Culture Tech is an emerging movement redefining the  relationship between consumers of culture and creators of culture.

New Orleans has a unique opportunity to lead this global conversation, especially where Web3 is advancing a more decentralized and democratic internet. 

The Idea Village is committed to growing the local #WEB3 & #CULTURETECH ecosystem. 

Sign-up for The Idea Village’s newsletter to stay updated on ways  to get involved as a founder, partner, sponsor, or enthusiast and be part of New Orleans’ growing #WEB3 and #CULTURETECH community.

#WEB3 48 HOUR LAUNCH

To create a strong pipeline of Web3 companies, cultivate New Orleans-based Culture Tech entrepreneurs, and encourage the ideation of new Web3-enabled products and businesses, The Idea Village hosted the first #WEB3 48 Hour Launch on September 9th - 11th, 2022.

The #WEB3 48 Hour Launch was an intensive weekend where individuals joined cross-functional teams and worked under the clock to develop viable #WEB3 enabled products or businesses. From September 9th - 11th 2022, teams convened, market tested, validated their idea, and then presented their findings to an audience of key stakeholders in the New Orleans’ entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The weekend began on a Friday evening with a networking dinner for participants to meet each other and share initial #WEB3 product or business ideas. On that same evening, participants who have a Web3 idea to develop throughout the weekend had the opportunity to pitch it to the other participants. Teams of 3-5 individuals were then formed out of the top Web3 ideas.

On Saturday, teams worked throughout the day to validate their ideas by creating and executing a simple market test, and work through an initial business model canvas or product development benchmarks. By conducting third-party research or direct customer interviews, teams looked to validate their ideas with original data before then using tools, like the Business Model Canvas and the Lean Startup Canvas, to guide their ideas towards a more fleshed out business model. After each team crafted their business model, they began crafting the story and identity of their business that they then pitched at the Web3 Pitch competition the next day. Each team received access to mentors and coaches from The Idea Village's specialized mentor network to assist in their thinking and pitch design.

Sunday was the final day for teams to refine their proposed business structure and develop the storytelling to “pitch” their idea to a community of peers in the #WEB3 space. Teams designed their pitch deck and had sessions with a pitch coaches to receive feedback on their presentation that they then incorporated in the competition. As the event culmination, each team pitched their Web3-enabled business ideas to a panel of judges comprised of founders, advisors, investors, and Web3 specialists, all in front of a live audience where one team will walked away as the #WEB3 48 Hour Launch pitch competition winners, with a curated prize that supports them in continuing to grow their #WEB3 idea into a competitive business.

Why #WEB3?

Web3 holds the promise to be the next iteration of the internet. It’s enabled by blockchain technology, which allows for the development of digital applications that are based on decentralized ownership of web-based platforms. In short, online users will be able to benefit from the value they create, which has huge implications for global industries and the cultural economy in particular - from entertainers and designers to culinary artists, literary artists, visual artists, and more. New Orleans’ vibrant creative community and thriving startup ecosystem make it a perfect laboratory for developing Web3 businesses that support digital cultural innovation, alongside other sectors that are using technology to democratize systems and expand broad wealth creation.