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Top 15 Web3 Companies in 2022
While still a work in progress, Web3 became a buzzword in 2021 and continues to be widely discussed this year. With the growing use of NFTs, DeFi, crypto and other blockchain-based applications, more and more brands, companies and individuals are venturing into the Web3 space. So what are some of the top Web3 companies at the forefront of the Web3 revolution?
In this guide, we will cover the basics of Web3 and Web3 companies. We will also discuss what are the leading Web3 companies you should know about this year, as well as the benefits of working in this area.
What is Web3?
In simplest terms, Web3 (or Web 3.0) is the next iteration of the Internet that will be completely decentralized. The term was first coined by Ethereum co-founder, Gavin Wood in 2014. To put things into perspective, Web 1.0, the first iteration of the Internet, only allowed reading or viewing a website. On the other hand, Web2 is the web we know today – where we can connect with others through social media, build audio and video streaming capabilities and much more.
However, Web2 is limited by how a bunch of centralized tech giants have majority control over the web, and in turn over user data. In contrast, “Web3 embraces decentralization and is built, operated and owned by its users,” according to Ethereum. In short, “Web3 puts power in the hands of individuals instead of corporations.”
What is a Web3 company?
Although there is not yet a clear definition of a Web3 company, at its core a number of factors distinguish it from a Web2 company. Firstly, the companies focus on decentralisation. Then they take a step back from typical data ownership processes. To demonstrate, most Web3 companies will not ask you to share your personal data. Instead, to log into the platform, you just need to connect to your crypto wallet. Finally, Web3 companies focus on one or more Web3 technologies. This could be artificial intelligence, machine learning, NFT, crypto or other blockchain-based technologies.
Top Web3 Companies You Should Know
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a look at the best Web3 companies in 2022 (in no particular order):
1. OpenSea
OpenSea is the most popular NFT marketplace. Founded in 2017, OpenSea is a non-custodial, peer-to-peer NFT marketplace. It allows users to create, buy, sell and view NFTs. At least in theory, there is no centralized entity that controls the assets on the platform. Because of the wide range of NFTs it offers, OpenSea is often called a “Web3 Amazon”. It is currently the top marketplace in sales volume of all time, having amassed close to $32 billion in sales so far (at the time of writing).
2. Magic Eden
Magical Eden is the leading NFT marketplace for Solana NFTs. Magic Eden is a decentralized NFT marketplace on the Solana network, and has $1.6 billion in all-time trading volume. On the platform, users can create, buy, sell and trade NFTs as digital collectibles and gaming assets. The platform reportedly accounts for over 90% market share of secondary Solana NFT trades.
3. Immutable
Immutable is an Australia-based startup founded in 2018. The company is behind Immutable X, a leading Layer 2 solution for NFTs, powering the next generation of Web3 games. Moreover, it is a carbon-neutral platform that offers gas-free coining. Immutable is backed by Animoca Brands and has so far raised $279.8 million in funding.
4. NFTY Labs
NFTY Labs is a Web3 venture studio headquartered in Miami, Florida. Essentially, the company focuses on “supporting and building the products for tomorrow’s Web3”. In short, NFTY Labs builds community-based tools, standards and technology for NFTs. At the same time, it facilitates NFT standards and practices across chains.
5. Spacious
Founded in 2016 by Anand Agarawala and Jinha Lee, Spacious helps creators and brands develop their own metaverse spaces, such as virtual art galleries. With a well-experienced team, Web3 company offers 3D, Virtual Reality (VR) room to create your own NFT or non-NFT art gallery. This way, anyone can display 3D renderings of their sculptures, ceramics, shapes, paintings and more in the metaverse.
6. Vayner3
Web3 consulting company, Wayne 3 is the brainchild of entrepreneur and NFT enthusiast, Gary Vaynerchuk, popularly known as Gary Vee. The firm works with partners across the Web3 space, including digital worlds and DAOs. It aims to guide global enterprises and intellectual property owners in their Web3 journey. While originally called VaynerNFT, Gary Vee recently changed his company to Vayner3.
