MoneyNeverSleeps

This week, I sat down with my longtime Techstars colleague and friend Allard Luchsinger, Managing Director of the ABN AMRO + Techstars Future of Finance Accelerator in Amsterdam.Allard and I have been on each other's investment committees for years, so this conversation hits a bit differently. We've traded notes across dozens of startups, and we've seen each other call the shots on what makes an unstoppable founder. That theme became the golden thread through this episode.We get into Allard's journey from building startups during the dot-com era, to co-founding a zero-commission trading platform years before Robinhood, to leading one of Europe's most respected fintech accelerators. We also dig into:His experience investing in African fintech and why mobile-first changed everythingThe early signals from AI and how they mirror fintech's formative yearsThe conviction you need to invest at pre-seed when all you have is a deck, a founder, and a feelingThe power of mindfulness, presence, and early-morning meditationWhy stablecoins and tokenized assets are quietly rebuilding the financial rails from the inside outThis one's full of hard-earned wisdom from someone who knows both sides of the founder–investor equation, and delivers it all with a calm clarity that hits home.LINKS:Connect with Allard Luchsinger on LinkedIn ABN AMRO + Techstars Future of Finance Accelerator:  Website  |  LinkedInLeave a review & subscribe on: Apple Podcasts  |  Spotify  |  MoneyNeverSleeps (website)Email us: info@norioventures.comPete Townsend:  X/Twitter  |  LinkedIn MoneyNeverSleeps:  X/Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Newsletter

This week, I'm joined by Scott Ashmore and Rob Halligan, co-founders of Shuttle - a platform giving individuals access to venture capital deals that have traditionally been reserved for the ultra-wealthy.Scott and Rob are best friends of 25 years, first-time founders, and the type of guys who rolled up their sleeves, built something that didn't scale, tore it all down, and came back with something far more powerful - and regulated - with Shuttle.We get into:Their early days of investing together that kicked it all offThat raw turning point moment at Web Summit 2022 when they knew the original plan wasn't going to workWhat it took to get regulated and launch a platform built for the digitally-native, tech-savvy retail investorWhy retail investors should have a front-row seat to venture capital opportunities—and how Shuttle is making that happenThis is a story of friendship, frustration with the status quo, and the belief that access to financial upside shouldn't be limited by your net worth.Learn more about Shuttle: Shuttle enables busy professionals to co-invest alongside well-known venture capital firms, regardless of their knowledge, network or net worth. Since launching in December last year, they've already enabled their customers to invest alongside 15 VC funds.LINKS:Shuttle:  Website  |  X/(Twitter)  |  LinkedIn |  Unsophisticated Investor NewsletterScott Ashmore:  LinkedInRob Halligan:  LinkedInLeave a review & subscribe on: Apple Podcasts  |  Spotify  |  MoneyNeverSleeps (website)Email us: info@norioventures.comPete Townsend:  X/Twitter  |  LinkedIn MoneyNeverSleeps:  X/Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Newsletter

This week, I'm joined once again by Alejandro Gutierrez, now officially leading Solana Superteam Ireland, a new initiative powered by the Solana Foundation to accelerate Web3 innovation across the entire island of Ireland.In this conversation, Alejandro and I go deep on how Solana Superteam Ireland came to life, why the momentum is building so quickly, and what this means for Ireland as a Web3 hub.Alejandro shares how he went from convincing Dogpatch Labs to give him a table and a few chairs to creating a thriving Talent Hub that's now attracting builders every Friday. That energy evolved into the Dublin BuildStation, a collaborative space supporting 19 project submissions to the recent Solana Colosseum Hackathon.From stablecoin payments and agentic AI to health tech and startup funding, we talk about the intersection of talent, ecosystem development, and the future of digital finance on Solana in Ireland.In this episode:How Alejandro kicked off Solana Superteam Ireland from the ground upThe role of Dogpatch Labs and Solana Foundation in backing Irish buildersWhy Ireland is uniquely positioned for Web3 leadershipThe Dublin BuildStation and how it supports foundersEmerging verticals in Solana: payments, AI, and healthcareThe potential for a silent stablecoin revolution in the Irish payments landscapeThe importance of community, continuity, and open collaborationWhat's next: Dublin Startup Village, university engagement, and moreEVENTS:Dublin Tech Week - May 23rd- 30th, 2025 - full event listingCryptoMondays Ireland with ETHDublin, Solana Superteam Ireland & Techstars - 26th May 2025Techstars Web3 2025 Demo Day at NYTechWeek (NYC) - 4th June 2025LINKS:Solana Superteam Ireland:  Website  |  X/(Twitter)  |  LinkedInAlejandro Gutierrez: X/(Twitter)  |  LinkedInLeave a review & subscribe on: Apple Podcasts  |  Spotify  |  MoneyNeverSleeps (website)Email us: info@norioventures.comPete Townsend:  X/Twitter  |  LinkedIn MoneyNeverSleeps:  X/Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Newsletter

Simon Brown joins me to share how his role at Consensys has evolved since his last appearance in January 2024 and why he's now leading the charge on the Consensys Network State. It's all about reconnecting the sprawl of the Ethereum ecosystem, reinforcing the cultural gravity that made Ethereum magical in the first place, and creating a more cohesive network of builders, founders, and ecosystem experts.In this episode, we dive into how the Consensys Network State initiative is setting the stage for Ethereum's next decade, how it's bridging gaps between projects and people, and what it means for the future of decentralized coordination. We also get into some big-picture thinking around the evolution of Ethereum, the rise of network states, stablecoin growth, and what it takes to keep that cultural gravity intact as Ethereum continues to grow.Resources Mentioned:Sobol Agreements ProtocolConsensys Network State Flashbots BuilderNetPectra UpgradeConnect with Simon Brown and Consensys:Simon Brown: X(Twitter) |  LinkedIn  |  MediumConsensys:  Website  |  X(Twitter) Leave a review and subscribe onApple PodcastsSpotifyMoneyNeverSleeps (website)Email us: info@norioventures.comConnect with Pete Townsend and MoneyNeverSleeps:Pete Townsend: X/Twitter  |  LinkedIn MoneyNeverSleeps: X/Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Newsletter

This week, I'm welcoming back Ollie Walsh, formerly the co-founder and CEO of Pipit Global, and now, the President of Qenta, following Qenta's recent acquisition of Pipit.  This is Ollie's fourth appearance on MoneyNeverSleeps, making him the all-time guest record holder on the show.This conversation is a special one. Not only has Ollie been building something purpose-driven and globally relevant for over a decade, but I've also had the privilege of sitting on Pipit's board since 2019 and seeing the full journey from the inside.In this episode, we dive into the first public conversation about Pipit's acquisition by Qenta. US-based Qenta is rethinking how money moves around the world, blending fintech, blockchain, and impact into one powerful payments platform.In this episode, Ollie and I get into the weeds on what it really takes to build a startup with social impact at its core, what it feels like to finally get a deal across the line after years of trying, and how it all unfolds when you're leading with purpose rather than flash.We also get into:The “rollercoaster on fire” of startup lifeWhat makes a startup acquirable, especially in emerging marketsWhy leading with social impact turned out to be Pipit's greatest strengthLessons learned the hard way: cap tables, crowdfunding, and mental resilienceOllie's unexpected deep dive into Daoism and Tai Chi, and how it shaped his founder mindsetThis one's packed with honest reflections, tactical insights, and a rare look inside the real M&A journey from a founder who lived every second of it.If you're building with purpose, fundraising under pressure, or just trying to stay centered through it all, this one's for you.Connect with Ollie Walsh and Qenta:Ollie Walsh: LinkedInQenta: LinkedIn  |  Website⁠Leave a review and subscribe onApple PodcastsSpotifyMoneyNeverSleeps (website)Email us: info@norioventures.comConnect with Pete Townsend and MoneyNeverSleeps:Pete Townsend: X/Twitter  |  LinkedIn MoneyNeverSleeps: X/Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Newsletter

This week, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Fergal McGovern, founder and CEO of VisibleThread, for one of the most enlightening founder chats I've had in a while.Fergal's been building for decades—starting with enterprise systems in the '90s, then launching and selling his first startup SteelTrace, and eventually pivoting VisibleThread through the 2008 crash into a trusted platform serving global leaders like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Comcast, and government agencies across the U.S., Canada, and Australia.What I loved about this conversation is how practical and honest Fergal is—especially when it comes to the real story behind fundraising. He's been through the early seed round, the post-pivot rebuild, and the tough decision to fuel growth with debt instead of chasing a VC path that didn't quite fit.In this episode, we get into:- Why 50% growth year-over-year is solid—but not VC-sexy- What makes a startup truly “VC-eligible” (and what doesn't)-How Fergal built a repeatable sales playbook before hiring reps—and why that mattered more than headcount- The thinking behind VisibleThread's expansion into a second product—basically Grammarly for secure, regulated environments- Why GenAI and agents aren't always the right tool—and when logic still wins- And yes, how designing gardens relates to building great UXIf you're a founder figuring out your funding path—or just trying to scale without losing your mind—this one's for you.Resources:The Hard Thing About Hard Things, Ben HorowitzEpisode 170 of the Full Ratchet podcast:  Craig Wortmann - Sales Mastery & Storytelling at Scaling StartupsConnect with Fergal McGovern and VisibleThread:Fergal McGovern: LinkedInVisibleThread: LinkedIn  |  Website⁠Leave a review and subscribe onApple PodcastsSpotifyMoneyNeverSleeps (website)Email us: info@norioventures.comConnect with Pete Townsend and MoneyNeverSleeps:Pete Townsend: X/Twitter  |  LinkedIn MoneyNeverSleeps: X/Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Newsletter

This week, I sat down with Yev Broshevan, co-founder and Chief Business Development Officer at Hacken, a leading blockchain security firm focused on making Web3 a safer, more trustworthy place for everyone. Even better? Yev's birthday is the same day this episode drops - happy birthday, Yev!Yev's story goes way back to her early days as a cybersecurity engineer in Ukraine, where weak institutions and a hacker's curiosity led her deep into the world of Bitcoin back in 2014. Since then, she and her Hacken co-founders have been building a mission-driven business around ethical hacking—using a mindset of creativity and values to secure everything from smart contracts to crypto exchanges.In this episode, we get into:Why the hacker mindset isn't just about code, it's a way of living—and solving problemsHow HackenProof, their bug bounty platform, now has over 45,000 ethical hackers keeping Web3 projects secureWhy smart contract audits are just one layer—operational security and key management matter just as muchHow AI is reshaping both sides of the security equation: as a powerful ally and a new threat vectorWhy Yev's now channeling her hacker brain into biohacking—optimizing health and performance like it's just another system to tuneWe also talk about Hacken's move into the US, how the security landscape has evolved since the early days of crypto, and what the industry still needs to get right to earn back trust.From Web2 to Web3 to Human 2.0, this one's got layers.Connect with Yev Broshevan and Hacken:Yev Broshevan:  X/Twitter  |  LinkedInHacken:  X/Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Website⁠Leave a review and subscribe onApple PodcastsSpotifyMoneyNeverSleeps (website)Email us: info@norioventures.comConnect with Pete Townsend and MoneyNeverSleeps:Pete Townsend: X/Twitter  |  LinkedIn MoneyNeverSleeps: X/Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Newsletter

This week, I'm joined by the ever-insightful and gloriously unfiltered Laura Walsh for a whirlwind spin through the crypto-political multiverse. From BlackRock's Larry Fink flirting with Bitcoin as the next global reserve currency to Trump-World and Cowboy State stablecoins, this episode has more layers than a Siberian haplogroup.What's inside?Larry Fink's crypto come-up – From “index of money laundering” to “Bitcoin might dethrone the dollar”? BlackRock's shifting narrative and what it really means.Bitcoin as collateral – Is BTC ready to step into the reserve asset big leagues, or are we still in the pool noodle phase of macroeconomic modeling?The Trump Token-verse – Meme coins, stablecoins, and the political gamification of crypto. Spoiler: It's not a joke just because it's April Fool's.The great stablecoin expansion – From USD1 to USYC, Pete and Laura unpack where stablecoins are headed, why transparency matters, and how to make sense of the growing crowd — without losing your shirt.Ondo's liquidity leap – Tokenized treasuries meet real-time settlement. Is this the workaround we've been waiting for?Digital identity vs. digital anonymity – Institutional KYC meets privacy paranoia. Can we have both?Wyoming's legal side-quest – The Cowboy State wants its own stablecoin. The Constitution might have a word.The 23andMe acquisition rumor – Is your genome going on-chain? What could possibly go wrong?Plus: Canadian election shout-outs, doomsday memes, and Laura's adventures dodging gun racks and memecoins.Also in this episode:CryptoMondays Ireland is back on April 7th, with a fireside chat (or maybe just vibes) between Pete and Alejandro Gutierrez from Solana Superteam Ireland.ETH Dublin is heating up with Vitalik Buterin and Stani Kulechov joining the speaker lineup from May 23–25.And yes, Sam Bankman-Fried wants to be friends with Diddy again. That's... a whole thing.Connect with Laura Walsh:  LinkedIn  |  X(Twitter) Leave a review and subscribe onApple PodcastsSpotifyMoneyNeverSleeps (website)Email us: info@norioventures.comFollow on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend | MoneyNeverSleeps Follow on LinkedIn: Pete Townsend | MoneyNeverSleeps MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack

Anthony Rose is the co-founder and CEO of SeedLegals, the #1 platform for startup funding and legals in the UK. But long before he was helping tens of thousands of founders raise capital and avoid legal potholes, Anthony was in the digital trenches – first turning the music industry on its head with Kazaa, then helping reinvent online streaming at the BBC with iPlayer, before building and selling a few startups of his own.In this episode, we go deep into what it really means to have founder-problem fit, the magic of applying a product mindset to gnarly challenges like startup legal docs, and how Anthony is now taking SeedLegals across the pond to crack the US market.We also talk about reinventing yourself as a founder, knowing when to build vs. when to sell, and why your legal docs should be like the owner's manual in your car – built on all the ways things can go wrong.If you've ever tried to sell an unfinished product, pitched into skepticism, or had a strange love affair with a weirdly specific problem – this one's for you.KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODEFounder-Problem Fit: Anthony thrives on solving the problems nobody else wants—like turning legal complexity into a smooth, scalable product experience for startups.The Productization of Law: From auto-generated funding docs to clauses like “No Pay, No Play,” SeedLegals is redefining how legals should work at early stage.From iPlayer to Legal Tech: The shift from media to law wasn't planned—it was sparked by a party in Rome and a technical founder's obsession with inefficiency.Scaling the Right Way: Anthony explains why raising too much money too soon can kill your startup's focus—and how lean execution wins.Going Global, One Event at a Time: With SeedLegals now expanding into the US, Anthony is pounding the pavement in NYC to build community-led growth from the ground up.Selling as a Founder: Why the first sales hire outperformed Anthony—and how he learned to switch from “builder brain” to “buyer focus.Connect with Anthony Rose and SeedLegals:SeedLegals WebsiteFollow SeedLegals on LinkedIn Connect with Anthony Rose on LinkedInKEYWORDS:SeedLegals, Anthony Rose, Pete Townsend, MoneyNeverSleeps, startup legal docs, founder problem fit, UK startups, US expansion, startup funding, cap tables, term sheets, startup founder tips, legal tech, product development, startup fundraising, iPlayer, Kazaa, venture capital, VC advice, New York startups, scaling globally, early stage startups, startup mistakes, how to pitch, founder legal protection, Techstars Web3, startup acceleratorLeave a review and subscribe onApple PodcastsSpotifyMoneyNeverSleeps (website)Email us: info@norioventures.comFollow on X(Twitter):Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnvMoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshowFollow on LinkedIn:Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/

In this week's episode, I'm joined by my good friend and returning guest co-host Alejandro Gutierrez, and we get into the thick of what I like to call “worlds colliding” — the convergence of Web3 and TradFi that's playing out in real time.From Robinhood stepping into prediction markets, to ETF filings for Solana, XRP, and even Sui, and even the Fed making front-page crypto headlines, this one's packed with all the signs that the walls between the old and the new are coming down fast.What we cover this week:ETH Dublin is back and bigger than ever – With Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin and Aave founder Stani Kulechov confirmed to speak, the Irish Web3 scene is officially on the global map.Crypto Mondays Ireland kickoff – We kicked things off with a great crowd, bridging Web2, Web3, TradFi and crypto over pints and pizza (note to self: apply for a PizzaDAO grant next time).Robinhood enters prediction markets – A natural next step as U.S. regulatory winds start shifting, and another signal that mainstream fintech is eyeing the Web3 playbook.ETFs and tokenized RWAs are on the rise – With filings for DOGE, XRP, and SUI ETFs, and $18B+ in RWAs already on-chain, the signs are clear — TradFi is getting comfy with digital rails.Crypto's macro moment – When CoinDesk leads with “Fed holds rate steady,” you know we've officially crossed over into traditional markets territory.Why FIFA Coin is a terrible idea – Props to Pet Berisha for breaking it down. We don't need a FIFA token when stablecoins already do the job (with way less drama).Solana Talent Hub in Ireland – Alejandro and the team are building a home for the Solana ecosystem at Dogpatch Labs every Friday. If you're Solana-curious and based in Ireland, get involved.Links & Resources:ETH Dublin – May 23–25, Solana Talent Hub @ Dogpatch LabsSporting Crypto by Pet BerishaBrian Armstrong's Farcaster postTokenized RWA tracker – rwa.xyzCentrifuge/BlockTower report on tokenizationFollow our guest co-host Alejandro Gutierrez:X(Twitter):  https://twitter.com/A_gutierroLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandro-gutierrez-98979b43/Leave a review and subscribe onApple PodcastsSpotifyMoneyNeverSleeps (website)Email us: info@norioventures.comFollow on X(Twitter):Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnvMoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshowFollow on LinkedIn:Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/

In this episode, we're announcing the Techstars Web3 Accelerator Class of 2025 featuring founders from the six web3 startups that Techstars are investing in and accelerating in 2025 and beyond.  Get ready for insights from:Satyam Agrawal, founder of 0xBridge, enabling seamless, non-custodial, and efficient two-way Bitcoin movement across blockchains, allowing users to mint 1:1 pegged BTC without relinquishing control of their original assets.Ry Leong, co-founder of Autonom, powering perpetual trading of real-world assets (RWAs) by incorporating a decentralized system to detect and resolve data inaccuracies, enabling seamless integration of market utilities into crypto economies.Mike Maguire, co-founder of DABL, a real-time monitoring and automated hedging platform that uses institutional-grade models to enhance risk management for crypto lending platforms and traditional financial institutions in digital assets.Rami Akeela, co-founder of Nera Systems, a comprehensive Privacy Enhancing Technology (PET) platform that enables enterprises to securely deploy AI and machine learning on sensitive data through encrypted, decentralized solutions that keep data within enterprise boundaries while maintaining utility⁠.Ilya Lebedev, co-founder of nodes.garden, a one-click multichain node management platform that simplifies the complex process of setting up and managing blockchain nodes for both testnet and mainnet environments, requiring no technical expertise from users⁠.Jeremy Prasetyo, co-founder of TRUSTBYTES, creating the world's first security operations system allowing projects to see, understand and act on their risk posture with confidence.All of these founders just completed Week 1 of the 13-week Techstars Web3 accelerator.  As all of the founders for the six startups are scattered around the world, they all traveled to Dublin for Week 1 as Ireland is a fantastic place to build relationships fast.In the pressure cooker of a mostly virtual 13-week accelerator program, it's crucial for the founders to get their relationships off the ground with the Techstars team and with each other, as their accelerator classmates should become the best founder support group they'll ever have.After an intense first week of workshops, mentors, pitch-building, and then live pitching at the big Techstars Web3 launch night at Toners in Dublin which doubled as the very first CryptoMondays Ireland event, the founders decamped to go virtual for the next 5 weeks before meeting in London in April and then NYC during NYTech Week for Demo Day in the first week of June 2025.LINKS & RESOURCES:Learn more about the Techstars Web3 Accelerator:WebsiteLinkedInX/(Twitter)Connect with each startup:Satyam Agrawal, founder & CEO of 0xBridge, Mason Burkhalter, co-founder & CEO of AutonomMike Maguire, co-founder & CEO of DABLRami Akeela, co-founder & CEO of Nera Systems.Ilya Lebedev, co-founder & CEO of nodes.garden.Jeremy Prasetyo, co-founder & CEO of TRUSTBYTESKeywords: #techstars #mentors #web3 #accelerators #entrepreneurship #podcast #startupecosystem #cryptolending # #privacy #oracles #bitcoinliquidity #security #blockchainnodesLeave a review and subscribe on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyMoneyNeverSleeps (website)Email us: info@norioventures.comFollow us on X(Twitter):Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnvMoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshowFollow us on LinkedIn:Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/

This week, we're taking a look back at some of my favorite moments from the past year—the conversations that stuck with me long after we hit stop on the recording. If you missed them the first time around, now's your chance to catch the highlights!And here's the kicker—every one of the eight segments I pulled together features a mentor from the Techstars Web3 Accelerator that I lead. It's part highlight reel, part "thank you" to these incredible people who help founders navigate the startup grind. A huge shoutout to Mai Santamaria, Patrick Pinschmidt, Hesus Inoma, Rita Martins, Alejandro Gutierrez, Laura Walsh, Philipp Pieper, Timo Lehes, and Arabian Prince from NWA for sharing their wisdom.A number of these guests will also be joining us at the Techstars x Crypto Mondays Ireland event that Hugh McGirr and I are hosting in Dublin on Monday, March 10th at Toner's Pub. If you're around, come reconnect with old friends, meet new builders, investors, and operators across Web2, Web3, and enterprise, and hear from our Techstars Web3 Class of 2025. You might even enjoy a pint of Guinness while you're at it. Check out the Luma linkto register here.LINKS:Keywords: #techstars #mentors #web3 #cbdc #beststartupinsights #entrepreneurship #podcast #startupecosystem #venturecapitalinsights #blockchaintrends #AI #crypto #fintechinnovationsLeave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify MoneyNeverSleeps (website)Check out all of the original episodes we featured: 241: Money Talks with Mai Santamaria | Binance and CZ | Argentina's New President | Vitalik's Techno-Optimism Manifesto | Blockchain and AI Intersect 248: Venture Investing and Connecting the Dots with Patrick Pinscmidt 257: How I Got To Techstars on a Flywheel | Hesus Inoma Interviews Pete Townsend | Venture With Hesus 264: Rita Martins | Author of Web3 in Financial Services 269: Working in Web3 | Real World Asset Tokenization in Finance and Beyond | Guest Co-Host Alejandro Gutierrez 266: Crypto Politics: Unpacking Trump's Campaign Promises with Laura Walsh 277: Straight Outta Crypton | Swarm and the Rise of RWAs | Timo Lehes and Philipp Pieper 283: Arabian Prince | The N.W.A Pioneer Empowering the Next Tech GenerationEmail us: info@norioventures.comFollow us on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend:https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv MoneyNeverSleeps:https://twitter.com/MNSshowFollow us on LinkedIn: Pete Townsend:https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ MoneyNeverSleeps:https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter:https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/

Alejandro Gutierrez joins me once again to dive into some of the biggest conversations in crypto right now, including:The fallout from Operation Chokepoint 2.0 and the debanking of crypto startups—what it means for the industry and how regulatory shifts in the U.S. and Europe could reshape the future of digital assets.Why Solana is having its moment—how Solana's DEX volume is outpacing Ethereum's and what this means for the long-term viability of the network.The rise of decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and why Uniswap launching its own Layer 2, Unichain, could be a game changer.Institutionalization of crypto—how Solana ETFs and BitGo's rumored IPO are bringing more traditional finance players into the space.The evolving regulatory landscape—what the SEC's new stance on crypto, led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, could mean for the industry's future.Plus, we share the details on an exciting new event—Techstars and CryptoMondays Ireland are teaming up for a first-of-its-kind gathering in Dublin on March 10th (register here).Alejandro Gutierrez is a leading figure in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space and an early adopter of real-world asset tokenization. Alejandro has contributed to the growth of DeFi through his work with MakerDAO, Tokeny, Securitize, and Centrifuge, as well as his co-founding of Consolfreight, Defactor, and ETH Dublin.EPISODE LINKS:Operation Chokepoint 2.0 / DebankingCoinbase - the facts are the facts FDIC (X, 6-Feb-25)Operation Chokepoint 2.0 - Nic Carter, Castle Island Ventures (Pirate Wires, 8-Feb-23) Marc Andreessen on Joe Rogan (Joe Rogan Experience, 27-Nov-24)Fed's Powell Says He's Also Worried About Debanking (Coindesk, 11-Feb-25)Graham Rodford from Archax on the UK situation (Linkedin, recently)New Era in the SEC with CryptoThe Journey Begins - SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce (SEC, 4-Feb-25)Other TopicsSolana DEX Volume Tops $60M as It Looks to Extend 4-Month Winning Streak Over Ethereum (Coindesk, 11-Feb-25)BitGo Mulling IPO This Year (Coindesk, 11-Feb-25)Uniswap Labs Officially Launches Layer-2 ‘Unichain' (Coindesk, 10-Feb-25)Keywords:  #OperationChokepoint2 #debanking #SolanaDEXvolume #UniswapLayer2 #Cryptoregulation2025 #DeFI #Institutionalcryptoadoption #SolanaETFs #seccryptopolicyLeave a review and subscribe onApple PodcastsSpotifyMoneyNeverSleeps (website)Follow our guest co-host Alejandro Gutierrez:X(Twitter):  https://twitter.com/A_gutierroLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandro-gutierrez-98979b43/Email us: info@norioventures.comFollow us on X(Twitter):Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnvMoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshowFollow us on LinkedIn:Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/

