The following is the first in a series of interviews with founders, leaders and personalities across web3.
Welcome to episode 1: “Ten minutes with… Lucas (Netz) Schnetzler“, the CEO of Pudgy Penguins.
Hi Luca, how’s your week been?
Busy as always, but in the best way. We’re pushing some exciting projects forward at Pudgy Penguins, and it’s been all hands on deck. Honestly, I thrive on the energy that comes with that kind of momentum.
What habits help you get through a typical day?
I start every day with a quick workout to clear my head and get the blood flowing. Throughout the day, I make time to check in with my team regularly—it keeps us aligned and allows us to stay agile.
What’s the smartest thing anybody has ever said to you? (Or a mantra that you often return to?)
“Adapt or die.” It’s a mantra that’s stuck with me. In the NFT and tech space, if you’re not constantly evolving, you’re falling behind. I’ve always believed that staying ahead means being willing to pivot and innovate.
What was your biggest knockback?
Probably the initial challenges we faced when I took over Pudgy Penguins. The project was in a tough spot, and there was a lot of skepticism. But instead of seeing it as a setback, I saw it as an opportunity to prove what we could do.
Whose advice do you usually take – and why?
I tend to listen to people who have been through the trenches—those who have built something from the ground up. Their experiences offer real, actionable insights, and I respect the grit that comes with their journey.
Who in web3/crypto do you think people should really be paying more attention to?
I’d say keep an eye on the builders—those who are creating tools and platforms that will drive the next wave of adoption. It’s easy to get distracted by hype, but the real value is being created by those who are quietly laying the foundation for the future.
What do you want people to think about you, when you look back at this period of your life in 5+ years time?
I want people to see me as someone who didn’t just talk about innovation but actually made it happen. Someone who took risks, pushed boundaries, and brought real value to the community. Most importantly, I want to be remembered as someone who built something that lasted.
Long term, how do you see the relationship between projects and holders evolving? What do you see as the mid-term and ultimately the final form of that dynamic?
Long term, I believe the relationship between projects and holders will become more symbiotic. Holders will have more say in the direction of the projects, and the projects will, in turn, create more tangible value for the holders. In the mid-term, we’ll likely see more integration of real-world assets and utilities into the NFT space, blurring the lines between digital and physical. The final form of that dynamic? A fully decentralized ecosystem where the community and the creators are truly co-owners of the success.
And finally, what’s your guilty pleasure?
I’m a sucker for late-night snacks, especially anything sweet. It’s not the healthiest habit, but sometimes after a long day, you just need that sugar rush.
A huge thank you to Luca for his support and being so swift to help out this new project.
For more info, check out Pudgy Penguins, Igloo (nb – warning, this site is SUPERB and has won awards), Abstract the Pudgy L2 which aims to be “the Consumer-centric chain”, join the Huddle on discord or follow Luca on twitter.
For more info about the “Ten minutes with …” series, check out the intro post. Thanks for taking the time to read this site – here’s a little more about me. And please subscribe to be notified when the next interview goes live.
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