@irvinxyz - Special Council Nomination 01/2024

Help & Resources Prior Elections
1

Personal Information

Discourse ID: @irvinxyz

Twitter: x.com

Educational Background:

  • Kent State - PhD Candidate (sabbatical): Distributed Systems & Robotics.
  • Kent State - Master’s in Computer Science
  • MIT - Cognitive Robotics School
  • Florida International University - Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Research focus: human-computer interaction research and gaming in the blockchain space. For example:

Google Scholar: ‪Irvin Steve Cardenas‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬
Selected Papers:
AutomataDAO: A Blockchain-Based Data Marketplace for Interactive Robot and IoT Data Exchanges Using Ethermint and State Channels | SpringerLink
Robot-Human Agreements and Financial Transactions Enabled by a Blockchain and Smart Contracts | Companion of the 2018 ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction

Professional Background:

Nomination Statement

Concise statement on why you are running for the Special Council

RELEVANT INDUSTRY / EXECUTIVE ROLES:
OpenDive Technologies — Co-founder, CEO
Goldman Sachs — Analyst, Blockchain Strategy Lead
Decentral Bank — Co-founder, Core-protocol contributor

RELEVANT RESEARCH / ACADEMIC ROLES
NASA, Langley Research Center
ATR Lab, Lead Researcher

RELEVANT INDUSTRY ROLES
Metaplex Foundation (Solana’s NFT Protocol), Strategic Advisor
PizzaDAO, Co-founder
GitCoin, KERNEL KB1
PolkaHaus, Co-founder, the largest community on Polkadot Ecosystem
German Accelerator NYC, Advisor & Mentor

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/irvinscardenas/

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Irvin is a crypto native, seasoned, hands-on technologist with experience in innovation, strategic decision making, and management of interdisciplinary teams in both Web2 and Web3 space. He has experience working with teams at early-stage startups, growth-stage companies, enterprise teams and R&D facilities. Worked in 4 countries. At OpenDive, he leads the development of it’s own IP and of blockchain gaming infrastructure for various ecosystems such as Aptos, Sui, Polkadot, NEAR and Ethereum — with some of their work most recently published in Unity’s Decentralized Solutions. Previously as an independent consultant, he delivered strategic advice to early and growth-stage startups in Asia and Europe, and developed products that drive innovation forward. Both roles necessitate a deep understanding of technology and a vision of the underlying execution and go-to-market strategies. As a member and subject-matter expert of Goldman Sachs’ Blockchain Working Group, Irvin sat in between the CTO and a selected group of partners and managing directors, with a mandate to explore the value proposition and create a strategy around the internal execution of blockchain technology. Prior, he co-founded a blockchain startup that seeked to disrupt the payments industry in 2013, and a founding research scientist at an innovation lab where I led the development of projects in AR/VR, autonomy and of a 6-foot humanoid telepresence robot - featured in 300+ media outlets worldwide. He’s a strategic advisor to a selected number of web3 projects and an angel investor.

Motivation

Details on your motivation for becoming an ApeCoin DAO Special Council member

We stand at a crucial juncture in the evolution of blockchain technology, where the technology is almost mature for mainstreams adoption, and where we can look back and learn from our past experiences and plan for the future. As well-recognized stewards of Web3, our decisions hold the potential to significantly shape the future of what a DAO is, what a DAO can accomplish, and the broader Web3 ecosystem.

My desire to join the council is driven by three core competencies:

  1. In-depth Knowledge of Blockchain Technology: My experience in the blockchain space, particularly for the past decade, has afforded me a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies and potential of blockchain technology and the Web3 ecosystem as a whole. This knowledge is critical in navigating the complex decision we find ourselves making today, in particular around ApeChain.
  2. Applied Academic Research: My academic pursuits have not only been theoretical but also deeply rooted in practical applications. I have conducted extensive research on DAOs, decentralized and distributed governance, and their socio-economic impacts. This academic background ensures that my contributions to the council are grounded in robust research and forward-thinking insights.
  3. Proven Execution Capability: Beyond theoretical knowledge, I have a track record of successfully executing projects and initiatives related to DAOs and decentralized governance. My hands-on experience with technical abilities can be instrumental in helping ApeCoin DAO achieve it’s mission.

