Hive3 is a company that addresses the chaos caused by disconnected tools in community management and remote work, which hinder scalability, inflate costs, and stunt growth. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Hive3 founder and CEO Stacey Quackenbush to learn more about the company.
Stacey Quackenbush’s Background
What is Stacey Quackenbush’s background? Quackenbush said:
“When I look back on my journey, I see a mosaic of experiences that have all led me to founding Hive3. From immersive entertainment to blockchain education, I’ve always been drawn to building systems that connect people, foster innovation, and create lasting impact. Hive3 is the culmination of these passions—a decentralized ecosystem designed to transform how professionals network, develop communities, and scale initiatives globally.”
“Take VisionRave, for example. During my time as CEO, we redefined virtual entertainment with tokenized ticketing, on-chain streaming and NFT souvenir integrations, producing unforgettable interactive music events attracting world-class artists like Sasha, John Digweed and Claptone. It wasn’t just about creating unique experiences; it was about leveraging emerging technologies to connect audiences in entirely new ways. That sense of possibility—of using technology to empower and inspire—has stayed with me.”
“At Third Academy, I applied that same mindset to tech education, with courses and platform innovations that helped students transition into Web3 careers. We didn’t just teach skills—we built a global, interconnected community, and created opportunities. Watching our graduates secure roles in blockchain within months of completing the program was incredibly rewarding and reinforced my belief in the transformative power of new technology when paired with a vision to inspire and support others.”
“Through these experiences, I’ve had the privilege of speaking on global stages—NFT.NYC, EthCC, Immerse Global Summit, and WEB3 Expo, to name a few. Every event, every conversation reminds me that there’s a huge global appetite for innovation that empowers people and communities. Hive3 embodies that spirit.”
“I didn’t start Hive3 because it was easy; I started it because it was necessary. Professionals today need tools that are as dynamic and borderless as the world they work in. Communities and companies need seamless ways to engage, collaborate, and monetize their efforts. Hive3 is that tool—an AI enabled, blockchain-powered platform designed to foster global connections, streamline professional development, and redefine community engagement.”
“What’s most exciting is that Hive3 is just getting started.”
Primary Responsibilities
What are your primary responsibilities at the company? Quackenbush shared:
“As the CEO of Hive3, my primary responsibility is to bring our vision to life by creating a platform that empowers communities to thrive in a way that’s simple and globally inclusive. At Hive3, we’re addressing a fundamental challenge—how to break down the barriers that weaken engagement and make people feel disconnected. My job is to lead our team in solving that challenge, every single day.”
“I wear many hats, but at the heart of it, I see myself as a connector and a builder. I work to ensure that our platform not only meets and exceeds the needs of businesses and communities by offering tools that are intuitive, powerful, and transformative. From driving innovation in AI and Web3 technology to building partnerships with global enterprises and fostering a culture of collaboration within our team, I strive to ensure Hive3 remains at the forefront of community engagement and professional development.”
“A big part of my role is to listen—to our users, our team, and our partners—and to translate their needs into meaningful solutions. Whether it’s helping a creator monetize their passion, enabling a company to streamline their operations, or giving someone their first real sense of belonging in a community, I see my work as deeply personal and impactful.”
“I also focus on growth. Scaling Hive3 isn’t just about revenue, though that’s important—it’s about creating opportunities for people and organizations to connect in ways they never thought possible. From pilot projects with early adopters to our ambitious plans for global expansion, I guide our team through each stage of growth with a clear focus on our mission.”
“Finally, as a leader, I see it as my responsibility to inspire—to show what’s possible when technology is used to bring people together. I’m driven by the belief that the communities we build today can shape the future in profound ways. At Hive3, we’re not just building a platform; we’re building a movement and a way to deepen the connections between people around the globe.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory working for the company so far? Quackenbush reflected:
“The journey with Hive3 has been filled with countless meaningful moments that remind me why what we’ve built is so impactful. Sure, the platform is designed to operate with low costs and high profit margins. Yes, it enables communities, businesses, and professionals to network, expand globally, and monetize their efforts with AI and blockchain. But beyond the groundbreaking platform and innovative tech, the heart of Hive3 goes so much deeper. It’s about the good we do—the kind of good that can’t always be measured in numbers or statistics.”
