Ecosystem Lead

Web3 has created a new era of decentralised finance, democratising financial access. However, it has fallen short in generating mass consumer applications and remains largely centred around finance. We believe blockchain technology is a cornerstone for the future of new, open Internet applications.

Today, there are limits to what you can build on-chain. Many factors constrain this, from the cost of running applications to the fundamental performance limitations of existing blockchains. We believe that new technologies can unlock a new class of real-time applications that normally must be built on Web2 foundations. Enabling these systems to be built on-chain will allow the free movement of businesses and users between online platforms, creating what we call a true virtual society.

We are building Somnia, a fast and cost-effective EVM-based blockchain, to achieve this. Somnia is a layer-one blockchain with full EVM compatibility, capable of processing over 400,000 transactions per second with sub-second latency and low fees. This will unlock a new wave of on-chain applications. Initially, we are focusing on gaming, metaverse, and social experiences. But we are not even 100% certain of what can be built with the technology we are creating.

Somnia is being developed by Virtual Society Foundation, an independent organisation initiated by Improbable, a British start-up that has been at the forefront of building virtual worlds for over a decade. VSF received initial funding from MSquared, which raised $150 million in funding from a16z crypto, SoftBank, Mirana Ventures, CMT Digital, and SIG.

Your Mission

As the Head of Ecosystem at the Virtual Society Foundation, you will oversee the development and sustainability of the Somnia ecosystem. You will establish strong relationships with developers, partners, and stakeholders to build and expand the projects and businesses within the network. Your role is crucial in ensuring the success of projects in our ecosystem and that the ecosystem remains open, functional, and accessible.

TLDR - make projects in the Somnia successful and ensure it’s a great place to be

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a comprehensive strategic roadmap for the ecosystem, working closely with engineering, marketing and community teams. 

• Identify key players (developers, creators, businesses) within web3 and develop strategies to integrate them into a cohesive and functional ecosystem.

• Champion the creation of new digital assets, experiences, and business models within the metaverse that contribute to the overall growth of the ecosystem.

• Understand the needs and challenges of the ecosystem’s participants and work to provide technological, economic, and social solutions that encourage participation and growth.

• Measure and analyse the performance of the Somnia ecosystem, using data to inform strategic decision-making on a periodic basis.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategies to engage and nurture the ecosystem.

• Drive the organic expansion of the ecosystem through relationship building, tapping into developer communities, and online engagement.

• Lead the ecosystem’s grants program, including researching on best practices, designing and implementing strategies to drive retention, and contributor activation.

• Build and nurture the Ecosystem culture and community.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in ecosystem development in the web3 industry, preferably working with blockchain and gaming/metaverse projects.

• Demonstrable experience in developing large-scale ecosystems, especially in fast-paced and ever-changing environments.

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with experience in managing cross-functional teams and working with external partners.

• Entrepreneurial mindset, able to identify and act on new opportunities with minimal direction.

• Strong understanding of developer communities, including their needs, challenges, and motivators.

• Experience in managing grant programs or similar initiatives.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• Strategic thinker with a passion for community and culture building and nurturing.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in the metaverse, gaming, or virtual worlds.