This week, we're tapping into the intersection of hip-hop, technology, education and startups with a true pioneer—Arabian Prince. If you know your rap history, you know Arabian Prince as one of the founding members of N.W.A, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rap group that redefined music and culture. But what you might not know is that he's also a lifelong technologist, entrepreneur and futurist—a kid from Compton who got his hands on a computer early and never looked back. From songwriting, rapping and DJ-ing to producing electro-funk beats and Grammy-nominated #1 hit song Supersonic to leading innovation in 3D animation, video games, and blockchain, he's been pushing the boundaries of technology for decades. In this episode, we talk about how a chance encounter with an N.W.A-inspired crypto-merch baseball cap led to this conversation, and from there, we cover everything—his early love for tech, how music and technology shaped his career, and his mission as founder of INov8 Next Open Labs and co-founder of INov8 Capital to bring the next generation of kids into the world of tech. Form beats to bytes, Arabian's story is all about curiosity, hustle, creativity, and breaking boundaries—whether it's in music, business, or technology, so this is one you don't want to miss. EPISODE LINKS Follow OGArabianPrince on social: Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter Learn more about iNov8 Next Open Labs Learn about Arabian Prince's music and past work here Check out Arabian Prince's GGGOAT Golf and GGGOAT PC brands  Check out Swarm, the crypto real-world asset platform that started this conversation: www.swarm.com QUOTES FROM THE EPISODE “I was just a kid with a computer in Compton. That changed everything for me.” “If you want to make real change, you have to give kids access—not just knowledge, but tools, networks, and opportunities.” “Most of the people running tech companies today grew up on our music. That connection helps me open doors to push innovation forward.” SHOW NOTES  01:45 – The backstory: A crypto merch cap leads to this conversation 04:10 – Growing up in Compton, discovering computers, and early influences 08:50 – Blending music and technology: from electro-funk to hip-hop 11:15 – The birth of N.W.A and leveraging tech in the studio 14:40 – Why Arabian Prince left N.W.A and pivoted into animation and video games 16:20 – Working on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Silver Surfer, and Casper 18:30 – Founding iNov8 Next Open Labs and building tech education initiatives 21:05 – The regional approach: Adapting tech education to different U.S. communities 24:15 – Leveraging relationships and hip-hop's legacy to open doors in tech 27:40 – Thoughts on blockchain, AI, and the future of digital ownership 29:50 – The impact of teaching kids about technology and entrepreneurship 32:00 – Fun facts about Arabian Prince: his love for SpongeBob and video games 34:00 – Arabian's connection to Ireland and plans for visiting soon 35:00 – Closing thoughts and where to find Arabian Prince online Keywords: #arabianprince #nwa #rap #hiphop #tech #education #inov8next Shout-outs and hat-tips: Amor Sexton, Philipp Pieper, Timo Lehes, Katie Evans, Kene Ezeji-Okoye Leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify MoneyNeverSleeps (website) Email us: info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow Follow on LinkedIn: Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/

Laura Walsh returns this week to help me unpack the whirlwind of events shaking up crypto, finance, and politics—from Trump's memecoin antics to regulatory shifts and the ever-increasing adoption of crypto by institutional finance. Laura Walsh is a Techstars All Star Mentor, advisor, founder, web3 OG and friend, and in this episode, we dive into: Trump's Memecoin Playbook – How the former U.S. president's memecoins raked in millions in fees and what it says about crypto speculation today. Gary Gensler's Exit from the SEC – What his departure means for the regulatory landscape and whether this signals a new era for crypto. Institutional Finance Embracing Blockchain – The latest on Circle's acquisition of Hashnote's tokenized money market fund and why crypto natives, not TradFi, are fueling the real-world asset movement. Regulatory Clarity & Crypto Adoption – How the SEC's new crypto task force led by Hester Peirce is changing the conversation around compliance and innovation. Lessons from the Irish Whiskey Trade Battle – A fascinating parallel between crypto lobbying and how the Irish whiskey industry successfully pushed for tariff exclusions in the U.S. Canada's Response to Trump's Trade Threats – The geopolitical implications of America's shifting trade policies and how Canadians are rallying against expansionist rhetoric. There's no shortage of action in this episode—memecoins, market shifts, regulatory updates, and some fascinating history lessons all packed into one conversation! Resources & Mentions: Gary Gensler Leaves SEC, and Cryptocurrency-Friendly Mark Uyeda Is Appointed (Binance, 20-Jan-25) SEC Forms New Crypto Task Force Spearheaded by Hester Peirce (CoinDesk, 21-Jan-25) Trump's meme coin is a reminder of crypto's dumbest use case (CNN, 21-Jan-25) Alternative viewpoint on memecoins from Kevin DeGods (X/Twitter, 20-Jan-25) Canada has threatened ‘dollar for dollar' retaliatory tariffs and ‘nothing is off the table' (National Post, 21-Jan-25) The Irish whiskey playbook: an insider's guide to how firms must navigate Trump's DC (Business Post, 20-Jan-25) Dfns Raises $16 Million to Expand Crypto Wallet Infrastructure (Pymnts.com, 17-Jan-25) Circle buys tokenized money market fund Hashnote-USYC (Finextra, 21-Jan-25) Tornado Cash off OFAC List (Cointelegraph, 22-Jan-25) Ross Ulbricht pardoned (X, 21-Jan-25) Connect with Laura Walsh on social media: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralwalsh/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheOGLauraWalsh Keywords: Trump, memecoins, crypto, regulations, SEC, tokenized assets Leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify MoneyNeverSleeps (website) Email us: info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow Follow on LinkedIn: Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/

Brian McDonald is a partner at Bay Advisory, a corporate finance firm helping founders navigate funding, scaling, and exiting their businesses. Brian first joined the show in 2021, and now, four years later, he returns to share updated insights on startup exits, valuations, and the evolving market landscape. From the importance of staying true to your business identity to understanding deal structuring and negotiation tactics, Brian breaks down what founders need to know before, during, and after an exit. He also shares his thoughts on current trends, including valuation shifts, the rise of AI-driven businesses, and the significance of knowing when to walk away from a deal. If you're a founder planning your next fundraising round or thinking about an exit, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples that you won't want to miss. Key Takeaways 1. Stay True to Your Business Identity: Many founders feel pressured to present their business as a SaaS or AI-driven venture to attract investors, but Brian emphasizes the importance of positioning your business based on what it truly is rather than shaping it to fit investor expectations. 2. Avoid Venture Capital If You Plan to Keep Your Business Long-Term: If you're building a business to own and operate for life, taking on investors expecting a return may not be the right move. Transparency about your vision is crucial in aligning with the right partners. 3. Consider Alternatives to Full Exits: Founders don't have to sell their entire company to achieve financial security. Partial exits or taking some cash off the table while continuing to scale can be viable options. 4. Valuation Challenges in Today's Market: Valuations fluctuate, and generic revenue multiples can be misleading. Founders should focus on comparable deals and be realistic about their company's value in the current market conditions. 5. Earnouts and Deal Structuring: Few exits involve a full cash payout at closing. Earnouts based on future performance are common, and founders should aim for turnover-based earnouts rather than EBITDA-based, as buyers can manipulate EBITDA figures.. 6. Know Your ‘No' and Be Ready to Walk Away: Understanding your bottom line in negotiations is critical. If a deal isn't right, having the confidence to walk away can save founders from making costly mistakes. Market Trends and Strategic Insights: Longer Deal Timelines: Exit processes that once took six months are now stretching to 9-12 months due to market shifts. AI Bubble: Many businesses are branding themselves as AI-driven when they're not, which mirrors past trends seen with blockchain startups. Corporate vs. PE Buyers: Corporates focus on strategic fit, while PE firms prioritize financials and growth potential. Importance of Data Rooms: Keeping updated documentation can streamline fundraising or an acquisition process when the time comes. Guest Details: Email: brian@bayadvisory.ie Website: BayAdvisory.ie LinkedIn: Brian McDonald Listen to Brian's first appearance on MoneyNeverSleeps in 2021 (episodes 118 and 119, Words of Advice, Parts 1 &2) Learn more about Bay Advisory and their advisory services for founders Brian referred to the book A Slight Edge by Jeff Olson in focusing on your niche at the earliest stages Leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify MoneyNeverSleeps (website) Email us: info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow Follow on LinkedIn: Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/

In this special year-end episode, Pete Townsend is joined by returning guest co-host Alejandro Gutierrez for a wide-ranging conversation about what the future may hold in 2025. Together, they explore transformative ideas, emerging trends, and groundbreaking technologies that could shape industries, disrupt norms, and redefine global innovation. From traditional finance's embrace of tokenization to the rise of AI agents, the duo covers it all—including a bonus prediction from a mysterious contributor. Tune in for an exciting glimpse into 2025 and get ready to peer into the crystal ball with Pete and Alejandro. What You'll Learn: Tokenization Takes Center Stage: How traditional finance is poised to fully embrace tokenization, opening up new markets and investment opportunities. Stablecoins in E-commerce: The role of stablecoins in reshaping online payments and the potential for major adoption by e-commerce giants. Decentralized Identity: Why verifiable credentials and self-sovereign identity could become mainstream. Blockchain and Gaming: Predictions for how large gaming studios might integrate blockchain into their IP to empower users with ownership. AI Meets Blockchain: The emergence of AI agents in Web3 and their potential to revolutionize decision-making and commerce. Regulatory Milestones: The Financial Innovation and Technology (FIT21) Act and its potential to establish a clear framework for digital assets in the U.S. Global Bitcoin Adoption: How BRICS nations and others might accelerate Bitcoin mining and adoption for financial sovereignty. Meme Coins and AI Agents: The possibility of AI agents driving the next wave of meme coin mania and their implications for the ecosystem. Bonus Predictions: Eoin Motherway, fintech and funds industry legend, shared his take on 2025: Proliferation of Stablecoins: Beyond USD-pegged options, expect growth in other fiat-backed stablecoins (e.g., HKD, JPY). Tokenization of Funds: The tokenization of money market funds could gain momentum, paving the way for more accessible and efficient investments. Digital Assets Ireland: The emergence of Ireland as a hub for digital assets under MiCAR regulations. Resources Mentioned: Electric Capital Developer Report 2024 Castle Island Ventures: Stablecoins and Emerging Markets a16zcrypto: A few of the things we're excited about in crypto (2025) a16zcrypto's Chris Dixon on Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin Bankless Podcast on AI Agents and Finance Call to Action: If this episode sparked your curiosity about 2025, we'd love to hear your predictions! Share your thoughts on X/(Twitter) at @MNSShow or email us at info@norioventures.com. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review MoneyNeverSleeps on Apple Podcasts and Spotify—and share this episode with a friend. Keywords: Alejandro Gutierrez, Pete Townsend, 2025 tech trends, Blockchain and AI, Crypto trends 2025, Stablecoins future, Decentralized identity solutions, Bitcoin mining expansion, Tokenization in finance, web3 trends 2025 Leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify MoneyNeverSleeps (website) Follow our guest co-host Alejandro Gutierrez: X(Twitter):  https://twitter.com/A_gutierro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandro-gutierrez-98979b43/ Email us: info@norioventures.com Follow us on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow Follow us on LinkedIn: Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/

This week, I interviewed serial entrepreneur Nigel Eccles. Known for his role as co-founder and former CEO of FanDuel, Nigel shares his incredible journey of launching and scaling multiple ventures, including his latest projects BetHog and BetDex. Nigel dives into the pivotal moments that defined his career, lessons learned from raising over $450 million in venture funding, and his insights into the evolving landscapes of crypto, Web3, and gaming. Nigel's candid reflections on timing, co-founder dynamics, and building resilient startups are a must-hear for founders, investors, and anyone curious about how to stay ahead in the world of tech and entrepreneurship. What You'll Learn in This Episode: A speedrun through Nigel's backstory  The early days of FanDuel and lessons from building a billion-dollar business. Insights into raising capital—from seed rounds to $450M in funding. Why timing and market dynamics matter more than ever. The role of ethics and trustworthiness in choosing co-founders and investors. Building for users: Why understanding your audience is key. The future of online gaming, streaming, and crypto's role in innovation. Notable Quotes: “If you're a tech startup, you need a tech co-founder. It's almost impossible to succeed without one.” “The best hires often come from failed startups—they've been through the fire and still want to build.” “The key to raising capital is timing and understanding what the market values.” Connect with Nigel Eccles: Twitter | LinkedIn Keywords: gaming, sports betting, FanDuel, crypto, web3, BetHog, BetDex, fundraising, venture capital Shout-outs: Connor Murphy, Bradley Tusk, Nic Carter Leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify MoneyNeverSleeps (website) Email us: info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow Follow on LinkedIn: Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/

This week, I'm joined by the brilliant Mai Santamaria for a far-ranging discussion inspired by Ian Goldin's concept of The Butterfly Defect — a thought-provoking take on the risks and interconnectedness of our global systems. We dive into how this idea resonates with the evolution of crypto, web3, and the financial markets, and explore how the convergence of traditional and decentralized systems could reshape the future. Mai, an award-winning fintech and financial policy expert, has been a trailblazer in shaping regulatory and strategic frameworks in Ireland. With deep expertise in digital finance and a passion for innovation, Mai brings her unique perspective to our conversation, exploring the challenges—and opportunities—of hyper-connectivity in our global economy. It's a deep and engaging conversation that offers insights into how globalization, technology, and finance intertwine IN THIS EPISODE: - The Butterfly Defect: How hyperconnectivity increases systemic risks and the lessons for crypto and globalization. - Parallel Arcs of Financial Systems: The inevitable convergence of traditional financial markets and crypto. - Regulatory Perspectives: Why interconnectedness demands careful collaboration at a global level. - The Role of Technology: How blockchain innovation like self-executing smart contracts can reshape financial markets. - Echo Chambers: Navigating the challenges of being too immersed in niche ecosystems and staying grounded. - Ireland's Potential: How Ireland's geographical and technological advantages position it as a hub for sustainable digital financial services. - Emerging Market Innovation: The surprising use cases for stablecoins and tokenized assets in emerging markets. KEYWORDS: butterfly defect, globalization, digital economy, crypto, blockchain, web3, regulation, stablecoins, butterfly effect RESOURCES: Follow our guest co-host Mai Santamaria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mai07/ The Fintech 15: Meet the Women Shaping the Irish Revolution (paywall) The Fintech Blueprint podcast interview with Tom Duff Gordon from Coinbase Professor Ian Goldin's 2014 Princeton lecture on The Butterfly Defect Meet Keith Gill, the man who drove the GameStop Reddit mania and made millions Aled Jones's article The Actuary (2021) on the Butterfly Defect The Stablecoin Revolution with Linda Jeng | Unpacking Castle Island Ventures' Latest Stablecoin Report David Senra's Founders podcast LINKS: Leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify MoneyNeverSleeps (website) Email us: info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow Follow on LinkedIn: Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/

This week. I sat down with Timo Lehes and Philipp Pieper, the co-founders of Swarm, the RWA (or Real World Assets) platform that brings unique digitization and trading solutions to the world of traditional and decentralized finance. Swam is the first organization in the world to offer digitized US treasury bills and Apple stock via a compliant and decentralized platform From their personal journeys into crypto to the challenges of integrating TradFi with DeFi, Timo and Philipp unpack Swarm's evolution, their focus on compliance, and their vision for the tokenized financial markets of tomorrow. Along the way, they share stories about formative moments in their careers, including Philipp's time in New England during the fall of the Berlin Wall and Timo's early coding days. Plus, we dive into: Swarm's focus on making blockchain-based assets accessible and tradable globally. Insights from the initial coin offering (ICO) and security token offering (STO) waves of the mid-2010s. The importance of regulatory clarity for tokenization to thrive. The role of RWAs in bridging the gap between decentralized and traditional finance. And yes, the story behind Swarm's iconic RWA baseball caps inspired by 80s rap legends NWA! Key Takeaways: The transition from niche assets to tokenizing well-known RWAs like stocks and gold has been pivotal for Swarm's success. Compliance and regulation are at the heart of Swarm's approach, paving the way for global adoption. Despite the challenges, blockchain holds the potential to simplify and disrupt traditional financial systems, much like the early internet. Swarm's dual focus: Issuing RWAs and providing the tools for others to tokenize assets through their SaaS platform. About Swarm: Swarm is a compliance-first platform for tokenizing real-world assets, combining the speed, efficiency, and flexibility of blockchain with the trust and asset diversity of traditional exchanges. By integrating TradFi with DeFi, Swarm aims to create a seamless future where everything just becomes “Fi.” Follow Swarm: Website: swarm.com Twitter: @SwarmMarkets Telegram: Swarm Community Connect with Timo and Philipp: Timo Lehes: Twitter | LinkedIn Philipp Pieper: Twitter | LinkedIn Mentioned in This Episode: Dead Poets Society and its influence on Philipp's philosophy of independent thought. Regulatory developments in the U.S. and Europe, and their implications for tokenized markets. The role of stablecoins as the first real-world asset success story. NWA's influence on Swarm's RWA hats—bridging culture and finance. Keywords: crypto, blockchain, digital assets, tokenization, real world assets, RWAs, DeFi   Leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify MoneyNeverSleeps (website) Email us: info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow Follow on LinkedIn: Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/

This week, we've got an exclusive interview with Manu, the founder and CEO of Sponstar, the fractional sponsorship marketplace that's leveling the playing field for small and mid-sized brands to access high-profile sponsorship opportunities. Manu's entrepreneurial journey, from traditional finance to web3, led to the creation of Sponstar—a game-changing platform that bridges physical events and digital experiences while redefining the sponsorship ecosystem. Manu shares her insights on fractional sponsorship, the intersection of blockchain, AI, and event marketing, and the unique challenges women founders face in the tech and crypto worlds. We also explore her guiding principles of spirituality, surrender, and how giving more strengthens a startup's potential. Manu previously co-founded Alpha'a and alphaa.io where she changed the way companies connect with their fans, using web3 to help enterprises connect people, content and experiences.  She has been in the tech and collectibles sector for the past 10 years successfully raising funds from venture investors such as Metaprop, Lightspeed, Chingona Ventures, and Gaingels  With a background in finance, Manu worked as an equity analyst at Gávea Investments, one of Brazil's most reputable investment management firms. Notably, Manu was named by Bloomberg in 2022 as one of the top 100 most influential Latinos and Latinas worldwide, one of the top 10 people to watch in Fintech in 2023, and one of the 33-Under-33 entrepreneurs in 2018 in New York City.  RESOURCES & LINKS: Learn more about ⁠Sponstar⁠ Recommended Reading: ⁠The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer⁠ ABOUT THE HOST: Pete Townsend is an early-stage startup investor focused on the intersection of fintech, crypto, and web3. He also leads the ⁠Techstars Web3 Accelerator⁠. For more on Pete and how to get in touch, visit ⁠moneyneversleeps.ie⁠. SUPPORT THE SHOW: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ or ⁠Spotify⁠, and don't forget to subscribe for future episodes of MoneyNeverSleeps. Until next time, stay curious and keep learning! Email us: info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend:⁠ https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv⁠ MoneyNeverSleeps:⁠ https://twitter.com/MNSshow⁠ Follow on LinkedIn: Pete Townsend:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/⁠ MoneyNeverSleeps:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/⁠ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter:⁠ https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/

We're diving deep into the fundamentals of fundraising for Web3 startups and early-stage ventures navigating their first capital raise. Fundraising is always challenging, but in web3, it's a whole new frontier with unique hurdles. This session, originally presented at a Techstars Web3 Accelerator event, is packed with actionable insights that apply to most tech startups, especially those aiming to raise their first round. IN THIS EPISODE: The Art of Readiness: Fundraising is a high-stakes campaign that requires focus, preparation, and a solid plan. I'll walk you through the basics of getting yourself – and your co-founders – ready to tackle your first fundraise head-on. Investor Pipeline Strategy: Building and managing an investor pipeline is critical to success. Learn about identifying the right investors, setting up warm intros, and the nuances of pitching to both web3 and web2.5 investors. Legal Matters and Structures: In web3, navigating the legal landscape is a must. I cover key considerations for structuring your raise, choosing between token and equity allocations, and why a strong legal strategy is essential. Storytelling and Positioning: We discuss the importance of clearly articulating your vision, setting ambitious yet realistic milestones, and presenting a credible plan to investors. Execution and Perseverance: Fundraising can be a marathon filled with tough feedback, but execution is key. I share tips on how to handle investor conversations, refine your pitch, and ultimately close your round. Resources: Access a variety of fundraising resources, including pitch deck examples, document templates, and strategic guides in the show notes on MoneyNeverSleeps.ie. Slides from the Techstars session: Fundraising in web3 A16z crypto: 5 rules for token launches NFX:  The 23 Rules of Storytelling For Fundraising Pitchdecky: Crypto / Web3 (and beyond) pitch deck LegalNodes: Choosing a web3 fundraising document Techstars Entrepreneur's Toolkit Video version of Web3 Fundraising Playbook (this episode) Applications Now Open: If you're a web3 founder ready to scale, applications are now open for the Spring 2025 class of the Techstars Web3 Accelerator! Deadline is November 20, so don't miss out. Visit techstars.com/accelerators/web3 to learn more and apply. TIMESTAMPS: 01:40 The Challenges of Fundraising 02:32 Preparing for Your First Fundraise 03:56 Determining Your Fundraising Amount 07:32 Legal Considerations in Web3 Fundraising 11:43 Socializing Your Fundraise 13:27 Building Your Fundraising Materials 15:52 Targeting and Pitching Investors 20:27 Executing and Closing the Fundraise 23:21 Final Thoughts and Recap LINKS: Leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify MoneyNeverSleeps (website) MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ Email us: info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow Follow on LinkedIn: Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/

René Pinnell is the founder of Artizen, a match-funding platform for human creativity, helping creators match fund new projects at the frontier of art, science, technology and culture. With over two decades of experience, René has helped creators raise more than $50 million for groundbreaking projects, including securing the first seven-figure VR film deal at the Sundance Film Festival. As an executive producer, René has worked on acclaimed projects like BATTLESCAR, starring Rosario Dawson, and SPHERES, featuring Jessica Chastain, Millie Bobby Brown, and Patti Smith. Additionally, René has directed the feature documentary The King of Texas, sold a TV pilot to MTV, and founded two companies, reflecting his deep commitment to supporting and elevating creative talent.  In this episode, I sat down with René to explore his transformative journey from filmmaker to startup founder. Delving into the evolution of creative funding, René discusses Artizen's innovative model, which blends traditional match funding with crypto and community-driven support.  We cover pivotal moments from his VR project days with Kaleidoscope to forming high-profile partnerships, such as with Viola Davis during the BLM movement. Discover how Artizen's dual strategy of enterprise sales and grassroots initiatives is set to reshape the creative industry. Plus, learn about the role of AI and no-code tools in revolutionizing product development, the benefits of community match funds, and the potential of crypto within the creator economy. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the past, present, and future of creative project financing. René is also an alum of the Techstars Web3 accelerator class of 2024, investing in entrepreneurs building in web3 and enabling the next wave of growth in the decentralized internet and in tokenized economies.  Applications are now open for the Spring 2025 class, so check out techstars.com/accelerators/web3 to apply.  TIMESTAMPS: 00:36 Meet René Pinnell: A Creative Force 01:17 René's Creative Journey and Family Heritage 03:54 The Birth of Artizen 05:52 Challenges in Funding Creative Projects 08:11 From Kaleidoscope to Artizen 10:22 Scaling Artizen with Community Curation 19:05 Artizen's Triple-Sided Marketplace 26:35 Support for Black Artists in Immersive Media 27:25 Fundraising and Future Plans for Artizen 28:22 High-Profile Partnerships and Match Funds 29:34 Challenges and Insights from Creators 32:32 René's Journey: From Filmmaker to Founder 37:31 Rebuilding Artizen with No-Code Tools 41:10 The Future of Product Development and Network Effects 44:10 The Importance of Fundraising Skills 45:41 Optimism and Personal Reflections 51:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts LINKS: Follow René Pinnell -X/(Twitter): https://x.com/RJPinnell -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjpinnell/ Learn more about: -Artizen: https://artizen.fund/ -René'ss ‘Wayback Machine':  http://renepinnell.com/homepage.html -Techstars Web3 Accelerator:  https://www.techstars.com/accelerators/web3 Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/

Niall Dennehy is an Irish entrepreneur and the co-founder and COO of AID:Tech, who are bringing traceability and transparency to the flow of funds for governments, NGOs and charities with their payments and digital identity infrastructure bridging web2 to web3.  In this episode, Pete Townsend reconnects with Niall to explore the groundbreaking journey of their mission-driven company since Niall was last on MoneyNeverSleeps in 2018 (episode 11 linked here and below). The conversation spans the company's digital identity and payments innovations, especially through their Kare Wallet which accelerates financial assistance to disaster survivors. Leveraging blockchain technology, the platform ensures transparent, traceable, and secure distribution of relief funds, partnering with entities like Walmart to prevent misuse. Niall reflects on the emotional impact on both survivors and AID:Tech employees, underscoring the mission that deeply resonates with their team. The discussion delves into strategic approaches to funding, including securing non-dilutive grants, engaging with VCs, and the valuable experiences from accelerator programs like Techstars.  Niall and Pete also touch upon the 'Five H's' of success - happy, hungry, humble, helpful, and healthy - emphasizing the importance of holistic wellbeing in driving sustained impact and growth for AID:Tech. Overall, this episode offers an insightful look into AID:Tech's ethos, their strategic growth, and the pivotal role of technology in enhancing disaster relief efforts. The Techstars Web3 accelerator invests in entrepreneurs building in web3 and enabling the next wave of growth in the decentralized internet and in tokenized economies.  Applications are now open for the Spring 2025 class, so check out techstars.com/accelerators/web3 to apply.   TIMESTAMPS: 00:36 Meet Niall Dennehy: Co-Founder of AID:Tech 01:48 AID:Tech's Impact and Innovations 03:19 The Evolution of AID:Tech  04:22 The Core Mission: Identity and Payments 07:44 Real-World Applications and Success Stories 11:18 Challenges and Perseverance in the Startup World 13:08 Future of Payments and Digital Identity 14:19 The Kare Survivor Wallet in Action 20:02 Community Impact and Personal Stories 24:55 The Flywheel of a Mission-Driven Startup 26:02 Philosophical Insights and Team Alignment 27:36 Navigating Fundraising for Impact Ventures 30:56 The Importance of Non-Dilutive Capital 33:50 Personal Growth and Mindset 36:37 The Five H's for Founders 39:27 Final Thoughts and Gratitude LINKS: Follow Niall Dennehy -X/(Twitter): https://twitter.com/dennehyniall -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niall-dennehy-bb311016/ Learn more about: -AID:Tech: https://www.aid.technology/ -Techstars Web3 Accelerator:  https://www.techstars.com/accelerators/web3 Links referenced in the episode: Post on the Kare Survivor Wallet's deployment for hurricane relief aid  Episode 11 of MoneyNeverSleeps from August 2018:  Matt Keller's X/(Twitter) post on Algorand and the Kare Wallet Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/

Luca Franchi is the CEO and a co-founder of Ambient, a decentralized network of air quality sensors.  Luca brings to Ambient over two decades of leading growth at several startups and large corporations in the US and Europe (O2 UK, Telefónica, Sky) across enterprise and consumer verticals.  In this episode, Luca shares his fascinating journey from working in startups and corporates like Sky in Silicon Valley to leading a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN). The conversation delves into Ambient's strategic pivot from Algorand to Solana, their $2 million seed round led by Borderless Capital, and the operational challenges of launching a decentralized network. Luca elaborates on how Ambient's air quality sensors and the AmbiGo! app aim to engage the community and commercialize data. We also discuss the importance of founder experience, particularly in recruiting industry experts to navigate enterprise sales and legal structuring in DePIN projects. The episode concludes with Luca reflecting on the importance of passion and perseverance in entrepreneurship, and what it takes to approach the founders' journey with longevity in mind. Ambient is a DePIN at the leading edge of decentralized environmental monitoring, harnessing the power of its vast sensor network to deliver real-time, hyper-local, actionable environmental data. By utilizing distributed technologies and a community-focused participation model, Ambient not only enhances environmental awareness but also drives impactful change across the globe. The Techstars Web3 accelerator invests in entrepreneurs building in web3 and enabling the next wave of growth in the decentralized internet and in tokenized economies.  Applications are now open for the Spring 2025 class, so check out techstars.com/accelerators/web3 to apply.   TIMESTAMPS: 02:03 Luca's Career Journey and Founding Ambient 08:21 Challenges and Strategies in Building Ambient 11:51 How Ambient Works and Future Plans 13:15 The AmbiGo! App: Enhancing User Experience 16:10 The Importance of Data in Decentralized Networks 19:12 The Importance of DePIN in Web3 22:44 Raising the $2 Million Seed Round 25:24 The Startup Journey: Moving Fast and Staying Passionate 28:43 Balancing Work and Life: Advice for Founders 33:42 Conclusion and Contact Information TIMESTAMPS: Follow Luca Franchi -X/(Twitter): https://x.com/luckyluca -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucafranchi/ Learn more about: -Ambient: https://ambient.network/ -Techstars Web3 Accelerator:  https://www.techstars.com/accelerators/web3 Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/

Luis Ramirez is the Founder and CEO of Mawari, a pioneer in cloud rendering and streaming technology.  The Mawari team got started in Tokyo in 2017, and since then, the team has effectively built the foundation for the 3D internet. Mawari enables real-time 3D content streaming to spatial computing devices like the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 through a global network of GPUs, leveraging Web3 elements such as DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) to overcome the limitations of traditional centralized networks. Uniquely positioned to address one of the core challenges in the spatial computing industry, formerly known as XR (eXtended Reality), Mawari focuses on delivering scalable infrastructure for real-time 3D applications. Mawari has since launched the Mawari Network — a DePIN and the only full-stack spatial computing platform offering decentralized compute and storage resources optimized for AR/VR experiences.  As a side note and in the spirit of transparency, Mawari recently announced the closing of their $10.8mn strategic funding round, and I'm thrilled to be part of the round as an angel investor.  In this episode, Luis and I riff on his journey from music to technology, the inception of the Mawari vision, building the team and overcoming challenges, the role of decentralization in the Mawari Network, Luis' lessons learned from raising $17.3mn across two rounds in 3 years, and the essence of persistence, creativity, and the strategic foresight required to scale a tech startup in the evolving landscape of AR, VR, and Web3. TIMESTAMPS: 00:39 Meet Luis Ramirez: From Music to Technology 06:18 The Birth of Mawari and Its Vision 15:02 Challenges and Innovations in XR and Web3 21:40 Building and Scaling the Mawari Team 32:20 Fundraising Journey and Future Milestones 38:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow Luis Ramirez -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luismawari/ Learn more about: -Mawari: https://mawari.net/ -Techstars Web3 Accelerator:  https://www.techstars.com/accelerators/web3 Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/

Linda Jeng is the Founder and CEO of Digital Self Labs, and she joins me in exploring the evolving landscape of stablecoins. Our discussion focuses on our key takeaways from Castle Island Ventures' latest stablecoin report, 'Stablecoins: the Emerging Market Story'. Linda shares her background in financial regulation, blockchain, and AI, and offers critical insights into how stablecoins are reshaping financial systems in emerging markets. Through a detailed analysis of the Castle Island Ventures report written with Brevan Howard Digital, the conversation reveals the growing use of stablecoins for cross-border payments, currency conversion, and as a stable store of value, reflecting their importance beyond crypto trading. We also touch on regulatory perspectives, why non-dollar stablecoin volumes are so meager, and the potential impact of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) on the stablecoin market. Linda Jeng, is a trailblazing leader in the digital economy through ‘shaping a self-empowered future through blockchain and AI technologies'. Digital Self Labs is a regulatory and policy advisory firm combining blockchain expertise with policy and regulatory strategy. With over 15 years of government experience, she has held key roles at institutions like the U.S. Federal Reserve, US Treasury Department, the SEC and the Bank for International Settlements. Linda is also a Visiting Scholar at Georgetown Law, a Senior Lecturing Fellow at Duke Law School, and a Bank for International Settlements Research Fellow. Her deep expertise in financial systems and her advocacy for data transparency and decentralized technology make her a pivotal figure in shaping the future of finance. TIMESTAMPS: 02:57 Linda Jeng's Career Journey 05:36 Castle Island Ventures and ‘Stablecoins: The Emerging Market Story' 09:59 Understanding Stablecoins in Emerging Markets 14:15 The Role of Stablecoins in Global Finance 19:38 Challenges and Opportunities for Stablecoins 20:59 The Future of Stablecoins and Digital Identity 46:23 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways 48:50 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements REFERENCE LINKS: Stablecoins: The Emerging Market Story (Castle Island Ventures & Brevan Howard Digital, 12-Sep-24)  The Finternet: The financial system for the future (Bank for International Settlements, 19-Apr-24) International Association of Deposit Insurers Overview of the Bancor Proposal from Bretton Woods (Wikipedia) Stablecoin companies now 16th largest holder of U.S. treasuries globally (CryptoSlate, 18-Oct-23) Follow our guest co-host, Linda Jeng: -X(Twitter):  https://x.com/LindaJeng1 -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-jeng-4682b3/ Learn more about: -Digital Self Labs: https://www.digitalselflabs.com/ -Techstars Web3 Accelerator:  https://www.techstars.com/accelerators/web3 Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/

Alejandro Gutierrez, CEO of npayme Labs and co-founder of ETH Dublin joins me again as guest co-host this week. In this episode, we recap our recent panel on ‘Finding Web3 Talent' at Dogpatch Labs, touching on market sentiment, the cyclical nature of crypto investments, and strategies for early-stage startups. We delve into the concept of real-world asset tokenization, highlighting key initiatives by firms like Provenance, PayPal, Circle and Centrifuge. The conversation also covers the evolving landscape for content creators in Web3, emphasizing the use of tokenization for new revenue streams and the role of AI in content creation. STORIES WE COVERED: Recap of ‘Finding Talent in Web3' last week at Dogpatch Labs (Owen Healy on LinkedIn, 15-Sep-24) Friday Fund Tokenization Update (Eoin Motherway on Linkedin, 13-Sep-24) Provenance Blockchain Labs launches Fund Issuance platform, to tokenize, list, & lend RWA funds on Figure Markets (Marketwatch, 20-Aug-24) PayPal's stablecoin hits $1B market cap (Cointelegraph, 26-Aug-24) MakerDAO, rebranded as SKY to roll out new stablecoin USDS (The Block, 27-Aug-24) Circle's USDC in Brazil and Mexico Now Available to Businesses Via Banking System (CoinDesk, 17-Sep-24) Stablecoins: The Emerging Market Story (Nic Carter @ Castle Island Ventures, 12-Sep-24) Centrifuge launches a RWA lending market leveraging tokenized U.S. Treasury bills.(CoinDesk, 27-Aug-24)  AAVE (Avara) onboards BUIDL Shares as Collateral for GHO stablecoin (The Defiant, 29-Aug-24) Natixis launch €100M Digital Bond, secured by mortgage loan pools & operated by SC Ventures, DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale & LBBW (Ledger Insights, 28-Aug-24). Siemens issues €300M digital bond, as the largest bond issued under Germany's eWpG. (Ledger Insights, 4-Sep-24)  Creators' content is a real-world asset (Alejandro Guterrez on X, 17-Sep-24) TIMESTAMPS 01:40 Insights from the Web3 Talent Panel 04:11 Market Sentiment and Investment Strategies 07:02 The Role of Tokenization in Web3 14:31 Real-World Asset Tokenization 28:24 Content Creation in the Web3 Era 34:01 Closing Thoughts and Farewell LINKS: Follow our guest co-host Alejandro Gutierrez: -X(Twitter):  https://twitter.com/A_gutierro -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandro-gutierrez-98979b43/ Learn more about: -npayme Labs: https://npayme.com/ -ETH Dublin:  https://ethdublin.io/ -Techstars Web3 Accelerator:  https://www.techstars.com/accelerators/web3 Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us: info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/

Garvan Callan is the founder of OneZero1, a company that's redefining how startups and enterprises alike can navigate the complex world of digital strategy and transformation. Garvan is a strategist, innovator and transformation advisor whose career spans leadership roles in major corporations and working hands-on with startups, giving him a unique perspective on both sides of the entrepreneurial divide. Garvan is also a lecturer and the author of Digital Business Strategy, a must-read for anyone serious about innovation and growth in today's fast-moving world. We explore lessons from Obama's quote 'We are the change that we seek,' the significance of adaptability, the concept of the 'three V's: vision, values, and velocity,' and their application in both large corporations and startups. The episode also covers the challenges and strategies for fostering innovation, the importance of building strong, adaptive teams, and practical advice for startup founders looking to scale. So, whether you're an entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or just someone interested in the future of business, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss TIMESTAMPS: 01:52 The Power of Change: Lessons from Barack Obama 02:23 Garvin's Journey: From Rural Roots to Corporate Leadership 07:15 Embracing Uncertainty: A Key to Success 12:08 The Three V's: Vision, Values, and Velocity 19:51 Applying Startup Lessons to Large Enterprises 21:02 Leadership and Stress Management 22:13 Founders' Challenges and Letting Go 24:07 Enterprise Dynamics and Managerial Roles 24:59 Understanding Organizational Currencies 27:29 Corporate Innovation Labs and Startup Founders 36:35 Building Relationships and Synchronization LINKS: Follow Garvan Callan on socials: -Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garvan-callan-b4634323/ -Twitter/X: https://x.com/gpcallan Learn more about and follow OneZero1 -Website: https://onezero1.ie/ -LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/onezero1/ Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/

Mark McLaughlin is an Irish entrepreneur who has been at the forefront of the ticketing industry since 2006. Mark is the co-founder and CEO of Coras, a company that's been revolutionizing the ticketing landscape with its powerful API solutions, boasting clients like Ryanair. But Mark's journey doesn't stop there—he's now leading Coras into a new frontier with Fida, a cutting-edge loyalty platform that's merging the best of web2 and web3 worlds. In this episode, we'll explore Mark's entrepreneurial journey from founding Ticket Text and Ticket ABC to building Coras, and now, innovating with Fida. We'll dive into the recent €1.3 million funding round led by Irish VC DataOp and the unique challenges of navigating the web2 and web3 investment landscape. Mark will share insights on balancing traditional and forward-thinking approaches for those straddling the web2 and web3 worlds, and what it means for getting these businesses funded. 00:36 Meet Mark McLaughlin: Revolutionizing Ticketing 03:24 The Ticketmaster Saga 05:52 Building Ticketing Solutions: Challenges and Innovations 07:02 Navigating Financial Crises and Raising Funds 10:59 The Evolution of Coras and the Impact of COVID-19 15:50 Introducing Fida: The Future of Loyalty Programs 25:48 Tokenized Commerce and Loyalty Programs 27:12 Building a Universal Loyalty Program 28:05 Challenges in Raising Funds for Web3 Projects 29:54 Pitching to Investors: Lessons Learned 36:04 The Importance of Timing and Luck in Fundraising 38:20 Exploring New Applications for Blockchain 39:05 Advice for Founders in Web2 and Web3 43:02 Mark's Journey from Music to Tech Entrepreneurship 46:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts LINKS: Follow Mark McLaughlin on socials: -Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmclaughlin1/ -Twitter/X: https://x.com/markwmcl Learn more about and follow Coras & Fida -Website: https://www.coras.io/ -Website: https://www.fidaapp.io/ -X-Twitter: @corasdotio | https://x.com/corasdotio -X-Twitter: @fidaapp | https://x.com/fidaapp -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coras-io/ -LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fidaapp/ Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/

Returning from our summer hiatus, Laura Walsh joins the show again this week as guest co-host as we dive into Crypto Politics by unpacking Donald Trump's campaign promises involving bitcoin and crypto. Laura and I worked together closely in the first two years of the Techstars Web3 accelerator, and she is a Techstars All-Star Mentor, advisor, founder, web3 O.G. and friend.   In this episode, Laura and I are diving into a hot topic that's been making waves in both the political and crypto spheres. As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Donald Trump has been making some bold promises regarding the future of crypto in the United States—from boosting Bitcoin mining to shaking up the regulatory landscape. We take a close look at each of Trump's crypto promises, evaluating their feasibility and potential impact. We explore his claims about ending the so-called ‘crypto crackdown,' his controversial pledge to fire SEC Chair Gary Gensler, and his ambitious goal of making the U.S. a dominant player in Bitcoin mining. We also discuss Trump's proposal to build a national Bitcoin stockpile and defend self-custody rights, along with his strong stance against the introduction of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). But how much of this actually holds water? Can these promises be realistically fulfilled, or are they just campaign rhetoric designed to win over the crypto community? We break down each promise, tally up the results, and consider who in the tech and crypto space is lining up to support Trump—and why. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer picture of what's at stake and whether these promises could shape the future of crypto in America, or if they're just a play for votes. Jump right in as we unpack the reality behind the rhetoric. TIMESTAMPS:  03:38 Debate Reactions and Crypto Politics 05:03 Trump's Bitcoin Conference Appearance 14:13 Crypto Regulation and Political Maneuvering 16:42 Trump's Crypto Crackdown and Mining Proposals 26:47 Crypto and Politics: A Misunderstood Relationship 29:01 Bitcoin Stockpile: A Baffling Proposal 34:12 Self Custody and Legislative Processes 35:49 The Controversy of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) 40:46 Ross Ulbricht: A Presidential Promise 42:17 Evaluating Trump's Crypto Promises 49:07 Final Thoughts and Farewell LINKS: Connect with Laura Walsh on social media: -Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralwalsh/ -Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheOGLauraWalsh Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/

Pranav Kanade, Portfolio Manager of VanEck's Digital Assets Alpha Strategy joins the show this week. VanEck is an American investment management firm headquartered in New York City with over $100bn in assets under management. Although they're well known for their passive exchange-traded funds or ETFs, they also manage active portfolios such as Pranav's Digital Assets Alpha Strategy.   Pranav Kanade joined VanEck in 2022 from Millennium Management where he was a Credit Portfolio Manager working closely with a team of six investment professionals. Prior to Millennium, he was the founding member of the Head of Research for the Liquid Credit investing business at Angelo, Gordon & Co. and also spent time with Hutchin Hill Capital focused on technology and energy. In this episode, Pranav and I dig into his transition from traditional finance (TradFi) to the crypto world, his investment philosophy, and the catalysts for growth in digital assets. Pranav details his journey, the differences between traditional and liquid token investments, and how stablecoins, decentralized physical infrastructure, gaming, and social finance can drive mass adoption. We also delve into regulatory landscapes, tokenomics, and the challenges and opportunities in token project investments. TIMESTAMPS:  00:18 Meet Pranav Kanade: From TradFi to Crypto 01:55 The Evolution of Digital Assets 04:10 Understanding Tokenomics and Market Dynamics 16:20 The Future of Stablecoins and Tokenized Securities 21:13 Managing a Liquid Venture Portfolio 26:03 The Role of Regulation in Crypto Adoption 38:05 Closing Thoughts and Personal Insights LINKS: Follow Pranav Kanade on socials: -Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkanade1/ -Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/vaneckpk -Substack: https://killerapps.substack.com/ Learn more about and follow VanEck: -X-Twitter: @vaneck_us  |  https://twitter.com/vaneck_us -LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/vaneck/ Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/-MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moneyneversleeps/message

Rita Martins joins the show to discuss her new book, Web3 in Financial Services, which explores how blockchain, digital assets, and cryptocurrency are disrupting traditional financial services.  In this episode, Rita and I riff on her inspiration for writing Web3 in Financial Services and how she tackled the process of writing a book for the first time.  We also talk about the present and the future of Web3 technologies in finance, the book's key messages, and how Rita aimed to make the content evergreen with the fast pace of change in web3. Rita was kind enough to feature a conversation with me in the book, so thank you Rita for including my thoughts.  Rita Martins is a strategic senior leader with a distinguished track record in financial services, fintech and Web3. She serves on the advisory boards of a range of startups at the intersection of finance and DeFi, blockchain, digital assets and crypto, and is a mentor for the Techstars Web3 accelerator. Previously, Rita was the Global Head of Fintech Partnerships at HSBC, where she played a key role in incubating and accelerating disruptive technologies, creating significant advancements in the fintech landscape. Her extensive background also includes strategy and digital transformation roles at Accenture and Ernst & Young, where she led large-scale digital transformation projects, helping clients achieve strategic milestones. TIMESTAMPS:   00:43 Meet Rita Martins: Author, Financial Services Executive and Board Member 01:20 Diving into Web3 and Financial Services 02:43 Rita's Journey in Financial Services 05:23 The Inspiration Behind the Book 06:52 Understanding Blockchain and Its Impact 10:58 Writing the Book: Challenges and Insights 15:07 The Future of Web3 in Finance 26:16 Evolving Ecosystem and Challenges 28:10 Dynamic Nature of Writing in Crypto 29:05 Podcasting vs. Publishing 30:31 Killer Apps in Crypto 31:18 Political Influence on Crypto 34:07 Global Impact and Future Predictions 38:09 Reactions and Feedback 41:22 Marketing and Promotion Efforts 44:34 Personal Insights and Experiences LINKS: Connect with Rita Martins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritamartins2/ Follow Rita Martins on X: https://x.com/RitaMartinsUK Buy/download Rita Martin's book Web3 in Financial Services:  Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Web3-Financial-Services-Blockchain-Traditional/dp/1398615714 KoganPage https://www.koganpage.com/accounting-finance-banking/web3-in-financial-services-9781398615717 Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moneyneversleeps/message

This week, we dive into decentralization with Kenny Ezeji-Okoye and Stella Dyer from Millicent, Ilya Orlov from FileMarket, alongside Rita Martins, author and Techstars Web3 mentor. The discussion covers the journey from centralized to decentralized models, the impact of decentralization on users and developers, and insights into decentralization in financial services. The episode also includes a sneak peek into Rita Martins' new book, Web3 in Financial Services. Decentralization generally refers to the transfer of control of an enterprise from a small group of stakeholders to a distributed network. At the earliest stages of a startup's life, the co-founders usually put a plan in motion to keep the control of the business within the hands of the co-founders as a centralized business.  With many web3 projects, however, the project leads or co-founders decide to create a distributed network, where the enterprise value accrues to a token rather than to the equity of a centralized operating company. Decentralization is not a point-in-time decision, however. For example, it took 5 years for the Maker Protocol to fully decentralize.  Most web3 projects that do become decentralized originally start as a centralized operating company and then decentralize over time, like Maker Protocol became Maker DAO.   Does this matter to users whether or not a project is decentralized or plans to decentralize?  Do they actually care?  What about developers, i.e., those building apps/dapps on top of web3 protocols?  What's in it for them? Kene and Stella from Millicent, Ilya from FileMarket, and author Rita Martins tell us what they think about decentralization and when it matters and when it doesn't. TIMESTAMPS: 00:57 Understanding Decentralization 02:12 Perspectives from Millicent and FileMarket 03:31 In-Depth Discussion on Decentralization 10:36 User and Developer Perspectives 18:33 Advice for Web3 Founders 23:18 Rita Martins on Decentralization in Financial Services 32:35 Conclusion and Closing Remarks LINKS: Connect with this week's guests on LinkedIn: -Kene Ezeji-Okoye: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pronouncedkenny/ -Stella Dyer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stelladyer/ -Ilya Orlov: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orlov-ilya/ -Rita Martins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritamartins2/ Follow this week's guests on X/Twitter: -Kene Ezeji-Okoye: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pronouncedkenny/ -Stella Dyer: https://x.com/MillicentLabs/ -Ilya Orlov: https://x.com/UnderKong -Rita Martins: https://x.com/RitaMartinsUK Learn more about each founder's business: -Millicent Labs: https://www.millicent.io/  |  https://x.com/MillicentLabs -FileMarket: https://filemarket.xyz/  |  https://x.com/FileMarket_xyz -Rita Martins' book: Web3 in Financial Services https://www.amazon.co.uk/Web3-Financial-Services-Blockchain-Traditional/dp/1398615714 Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moneyneversleeps/message

Alejandro Gutierrez, CEO of npayme Labs and co-founder of ETH Dublin joins me again as guest co-host this week. We start with Alejandro's Token2049 Dubai ‘tsunami-in-a-yacht' story, the upcoming ETH Dublin 2024, and the Techstars Web3 demo day on June 6th in NYC. We then cover the challenging venture capital funding market for Web3 projects, political and regulatory developments in the U.S. concerning crypto, and the in-flight approval of Ethereum ETFs. As we recorded this episode a few hours before the SEC took the first step in authorizing Ethereum ETFs, we unpacked the political and legislative climate towards crypto in the U.S., and how things like SAB121 and the FIT21 Act are driving real change.  We also touch on the broader impact of blockchain technology on financial markets and the context of tokenization, consumerization, and infrastructure improvements in the crypto space. TIMESTAMPS: 01:53 Alejandro's Dubai Adventure at Token 2049 04:40 ETH Dublin 2024 Preview and Techstars Web3 Demo Day 07:16 npayme Labs and the Future of Web3 12:14 The State of Venture Capital in Crypto 23:00 The Impact of Political Climate on Crypto 25:04 Trump's Crypto Strategy 26:18 Crypto Donations and Political Influence 28:43 Ethereum ETFs and Regulatory Challenges 32:25 Political Shifts and Crypto Regulation 37:19 The Future of Crypto Legislation 45:09 Pizza Day and Bitcoin's History STORIES WE COVERED: VC Funding in Crypto Galaxy Ventures bemoans ‘challenging' market as crypto VC funding set for measly 27% gain (DL News, 20-May-24) CryptoRank:  Recent Crypto Investments and Fundraising Rounds (early stage only) ETH ETF Approval Expectations Ether jumps 20% on renewed optimism for an ETF, bitcoin also rallies (CNBC, 20-May-24) Ether ETFs Filing Process Sees Abrupt Progress, Though Approval Not Guaranteed: Sources (CoinDesk, 20-May-24) Fidelity Drops Staking Plans in Updated Ether ETF Filing (CoinDesk, 21-May-24 Blockworks' BTC ETF Tracker US Crypto Regulatory Ups and Downs House To Vote On Who Will Regulate Crypto (21-May-24) Proposed DeFi Carve-out from Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Hayden Adams on X/Twitter, 20-May-24) Uniswap Labs Urges SEC to Drop Pending Enforcement Action in Wells Response (CoinDesk, 21-May- LINKS: Follow our guest co-host Alejandro Gutierrez: -X(Twitter):  https://twitter.com/A_gutierro -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandro-gutierrez-98979b43/ Learn more about: -npayme Labs: https://npayme.com/ -ETH Dublin:  https://ethdublin.io/ Register for the Techstars Web3 Demo Day:   -Livestream: https://lu.ma/usaj1l7k -In-Person (NYC): https://lu.ma/3wlbvrih Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us:  info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moneyneversleeps/message

This week, we dive into Aleph Zero, a privacy-enhancing layer one blockchain renowned for prioritizing scalability, security and speed, with co-founder Antoni Zolciak and Head of Investments Piotr Saczuk.  Antoni discusses his transition from technology marketer to blockchain, emphasizing the humanist aspect of technology and the broad scope of blockchain's potential applications. Piotr shares his journey from TradFi to blockchain investments, highlighting the importance of values and adaptability in the fast-paced crypto industry.  The discussion explores the challenges and strategies involved in building the Aleph Zero community, driven by transparency, support, and a user-focused approach. We also talk about the nuances of ecosystem investing, the importance of UX, and the integral role of a strong community in fostering innovation and adoption. Additionally, we look inside Aleph Zero's relationship with the Techstars Web3 accelerator, and the related benefits to web3 founders. 00:24 Introducing Aleph Zero: A Privacy-Enhancing Blockchain 01:16 The Journey to Aleph Zero: Antoni's and Piotr's Stories 01:24 Building a Thriving Ecosystem and Community in Web3 05:30 The Art of Keeping Up with Blockchain's Pace 10:48 From Concept to Ecosystem: The Growth of Aleph Zero 21:27 Investing in the Future: The Ecosystem Funding Program 25:05 The Importance of UX and Security in Web3 Development 32:34 Finding the Right Founders to Build on Aleph Zero 38:33 Closing Thoughts and Personal Revelations Antoni Zolciak is co-founder of the Aleph Zero Foundation and Cardinal Cryptography, the core developer of the Aleph Zero blockchain.  Antoni is a technology marketer with over 10 years of professional experience in public relations and content creation projects for global brands such as ING, Samsung, Sony, Olympus and Nikon.  But now, he's here to tell the story of incredibly smart people working on decentralized innovations. Piotr Saczuk is the Head of Investments at the Aleph Zero Foundation.  After university, Piotr had a short spell in TradFi before going down the crypto rabbit hole with Finoa, Unmind DAO, Soonami, and then finally to Cardinal Cryptography and Aleph Zero, first as ecosystem investments manager and then into his current role as Head of Investments. LINKS: Follow this week's guests on X/Twitter: -Antoni Zolciak:  https://twitter.com/antonizolciak -Piotr Saczuk:  https://twitter.com/Piotr_Saczuk Learn more about and follow Aleph Zero: -X-Twitter:  @aleph__zero  |  https://x.com/aleph__zero -Linktree:   https://linktr.ee/alephzero   Connect with this week's guests on LinkedIn: -Antoni Zolciak:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonizolciak/ -Piotr Saczuk:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/piotr-saczuk-0347521bb/ Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moneyneversleeps/message

This week, I'm joined by guest co-host Mai Santamaria, the head of the financial advisory unit for the Department of Finance in Ireland. We delve into the world of digital identity, discussing the projects of World ID and TON, iris and palm scanning, and how humans are incentivized to digitalize their identity. Mai and I explore the broader implications of digital identity on economic freedoms and the geopolitical landscape that influences the sovereignty of digital infrastructure.  Additionally, we touch upon the impact of digital identity in securing basic human rights and the potential shifts towards universal basic income facilitated by emerging technologies. The discussion also includes insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by decentralization, the significance of maintaining digital infrastructure sovereignty, and the ongoing regulatory hurdles faced by companies at the intersection of finance and technology. TIMESTAMPS: 02:54 The Evolution and Impact of Digital Identity Technologies 03:31 World ID, TON and Digital Identity: A Closer Look 08:45 Exploring the Future of Universal Basic Income and Digital Identity 14:07 The Ethical and Practical Implications of Digital Identity Verification 15:57 Reflecting on the Broader Implications of Digital Identity and Personhood 20:34 Exploring Mobile Wallet Security and User Comfort 21:26 Revolutionizing SIM Technology with eSIMs and Wallet Integration 23:10 The Future of Identity: From Physical to Digital 24:29 Digital Infrastructure and Sovereignty: A European Perspective 30:01 Innovations in Mapping and the Importance of Open Infrastructure 35:03 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in the Crypto Space 36:58 Optimism for the Future of Digital Identity and Infrastructure Mai originally featured on episode 5 of MoneyNeverSleeps back in 2018, she made a cameo on our 200th episode, and she's a Techstars mentor.  Two of the episodes that I did with Mai recently, episode 241 on the crossover of blockchain and AI and episode 247 on the crossover of blockchain and digital identity, have been very popular with our most loyal listeners, so make sure you check those out. STORIES WE COVERED: Worldcoin tightens privacy checks, allows users to unverify World ID (9-Apr-24, Cointelegraph) TON's $5M incentive program aims to drive digital ID verification (Cointelegraph, 8-Apr-24) Two new satellites join the Galileo constellation (ESA, 29-Apr-24) SEC issues Robinhood Crypto with Wells Notice, citing alleged securities violations (The Block, 6-May-24) LINKS: Follow our guest co-host Mai Santamaria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mai07/ Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moneyneversleeps/message

I'm joined by three of the founders from the Techstars Web3 class of 2024 to help me identify the mainstream adoption path for blockchain technology, including Andrea Miele, Co-Founder and CEO of The Colony, Fabien Arneodo, Co-Founder and CEO of SportSyncTech, and Nick Mason, Co-Founder and CEO of ProofSpace. As William Gibson, author of the 1984 book Neuromancer, famously said: “The future is already here, it's just not that evenly distributed”.  I think of this quote every time I get pushback from naysayers on the long-term usability of blockchain technology. In the intro to a recent episode with the first group of 4 founders from Techstars Web3 we talked to about common misconceptions about web3, I referred to the estimated less than 20 million daily active users of crypto. Crypto in all of its shapes and forms is accountable for the overwhelming majority of the use of blockchain technology around the world today. Recently, Lex Sokolin from the Fintech Blueprint (shout out to Lex!) summarized things nicely by pointing out that the daily active users of major blockchain protocols such as Ethereum, Binance Chain, Polygon, and Solana increased from 5 million to nearly 8 million this year.  Whether we're talking about 8 million daily active users or 20 million users, with blockchain, we're only in the ballpark of the number of Robinhood daily active users or the population of the Netherlands. Given how much of my time I spend in crypto and blockchain it feels like we're already mainstream, and that the future is already here. But, back to the reality of today and our 20 million daily active users, we have some work to do. We're on a trajectory with crypto adoption similar to that of the internet in the 1990's, and if the growth projections hold water, blockchain by association will become ‘mainstream' during the 2030s. That's a 10-year range, so what's the timeline to where more of humanity with internet access are using blockchain daily than not? In terms of adoption, what are the things we need to do more of (or less of) in web3 to trigger blockchain adoption by web2-only users? Do they even need to know they're using blockchain? To answer these questions and more this week, I asked Andrea Miele from The Colony, Fabien Arneodo from SportSyncTech, and Nick Mason from ProofSpace what they think about the mainstream adoption of blockchain technology. LINKS: Connect with this week's guests on LinkedIn: -Andrea Miele:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/agriffin717/ -Fabien Arneodo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabien-arneodo/ -Nick Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-mason-762316b/ Follow this week's guests on X/Twitter: -Andrea Miele: https://twitter.com/NFTeafor2 -Fabien Arneodo: https://twitter.com/FabienArneodo -Nick Mason: https://twitter.com/nick__mason Learn more about each founder's business: -The Colony: https://thecolony.xyz/   |   https://twitter.com/thecolonyxyz -SportsyncTech: https://www.sportsynctech.com/  |   https://twitter.com/SportSyncTech -ProofSpace: https://www.proofspace.id/  |   https://twitter.com/proof_space Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moneyneversleeps/message

Gray Webb is co-founder and CTO at Liquibit Capital, and we kick things off with a look at what's happened with BTC since the latest bitcoin halving.  Gray and I then riff on the evolution of bitcoin into a long-term holding with huge opportunities for financial innovation.  We also look at the mainstreaming of stablecoins as the killer app for crypto and how stablecoins have only scratched the surface by nudging past Visa in quarterly settlement volume. Gray Webb is an entrepreneur and technology professional specializing in Digital Asset & Equity Capital Markets. With over 20 years of experience, he has expertise in high-frequency trading, risk management, and post-trade systems. He is currently the Co-Founder and CTO of Liquibit Capital, an algorithmic-driven trading and asset management company. Gray is also involved in mentoring, teaching, and startup mentoring in the blockchain and Web3 space, and is one of the fantastic mentors for founders in the Techstars Web3 accelerator program. He has a strong background in product management and technology delivery, having worked with companies like Digital Asset and JPMorgan.  Liquibit Capital⁠ is a best-in-class investment management firm focused on producing consistent and uncorrelated returns in the emerging digital asset class. You can also listen to more of Gray's backstory and that of his Liquibit co-founder Joseph Chang in episode 138 from 2021.  STORIES COVERED: BTC as a long-term holding Hong Kong's six spot bitcoin, ether ETFs see $11 million in volume on first trading day (The Block, 30-Apr-24) Blockworks' BTC ETF Tracker Stablecoins mainstreaming PV01 Issues First Digital Bond to Blue-Chip Stablecoin Investors (PRNewswire, 16-Apr-24) Tether, USDC and DAI transaction volume surpasses Visa's 2023 monthly average: Nansen (The Block, 29-Apr-24) Stripe Brings Back Crypto Payments Via USDC Stablecoin (Yahoo Finance, 25-Apr-24) Making sense of stablecoins (Visa, 25-Apr-24) LINKS: Learn more about Liquibit Capital:  https://liquibit.io/ Connect with Gray Webb on socials: -LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/graywebb/ -X(Twitter):  https://twitter.com/cryptopacific Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moneyneversleeps/message

This week, I'm sharing an episode of the ‘Venture with Hesus' podcast that I recorded recently with the unstoppable Hesus Inoma, as he interviews me on lessons learned from being part of the startup ecosystem the last 8 years, the power of networks, 2022 token sale aspirations, customer validation, building for users vs building for yourself, usability vs. security in crypto, funding your go to market, pre-seed rounds vs seed rounds, what I look for in founders, mental models, flywheels, how to be successful in an accelerator, how to get excited about regulation, real-world assets and more! As Hesus wrote in his original ‘Venture with Hesus' shownotes, “Buckle up and join us on this thrilling episode with our special guest, Pete, who brings his rich experiences from Boston to Ireland, and Bermuda to Galway. Witness firsthand the often-untold story of the startup ecosystem, the nitty-gritties of co-founder relationships and the transformative potential of Web3 technologies, as Pete lays it all bare.” Hesus Inoma is the founder and Head of Strategy & Innovation at i13 Ventures, a venture studio supporting entrepreneurs, startups, universities, corporates and governments to ideate, strategize, build, launch and scale products. Hesus originally founded an award-winning global fintech with WeSavvy, and is a well-respected leader within the Irish and European fintech ecosystem.  Hesus is passionate about the digitalization of financial services and the collaboration between the financial services and technology sectors with an excellent understanding of financial products and smart technologies underpinning emerging fintech solutions. LINKS: Original ‘Venture with Hesus' episode page on i13 Ventures YouTube channel https://www.i13ventures.com/media/v/-venture-with-hesus-pete-townsend-and-the-techstars-web3-story- Connect with this Hesus Inoma on social media: -LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hesusci/ -X(Twitter) - https://twitter.com/hesusci? Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moneyneversleeps/message

I've brought together 4 of the founders from the Techstars Web3 class of 2024 to help me dispel some of the common misconceptions about web3 with the general public, including Julia Kemp, founder and CEO of Pawpass, Daniel Uribe, founder and CEO of  GenoBank. Tiago Ferreira, co-founder and CEO of FairAI, and Tom Daniel, co-founder and CEO of Ember AI. Even with an estimated 500 million crypto users around the world, the number of daily active users of crypto is less than 20 million, compared to 2 billion daily active users of Facebook, for example.  So, for those around the world who have heard of web3, blockchain, crypto, DeFi, digital collectibles, NFTs, etc., the vast majority are uninformed at best, and negative or fearful at worst.  However, they don't really need to be informed about how it works, in the same way you don't need to understand SMTP to send an email or HTTPS to use a website.     In general, as early-stage founders, if you do put your head down and build, find customers and grow your user base, and hit the metrics to raise your round, you don't have to worry too much about the general public for now - or do you?   What if you've just decided that building on blockchain technology and leveraging the trustless component of blockchain is the best way to deliver your value proposition to consumers? How will the uninformed react? How have you seen them react and what do you do about it? If what you're building is more for the crypto-native, does it matter what the general public thinks about web3? To answer these questions and more, I asked Julia Kemp, founder and CEO of Pawpass, Daniel Uribe, founder and CEO of GenoBank. Tiago Ferreira, co-founder and CEO of FairAI, and Tom Daniel, co-founder and CEO of Ember AI, what they wish the general public knew about web3. LINKS: Connect with this week's guests on LinkedIn -Julia Kemp from Pawpass:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kempjulia/ -Daniel Uribe from GenoBank:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/uribedaniel/ -Tiago Ferreira from FairAI:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlostiagoferreira/ -Tom Daniel from Ember AI:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/0xtomdaniel/ Follow this week's guests on other social media: -Julia Kemp from Pawpass:  https://www.instagram.com/usepawpass/  -Daniel Uribe from GenoBank:  https://twitter.com/genobank_io?lang=en -Tiago Ferreira from FairAI:  https://twitter.com/getFairAI -Tom Daniel from Ember AI:  https://twitter.com/EmberAGI Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moneyneversleeps/message

In this Money Talks segment, Paul Smyth and I kick things off with a look at Sam Bankman-Fried's 25-year sentence before jumping to the brighter side of things with BlackRock's new tokenized money market fund.  We then time travel back to 2017 with Copper's sushi party (or so we thought), and close things out by questioning the correlation between fintech funding and the crypto bull run. Paul Smyth is a specialist executive recruiter and executive coach within the fintech industry.  As a founder of two startups, Paul also has a unique view of the startup ecosystem. Paul and I met back in 2017 shortly before I photo-bombed his stand at a fintech event in Dublin, and we've collaborated quite a bit since then.  He and his business partner and life partner Laura Smyth from Top Tier Recruitment were the original sponsors of MoneyNeverSleeps back in 2018.  Since then, Paul has also launched the Possible.ie executive coaching business that counts me as one of their proud customers.  I was so happy with the outcome of Paul's coaching of me that I asked him to coach the founders that we bring through the Techstars Web3 accelerator.  As one of the many hats he wears, Paul is a fantastic Coach-in-Residence for Techstars, helping startup founders find their way to positive outcomes.   STORIES COVERED: SBF Sentenced Sam Bankman-Fried's fate sealed by his own words (FT, 28-Mar-24) Where Is Sam Bankman-Fried Likely to Serve His Prison Term? (Unchained, 27-Apr-24) Sam Bankman-Fried's Final Trip to Court (New York Magazine, 28-Mar-24)  BlackRock Tokenized Fund BlackRock Unveils ‘BUIDL' Tokenized Asset Fund on Ethereum—With $5 Million Buy-In (21-Mar-24) BlackRock's Tokenized Fund Quickly Rakes in $245M, Right Behind Franklin Templeton's Older Offering (CoinDesk, 27-Mar-24) BUIDL: Blackrock's $10T Bet on Ethereum | Carlos Domingo (Bankless, 2-Apr-24) Etherscan: BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL) Copper's Sushi Party Crypto group Copper launches review after ‘embarrassing' sushi party (FT, 28-Mar-24) Crypto group Copper served sushi off partially clad models (FT, 26-Mar-24) Julian Sawyer's Statement from Zodia Custody (2-Apr-24) Fintech Funding vs. Crypto Bull Run Fintech funding falls 42% to $35B in 2023, but downturn may be nearing end (S&P Global Market Intelligence, 14-Feb-24) LINKS: Connect with Paul Smyth on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulsmyth1/ Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moneyneversleeps/message

Niall Mackey, the Commercial Director at TopSec Cloud Solutions, joins the show this week as we take an inside look at how businesses cope in the aftermath of a hack.   Niall is a tech industry veteran with over 35 years of experience with TopSec, Nokia, Interoute (now GTT) and Bank of America.  With TopSec, Niall looks at commercial opportunities and influences the direction of service development to ensure they continue to bring value to their customers.  TopSec have been pioneering cloud-based email and web security for more than two decades, servicing the government, healthcare, engineering, and IT sectors.   In this episode, Niall sheds some light on the gradually-then-all-at-once impact felt by a business undergoing a cyber attack, from social engineering and phishing to ransomware attacks.  We talk through the psychological impact on those who were keeping watch, how those teams pick up the pieces, and the impact on customer trust LINKS: Connect with Niall Mackey on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niallmackey/ Learn more about TopSecCloud Solutions: https://www.topsec.com/ Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moneyneversleeps/message

Joaquim Matinero Tor joins the show this week as guest co-host as we look at the likely paths to the adoption of CBDCs (or Central Bank Digital Currencies) in the different countries around the world making progress with these digital versions of fiat currencies.   Joaquim Matinero Tor, or just “Quim” as he's known to friends, is a lawyer with expertise in blockchain, digital assets, and web3 and a depth of experience in venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, derivatives and securities markets in general. Quim is a counsel at Ceca Magan in Barcelona, he serves as a lecturer at several universities and business schools, and he's lent his expertise to CBDC projects for the European Union, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Singapore, the United Nations, and the World Bank. In this episode, Quim helps me to understand the view of the general public towards CDBCs around the world, and sort through some of my lighthearted distaste for CBDCs. We also look at what's happening with CBDCs in Asia, and how the country-by-country consumer trends with fintech and smartphones may influence CBDC adoption in those markets. LINKS: Connect with Joaquim Matinero on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaquim-matinero-tor/ Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moneyneversleeps/message

This episode features an introduction to the 12 founding teams that form the Techstars Web3 accelerator class of 2024, with each of their founder/CEOs giving you a quick look inside what they're building. Meet the companies!  Artizen - Match-funding platform for breakthroughs in human creativity.  Founder locations:  USA / UK | Featured Founder/CEO:  Rene Pinnell The Colony -  Shaping the future of collectibles through blockchain technology. Founder locations: USA / Canada | Featured Founder/CEO: Andrea Miele Ember AI - AI DeFi companion that understands what you want and helps you do it securely, without new apps or hardware. Founder locations: USA / Colombia  | Featured Founder/CEO: Tom Daniel FairAI - Fueling democratized open-source AI through a decentralized marketplace with digital property rights.  Founder locations:  Portugal / USA | Featured Founder/CEO: Tiago Ferreira FileMarket - Multichain data tokenization protocol for storage and P2P digital goods trading. Founder location: Hong Kong  | Featured Founder/CEO: Ilya Orlov GenoBank - Ensuring the privacy and data ownership of your genetic information. Founder location: USA | Featured Founder/CEO: Daniel Uribe Lantern Finance - Custodial staking and lending services for the everyday investor. Founder location: USA  | Featured Founder/CEO: Jung-Won Kim Millicent -  The open smart contract platform for compliant real-world DeFi. Founder locations:  UK / USA | Featured Founder/CEO: Kene Ezeji-Okoye PawPass - Digital identification for animals. Founder location: UK | Featured Founder/CEO: Julia Kemp ProofSpace - No-code platform for reusable identity.  Founder location:  UK | Featured Founder/CEO: Nick Mason SportsyncTech - Empowering amateur sports organizations and athletes with innovative, data-driven solutions. Founder locations:  France / USA  | Featured Founder/CEO: Fabien Arneodo  Savvy - Interest-free lending protocol with overcollateralized deposits and self repaying loans. Founder location:  USA  | Featured Founder/CEO: Roman Giler LINKS: Learn more about the Techstars Web3 Class of 2024: https://www.techstars.com/accelerators/web3 Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moneyneversleeps/message

Laura Walsh joins the show again this week as guest co-host as we explore the potential link between digital identity and decentralized social media through the lens of the Forecaster protocol, its challenges, user growth, and the future potential of a decentralized online ecosystem. Laura is the Chief Marketing Officer and part of the founding team of Kaskade Finance, and we worked together closely for the past two years on the Techstars Web3 accelerator.  Laura is a Techstars All-Star Mentor, advisor, founder, web3 O.G., and friend. LINKS: Learn more about Kaskade Finance:  https://www.kaskade.finance/ Connect with Laura Walsh on social media: -Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralwalsh/ -Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheOGLauraWalsh Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moneyneversleeps/message

Brian Zwerner is the President and Founder of W3 Studio, and a VC and Founder of Beyond the Game Network.  As the President and Founder of W3 Studio, a 501c3 non-profit venture studio, Brian and his team help diverse founders in Atlanta build startups in web3. W3 Studio partners with corporations and provides grants to startups to fund the launch of their first products. With his role as a VC and Founder at Beyond The Game Network, Brian teams up with a venture group of athletes that invest in Seed to Series B consumer startups in sports, media, web3, and fitness. Brian Zwerner was previously the founder of Sportal, a startup in the sports industry. He managed the growth of Aquina Health through a Series A capital raise. He has invested in or held senior roles with several companies and funds and previously spent 20 years in investment banking roles in the US and overseas.  In this episode, Brian and I riff on what led him to scratch his entrepreneurial itch in the first place, his experiences as a founder, and the symmetry of his leadership across Beyond the Game Network and W3 Studio.  We also take a look at the market for sports-themed digital collectibles since the 2020-2021 bull run, how to build a more sustainable business at the intersection of sports and web3 by focusing on fandom rather than speculators, and how his advice to founders has evolved with the comings and goings of bulls and bears. LINKS: Episode title inspired by ‘The World is Yours' by Nas Learn more about W3 Studio:  https://w3studio.us/ Learn more about Beyond the Game Network:  https://thebtgnetwork.com/ Connect with Brian Zwerner on social media: -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/w3studioatl -Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-zwerner/ -Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianZwerner -Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bzwerner/ -TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brianzwerner Leave a review and subscribe on  -Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter):  -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow   Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moneyneversleeps/message

This week's guest is Connor Murphy, the CEO of Bridge. I met Connor at a Techstars event in Dublin in 2019 as he was just getting his latest venture off the ground in Bridge, and I started using the Bridge app within seconds of meeting him to help me bridge my network. Connor Murphy is an all-around good guy, and in every conversation I have with with him, I end up connecting way more dots than I ever could have expected.  Connor has a background in computer science, startups, venture capital, and management consulting.  He was previously the Managing Director of the Techstars SAP.iO program in Berlin and he has invested in 30 pre-seed technology ventures that have an enterprise value greater than $1bn. The undercurrent for all of this was Connor's founding of DataHug back in 2009, a collaborative forecasting and pipeline management solution that he sold to Callidus Cloud (now owned by SAP) back in 2013.   In this episode, Connor and I riff on his DataHug founder experience, investing through Techstars and beyond, his journey as CEO of Bridge, and how all of these experiences are linked by the common threads of building relationships, trust as a currency, and kicking your network into hyperdrive.  We also talk through some of his time-tested lessons learned from his time as a startup founder and investor that guide his path and that of the founders he's invested in as well. BOOK REFERENCES: ‘The Four Steps to the Epiphany' by Steve Blank  ‘The Mom Test' by Rob Fitzpatrick LINKS: Learn more about Bridge and see here for a quick insight on the power of Bridge Follow Connor Murphy on LinkedIn, X/(Twitter) and check out his blog Episode title inspired by ‘Bridging the Gap' by Nas Leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts  |  Spotify  Subscribe to our MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack Check out our MoneyNeverSleeps website and email us at info@norioventures.com Follow us on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend  |  MoneyNeverSleeps   Follow us on LinkedIn:: Pete Townsend  |  MoneyNeverSleeps  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moneyneversleeps/message

We've got a special treat for you this week, as we've remastered and packaged up two of our most popular episodes from 2023 that were originally going to be one episode looking at the venture capital mantra of ‘investing in lines and not dots'. Both of these episodes were recorded in March 2023, after my team and I had just completed another 12 investments through Techstars, and I was itching to share some of the lessons learned.  Eoin Fitzgerald set the stage for me to do just that, and then we brought Patrick Pinschmidt from Middlegame Ventures onto the show two weeks later to dig deeper into this idea of investing in lines and not dots. LINKS: Learn more about MiddleGame Ventures on their website Follow Patrick Pinschmidt on LinkedIn and Twitter Leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts  |  Spotify  Subscribe to our MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack Check out our MoneyNeverSleeps website and email us at info@norioventures.com Follow us on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend  |  MoneyNeverSleeps   Follow us on LinkedIn: Pete Townsend  |  MoneyNeverSleeps --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moneyneversleeps/message

Mai Santamaria joins me once again as guest co-host as we riff on the intersection of digital ID, digital wallets, blockchain, CBDCs, and how the political regime under which an individual lives influences your senses of trust and risk. We also blow to bits my expectation that the new EU digital identity wallet will have anything to do with blockchain, contrary to what we're seeing with digital identity frameworks in Latin America.  Mai is one of the most helpful people I know and always has a uniquely incisive insight or two on what's going on at the crossover of finance and emerging tech.  Mai originally featured on episode 5 of MoneyNeverSleeps back in 2018, she made a cameo on our 200th episode last year, she's a Techstars mentor, and she recently helped me make sense of the crossover of blockchain and AI in episode 241. Mai is the Head of the Financial Advisory Unit for the Department of Finance in Ireland. In this episode, Mai and I riff on the topic of digital identity through the lens of the new European Digital Identity Wallet brought forth by the eIDAS2 legislation, and look at digital identity regimes in Latin America through the latest news on Nubank's expansion. With the investments I'm making right now in early stage ventures in blockchain, topics like decentralization, over-centralization, and the elements of trust and risk when it comes to how individuals feel about who has access to their data are also a focal point of this chat. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moneyneversleeps/message

Evan Miyazono is founder and CEO of Atlas Computing, a non-profit formed late last year to help scale human control over risky AI capabilities.  I seem to be falling into a number of serendipitous situations recently where I find myself at the intersection of AI and blockchain. This week's chat with Evan took place at that same intersection, but more at the conceptual level rather than at the hardcore technical level. After finishing a PhD in Applie Physics at Caltech, Evan Miyazono jumped into blockchain with Protocol Labs in 2017 on a mission to build systems that affect real people.  After years as a researcher and then Head of Network Goods, Evan recently launched Atlas Computing with his co-founder with the goal of building an international standards organization of provably safe AI. In our chat, Evan and I look at both the intended and unintended consequences of AI, how society's own actions makes it hard to define good behavior for humans, some of the crossover points between blockchain and AI, and how Evan's thinking about aligning stakeholders for the funding of Atlas Computing. LINKS: Learn more about Atlas Computing Follow Evan Miyazono on LinkedIn and X(Twitter)   Leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts  |  Spotify  Subscribe to our MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack Check out our MoneyNeverSleeps website and email us at info@norioventures.com Follow us on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend  |  MoneyNeverSleeps   Follow us on LinkedIn:: Pete Townsend  |  MoneyNeverSleeps --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moneyneversleeps/message