Superteam Germany: Fostering Innovation and Community in the Solana Ecosystem

In a recent episode of the Solfate podcast, hosts Nick and James sat down with Bekka, one of the co-founders of Superteam Germany, to discuss the evolution of Web3 communities, the importance of diverse skill sets in blockchain, and the unique approach Superteam takes in nurturing talent within the Solana ecosystem. This insightful conversation sheds light on the dynamic world of Web3 and the crucial role that non-technical contributors play in shaping the future of blockchain technology.

The Genesis of Superteam Germany

Superteam Germany's story begins in 2021, during the height of the NFT craze. Bekka, along with her colleagues, co-founded the NFT Club Berlin, recognizing the need for in-person communities in the Web3 space. As interest in Solana grew, the community naturally gravitated towards this high-performance blockchain. Bekka recalls:

"Our community in Berlin got very Solana heavy and we did a bunch of really cool partnerships early on, you know, Sol flare and a bunch of others. And it kind of spiraled from there in a very positive way."

The turning point came when Chris, another co-founder, connected with Tamar, leading to their participation in the first Solana Summer Camp in 2022. This event catalyzed further collaborations with the Solana Foundation, ultimately giving birth to Superteam Germany in late 2022.

The Structure and Mission of Superteam

Superteam operates on a unique model, maintaining a core group of actively involved members while capping the overall community at around 150 members. This approach is based on Dunbar's number, a concept suggesting that 150 is the optimal number of meaningful relationships one can maintain. Bekka explains:

"To make sure everything stays, you know, sort of cozy and meaningful because we want membership to actually mean something. So typically the number is 150."

The mission of Superteam is clear: to be the talent layer of Solana. This involves enabling members to achieve their best, whether through earning opportunities, learning experiences, or content creation. The ultimate goal is to grow the Solana ecosystem by attracting and nurturing top talent.

Regional Flavors of Superteam

While all Superteams share a common mission, each region has its unique focus and strengths. Bekka highlights:

"Every region has its own flavor. You know, there are some regions like the UAE is a lot more focused on supporting founders. Nigeria has an incredible content community. The UK was born out of this incredible like high quality video content."

Germany's Superteam, for instance, has a strong emphasis on builders and technical communities, reflecting the region's strengths in hackathons and development. This diversity across regions allows for a rich exchange of ideas and initiatives, benefiting the global Solana ecosystem.

The Importance of In-Person Events

One of the key strategies employed by Superteam Germany is the emphasis on in-person events and connections. Bekka stresses the transformative power of these gatherings:

"I think it's completely transformed our entire ecosystem and has so much to do with what a strong community we have because there's so many people that we see each other all around the world at the different hacker houses and breakpoints and Island Dows and all the different places and those relationships and those connections forge such meaningful bonds."

These events not only foster collaboration but also help in building trust within the crypto community, which is often characterized by anonymity and digital interactions.

The Evolution of Hackathons

Hackathons have been a cornerstone of the Solana ecosystem since its inception. However, Bekka notes a significant shift in recent times:

"In the last, especially, I'd say two hackathons, not including this one, the shift to seeing it as more of a startup competition and also that being reflected in the prize money too, right? Previously, there was a lot more prize money and now it's a little bit more focused on the longevity of the projects in terms of accelerator funding."

This evolution reflects a maturing ecosystem that recognizes the need for diverse skill sets beyond just technical expertise. It's now about creating sustainable projects and businesses, not just innovative code.

The Role of Non-Technical Contributors

A significant portion of the conversation focused on the crucial role of non-technical contributors in the blockchain space. Bekka, coming from an artistic background herself, emphasizes the importance of diverse skills:

"There's been a lot more emphasis in the last, yeah, a few hackathons where it's like, you know what, we need more people that are interested in being founders or more business minded or product minded or creative."

This shift acknowledges that while technical prowess is essential, factors like effective communication, design, and business acumen are equally important in creating successful blockchain projects.

The Intersection of Art and Technology

Bekka's journey from a traditional artist to a Web3 community leader provides a unique perspective on the intersection of art and technology. She draws parallels between the creative process in art and coding:

"I have to feel like artists and devs have a lot more in common than they would think. I mean, I've only done like very basic, basic coding basics, but there's so much creativity and so much problem solving involved and you really are building something from the ground."

