Web3 with Sam Kamani

EPISODE DESCRIPTIONI sat down with Harvey Liu, co-founder of LeveX Exchange, to dig into what it really takes to build a crypto trading platform from the ground up. Harvey's journey is fascinating , from studying computer science in China, to getting his MBA at INSEAD, to becoming an early Bitcoin investor when BTC was around $100, to backing the founders of Huobi and OKCoin as a VC, and now building his own exchange in Singapore. We talk about why he designed LeveX around social trading, how features like multi-trade and KOL-driven tournaments set them apart from Binance and OKX, and the honest truth about what works and what doesn't in crypto marketing. Harvey also shares what he looks for as a VC when evaluating Web3 startups in a bear market , and why founders with failure experience often outlast the ones who only know wins. DISCLAIMERNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/CONNECTLeveX Exchange: https://www.levex.comLeveX Twitter/X: https://x.com/levex Web3 with Sam Kamani: https://www.web3pod.xyzKEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS• [00:01] Sam introduces Harvey Liu, co-founder of LeveX Exchange, and outlines the episode topics: building an exchange, growth, and VC lessons• [01:25] Harvey shares his background , computer science in China, five years at a Canadian internet company, MBA at INSEAD, then back to China for VC• [03:13] Harvey's first exposure to Bitcoin in 2013 as a VC, meeting the founders of Huobi and OKCoin, and buying BTC at around $100• [04:38] Moving to Singapore during COVID, joining a Singapore VC firm, and spotting the gap in social features on major trading platforms• [06:42] The founding idea behind LeveX: a platform built by traders, for traders, with a social layer that bigger exchanges lacked• [08:38] Who LeveX was designed for , seasoned traders, KOLs, and retail , and how user feedback shaped the product• [11:05] Gamification on the platform: quests, bonus milestones, KOL-run tournaments, and exclusive content areas for followers• [13:39] Current stats: over 400,000 registered users, focus on improving UX before aggressive marketing, and plans for Token 2049 Singapore• [15:35] User geography , mostly Europe and Asia, with Sam highlighting Southeast Asia (Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia) as a massive growth opportunity• [18:35] Harvey's VC framework for evaluating Web3 startups in a bear market: team track record including failures, revenue traction, real utility, and exit strategy• [22:49] The biggest challenge building LeveX: rebuilding trust post-FTX, and how proof of reserves, bug bounties, and penetration testing address that• [26:06] Growth experiments , what worked (deep KOL partnerships) and what didn't (expensive Google and Meta paid ads with low conversion)• [30:13] LeveX's standout feature: multi-trade, which lets traders open multiple simultaneous positions on the same trading pair at different prices, directions, and leverage levels• [33:12] Vision for the next two to three years: reach top 20 global trading platform, expand into prediction markets and AI tools, and time the next bull run right• [34:51] Harvey's ask: strategic marketing and branding partners to help with the next bull run, and an open invitation for listeners to try the platform

EPISODE DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, I sit down with Vaibhav from Astranova, the AI-driven entertainment IP studio that has been quietly building one of the most ambitious ecosystems in Web3. Vaibhav walks me through everything from their half a million ecosystem users, their high-profile partnerships with brands like Shiba Inu, Simon's Cat, and Mansory, to how they have raised $48.6 million and what they are doing with it. We dig into the RVV token buybacks, the real utility being built across gaming, comics, and social platforms, and why Vaibhav believes the market is massively underestimating this project. He also drops a teaser about a major RVV utility announcement coming very soon, so you will want to tune in and follow their socials closely after this one. DISCLAIMERNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/CONNECTAstranova Website:https://astranova.world/Twitter/X - Astranova: https://twitter.com/AstranovalPTelegram - : https://t.me/AstraNovaPortalWeb3 with Sam Kamani: https://www.web3pod.xyz/KEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS• [00:00] Sam introduces Vaibhav from Astranova and outlines what the episode will cover• [01:08] Vaibhav shares his background in crypto, including time at CoinStore, Unix Gaming, and two years building Astranova• [02:35] Astranova explained: an AI-driven entertainment IP studio with comics, gaming, UGC, and community platforms• [04:39] Adoption metrics revealed: close to half a million ecosystem users, over 250K on their social platform• [06:21] The reasoning behind $6-7 million in on-chain RVV token buybacks and what it signals to the community• [08:02] High-profile partnerships with Shiba Inu, Simon's Cat, Mansory, and Imaginary Ones and how they were built• [10:40] Why Vaibhav believes the market is undervaluing Astranova by a huge margin• [12:02] RVV utility today and where it is heading: hotels, flights, gift cards, staking, and more• [13:45] Why the intersection of AI, entertainment, gaming, and community is such a powerful long-term position• [15:04] $48.6 million raised and how it is being deployed across the ecosystem• [16:14] What is coming in Phase 3: eSports with RVV prize pools, Creator Economy, NovaToonz IP expansion, and Blacklist Season 3• [17:25] A teaser dropped: a major RVV utility and adoption announcement is coming soon• [19:45] Future vision: RVV as the connective layer of the whole ecosystem, BNB integration, and massive growth ahead

EPISODE DESCRIPTIONI sat down with Chris Hewish from Xsolla , a company that has been powering the gaming industry for over 20 years , to dig into why Web3 games crashed and burned, what needs to change, and why Web2 games are the real gateway to bringing the next billion users on chain. Chris breaks down the allergy traditional gaming studios have to Web3 language, how Xsolla's web shop product disrupted the 30% Apple and Google tax, and why removing friction , not pushing wallets and blockchain jargon , is the only path to mass adoption. Whether you are a game developer, a Web3 founder, or just someone trying to understand where gaming and blockchain collide, this episode is packed with honest, experience-backed insight from someone who has been in the trenches for decades. DISCLAIMERNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/--- CONNECT ---Xsolla Website: https://xsolla.comWeb3 with Sam Kamani: https://www.web3pod.xyz/Sam Kamani LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/samkamaniKEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS• [00:01] Sam introduces Chris Hewish from Xsolla and sets up the episode's core themes: Web3 gaming failures, Xsolla's 20-year journey, and bringing the next billion users on chain• [01:24] Chris shares his origin story , starting in the mail room at Games Workshop and working his way into the business side of gaming before joining Xsolla six years ago• [03:18] The founding problem Xsolla set out to solve: limited global payment options for game developers, which locked out players who simply could not pay• [05:13] How Xsolla helps game studios at every stage , from pre-launch community building to post-launch marketing tech, loyalty programs, and live service tools• [07:44] Why Web3 gaming failed: trying to build infrastructure and ecosystem simultaneously, unsustainable play-to-earn economies, speculation over gameplay, and rug pulls• [09:50] The so-called Web3 community was never large or loyal enough to sustain a game ecosystem on its own• [11:23] The allergic reaction traditional Web2 studios have to Web3 language , and how removing that language entirely changed partner conversations from rejection to sign-ups• [13:13] A concrete example of on-chain value: paying players $5 in stablecoin to play during a game's launch weekend, cheaper than paid user acquisition• [17:17] The web shop innovation , how Xsolla created a whole new sector by letting mobile games transact outside the App Store, cutting fees from 30% down to around 7%• [20:04] The Epic vs Apple and Google battle over Fortnite and what it exposed about the duopoly controlling mobile gaming• [21:49] The Nike analogy: why game companies need multiple distribution channels just like any other consumer brand• [24:22] Advice for gaming startup founders: take go-to-market strategy seriously from day one, not just near launch• [30:42] Why Web2 games , with 3.3 billion players already , are the ecosystem that will bring the first billion users on chain• [31:31] The key to mass adoption: remove Web3 language, embed wallets invisibly into existing account systems, and let players receive value without knowing the infrastructure behind it• [33:29] Xsolla is already live on testnet, self-funded, and will be sharing real data later in the year

--- EPISODE DESCRIPTION ---I sat down with Will Reeves, CEO of Fold, and walked away genuinely excited about what they are building. Will breaks down how Fold is putting Bitcoin into the hands of everyday Americans — not by convincing them to buy it, but by letting them earn it as a reward on their normal spending. We talk about why airlines and banks can never truly compete with this model, how Fold customers have earned $70 million in Bitcoin rewards, and the wild insight that led to Bitcoin showing up on shelves at Kroger. Will also shares hard-won lessons on building a team, finding product-market fit, and why naivety combined with passion is actually a superpower for founders. This is a story about solving a real financial problem for real people — and the results are speaking for themselves. Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/--- CONNECT ---Fold Website: https://foldapp.com/Twitter/X: Will Reeves: https://twitter.com/WillReevesTwitter/X : Fold: https://twitter.com/Fold_appWeb3 with Sam Kamani : Website: https://www.web3pod.xyz/Twitter/X : Sam Kamani: https://twitter.com/samkamani--- KEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS ---• [00:01] Sam introduces Will Reeves from Fold and sets the scene from Bitcoin Vegas 2026• [01:21] Will shares his origin story — growing up in California, graduating into the 2008 financial crisis, and falling in love with startups in the Bay Area• [03:21] The core problem Will wanted to solve: restoring paths to financial stability using Bitcoin as the vehicle• [06:10] How Fold's rewards model works — turning everyday spending into Bitcoin savings using the familiar cash-back habit• [08:01] Why Bitcoin rewards beat cash back and airline miles over the long term due to appreciation versus inflation• [09:20] Why traditional banks and credit card companies can't copy Fold — the innovator's dilemma explained• [14:53] Fold has hundreds of thousands of users and has given away $70 million in Bitcoin rewards• [16:02] Removing barriers to Bitcoin: physical gift cards at Kroger and employee bonuses at Steak and Shake powered by Fold• [19:06] The pivot moment — from "spend Bitcoin at Starbucks" to "earn Bitcoin on your normal card" and the hockey stick that followed• [23:29] Why airlines desperately need Bitcoin as a rewards off-ramp — and the COVID liability crisis that exposed the flaw• [26:46] The hardest part of making Bitcoin mainstream: overcoming short-term thinking and fear of volatility• [28:54] Best growth channel for Fold: word of mouth, not paid ads, plus strategic distribution deals like Kroger• [31:04] Founder lessons — staying naive and passionate, hiring for grit over credentials, and not holding the reins too long• [32:23] The hardest role to hire for: marketing and growth, and why hunger beats credentials every time• [34:33] Long-term vision: Fold as a great American financial institution that sends value back to the customer• [36:07] The ask — use Fold, get on the credit card waitlist, and reach out to Will on X at @WillReeves

I sat down with Kamal, President of the Board of the Hashgraph Association, to unpack how Hedera Hashgraph is taking a different approach to Web3 , one built around trusted governance, enterprise readiness and real-world use cases. Kamal shares how his journey started at EY Switzerland in 2015, led to co-founding Swisscom Blockchain, and eventually brought him to leading ecosystem development for one of the most institutionally backed Layer 1s in the space. We talk about AI and Web3 convergence, why polyglot platforms are the future, and the projects already live today , from microfinance in North Africa to customs automation with AirAsia's parent company. If you're a founder, builder or enterprise leader trying to understand where Web3 is heading, this episode is packed with signal. Disclaimer:Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

