The Web3 revolution is reshaping industries and creating new business models with long-term potential. This article presents insights from experts on innovative applications of blockchain technology across various sectors. From transforming real estate transactions to empowering content creators, these emerging models are set to redefine how we interact with digital and physical assets.
- Blockchain Revolutionizes Real Estate Transactions
- Decentralized Data Marketplaces Empower Users
- Smart Contracts Transform Ticketing Industry
- NFTs Create Engaged Tokenized Membership Communities
- Decentralized Platforms Reshape Music Industry
- DePIN Models Incentivize Physical Infrastructure Development
- DAOs Democratize Investment Opportunities
- EigenLayer Transforms Trust into Rentable Asset
- Percentage-Based Fees Align with Web3 Ethos
- AI-Powered Platforms Empower Digital Art Creators
- Community-Curated Marketplaces Foster User Ownership
- Blockchain Enhances Supply Chain Transparency
- Decentralized Platforms Empower Content Creators
Blockchain Revolutionizes Real Estate Transactions
A Web3 business model I believe has strong long-term potential is charging a percentage per on-chain transaction, especially in decentralized infrastructure or middleware protocols.
One standout example is a client I advised who built a compliance layer for DeFi protocols. Instead of a flat subscription, they charge a 0.25% fee per verified transaction. This aligns perfectly with Web3’s pay-as-you-go ethos and scales with adoption rather than requiring upfront commitment. It also lowers the barrier for smaller protocols while unlocking significant upside as volume grows.
What makes this model powerful is that it’s aligned with user success—the more transactions processed, the more value created for both sides. It’s predictable, scalable, and resilient in market cycles, making it a smart long-term play in the Web3 space.
Web3 SEO Agency Founder, VictoriaOlsina(dot)com
Decentralized Data Marketplaces Empower Users
The first time I tried launching a project on a Layer 2, I encountered a significant obstacle: security. Building a token incentive system solely to bootstrap validator trust felt like reinventing the wheel—and wasting money. That’s why EigenLayer caught my attention early on. It solves precisely that problem.
EigenLayer’s model allows Ethereum validators to “restake” their already-bonded ETH and lease that trust to new services—such as rollups, oracle networks, or zero-knowledge proof layers (called AVSs). In cloud terms, it’s analogous to AWS turning idle server capacity into rentable EC2 instances. EigenLayer does that for economic security.
Why this model stands out long-term:
- It reduces startup costs. Builders can avoid launching a native token or bootstrapping their own validator set. They inherit battle-tested Ethereum-level security, which makes it easier to focus on product, not protocol politics.
- It creates a programmable trust marketplace. A high-throughput AVS might pay more for strict guarantees, while an experimental app pays less for looser slashing terms. This flexibility is significant—I’ve seen teams delay launches for months trying to hard-code trust assumptions. EigenLayer allows you to price that in dynamically.
- It builds network effects. More restakers – cheaper security – more AVSs join – better yields for restakers. It’s a flywheel I’ve only observed with the strongest crypto protocols—and it’s already spinning, with billions in TVL and a growing stack of services layering on top.
If you’re building or backing infrastructure in Web3, consider how EigenLayer enables shared security without reinventing it. It transforms trust into a modular, rentable asset—something developers can now plug in like an API.
EigenLayer isn’t just a staking extension—it’s a new market primitive. It provides startups with security-as-a-service and gives stakers new yield pathways. If Ethereum is the base layer, EigenLayer may become the trust router for the next generation of decentralized applications.
Ahmed Yousuf
Financial Author & SEO Expert Manager, CoinTime
Smart Contracts Transform Ticketing Industry
One Web3 business model with particularly strong long-term potential is the decentralized autonomous organization (DAO)-based investment platform.
DAOs leverage blockchain technology to create democratic, transparent, and decentralized investment vehicles. Unlike traditional venture capital firms or investment funds, DAO-based platforms allow anyone holding governance tokens to participate actively in investment decisions, proposals, and fund allocations. This inclusivity broadens the investor base, democratizing access to financial opportunities that have historically been reserved for accredited investors or institutional players.
A prime example of this model in action is platforms such as Syndicate or DAO Maker. These organizations use governance tokens to manage decision-making processes, where token holders vote on investment opportunities, treasury allocations, and project proposals. Token holders are incentivized not only by potential financial returns but also by direct involvement in strategic decisions, fostering community loyalty and engagement.
What makes this model particularly compelling is its alignment of incentives among investors, operators, and project creators. Token holders benefit directly from the platform’s growth and success through token appreciation and dividend-like returns, depending on the structure. Additionally, the transparency provided by blockchain technology significantly reduces the risk of fraud or mismanagement.
