Tomi Fyrqvist wants you to own your online identity
The former Goldman banker is using web3 to turn attention into something you can control – and earn from
Most people scroll, post, and like without ever thinking about who profits from their attention. Tomi Fyrqvist, a former Goldman Sachs banker, has thought about it a lot – and now he’s building something that challenges the entire model behind it.
His answer is Social DAO, a blockchain-based platform that combines artificial intelligence and decentralised governance to reshape how communities operate online. It’s not just about building new tools – it’s about reimagining the incentives behind digital interaction.
Fyrqvist told The Crypto Radio that his path into crypto began with a simple realization. "My initial thesis back at Goldman was that money is moving to the internet." That belief sparked a career shift that took him from investment banking to a role at Alibaba and, eventually, to founding his own crypto venture.
Social DAO – short for decentralized autonomous organization – is more than just a new social media concept. It combines blockchain and artificial intelligence to solve some of the most persistent problems in online communities: who controls the platform, who gets rewarded, and how communities are managed.
Breaking down complex ideas
For those new to crypto, Social DAO’s vision is simple: instead of tech companies profiting from your data and attention, you could earn rewards for contributing meaningfully to a digital community.
The platform’s two key products reflect that mission. The first is a prediction market that allows users to forecast changes in online influence – essentially betting on who’s going to capture public attention next. "People are interested in questions like, 'Will this person do something crazy that boosts their online presence?'" Fyrqvist explained.
The second is an AI-powered agent management platform designed to help online communities operate more smoothly. These AI tools can assist with moderation, communication, and even sentiment tracking. "AI agents can complement human aspects and help bring the actual community ethos to life," Fyrqvist noted.
Addressing industry challenges
Fyrqvist doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the problems in web3. He pointed to the way many token launches have been handled, calling out the lack of transparency and fairness that leaves everyday users at a disadvantage.
"Unless you're in the insider group, you have a very high chance of losing money," he said.
With a background in both traditional finance and AI-focused venture capital, Fyrqvist brings a unique perspective to the space. That mix of disciplines is reflected in Social DAO’s structure – one that aims to build a user-first platform with built-in incentives and accountability.
The human behind the technology
What makes Fyrqvist’s approach compelling is the mix of rigorous logic and creative thinking. "Even though I always had good math grades, I feel more at home in this crazy innovation mindset," he said.
His curiosity extends beyond the crypto space. When asked who he’d like to have dinner with from the web3 world, Fyrqvist said he’d choose Donald Trump – not for his tech background, but to understand the thinking behind the $TRUMP token and the role of World Liberty Financial.
What comes next
Social DAO is preparing to roll out new tools in the coming months, including its first prediction market on Farcaster – a decentralized, Twitter-like platform – and the launch of its AI agent system. Updates will be shared via the project’s social channels as development progresses.
Fyrqvist emphasized that the goal is to make something tangible and accessible. "We're trying to create something that actually provides tangible value to people," he said.
While the underlying technology might be complex, Social DAO’s philosophy is straightforward: give users more control, more transparency, and more reward for their participation.
As traditional models of social media come under increasing scrutiny, projects like Social DAO point toward a different future – one where communities, not corporations, shape the platforms they live on.
Listen to the whole interview on The Crypto Radio's live player or the Token Files podcast.