“One moment stands out vividly. My co-founder Mike and I attended the graduating cohort of a global AI course. The celebration took place in our Women’s Technology Hive—a stunning, photo-realistic dome created using Unreal Engine, designed for co-working, collaboration, and immersive events. It’s one of our spaces that we’re most proud of, built to empower and inspire.”
“Inside this virtual world, avatars danced, people texted each other, and everyone showed up in their best “phygital” looks. Some even turned on their cameras, which, in our platform, creates a thought bubble above their avatar that shows the person in real-time—a personal touch that bridges the gap between virtual and the physical.”
“Then we saw her—a woman with her young son sitting on her lap, laughing, pointing, and celebrating together. In that moment, Mike and I Slacked each other simultaneously, sharing how pleasantly surprised and moved we were by what we were witnessing. This wasn’t just a virtual event; it was a human connection. We had built something that brought people globally together across generations, across geography, inspired joy, and created a real sense of community.”
“Moments like that are why Hive3 exists. It’s not just a platform; it’s a space where technology and humanity come together in the most beautiful way. That kind of network effect? You can’t buy it. It’s earned, moment by moment, through the lives we touch. And for that, I’m profoundly grateful.”
Challenges Faced
Have you faced any challenges in your sector of work recently? Quackenbush acknowledged:
“Every day, a founder faces new challenges, and to succeed, you must face them and thrive on them. You must find purpose in rallying your team to overcome obstacles and embrace moments of defeat—not as failures but as valuable lessons shaping the path forward. The key is confronting these moments with courage, iterating quickly, and adapting with intention. I always tell my team: It’s not a moment of defeat—it’s inspiration for evolution.”
“Our greatest triumph is a testament to this philosophy. Community development and professional advancement needs are deeply interconnected, and building an integrated ecosystem that thrives globally is a monumental pursuit. To accomplish this, we undertook an ambitious Proof of Concept phase. Bootstrapped to date with a $0 marketing budget, we attracted users from over 75 countries to test Hive3’s capabilities, ensuring seamless performance in crypto-first, mobile-first regions and demonstrating a robust feature set tailored for enterprise operations. The success of this effort reflects our vision, resilience, and relentless drive for innovation.”
“The true force behind this achievement is our exceptional team. Building a world-class team isn’t just about assembling talent—it’s about finding people aligned with the mission, fueled by passion, and committed to the journey. At Hive3, we have all of that in abundance. Spanning three continents and working fully remotely, my team inspires me daily with their dedication and brilliance. Their contributions and drive humble me, and they are the reason we have come so far.”
“When I fundraise, I carry more than the responsibility of securing resources—I carry the weight of representing the entire Hive3 team and the vision we’ve worked tirelessly to bring to life. That responsibility is one I hold with immense pride and purpose. This shared commitment and belief in our mission propels us forward and positions Hive3 to create a truly transformative impact.”
Evolution Of The Company’s Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since its launch? Quackenbush noted:
“As we began demoing our platform within my network, seeking feedback and insights, we uncovered a profound revelation: the very features we initially viewed as supportive enhancements—multi-channel integrated community management dashboards, content portals, gated virtual spaces, AI-powered community development tools, personalized member concierges, and dynamic avatars—were not just appreciated, they were the heart of what people wanted.”
“This discovery was transformative. Once considered secondary in our presentations, these features became the centerpiece of our narrative. This shift redefined how we communicate our value and catalyzed a complete redesign of our UX/UI to make these tools more intuitive and impactful. We elevated the prominence of our AI integrations, expanding our investment in this area to meet the growing demand for smarter, more efficient community-building solutions. Most importantly, we doubled down on understanding the core needs of communities—what they require to thrive—and incorporated those insights into refining our community management dashboard.”