7. Cute
An experience-driven NFT platform, Sweet offers officially licensed NFTs and collectibles from leading teams, brands and artists worldwide. More specifically, the platform brings many fans closer to everything from professional sports to live events. Their collections include NFTs from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Australian Open, Arrow McLaren and much more.
8. Exclusive
In a nutshell, Exclusive is a curated NFT marketplace that brings luxury to the metaverse. Founded in 2021, the platform offers NFTs from luxury brands in fashion, beauty, watches, jewelry, lifestyle and supercars. In addition, Exclusive offers a variety of luxury penthouses, villas, private islands and more to enjoy in the virtual world.
9. Arianee
Founded in 2017, Arianee is an NFT platform with a focus on the luxury and fashion industry. The company offers the open source Arianee protocol for brands to add digital value to their physical products. Through the NFTs, customers can enjoy a number of phygital experiences. So far, the company has collaborated with several global brands, including Breitling, Vacheron Constantin and Richemont. In May this year, the firm also raised €20 million in a Series A round.
10. Autograph
Autograph is an NFT platform that brings together some of the world’s leading brands and iconic figures in sports, entertainment and culture. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles and was co-founded by football star Tom Brady. Already, the platform has offered NFTs from sports legends such as Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, Wayne Gretzkyand Tiger forest. It recently launched Signature Experiences that offer access to VIP events, exclusive merchandise, curated forums and more.
11. Hurt
Founded in 2018, Hurt is a fantasy football game where players can buy, sell, trade and manage a virtual team using NFT player cards. Using the Ethereum-based digital cards, users can create a team of five players to participate in virtual tournaments. Also, users can earn weekly rewards in ETH and/or rare cards. As of now, the game has more than 280 officially licensed football clubs.
12. Kraken
Kraken is one of the largest and oldest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. Founded in 2011, it is one of the leading platforms for buying, selling and trading crypto. The company’s mission is to accelerate crypto adoption to facilitate financial freedom for everyone in the world. Currently, it has more than 8 million traders, institutions and authorities. Moreover, it supports over 185 cryptocurrencies.
13. Ripple
Based in San Francisco, Ripple is a leading provider of crypto solutions for businesses. It was founded in 2012 by Chris Larsen and Jed McCaleb. Using crypto and blockchain technology, Ripple offers faster, more transparent and cost-effective solutions than traditional financial services. Using their solutions, customers can mine crypto, enable instant payments, strengthen their coffers, reduce capital requirements and much more.
14. Crypto.com
Founded in 2016, Singapore-based Crypto.com claims to be the world’s fastest growing crypto app. While originally called Monaco, the Web3 company was rebranded as Crypto.com in 2018. Currently, the platform has over 50 million users who buy and sell more than 250 cryptocurrencies. Additionally, it supports purchases in over 20 fiat currencies using bank transfers as well as credit/debit cards.
15. Alchemy
Last on the list of best Web3 companies is Alchemy, a Web3 developer platform that enables enterprises to build scalable decentralized applications. In fact, Alchemy operates some of the major NFT platforms and marketplaces. Top Web3 projects such as Cryptokitties, OpenSea, Ledger, Kyber and others use the company’s products to support their infrastructure.
Advantages of working in Web3
Naturally, with the growth of Web3 companies, there is an increasing demand for Web3 talent. In addition, there are a number of benefits to working in the sector. For example, most Web3 jobs offer remote work opportunities, so you can work from home. What’s more, Web3 provides something for almost everyone. Whether you are in design, development, content creation, social media or community management, there are many opportunities in the industry.
Additionally, most Web3 jobs offer higher compensation compared to Web2 jobs. You will also get to be part of exclusive communities and DAOs. A chance to attend Web3 events and conferences worldwide, as well as the opportunity to receive NFT airdrops are some of the other benefits of working in this industry.
If any of the above Web3 companies interest you, be sure to check their websites for job vacancies. We also have a guide that covers everything how to find a job in Web3.
