Web3 with Sam Kamani

Alex (ex-BMO investment banker turned founder) shares how Futr.network is flipping the ad/data model with AI agents that pay you for training them. We dig into why the Web2 barter economy (free services for your data) is collapsing, how zero-party data and a data supply chain can route value back to consumers and data contributors (think: mortgage brokers, lenders), and why agentic advertising will disrupt Google/Meta style targeting.Timestamps[00:00] “Time for a new data model” — agents that pay you for training data [00:01] Alex's path: BMO (M&A → FIG → Digital Assets), fund, stables, now AI agents [00:03] What's broken: Web2 barter system, cookies/pixels, hidden training sets [00:05] Futr.network: self-sovereign AI agent + incentives for data contributors [00:06] Mortgage example: underwriting pack → agent training → recurring royalties [00:09] Why prior “get paid for your data” failed; why now works (AI agents = $$) [00:15] KPIs: users, dollars on rails, brand demand for zero-party data[00:16] Beachhead: auto loans (optimize payments, save interest, set-and-forget) [00:18] Rails: bank links, credit/debit, embedded wallet, stablecoin payments [00:19] Next verticals: mortgages, student loans; beyond finance → life data [00:21] What most miss about AI: it ran Web2 behind the scenes for years [00:24] High-fidelity AI: no hallucinations when money moves; enterprise-grade stacks [00:28] AI × crypto: machine-speed decisions need machine-speed value settlement [00:30] Data supply chain (like music royalties) via blockchain micropayments [00:32] The disruption: agentic advertising eats digital ads in 3–5 years [00:33] The ask: brands & enterprises; network effects; just raised $5.1M; more to come [00:37] Beta access coming; train your agent, earn tokensConnecthttps://futrnetwork.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefutrcorporation/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-mcdougall-290b0b39/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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Billy, founder of Intuition Systems (ex–VC/early crypto), digs into the biggest risk in AI: models trained on garbage, regurgitated data and algorithm-shaped behavior. We unpack how attestations, signed data, and web-of-trust reputation can give both humans and AI better intuition at decision time — from picking a chair to routing agentic AI across platforms.Timestamps[00:00] We're being shaped by algorithms; slop-in → slop-out AI [00:02] Billy's path: distributed systems, fintech, game bots, early Bitcoin [00:05] The problem: fragmented info (web + people's heads) & costly context-switching [00:06] What Intuition is: structured expression + rediscovery + rewards [00:08] Attestations & incentives (economic + reputational) without spam [00:12] Can bots game it? Bonding curves, loss for bad signal, web-of-trust filters [00:18] Best content should win: TikTok-style merit + trust primitives [00:19] Use case #1: AI agents—personalization, agent reputation, platform reputation [00:22] Why these reputations must be decentralized (avoid platform capture) [00:23] GTM: unopinionated dev platform + opinionated apps to show PMF [00:24] Biggest challenges: focus, hitting PMF, AI acceleration outpacing products [00:27] Mission: give AI “intuition” via signed, attributed, reputational data [00:28] Reducing AI's recursive slop problem; verifiable attribution with keys [00:30] Humans act differently per platform; algorithms distort expression [00:33] Call to action: build at the AI × Web3 trust layer; join the community [00:35] Layer Zero Ventures origins (people = Layer 0); why Intuition exists [00:37] Events: Korea Blockchain Week & Token 2049; Intuition side eventsConnecthttps://www.intuition.systems/https://www.linkedin.com/company/0xintuition/https://x.com/0xintuitionhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/william-luedtke-b0a3bb5a/https://x.com/0xbillyDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Patrick (Tracer Labs) breaks down Trust ID, a consent + identity layer that replaces cookie pop-ups with a portable, user-owned identity (and embedded wallet). We dig into how Tracer helps brands unify siloed data without storing PII, verify real humans amid AI traffic, and enable one-click privacy that travels site-to-site.Timestamps[00:00] AI = most traffic; attribution is broken [00:01] Intro — Patrick, Tracer Labs & Trust ID [00:02] Patrick's crypto origin story & prior ventures [00:05] The problem: siloed brand data + compliance burden [00:06] What Trust ID does: consent + identity + embedded wallet [00:07] One-click wedge: spin up wallet, tokenize consent, no more cookies [00:09] Brands get real humans, no PII; users keep privacy & control [00:12] GDPR/CCPA costs; why a new US standard is needed[00:15] AI search & bot traffic: restoring pre-intent signal[00:18] Federated identity, modular plug-in, keep existing auth[00:19] Agentic “child IDs” w/ wallets & rule sets (Q1 roadmap)[00:20] KYC/KYB as commoditized credentials that travel with you [00:22] Live MVP; replacing legacy consent managers; early clients [00:24] Who's adopting: cards, casinos, banks, travel; multi-brand SSO [00:25] Unifying loyalty & rewards across properties [00:26] Founder advice: talk to customers on day one [00:31] Digital identity misconceptions; why this time is different [00:33] Abstraction for users; less friction, fewer decisions[00:36] Vision: 0.5–1B users; cut spam; programmatic commerce [00:38] The ask: hiring devs; enterprise intros; $15M seed openConnecthttps://www.tracerlabs.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/tracerlabs/https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickmoynihan1/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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Jay from AxonDAO breaks down decentralized science in plain English: giving people ownership of health data, enabling ethical AI insights, and funding research via a governed community. We cover live use cases like A+Voice (voice biomarkers for early Alzheimer's/dementia signals) and CureRING+CureOS (a data vault + wearable), plus how AxonDAO supports external researchers and projects (e.g., LymeDAO). Jay also shares a sharp playbook for storytelling, positioning, and growth in frontier tech—who to learn from, what to avoid, and how to keep product, narrative, and feedback loops tight.