As a member of the Special Council, I am committed to leveraging these skills to foster a future where ApeCoin DAO not only thrives as a community but also as an ecosystem that impacts all things gaming, metaverse and culture.

My focus will be on ensuring that our decisions are not only technologically sound but also socially responsible, aligning with the long-term vision and values of the ApeCoin DAO community.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the council and am eager to work collaboratively with other members and the community to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Rationale

Share relevant experience and skills that will bring value to the ApeCoin community

ApeCoin DAO is one of the few DAOs, if not THE only DAO, that represents that spirit of Web3 and the ideals of distributed communities and collective action. While many other DAOs claim to be distributed and autonomous, the reality is that they are only driven by a selected number (or small number) of individuals hence violating the premise and ethos of being a DAO. On the other hand, other DAOs are formed without a clear purpose or structure that can drive collective action. ApeCoin DAO is different. As previously stated, the decisions that we make as a collective have the potential to impact the broader Web3 ecosystem, and I want be a tool that enables us as a collective to make navigate the future.

Specifications

Further describe relevant experience, including crypto and governance participation, and/or ideas for DAO improvement

  • Academic Researcher and Engineer.
  • Previous Investment Banking Experience.
  • As well as a decade-long experience in the blockchain space, and previously launching DAO and global communities.

Concluding Statement

Summarize your statement as to why you are the best choice for Special Council

GitCoin, PizzaDAO, nfDAO and Kernel Genesis member.
I present the initial draft of a series of papers that aim to help the ApeCoin DAO navigate the decisions related to ApeChain

5 Likes
2

Hi @irvinxyz, I am asking all candidates the following same questions:

If elected, what is the one item you feel passionate about and would like to see accomplished during your tenure within the DAO?

What is an area of expertise that you will be bringing to the table?

Are there any factors in your life that may limit your time and ability to serve? (Running a business, extensive traveling, secret agent for the SEC, etc…)

What is your least favorite thing right now with our DAO in its current state?

Currently, many of the proposals are determined by large wallets, there are many grumblings about it though I stand neutral on this; if possible, would you change this? and if so, how and why?

Will you be an active participant in the DAO even if unelected?

Thank you and best of luck,

F/S

1 Like
3

gm @foxSlightly

:brain: >>> QUESTION 1: If elected, what is the one item you feel passionate about and would like to see accomplished during your tenure within the DAO?

Look — 2024 is the year of the ApeChain or perhaps ApeChains, a year that could redefine our future as: (1) a DAO, (2) as $APE coin holders and or ape holders, (3) and as stewards of Web3.

Making this a reality is what I am most passionate about.

But, it’s time for bold action and clear vision from the council, and it’s time to address half-measures and short-sighted comments from:

  • People who contribute to AIPs without proper understanding or context, and those misinformed. (we must educate)
  • Individuals favoring short-term gains that could jeopardize our long-term success. (we must distill ideas, and play devil’s advocate)

The council needs individuals that have technical expertise; and not just experience building dapps but someone that fundamentally understands the technology and where it’s headed — working on the actual fundamental research (e.g. consensus) and deploying the technology itself (e.g. blockchains).

But that’s just the beginning. We need a visionary council that recognizes that blockchain infrastructure is the foundation, not the endpoint. Our journey towards long-term success hinges on a blend of savvy business development, innovative marketing, user and developer engagement, and most importantly, amplifying the utility of $APE coin.

Experience and connections in the blockchain world are non-negotiable. We need someone whose network / connections is robust enough to propel ApeCoin DAO and ApeChain to new heights. Above all, we need a someone who’s been with BAYC and ApeCoin DAO from the start, someone who embodies our vision and values.