I sat down with Aziz from CoinFund at Consensus Miami and walked away more bullish than ever. Aziz went from selling RuneScape gold for Bitcoin to becoming an investor at one of the most respected crypto venture funds in the space. In this episode, he breaks down exactly why he believes we are heading into a stablecoin super cycle, why decentralized AI is about to have its moment, and why quantum computing is a bigger threat to crypto than most people realise. He also shares what he actually looks for in founders, which portfolio companies have him most excited right now, and why the worst thing you can do is sit on the sidelines. If you are building something in Web3 or thinking about it, this conversation is for you. Disclaimer:Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/--- CONNECT ---CoinFund Website: https://coinfund.io https://www.linkedin.com/in/magicofazi/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/coinfund/ --- KEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS ---• [00:00] Aziz shares how selling RuneScape gold led him down the Bitcoin rabbit hole in 2016-17• [02:30] His journey from a family office to founding a decentralised messaging startup with AI agents• [05:00] Why he joined CoinFund and what drew him to Jake and the team• [07:00] CoinFund's investment thesis , chain agnostic, sector agnostic, and stage agnostic• [08:30] Regional stablecoins and why Brazil's PIX economy is a massive opportunity (Trace Finance)• [11:00] The case for decentralised AI and why 2027-28 could be the inflection point• [14:00] Portfolio spotlight: Prime Intellect and Pluralis and what makes them stand out• [18:00] Why encrypted inference and portable memory systems are the next big frontier• [22:00] Why distributed compute hasn't gone mainstream yet , and what has changed• [26:00] The Bitcoin to Ethereum to Solana to Hyperliquid pattern and what it teaches investors• [29:00] Why 2026 could be the stablecoin super cycle and what drives the next bull market• [33:00] How AI agents will use crypto for payments and why X.402 matters• [37:00] What Aziz looks for in founders , technical sharpness, high agency, and unique distribution• [41:00] Portfolio company VEDA and why vault infrastructure is powering the next wave of neobanks• [44:00] His call to action for founders who are ready to build

I sat down live at Consensus Miami with William, ex-co-founder of Tether and WAX, to get his unfiltered take on where tokenization is actually heading. We dig into why stablecoins became the killer app, what's been holding back tokenized gold and real estate, and why the regulatory dam is about to break. William shares a fascinating perspective on AI in crypto, why blockchain is "the worst way to do almost anything" but has no equal for a narrow set of use cases, and why 30,000 suits showing up to a Bitcoin conference signals something has fundamentally shifted. If you want a grounded, no-hype view of what the next two years looks like for tokenization and institutional adoption, this episode delivers. Disclaimer:Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/ Key Points with Timestamps• [00:01:00] Tokenization is no longer a promise — Wall Street is actively moving toward it to eliminate legacy settlement friction and verify asset authenticity instantly• [00:02:30] Tokenized assets unlock DeFi use cases like lending and collateral, making tokenization a core building block for decentralized finance• [00:03:30] AI in crypto is less revolutionary than hyped — it's part of a long-term automation trend that has been underway for over a decade• [00:04:30] Stablecoins remain the gold standard of tokenization; tokenizing fiat currency is still the best blockchain use case by far• [00:06:00] The main hurdle to tokenizing gold, stocks, and real estate has been hostile US regulatory policy — not technology• [00:06:30] The CLARITY Act could be the regulatory catalyst that triggers a rapid rollout of tokenized assets across traditional finance• [00:09:00] Blockchain is the worst way to do almost anything, but for a narrow set of things — stablecoins, cross-border payments, tokenized assets — it has no equal• [00:10:30] The crypto conference crowd has flipped from artists and experimenters to 30,000 people in suits, signalling deep institutional integration• [00:12:30] Beyond finance, blockchain has real utility in tamper-proof documentation — national IDs, government records, title insurance, and notarisation could all be disrupted• [00:16:00] In two years, expect tokenization to expand across stocks, bonds, and any traded asset, driving greater liquidity and near-instant settlement

I sat down with David, co-founder and president of Mangrove.ai, live at Consensus Miami. David's journey is one of the most unexpected paths into Web3 I've come across — starting with Snoop Dogg tickets in India and ending up building one of the most interesting risk-compliant trading infrastructure platforms in the space. We talked about why traditional financial advisors are losing clients to Robinhood, how AI agents will force global crypto adoption whether banks like it or not, and how Mangrove is bridging TradFi and DeFi with a suite of tools built for the messy, brackish world we're all living in right now. If you care about where institutional crypto adoption is really heading, this one is worth your time. Disclaimer:Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/Connect:Website: https://www.mangrove.ai Keypoints with timestamps:• [00:00] David shares his background producing large-scale music festivals globally and how fans asking to buy Snoop Dogg tickets with Bitcoin in India first sparked his interest in crypto• [05:30] How David's technical co-founder Tim, who built AI systems for NASA and the Department of Defense, started building algorithmic trading tools and the two eventually joined forces• [09:00] The pivot from launching a hedge fund to building Mangrove.ai after hedge fund mentors told them the trading desk technology itself was the real business opportunity• [13:00] Why registered investment advisors (RIAs) are losing assets under management to Robinhood and how the largest wealth transfer in human history creates a huge opportunity for digital asset onboarding• [18:00] The Mangrove product suite explained — API, agentic trading, institutional tools, and retail — and how the platform is non-custodial and built around transparency• [23:00] Why Mangrove open-sourced their trading signal library (228 signals, 1000+ downloads in under 30 days) and how their Stripe-like API model works• [27:00] The risk and compliance guardrails built into every strategy — circuit breakers, max drawdown limits, and daily loss caps — and why that matters for institutional clients• [31:00] How Mangrove is approaching distribution through software companies (TAMPs) that already service hundreds of RIAs rather than going client by client• [35:00] David's take on the three-year industry outlook — consolidation, institutional adoption as a multi-year macro trend, and why AI agents will force global crypto adoption• [40:00] Mangrove's near-term plans — flipping to revenue in six weeks, launching a seed round after announcing an institutional partnership, and hiring a VP of Engineering

I sat down with Marco from MoveItOn at ConsenSys Miami to talk about something I hadn't seen before — a peer-to-peer delivery platform that turns everyday travelers into courier agents. Think Uber, but for shipping. Marco walks me through how they use smart contract escrow to build trust between strangers sending valuable items, how their M1 token powers cross-border payments, and why they just acquired a Web2 company called GlocalZone with 1.5 million app downloads to hit the ground running. We also get into the regulatory maze of operating across 100+ countries, the AI-powered security boxes they plan to place at airports and train stations, and why the last-mile delivery problem is one that AI agents simply cannot solve on their own. If you're interested in how blockchain and real-world logistics can come together to save people money and create new income streams while traveling, this one is for you. Disclaimer:Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/Connect:MoveItOn Website: https://www.moviton.com/ Key points with Timestamps • [00:00] Sam introduces Marco from MoveItOn, recorded live at ConsenSys Miami• [02:00] Marco's background — how writing a blockchain book for beginners pulled him into the industry• [04:00] He has three published books: Blockchain Millionaire, a crypto beginner lexicon, and a tokenization guide• [05:30] What MoveItOn is — a peer-to-peer delivery platform turning travelers into courier agents• [07:00] The founding story — a co-founder from Kazakhstan couldn't ship medical items via DHL but could carry them personally• [09:00] How blockchain fits in — smart contract escrow requires couriers to deposit the value of items they carry• [11:00] The M1 token powers payments and couriers earn staking rewards while funds are locked• [13:00] The GlocalZone acquisition — a Web2 peer-to-peer delivery app with 1.5 million downloads and 70,000 active users• [15:00] MoveItOn has been in development for about 18 months, Marco joined 8-9 months ago• [17:00] Biggest challenge is regulation — launching in 10 compliant countries first, using AI to track changing import laws• [20:00] Go-to-market strategy — partnerships with flight booking and car-sharing platforms, solving the last-mile problem with logistics companies• [23:00] B2B infrastructure and future plans for AI agent integration• [25:00] Blockchain and AI adoption across banking, medicine, and other industries• [27:00] Solving the marketplace chicken-and-egg problem through partnerships and acquisitions• [29:00] Current fundraising — private and pre-sale done, public sale in 4-6 months, seeking $4M in VC or angel funding• [31:00] Move It Boxes — AI-powered smart lockers at airports and transport hubs for contactless drop-off and pickup• [35:00] Vision for 2030 — 100+ countries, doubling the current 1.5 million user base• [37:00] Open to partnerships, investors, and remote team members — headquartered in Dubai

I sat down with Patrick from Ampli live at ConsenSys in Miami for a wide-ranging conversation that ran nearly an hour, and for good reason. Patrick went from studying political science in Germany and France to becoming a crypto tokenomics advisor, and now co-founder of Ampli, a company building the security infrastructure for AI agents that manage money. We got into why blockchain was essentially built for AI before AI even existed, how Ampli's Agent Control Room lets fund managers discover, deploy, and control agents without ever handing over the keys, and why 90% of crypto exploits last year came down to human error rather than smart contract bugs. We also talked about the future of stablecoins as geopolitical tools, why DeFi is bottoming out like the post-dotcom era before a decade-long bull run, and what a world looks like where every phone has a personal banker inside it. This is one of those conversations packed with insight for founders, fund managers, and anyone paying attention to where finance is actually heading. Disclaimer:Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/ Connect: https://ampli.net/ Key points with time stamps: • [00:00] Patrick introduces himself, political science background in Germany and France, discovered Bitcoin and Ethereum in 2016, drawn in by smart contracts as a governance solution• [04:00] What Ampli is building, agentic capital management infrastructure that lets AI agents autonomously transact money and digital assets securely• [08:00] Why Ampli pivoted from consumer products to infrastructure, the agent capability grew faster than the security stack beneath it• [12:00] How Ampli's separation of powers works, agents only send suggestions, policies are written on-chain, and the agent never holds the keys• [16:00] The 90% statistic, security researchers found that over 90% of exploited crypto funds last year came from human error, social engineering, and front-end spoofing, not smart contract bugs• [20:00] Why blockchain was built for AI before AI arrived, it is cumbersome for humans but perfect for machines transacting value at scale• [25:00] What comes next in the agentic space, purpose-built agents, agent marketplaces, and agents subcontracting other agents• [30:00] The Visa study showing 90% of stablecoin transactions on Ethereum in 2024 were done by bots, proof the rails are ready for machine-to-machine finance• [35:00] DeFi trends, Patrick's thesis that DeFi is bottoming out like the post-dotcom era, with tokenization and institutional adoption set to drive a decade-long secular bull run• [40:00] Companies Patrick admires, Midas for disciplined tokenization and Fortify for MPC-based self-custody• [44:00] Ampli's Agent Control Room, their first product, letting fund managers discover, deploy, benchmark, and control agents• [48:00] Crypto's real product-market fits, stablecoins, yield, gambling, capital gains, and front-loading liquidity through ICOs and TGEs• [52:00] Stablecoins as geopolitical tools, how the US chose private stablecoins over CBDCs to spread dollarization globally, and what a future AI-native monetary primitive might look like• [56:00] Advice for founders, listen to potential clients obsessively, build toward customer needs, and always push toward profitability so investors chase you