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Intro — science x AI x Web3 [00:01:05] Jay's path: SA banking → security → tech → crypto[00:02:40] What AxonDAO is (and isn't): DeSci, data ownership, ethical AI, funding [00:03:35] Projects: A+Voice (voice biomarker analysis)[00:04:35] CureRING + CureOS: wearable + personal health data vault [00:05:45] How AxonDAO supports researchers (network, platform, milestone funding) [00:07:05] Why not start with hospitals/gov data? Design partners and product truth [00:08:20] The hard part of marketing DeSci; proving the model [00:09:35] Explaining DeSci to family: “the commons for science” [00:10:45] Selecting projects: societal value, acceleration potential, founder grit [00:12:05] Storytelling that converts: category, positioning, emotional resonance [00:13:20] Shout-outs: Myosin's Simon Yi; Celestia's Ekram Ahmed; BioProtocol [00:14:40] Three growth tips: talk to users; avoid shiny pivots; roadmap with feedback [00:16:50] Host's advice: ask better questions; product > marketing > sales [00:18:10] Vision (2–3 yrs): self-sovereign health data; infra for global researchers [00:20:05] Challenges ahead: crowded wearables; agentic AI UX; controlled growth [00:21:05] The Ask: Series A opening; looking for ML/AI talent; links & contactConnecthttps://www.axondao.io/https://x.com/Axondaohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrod-frankel/https://x.com/jay_franks91DisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Live from Bali at Coinfest and ZIGChain Connect, Abdul (co-founder, ZIGChain) shares how he went from Standard Chartered → early crypto investor → co-founder of Zignaly → now launching a purpose-built L1 focused on wealth generation and access for the Global South.We get into: why bootstrapping a chain (no massive grant spigot) can work, backing independent founders (10+ dApps at mainnet), and why private credit will be the next breakout RWA after stablecoins. Abdul explains DIFC fund tokenization, sustainable yields, and mixing TradFi discipline with Web3 velocity.Founders: don't miss his notes on finance fluency, AI-first ops, and using your token as a product marketing door-opener.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Intro — Coinfest Bali & ZIGChain Connect[00:01:10] Abdul's path: Pakistan → banking → Bitcoin → Zignaly → ZIGChain [00:03:30] Access gap in emerging markets; why build rails, not just apps [00:05:20] TradFi skills in Web3: how capital really moves[00:06:15] Why another chain? Purpose-built for investment/yields (not generic L1)[00:07:10] Bootstrapping vs grants; investing in external founders (10+ dApps at TGE) [00:08:40] Culture & team: 60 ppl / 14 countries; resilience across cycles [00:10:05] Founder advice: business-first decisions; know your numbers; AI for leverage [00:12:20] Roadmap: testnet → public mainnet; DIFC tokenization; first tokenized fund [00:13:40] Bitcoin treasury yield use case; RWA infra as a service [00:14:30] Growth: token as GTM, mixing Web2 talent with Web3 speed [00:15:40] Events ahead: Token2049, BNB Chain Week, ADGM/FinTech, Switzerland Summit [00:16:40] RWA outlook: private credit as “next stablecoins” (12–16% in GCC) [00:18:10] The ask: builders > grants; strategic capital; play with (test/main)netConnecthttps://zigchain.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/zignaly/https://zignaly.com/https://x.com/zigchainhttps://x.com/zignalyhttps://x.com/arafaygaditDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Pauline (CMO, ChangeNOW) joins Sam in Bali to unpack how ChangeNOW carved a distinct niche from big CEXs by serving retail users and wallets with instant, account-free swaps (flash custody, fixed/floating rates). She explains the B2B engine behind their growth (wallets, casinos, travel, payments), why direct traffic + brand beats blunt ads, and how LLM-SEO is changing discovery.They cover CEX vs DeFi UX, security tradeoffs, meme coin mania, stablecoin rails, and what Binance/Coinbase did right in brand and distribution. Practical gems for founders on partner-led growth, API monetization, and real content > AI content.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Intro — Bali session + setup [00:02:00] Pauline's start: grad school → crypto → ChangeNOW (6 ppl → 400+) [00:04:30] What ChangeNOW does: instant swaps, flash custody, fixed vs floating [00:06:00] Business model, fees, and who it serves (retail, low-commitment swaps) [00:08:30] CEX UX vs retail needs; why simplicity wins[00:10:00] Growth levers: brand, direct traffic, PR, product marketing[00:11:30] B2B to C: wallets, casinos, travel; API rails to monetize wallets [00:13:00] Partner acquisition: plug-and-play swap/payments/nodes custody [00:14:30] Market trends: DeFi security, stablecoins, “newbie-friendly” pivots [00:16:30] Incidents & user protection: pause/rollback vs “pure” decentralization [00:20:00] Meme coins vs real communities; reputational drag and utility [00:23:00] Crypto's real value: remittances, NGOs, private donations [00:24:30] Ethereum UX, ZK, gas, and why ETH needs PR (and grants) [00:26:30] Brand lessons: Binance community flywheel; Coinbase legitimacy play [00:30:00] Social tone without cringe; distribution > cleverness [00:31:30] The ask: partners (wallets, tokens, exchanges, payments, “crypto banks”) [00:33:00] Bonus: LLM-SEO tips & why humans must write your contentConnecthttps://changenow.io/http://linkedin.com/company/changenow-io/https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauline-shangett/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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Tae Oh, founder of Gluwa and Spacecoin, joins Sam to share his vision of bringing internet and banking access to the unconnected billions. Tae explains how Spacecoin combines blockchain, telecommunications, and satellites to build a decentralized global network that enables lifeline services like financial transactions and messaging, even in regions without internet.He discusses the challenges of launching satellites, the cost breakthroughs driven by SpaceX, and why decentralization matters in connectivity. Tae also talks about adoption strategies through telcos, the financial model behind Spacecoin, and the long-term goal of creating a trustless, open internet from space.