Markus Levin, co-founder of XYO and an early blockchain adopter, believes the next wave of crypto innovation won’t be driven by hype or complexity—but by real-world utility. As the DePIN movement gains traction, he’s championing a future where blockchain fades into the background, and data becomes the new gold.
In an interview with CCN, Levin shared insights on the rise of the DePIN movement, the untapped power of geospatial data, and why blockchain’s future depends on usability, not complexity.
“For years, people have debated whether data will become more valuable than gold. With the rise of AI, it already is,” says Markus Levin, co-founder of XYO.
Levin has spent over 15 years building and scaling companies across fast-moving industries. He’s also a blockchain early adopter—mining his first Bitcoin in 2013. His experience brings a sharp, real-world perspective to emerging technologies.
At the core of his message is a clear belief: blockchain must fade into the background if it’s ever going to reach the masses. Users care about results, not rails.
Bear Markets, Big Lessons: Levin on Why Adaptability Still Wins
When asked what personal values have stayed with him through more than 15 years of building companies—and now navigating the challenges of blockchain in 2025—Markus Levin didn’t hesitate.
“The ability to adapt,” he said.
Markus has been in cutting-edge industries for years and points out that things can change overnight.
“If you’re not ready to adapt, you can lose opportunities or get left behind,” Levin states.
That mindset has carried him through key shifts in the industry. He referred to enduring cycles of uncertainty in crypto, but rather than chasing trends, Levin has stayed committed to building with a long-term view.
“It has not been easy. We’ve been through multiple bear markets, industry corrections, and periods of uncertainty.”
As blockchain moves forward, he sees clearer regulation taking shape. But the pace has not slowed. For Levin, consistency matters more than hype.
“Crypto moves fast. Conditions change overnight. But if you keep showing up, stay true to your vision, and adapt along the way, that’s where longevity and impact are built.”
From 2018 to 2025: DePIN’s Rise and the Untapped Power of Data
Levin discussed how he sees the full story arc of the DePIN movement—from its early beginnings to where it stands today—and pointed out that XYO was a pioneer and early innovator.
In 2018, Levin said the blockchain industry was still trying to define itself. Many projects were launched without a clear use case or business model.
The DePIN ecosystem has grown rapidly since then. Levin mentioned Helium and others and credited Messari with coining the term in 2022, saying that helped bring more attention and clarity to the space.
Levin linked this to decentralized compute, storage, energy, mobile networks, and more in projects that were aiming to challenge or complement Web2 infrastructure.
In the Age of AI, Your Data Is Gold—But Who’s Cashing In?
When asked what real-world gaps still need attention in 2025, Levin focused on the growing power of data in an AI-driven world. He made it clear that most people still give away valuable data without realizing it.
He explained that individuals often allow centralized platforms to collect and use their data without consent or compensation, even as those platforms build billion-dollar models from it.
“The problem is that most individuals still don’t realize the value of their data, and as a result, they allow centralized entities to harvest and use it freely, often without consent or compensation,” Levin says.
“The conversation around data is about much more than just personal rewards—it’s about solving real-world problems that are hiding in plain sight. One of the most pressing? AI training data, smart cities, RWA and asset tracking, real world games and even simple things like public transportation.”
Spoofing, Congestion, and the Missed Opportunity of Location Data
He pointed out that spoofing—faking or manipulating GPS data—and underused location data waste enormous potential. He believes geospatial data can completely transform public infrastructure.
Levin sees live data as the key to fixing transit issues, especially during global events.
“The inefficiencies in urban transportation—particularly during large-scale events like the Olympics or World Cup—are staggering. Buses arrive out of sync, congestion builds, and local infrastructure buckles under the pressure.”
“With real-time, high-fidelity geospatial analytics, we can change that. Imagine dynamic, self-adjusting bus routes that adapt to real-time conditions—bottlenecks, demand spikes, or delays.”
Users Don’t Want to Understand Crypto—They Want to Use It
When asked how he balances innovation with the risk of excluding or confusing everyday users, Levin kept his response simple: focus on what actually works for people.
“Honestly, it’s not as complicated as it sounds—if you focus on the right thing.”
He explained that most crypto projects still revolve around complex technical discussions. Validators, Layer 2s, rollups, and zk-proofs involve critical conversations, “but they’re not what the average person cares about. Most users don’t ask how the system works, they ask what it does for them.”
The Best Blockchain Is the One You Don’t Notice
For Levin, blockchain’s future depends on more than making tech work—it depends on making that tech feel invisible but accessible.
Levin views decentralization as more than a technical feature—a way to widen access and reduce friction. He emphasized that participation shouldn’t come with high technical or financial barriers.
His vision shows how crypto can quietly support real systems, while fading into the background for those who use it. That’s the future Levin is building toward with XYO in his sights.
Disclaimer:
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the article belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to CCN, its management, employees, or affiliates. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.
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