In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, it's easy to get caught up in the hype. But according to Connor, CEO and co-founder of Enso, the industry has hit a wall. In a recent episode of the "When Shift Happens" podcast hosted by Kevin, Connor opened up about the real challenges facing crypto and how his team at Enso is tackling them head-on. Let's dive into the key takeaways from this eye-opening conversation.

The Stark Reality of Crypto's Growth Plateau

Connor doesn't mince words: crypto isn't growing like it should. With only about 4,800 apps compared to Web2's massive 48 million, and a developer count of around 28,000 versus 47 million, the numbers paint a grim picture. Even worse, he estimates there are just 4,000 to 6,000 genuine on-chain users globally. That's a tiny fraction of what the industry needs to thrive.

Why the stall? A big part of it comes down to misleading metrics. Many projects boast huge numbers on testnets—hundreds of thousands of users—but Connor calls it out: most are bots or airdrop farmers chasing free tokens. "The metrics are cooked," he says. Teams are optimizing for total value locked (TVL) and vanity stats instead of building products that real people want to use. This misalignment is holding back true innovation in blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi).

Enso's Journey: Pivots and Finding True Product-Market Fit

Enso didn't start as the powerhouse it is today. Their first version was a social trading platform built mostly on-chain. After sinking over $500,000 into audits, they realized DeFi was evolving too quickly to keep up safely—so they scrapped it. Version two was a DeFi "super app" integrating about 50 protocols. But right after launch, feedback poured in: projects wanted the backend tech, not the app itself.

That insight led to Enso's big pivot. Now, it's essentially the "engine of Web3." Think of it as a developer toolkit that handles the heavy lifting—interacting with networks, smart contracts, and data—so builders can focus on creating great apps without reinventing the wheel. Over 145 projects already rely on Enso for everything from chain launches to protocol integrations. This real-world adoption, driven by feature requests and actual usage, shows they've nailed product-market fit.

The Power of Shipping Fast and Building Lean

One of Enso's secret weapons is their culture of speed. With a team of just 19, they outpace outfits seven times their size. Connor's mantra? "Ship it or shut it." They hire for attitude as much as skills, and they're quick to part ways if it's not a fit. This approach lets them jump in and deliver where others falter—like stepping in six weeks before a chain launch when another provider dropped the ball.

In crypto, where trends shift overnight, this agility is gold. It also builds trust: by showing what "fast" really means, Enso earns loyalty from developers who need reliable tools to bring their ideas to life.

Bridging Web2 and Web3: The Web2.5 Vision

Connor's big idea is making Web3 as user-friendly as Web2—something that might ruffle feathers in purist crypto circles, but it's practical. Enso aims to let developers spin up apps over a weekend, with full access to any blockchain network, contract language, or protocol through one simple integration. The goal? Lure those 47 million Web2 devs into crypto.

They're already making strides with features like a "checkout" widget that pulls funds from centralized exchanges like Coinbase or Binance directly into on-chain apps. It's a smart way to reduce friction: why force new users through complex onboarding when you can meet them where their money already is?

Smart Fundraising and Delaying the Token Launch

Raising money in crypto can be tempting, but Connor played it smart. Enso secured $14.2 million from top investors like Polychain and Multicoin, but they turned down more in the seed round to stay lean. "If you have too much cash, you stop making hard decisions," he explains.

They also held off on launching a token back in 2021, even when the market was hot. Why? No real revenue, no sustainable users. Now, with profitable infrastructure and proven demand, a network token could finally add value without being just another hype play.

The Bottom Line: Focus on Real Users and Perseverance

At the heart of Connor's message is a call to action for the crypto community: prioritize real users over bots and buzz. True success comes from stamina—learning in public, killing bad ideas fast, and shipping relentlessly until you hit gold. Enso's story is proof that pivots aren't failures; they're steps toward building something lasting.

For anyone in blockchain looking to level up, this podcast is a must-listen. It reminds us that while meme tokens and quick flips grab headlines, the real game-changers are tools like Enso that empower developers to create meaningful Web3 experiences. Check out the full episode on When Shift Happens to hear Connor's insights straight from the source.

Whether you're a dev hunting for better tools or just curious about crypto's future, Enso's approach offers a roadmap for turning stalled potential into real progress. Stay tuned to Meme Insider for more deep dives into the tech powering the next wave of blockchain innovation.