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Tae Oh and Spacecoin's mission. [00:02:00] Early Crypto: Tae discovers Bitcoin in 2010 and founds Gluwa in 2012. [00:06:00] Spacecoin's Goal: Connecting the unbanked by launching low-cost satellites. [00:10:00] Challenges: Building vs. launching satellites, and supply chain hurdles. [00:14:00] Decentralization: Competing with Starlink through open, trustless networks. [00:17:00] Adoption: Governments, telcos, and the natural pull of internet demand. [00:19:00] Constellation: First 10 satellites could serve millions per region. [00:21:00] Financial Model: Local telcos as gateways, Spacecoin as payment rail. [00:25:00] Bold Predictions: AI agents will dominate crypto transactions by 2030. [00:29:00] Roadmap: Spacecoin minting, three new satellites, hiring 200 people.Connecthttps://spacecoin.org/https://x.com/_Spacecoinhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/spacecoin-official/https://x.com/taelimohhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tae-lim-oh/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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Farbod, founder of TheBlock, joins Sam to talk about tokenization, RWAs, and building Dubai's first retail hub for virtual assets. He shares his journey from Europe to the UAE, how TheBlock helps projects with issuance, compliance, and liquidity, and why Dubai is emerging as a global crypto hub. Farbod also breaks down the misconceptions around tokenization, lessons for founders on transparency and retention, and his roadmap to expand TheBlock to 10 countries.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces the episode with Farbod from TheBlock.[00:01:00] Getting Started: Farbod shares his journey from software in Vienna to blockchain and Web3.[00:03:00] TheBlock's Mission: Helping projects with token issuance, compliance, liquidity, and PR.[00:04:00] Virtual Asset Hub: Launching tokens at The Block's Dubai event space.[00:06:00] RWA Strategy: Simplifying licensing, compliance, and tokenization processes.[00:08:00] Why Dubai: Farbod explains why UAE is a global leader in crypto adoption.[00:11:00] Differentiation: How The Block provides business development for its partners.[00:13:00] Leadership Lessons: Building teams based on passion, not just CVs.[00:14:00] Overhyped Trends: RWAs and why they aren't an instant liquidity solution.[00:17:00] Founder Advice: Transparency, no fake roadmaps, and focusing on retention.[00:18:00] Misunderstood Tokenization: Why liquidity doesn't come automatically with token issuance.[00:19:00] Roadmap: Expanding TheBlock to 10 countries in the next five years.[00:20:00] The Ask: Farbod invites advisors, partners, and collaborators to join TheBlock's movement.Connecthttps://the-block.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-block-global/https://www.linkedin.com/in/farbodsadeghian/https://x.com/farbodsadeghianDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Tony Pham, Head of Marketing & Growth at Kava.io, joins Sam to share lessons on building and scaling in Web3. He explains how Kava combines Cosmos scalability with Ethereum compatibility, their push into decentralized AI, and why community-first marketing beats massive budgets. Tony also weighs in on what's overhyped (meme coins) and underrated (wallets), plus Kava's roadmap into DePIN and AI.Key Timestamps[00:00] Intro: Tony Pham joins to discuss growth, Kava, and industry trends.[00:01] Background: From Web2 marketing to crypto stablecoins in 2018.[00:03] Kava's mission: low-cost, scalable L1 combining Cosmos + Ethereum.[00:04] Kava AI: blockchain-native, open-source AI for DeFi and Web3 tasks.[00:05] Web2 vs Web3 marketing: grassroots, community-first, cooperative.[00:07] Competing with giants: why budgets don't win—community and content do.[00:09] Authentic growth: partnerships, AMAs, co-marketing as a scrappy strategy.[00:12] Tether on Kava: stability and adoption vs gimmicks.[00:15] Underrated trend: wallets as gateways for mainstream adoption.[00:18] Overhyped trend: meme coins—and the hype cycle around criticizing them.[00:20] Roadmap: expanding into DePIN and decentralized AI.[00:22] Inspirations: marketers at Chainlink, Avalanche, and Eco Stablecoin.[00:24] Partnerships: Binance relationship, future AI and DePIN collaborations.[00:25] Ask: Builders, partners, and community engagement—plus meet at Token 2049.Connecthttps://www.kava.io/https://x.com/KAVA_CHAINhttps://t.me/kavalabshttps://x.com/tonyphamDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Daniel Mueller from idea-L joins Sam to discuss how their AI + Web3 platform helps founders go from idea to live company. He explains how idea-L acts as a “co-founder in your pocket,” validates ideas with feasibility scoring, provides funding through a decentralized VC model, and helps prevent founder burnout. Daniel also shares insights on Web3 trends, AI's overlooked potential, and bad startup advice to avoid.Key Timestamps[00:00] Intro: Helping founders validate ideas & grow from zero to one.[00:02] Daniel's background: AI research in Singapore, Web3 connections with SingularityNET.[00:03] idea-L's mission: overcoming systemic, financial, and psychological barriers for founders.[00:05] The scale of the problem: billions of unrealized ideas, 100M startups attempted yearly.[00:06] AI Co-Founder: personalized support, Duolingo-style roadmaps, nudging actions.[00:07] idea-L Tinder: gamified idea validation + community leaderboards.[00:09] Funding: democratizing VC, tokenized LP/GP units, DAO governance.[00:13] Preventing burnout: support via reinforcement, psychology, and NLP.[00:15] Investment scope: only backing companies through Idea-L's platform at pre-seed/seed.[00:16] Web3 trends: regulation, stablecoins, internet capital markets, treasury companies.[00:20] AI insights: moving beyond LLMs into reasoning, probabilistic programming & evolutionary learning.[00:23] Bad startup advice: myths about needing a co-founder, quitting your job, or fully polished ideas.[00:25] Roadmap: building the realization platform, funding platform, governance token, case studies.