KOINectIt: Founders Edition (Zo World)
Hey everyone! Today, we've got something special for you—an exclusive interview with the founder of Zo World, Dharamveer Singh Chouhan, commonly known as DV. If you're new to Zo World or just curious about what they're up to in the NFT space, you're in the right place. So, let's dive right into it!
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read):
No problem, skip the text and watch the full interview on our YouTube channel instead! 🎥😄
Introduction to Zo World
Zo World has been one of the best-kept secrets in Web 3, but it's time to uncover what this innovative project is all about. Founded by DV, Zo World aims to bridge the gap between the digital and physical realms by creating spaces that bring people together.
What is Zo World?
Zo World is more than just an NFT project; it's an entire ecosystem. At its core, it's a collection of NFTs that serve as a membership to their exclusive club. These aren't just digital collectibles; they're keys to physical spaces around the world, known as Zo Houses.
"We build physical worlds for those who build the digital world." - DV
A Journey Through Time
DV's journey into the world of digital assets didn't start yesterday. About twelve years ago, he launched Zostel, the largest chain of backpacker hostels in Southeast Asia. Fast forward to today, Zo World has expanded to include 120 spaces under Zostel and is known globally as a haven for backpackers.
The Zo World Ecosystem
NFT Memberships
One of the standout features of Zo World is its NFT collections. Initially launched as the Zo World El Salvador Collection, these NFTs are unique because they act as memberships to an exclusive club. When DV launched the project on September 7, 2021, it marked a significant milestone as Bitcoin became a legal tender in El Salvador.
"We want to really build this for the whole century." - DV
Zo Houses
Zo Houses are physical spaces exclusively accessible to Zo World members. These places are not just buildings; they're cultural hubs designed to inspire creativity and community interaction. From a crazy penthouse in Bangalore to a million-dollar clubhouse in San Francisco, these spaces are as unique as they are innovative.
Located at 304th Street, San Francisco, the Zo House has already become a community hotspot, attracting some of the most influential names in the NFT and blockchain space.
Community and Culture
What sets Zo World apart is its focus on community and culture. With events hosted for various blockchain platforms like Aptos, Solana, and Polygon, the Zo Houses are buzzing hubs of activity. The community is incredibly active on platforms like Telegram, where members can engage, collaborate, and share their experiences.
"When you enter a Zo House, it’s unlike anything you would have ever seen." - DV
The Future of Zo World
Expansion Plans
Zo World doesn't plan to stop at just a few locations. With Zo Houses in Bangalore, Dubai, and San Francisco, the goal is to expand to at least 50 more locations globally. The community will play a crucial role in this expansion, as future Zo Houses may be community-operated.
Innovative Approach
DV aims to redefine the way Web 3 companies are built. By incorporating 1100 co-founders into his vision, he’s setting a new standard for collaboration and community-driven projects. Zo World is not just about NFTs; it’s about creating a sustainable, long-term vision for the future.
"If you are looking to just buy something and get easy rich, there should be other NFTs you should look at." - DV
Challenges and Opportunities
One of the biggest challenges in the current NFT space is market volatility. However, DV is optimistic about the future. He emphasizes the importance of staying bullish and leading from the front, especially in a bear market.
"I would love for more experiments, and not just to wait for the market timing but be bullish and lead it from the front." - DV
A Glimpse into DV's Background
DV's journey is as fascinating as Zo World itself. Starting as a tech enthusiast, he built an IPL cricket game back in 2009, which led him to create a gaming studio. His passion for gaming eventually led him to Zynga, where he worked as a game designer.
The Zostel Story
DV's first major venture, Zostel, emerged from his experiences as a backpacker. He saw the need for affordable, community-oriented hostels and decided to fill that gap. Today, Zostel is the world's largest chain of backpacker hostels, with properties in some of the most picturesque locations.
Poker to Profits
DV isn't just a techie; he's also a poker enthusiast. His winnings from poker helped fund the first Zostel, proving that sometimes, taking risks pays off.
The Zo World Vision
Long-Term Goals
For DV, Zo World is a 30-year vision. He aims to build a new generation of real estate products, from backpacker hostels to residential living. The focus is on creating spaces that foster innovation and community.
"We are building the next McDonald's, Starbucks, Taj, Marriotts for the Web 3 era." - DV
Community-Driven Growth
Zo World’s unique approach involves the community at every step. By enabling members to host their own events and collaborate on projects, DV is setting a new standard for community-driven growth.
Final Thoughts
Zo World is more than just an NFT project; it's a revolutionary approach to building communities and creating spaces that bring people together. With its unique blend of digital assets and physical spaces, Zo World is set to become a cornerstone in the Web 3 ecosystem.
"The future is here; it’s just unevenly distributed." - DV
For more information, visit Zo World and become part of this groundbreaking journey.
Recap
In this interview, we delved deep into what makes Zo World tick. From its humble beginnings to its ambitious future plans, Zo World is a trailblazer in the Web 3 space. Special thanks to DV for sharing his insights and vision. Stay tuned for more updates and join the Zo World community today!
Zo Zo Zo!