I sat down with Ian from the World Foundation to dig into one of the most pressing problems of our time, how do you prove you're a real human online without sacrificing your privacy? As AI floods the internet with bots and agents, the gap between human and machine interaction is closing fast. Ian walks me through how World ID and the Orb device let anyone verify their humanity using advanced cryptography, completely anonymously, no passport scans, no email addresses, no data sitting on some server you don't control. We also get into Ian's wild journey from GPU mining and Constitution DAO to building at World, and why the current KYC and AML model is a problem for both users and platforms. This is a conversation about identity, privacy, and what it means to be human in a world where most internet traffic won't be. Connect: World Foundation Website: https://world.org Twitter/X, World: https://x.com/worldnetwork Web3 with Sam Kamani: https://www.web3pod.xyz/ Key points:• [00:00] Sam introduces Ian from the World Foundation and the episode's focus on digital identity in the AI age• [02:30] Ian's background: crypto-adjacent upbringing, GPU mining with family, selling a Bitcoin at $600• [05:00] Ian drops out of college during COVID, starts a startup, gets pulled into crypto through Constitution DAO• [08:00] What World is: a way to prove you're a real human online, completely anonymously, using the Orb device• [11:00] Why this matters now: bots and agents already make up 60–70% of crypto trading traffic, and it's growing• [14:00] World ID vs KYC/AML: not a replacement for regulated compliance, but a privacy-first alternative for situations where KYC isn't legally required• [17:00] Why both users and platforms suffer under current KYC models, GDPR compliance burden, data exposure, trust issues• [20:00] How World ID solves the same human-verification problem more privately and with a better user experienceDisclaimer:Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

I sat down with Mitch from Steelwave at BTC Vegas to explore how one of the West Coast's most established real estate developers is bringing institutional-grade assets onto the blockchain. Steelwave has done over $24 billion in acquisitions, building campus-style properties for tenants like Google and Anduril — and now Mitch is on a mission to give international family offices and eventually everyday investors access to deals they were previously locked out of. We talk about the tokenization roadmap, why power is the single most valuable commodity in real estate right now, how AI companies are driving 20 million square feet of lease demand in Silicon Valley, and why the next generation SPV could be a global syndicate of investors from China, Africa, and Australia all coming together on a single deal. This one gets into the real mechanics of how private real estate becomes liquid — and why the window to act is right now. Connect with Steelwavehttps://www.steelwavellc.com/token-labKey Points with Timestamps• [00:00] Mitch teases the core thesis: 20 million sq ft of AI-driven lease demand and tokenization as a liquidity layer for family offices• [00:41] Sam introduces himself — 5 years podcasting, 400+ founders interviewed, occasional angel investor• [01:22] Mitch's origin story: found a crypto volatility hedge fund, spotted a gap for institutional-grade real estate on-chain, joined his father's firm Steelwave• [02:24] What Steelwave does: campus-style premium real estate for tenants like Google and Anduril, formerly known as Legacy Partners• [03:22] The Westfield San Francisco moment — why real estate values crashed post-COVID and why that's now the best buying opportunity in a generation• [04:39] Sam's perspective on the global demand for US-based assets and why real estate remains far harder to access than equities for international investors• [06:03] The Anduril deal: Steelwave bought the LA Times printing facility in Orange County and it became Palmer Luckey's Anduril headquarters• [07:40] Plans to fractionalize: starting at $50M minimums with family offices, then introducing token liquidity in 12–18 months for secondary market access• [08:54] The next-gen SPV model — syndicating global investors from China, Africa, and Australia into a single deal• [12:26] Where tokenized assets will trade: likely international exchanges first before entering the US market• [13:30] The hardest part of the business: connecting next-gen crypto capital to old-school real estate financial structures• [14:43] Expanding beyond real estate — sports teams, esports, TV shows, athletes, and cricket teams in India as the next tokenization frontier• [17:14] Why BTC Vegas matters: Bitcoin capital is maturing and looking for scalable institutional assets to deploy into• [18:18] Mitch's asks: capital partners, team members who understand the space, and the right regulatory framework• [19:23] How Mitch pitches family offices: lead with the real estate, sell the tokenization as a liquidity unlock that cuts lock-up from 8–10 years down to 2–4• [20:04] How Steelwave builds trust: $24B in acquisitions, zero bad assets, deep broker relationships across West Coast markets• [21:17] 2026 real estate outlook: 20 million sq ft of AI-driven demand in Silicon Valley, tech giants scaling infrastructure, 12–24 months to buy before institutions pile back in• [23:17] Power is king: if a site has power capacity, it gets a tenant immediately regardless of what's built on itDisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

I sat down with Mehow, founder of American Fortress, right here in Miami during Consensus week, and this conversation genuinely blew my mind. Michal has been a hacker since age 15 and has spent four and a half years and 13 patents building something the crypto industry has never had before — a universal identity and privacy protocol that makes sending crypto as simple as typing a name. We go deep on why crypto addresses are still the root cause of most theft and fraud, how stealth addresses and zero-knowledge proofs work together to give you PayPal-style usability without sacrificing privacy, why institutions like Brinks are already on board, and what wrench attacks and kidnappings in France have to do with on-chain transparency. We also talk quantum computing, the confidentiality machine, and why perseverance is the only real entrepreneurial lesson that matters. This one is packed.--- CONNECT ---Website: https://americanfortress.io Twitter/X: https://x.com/Americanfort_io Web3 with Sam Kamani: https://www.web3pod.xyz --- KEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS ---• [00:01:32] Michal shares his background as a hacker since age 15 and what drove him to build American Fortress• [00:03:14] The core problem: crypto addresses are confusing and exploitable, leading to rampant theft and fraud• [00:06:09] User journey walkthrough — how Fortress Knok lets you send crypto by name, like PayPal, with no address interaction• [00:08:00] How stealth addresses work and why only sender and recipient ever know where funds went• [00:09:00] Zero-knowledge proofs running through encrypted chat to confirm sender identity and defeat address poisoning• [00:10:00] How cryptographic KYC via Sumsub is tied directly to transactions, the first protocol to do this• [00:14:00] Why on-chain transparency is a physical safety risk, kidnappings in France and the Ledger executive story• [00:15:44] The confidentiality machine, one button to hide your balance while still proving your identity to the recipient• [00:17:39] Quantum resistance built in automatically when you use the privacy shield, with no extra steps for the user• [00:26:15] MetaMask integration as a Snap, you don't need the American Fortress wallet to use Fortress names• [00:29:00] Four and a half years of grinding on $9 million raised, 15 engineers, launching on 12 chains simultaneously• [00:34:10] What's next, Austin office, token launch in 4–6 weeks, Brinks as a customer, and a potential Series ADisclaimer:Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

In this episode, I sit down with Tom, co-founder of Ratehopper.ai, to dig into one of the most underrated problems in DeFi — people are overpaying on their loans and leaving yield on the table. Tom walks me through the journey from mining ETH in 2015, to building APY Vision with 70,000 users, to now launching an AI agent platform that automatically deploys borrowed funds into liquidity pools to pay off your loan. We talk about how the agents work, what signals they use, how they handle risk, and why the self-repaying loan concept is resonating with users. Tom also shares how they are keeping funds secure, what the Ratehopper agent competition looks like, and where they see the platform going next. If you are curious about DeFi, AI agents, or just want your money to work harder without the manual work, this episode is for you. Connect:Website: https://ratehopper.ai/X: https://x.com/RatehopperAITelegram: https://t.me/RatehopperPortalWeb3 with Sam Kamani: https://www.web3pod.xyz/Key points with time stamps• [01:00] Tom shares his background — mining ETH in 2015, learning the EVM, and building a paper trading game• [02:39] Tom discovers DeFi farming in 2020 and builds APY Vision, a portfolio and P&L tracker for DeFi users• [03:47] APY Vision reaches 70,000 users but faces monetisation challenges without an execution layer• [06:08] The core problem Ratehopper solves — people are paying too much on DeFi loans and not optimising rate differentials• [07:20] The rich person strategy — borrow against your assets instead of selling, then use borrowed funds to generate yield• [08:37] Beta launch update — nearly 1,000 users and 450 agents deployed in the first month• [09:01] Real user example — depositing collateral, setting up an agent, providing liquidity to earn fees that pay off the loan• [09:55] How liquidity range settings affect APY and how the agent uses the options market to set optimal ranges• [11:06] How risk tolerance settings shape the agent — 25 signals analysed hourly, tuned to the user's preference• [12:26] The hardest technical challenge — building and back-testing the risk versus reward signal matrix• [13:42] Early Ratehopper iteration focused only on refinancing and saving on borrowing costs• [15:11] Market feedback — users wanted higher returns, leading to the self-repaying loan concept• [17:00] User demographics — early adopters and experimenters who want to test if the product actually works• [19:50] How Ratehopper handles trust and security — segregated multi-sig wallets, Zodiac module, no fund transfers to unknown addresses• [21:37] Tom shares experience using other financial agents and why most still require too much manual input• [24:25] Future scaling challenges — agent interoperability and fragmented wallet standards• [25:45] DeFi infrastructure parallels — just as it took five years from Ethereum launch to mainstream DeFi, AI on-chain will take time• [27:01] DeFi TVL discussion — one hack every 26 hours in the last 30 days, and 93% of losses from infrastructure and private key hacks, not smart contract exploits• [28:23] Will AI make DeFi safer or more dangerous — Tom argues AI will help defenders more than attackers• [30:09] Upcoming Ratehopper agent contest — 10-day competition, NFT-represented agents, prize for most loan repaid• [31:54] Community question — can users copy a winning agent instead of building their own? Tom hints at a future vault model• [33:24] The ask — try the product, give feedback, and consider depositing more if confidence grows• [34:32] Experimenting with Polymarket decaying odds markets as a future agent use caseDisclaimer:Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

