The world of Web3 is evolving rapidly, and at the heart of this transformation lies community-driven innovation. On September 11, Jeff Ren, Partner at OKX Ventures, took the stage at the Schelling Point conference in Singapore—a landmark event co-hosted by Gitcoin, OKX Ventures, BlockBooster, and CollegeDAO. In a dynamic conversation with Azeem Khan of Gitcoin, Ren discussed the pivotal role of community building, cross-regional collaboration, and how OKX Ventures is working to amplify Asian voices while bringing global Web3 ideals—like those championed by Gitcoin—into Asia.
This edition of Schelling Point marked a historic moment: the first time the event has ever been held in Asia. Traditionally tied to Ethereum-focused gatherings in North America and Europe, Schelling Point has long served as a nexus for open-source developers, public goods advocates, and decentralized ecosystem builders. Its expansion into Singapore signals a growing recognition of Asia’s rising influence in the global Web3 landscape.
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The Power of Community and Ecosystem Building
At the core of OKX Ventures’ mission is a deep commitment to community and ecosystem development. As Jeff Ren emphasized during his talk, the strength and sustainability of cryptocurrency and Web3 stem not from technology alone—but from the people who build, use, and govern it.
"Community is not just an add-on—it's foundational," Ren stated. "OKX and OKX Ventures are deeply embedded in developer communities because we believe that lasting innovation emerges from grassroots participation."
This philosophy shapes every aspect of OKX Ventures’ strategy. By investing in early-stage projects, supporting open-source development, and fostering global collaborations, the firm aims to nurture an inclusive Web3 ecosystem where builders from all backgrounds can thrive.
Bridging East and West: A Dual Mission
One of the most compelling aspects of OKX Ventures’ vision is its dual focus: amplifying Asian builders while bringing global Web3 values to Asia.
Asia is home to a vast pool of technical talent, innovative startups, and passionate developers. Yet, these voices have historically been underrepresented in global Web3 discourse. OKX Ventures is working to change that—by providing funding, mentorship, and access to international networks for Asian-based projects.
At the same time, the team is committed to importing transformative ideas from the West—such as Gitcoin’s model of quadratic funding and decentralized governance—into Asian markets. This two-way exchange fosters mutual learning and helps create a more balanced, diverse global Web3 ecosystem.
"Gitcoin has pioneered new ways of funding public goods in a decentralized way," Ren noted. "We want to bring that spirit to Asia—adapting it to local contexts while preserving its core principles."
Strategic Investments in Layer2 and Decentralized Infrastructure
OKX Ventures doesn’t just talk about vision—it turns ideas into action. The firm has made strategic investments in some of the most impactful Layer2 scaling solutions, including Scroll, Starkware, zkSync, and Taiko. These projects are critical to solving key challenges in the Ethereum ecosystem: scalability, security, and user experience.
By backing zero-knowledge proof technologies and other cutting-edge innovations, OKX Ventures is helping lay the technical foundation for mass Web3 adoption. But investment alone isn’t enough. The team also actively engages with portfolio companies, offering strategic guidance and facilitating partnerships across regions.
This hands-on approach ensures that funded projects don’t just survive—they grow into pillars of the decentralized internet.
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Deepening Ties with Gitcoin: A Growing Partnership
The collaboration between OKX Ventures and Gitcoin is more than symbolic—it’s operational and results-driven. Over the past year, the two organizations have co-hosted multiple high-impact events:
- In April, they launched joint hackathons in San Jose and Hong Kong, bringing together developers from both sides of the Pacific to build solutions for real-world challenges.
- In May, OKX Ventures hosted an AMA (Ask Me Anything) session focused on Gitcoin’s funding rounds, helping educate and onboard new contributors.
- In August, OKX Ventures joined the Gitcoin Guardian Council, a governance body responsible for overseeing the integrity and direction of Gitcoin’s public goods funding mechanisms.
These initiatives reflect a shared belief: that decentralized ecosystems thrive when they are open, transparent, and globally inclusive.
Ren expressed appreciation for Azeem Khan’s presence at Schelling Point Singapore, calling it a testament to Gitcoin’s commitment to global engagement. “Having Azeem here from the U.S. shows that we’re building bridges—not silos,” he said.
Why Asia Matters in Web3’s Future
Asia’s role in shaping the next phase of the internet cannot be overstated. From South Korea’s vibrant NFT scene to Vietnam’s booming developer community, the region is a hotbed of digital innovation. However, cultural differences, regulatory complexity, and language barriers often hinder integration into broader Web3 conversations.
OKX Ventures is uniquely positioned to address these challenges. With deep roots in both Eastern and Western tech ecosystems, the team acts as a cultural and technical bridge—translating ideas, aligning incentives, and creating pathways for collaboration.
Their work goes beyond capital deployment. It includes education, advocacy, and community cultivation—ensuring that when Asian builders speak, they are heard on the world stage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Schelling Point?
A: Schelling Point is a community-driven conference focused on open-source development, public goods funding, and decentralized governance. It traditionally takes place during Ethereum-related events but held its first Asian edition in Singapore in 2025.
Q: Why is OKX Ventures focusing on Asia?
A: Asia has one of the largest and most dynamic pools of Web3 developers and users. OKX Ventures aims to empower local builders while connecting them with global opportunities and best practices.
Q: What is Gitcoin’s role in this partnership?
A: Gitcoin provides a decentralized platform for funding public goods through mechanisms like quadratic funding. OKX Ventures collaborates with Gitcoin to expand this model into Asian markets and support regional innovation.
Q: What types of projects does OKX Ventures invest in?
A: The firm focuses on early-stage Web3 projects—especially those advancing Layer2 scaling, user experience, security, decentralization, and open-source infrastructure.
Q: How can developers get involved with OKX Ventures?
A: Developers can participate in co-hosted events like hackathons or apply for funding through OKX Ventures’ investment pipeline. Engagement often begins through community programs or ecosystem partnerships.
Q: Is OKX Ventures only for Asian projects?
A: No. While it emphasizes amplifying Asian voices, OKX Ventures invests globally and fosters cross-border collaboration between builders worldwide.
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Final Thoughts: Building a Truly Global Web3
The conversation between Jeff Ren and Azeem Khan at Schelling Point was more than a panel discussion—it was a declaration of intent. The future of Web3 must be inclusive, equitable, and globally connected. Through strategic investments, cross-cultural partnerships, and a relentless focus on community, OKX Ventures is helping make that future a reality.
By amplifying Asian builders and importing transformative ideas like Gitcoin’s funding models, the team is proving that innovation knows no borders. As Web3 continues to mature, such bridges between regions will be essential—not just for growth, but for legitimacy and resilience.
The message is clear: The next chapter of decentralized technology will be written together—across continents, cultures, and communities.
Core Keywords: Web3 ecosystem building, Asian builders in crypto, Gitcoin quadratic funding, OKX Ventures investments, Layer2 scaling solutions, decentralized public goods, blockchain community development