Amaya shares his insights on navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of decentralized technologies.

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Aztec Amaya, Chief Strategy
Officer at Lunar Digital Assets (LDA) and a pivotal figure in the Web3
space. Amaya, known for his instrumental role in the early days of
Polygon (formerly Matic Network) and the launch of QuickSwap, shares his
insights on navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of decentralized
technologies. He dives into LDA’s shift towards sustainable growth and
real-world utility, emphasizing their commitment to projects like LitVM,
Litecoin’s first EVM Layer 2.

Amaya also offers a glimpse into his role as co-host of “The Aggregated,” a popular X Spaces show that fosters in-depth discussions with crypto leaders. He details how these conversations inform his strategic approach at LDA and contribute to demystifying Web3 for a broader audience. Furthermore, Amaya discusses the vision behind “hard money Web3” with LitVM, and the strategic partnerships and community-building efforts aimed at expanding Litecoin’s utility through DeFi and real-world assets.

About Lunar Digital Assets (LDA)

-You’re the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at Lunar Digital Assets and have
worked with LDA for over five years to grow teams. How has your main
plan for LDA changed over time, and what are the company’s biggest goals
today?

As CSO at Lunar Digital Assets for over five years, I’ve seen the Web3 space evolve at a breakneck pace, and remaining one step ahead of the market has been a daily
mission. Early on, our focus was on identifying promising projects and giving them the tools to launch – think branding, vision, and marketing know-how to make a successful market entry. And no doubt, it worked.
Over time, we’ve shifted toward a more refined approach, emphasizing sustainable growth and real-world utility. The market is maturing, and we’re making sure our projects remain ahead of the curve while others get left behind.

Today, LDA’s biggest focus is on driving mass adoption by partnering with projects that solve meaningful problems.
We’re doubling down on incubating ventures that bring tangible value – like enabling DeFi ecosystems or real-world assets (RWAs) on chains like LitVM, where I’m working on building Litecoin’s first EVM Layer 2. We want to back teams that are init for the long haul, building communities and freedom tech that last.
It’s less about chasing trends and more about setting the stage for Web3’s next big quantum leap.

-LDA helps new projects, invests in them, and does marketing. How does your
marketing and growth work fit with LDA’s goal to make its projects as
successful as possible?

At LDA, our marketing and growth strategies are all about amplifying a project’s core value while building a community that’s genuinely engaged. We don’t just slap together campaigns; we focus on transparent communication to show why a project matters. That means clearly articulating its utility – whether it’s a DeFi protocol, an RWA platform, or something totally new – and cutting through the Web3 echo chamber.

Our focus is always on ensuring that each project’s tailored strategy aligns with its long-term vision and goals. We engage directly with communities on platforms like
X or Telegram, hosting AMAs and fostering real conversations.
Incentivization is key, too – whether through token rewards or exclusive access, we empower users to feel like partners, not fortunate spectators. It’s about laying a foundation where the community and tech grow together. Start small, be consistent, empower the community, and grow together. 

-You helped LDA grow a lot, from only eight people, by hiring new talent and
making smart choices. What were the toughest parts of growing the team
and company in the fast-paced crypto world, and what advice would you
give others?

Growing LDA from a tight-knit crew of eight to where we are now was no small feat, especially in a constantly evolving industry like Web3. One of the toughest parts was finding talent that could keep up with the space while staying grounded in the
fundamentals. Crypto attracts a lot of hype-chasers, so we had to be ruthless about hiring people who were curious, adaptable, and genuinely bought into our vision of pushing Web3 forward. Another challenge was scaling our culture – keeping our collaborative, open, and decentralized vibe intact as we expanded. In a market that moves this fast, it’s easy to lose that spark if you’re not intentional.

As far as my advice, first and foremost, prioritize people who can learn on the fly
and aren’t afraid to dive into whitepapers or technical docs. Web3 doesn’t wait for you to catch up. Second, invest in your culture early – know what you want, set clear values, and make sure every new hire aligns with them. And finally, don’t rush growth for growth’s sake. Make strategic hires and empower your team members to take initiative. That’s how you build a structure that can handle chaos without crumbling under pressure.

-Given your experience at LDA, from marketing to strategy, how do you balance
being flexible in Web3 with making long-term plans for Lunar Digital Assets?