[00:27] Ask: founders, investors, and overlooked regions to join the mission.Connecthttps://www.idea-l.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/idea-L/https://x.com/idea___Lhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-muller-sg-cfo/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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Marc from Algorand joins Sam to unpack their 2025 roadmap, the push for mainstream adoption, and lessons he brings from his time at Google and Android. He explains Algorand's unique developer-friendly features, its work on quantum security, and how AI integration will accelerate the next wave of blockchain applications.Key Timestamps[00:00] Intro & Marc's journey: from Google/Android to Algorand.[00:03] The trilemma solved? Algorand's verifiable random functions & instant finality.[00:04] Six years of uptime: reliability & scaling to real-world use cases.[00:05] The 4-pillar roadmap: values, mainstream adoption, tokenization/identity, research.[00:07] Competing with other L1s/L2s: reliability + dev-friendly built-ins.[00:09] Mainstream adoption: UX challenges, wallets, seed recovery, gas abstraction.[00:12] Balancing simplicity with self-custody & decentralization.[00:14] Algorand's “North Star” metrics for adoption & growth.[00:15] Marketing that worked: “Can a Blockchain Do That?” campaign.[00:16] AI integration: Algorand 4.0, hackathons, LLM training, agents & payments.[00:20] If Marc could remove one thing from blockchain culture → rugging.[00:21] Lessons from Google: user-first, rapid iteration, shipping daily.[00:23] Respect in Web3: why Circle stands out.[00:24] Misconceptions: people underestimate Algorand's DeFi UX.[00:25] Quantum security: state proofs, Falcon signatures, securing the ledger.[00:28] Roadmap execution: xGov community governance + ecosystem collaboration.[00:31] Hackathons, grants, accelerator/incubator funnel for startups.[00:33] Big ecosystem event: Decipher planned for 2025.Connecthttps://algorand.co/https://www.linkedin.com/company/algorandfoundation/https://x.com/AlgoFoundationhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/marcvl/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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Declan Fox from Consensys joins Sam to discuss Linea — Ethereum's zkEVM rollup with the largest ecosystem fund in Web3. He shares his journey from private blockchains to launching Linea, the chain's unique tokenomics, native yield, and burn mechanism, and why distribution (not just tech) will define the winners in the L2 race.Key Timestamps[00:00] Declan's journey from driverless cars → private chains → Consensys & Linea.[00:04] Linea's mission: gateway to Ethereum for users, institutions & capital.[00:06] Differentiation in L2 wars: distribution > just faster/cheaper tech.[00:08] Ecosystem fund: 75% of supply for builders, LPs, open-source software.[00:10] Tokenomics: burn mechanism — 20% ETH, 80% Linea token.[00:11] Ether X: new institutional-grade DEX on Linea solving the DEX trilemma.[00:12] Next narratives: tokenized equities, institutional DeFi, payments.[00:14] Key challenge: regulation & Ethereum's global perception vs. other L1s.[00:17] Lessons learned: focus on UX, partner selection, community building.[00:21] Roadmap: native yield (staking ETH bridged to Linea) + burn live Q3.[00:25] Great consolidation of L2s — few winners, many sunset chains.[00:27] Ask: Builders, institutions, and funds to join Linea's ecosystem.Connecthttps://consensys.io/https://www.linkedin.com/company/polygonlabs/https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-fox-b743869b/https://x.com/LineaBuildhttps://x.com/DeclanFox14DisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

DescriptionRichard and Johanna from Data Guardians Network (D-GN) join Sam to discuss building a decentralized data infrastructure for AI training. They explain how D-GN turns human input into high-quality, traceable datasets, pays contributors in stablecoins, and solves the cost, quality, and bias problems plaguing AI. They also dive into scaling challenges, community building, and the future of AI + Web3.Key Timestamps[00:00] Intro & founders' journeys into Web3 + AI.[00:03] What D-GN is: decentralized, ethical AI training data.[00:04] The gap: expensive, slow, low-quality AI data pipelines.[00:06] Why stablecoins (USDT) over a volatile native token.[00:10] Diversity of contributors = less bias in AI models.[00:12] Customer base: enterprises, gov contracts, customizable datasets.[00:14] Guarding against synthetic data contamination.[00:17] Real-world missions: localizing driverless car data.[00:20] Risk: scaling into new industries fast enough.[00:22] North Star: contributors annotating data; goal of 1M+ by year-end.[00:26] Moat: network, enterprise pipeline, gamified contributor system.[00:28] Predictions: AI + blockchain integration will explode.[00:31] Overhyped trends: meme coins, GambleFi, early-stage hype cycles.[00:33] Quantum computing will reshape the industry.[00:38] Asks: partners aligned on vision, top talent hires, industry expansion.Connecthttps://www.dataguardians.network/https://www.linkedin.com/company/data-guardians-network/https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanna-cabildo-1217b4113/https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardjohnson10/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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Prashant from Spheron Network joins Sam to discuss building a decentralized compute marketplace at the intersection of AI and Web3. He explains Spheron's demand-driven model, why compute is the next scarce digital commodity, and how microtransactions will power AI agents. They also cover DePIN challenges, token economics, and Spheron's global growth strategy.Key Timestamps[00:00] Prashant's journey from software dev to crypto via curiosity.[00:04] Spheron's pivot to decentralized compute; lessons from early infra missteps.[00:06] Demand > supply — compute as the real scarce commodity in AI era.[00:07] Clients: devs & communities spinning up nodes in 3 clicks.[00:10] Why microtransactions struggled — and why AI will revive them.[00:16] Spheron's role in enabling AI agent-to-agent compute payments.[00:18] Business traction: $15M/year revenue; enterprise & Asia expansion.