On today's episode of Empire, Stani Kulechov - founder of Aave and Lens Protocol - joins Jason and Santiago to discuss the future of Web3 social. Stani explains how Lens Protocol will be the substrate Web3 social developers leverage to build and bootstrap their apps. Lens Protocol's modular architecture and open-data structure will enable mass experimentation, micro-communities and social composability: leading to differentiated and user-focused products. We then explore the benefits of a user-owned social graph, monetization strategies and how identity/social credit will be the next big unlock in Web3. Tune in to explore this new medium for social! - -  Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Santi: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel Follow Stani: https://twitter.com/StaniKulechov Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7 Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw - - BitMEX is back and better than ever. Sign up for BitmEX's new Spot Exchange for a chance to win a piece of $500,000 in BTC (new users). Learn more about them at https://www.bitmex.com/ -- Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:03) Why Stani Was Kicked Off Twitter (04:45) Can Twitter Decentralize? (12:36) Social Media In Crypto (22:13) What Problem Is Lens Protocol Solving? (25:40) Building Moats In Social Media (28:14) Bitmex Ad (29:30) Building Moats In Social Media (34:36) Comparisons Between Web 2.0 & Web 3.0 Social Media (40:28) How Does Web 3.0 Social Media Monetize? (51:56) Negatives of Social Media On A Blockchain (53:40) Could Lens Be Bigger Than Aave? (59:23) The Lens Protocol Stack -- Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.