Discover and work in the blockchain universe with BBSchool – Interview

Blockchain, despite its growing importance, is often misunderstood or underestimated. This situation highlights the need for targeted education to exploit its full potential. It is in this perspective that we met Fabien Ansaldi, one of the visionaries behind the Blockchain Business School (BBS). Throughout the interview, Fabien shares the motivations that led to the creation of this specialized institution, the impact of blockchain education on the evolution of careers and how the BBS strives to stay at the forefront. care of this constantly evolving field.

1 – For readers who don’t know you, can you tell us a bit more about yourself and what inspired you to create the Blockchain Business School? What was your main objective in founding this institution?

My name is Fabien Ansaldi, an active entrepreneur since I was 21 and involved in the education sector for more than a decade. Today, I oversee five companies. The idea of ​​creating the Blockchain Business School (BBS) germinated following an enriching conversation with Bilal, the founder of PyratzLabs, one of the largest European accelerators exclusively dedicated to Web3.

PyratzLabs, with its strategic, technical and financial support, has contributed to the launch and success of many Web3 startups, including Equisafe, Dogami and Billy, participating in raising more than 40 million euros in 2022. However, a major challenge s is posed: the lack of qualified professionals in Web3. Innovative companies wishing to take the turn of the Web3 encountered difficulties in finding talent with the skills necessary for their development.

It was by taking this skills gap into account that Bilal and I saw an opportunity for action. We decided to fill this void by creating the BBS, an institution specialized in education and training in the field of Web3 and blockchain. Our main objective was to set up targeted training for current employees, those in professional retraining, job seekers, entrepreneurs and students. The ambition of the BBS is to meet the growing demand for specialized skills in this booming sector.

2 – What specific areas of blockchain do the different BBS training courses cover? What are the most popular programs or courses among students?

The BBS offers four main courses:

• “The Original” : This three-month training is the signature of the BBS. It aims to transform our students into Tech Leads or Product Managers specialized in blockchain.
• “Create NFTs” : An intensive two-month training focused on NFTs (non-fungible tokens). It aims to teach not only the creation of NFTs but also their use in real use cases.
• “Discovering the Web3” : A seven-hour introductory course to provide a good understanding of Web3 and blockchain fundamentals.
• ” Challenge “ : An exhaustive training of nearly 90 hours intended for those who wish to understand the functioning of decentralized finance (DeFi), whether for a business project, a professional retraining, or to develop an investment strategy.

Note that from September, two new programs will be open to students, the Blockchain Product Manager Master and the Blockchain Development License alternately.

3 – Blockchain technology is evolving rapidly. How does the BBS adapt to the latest advances and trends in this ever-changing industry?

The BBS has the advantage of being integrated into the largest Web3 incubator in Europe. This proximity to booming start-ups allows us to stay in step with market developments. In addition, our trainers, who are professionals active in the Web3 ecosystem, are constantly updated on the latest advances and trends, which translates into a regular update of our training programs. In short, we favor a practical and up-to-date approach, rather than purely theoretical teaching.

4 – Your motto is “More than a training, a profession, a project”. What are the key skills you seek to develop in your students to prepare them for careers in blockchain? How does your school differ from other educational institutions in this area?

At BBS, we emphasize hands-on experience. Our students have the chance to work on real projects, necessary for our startups. In addition, we encourage and support people who have their own projects. To encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, we also organize “Pitch Day BBS” days throughout the year. These events provide our students with the opportunity to pitch their projects in front of investors, paving the way for the possibility of becoming the next successful startup.

What sets the BBS apart from other institutions is our specialized recruitment team that supports each student in finding a job in Web3 at the end of their training. Thanks to our extensive network of partners among the largest companies in the French blockchain ecosystem, we offer a considerable advantage to our students looking for professional opportunities.

5 – What challenges does your school face in blockchain education and training, and how do you overcome them? What are your prospects for the future of blockchain education?

The BBS faces several challenges. As Web3 is a nascent technology, offering certification training requires special effort. Additionally, Web3 requires a diverse range of skills, which necessitated bringing together experts from different fields to design our trainings. However, despite these difficulties, we recently signed an agreement with one of the largest international training players, and we plan to deploy our training in 42 countries by 2024. Our ambition is to drive mass adoption of Web3 by sharing our knowledge and skills.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the Blockchain Business School, through its training and awareness mission, aims to break down the barriers to the adoption of Web3. By combining theoretical education with hands-on practice, the BBS effectively prepares its students to enter the blockchain sector, regardless of their initial level of experience. It represents a real opportunity for individuals wishing to embark on this new digital adventure.