--- EPISODE DESCRIPTION ---In this episode, I sit down with Alex Dominguez, who is building SafeBets, a prediction market platform with one massive twist: you never put your own money on the line. Alex breaks down why Polymarket and Kalshi are getting banned in over 53 countries and sued by 19 US states, and how SafeBets is stepping into that gap. He shares how the platform launched today at the first-ever prediction markets conference in Las Vegas, how users can earn Unicoin and cash prizes just by making accurate predictions, and how they plan to reach 100 to 200 million users in the next few years. If you have ever wanted the thrill of a prediction market without the financial risk, this episode is for you. Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/--- CONNECT ---SafeBets Website: https://www.safebets.worldUnicoin: https://www.unicoin.comWeb3 with Sam Kamani: https://www.web3pod.xyz/--- KEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS ---• [00:00] Sam introduces SafeBets as a competitor to Kalshi and Polymarket with a key differentiator — no money at risk• [01:42] Alex shares his background in finance and his role as Chief Investment Officer at Unicoin, which powers SafeBets• [03:05] Alex explains why Kalshi and Polymarket are banned in 53+ countries and sued by 19 US states due to gambling classification• [04:22] The core differentiator: SafeBets users never put their own money in, yet can win cash and Unicoin for correct predictions• [05:44] How SafeBets makes money — by using collective prediction data and copy trading on other platforms• [07:38] SafeBets targets markets where competitors are banned — France, Argentina, Australia, India, Pakistan and more• [09:29] Alex compares SafeBets to Uber and Robinhood disrupting their industries by offering a free, superior model• [12:55] The platform officially launched today at the first-ever prediction markets conference in Las Vegas• [14:00] Sports predictions are being added in May alongside financial markets like Bitcoin, Nasdaq and commodities• [15:35] The Oracle leaderboard system — how top predictors are identified and rewarded• [19:18] How Unicoin and SafeBets work as a flywheel ecosystem, with Unicoin buybacks creating token liquidity• [21:40] Marketing plans include referral programs, branded Uber cars, airport billboards and international campaigns• [24:24] SafeBets is currently in its second fundraising round at 25 cents per share, targeting $20 million with a $250 million valuation• [28:44] Alex invites listeners to sign up at safebets.world for 100 free Unicoins and start predicting today

In this episode, I sit down with Vitali, co-founder of EasyStaff.io, a freelance payroll and marketplace platform processing over 20 million euro per month across its ecosystem. Vitali shares his journey from mining Bitcoin in Russia back in 2012 to building a multi-product fintech platform with a real, functioning DAO at its heart. We dig into why most DAOs fail to get participation, how EasyStaff Connect DAO distributes 90% of tokens to users based purely on business activity, and how the community is already voting on real product decisions. Vitali also opens up about the challenges of launching without venture capital, his plans to go fully open source, and why he sees blockchain-based legal token recognition as the natural next step for the platform. DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/Connect:EasyStaff Website: https://easystaff.ioEasyStaff Connect DAO: https://connect.easystaff.ioLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/easystaffKEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS• [00:00] Introduction to Vitali and EasyStaff.io and the focus on DAOs• [01:00] Vitali's crypto origin story — mining Bitcoin in 2012 with an ASIC device, selling at $300 per coin• [03:40] Clarifying that EasyStaff Connect DAO tokens are currently centralised — blockchain integration is a future stage pending legal jurisdiction decisions• [04:49] Overview of the two core products: EasyStaff Payroll (B2B) and EasyStaff Invoice (B2C), and how the DAO marketplace bridges the gap• [07:03] How EasyStaff handles remote payments across multiple currencies, entities, and compliance requirements including sanctions• [09:14] The core DAO problem: low participation and how EasyStaff tackles it with a 20% quorum, public backlogs, and personalised outreach• [11:35] Tokens are earned through business activity only — no token sale, no secondary market, purely rewarding real transactions• [12:44] Token holders receive monthly fiat dividends from platform profits, with the platform retaining only 3% of transaction fees• [13:40] Community governance in practice — token holders collectively hold 90% voting power versus the founders' 10%• [19:10] Real example of community governance: users voted to add PayPal to fast payment options• [20:40] EasyStaff ecosystem now processes around 20 million euro per month, with one entity alone clearing 140 million euro in 2025• [22:32] EasyStaff Connect focuses on design and graphics freelancers historically but is expanding broadly, including AI professionals• [23:42] Upcoming addition of a recruiter network to expand the platform through intermediaries• [25:05] Marketing strategies: AI-powered cold outreach on LinkedIn, rebranding, YouTube integrations, Forbes articles, and this podcast• [28:43] If starting again — the biggest challenge was lack of capital, which forced a bootstrapped, revenue-first approach• [30:36] Roadmap: completing hard-voting mechanics, moving to open source, separating DAO from the operating company, then going on-chain via a legally recognised jurisdiction such as Liechtenstein, UAE, or Singapore• [34:37] AI adoption internally — using Claude for development and exploring Gemini for internal compliance and treasury processes, with a freeze on new linear hires

I sit down with Omar, co-founder of Noya.ai, to explore how his team is building at the intersection of AI and DeFi. We talk about how Noya evolved from an omni-chain yield aggregator into a full-stack agentic platform, combining a data layer, analytics engine, and execution rails all in one MCP. Omar shares how they hit 1,000 downloads in just two days with zero paid marketing, why he believes interfaces are dead and agents are the future, and how proprietary data is the key moat for any Web3 startup in the age of AI. We also get into prediction market vaults, delta-neutral strategies, tokenization of real-world assets, and what the next 6–12 months looks like for Noya. DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/--- CONNECT ---Noya.ai Website: https://noya.aiTwitter/X: https://x.com/NetworkNoya Omar: https://x.com/OptimisticOmni Web3 with Sam Kamani: https://www.web3pod.xyz/--- KEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS ---• [00:49] Omar shares his crypto origin story — hooked by an Andreas Antonopoulos video in 2016, survived the ICO craze, DeFi Summer, and a VC role building on Luna before founding Noya• [01:52] The core vision: mesh intelligence and execution together, because interfaces are dead and the future is agentic• [03:24] Noya's current product suite — an MCP, a data aggregation layer, wallet analytics across prediction markets and DeFi, and structured vaults• [04:10] 1,000 MCP downloads in two days with zero paid marketing and 30,000 monthly active users on the platform• [07:41] A concrete example of how the Noya agent works — from token research to price alerts on Telegram to on-chain execution• [09:56] How Noya pivoted from omni-chain yield aggregator to its current agentic vision, and why the vault space was too crowded and too risky• [11:40] How Noya thinks about trust and safety — pre-built transaction templates, slippage warnings, honeypot detection, and a forthcoming security layer• [13:41] Why Omar sees little direct competition — the vision of one MCP for data, execution, analytics, and research across all chains is unique• [15:01] DeFi's biggest problem right now is lack of real usage, and tokenization of real-world assets is what will revive it• [19:50] How founders should think about building moats in the age of AI — proprietary data, multi-layer positioning, and pay-per-use infrastructure• [24:16] What's next for Noya — improving the MCP, launching the first delta-neutral prediction markets vault, and expanding protocol integrations

 sat down with Chan, founder of Tessera Labs, to explore how they are tearing down the walls around private equity investing. Chan spent over a decade at Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Credit Suisse before doing a PhD in computational finance at Imperial College London. He saw first hand that the best returns in private markets were locked behind accreditation requirements, massive minimum tickets, and years of illiquidity. Tessera is his answer to that. We talk about how they tokenized SpaceX participation rights on Solana, why they chose Chainlink for proof of reserve, how $75 million in trading volume happened in just a few months, and what their next product T-Kalshi means for everyday investors who want exposure to one of the hottest prediction market companies in the US right now. We also get into the legal architecture behind the Cayman SPC structure, why no KYC is intentional and not an oversight, the challenges of building in a regulatory gray zone, and what Chan would tell any founder building in the RWA space today. Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/--- CONNECT ---Tessera Website: https://tessera.peTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/tesseralabsWeb3 with Sam Kamani: https://www.web3pod.xyz/--- KEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS ---• [00:00] Sam introduces Chan from Tessera Labs and the goal of disrupting the multi-trillion dollar private equity market• [01:03] Chan shares his background across Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Credit Suisse plus his PhD in computational finance at Imperial College• [02:28] The three interlocking problems Tessera solves: access, liquidity, and transparency in private equity• [04:25] A step-by-step walkthrough of how an investor gets exposure to Kalshi private shares through tessera.pe with no KYC and no minimum• [06:34] Why Kalshi's US regulatory access gave it a major revenue advantage over Polymarket• [08:13] Four advantages of tokenized private equity over traditional VC and PE funds including $75 million in T-SpaceX trading volume• [11:13] The two early user groups: crypto-native retail investors and trade professionals in Asia and MENA• [12:34] The hardest parts of bringing real world assets on chain: legal structure, Oracle design, and MPC custody• [14:31] How Tessera uses Chainlink proof of reserve, Cayman SPC legal isolation, and Fireblocks MPC to build trust• [16:29] Why Tessera chose Solana over Ethereum, BASE, and Arbitrum including Token 22 transfer hooks• [18:56] Advice for RWA founders: design for retail-native access first, get legal architecture right before product, and choose your Oracle carefully• [21:53] What Chan would do differently if starting Tessera Labs again today• [24:06] The biggest challenge ahead: navigating a regulatory landscape that recognises the space but has not yet legislated it• [26:25] Plans for staking and using T-tokens as collateral for borrowing and lending yield• [27:58] Why Tessera will stay focused on late-stage pre-IPO names for now and the opportunity around IPO lockup periods• [30:12] Chan's three asks: users to try tessera.pe, secondary liquidity partners to get in touch, and strategic investors who share the vision

I sat down with Hudson Jameson, Head of Ecosystem at CertiK, to talk about the future of blockchain security. We covered everything from his early days mining Bitcoin in his dorm room to coordinating Ethereum upgrades and now leading ecosystem growth at the world's largest blockchain security audit firm. Hudson dropped an exclusive announcement about CertiK's upcoming AI Auditor tool that could change how developers approach smart contract security. We also discussed why institutional adoption feels boring, what makes great developer communities, and why he thinks Arbitrum is doing things right. If you're building in Web3 or just curious about where this space is headed, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss. --- CONNECT ---CertiK Website: https://www.certik.comCertiK Twitter: https://x.com/CertiK--- KEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS ---• [01:06] Hudson's origin story mining Bitcoin in college and falling down the Ethereum rabbit hole• [02:15] What makes CertiK different - focusing on small builders and first-time developers, not just high-profile clients• [05:07] EXCLUSIVE: CertiK announces AI Auditor tool for automated code security scanning• [08:02] Lessons from coordinating Ethereum upgrades and building governance frameworks from 2016-2021• [09:45] Why Arbitrum is winning the L2 wars with strong governance and community focus• [11:09] The tension between institutional adoption (boring but inevitable) and the original Web3 ethos• [14:31] What great developer communities do differently - they don't take themselves too seriously• [18:26] Practical security tips: 100% test coverage and documentation are non-negotiable• [21:30] How decentralized blockchains handle security incidents without a pause button• [24:34] The quantum computing debate - why experts can't agree on timeline or solutions• [28:13] AI Auditor will focus on Web3 apps and smart contracts, making security accessible• [29:50] What's next for Web3 - agents, agentic payments, and waiting for the third big thing after DeFi and NFTsDisclaimer:Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

I sat down with Oliver from CMT Digital to discuss what they look for in crypto founders before investing. We covered their unique approach as both a trading firm and VC, the intersection of AI and blockchain, why stablecoins will win for micropayments, and Oliver's contrarian take that crypto DApps will become invisible. CMT has been in crypto for nearly a decade and manages four funds focused on pre-seed to Series A investments. If you're building in stablecoins, agentic payments, tokenization, or crypto infrastructure, this episode is packed with insights on what VCs actually want to see. Key Points with timestamps• [00:00] Introduction to CMT Digital and Oliver's role• [00:04:25] What sets CMT Digital apart from other Web3 VCs• [00:06:00] CMT's three pillars: trading, private equity, and venture• [00:10:34] CMT focuses on pre-seed to Series A stage investments• [00:11:10] What outlier founders do differently when approaching VCs• [00:13:33] The intersection of AI agents and blockchain payments• [00:16:00] Why agents will use both credit cards and stablecoins• [00:17:07] Micropayments use case: paying fractions of a cent with stablecoins• [00:20:00] Sam breaks down the 6% cost of Stripe vs.