This perspective highlights the creative aspects of coding and the technical aspects of art, suggesting a natural synergy between these seemingly disparate fields in the Web3 space.

The Future of NFTs and Creator Economy

While NFTs have gone through various cycles of hype and skepticism, Bekka believes there's still untapped potential in this technology:

"I feel like NFTs, there's still some development or like there's still something there that's undiscovered, right? I think what NFTs can be, I don't think has been fully explored."

She suggests that future applications of NFTs might evolve beyond simple collectibles, potentially playing a role in community creation and engagement.

Building a Diverse Ecosystem

Throughout the conversation, a recurring theme was the importance of building a diverse ecosystem. Bekka emphasizes:

"We have people from finance. We have all different kinds of developers. We have people with all different kinds of backgrounds, marketing and designers and artists. And it's like this bizarre melding pot of people that have typically very shared values and interests."

This diversity is seen as a strength, bringing together various perspectives and skill sets to tackle the complex challenges in the Web3 space.

The Challenges and Rewards of Community Building

Building and maintaining a community in the fast-paced world of crypto comes with its challenges. Bekka reflects on the effort required:

"It's also part of our work to make sure that yeah, there is reason and there's meaningful connections and that people actually have interest in contributing and giving and being part of it and growing something."

Despite the challenges, the rewards of seeing people connect, collaborate, and grow within the community make the effort worthwhile.

The Impact of Solana's Approach

The conversation highlighted how Solana's approach to community building and developer support has set it apart in the blockchain space. Bekka notes:

"Solana took an entirely different approach with the hacker houses really, really on early on and really doubling down on supporting developers in person. I think it's completely transformed our entire ecosystem."

This strategy has fostered a strong sense of community and collaboration, which has been instrumental in Solana's growth and success.

The Evolving Landscape of Web3

As the Web3 space continues to evolve, Bekka observes changes in how projects are approached and valued:

"Even just building on Solana has really drastically changed in the last few years. It gets so much easier to onboard devs and get them really engaged and excited."

This evolution points to a maturing ecosystem where ease of use, user experience, and practical applications are becoming increasingly important.

The Power of Collaboration

A key takeaway from the conversation was the power of collaboration in the Web3 space. Bekka emphasizes:

"And having this sort of closer collaboration between teams, I'm like, you know what? I think it's really nice to see a lot of really strong teams and they have really, really diverse skill sets, but working together in really kind of inspiring and instrumental ways to create things that have never been done before."

This collaborative spirit is seen as a driving force behind innovation in the Solana ecosystem.

The Role of Communication in Web3

Effective communication emerges as a crucial skill in the Web3 space. Bekka highlights its importance:

"If you can't communicate what it is, what the incredible thing is that you built or your vision, how is anyone going to understand it?"

This underscores the need for technical innovators to be able to articulate their ideas clearly to a broader audience.

The Future of Superteam Germany

Looking to the future, Bekka remains open to the possibilities:

"At the moment, you know, it's like the crypto time moves so quickly. Like we have no idea, three months in crypto is like two years in the normal world. So if I even just projecting like where I'm gonna be, I have no idea."

This adaptability and openness to change seem to be key characteristics of successful players in the Web3 space.

Bridging Web2 and Web3

The conversation touched on the importance of bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3:

"And there's a lot we can still do in terms of letting people know what our ecosystem is capable of and, you know, getting creators or having this sort of mass appeal through something like the artist channel or people that, yeah, they have a very different social network or structure."

This suggests a future where Web3 technologies become more accessible and integrated into mainstream applications.

The Importance of Regional Focus

The discussion highlighted the importance of regional focus in building Web3 communities. Each Superteam, while part of a global network, has its unique strengths and focus areas. This regional approach allows for tailored strategies that resonate with local communities while contributing to the global Solana ecosystem.

Fostering Innovation Through Diversity

A recurring theme throughout the conversation was the importance of diversity in fostering innovation. By bringing together people from various backgrounds - technical and non-technical alike - Superteam Germany creates an environment where new ideas can flourish. This diversity is seen as a key driver of innovation in the Solana ecosystem.