“This journey has been inspiring because of the platform’s evolution and as a testament to our commitment to listening, learning, and delivering solutions that resonate deeply with our users. Hive3 isn’t just a platform—it’s a game-changing toolset for the communities of tomorrow, and we’re thrilled by its potential to redefine how people connect and collaborate.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Quackenbush cited:
“Hive3’s journey has been marked by milestones that reflect the global appeal and transformative potential of our blockchain-powered professional ecosystem. From pitch stages to platform growth, each achievement has brought us closer to realizing our vision.”
“One of our most significant milestones is the sheer diversity and reach of our user base. Even pre-launch, Hive3 has garnered a waiting list of enthusiastic participants eager to join the platform. With users from 75+ countries, including mobile-first, crypto-first regions in Asia and Africa, Hive3 is rapidly becoming a global movement. These regions represent some of the most dynamic and innovative tech ecosystems in the world, and their early use of Hive3 demonstrates the universal need for AI drive, blockchain support community development tools.”
“Our participation in global pitch contests has further solidified Hive3’s reputation. Competing on prominent stages like the Coindesk Pitch Contest at Consensus in Austin, the EDCON Demo Day in Tokyo, and the EthConnect Pitch Competition at Eth Milan allowed us to showcase our vision and the real-world impact of our platform. These contests tested our resilience, refined our messaging, and amplified our visibility.”
“While winning first place wasn’t the outcome, the rewards were profound. Each presentation attracted investors, sparked partnerships, and brought invitations to prestigious events. A highlight was securing a Circle Grant after pitching at EDCON, which validated Hive3’s potential and underscored its growing influence in the Web3 space.”
“Today, Hive3 stands as a platform that’s not just global but inclusive, welcoming users from diverse economic and technological landscapes. These milestones—global traction, investor validation, and user enthusiasm—affirm that Hive3 is on the path to creating a truly transformative ecosystem.”
Total Addressable Market
What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing? Quackenbush assessed:
“At Hive3, we’re addressing a combined (TAM) that exceeds $2 trillion annually, and we’re doing so with absolute confidence in the platform we’ve built. Our combination of blockchain and AI-driven tools positions us perfectly to lead in some of the fastest-growing industries in the world.”
“Let’s break it down:
First, there’s the $1 trillion+ Web3 market, which is rapidly transforming how every industry globally. Hive3 is leading this space with blockchain-powered community engagement and growth tools that empower companies and decentralized communities while empowering users to take control of their digital identities. We’re not just participating in Web3—we’re defining how it’s applied to professional advancement and community building.
Then there’s the $500 billion virtual collaboration and events market. As global organizations increasingly shift to cost-effective virtual solutions, Hive3 stands out with our scalable tools for efficient event hosting, content sharing, and monetization. Combined with our in-world AI avatars—which welcome members, host events, and create engaging educational experiences—we’re transforming collaboration, learning, and networking into something truly immersive and impactful.
We’re also diving into the $163 billion blockchain enterprise solutions market, where companies are hungry for tools that improve transparency and efficiency. Hive3 delivers on this with blockchain-backed credentialing, wallet based and AI-enhanced recruiter matching, and centralized community development dashboards that streamline multi-channel communication. These features allow organizations to manage complex networks, ongoing engagement, and workflows with ease.
Finally, the $1.8 trillion market for efficiency-enhancing technology is a natural fit for Hive3. Businesses around the world are investing in platforms that make them more productive, and our suite of scalable tools is designed to do just that. From simplifying communication across multiple channels to enabling seamless event hosting, Hive3 empowers professionals and organizations to operate smarter and faster.
What makes Hive3 truly unique is the way we integrate AI-driven community support into everything we do. Our AI tools provide personalized experiences through real-time ambassadors and user concierges, ensuring that every member feels supported and connected. This isn’t just technology for technology’s sake—it’s about creating meaningful interactions and driving engagement on a global scale.
