Digital identities are an essential part of the blockchain landscape, and as the technology advances, that importance is only growing. Amidst this growth is Alice Shikova, the marketing lead at SPACE ID, who is helping shape the future of Web3 domain services. With a strong background in decentralized finance (DeFi) and an unconventional entry into the crypto world, Shikova brings an informed perspective on how digital identity solutions can transform the industry.
In a conversation on From the Ground Up with host John Boitnott, she shared insights into her journey, the potential of Web3 domains, and how SPACE ID is positioning itself at the forefront of blockchain innovation.
From Accidental Discovery to Web3 Pioneer
Shikova’s journey into blockchain wasn’t planned. Originally working as a marketing manager in IT, she unknowingly stepped into the crypto world when she joined a company that specialized in Bitcoin mining. It was in this space that she developed a deep fascination for blockchain technology, leading her to start her own blog on HackerNoon and immerse herself in research.
Her real passion, however, was ignited when she discovered DeFi (decentralized finance) — a sector that eliminates intermediaries and allows for direct, peer-to-peer transactions. Recognizing the potential of blockchain beyond just cryptocurrency trading, she shifted her focus toward projects that aimed to reshape the Web3 landscape.
SPACE ID: Powering Web3 Identities
SPACE ID, founded in 2022, operates as a universal multi-chain Web3 domain service, allowing users to create, trade, and manage blockchain-based domain names that function like digital identities. Instead of using long, complicated wallet addresses — a standard feature in blockchain transactions — users can secure a readable, custom domain name (like Alice.BNB) to simplify interactions across Web3 platforms.
Beyond personal domains, SPACE ID also provides software development kits (SDKs) and application programming interfaces (APIs), which give developers the tools to integrate Web3 domain functionality into their apps and platforms. With over 2.5 million domain registrations and 1.5 million domain holders, SPACE ID has rapidly grown into a key player in the digital identity sector — a space where users, businesses, and even AI agents need verifiable, secure identifiers.
What sets SPACE ID apart is its mission to make Web3 identities more accessible and functional. Long alphanumeric wallet addresses can be difficult to read and prone to errors. SPACE ID replaces these with human-readable Web3 domains, enhancing security, authenticity, and user experience. Moreover, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a larger role in Web3, Shikova believes these domains will become crucial for authentication, verification, and fraud prevention by helping users distinguish between real and malicious AI agents.
The Role of Web3 Domains in Blockchain’s Future
While Web3 domains initially saw a surge in interest in 2021, the excitement eventually faded as many considered them a nice-to-have feature rather than an essential component. However, Shikova argues that the growing presence of AI agents and decentralized applications makes Web3 domains more valuable than ever.
With Web3 domains acting as a human-readable digital identity, users and AI agents alike can benefit from a more streamlined and secure authentication process. This is particularly relevant in combating scams and cyber threats, which have long plagued the blockchain space.
She also draws comparisons to traditional prestige items, such as premium car plates and phone numbers, noting that Web3 domains have the potential to appreciate significantly in value as blockchain adoption grows.
Expanding SPACE ID’s Reach Through Strategic Partnerships
A major driver of SPACE ID’s success is its strategic partnerships. One of its most notable collaborations is with MetaMask, one of the largest Web3 wallets. Through this integration, users can send cryptocurrency using custom domain handles instead of complex wallet addresses, making transactions simpler.
Another exciting collaboration is with Story Protocol, a project focused on intellectual property (IP) in the blockchain space. Shikova hinted at SPACE ID’s role in enabling Web3 domains for IP authentication and verification, a move that could reshape how creators and consumers interact within decentralized ecosystems.
Looking ahead, SPACE ID is working on AI-driven initiatives, signaling deeper involvement in the AI-powered blockchain landscape.
Surviving and Thriving in the Web3 Space
During the conversation, Shikova discussed her experience and highlighted two key traits essential for success in Web3:
- Staying chronically online: Web3 moves at a rapid pace, and professionals in the space must be constantly tuned in to industry trends, whether through news, market shifts, or political developments that could impact crypto.
- Embracing chaos: The blockchain industry is inherently volatile, and Shikova emphasizes that adaptability and stress resistance are non-negotiable skills for anyone navigating this space.
Beyond SPACE ID, she actively fosters community-building and education, running a Web3 marketing group in Lisbon and mentoring women in blockchain. These initiatives aim to bridge the gender gap in blockchain and help professionals navigate the industry.
The Road Ahead for SPACE ID
As SPACE ID continues its expansion, the company is focusing on two major goals. The first goal is enhancing integrations with platforms like MetaMask to make Web3 identities standard practice. SPACE ID also plans to develop Web3 authentication tools that enhance transparency and security in an AI-powered digital world.
The Web3 landscape is evolving at lightning speed, and SPACE ID is positioning itself at the forefront of this shift. For Shikova, Web3 domains are the foundation of a more secure, user-friendly blockchain future.
Want more From the Ground Up? Check out past episodes here.