The Role of Education in Web3

Education emerged as a crucial component of Superteam's mission. By providing learning opportunities and resources, Superteam plays a vital role in onboarding new talent into the Web3 space. This focus on education helps in building a knowledgeable and skilled community that can drive the ecosystem forward.

The Impact of In-Person Events on Trust Building

The conversation emphasized the unique role of in-person events in building trust within the crypto community. In a space often characterized by digital interactions and anonymity, face-to-face meetings provide a valuable opportunity to forge genuine connections and build lasting relationships.

The Evolution of NFTs and Digital Ownership

While discussing the future of NFTs, Bekka touched on the evolving concept of digital ownership:

"Digital asset ownership was mind blowing and revolutionary and that it never happened before and it opened up so many doors for creators to actually not just own their artworks, but the relationships to creators was completely changed."

This perspective highlights the transformative potential of NFTs beyond their current applications.

The Intersection of Anthropology and Web3

Bekka's background in anthropology provides a unique lens through which to view Web3 communities. She applies her understanding of how people connect and interact to build meaningful communities in the digital age. This anthropological approach to community building sets Superteam Germany apart in its strategies and initiatives.

The Role of Creativity in Problem-Solving

The conversation drew interesting parallels between artistic creativity and problem-solving in tech:

"There's so much creativity and so much problem solving involved and you really are building something from the ground."

This perspective encourages a more holistic approach to innovation in the Web3 space, valuing both technical skills and creative thinking.

The Importance of Adaptability in Crypto

The fast-paced nature of the crypto world was a recurring theme. Bekka's comment about three months in crypto being equivalent to two years in the normal world underscores the need for adaptability and quick learning in this space. This rapid pace of change presents both challenges and opportunities for community builders and innovators.

Fostering a Shared Vision

The conversation highlighted the importance of a shared vision in building Web3 communities. Bekka noted:

"We have the direction that we're going, you know, decentralized, you know, future that can potentially really shift and change a lot of things that are very, very broken about our world."

This shared vision acts as a unifying force, bringing together diverse individuals towards a common goal.

The Future of Community-Driven Innovation

The discussion pointed towards a future where community-driven innovation plays a central role in blockchain development. By fostering an environment where diverse talents can collaborate and experiment, Superteam Germany and similar organizations are paving the way for groundbreaking innovations in the Solana ecosystem.

Conclusion: Building a Vibrant Web3 Ecosystem

The conversation with Bekka from Superteam Germany offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of Web3 and the Solana ecosystem. It highlights the importance of community building, diversity, and collaboration in driving innovation and growth. As the Web3 space continues to mature, organizations like Superteam play a crucial role in nurturing talent, fostering connections, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in blockchain technology.

The journey of Superteam Germany, from its roots in the NFT Club Berlin to its current status as a key player in the Solana ecosystem, exemplifies the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of the Web3 space. By embracing diversity, fostering collaboration, and maintaining a focus on both technical and non-technical contributions, Superteam Germany is helping to shape a vibrant and innovative future for blockchain technology.

As we look to the future, the lessons and strategies shared by Bekka offer valuable guidance for anyone looking to contribute to or build within the Web3 space. The emphasis on community, creativity, and adaptability serves as a blueprint for success in this exciting and transformative field.

Facts + Figures

• Superteam Germany was founded in late 2022 and is celebrating its two-year anniversary in mid-November 2023.
• The community of Superteam members is capped at 150, based on Dunbar's number for meaningful relationships.
• Superteam Germany currently has 130 members and is conservative about new additions.
• The community includes members from various countries, including Denmark, Italy, Portugal, and Austria.
• Superteam Germany's in-person events can attract anywhere from 80 to 300 attendees, depending on the scale and focus.
• Bekka, one of the co-founders, has a background in anthropology and contemporary art.
• Superteam Germany evolved from the NFT Club Berlin, which was founded in 2021.
• The first Solana Summer Camp, a pivotal event for Superteam Germany, took place in 2022.
• Bekka worked as a tattoo artist for 13 years before fully immersing herself in the Web3 space.
• Recent hackathons have shifted focus from pure prize money to more sustainable accelerator funding for projects.
• Superteam operates in various regions, each with its own focus area (e.g., UAE focuses on founders, Nigeria on content creation).
• The Solana ecosystem has seen significant improvements in developer experience and user interface over the past few years.
• Superteam Germany places a strong emphasis on in-person events and co-working sessions to foster community bonds.
• The organization aims to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical contributors in the Web3 space.
• Superteam's mission is to be the "talent layer" of Solana, enabling members to achieve their best in various aspects of the ecosystem.