[00:20] Ecosystem products (SuperNodes, Clippy, Skynet) driving internal demand.[00:22] AI agent use cases Prashant is most bullish on (research, sales, daily digests).[00:24] DePIN reality check — why most projects fail to sustain.[00:28] Why Spheron needs a token (Spawn) instead of just stablecoins.[00:31] Bold prediction for 2026: Crypto as the backbone for AI & global trade.[00:33] What's next: staking, enterprise AI arm, retail network expansion, founder partnerships.Connecthttps://www.spheron.network/https://www.linkedin.com/company/spheron/https://x.com/spheronfdnhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/techprashantmaurya/https://x.com/prashant_xyzDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Ran Hammer from Orbs joins Sam to break down how Layer 3 can give DeFi the same advanced execution tools as CeFi. He explains Orbs' role powering advanced orders, liquidity aggregation, and intent-based perpetuals for major DEXs — plus his take on the biggest problems in DeFi today and where Orbs is going next.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Intro & Ran's journey from tech lawyer to Orbs' business lead.[00:03:00] What “Layer 3” means: functionality beyond L1/L2 scaling.[00:05:00] Liquidity Hub: solving fragmented liquidity for DEXs.[00:09:00] Perpetual Hub Ultra: intent-based on-chain Perps with high leverage.[00:11:00] DTwap Protocol: advanced order types (Twap, DCA, limits) for DEXs.[00:13:00] Orbs' Delegated Proof-of-Stake network & execution design.[00:16:00] Biggest DeFi problem: fragmentation & poor UX.[00:18:00] Scaling challenge: expanding beyond DEXs.[00:21:00] View on aggregators, HyperLiquid, and new ecosystems.[00:28:00] What's next: stop-loss/take-profit orders, Perps expansion, chain upgrades, governance decentralization.[00:29:00] Partnerships, hiring, and upcoming events.Connecthttps://www.orbs.com/https://t.me/OrbsNetworkhttps://x.com/orbs_networkhttps://x.com/hammer86rDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Riaz Mehta, founder of Ritestream, joins Sam to talk about disrupting Netflix with a decentralized, fan-funded streaming platform. He explains how Ritestream empowers creators, shares revenue with viewers, and uses NFTs and tokens to bring transparency to film financing — plus the role AI will play in reshaping media.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Intro: Riaz Mehta shares how Ritestream is reinventing film funding and streaming[00:02:00] Journey into Web3: From early Bitcoin exposure to a Vitalik meetup in 2017[00:04:00] Why Ritestream: Solving funding gaps and ownership problems in media[00:06:00] Fan-Powered Entertainment: Letting users co-fund and benefit from movie success[00:08:00] Web3 vs Web2: Transparency, on-chain revenue, and smart contracts as game changers[00:12:00] Business Model: Launchpad fees, ad-driven revenue sharing, and token buybacks[00:17:00] Content Trends: Action, comedy, and crypto-native audiences on Ritestream Plus[00:19:00] Decentralized Curation: DAOs will decide what gets made and what gets streamed[00:20:00] Industry Blindspots: Why Hollywood still doesn't get Web3[00:24:00] UX Matters: Reducing friction for viewers while rewarding those who opt in[00:25:00] Kryptonite TV: Web3's Shark Tank, funded and launched on Ritestream[00:27:00] Founder Advice: Focus on real value, ignore noise, and understand timing[00:30:00] AI's Impact: Lowering production costs, generating talent, and transforming workflows[00:31:00] Value Accrual: Future of media lies in distribution and on-chain data ownership[00:32:00] Final Ask: Community participation, fundraising, and checking out Kryptonite TVConnecthttps://www.ritestream.io/https://x.com/ritestream_iohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ritestream/https://www.linkedin.com/in/riaz-mehta/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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Laura from Gate Ventures joins Sam to share what founders need to succeed in today's crypto VC landscape. She discusses her investing journey, current thesis (stablecoins, RWAs, DeSci, and robotics), key founder traits, and how to pitch VCs the right way.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Intro: Sam introduces Laura and her dual role at Gate Ventures and Gate.com.[00:03:00] Laura's Journey: From college Bitcoin curiosity to ICO marketing to angel investor and VC.[00:05:00] Gate Ventures Thesis: Revenue-focused, early-stage projects in RWA, stablecoins, and payments.[00:08:00] Market Trends: Why institutions are focused on yield-bearing products this cycle.[00:11:00] Founder Support: How Gate Ventures helps with intros, distribution, VCs, KOLs, and exchange access.[00:13:00] What Great Founders Have: Traits like domain expertise, hustle, clarity, traction, and storytelling.[00:19:00] Killer Use Case Prediction: Web2 → Web3 onboarding through better UX, clear value, and incentives.[00:23:00] How to Pitch Gate: Laura's ideal pitch format for early-stage founders.[00:26:00] Overrated & Underrated: AI agents are overhyped. Forensics, defense, and DeSci are underexplored.[00:30:00] What's Next for Gate: More global deal flow, deeper university engagement, and earlier-stage bets.Connecthttps://www.gate.com/https://x.com/gate_iohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/laurakornelija/https://x.com/laura_gateioDisclaimerNothing 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 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 of Web3 with Sam Kamani, Bruno Maia, Head of Growth at Cartesi, shares his journey from telecom to Web3, his early ICO days, and how he joined Cartesi to help expand Ethereum's design space with verifiable computation.Cartesi is building a Stage 2 optimistic rollup infrastructure with a fully verifiable Linux-based VM, enabling developers to write dApps in any language using familiar tools — without sacrificing decentralization or Ethereum security guarantees.Whether you're building in Web3, exploring zero-trust infrastructure, or just curious about the future of Ethereum scaling, this is a must-listen episode. Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces the episode with Bruno Maia from Cartesi.[00:01:00] Bruno's Background: From telecom and Qualcomm to ICOs and joining Web3 full-time in 2018.