Moreover, the decentralized nature ensures resilience and adaptability—critical traits for long-term viability. With no central authority, DAOs can swiftly adapt to market changes, leveraging collective wisdom and community-driven innovation. The flexibility and openness of DAO-based models allow rapid scaling and iteration, attracting diverse stakeholders who bring unique expertise and perspectives.
In conclusion, DAO-based investment platforms stand out due to their democratic governance, transparent operations, broad investor inclusivity, aligned incentives, and adaptability, making them exceptionally suited for sustained growth in the evolving landscape of Web3.
Alessandro Malzanini
CEO, Cathedral
NFTs Create Engaged Tokenized Membership Communities
One Web3 business model I believe has serious long-term potential is the Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) structured around community-curated marketplaces. Think of platforms where creators, developers, and curators collaborate to build and govern ecosystems without a centralized middleman.
Here’s what makes this model powerful: it gives ownership and decision-making power directly to the users who add value. Instead of a top-down hierarchy, DAOs use token-based governance, so the more involved you are in the ecosystem, the more influence you have. This aligns incentives in a way that traditional business models often fail to do.
A standout example is a DAO-led NFT marketplace where artists and collectors vote on platform changes, royalties, and featured content. It creates a truly participatory experience; users aren’t just customers, they’re stakeholders. Over time, this builds a loyal community and a product that evolves with the actual needs of its users, not what a boardroom thinks they need.
From a Web design and SEO perspective, DAOs are exciting because they demand new approaches. You’re designing for transparency, community input, and token-based interactions, all while optimizing for decentralized search engines and new browsing environments like Web3 wallets and dApps. That requires a deep shift in how we think about user flows, content strategy, and engagement.
As someone who’s built digital platforms from the ground up, I see DAOs as the beginning of a broader shift, where community and technology merge to shape how businesses operate, grow, and sustain themselves online.
CEO, Digitech Web Design
Decentralized Platforms Reshape Music Industry
I’ve worked extensively with Web3 designs, and one promising Web3 business model I’ve encountered is the Mahojin platform. This platform innovatively combines AI image generation with revenue-sharing models, allowing creators to earn from AI-generated artworks. It leverages a unique remix feature, enhancing user engagement by allowing creators to use existing images as style guides.
The Mahojin model stands out for its potential to empower users by offering a significant revenue stream alongside AI art creation. It appeals to both AI and Web3 enthusiasts who are looking to monetize their digital art. Through my work with Mahojin, I focused on formulating a graphic-heavy yet intuitive design, which helped them engage investors crucial for their initial funding round.
Our work for Mahojin included developing a complex 3D motion graphic inspired by Japanese anime, which became a core visual element linking the platform’s futuristic offering to a strong cultural reference. By integrating this visual language into the Webflow-developed website, it not only attracted potential investors but also positioned Mahojin distinctively within the competitive landscape of AI-driven platforms.
Divyansh Agarwal
Founder, Webyansh
DePIN Models Incentivize Physical Infrastructure Development
One Web3 model with real staying power is decentralized creator platforms—think Patreon meets smart contracts. Instead of relying on middlemen to take a cut, creators get paid directly by their audience, with tokens or NFTs baked into the value exchange. It’s sticky because it aligns incentives: fans become stakeholders, not just followers. It also gives creators ownership and control over their content and revenue. In a world fed up with algorithm drama and platform dependency, that kind of freedom is going to matter more and more.
Justin Belmont
Founder & CEO, Prose
DAOs Democratize Investment Opportunities
One Web3 model I see with strong long-term potential is decentralized data marketplaces. These platforms let individuals and organizations securely share or sell their data using blockchain technology, without relying on big intermediaries like Google or Meta. Users maintain ownership and can decide who accesses their data, how it’s used, and what they get in return—often in the form of tokens. It flips the typical data model on its head, where value flows to the user instead of being extracted from them quietly.
What makes this model stand out is how it addresses a growing mistrust around data privacy while unlocking value from underutilized data sources. Instead of data sitting in silos or being sold without consent, it becomes a SHARED ASSET with CLEAR RULES AND BENEFITS. I’ve seen early versions of this in sectors like mobility and genomics, and while still small, they offer a radically different approach to data rights.
Of course, adoption depends on solving real UX issues—but once integrations and trust layers improve, this model offers something both individuals and enterprises increasingly care about: control, transparency, and mutual value.
Matt Bowman
Founder, Thrive Local
EigenLayer Transforms Trust into Rentable Asset
One Web3 business model with strong long-term potential is smart contract-based ticketing platforms. We’ve seen firsthand how the use of blockchain and smart contracts can address long-standing issues in the ticketing industry—like fraud, lack of transparency, and resale abuse. With smart contracts, rules about ticket resales, royalties, and transfers can be built into the code itself, eliminating the need for intermediaries and creating a trustless system between event organizers and attendees.
