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Welcome back to Behind the Blocks, where we explore the stories of the brilliant individuals powering Chorus One. In this series, we dive into their personal journeys, how they’re shaping the future of decentralized technology, and why Chorus One is the ideal place for anyone looking to make an impact in Web3.
Today, we’re speaking with Kam Benbrik, a Researcher who made the leap from traditional finance to the world of blockchain. In this interview, Kam shares his excitement for DeFi, what drew him to Chorus One, and how his work is making waves in the Cosmos ecosystem.
Q: How long have you been with Chorus One, and what’s your role here? What does a typical day look like for you?
Kam: I’ve been with Chorus One for just over a year now, and I’m based in Madrid. My role focuses on research—mainly looking at new staking projects and markets. My day typically revolves around digging into tokenomics, keeping an eye on networks we’re live on like Cosmos Hub and Celestia, and evaluating upcoming networks that could be a good fit for Chorus One. Additionally, I’m exploring new business opportunities for the company, including areas such as restaking or decentralized sequencers.
Basically, I get to dive into what’s valuable for validators and stakers, which is exciting because there’s always something new on the horizon.
Q: You come from a traditional finance background. How did you find your way into Web3, and what was that transition like?
Kam: It all started during the DeFi summer of 2020. I was working in risk management in banking at the time, but crypto was really catching my attention. I learned more about the concept of Decentralized Finance, and something clicked—I realized this was the future of finance. I started writing articles on protocols that interested me, and they gained some traction on Twitter, which was kind of a turning point. I knew then that I didn’t want to just watch the space grow from the sidelines—I wanted to be a part of it.
Chorus One really stood out to me as a place where I could dive into the deeper aspects of blockchain research. They have this incredible depth of knowledge across a wide range of topics, from blockchain infrastructure to Decentralized Finance, Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePin), and beyond. They’re very transparent about everything they do, which was important to me. Joining Chorus One just felt like the right move.
Q: What has been your favorite research project so far, and why did it stand out?
Kam: Definitely my work on Cosmos. I took a deep dive into the concept of Interchain Security (read more here) and found some gaps in the economic feasibility of how things were being run. It was a huge project because Cosmos is such a big ecosystem, and the article I published got a lot of attention—not just from the community but also from VCs and other key players. Seeing the feedback and the conversation it sparked was really rewarding. It’s moments like that where you realize the impact research can have.
Q: What’s the research culture like at Chorus One? How does the team approach these complex projects?
Kam: The culture here is incredibly data-driven and detail-oriented. We don’t just skim the surface; we go deep into every project, and the data is always at the core of what we do. What’s unique is the breadth of expertise across the team. You’ve got people focusing on different areas—whether it’s MEV, staking designs, or research on various ecosystems like Ethereum, Solana, and Cosmos. It’s this wide range of skills that really sets us apart. We can cover a lot of ground, and it shows in the research we publish. That’s a big part of why Chorus One stands out among validators.
Q: How does Chorus One help you maintain a good work-life balance?
Kam: One of the things I really appreciate is the flexibility. I actually moved from France to Spain during my time here, and Chorus One made that process super easy—seamlessly switching my contract over. The remote-first setup is a big win because it means I can work from anywhere, and the flexibility with time off has been a game-changer. I’ve even been able to take Spanish lessons, which is something I probably wouldn’t have had time for in a more traditional job. Chorus One really understands that balance and gives us the space to manage our lives alongside work.
Q: How do you stay on top of the latest Web3 trends?
Kam: Twitter is a big part of it for me—there’s always something happening there. But I also stay plugged into Telegram chats and discussions within the team. There’s so much information flowing in this space that it’s important to stay connected. Chorus One supports that by encouraging constant learning and dialogue. We’re always bouncing ideas off each other, so I’m never out of the loop when it comes to the latest trends or developments.
Q: How do you see your research evolving as the Web3 space continues to grow?
Kam: It’s getting more competitive, that’s for sure. There’s more attention on data and analytics now than ever before, and I think that’s where the future of research is headed—being able to back your findings with solid data. Companies that focus on building strong analytics tools will have a real edge. At Chorus One, we’re already ahead of the curve in that regard, and I think that’s going to be crucial as the space continues to expand.
Q: What makes Chorus One an attractive place to work for someone looking to make an impact in blockchain?
Kam: What really sets Chorus One apart is the transparency and the opportunity to make a real impact. It’s not just a job; you’re working on projects that are shaping the future of decentralized finance and blockchain infrastructure. If you’re passionate about deep research, and you want to be part of a team that’s at the forefront of the space, this is the place to be. You get to work with some of the smartest people in the industry, and there’s a genuine focus on innovation and growth. Plus, the remote flexibility and team culture make it a great environment to thrive in.
Chorus One is one of the largest institutional staking providers globally, operating infrastructure for over 60 Proof-of-Stake (PoS) networks, including Ethereum, Cosmos, Solana, Avalanche, Near, and others. Since 2018, we have been at the forefront of the PoS industry, offering easy-to-use, enterprise-grade staking solutions, conducting industry-leading research, and investing in innovative protocols through Chorus One Ventures. As an ISO 27001 certified provider, Chorus One also offers slashing and double-signing insurance to its institutional clients. For more information, visit chorus.one or follow us on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Telegram.