[00:03:00] Joining Cartesi: How Bruno became Head of Growth at Cartesi, co-founded by a longtime friend.[00:04:00] The Origin of Cartesi: Started as a verifiable AI marketplace, evolved into general-purpose rollup infra.[00:06:00] Cartesi's Infrastructure: RISC-V-based Linux VM, app-specific optimistic rollups, and Ethereum security.[00:07:00] Stage 2 Rollup Compliance: Importance of full trust minimization and Cartesi's dispute resolution mechanisms.[00:08:00] Use Cases: Advanced DeFi, verifiable AI, carbon credits, and decentralized gaming (e.g. PlayRise.io).[00:10:00] Developer Onboarding: Lowering the barrier for Web2 devs with full Linux support and rich dev tools.[00:12:00] Developer Strategy: Why targeting quality builders and full-funnel engagement matters more than hackathons.[00:14:00] Key KPI: Bruno explains why external funding for Cartesi-based projects is a core growth metric.[00:17:00] Monetization: Validator marketplace, token utility, attention economy, and long-term sustainability.[00:20:00] Biggest Objections: Why being a non-EVM, Linux-based rollup was initially misunderstood — but is now an advantage.[00:24:00] BD in Web3 vs Web2: Bruno explains how Web3 BD is closer to startup building — not sales.[00:29:00] Lessons Learned: Aligning GTM with product maturity and choosing the right users for the right stage.[00:30:00] The Future: Bruno and Sam discuss stablecoins, RWAs, Bitcoin, and the killer app potential of on-chain cash flows.[00:36:00] On RWAs: The real unlock is when real-world cash flows (e.g. rent, yield) hit the chain natively.[00:39:00] The Tech Stack Is Ready: Modular infra, rollups, DA, ZK, privacy, and liquidity coordination are all converging.[00:41:00] Final Ask: Bruno invites developers, white-hat hackers, and collaborators to engage with Cartesi's honeypot challenge and infra.Connecthttps://cartesi.io/https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmaia/https://www.linkedin.com/company/cartesi/https://x.com/bmaia_expathttps://x.com/cartesiprojectDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Jan, founder of OpenMind, joins Sam to discuss how they're building a memory layer for AI agents in Web3.They cover the limitations of stateless agents, OpenMind's modular memory architecture, and how developers can build “smart, sovereign agents” that persist across time, dApps, and chains. Jan also shares insights on use cases across DeFi, NFTs, and DAOs, and how OpenMind is designing for both developers and end users.If you're exploring the future of AI x Web3, this episode is packed with key insights.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Jan and OpenMind's mission.[00:01:00] Jan's Background: Journey into Web3 and AI, and what led to founding OpenMind.[00:02:30] Problem with Agents Today: Why stateless AI agents don't work long term.[00:04:00] What OpenMind Does: A memory infrastructure layer for AI agents in Web3.[00:05:00] Modular Approach: Indexers, vector DBs, and plug-and-play architecture.[00:06:00] Use Cases: Agents for DeFi, personalized NFT experiences, DAO workflows, and beyond.[00:08:00] Developer Tools: APIs, SDKs, and how to get started building with OpenMind.[00:09:00] Open vs Closed Memory: Why on-chain provenance and user control matter.[00:11:00] Vision for AI Agents: Autonomous, persistent, and identity-aware.[00:13:00] Why Web3 Matters: Data ownership, composability, and aligned incentives.[00:15:00] OpenMind's Ask: Builders, partners, and early adopters — reach out!Connecthttps://openmind.org/https://x.com/openmind_agihttps://www.linkedin.com/company/openmindagi/https://x.com/janliphardthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-liphardt/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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - ⁠https://www.web3pod.xyz/⁠

Simon Davis, founder of GOAT Gaming and Mighty Bear Games, joins Sam to unpack how they're using Telegram, AI agents, and meme culture to scale Web3-native games.He breaks down their AI-powered assistant “Amy,” the technical challenges of building engaging agents, and how GOAT reached 6M+ users with Telegram-first distribution. They also discuss player retention, designing social-first games, and why the future belongs to AI-native studios using crypto as the default payment layer.Whether you're a builder, gamer, or curious founder—this episode is packed with Web3 insights.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Intro: Simon from GOAT Gaming joins to talk AI, gaming, and Web3.[00:01:00] Simon's Background: From music to QA to founding Mighty Bear Games.[00:02:00] Early Crypto Journey: Buying BTC in 2015 and going full-time Web3 in 2021.[00:03:00] Why Telegram?: 6M players through native distribution and UX.[00:05:00] Retention vs Airdrop Farming: The difference between community and extractors.[00:06:00] Amy the AI Agent: How she engages players with chat-native games and events.[00:07:00] Launching Grand Theft Pepe: A meme-inspired game with real NFTs.[00:08:00] Native vs Opportunistic Builds: What separates successful Telegram games.[00:10:00] Telegram Gaming 2.0: Shift from airdrop farming to social-first experiences.[00:12:00] Game Habits: Simon shares how he stays current across genres.[00:14:00] Designing Amy: From boring chatbot to a unique personality with narrative depth.[00:16:00] Gaming as Social Glue: Why players show up for people, not just gameplay.[00:17:00] Guardrails & Responsibility: Ethical design for AI agents in public spaces.[00:19:00] Rebuilding Today: How AI would change team size, speed, and funding approach.[00:20:00] Billion-Dollar Studios with 3 People?: Why it's not just possible—it's near.[00:21:00] AI x Crypto: Why LLMs and Web3 are natural complements for the agent economy.[00:23:00] Biggest Challenge: Hiring AI-native talent in a fast-changing world.[00:24:00] Final Ask: Try GOAT Gaming on Telegram, give feedback, and connect if you're building.ConnectCEO & Co-Founder: https://x.com/skilllevel7 Telegram Miniapp - https://t.me/goatgamingbot/goatgaming?startapp=src_Gens Telegram Community: https://t.me/goatgamingtribeTelegram Announcements: https://t.me/playgoatgamingTelegram AlphaGOATs Announcements: https://t.me/alphagoatsaiTwitter: https://x.com/playgoatgaming Website: https://goatgaming.com Discord: https://discord.gg/goatgaming YouTube: https://youtube.com/@playgoatgamingDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

