Get inspired by the talent and passion that drives Validation Cloud forward. Meet Dan Catalano, our...
Get inspired by the talent and passion that drives Validation Cloud forward. Meet Mo, our skilled Blockchain DevOps Engineer based in Dubai, UAE.
Q: What inspired you to join the Validation Cloud team and how do you see your role contributing to the mission of the company?
A: Jumping into an early-stage startup is like diving into a thrilling adventure for me. It’s not just a job, it’s personal. The learning opportunities and sense of ownership are exhilarating. Being part of a passionate team and shaping the company’s path is what truly matters to me.
I still remember my first call with Andrew, Validation Cloud’s CTO. We spent the entire call passionately discussing ideas and solutions to many challenges the blockchain industry is facing now. At that moment, I knew that I wanted to help shape the future of Validation Cloud.
Q: What is your role at Validation Cloud, and could you share some details about your previous experience and background?
A: Before Validation Cloud, I worked at crypto.com where my passion for blockchain infrastructure started. There, I helped create and deploy the Cronos mainnet network, an EVM-compatible cosmos network, along with multiple testnets.
Originally joining Validation Cloud as a senior DevOps engineer, a turning point in my journey occurred when the executive team expressed confidence in my capabilities. They saw potential in me and granted me the opportunity to lead the staking product.
Q: What are your thoughts on the potential impact of Web3 technology, and how do you think Validation Cloud can help organizations tap into its potential?
A: You know, it’s pretty clear to me that we’re heading towards a future where payments are seamlessly facilitated through blockchain technology. It’s inevitable, really. Picture this: you whip out your credit card, make a transaction, and boom! It’s all happening via smart contracts on the blockchain. No more middlemen or centralized companies in the mix.
All the vendors in the world will need to have regional low-latency access to the blockchain, and Validation Cloud is uniquely positioned to serve those vendors.
Q: What do you think sets Validation Cloud apart from other Web3 infrastructure companies?
A: What truly distinguishes Validation Cloud is the people. Apart from the unique background of each person in the company, it’s the dedication to working hard and perseverance that sets us apart. We are very deliberate in our hiring choices and we look for people who fit the culture and our values, especially integrity, determination, commitment to excellence, and solutions orientation.
Q: Which team values resonate with you the most, and why?
A: I’d have to say Determination. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned at Validation Cloud, came from our CEO, Michael. He embodies a mindset of never taking “no” for an answer and kicking down doors when faced with challenges. I truly believe that’s the most important principle to embrace in order to achieve success.
Q: How do you plan on collaborating with other team members to deliver highly performant and customizable products in staking, node, and data-as-a-service?
A: I believe that feedback is the key to building great products. We are a customer-driven company. Their needs, preferences, and feedback steer our decisions and product development.
Just as feedback from customers is vital, feedback from internal team members is equally crucial. Their insights and perspectives contribute significantly to refining our processes and enhancing the overall functioning of the company.
Q: What do you like to do outside of work? Any hobbies or interests outside of Web3?
A: I’m a big sports person and I try to stay active as much as possible. I play football and go to the gym regularly. My favorite workout is the deadlift and my PR is 500 lbs.
Validation Cloud is launching its staking-as-a-service product soon. We asked Mo about his experience leading the development of Validation Cloud’s staking product and how he sees the industry evolving.
Q: Can you describe your experience in leading the development of Validation Cloud’s staking product?
A: Leading the staking product has been an incredible experience, a journey filled with profound learning and collaboration with brilliant minds. Along the way, I’ve not only grown professionally but also formed lasting friendships.
We have a very collaborative culture where each person is invested in the success and the growth of the product. We are always open to change and new ideas and never too proud to scrape old solutions for better ones.
Q: Are there any emerging technologies or innovations in the staking realm that you find particularly exciting or promising?
A: I think the idea of restaking, if done properly, is very appealing to stakers and builders, alike. It will allow stakers to have better returns and builders to tap into the network’s native security and not need to build their own trust networks.
Q: Are there any specific challenges or unique experiences you’ve encountered while working on the staking product that required innovative solutions?
A: Different blockchain protocols have different primitives for staking. Ethereum, for example, does not allow coin delegation. Natively, you will need 32ETH to stake that corresponds to one validator. This prompted us to create our Ethereum staking product, a validator-as-a-service.
Q: How do you stay up-to-date with the evolving trends and developments in staking to ensure Validation Cloud’s staking product remains competitive and secure?
A: I’m a builder and I love hanging around fellow builders in the space. I think Discord is the best place for that where you see many people gathering to solve problems and suggest solutions. I also try to join Web3 hackathons as much as I can.
About Validation Cloud
Validation Cloud is a Web3 data streaming and infrastructure company that connects organizations into Web3 through a fast, scalable, and intelligent platform. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Validation Cloud offers highly performant and customizable products in staking, node, and data-as-a-service. Learn more at validationcloud.io| LinkedIn | X
