require brands to offer tangible value to users in exchange for engagement, such as exclusive deals, early access to products, or free NFTs. This approach benefits both brands, who get targeted exposure, and users, who receive valuable rewards. Asset Dash has also developed technology to make it easy for brands to integrate these offers into their platform.

What is the Asset Dash Marketplace?

The Asset Dash Marketplace, set to launch in June, is a new feature where users can spend Asset Dash Coins (an in-app currency) on various products. These include NFTs from popular collections, gift cards from major retailers, and other digital assets. At launch, the marketplace is expected to feature over 1,000 products. This marketplace represents a significant evolution of Asset Dash's rewards system, providing more tangible benefits to users.

How does Asset Dash contribute to crypto education?

Asset Dash places a strong emphasis on education, recognizing its importance in driving crypto adoption. They've developed a "Learn to Earn" program within their app, which incentivizes users to educate themselves about various aspects of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. In just three months, users completed over 470,000 courses through this program. This focus on education helps onboard new users, keeps existing users engaged, and contributes to building a more informed crypto community.

What is Asset Dash's vision for the future of investing and rewards?

Asset Dash aims to create an all-in-one investment hub that combines comprehensive investment tracking with innovative reward mechanisms and educational initiatives. They're focused on bridging the gap between traditional finance and crypto, making it easier for users to engage with both worlds. With the introduction of Vanta NFTs and their new marketplace, they're pushing towards a more engaging and rewarding platform that leverages blockchain technology to provide unique benefits to users. Their ultimate goal is to play a key role in onboarding the next wave of crypto users and reshaping how we think about investments and rewards in the digital age.