Balancing flexibility with long-term planning in Web3 is a bit like surfing – you’ve got to ride the waves while keeping your eyes focused on the horizon. From shaping marketing to steering strategy, my experience at LDA has taught me to stay grounded in a shared, core mission: backing projects that drive real utility and adoption. That’s the anchor, and we don’t compromise on it.
But as you’ve noted, Web3 moves fast, so you’ve got to be nimble. Whether LDA is adding fire-power to the Litecoin community with its first Layer 2 EVM ecosystem LitVM, or driving growth on Flare to support its XRPFi mission, or cultivating a rich DeFi ecosystem with QuickSwap on Polygon, acting fast in key moments makes all the difference.

To make it work, I focus on a few key things. First, I prioritize what’s going to have the biggest impact – in my case, that’s taking a leadership role building out LitVM. Second, I lean on our team’s expertise by giving them the operational freedom to trust their personal styles in tackling challenges while I keep my focus on the bigger
picture. And last but not least, I carve out time for deep work:
reading, absorbing new perspectives, and staying ahead of where the market’s headed. That way, we can plan for the long haul while still moving with the market’s rhythm. It’s about staying true to the vision without getting stuck in the mud.

About “The Aggregated” X Spaces

-You co-host “The Aggregated,” a popular X space/show that features two-hour
talks with crypto leaders. What made you want to be part of this show, and what kind of impact do you hope to create through these long discussions?

For me, jumpstarting “The Aggregated” came from a love of real, unfiltered conversations about Web3. I’ve always been a bit of a crypto KOL, community-driven and sharing insights on X. With LDA and QuickSwap onboard, I knew we could co-host a powerful show that dives deep with industry leaders and shares ideas that matter. Long-form discussions are becoming a new content meta of their own, where everyone can unpack complex ideas, break through superficial hype, and navigate the space more intentionally.

My goal is to make Web3 more approachable and less intimidating. By diving
into two-hour talks with folks who are shaping the space, I want to demystify the tech and spark curiosity. Whether someone’s an OG or just dipping their toes in, I hope they walk away with actionable insights, a bit of inspiration, and maybe a laugh or two. Giving back and building a space where people feel part of the conversation – learning and growing together – is what drives me.

-The show gets a lot of listeners, from 20,000 to 100,000 people, and has helped many teams get more attention. What do you think makes “The Aggregated” so popular, and how do you choose your guests?

“The Aggregated” pulls in big audiences because it’s raw and real. People
are tired of soundbites and tribal echo chambers in Web3. They want honest, raw discussions that dig into what’s actually happening, why it matters, and where we’re all headed. My co-host Roc and I keep it laidback but sharp, tackling tough questions while keeping the vibe open and fun. Those three-hour sessions give us room to explore ideas deeply, which resonates with listeners who crave substance over flash.

As for choosing guests, that’s about finding people who bring something fresh to the table. We look for builders, thinkers, and leaders who are pushing Web3 forward – whether they’re working on DeFi, RWAs, or something totally out-of-the-box like Web3 music, which I’ve been exploring lately. A strong guest has a clear vision, real impact, and the ability to break down their work for both experts and newcomers.

Community feedback on X helps us spot who’s sparking interest, and we
aim to mix established names with up-and-comers to keep the exchanges
diverse and dynamic.

-You mentioned that co-hosting was an unexpected opportunity that you really
enjoy. How has your experience on “The Aggregated” changed your understanding of the crypto world and your work at Lunar Digital Assets?

Co-hosting “The Aggregated” has been a game-changer, no doubt. Jumping into these deep, weekly conversations with brilliant minds from across Web3 has sharpened my perspective on the space. Hearing different viewpoints – especially in the heat of open debates – forces me to reconsider my own thoughts and assumptions and remain open to new ideas. It’s like a constant crash course in what’s driving the industry, from tech breakthroughs to rising communities.

That experience directly feeds into my work at Lunar Digital Assets. Talking to innovators on the show gives me a front-row seat to what’s next, whether it’s a new DeFi model or a fresh take on RWAs. I bring those insights back to LDA, where they shape how we pick projects and refine our strategies. Hosting has also helped to improve my own skills – like communicating complex ideas more clearly. That’s been a huge help when I’m aligning teams or pitching visions for LitVM. Ultimately, the show keeps me stay in touch with the pulse of the community, which is critical for staying ahead in Web3.

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In the second part of the interview, Aztec Amaya delves into his pivotal role in the early growth of Polygon, from its rebranding as Matic Network to igniting “DeFi Summer” with QuickSwap. He also sheds light on Tesseract’s mission to foster successful Polygon grant projects. The conversation then pivots to LitVM, Litecoin’s groundbreaking ZK Omnichain, and Amaya’s vision for “hard money Web3,” exploring how it will unlock new utility for Litecoin through DeFi and real-world assets. He concludes by outlining the project’s next steps and how the community can get involved in shaping Litecoin’s decentralized future.