James Quinn Kumar from Binance ANZ joins Sam to explore how Binance reached over 280 million users in just 8 years. He shares the lessons from Facebook and TikTok that helped Binance thrive in B2C, the role of liquidity in institutional adoption, and how Gen Z sees Bitcoin as a new path to wealth in a world of rising property prices.They also dive into AI-generated content, digital ownership, the rise of stablecoins, Bitcoin's latest ATHs, and why Binance is betting on Web3 wallets, creators, and grassroots community building for the next billion users.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces James from Binance ANZ and sets the stage for the discussion.[00:02:00] James' Crypto Journey: From TikTok to diving into blockchain full-time.[00:04:00] Binance's Global Rise: How it scaled from a startup to 280M+ users in 8 years.[00:06:00] Liquidity & Institutions: Why institutions choose Binance and what sets it apart.[00:07:00] Spot Trading Focus: The engine behind Binance's retail and institutional success.[00:08:00] Bitcoin ATHs & Market Sentiment: The psychology and macro forces driving BTC's rally.[00:10:00] Stablecoin Rotation: New user behavior signals maturity in crypto investing.[00:12:00] BTC hits 200K NZD: Community reactions and changing perceptions of Bitcoin.[00:14:00] NZ vs AU Adoption: A comparison of crypto penetration across both markets.[00:17:00] Why Binance Survived: 24/7 customer service, community feedback loops, and user trust.[00:19:00] Global Community Events: Why Binance runs IRL events across the world daily.[00:22:00] Web3 Wallet Vision: Becoming the “Google of Web3” with a full ecosystem strategy.[00:24:00] Kiwi User Survey: Key takeaways from Binance NZ's latest investor sentiment report.[00:25:00] Hodl Mentality: How Kiwi users are maturing with a long-term crypto outlook.[00:27:00] Creators & Monetization: A personal take on the future of content ownership via Web3.[00:30:00] AI Agent Economy: How blockchain enables agents to transact and coordinate.[00:34:00] Binance's Goals: Onboarding 1 billion users, improving Web3 UX, and better user insights.[00:36:00] Final Ask: James calls for creators and content partners to collaborate with Binance.Connecthttps://www.binance.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/binance/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesquinnkumar/https://x.com/jamesqkDisclaimerNothing 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 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, Charlie, co-founder of Bitlayer, shares how they are building a Bitcoin rollup and trust-minimized BVM bridge to unlock BTC liquidity for DeFi while maintaining Bitcoin-level security.Backed by Franklin Templeton and top mining pools like F2Pool, Bitlayer is enabling yield-bearing BTC (YBTC), partnerships with Sui and Solana, and preparing for the launch of its BTR governance token.If you're curious about Bitcoin's future beyond payments — from miner incentives to cross-chain DeFi — this episode is for you.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Charlie and Bitlayer's mission. [00:01:00] Charlie's Web3 story: From early Bitcoin and Ethereum to Polygon and Polkadot. [00:03:30] Why Bitcoin DeFi: Recognizing the need for scaling and security. [00:05:00] Bitlayer's mission: Building a BVM rollup and bridge for DeFi on Bitcoin. [00:07:00] Achieving Bitcoin DeFi: Unlocking BTC liquidity via a trust-minimized bridge. [00:09:00] Bridging innovation: How BVM improves on multisig and wrapped BTC. [00:11:00] Bitlayer vs sidechains: Why Bitcoin rollups are different. [00:14:00] Team strength: Engineering talent from Polygon, Celestia, and Alibaba. [00:15:00] Metrics: TVL milestones, daily transactions, and wallet growth. [00:18:00] Developer & user growth: Strategies to onboard devs and create retention. [00:20:00] Branding: F1-style “Bitcoin engine” culture.[00:21:00] Decentralization focus: Ensuring Bitcoin-level security. [00:23:00] Partnerships: Collaborations with Sui and upcoming Solana integrations. [00:25:00] Future vision: Bitcoin DeFi in 2 years — retail + institutional products. [00:26:30] Institutional adoption: Working with ETF issuers like Franklin Templeton. [00:28:00] The BTR token: Governance launch and upcoming campaigns. [00:30:00] Closing thoughts: Miner incentives and the next decade of Bitcoin utility.Connecthttps://www.bitlayer.org/https://x.com/BitlayerLabshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/charlieyechuanhu/https://x.com/CharlieHusatsDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

What happens when an emerging‑markets banker, lifelong Reddit degen, and early Ethereum believer builds a global crypto fund focused on AI? Meet Matthew “Matty” Graham, Managing Partner at Ryze Labs.Matty shares how a pizza post pulled him into Bitcoin, why the Ethereum whitepaper was his “drop everything” moment, and how Ryze helps founders reach 2B+ users across emerging markets through its “global + local” team model.We dig into the big ideas: AI agents as economic actors that must transact on open, programmable ledgers; stablecoins as the clearest current use case; why meme speculation crowds out real adoption; and why every startup should obsess over its first 5–7 real super fans (not airdrop farmers).We also hit culture clashes (AI vs crypto), institutional entry, tech history, data privacy (your ChatGPT logs are more revealing than your Google search history), and what Matty would do if launching Ryze today.Not investment advice.