I stand here as that individual. My journey in this space spans over a decade (10+ years) — from launching pioneering Bitcoin startups to spearheading blockchain strategies at one of the world’s largest financial firms, Goldman Sachs. I’ve advised both startups and Fortune 500 companies across Asia and Europe and returned to my entrepreneurial roots with a web3 gaming studio collaborating with diverse ecosystems like Solana, Avalanche, Polkadot, NEAR, and more.

But more than that, I am an ape. I minted apes back in 2021, thanks to my friend Zariat, and have since been an advocate for our community, bringing in new BAYC members in the early days of BAYC in Clubhouse (2021), connecting the team with key figures, and supporting initiatives led by inspiring leaders like Vera(Denver, Hong Kong, and others).

My vision is clear: To make ApeChain not just a reality, but a resounding success.

But, to do this right, education must also be our cornerstone. There’s a glaring gap in our DAO’s knowledge base — a gap that spans beyond technology to the very ideologies that underpin a decentralized autonomous organization. I’ve already begun addressing this, sharing insights and fostering a deeper understanding of this.

:brain: >>> QUESTION 2: What is an area of expertise that you will be bringing to the table?

With over a decade (10+ years) of immersion in the blockchain space, my journey spans far beyond technical leadership. My expertise is not limited to development and innovation alone; I also bring a wealth of experience in strategic planning and execution — I am both a thinker and a doer, who fundamentally understands the technology, the ideologies and can foresee where this industry is headed.

:brain: >>> QUESTION 3: Are there any factors in your life that may limit your time and ability to serve? (Running a business, extensive traveling, secret agent for the SEC, etc…)

If I was to be elected I would put any roles aside and dedicate my efforts to solely making sure the Special Council runs accordingly, and that we have clear goals and execution roadmap for 2024.

:brain: >>> QUESTION 4: What is your least favorite thing right now with our DAO in its current state?

As much as I hate to say it, there’s too much WAGMI and “cope” over issues related to governance and voting. As well as, no structure and guidance on improving the use and or utility of $APE coin. For example, a clear set of use cases must be outlined. If gaming is one of the core focuses, then we should have a framework which (blockchain) developers and game developers can refer to, to understand how to integrate or use $APE. We must also put a focus on funding public goods and open source software that become the LEGO blocks (building blocks) that others can build on top and leverage $APE coin, or at the very least bring recognition to the DAO.
Inherently, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) have bits of chaos, are flexible and open — we need a bit more of all three.

A decentralized organization should operate much like a starfish, supported by its five legs. Remarkably resilient, it can withstand the loss of one or two legs and continue to function and regenerate. However, it’s when all these legs are intact and collaboratively engaged that a decentralized organization truly flourishes

= Recommended reading for DAO members coming soon…

:brain: >>> QUESTION 5: Currently, many of the proposals are determined by large wallets, there are many grumblings about it though I stand neutral on this; if possible, would you change this? and if so, how and why?

I am neutral on this.

But, although tough, it’s possible. The launch of ApeChain or ApeChain Network (ACN) is a start. Possibly, although unlikely, $APE could be recapitalized to be used as an incentive for running the chain(s). A secondary, token(s) could be released to balance the interplay between $APE and the new token focused solely on reward those supporting the network — more details on this in a future article / forum post.

Overall, the mechanics of $APE need to change to support ApeChain(s) and not enough discussion is taking place currently – it’s not just a matter of launching a chain.

:brain: >>> QUESTION 6: Will you be an active participant in the DAO even if unelected?
Yeah. You will continue to see more of my recommended readings in the forum.

1 Like
4

Good luck on your campaign man!

5

GM GM @irvinxyz

You talk about education.

One of the things that is still happening today is that APEs are losing their APEs due to drainers and scams.
What will you do to help the community protect their assets/APEs?
(What do you think should be done?)
What will you do to help APEs that have lost them, regain them?
(What do you want to happen?)

If not elected, will you still make education in the APE community a priority? What are your plans for this?

Thank you for taking the time to apply.

6

Wish you the best of luck mate