Jeff Ren Moderates APAC Web3 Investment Conversation
OKX Ventures, a leading investor in the Web3 space, has been helping steer the conversation around where and how capital can best support growth in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. At a recent Aptos-focused event, Partner Jeff Ren moderated a panel on “APAC’s Investment Potential & Key Drivers for Adoption,” bringing builders, operators, and investors together to unpack what’s working, what’s missing, and what comes next for the region’s Web3 ecosystem.
Highlights from the Aptos Community Gathering
The panel featured Mo Shaik, CEO and Co?Founder of Aptos Labs, James Zhang, Founder of Jambo, and Vincent Park, Head of Investment at IRONGREY. Each brought a distinct view—from protocol development to consumer access to capital deployment—offering a grounded look at how Web3 in APAC is evolving and where the momentum is building.
Why Infrastructure Comes First
A consistent theme: applications only flourish when the base layer is solid. The panel underscored the need for resilient, high?performance blockchain infrastructure to support the next wave of products and services. Aptos, which has gained attention in the broader blockchain conversation, was cited as a strong example of the kind of platform that can shoulder real usage and give developers the tools they need.
Lowering the Barriers to Web3
Accessibility isn’t just a talking point—it’s a constraint. Jambo’s plan to roll out a $99 Web3 phone aims squarely at that problem. By making the device affordable and shipping it with Web3 apps already installed, Jambo is helping users move from Web2 habits to Web3 experiences without friction. More people with the right hardware means more everyday use, and over time, a wider base of participants in the digital economy.
Bringing New Developers into the Fold
The panel also highlighted the importance of reaching emerging developer communities early. Aptos Labs’ work engaging young developers—especially in Korean communities—was noted as a model others could mirror. The idea is simple: nurture new talent and you widen the pipeline of ideas, which in turn accelerates innovation and adoption across APAC.
Where AI Meets Web3
Another thread centered on the growing overlap between artificial intelligence (AI) and Web3. Panelists discussed how decentralized access to data could open the door for new kinds of AI applications, while still respecting guardrails and regulatory requirements. As both fields move fast, their intersection is becoming less theoretical and more practical.
Investment Strategies Taking Shape
From an investor’s seat, IRONGREY’s approach reflects the market’s dual needs: back the infrastructure that everything depends on, and support the application layer that brings users in. That balance, the panel suggested, aligns with the APAC region’s trajectory. As the ecosystem matures, more inventive Web3 projects are expected to surface, stretching what’s possible while grounding it in real?world utility.
Collaborations Aimed at Scale
Partnerships are adding fuel. A recent collaboration between OKX Ventures and the Aptos Foundation established a $10 million fund to help grow the Aptos ecosystem and, by extension, advance broader Web3 adoption. Another partnership—between OKX Ventures and Jambo—signals a clear focus on expanding access in emerging markets, where the right mix of tools and cost can make all the difference.
Closing Note
Taken together, the discussion and the initiatives around it point to a simple conclusion: APAC’s Web3 opportunity continues to expand. With investors, founders, and communities aligning around infrastructure, accessibility, talent, and responsible innovation, the region’s next phase looks set to be both ambitious and grounded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the core topic of the panel Jeff Ren moderated?
The conversation focused on APAC’s investment potential in Web3 and the key drivers that could accelerate adoption across the region.
Who joined the panel alongside Jeff Ren?
Panelists included Mo Shaik of Aptos Labs, James Zhang of Jambo, and Vincent Park of IRONGREY, each bringing a perspective from building, consumer access, and investment.
Why is infrastructure such a big priority in Web3?
Strong, reliable blockchain platforms underpin everything built on top of them. Without that foundation, applications can’t scale, and developers can’t deliver consistent user experiences.
How does Jambo’s $99 Web3 phone support adoption?
By offering affordable hardware with Web3 apps pre?installed, Jambo lowers entry barriers for users moving from Web2 to Web3, widening participation in the digital economy.
What collaborations are helping grow Web3 in APAC?
Notable efforts include the $10 million fund from OKX Ventures and the Aptos Foundation to support the Aptos ecosystem, and the OKX Ventures partnership with Jambo to improve access in emerging markets.
