Despite its vast size, the Internet still relies heavily on centralized services run by intermediaries, many of which are large technology monoliths such as Facebook, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. However, the early days of the Internet promised a decentralized model in which computers communicated directly with each other. uplink is on a mission to create a decentralized ecosystem for internet access. The company seeks to connect existing and new infrastructure to create a comprehensive network of devices and hardware that will be the foundation of a decentralized internet controlled by many companies rather than a few large ones. . The provider of the internet infrastructure that powers the network will be able to earn revenue from his Web3 network powered by tokens based on usage. This incentive structure will result in more providers offering decentralized internet access to more users.
alley watch We spoke to Uplink’s CEO Carlos Rey Santos To learn more about the business, the company’s strategic plans, recent funding rounds, and more…
Who are your investors and how much did you raise?
We raised $10 million in Series A. framework ventures.Leading investors in our round also include: Block Change Ventures, Outlier Ventures, Stratos, MSM Fund (mustard seed maze), NxGenamong others.
What products or services does UpLink offer?
Uplink provides a decentralized ecosystem for high-quality internet access.
What inspired you to start UpLink?
The founders and team started working on Uplink to upgrade connectivity. First through mesh networks, then through SDKs, and then finally decentralized connectivity, a decentralized ecosystem built first by teams and communities that connects all existing and new internet infrastructure. He led the team towards building the .
How are uplinks different?
Our company is dedicated to building tools and solutions to real-world problems. After working in the connectivity space for some time, the founders realized that the problem wasn’t the devices themselves, but the way they were connected. After all, we are not a product, but an ecosystem built to upgrade connectivity. It is this connection that keeps people connected to new opportunities, the world, and each other. Our mission is important and we continue to support this mission and the ecosystem we have built over the years and today.
What market does UpLink target and how big is it?
Our market is providers or consumers who require strong network connectivity. So you can imagine how big it is. The partners we’re talking about now are top 500 companies that are paving the way to global connectivity. We will also soon be launching a program for our community to link their devices to their first network. We will be sharing more information about these programs and partnerships with our community on the Uplink Discord server soon.
What is your business model?
We are essentially a decentralized marketplace for internet connectivity. With the launch of the decentralized network’s testnet and mainnet, there will be a dual economy tier for both credits on the platform and $ULX tokens that reward ecosystem usage and contributions within the network.
How are you preparing for a potential economic slowdown?
We bring value to the ecosystem no matter what. At the end of the day, we’re focused on driving real traction and connectivity within the ecosystem. We are here to provide quality service to our customers, democratize access within this ecosystem, and enable early adopters and a community that supports us along the way.
What was the funding process like?
Our funding process was relatively easy. We’ve been focused on building real products, delivering real solutions, and fostering ongoing relationships with key partners in both the Web2 and Web3 space. Nothing will change in the future. We prioritize the relationships and partnerships we build now and as we grow, and continue to deliver real solutions and tools.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while raising money?
I think this is an issue for everyone raising money today, and it’s about choosing the right partners and strategies that align with the projected growth and the company’s mission. However, we believe we have our priorities clear in this regard and can’t wait to share what’s next for Uplink.
I think this is an issue for everyone raising money today, and it’s about choosing the right partners and strategies that align with the projected growth and the company’s mission. However, we believe we have our priorities clear in this regard and can’t wait to share what’s next for Uplink.
What factors about your business led investors to write a check?
We’re building real solutions and tools to the problems they face and will continue to face. It’s that simple.
What milestones do you plan to achieve in the next six months?
Our next milestone will be big. Our community will be the first to know about a partnership that has been in the works for a long time and is already (soon) being rolled out. We are also working in earnest to develop the ecosystem and community that will lead to the activation of our tokens onto our decentralized network in the coming months. I can’t reveal too much, but there’s a lot happening on a technology, partnership, and ecosystem level that I’m excited to share with the community. The next six months, as well as the next two-plus years, will be critical for everyone involved in the uplink ecosystem. These are exciting times for Uplink.
What advice can you give to New York companies that are not injecting new capital into their banks?
My advice is to start small, solve real problems, and be honest when building investor relationships and community.
What direction do you see the company heading in the short term?
We are currently focused on our community and working to further engage them in our ecosystem, future partnerships, and unique services. We want to give you early access to everything that’s coming.
What is your favorite restaurant in the city?
If you haven’t tried it yet, I recommend Sushi by M.