Crypto Interviews
May 2023
The world of digital collectibles has rapidly evolved in recent years, ushering in a new era for fans of everything from sports to Pokemon. At the heart of this transformation is Sal C., a visionary bringing together the world of real-world collectibles with the digital frontier through his project, Tenamint. Sal shared his inspiring journey and vision for Tenamint during a recent conversation with Russel Ballard at Near House by Supermoon.
Growing up, Sal was a dedicated collector of Pokemon cards and hockey cards. As an adult, his passion for the hobby reignited just as the emergence of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) was beginning to reshape the digital landscape. The marriage of these two worlds led Sal to establish Tenamint, a two-way marketplace designed to create a seamless digital experience for collectors.
With Tenamint, collectors are no longer limited to tangible cards, which are often geographically bound and can be inconvenient to carry. Through the power of blockchain technology, these beloved assets can become borderless and accessible to anyone, anywhere. This approach not only democratizes the hobby but also modernizes it, adapting it to the needs and possibilities of the digital age.
When asked why he chose blockchain for this endeavor, Sal emphasized the ability of the technology to make the hobby universally accessible. While 95% of cards are in the States, fans of various sports are worldwide. Blockchain enables a fan in Argentina, for example, to invest in a card of their favorite athlete in a way that simply wasn't possible before. And, with the integration of blockchain, even the most expensive cards become attainable at fractional price points.
As for his choice to build on the Near blockchain, Sal expressed a deep admiration for its user-friendly experience. From the outset, he was captivated by Near's browser-based wallet, which he found to be a frictionless experience, particularly for those who may be less familiar with cryptocurrencies.
The road to establishing Tenamint has not been without its challenges, though. Sal recounted experiences with rebranding, name changes, and navigating the rapid pace of the Web3 space, where every day feels like a month and every month like a year. But the trials and tribulations have only made the journey all the more exciting and fulfilling for Sal.
As we look to the future, Sal remains deeply optimistic about the transformative potential of blockchain technology and the role of projects like Tenamint in shaping that future. In his words, "The future is near. We're really excited for what the future holds for not just Tenamint, not just Near but the Web3 space all together."
Join Sal and the Tenamint community as they continue to shape the exciting world of digital collectible cards. The future is, indeed, near, and the opportunities for innovation are limitless. Stay tuned to Near House by Supermoon for more fascinating conversations with leading figures in the world of blockchain and beyond.