We’re confident in Hive3’s future because the markets we’re addressing are massive, growing, and perfectly aligned with what we offer. Hive3 isn’t just tapping into these opportunities—we’re positioned to lead and redefine how people network, collaborate, and grow in the digital age.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Quackenbush affirmed:
“What makes Hive3 different? It’s the way we’ve built a platform that’s both innovative and inclusive, designed to empower businesses, communities, and individuals in ways no one else is doing.”
“First, our AI agents are next-level. They’re not just tools—they’re like having digital community representatives and virtual brand ambassadors working for you 24/7. Whether it’s engaging with audiences, helping communities scale, or driving revenue through personalized interactions in virtual marketplaces, these agents make growth feel effortless. They even match resources and opportunities, helping communities expand in ways that feel natural and strategic.”
“Then there are our professional development tools. This is where we really stand out. We’re using blockchain to give people ownership of their credentials—skills and achievements that they can carry with them anywhere. And our wallet-based recruitment tools? They’re changing how companies hire, making the process faster and more reliable by connecting them directly to top talent with verified credentials. Plus, we’ve layered in virtual meetings and AI-driven education that doesn’t just teach—it gives personalized career recommendations. We’re not just helping people learn; we’re helping them grow.”
“And here’s the kicker: while Hive3 is fully powered by Web3, we’ve made it incredibly accessible for everyone. Web3 supercharged, Web2 friendly—that’s what we call it. Our platform has an intuitive interface, supports custodial wallets, accepts fiat payments, and even offers email logins for those new to blockchain. Mobile access ensures no one is left out, whether they’re in a major city or a remote village. It’s all about lowering the barrier to entry while still delivering cutting-edge tools.”
“At its core, Hive3 is about integration. We’ve brought together AI, blockchain, and intuitive design to create a platform that solves real problems—whether it’s scaling a community, building a career, or monetizing in a way that makes sense for the modern world.”
“What we’re building isn’t just another platform. Hive3 is about leading the way forward in an industry that’s constantly evolving. It’s for the innovators, the builders, and anyone ready to embrace the future. That’s what sets us apart—and that’s why I’m so excited about what we’re creating.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future goals? Quackenbush concluded:
“Hive3 is on a mission to generate $200 million in revenue within five years, and we have a clear roadmap to get there. In the first phase, we’re focused on building and launching our core tools—AI Agents, AI Concierge, and AI Avatars, and multi-channel community management dashboards—that redefine engagement for businesses and communities. These tools, combined with blockchain-powered on-chain credentialing and wallet-based recruitment, provide a scalable foundation for trust, interaction, and monetization. By enabling virtual marketplaces with AI-powered sales tools and immersive experiences, we aim to drive revenue from early adopters, enterprise subscriptions, and partnerships.”
“From there, we’ll scale aggressively by targeting global markets and onboarding 3,000+ businesses and communities while reaching 1.5 million active users. Partnerships with governments, NGOs, and corporations will expand access to underserved regions, while our Web3-meets-Web2 approach—offering fiat payments, custodial wallets, and intuitive interfaces—will ensure seamless adoption. This phase focuses on monetizing engagement, driving revenue growth by leveraging subscription fees, licensing, and marketplace transactions. As we quickly mature, Hive3’s virtual spaces, phygital goods, NFT sales, and AI-driven event hosting will contribute $100 million annually in revenue from virtual commerce and branded experiences.”
“In the later phases, we’ll cement our leadership in blockchain-based professional development by scaling on-chain credentialing and AI-driven education tools to empower millions of individuals globally. Wallet-based recruitment and corporate partnerships will create additional revenue streams, while continuous innovation in AI avatars, community governance tools, and sustainable blockchain operations will drive long-term engagement. By year five, these combined efforts will yield $200 million in revenue, firmly establishing Hive3 as the go-to platform for scalable engagement, growth, and opportunity in the digital age. With your investment, we can accelerate this vision and transform how businesses, communities, and individuals thrive.”