I sat down with Mehdi Lebbar, founder of yo.xyz (Yo Labs), to talk about how they're revolutionizing yield in DeFi. After raising over $10 million, Mehdi and his team built the Exponential Risk Framework—the best predictor of DeFi pool safety in the world. Pools rated A or B have a 0% probability of losing your money. We dive into how they assess risk across protocols, chains, and assets, why AI agents aren't ready for serious financial products, and why crypto offers freedom that AI never will. Mehdi shares his journey from traditional finance at Credit Suisse and the World Bank to discovering Bitcoin as the ultimate inflation hedge. We also discuss how DeFi is giving the unbanked access to savings, why Dubai's 'bubble' moments create opportunity, and what's next for multi-chain vaults. If you care about making DeFi accessible, safe, and truly decentralized, this episode is for you. Key Points with timestamps• [01:31] How Mehdi discovered Bitcoin in 2017 as a levered inflation hedge for his portfolio• [05:03] The gap in DeFi yield: too complicated and too risky for most people• [06:22] Exponential Risk Framework: A and B rated pools have 0% probability of loss• [07:04] Mapping DeFi as a risk graph with 100+ questions per protocol• [10:05] Building protocol-agnostic, chain-agnostic vaults for seamless yield• [14:30] Why algorithms beat curators and AI black boxes in financial products• [19:42] Founder lesson: take the ego out, sustain pain, stay optimistic• [21:43] Why crypto empowers the many while AI empowers the powerful• [24:14] Crypto is freedom—AI is control• [26:23] Real stories: how crypto enabled financial freedom during Dubai tensions• [30:26] Yo.xyz roadmap: ubiquitous multi-chain vaults and vaults-as-a-serviceConnect with YOhttps://www.yo.xyz/https://x.com/yieldhttps://t.me/yo_protocolDisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

In this episode, I sit down with Renee Davis from OpenMatter to explore the intersection of AI agents and blockchain infrastructure. We discuss why 51% of internet traffic is already agents, the critical security vulnerabilities in tools like OpenClaw, and how multi-party computation (MPC) enables privacy-preserving machine learning. Renee explains why crypto is essential for the agent economy—hint: credit cards can't handle micro-transactions like a two-cent payment. We also dive into OpenMatter's three pillars: masked computing, MatterML, and DataVisor, plus what's coming in the next 12 months. If you're building with AI agents or curious about the convergence of Web3 and AI, this conversation is packed with insights. --- CONNECT ---OpenMatter: https://onboard.openmatter.network--- KEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS ---• [01:42] Renee's journey from enterprise analytics to DAOs and AI• [03:11] AI and NLP have been around for decades—longer than most realize• [04:42] OpenMatter solves agent hosting, ZK safety checks, and output compliance• [08:17] Multi-party computation (MPC) explained: collaborative computing without sharing raw data• [10:08] 51% of internet traffic is already agents or bots• [14:42] Why agents need crypto: credit cards can't do micro-transactions like X402 can• [16:29] DataVisor: one-click agent deployment with OpenClaw, IronClaw, ZeroClaw templates• [19:17] Security guardrails for agents are still underdeveloped• [21:52] OpenMatter is built on lattice-based cryptography—post-quantum safe• [24:35] AI startups are in a bubble; many hinge on token prices from Claude or OpenAI• [28:03] Roadmap: mainnet launch, MPC updates, MatterML SDK release, and hackathons---DISCLAIMER---Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

In this episode, I sit down with Tony from Sumex, an OG who's been in crypto since 2016. He shares how they're tackling one of crypto's biggest problems: fragmentation. From managing 20 browser tabs to trade across exchanges, to juggling wallets across different chains, crypto is a mess for most users. Tony walks through how Sumex aggregates CEXs, DEXs, DeFi protocols, and analytics into one intuitive platform. He shares lessons from raising seven figures, hitting $100M in trading volume in just four weeks, and why simplicity beats feature bloat every time. We also dive into what's happening in 2026, why this cycle topped on apathy, and what trends like RWAs and prediction markets mean for retail adoption. --- CONNECT ---Sumex Website: https://sumex.io/Sumex Platform: https://app.sumex.io/Sumex on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/sumex--- KEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS ---• [01:21] How Tony went from TradFi CFD and forex brokers into crypto in 2017• [04:33] Running an ICO roadshow in 2018 and raising $12M during the boom• [06:16] The core problem Sumex solves: crypto tribalism, fragmentation, and steep learning curves• [07:17] Who Sumex is for: active crypto users across trading, investing, and DeFi• [10:51] How they focused on building the best trading terminal first before expanding• [15:25] Biggest technical challenge: every CEX and DEX has different APIs and documentation• [18:45] Key trends in 2026: RWAs finally have institutional support and legal frameworks• [22:35] Why this cycle topped on apathy and didn't bring in fresh retail blood like NFTs did• [28:56] The feature Tony is most hyped about: the connection manager that aggregates everything• [32:36] Four weeks in: 30,000 users, $100M in futures volume, and what's next• [34:37] Sumex raised seven figures in pre-seed and is looking for strategic investorsDisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

I sat down with Jonathan Claudius from Asymmetric Research to talk about the security landscape in Web3. We covered the new vulnerabilities emerging from LLMs and AI agents, the easy wins every founder should implement today, and why security can't be confined to a two-week audit window. Jonathan shares real examples from their work with the Interchain Foundation, explains how to balance shipping speed with security rigor, and gives practical advice on building defense in depth. If you're building in this space, this conversation will change how you think about security. • [01:03] How Asymmetric Research started from Jump Crypto and their shift to commercial engagements• [04:52] Real incident: Preventing a DPRK hacking group infiltration at Interchain Foundation• [08:18] New security threats from LLMs and AI agents - the offense vs defense arms race• [10:08] Bug bounty programs seeing high-quality submissions from LLM-enabled attackers• [13:46] Easy wins: Branch protection, security keys, linting, and static analysis tools• [16:24] Balancing speed and security through defense in depth strategies• [18:35] OpenClaw and AI agents creating new attack vectors like prompt injection• [22:14] Laptop security basics: MDM and EDR solutions every team needs• [25:19] Why Asymmetric focuses on human connection over productization• [29:14] Founder lessons: Building finance and BD systems earlyAsymmetric Research Website: https://asymmetric.reAsymmetric Research Careers: https://asymmetric.re/careerWeb3 with Sam Kamani: https://www.web3pod.xyz/Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

In this episode, I sit down with William Quigley, co-founder of WAX and co-founder of Tether. We go deep into what is actually happening in crypto right now. We talk about stablecoins, gaming, startup strategy, market cycles, and why founders need insight more than hype. William shares hard-earned lessons from building early crypto products and explains where real value may come from next.This is a must-listen for founders, builders, and anyone trying to understand where Web3 is heading. We unpack why stablecoins matter, why most internal innovation fails, why altcoin speculation looks weaker this cycle, and what kinds of businesses still have a real shot at winning.Key points00:00 — Intro to the episode and why this conversation matters for founders01:24 — William's path into crypto through virtual item trading in gaming04:23 — Why gaming platforms resist asset portability and user ownership05:26 — Why blockchain gaming adoption has been slower than expected07:26 — Prediction markets, speculation, and why they are still niche10:31 — How Tether started and the problem stablecoins were built to solve13:28 — Why Tether's model worked and why algorithmic stablecoins failed17:07 — The future of stablecoins and the three models William sees winning20:30 — Will non-USD stablecoins grow over time?23:35 — Why FX fees are massive and how stablecoins can reduce that pain27:06 — What recent crypto events reveal about institutional vs retail interest29:14 — Why this cycle feels different and why altcoin season never fully arrived34:32 — Sam's view on AI helping chains build actual apps, not just more infra37:42 — Why most internal innovation fails without real market insight44:28 — How to think about fear, greed, and crypto sentiment46:38 — If William started again today, what kind of business would he build?50:26 — Sam on AI, quantum computing, and selling tools in the next tech wave54:22 — Why timing matters as much as the idea itself56:09 — Institutional capital, long-term adoption, and what may come nextDisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on ApplePodcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us -⁠ https://www.web3pod.xyz/⁠

I sat down with Guy and Kate from Fhenix to talk about something that's been missing from crypto since day one: real privacy. They're building a privacy co-processor using Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) that lets you compute over encrypted data without ever exposing it. We covered why privacy is finally getting product-market fit, how institutions need confidentiality for payments and DeFi, and why AI agents will need private transactions. Guy shared his journey from Intel's Trusted Execution Environments to building Fhenix, and Kate explained why encryption should be the default, not an afterthought. We also talked about their shift from L2 to co-processor, their integration with Ethereum, Arbitrum, and Base, and what's next for confidential smart contracts. If you've ever wondered why everything in crypto is public by default and how that's about to change, this episode is for you. CONNECTFhenix Website: https://fhenix.ioFhenix Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/fhenixioWeb3 with Sam Kamani - Be a Guest: https://www.web3pod.xyz/KEY POINTS Guy's background at Intel building Trusted Execution Environments and his transition to founding FhenixKate's journey from cybersecurity engineering to crypto and why she sees it as the new Wild WestWhy Fhenix pivoted from building an L2 to a privacy co-processorWhat Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) is and how it enables computation over encrypted dataPrivacy use cases in payments, DeFi, dark pools, and sealed-bid auctionsWhy institutional adoption requires confidentiality, not just anonymityHow AI is improving FHE performance and lowering barriers to entry for builders• [00:00] The importance of private agent-to-agent payments in the AI era• [00:00] Why developers should learn fundamentals even in the age of AI coding tools• [00:00] Fhenix's roadmap: faster cryptography, more chain integrations, and enterprise partnerships• [00:00] Their incubator program and call for builders to experiment with privacy-first smart contractsDisclaimer:Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

I sat down with Adebola from the Tezos Foundation at ETH Denver to explore what's new in the Tezos ecosystem. We covered Etherlink, their EVM Layer 2 rollup that brings Solidity developers into the Tezos world. We talked about Uranium.io, their tokenized uranium project that gives retail investors access to alternative assets. And we went deep on AI agents, how they're changing development, and why now is the perfect time to be a builder. If you're interested in Layer 2s, real-world assets, or AI-powered development, this conversation is packed with insights. CONNECTUranium.io: https://uranium.io Tezos Foundation: https://tezos.foundation Etherlink: https://etherlink.com Web3 with Sam Kamani: https://www.web3pod.xyz/ Tezos Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/tezos KEY POINTSIntroduction to Tezos and Adebola's work at the FoundationEtherlink: Tezos's EVM Layer 2 rollup for Solidity developersUranium.io: Tokenizing uranium as an alternative asset class for retail investorsWhy RWA adoption beyond stablecoins has been limited (liquidity, understanding, accessibility)What makes Etherlink unique and why EVM compatibility mattersDeveloper adoption in crypto and the constant developer count problemHow AI agents are changing software development and blockchain buildingAgent-to-agent payments and the future of autonomous transactionsBuilding an AI asset manager using n8n, Claude, and workflow automationThe future of apps is chats: AI agents managing your entire financial lifeWhat Tezos is looking for: builders, institutions, and family officesDisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

