Ishan Pandey: Hi Raghav J, it's a pleasure to welcome you to our 'Behind the Startup' series.Can you share the journey that led to the creation of Hydro Online?

Raghav Reggie Jerath: Hi Ishan, thank you for having me. Hydro is a problem ive been trying to solve for the last 6 years, - provide the internet another way of making money. My aim was to create a solution that not only provided a better user experience but also leveraged the potential of blockchain technology. After many iterations and moving away from initial concepts like Proof of Work due to environmental concerns, we developed Hydro Online. Our focus has always been on creating a seamless, eco-friendly, and efficient way for publishers to monetize their content while providing value to their users.

Ishan Pandey: How does Hydro Online ensure user data privacy while generating revenue for publishers?

Raghav Reggie Jerath: We designed our platform to operate without intrusive ads, which inherently reduces the amount of data we need to collect. The data we do handle is anonymized and securely stored, ensuring that no personally identifiable information is ever compromised. Additionally, our system leverages blockchain technology to provide transparency and security, giving users and publishers peace of mind that their data is handled with the utmost care.

Ishan Pandey: Can you explain how Hydro integrates Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePin) in its platform?

Raghav Reggie Jerath: Integrating DePin into Hydro was a natural step for us. Essentially, DePin refers to decentralized physical infrastructure networks, which allow us to fractionalize validators from various Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks. By pooling funds from our publishers, we can invest in these nodes and generate yield, which powers our ecosystem. This setup not only diversifies our revenue streams but also strengthens the decentralization and security of the networks we operate on. It's about leveraging the infrastructure to create a robust, scalable, and efficient system for all users involved.

Ishan Pandey: How does Hydro balance between providing a smooth user experience and maximizing revenue?

Raghav Reggie Jerath: The balance between user experience and revenue generation is at the core of Hydro's design. We eliminate the need for intrusive ads, which enhances the user experience significantly. Instead, our monetization model is based on the time users spend engaging with content. This approach ensures that users can enjoy content without disruption, while publishers still earn revenue based on genuine engagement. Our loyalty programs further enhance user retention and satisfaction by sharing a portion of the revenue with them, creating a win-win scenario for both publishers and users.

Ishan Pandey: What are your thoughts on current regulations affecting the digital monetization space?

Raghav Reggie Jerath: The regulatory landscape for digital monetization is evolving rapidly. While regulations can be challenging, they are essential for ensuring fair play and protecting users. At Hydro, we proactively stay abreast of regulatory changes and adapt our platform accordingly. We prioritize compliance and transparency to build trust with our users and partners. Our aim is to operate within the bounds of the law while pushing the envelope on innovation and user privacy.

Ishan Pandey: What are your plans for expanding Hydro’s reach and user base?

Raghav Reggie Jerath: Expanding Hydro's reach involves a multi-faceted approach. On the web2 front, we're focusing on traditional marketing channels, media buying, and video content to attract a broader audience. For web3, we're leveraging social media, influencer partnerships, and community engagement. Our roadmap includes adding more Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks to our platform, enhancing our product offerings, and scaling our operations to support a growing user base. We're committed to making Hydro a household name in the digital monetization space.

Ishan Pandey: What trends and developments do you anticipate in the crypto and blockchain space, and according to you what should be done to  accelerate their adoption in digital marketing and across other sectors?

Raghav Reggie Jerath: The crypto and blockchain space is poised for tremendous growth. I see a significant shift towards more sustainable and user-friendly blockchain solutions, interoperability between different blockchain networks, and the rise of DeFi applications. To accelerate adoption in digital marketing and other sectors, education and awareness are key. We need to demystify blockchain technology and showcase its real-world applications. Simplifying user interfaces, ensuring regulatory compliance, and highlighting the tangible benefits of blockchain can drive broader acceptance and integration across various industries.

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Vested Interest Disclosure: This author is an independent contributor publishing via our business blogging program. HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR.