Web3 Dev Huddle Panel 2 Recap: Developer Ecosystem Building: How to Dev Rel
On November 14, 2024, HackQuest and Gate Ventures, alongside Open Campus and KIP Protocol, hosted the second Web3 Dev Huddle: Gateway to Web3 at Gaysorn Tower, Bangkok. This panel brought together leading DevRel professionals and builders to discuss how Developer Relations (DevRel) is evolving in the Web3 space. Panelists included Matt Hamilton (Senior DevRel at Arbitrum), Anmol Arora (DevRel at Eclipse), Pauline Barnades-Moore (DevRel at Wormhole), Ali Serag (Product at Flow), and Qi Zhou (Founder of EthStorage/QuarkChain). Read on for key insights from this panel.
Key Takeaways
DevRel: Empowering Developers in Web3
DevRel professionals act as advocates, facilitators, and problem-solvers for developers, fostering environments where they can thrive and innovate.
Pauline Barnades-Moore emphasized that DevRel is about empowering developers to achieve their goals: "Our job is to make sure developers feel supported in what they’re building." She highlighted the importance of trust and collaboration, which is central to creating thriving ecosystems.
Echoing this, Anmol Arora described DevRel as more than just a functional role: "DevRel isn’t about selling a product. It’s about creating trust and making developers feel like they belong."
Overcoming Challenges in DevRel
Web3’s fast-paced evolution, a shortage of skilled developers, and the multifaceted demands of DevRel roles require strategic approaches and adaptability.
Matt Hamilton highlighted the challenge of staying up to date in the rapidly evolving blockchain space, stating, "The rapid changes in technology mean we’re always learning. It’s exciting but also challenging to keep up."
Meanwhile, Qi Zhou pointed out the limited pool of skilled developers, remarking, "The real challenge isn’t finding developers—it’s finding the right ones who truly understand the ecosystem’s needs."
Adding to this, Ali Serag described the juggling act of DevRel: "We’re not just writing documentation or hosting workshops. We’re also debugging, creating content, and advocating for developers within our organizations."
Innovative Approaches to Developer Engagement
Engaging developers through hackathons, public working groups, and tailored resources fosters collaboration and provides invaluable feedback.
Pauline Barnades-Moore discussed the value of public working groups, saying, "We hold weekly sessions for education, tooling, and governance. These open forums let developers share insights and shape the ecosystem."
Anmol Arora emphasized the impact of live interactions, especially during hackathons: "Sitting with developers, watching how they interact with your tools—it gives you real-time feedback you can’t replicate elsewhere."
The Path Forward for DevRel
Empathy, transparency, and long-term thinking will shape the future of DevRel, ensuring developer success and fostering trust in Web3 ecosystems.
Ali Serag stressed the importance of transparency: "We need to be honest about what our tools can and can’t do. That transparency builds long-term trust."
Qi Zhou urged the community to invest in long-term relationships with developers: "It’s not just about immediate results. We need to think about how we can support developers for the next 5–10 years."
Matt Hamilton concluded with a people-first perspective: "DevRel is about people first. If we focus on building strong relationships, the technology will follow."
Closing Thoughts
The Web3 Dev Huddle offered actionable insights into the evolving role of DevRel. By emphasizing empathy, transparency, and collaboration, the panelists outlined a clear path forward for building inclusive and innovative developer ecosystems. Their collective wisdom underscores the importance of long-term thinking and relationship-building in unlocking Web3’s full potential.