I sat down with Sydney Huang from Human API to explore a completely novel concept—AI agents hiring humans, not the other way around. We dive into how they're solving the last mile problem for AI agents, why data collection is their first focus, and how you can actually get paid for contributing voice data and other tasks. Sydney shares her journey from buying Ethereum in 2017 to building Eclipse (a Solana VM L2 on Ethereum) to now creating an agent-native marketplace. We discuss the challenges of building a two-sided marketplace, the growing demand for AI training data, and why now is the perfect time to build in this space. KEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS• [00:00] Introduction to Human API and the concept of AI agents hiring humans• [02:30] Sydney's journey from buying ETH in 2017 to working in VC to building in crypto full-time• [04:15] Eclipse explained: Building a Solana VM L2 on Ethereum and the modular blockchain thesis• [06:45] The last mile problem for AI agents and why human tasks are still needed• [09:20] How Human API differs from traditional workflow automation tools• [11:00] Current use cases: Conversational audio data collection for training voice AI• [14:30] Future expansion into health wearables data and other data types• [18:45] Why people are willing to work for AI agents and contribute data• [21:00] Building a better UX than Fiverr and Upwork with reputation systems• [25:15] The chicken-and-egg challenge of balancing supply and demand• [28:30] Why now is the perfect time to build in the AI data space• [31:00] Roadmap: App launch and making the agent experience seamless• [32:45] How to become a contributor at thehumanapi.comCONNECTHuman API Website: https://thehumanapi.comSydney Huang LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sydney-huangEclipse Website: https://eclipse.xyzWeb3 with Sam Kamani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samkamani/DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

I sat down with Kat from Space and Time to talk about what real institutional adoption actually looks like. While crypto Twitter feels bearish, banks like JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs are hiring entire teams focused on digital assets. Space and Time has already onboarded over 100,000 students in Southeast Asia for verifiable education credentials, shipped a zero-knowledge proof for databases, and is working with major institutions on tokenized assets and compliant stablecoin reward distribution. We dive into AI-powered vibe coding, why surviving the bear market matters more than anything else, and why the next wave of builders will have access to on-chain data like never before. --- CONNECT ---Space and Time: https://spaceandtime.io/https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-and-time-db/https://discord.com/invite/spaceandtimeDBTwitter/X - Space and Time: https://twitter.com/SpaceandTimeDB--- KEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS ---• [00:00:00] Space and Time has onboarded over 100,000 students in Southeast Asia for verifiable education credentials• [00:02:00] Major university partnerships expanding in both Southeast Asia and the US• [00:03:00] Dream Space - AI vibe coding platform allowing non-developers to build apps and smart contracts• [00:04:00] Institutional adoption is the biggest growth area - stablecoin issuers, tokenized assets, major banks• [00:06:00] Despite bearish sentiment on crypto Twitter, institutions like JP Morgan, US Bank, Fidelity, and Goldman Sachs are more bullish than ever• [00:07:00] Banks are hiring entire teams of digital asset specialists, not just single roles• [00:09:00] 98% of stablecoin market is USDT/USDC, but new categories will emerge as adoption expands• [00:11:00] Marketing in crypto changes dramatically between bull and bear markets - focus on real value proposition and real customers• [00:14:00] Space and Time invented a patented zero-knowledge proof specifically for databases, making data computations fast and efficient• [00:18:00] Nearly $2 trillion of institutional capital waiting on the sidelines to enter crypto over next 2-5 yearsDisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

I sat down with Dewey and Igor from Function Space at ETHDenver to discuss how they're building something fundamentally different in prediction markets. They're not creating another venue like Polymarket or Kalshi. Instead, they're building the primitive layer underneath - enabling developers to create numerical range forecasting markets for anything from Tesla's quarterly revenue to Apple's iPhone sales. We explore why they believe prediction markets can become a superset of all financial instruments, the challenges of building in such a competitive space, and why being at the protocol level might be the smartest play. If you're interested in the infrastructure powering the next generation of prediction markets, this conversation reveals what's happening beneath the surface. • [00:00] Function Space is building the primitive layer for prediction markets, not another venue• [02:00] The team's background from BankSA and their transition into prediction markets• [03:00] Function Space enables numerical range forecasting vs binary yes/no contracts• [06:00] The business model centers on native token demand for market resolution• [09:00] Emerging trends: Pre-ICO TGE markets and yield hedging for DeFi protocols• [13:00] Why building at the protocol level consolidates liquidity better than fragmented venues• [18:00] Prediction markets becoming primitives themselves - like Condo Finance using positions as collateral• [21:00] The challenge of being novel: communicating concepts that don't exist yet• [23:00] Prediction markets divorced from crypto cycles - volumes up even when crypto's down• [26:00] Actively seeking builders and advanced traders for their private trial programConnect with FunctionSpace:https://www.functionspace.dev/ https://x.com/functionspaceHQhttps://t.me/+pUEOlfRhHspiNmRlDisclaimer:Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

In this episode, I speak with Phil from Augur about why prediction markets still matter and why decentralization in crypto still matters even more. We unpack Augur's long history as one of the earliest projects in crypto, why it lost momentum during high-fee Ethereum days, and why the team believes now is the right time to return. Phil explains how Augur is rebuilding around a modular oracle, how prediction market resolution really works, and why security at the oracle layer is the real game.We also dive into Augur's new white paper, the idea of making truth profitable, and how their escalation game and algorithmic fork are designed to make manipulation expensive. This is a deep but important conversation for anyone building in Web3, following prediction markets, or thinking about the future of decentralized infrastructure.Key points00:01:00 — Augur's early historyAugus explains that Augur was one of the earliest crypto projects, the first ICO, and the first ERC20 token. He also shares how it helped bring prediction markets and decentralized oracles into crypto.00:02:00 — Why Augur lost momentumAugus talks about how DeFi summer and high Ethereum L1 gas fees made Augur harder to use, especially for smaller wagers.00:03:30 — What crypto got wrong about decentralizationWe discuss how many projects promised to decentralize later, but often never followed through. Augus explains why Augur's original design stood apart.00:04:30 — The revival of AugurAugus explains how leftover treasury funds were used to restart development and how the new foundation was formed in 2025 to continue Augur's mission.00:06:30 — What prediction market users are really betting onAugus explains that users are not only betting on an outcome. They are also trusting how that outcome will be resolved.00:08:30 — Why resolution design mattersWe break down why trusting a multisig or centralized team becomes risky when prediction markets get large.00:09:30 — Augur's oracle designAugus explains that Augur's core innovation is a decentralized oracle that allows open participation in market resolution.00:12:00 — Making truth profitableAugus explains Augur's core design principle: align incentives so honest participants make money by supporting the truth.00:15:30 — The limit of escalation gamesAugus explains that escalation alone is not enough because a very large attacker could still outspend everyone else.00:16:00 — Augur's algorithmic forkAugus introduces Augur's key innovation: an algorithmic fork that forces dishonest attackers into the wrong universe.00:17:00 — How the fork works in practiceAugus explains how REP holders migrate into the universe they believe will retain economic value, which pushes honest users toward the truthful outcome.00:19:30 — How attackers lose moneyWe discuss how attackers may win a specific market but still lose overall because their tokens become worthless in the false universe.00:21:15 — How Augur makes moneySam asks about the business model, and Augus explains that Augur is not run for profit. Fees stay inside the protocol to pay for research and participation.00:24:00 — The next 12 months for AugurAugus shares that Augur is separating the oracle from the prediction market front end and focusing on oracle-as-a-service.00:26:00 — What Augur is looking forAugus says they are not fundraising. Instead, they want strong developers, aligned talent, and partnerships with prediction market platforms.Connect with Augurhttps://augur.net/ https://augur.net/blog/the-augur-lituus-whitepaper/https://x.com/AugurProjectDisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on ApplePodcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

I sat down with Shady from HUMAN.TECH during Consensus Week in Hong Kong. We talked about how he entered Web3 through neuroscience, why HUMAN.TECH is focused on putting humans at the center of technology, and what digital rights should look like in an AI-driven world. This episode goes deep into self custody, decentralized identity, wallet infrastructure, sustainable token economies, and why timing matters so much when building in Web3.We also explored what it takes to build products that last. Shady shared how HUMAN.TECH thinks about revenue, long-term incentives, and real utility beyond hype. We also discussed AI agents, identity delegation, and why founders need to answer one simple question: why does what they are building actually matter for the world?Key pointsIntro from Consensus Week in Hong Kong and welcome to Shady from HUMAN.TECHHow Shady entered Web3 through a neuroscience data-sharing problemDiscovering IPFS and the path into decentralizationWhy Holonym evolved and how HUMAN.TECH was bornBuilding technology with digital rights embedded by designWhy sustainability is still one of Web3's biggest problemsThe gap between crypto hype and real-world utilityHow HUMAN.TECH plans to monetize identity proofs and wallet infrastructureCreating sustainable economic loops through node staking and network demandWhy self custody is the guiding star for HUMAN.TECHHow AI changes the conversation around ownership, identity, and private keysA future where AI agents may need delegated human identityWhy timing matters in startups and how to tell if a market is readyWhy crypto is still early, especially for self custodyThe next 12 months for HUMAN.TECH and the upcoming token launchWhat developers can build today with HUMAN.TECH and WAPThe vision for easier multichain wallet experiencesThe one question every Web3 founder should be askedConnect https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadyeldamaty/ https://human.tech/https://x.com/humntech https://linktr.ee/human.tech DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on ApplePodcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

In this episode, I sit down with Shresth Agrawal, co-founder of Pod Network, to unpack why the world needs yet another Layer 1.We go deep into MEV, front-running, and why today's blockchain markets are still unfair. Shresth explains how Pod is building a purpose-built L1 designed for high-performance, MEV-free markets. We break down how auctions replace traditional transaction ordering, how Pod can process 300,000 orders per second, and why sub-second settlement changes everything.We also talk about product-market fit in Web3. Are payments and markets the only real use cases? What can founders learn from Ethereum, Hyperliquid, and newer L1s? And what's Pod's go-to-market plan?If you care about fair markets, decentralized finance, or the future of on-chain trading, this episode is for you.

