Mastering the World of Web3 Business: The Top 5 Books You Need
Web3 is shaping up to be the next big thing in technology and business. As a business leader, you need to understand the implications of decentralized networks, blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and the metaverse. The best way to wrap your head around these complex topics is to read the latest books from thought leaders in the space.
I’ve compiled this list of the top 5 Web3 business books based on popularity, critical reception, and how useful they are for understanding this emerging landscape. Let’s dive in!
The Business Blockchain: Promise, Practice, and Application of the Next Internet Technology on Audible
Written by Alex and Don Tapscott, this 2017 book provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology and its business applications. The authors do an excellent job breaking down the technical details into digestible concepts. Key topics covered include smart contracts, decentralized apps, governance, and case studies of early blockchain successes.
A real strength of the book is the glimpse into the future it provides. The Tapscotts predicted many of the blockchain trends we see unfolding today. Any leader looking to capitalize on Web3 would benefit from understanding the promise and potential pitfalls described in this prescient work.
Out of the Ether: The Amazing Story of Ethereum and the $55 Million Heist that Almost Destroyed It All on Audible
What list of Web3 books would be complete without covering Ethereum? Written by tech reporter Matthew Leising, this 2022 book chronicles the origins and growth of the Ethereum network. It provides great insight into Vitalik Buterin’s vision and the massive community effort required to build a decentralized world computer.
A real page-turner, Out of the Ether describes Ethereum’s early challenges, from the DAO hack to scaling issues. The drama surrounding Ethereum’s turbulent rise helps explain why it is now a dominant force in Web3. The battles outlined in this book also shed light on why decentralization is so difficult to achieve at scale.
Virtual Society: The Metaverse and the New Frontiers of Human on Audible
“A fascinating, provocative case that the metaverse will not merely transform our virtual experience—it may actually enrich the quality of our lives” (Adam Grant)—from the visionary co-founder of one of today’s most innovative technology companies
“This important book offers a highly persuasive argument that the metaverse, a new kind of virtual world, marks a profound next stage in this long human quest for fulfillment through creation.”—Chris Anderson, head of TED’
The Cryptopians: Idealism, Greed, Lies, and the Making of the First Big Cryptocurrency Craze on Audible
Laura Shin’s 2022 book offers a sobering counterpoint to the Web3 hype. She documents how idealistic visions of the blockchain revolution became overshadowed by greed, fraud, and exaggeration. Shin exposes the predatory behavior and scams that emerged alongside early cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
While cynical at times, The Cryptopians provides an important reality check for business leaders intrigued by Web3. The book warns against falling prey to the rampant speculation endemic to this space. Understanding past crypto manias described by Shin will help leaders adopt blockchain thoughtfully rather than blindly chasing the next big thing.
The Infinite Machine: How an Army of Crypto-hackers Is Building the Next Internet with Ethereum on Audible
Written by tech reporter Camila Russo, this 2020 book is the definitive telling of Ethereum’s creation and the crypto community surrounding it. Russo gained unparalleled access to Vitalik Buterin and other prominent figures to reveal the highs and lows of building a decentralized protocol.
The Infinite Machine is a must-read for anyone operating in the Web3 space. It’s an inspirational story of the power of an ambitious vision paired with online collaboration. Russo provides an insider’s perspective on the human relationships and passions fueling Ethereum’s path to becoming a global phenomenon.
The Bottom Line
New technologies can be daunting, but these authors break down Web3 in terms anyone can understand. Each book provides unique insights that will help business leaders navigate decentralized networks, crypto assets, and virtual worlds. Armed with knowledge from these indispensable reads, your organization can harness the potential of Web3 to provide value to customers in new ways.