Questions Answered

What is Superteam Germany?

Superteam Germany is a community-driven organization focused on nurturing talent and fostering innovation within the Solana ecosystem. Founded in late 2022, it evolved from the NFT Club Berlin and now serves as a hub for developers, creators, and entrepreneurs interested in blockchain technology. The organization emphasizes in-person events, collaborative projects, and diverse skill sets to drive growth and innovation in the Web3 space.

How does Superteam Germany contribute to the Solana ecosystem?

Superteam Germany contributes to the Solana ecosystem in multiple ways. It organizes regular events, hackathons, and co-working sessions to bring together talented individuals from various backgrounds. The organization also provides support for developers and projects, helps in onboarding new talent, and facilitates connections within the broader Solana community. By fostering a collaborative environment and emphasizing both technical and non-technical skills, Superteam Germany plays a crucial role in driving innovation and growth within the Solana ecosystem.

What is the significance of in-person events in the Web3 space?

In-person events play a crucial role in the Web3 space by fostering trust, collaboration, and genuine connections in an otherwise digital and often anonymous environment. Bekka emphasizes that these face-to-face interactions have been instrumental in building a strong community within the Solana ecosystem. These events provide opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving, which are essential for driving innovation and growth in the blockchain industry.

How has the approach to hackathons changed in the Solana ecosystem?

The approach to hackathons in the Solana ecosystem has evolved significantly. Initially, the focus was primarily on technical innovation and prize money. However, recent hackathons have shifted towards viewing projects as potential startups. There's now a greater emphasis on the longevity and sustainability of projects, with more focus on accelerator funding rather than just immediate prize money. This change reflects a maturing ecosystem that values long-term impact and diverse skill sets beyond just technical prowess.

What role do non-technical contributors play in the Web3 space?

Non-technical contributors play a vital role in the Web3 space by bringing diverse skills and perspectives that complement technical expertise. These individuals contribute in areas such as business development, marketing, design, community management, and content creation. Their skills are crucial for communicating complex ideas, creating user-friendly interfaces, and building engaged communities around blockchain projects. Bekka emphasizes that successful Web3 projects require a balance of technical and non-technical talents to thrive and make a lasting impact.

How does Superteam Germany approach community building?

Superteam Germany approaches community building with a focus on meaningful connections and shared values. They cap their community at around 150 members, based on Dunbar's number, to maintain a close-knit group. Regular in-person events, co-working sessions, and collaborative projects help foster strong bonds among members. The organization also emphasizes diversity, bringing together individuals from various backgrounds and skill sets. This approach creates a supportive environment where members can learn from each other, collaborate on projects, and collectively contribute to the growth of the Solana ecosystem.

What is the future outlook for NFTs according to Bekka?

Bekka believes that the full potential of NFTs has yet to be realized. While acknowledging that NFTs have gone through various hype cycles, she suggests that there's still undiscovered potential in this technology. She envisions future applications of NFTs evolving beyond simple collectibles, potentially playing significant roles in community creation and engagement. Bekka's perspective indicates that NFTs might find new use cases that could revolutionize digital ownership and creator-audience relationships in ways we haven't yet seen.

How does Superteam Germany adapt to the fast-paced nature of the crypto world?

Superteam Germany adapts to the fast-paced nature of the crypto world by maintaining flexibility and openness to change. Bekka notes that "three months in crypto is like two years in the normal world," highlighting the rapid pace of development and change in the industry. The organization stays adaptable by continuously evolving its strategies, embracing new ideas from its diverse community, and fostering an environment that encourages experimentation and innovation. This adaptability allows Superteam Germany to remain relevant and effective in the ever-changing landscape of Web3 and blockchain technology.