What makes this model stand out is its ability to automate compliance and enforce rules without ongoing manual oversight. For example, revenue shares can be distributed automatically every time a ticket is resold, or caps on resale prices can be enforced transparently. As the Web3 ecosystem matures and more users become comfortable with digital wallets, this model has the potential to redefine how we buy, sell, and experience events—while giving creators and fans more control over the process.
Sergiy Fitsak
Managing Director, Fintech Expert, Softjourn
Percentage-Based Fees Align with Web3 Ethos
One Web3 business model I think will stand the test of time is tokenized membership platforms. I’ve watched creators and startups use NFTs not simply to create collectibles, but to also serve as access passes—granting holders true utility in the form of gated content, exclusive events, early access to product drops, and even voting rights on product decisions. What distinguishes this model is the transition from passive audiences to active communities with ownership. It builds in loyalty and aligns incentives—you’re not simply purchasing access, you’re investing in the ecosystem. That kind of engagement has staying power—it is motivated by value, not hype.
Nathan Barz
Financial Advisor, Management Expert, Founder and CEO, DocVA
AI-Powered Platforms Empower Digital Art Creators
One Web3 business model with strong long-term potential is decentralized content creation and distribution, particularly platforms like Audius, a music streaming service that empowers artists to control their content and monetization using NFTs and blockchain technology.
What sets this model apart is that it eliminates intermediaries like record labels, allowing artists to directly mint and sell their music as NFTs, giving them full control over distribution and revenue. Fans can also engage more deeply by supporting artists through token staking or gaining early access to content.
The use of DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) for governance also makes Audius unique. Token holders, including artists and fans, have a say in platform decisions, promoting transparency and community ownership. This creates a more sustainable ecosystem that’s less dependent on centralized control and can adapt more easily over time.
As Web3 grows, models like this will likely thrive by aligning creator and user incentives, offering long-term value in a decentralized, community-driven environment.
SEO Consultant, The SEO Consultant Agency
Community-Curated Marketplaces Foster User Ownership
I see Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) as one of the most promising sustainable Web3 models. These networks use tokenomics to incentivize people to build and maintain physical infrastructure—think Helium Network allowing individuals to deploy WiFi hotspots and earn tokens based on usage.
What makes DePIN models stand out is their ability to solve real-world problems while creating genuine value beyond speculation. In my work scaling a $40M ARR SaaS company, we found that the most sustainable business models connected digital innovation with tangible utility.
The tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) similarly shows massive potential. We’ve observed how fractional ownership models enable broader participation in previously inaccessible markets. The transparency of blockchain combined with smart contracts creates efficiency for transactions that traditionally required extensive intermediaries.
The key differentiator for successful Web3 models is focusing on solving actual pain points rather than technology for technology’s sake. When implementing analytics solutions for tech marketplaces, I consistently found that businesses built around genuine market needs survive market fluctuations, while those built on hype inevitably collapse.
Ryan T. Murphy
Sales Operations Manager, Upfront Operations
Blockchain Enhances Supply Chain Transparency
When considering Web3 business models with long-term potential, I see tremendous value in integrating blockchain technology for supply chain transparency in e-commerce, particularly sustainable e-commerce. Our focus has been on ethical and sustainable practices, and blockchain can improve this by providing a transparent, immutable record of a product’s journey from production to delivery. This not only builds trust with consumers but also ensures compliance with sustainability pledges we’ve asked suppliers to sign.
Another intriguing Web3 opportunity lies in the creation of decentralized marketplaces for surplus inventory. In the e-commerce space, unsold inventory often results in significant waste. A blockchain-based marketplace could allow businesses to list excess products, ensuring they are sold to consumers at a discount or reused in other ways. This addresses sustainability issues while creating a secondary revenue stream, echoing our commitment to reducing landfill waste and making products that last.
Ben Read
CEO, Mercha
Decentralized Platforms Empower Content Creators
One Web3 business model with strong long-term potential is the integration of blockchain technology in real estate transactions. This approach can streamline processes by utilizing smart contracts, which automate agreements and reduce the need for intermediaries like brokers and lawyers. I’ve seen similar technological strategies turn outdated systems into efficient, lead-generating tools in e-commerce, which solidifies my confidence in their success in real estate.
Real estate companies can improve transparency and trust through blockchain, ensuring secure, immutable records of property transactions. This is similar to managing online reputations, where trust is built through verified reviews and experiences, leading to increased conversion rates. The industry can benefit from a reputation akin to businesses we’ve boosted through strategic reputation marketing, where credibility leads to more opportunities.
Furthermore, blockchain’s potential to fractionalize property ownership can open up real estate to smaller investors. This is comparable to how custom CMS solutions in my past projects allowed for improved user engagement by providing custom content and experiences. By democratizing access to real estate investments, you can attract a wider audience, much like how personalized marketing strategies attract specific customer demographics.
Rob Gundermann
Owner, Premier Marketing Group