Prediction markets are having a big moment. Platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi have brought them into the spotlight. But most prediction markets still follow a simple format: a binary outcome. Yes or no. Win or lose.In this episode, I sit down with Philip from Trendle.fi to explore a new approach. What if prediction markets were not just about outcomes? What if you could actually trade attention around topics, trends, and people?Philip explains how Trendle measures conversations across platforms like Reddit, YouTube, and X to create an attention index. Traders can then long or short that index depending on whether they think the topic will gain or lose traction.We also talk about how the 2024 U.S. elections boosted prediction markets, why peer-to-peer models may outperform traditional bookmakers, and why the next wave of innovation will come from new market mechanics rather than copying existing models.If you're interested in Web3 innovation, market design, or the future of prediction markets, this episode is for you.Key LearningsPrediction markets are entering the mainstreamPlatforms like Polymarket and Kalshi have introduced thousands of users to prediction markets, especially during major political events like the 2024 U.S. elections.Prediction markets have existed for decadesBetting on future outcomes is not new. From horse racing to sports betting, humans have always tried to predict the future and place bets on it.Peer-to-peer markets may outperform bookmakersTraditional bookmakers take on risk when setting odds. Peer-to-peer markets allow users to trade directly with each other, often resulting in better pricing and reduced risk for the platform.Trendle introduces a new concept: the attention indexInstead of predicting outcomes, Trendle measures how much attention a topic receives online and turns that attention into a tradable asset.Social media data powers the attention indexTrendle gathers data from Reddit, YouTube, and X to measure how often people discuss specific topics and updates the index frequently.Attention itself can become a marketUsers can long or short topics depending on whether they think the conversation around them will grow or fade.AI agents are already trading prediction marketsSome traders are building bots that detect price discrepancies across platforms and use arbitrage strategies.Trendle's strategy starts with crypto communitiesThe initial go-to-market strategy focuses on crypto traders and communities before expanding to broader cultural topics like celebrities and major trends.Education will be a major challengeBecause the attention index is a new concept, helping users understand how it works will be a key focus.Trendle is currently fundraising and exploring partnershipsThe team is looking to collaborate with communities, builders, and investors as they scale the platform.Connect with Trendlehttps://trendle.fi/https://x.com/trendlefi DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.Finally, it would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on ApplePodcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

I recorded this episode live in Hong Kong with Wish Wu, Co-Founder and CEO of Pharos Network.We dive deep into what it really takes to build next-generation blockchain infrastructure.Pharos is an EVM-compatible Layer 1 hitting 20,000 TPS on testnet. But speed is not the real story. The real story is their focus on connecting Web2 and Web3. Not just users. But capital. Assets. Institutions.Wish shares his journey from building AntChain at Ant Group to launching Pharos. We talk about tokenizing real-world assets, institutional adoption, product-market fit, and why new Layer 1s must stop copying Ethereum.If you're a founder building in Web3, this episode is essential listening.Key LearningsWhy Hong Kong is regaining momentum as a crypto hub.What Pharos Network is building and why 20K TPS matters.Wish's background at Ant Group and building AntChain at scale.Tokenizing new energy assets and institutional funds.Why most new Layer 1s fail without product-market fit.The rise of purpose-built chains and niche-focused infrastructure.Why speculative crypto alone cannot sustain adoption.The vision for Pharos over the next five years.Launching a VC fund and incubator to grow the ecosystem.Fundraising advice: Stop copying. Find real product-market fit.Connecthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wishlonger/https://www.pharos.xyz/https://www.linkedin.com/company/pharosnetwork/https://x.com/pharos_network DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

In this episode, I sit down with Kenneth Shek from Animoca during Consensus Week in Hong Kong.We talk about what it really takes to drive mass adoption in Web3. Not hype. Not narratives. Real users.Kenneth shares how Moca Network is building the identity layer for the future of programmable money. We go deep into AI-native infrastructure, stablecoins, loyalty systems, and why distribution is the real moat.We also discuss why most Web3 projects struggle with adoption, what Web2 got right, and how AI agents will reshape commerce by 2026.If you care about identity, payments, AI, or building the next killer app in crypto, this episode is for you.Key LearningsKenneth's journey from startups, AI, and Accenture to AnimocaWhy identity is the missing layer for stablecoins and AI agentsWhy blockchain hasn't hit mass adoption yetThe biggest lesson from talking to enterprise customersAIR: Account, Identity, Reputation explainedWhy one-click UX matters more than decentralizationAI agents replacing front-ends and changing product designRegulatory fragmentation and global crypto challengesWhy distribution beats building another “killer app”Stablecoins, RWA, and the future of programmable loansIf starting today: build AI-agent native from day oneHiring engineers, fintech builders & strategic partnersConnect with Mocahttps://moca.network/enhttps://x.com/Moca_Networkhttps://t.me/MocaverseCommunityhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ks20/ DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

I recorded this episode live at ConsenSys in Hong Kong with Sukdeep Bhogal, Founder of Veera.We dive deep into how Veera is building a full-service Web3 neobank. Their goal is simple. Make crypto easy enough for anyone to use. Even your mom.Sukdeep shares how they raised over $10M. How they plan to onboard the next 100 million users. And why user experience matters more than flashy infrastructure.We talk about tokenized equities, gold and silver on-chain, credit scores in crypto, and why community beats paid marketing.If you are building in fintech, DeFi, or thinking about banking the unbanked, this episode is for you.Key Learnings 00:00 – Live from ConsenSys Hong Kong Why Veera is focused on banking the unbanked.The Problem with Crypto UX Why fragmented wallets, seed phrases, and complex bridges stop adoption.30-Second Onboarding How Veera simplifies account setup using passkeys.Lessons from Web2 Neobanks What projects like Revolut and Nubank got right about user experience.Tokenized Equities & Accessibility How anyone globally could buy fractional US equities on-chain.The Four Pillars of Veera Spend. Earn. Invest. Borrow.Multi-Chain Yield Vaults 40+ yield aggregators across Ethereum, Solana, Base, and BNB.Gold, Silver & US Equities On-Chain Real-world assets made accessible through tokenization.Financial Identity Score (FIS) Building credit scores for crypto users.Biggest Challenges Ahead Credibility and regulation.Go-To-Market Strategy Why community and partnerships beat marketing spend.Retention in Web3 Why rewards alone don't keep users. Experience does.What Sukdeep Would Do Differently Community first. Launch faster. Iterate sooner.Connect with Veerahttps://veera.com/https://discord.com/invite/veerahttps://x.com/On_Veera https://t.me/Veera_Browser_chathttps://www.linkedin.com/company/onveera/ DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

I'm recording live from Hong Kong during Consensus week with Glenn and Nikola from the TON Foundation.In this episode, we break down how TON is building payment infrastructure for Telegram's 1+ billion monthly active users. We talk about TON Pay. A crypto commerce solution built for developers and merchants.We explore stablecoins. Real-world adoption. Developer experience. Regulation. And what it takes to compete with payment giants like Visa and Stripe.This is not about hype. It's about building usable infrastructure. With better UX. Fewer clicks. And real utility.If you care about crypto payments, stablecoins, or mass adoption, this one is for you.Key Timestamps00:01:20 – Nikola's journey from Visa into Web3 00:02:13 – Glenn's path from cybersecurity to digital assets00:03:42 – What TON Pay is and who it's built for 00:04:12 – The vision: infrastructure for Telegram's billion users 00:04:57 – Lessons from Alipay and WeChat 00:06:09 – Go-to-market strategy and merchant adoption00:07:48 – Competing with Stripe through better APIs00:09:37 – Why Apple Pay–level UX is the North Star00:11:07 – Why regulation and off-ramps matter 00:12:30 – Gasless transactions and technical roadmap00:14:03 – Telegram mini apps as a distribution channel00:15:13 – Stablecoins as real product-market fit 00:16:09 – Partnership opportunities and what TON is looking forConnect with TON Payhttps://ton.org/en/ton-pay-a-new-payments-layer https://x.com/ton_blockchainDisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Insurance is a multi-trillion dollar industry. Yet in crypto, real protection is still rare.In this episode, I sit down with Ralf Taner from Nexus Mutual at the Digital Asset Forum in London. We unpack how on-chain insurance actually works. Why it matters more than ever. And how Nexus has already underwritten over $6.5 billion in risk.We talk about DeFi exploits. Exchange bankruptcies. Institutional adoption. The rise of vaults. And even kidnap and ransom cover for crypto founders.If you are building, investing, or allocating capital in Web3, this episode is for you.Key Learnings (With Timestamps)00:00 – The Big OpportunityInsurance is a multi-trillion dollar industry.Crypto still has very few serious providers.02:46 – What Nexus Mutual Actually IsThe first and leading on-chain insurance alternative.Think “Lloyd's of London” but on blockchain.Members underwrite risk and earn yield.04:34 – $6.5B Underwritten & Real Claims PaidOver $6.5 billion in notional coverage.Tens of millions paid out in claims.Real examples during exchange failures.08:30 – Complex Claims Like EulerWhy insurance isn't fully automated.Handling exploits where funds are later recovered.Preventing double payouts.12:04 – 2026: The Year of VaultsInstitutional demand for DeFi yield.Embedded insurance inside vaults.Reducing friction for LPs.15:04 – Scaling CapacityPlans for regulated structures (Bermuda/Cayman).Reinsurance via restaking platforms.Building second-loss capital layers.18:28 – Kidnap & Ransom for Crypto ExecutivesTriggered by real-world attacks.Tailored for crypto whales and founders.Pay premiums in ETH, BTC, or stables.21:44 – Come Before You Get HackedEngage at testnet stage.Risk modeling and pricing transparency.Creating new cover types based on demand.Connect with Nexus About: Founded in 2019, Nexus Mutual is the first crypto insurance alternative. Having covered more than $6.5 billion worth of digital assets while paying out $10s millions in valid claims, Nexus Mutual is the largest and most trusted underwriter for crypto risk. A true pioneer in the space, Nexus Mutual wrote the whitepaper for decentralized insurance alternative solutions. Since then, they have gone on to help thousands of people, protocols and institutions protect their digital assets against smart contract hacks and more. You're Covered with Nexus MutualX: @NexusMutualWebsite: nexusmutual.iohttps://nexusmutual.io/blogDisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on ApplePodcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

What if your ETH could earn more—without taking on wild risks?In this episode, I chat with Steven Pack, founder of Rock Solid, a fast-growing ETH vault platform. Despite tough market conditions, they've hit 25M in TVL with organic growth—no token incentives or mercenary capital. We dive deep into the world of liquid staking, restaking, Lido V3, new vault products, and how institutions are moving from simple staking into smart, managed DeFi strategies.If you're in DeFi or TradFi and want to understand where ETH staking and on-chain asset management is heading, this one's for you.⏱️ Key Learnings + Timestamps(01:41) Rock Solid's growth story — 300+ depositors and 9K+ ETH(03:25) Real yields: 2.5% → 8%, now steady around 6%(04:15) Delta-neutral strategies & surviving market shocks(06:30) Their BD role in expanding Rocket Pool's reach(07:20) Launch of institutional ETH leverage staking vault(10:03) Innovation with Lido V3 “ST Vaults” for known node operators(12:54) ETHStrat becomes first institutional depositor(14:30) What is leverage staking? Explained simply(17:20) Why active management beats DIY looping(18:21) Thoughts on incentives & tokenomics(22:23) Upcoming: Dedicated liquidity staking products(26:35) What's next: Stablecoin vaults & new products(31:27) Why vaults are the TCP/IP of on-chain finance(33:43) Market outlook: Real assets will win, fluff will fall(35:00) Hiring & fundraising updatesConnect with Rocksolidhttps://x.com/rocksolidHQ/status/2017266103400161485?s=20https://rocksolid.network/https://app.rocksolid.network/ Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on ApplePodcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

