A Recruitment Veteran’s Perspective
This year’s Paris Blockchain Week 2025 (PBW2025) took things to a whole new level. Whether you’re a developer, recruiter, investor, or just crypto-curious, this was the place to be. And trust me, as someone deep in the crypto hiring trenches, the insights were invaluable. Let’s break down the highlights.
The Expansion Beyond Crypto
PBW2025 wasn’t just about blockchain anymore. It’s clear the organisers saw the bigger picture. AI, IoT, and Web3 all shared the stage this year, creating a convergence of technologies that’s impossible to ignore.
One of the standout talks was from a renewable energy startup using blockchain for grid management. They’ve managed to make energy trading more efficient while cutting costs. The project’s head of operations explained how their recruitment process now demands candidates with knowledge of both green tech and smart contracts. Sound niche? It is—but it’s a niche that’s exploding. I’ve seen similar trends with clients in fintech who now want coders fluent in AI tools like ChatGPT alongside Solidity.
This shift shows how interconnected everything is becoming. It’s not just “blockchain for blockchain’s sake” anymore; it’s blockchain driving real-world impact.
Talent Shortages Are Still Real—But Changing
Speaking of recruitment, let’s talk talent. The demand for blockchain-savvy professionals hasn’t slowed, but what’s changed is the type of roles being filled. Gone are the days when developers were the only ones in high demand. Now, I’m seeing roles in compliance, user experience, and even marketing get snapped up faster than you can say “seed phrase.”
PBW2025 dedicated an entire panel to the hiring gap, and one stat stuck with me: there’s been a 70% increase in demand for non-technical blockchain roles over the past two years. A recruiter on the panel shared how her firm is now vetting candidates who can bridge the gap between tech teams and regulators. It’s a far cry from the “Wild West” days of blockchain hiring.
If you’re trying to break into the space, the key takeaway? Soft skills are as valuable as technical chops. Can you explain tokenomics to someone with no crypto background? If so, you’re golden.
Regulation: A Double-Edged Sword
Regulation was the elephant in every room at PBW2025. While many panellists welcomed the clarity it brings, there’s still plenty of tension. France, with its proactive stance on crypto regulation, served as a case study throughout the week. Companies are flocking here to escape the uncertainty of places like the U.S.
One real-world example? A French DeFi startup I’ve been working with recently expanded their compliance team by 200% to meet new European Union standards. While that sounds like a burden, they’re now seeing record-breaking user adoption. Why? Because trust matters, and regulation—when done right—breeds trust.
The flip side, of course, is the cost. Smaller startups are struggling to keep up with compliance demands, which has created an entirely new market for consultants and outsourced services. If you’re a freelancer with a knack for deciphering legal jargon, PBW2025 made one thing clear: you’re in demand.
Community Still Reigns Supreme
For all the talk of tech and talent, the real magic of PBW2025 was the sense of community. The energy was infectious, from the bustling expo floor to the late-night networking events. One particularly memorable moment for me? Meeting a group of young founders who had bootstrapped their decentralised marketplace from a dorm room. Their passion was a reminder of why so many of us fell in love with this industry in the first place.
But community isn’t just about feel-good moments. It’s a competitive advantage. Startups with active communities are outpacing those without, and PBW2025 underscored this again and again. One session highlighted how engaging users early—via Discord, Twitter, or even DAOs—is driving adoption and retention rates through the roof.
If you’re building something in this space, ask yourself: how are you fostering your community? It might just be the most critical question of 2025.
Why PBW2025 Mattered
Paris Blockchain Week 2025 wasn’t just another conference. It was a reflection of how far we’ve come and where we’re headed. The themes—expansion, talent evolution, regulation, and community—weren’t just talking points. They were roadmaps.
As someone who’s spent years connecting talent to opportunities in this industry, PBW2025 felt like a turning point. Blockchain isn’t just a buzzword anymore. It’s the backbone of industries that are changing lives. And if this conference is anything to go by, the best is yet to come.
So, whether you’re a veteran like me or just getting started, I’d say this: dive in. The water’s fine, and there’s plenty of room to grow.