What powers the infrastructure behind your favorite Web3 protocols? In this episode, I chat with Simon from Keeper Hub—an open-source platform that automates smart contract workflows and monitors wallets. We dive deep into the invisible backbone of crypto: DevOps. From saving 30% in gas fees to building AI-driven automations, Simon shares how Keeper Hub is quietly revolutionizing how developers build in Web3. If you've ever overlooked DevOps, this episode will change your mind.⏱️ Key Takeaways with Timestamps[00:41] Simon's journey from Linux tinkerer to DevOps in crypto[03:58] Origin of Keeper Hub from MakerDAO days[06:03] What Keeper Hub actually does: automation and monitoring[07:37] Real-world savings: 30% gas fee optimization[09:14] AI's impact on the developer landscape[13:03] Why DevOps is the invisible hero in Web3[17:16] Biggest misconception about DevOps[19:03] Workflows in Keeper Hub: "Zapier for Web3"[22:15] Spotlight on Tempo and the stablecoin narrative[25:00] Could 402X standards replace Stripe?[27:35] AI trends to watch in 2026[30:33] Why community is key in crypto[34:10] Keeper Hub's roadmap and how you can get involvedConnect with KeeperHubWebsite: https://keeperhub.com/Platform: https://app.keeperhub.com/YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@KeeperHubX (Twitter):  https://x.com/KeeperHubAppGitHub:  https://github.com/techops-services/keeperhubDiscord: https://discord.gg/G2sbPd46Rs⚠️ DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

In this episode, I sit down with Frankie from Plan X Conference to unpack how the best Web3 events are built — not just for hype, but for real decision making and strategic value. We dive into how Plan X came from a place of frustration and turned into an ecosystem that connects founders, advisors, jurisdictions, and capital. Frankie shares insights into audience curation, event formats, global trends, and what truly moves the needle for attendees and organizers today.Whether you're a founder planning your next move, a speaker aiming for impact, or an event organizer building something meaningful, this episode will give you a clear and practical playbook.

I sit down with João Simoes — a true builder, repeat founder, and one of the sharpest BD minds in Web3. We go deep on his journey from running Portugal's first Bitcoin mining company to building and exiting a restaking startup and now co‑founding Hyperwave on Hyperliquid. We unpack why Hyperliquid is thriving, what real community‑driven growth looks like, and the problem Hyperwave is solving with standout DeFi vaults and future payment rails. We also dive into market trends, real‑world events shaping crypto, and practical advice for builders in 2026. Honest, real and full of insights.

How do you build a crypto company that lasts 11 years—and survives three brutal bear markets?In this episode, I chat with Georgy from Wirex, a pioneering Web3 payment platform that's been quietly shaping the future of crypto usability since before Ethereum even existed. From air-dropping supplies in Antarctica to building one of the first crypto cards accepted by Visa and Mastercard, Georgy's story is as unique as it is inspiring.We dive into:What it took to build WirexThe explosion of stablecoinsHow to build user trust in cryptoThe future of self-custody vs custodial productsWhat's next on Wirex's roadmap for 2026If you're in crypto, Web3, fintech—or just want to know how to build something that lasts—this episode is for you.⏱️ Key Learnings & Timestamps(01:51) Georgy's aviation background & entry into crypto(03:25) The problem Wirex set out to solve: making Bitcoin usable(05:23) What makes Wirex unique in a crowded stablecoin space(06:57) Why their crypto card remains the most loved feature(10:59) How Wirex offers up to 8% cashback and 16% on stablecoins(14:03) Custodial vs self-custodial: what users really want(16:50) Country restrictions & realistic global expansion strategy(20:03) The unstoppable rise of stablecoins(22:11) How Wirex chooses features and avoids building the wrong thing(24:45) Their scrappy early marketing tactics and building community trust(28:26) Why trust is the real product in fintech(29:24) Georgy's pick for the next crypto killer app: stablecoin payments(32:54) What's on Wirex's 2026 roadmap: B2B, banking-as-a-service & more(34:39) Wirex's ask: partnerships, private banking clients & infra adoptersConnect with Wirex1) General appWebsite: https://www.wirexapp.com/X: https://x.com/wirexappFB: https://www.facebook.com/wirexapp/IG: https://www.instagram.com/wirexapp/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wirex-limited/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@WirexappcomTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wirexapp.com2) Wirex Busines:Website: https://www.wirexapp.com/businessX: https://x.com/wirex_business3) Wirex BaaSWebsite: https://www.wirexapp.com/developersX: https://x.com/wirexdevelopers4) Wirex PrivateWebsite: https://www.wirexapp.com/private-banking

What really makes a project stand out in Web3? It's not the tech—it's the story.In this episode, I chat with Kim Than, founder of Genius PR (formerly PR Genius), who shares the untold truth about PR in crypto. From disrupting the shady old agency model to pioneering results-only PR, Kim breaks down exactly how they help Web3 startups grow through strategy, storytelling, and standout branding.If you're launching a token, scaling a startup, or building in crypto, this episode is your playbook. Kim reveals the tactics behind viral campaigns, how to build trust with press and users, and why branding is now the only moat left.

In this episode, I sit down with Adam Liposky, founder of Canopy Network, to dive into the next evolution of Web3 infrastructure — application-specific blockchains. We explore how Canopy is turning complex, costly L1 development into something anyone can launch in minutes. Adam shares how AI is changing developer workflows, what real value capture looks like in Web3, and why the future belongs to fast-moving, focused builders. Whether you're a founder, dev, or investor, this conversation breaks down what's really needed to scale Web3.⏱️ Key Takeaways with Timestamps(00:00) - Intro to Adam Liposky and Canopy's mission(02:48) - How Adam got into crypto via VC and gaming(05:23) - What Canopy solves: Fast, secure app chain deployment(07:18) - The real pain point: Complexity of building in Web3(09:56) - How AI and language agnostic design speed up dev(11:26) - Why games love Canopy's flexible and upgradable chains(13:56) - Devs care about value capture, not just building(16:34) - Canopy's win-win model using restaked security(18:11) - Fragmentation vs interoperability: Canopy's solution(20:59) - Progressive decentralization: Start fast, grow safely(21:08) - What devs love most: Speed and iteration(23:07) - VC appetite for L1s is down, but utility is up(28:14) - Projects to watch: Why Canopy stays focused(30:23) - Adam's advice: Focus on customers, not hype(31:10) - If he could restart: Get dev feedback earlier(33:17) - Go-to-market: Solo devs, indie hackers, launchpad(36:37) - Spending wisely: Team first, marketing second(39:50) - Biggest challenge: Finding and keeping great people(41:09) - Biggest ask: Join Canopy's beta and launch your chainIt would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.

In this episode, I sit down with Daniel Marin, co‑founder of Nexus.xyz, the next‑generation Layer‑1 blockchain built for financial applications. We dig into why the future of blockchains may not be general purpose, but specialized and verifiable. Daniel breaks down how Nexus uses CK proofs, dual‑core architecture, and native APIs to bring Web‑2 finance experiences on‑chain. We talk about algorithmic trading, prediction markets, sustainable revenue models, ecosystem incentives, and what the market needs to scale in 2026 and beyond. If you're curious about where blockchain infrastructure and financial products are headed, this is a must‑listen.00:01:30 – Daniel's path into crypto and Nexus's origin.00:02:45 – What verifiable finance really means for a Layer‑1.00:04:00 – Why traditional Web3 chains fail at Web‑2‑like financial UX.00:06:30 – The case for specialization over general purpose chains.00:08:00 – Nexus's dual‑core architecture: benefits & trade‑offs.00:11:45 – Best‑suited applications: algorithmic trading & native APIs.00:14:30 – How CK proofs enable scalability & verifiability.00:16:30 – Revenue capture: why Nexus prioritizes business sustainability.00:18:30 – Balancing developer incentives and protocol economics.00:21:45 – Exciting innovations: tokenized prediction markets & composability.00:23:30 – Other projects worth watching (Hyperliquid, Lighter, Tempo, stablecoin builders).00:26:00 – Nexus's 2026 roadmap: mainnet + perpetual exchange launch.00:27:45 – Lessons learned: move fast, stay adaptive.00:30:00 – Community ask: engage with the Nexus ecosystem.Connect with Nexus and Daniel hereDisclaimer:- Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us – https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Forget speculation, what if DeFi could be the safest place to save?In this episode, I chat with Manny and Jamie, the founders of Blend, a DeFi savings platform focused on long-term wealth preservation and capital protection. They bring serious credentials, having worked on major crypto infrastructure like UMA and Across—and now they're building what they call the “global savings layer” for everyone, regardless of passport or currency.We dive deep into why DeFi's next big leap isn't about trading or yield farming, but offering real, safe financial tools to a global user base. From personalized FX hedging to cookie-jar level account isolation, Blend is rethinking everything about on-chain finance—and making it accessible even to your non-crypto friends.Whether you're a DeFi power user or just getting started, this episode will expand your view of what's possible in crypto today.

What happens when a former energy financier decides to reshape the future of finance? In this episode, I chat with Daniel Liu, CEO of Republic Tech, on how his journey from solar and wind farms to crypto trading led him to build one of the most ambitious infrastructure plays in Web3.Daniel shares why Ethereum is central to their strategy, how they're accumulating and deploying ETH, and why now is the moment for institutions to get involved. From synthetic mining to validator services, we unpack Republic Tech's unique two-pillar model and what's next for digital asset treasuries. This is a must-listen if you're curious about the future of Ethereum, institutional crypto, or where Web3 infrastructure is really heading.⏱️ Key Learnings with Timestamps[00:01:00] Daniel's shift from energy finance to crypto in 2018[00:03:00] Founding RelayX and pioneering zero-confirmation deposits[00:05:00] Republic Tech's two-pillar strategy: ETH accumulation and validator services[00:07:00] Why Ethereum is "digital oil" and central to their vision[00:08:00] How synthetic mining boosts ETH yield (80–120% APY)[00:12:00] The power of long-term holding over short-term trading[00:15:00] Why each crypto cycle brings a new cohort of adopters[00:20:00] How Republic Tech runs lean with a high-impact team[00:21:00] Daniel's contrarian take: the 4-year crypto cycle isn't over[00:26:00] The next liquidity wave? Nation-states and sovereign wealth funds[00:32:00] Ethereum-based tokenization beyond finance—passports, car keys, and more[00:34:00] Why users shouldn't need to “learn” crypto to benefit from it[00:38:00] Prediction for 2026: Stablecoin apps will go mainstream[00:40:00] Ethereum will become as essential as the US dollar in corporate treasuries[00:41:00] Republic Tech's focus for 2026: growth, safety, and ETH preservation