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam tees up Ryze Labs, AI + crypto, and future signals. [00:01:00] Origin story: Reddit pizza, early Bitcoin, failed 2013 banker pitch, curiosity grows. [00:02:30] Ethereum moment: Programmable money snaps it wide open for Matty. [00:04:00] Banker to degen: Emerging markets + appetite for the “wild west.” [00:05:00] What is Ryze Labs: Global fund with local experts across key emerging markets. [00:06:30] Why AI + crypto: Digital agents will transact value; legacy rails can't scale. [00:08:00] Real PMFs so far: Stablecoins & thinly disguised gambling; AI could be next. [00:09:30] Stablecoin utility: Paying global teams when Stripe/PayPal fail. [00:10:30] Tech history lens: Hardware waves unlock software waves; AI feels similar. [00:12:00] Data intensity: You'd leak Google history before ChatGPT chats — privacy matters. [00:14:00] AI for health: Matty's coffee/acid anecdote shows practical value already. [00:16:30] Work futures: New roles (prompt skill!), humans reorganize around tech. [00:21:00] Super fans first: 5–7 paying evangelists > vanity metrics. [00:23:00] Incentive traps: Points & airdrops mask real product‑market fit. [00:25:00] Trends check: Utility underhyped; meme/points meta overweight. [00:26:30] Institutional adoption: East‑coast style (ETFs) vs tech‑driven engagement. [00:29:00] If starting today: Split team across AI hubs (SF, Hangzhou) + emerging market depth. [00:30:00] The ask: Best‑in‑class AI+crypto builders & top engineers — DM @MattyRyze.Connecthttps://ryzelabs.io/https://x.com/RyzeLabshttps://ky.linkedin.com/company/ryzelabshttps://x.com/mattyryzeDisclaimerNothing 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 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, COTI Network CEO Shahaf Bar-Geffen joins Sam to unpack why privacy + scalability are the two missing pillars holding crypto back from mass, institutional adoption. Shahaf recounts COTI's journey from 2017 payment rails to today's garbled-circuit EVM, explains “privacy on demand” for any chain, and reveals how AI trading agents and a perp DEX called ProX are already running on the stack. Topics include: why transparent ledgers threaten business strategy, how private computation unlocks CBDCs and RWAs, the upcoming node-license sale, and why Shahaf expects a “privacy summer” to rival DeFi Summer.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam tees up COTI's focus on crypto-AI convergence.[00:01:30] Early web3 story: Shahaf's 2006 “Web3” domain and 2017 ICO insights.[00:03:00] Payment pain points: Why money-over-IP still needs privacy.[00:05:00] Transparent ledgers: How on-chain data exposes business secrets.[00:07:15] COTI's tech pivot: From L1 payments to garbled-circuit privacy EVM.[00:08:45] ProX Perp DEX: Deep CEX-level liquidity, private orders, AI trading agents.[00:12:30] Builders welcome: Low-/no-code grants and the Stake COTI initiative.[00:16:00] Privacy on demand: Plug-in modules for Solana, Ethereum, Sui, more.[00:18:45] AI + private data: Federated learning without sharing datasets.[00:21:15] Roadmap: Earn-Create-Build platform, node-license sale, CBDC pilots.[00:24:30] The coming privacy summer: Why investors should watch the narrative.[00:27:00] Call to action: How listeners can earn, build, and join the ecosystem.Connecthttps://coti.io/https://www.linkedin.com/company/coti-ltd/https://x.com/shahafbghttps://il.linkedin.com/in/shahafbgDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Evan Kuhn, President of DeLorean Labs, joins Sam to share how the iconic car brand is entering Web3. From on-chain car reservations and data-powered utility to the launch of the DMC token and partnerships with stars like Patrick Stewart and Christopher Lloyd — DeLorean is building much more than nostalgia.They discuss how the Flux Protocol enables drive-to-earn rewards, the role of the Sui blockchain, NFT-based authentication for vehicles and merchandise, and how DeLorean aims to lead automotive innovation in Web3 — not just follow the trend.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Evan and the DeLorean Web3 journey.[00:01:30] Evan's background: From founding Coinberry to joining DeLorean Labs.[00:03:30] DeLorean Labs: Bringing Web3 innovation to a 50-year-old car brand.[00:05:00] On-chain vehicle reservations: Tokenized car deposits and resale value.[00:07:00] Data utility: NFTs as digital Carfax, real-time mileage & service records.[00:08:00] Flux Protocol: How users earn DMC tokens by driving.[00:09:30] Staking model: Using NFTs and reservations as multipliers for rewards.[00:11:00] Expanding utility: Limited-edition merch with NFT authenticity.[00:12:30] Consumer reception: Concerns vs opportunities for Web3 in cars.[00:14:30] Marketplace benefits: Global reach and transparency in car resale.[00:16:00] Why SUI: Low fees, scalability, and strong developer ecosystem.[00:18:00] Challenges: Scaling the team and proving long-term commitment.[00:20:00] Partnerships: Teasing upcoming brand collaborations.[00:21:30] Celebrities: Working with Patrick Stewart and Christopher Lloyd.[00:23:00] Roadmap: More exchange listings, limited merch, Alpha5 timeline.[00:25:00] Call to action: Hiring, building utility, and growing the DeLorean community.Connecthttps://deloreanlabs.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/delorean-labs/https://x.com/deloreanlabshttps://www.instagram.com/deloreanlabshttps://x.com/evankuhnDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Alex from NodeOps joins Sam to share how they're building a decentralized infrastructure platform that's already generating millions in revenue. She discusses her background at Google and other Web3 infra giants, NodeOps' unique AI-powered tools, dynamic mint-and-burn tokenomics, and how they're shaping the future of DePIN. From staking to Security Hub to developer traction, Alex breaks down what sets NodeOps apart and where the ecosystem is heading.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Alex and previews the conversation.[00:01:00] Alex's Journey: From Google to NodeOps, and building in Web3 since 2017.[00:03:00] What NodeOps Does: Infra that “thinks,” staking, compute, AI tools, and more.[00:04:30] Real Metrics: $3.8M in revenue, 700k users, 150M AUM, 24k+ providers.[00:06:00] DePIN 2.0: How NodeOps is redefining decentralized physical infrastructure.[00:08:30] Dynamic Mint-and-Burn: Token tied to real protocol revenue and usage.[00:11:00] Product Adoption: From RPC to Security Hub to AI Agent Terminal.[00:13:00] The Cloud Shift: Rising infra costs pushing institutions to alternatives.[00:15:00] DePIN's Opportunity: How underutilized capacity meets compliance.[00:17:00] Marketing Infra: Building a multichannel GTM strategy for a diverse audience.[00:20:00] Community-Driven: Why vibes, builders, and token holders all matter.[00:21:30] What's Next: Expanding product stack, scaling without hype.[00:23:00] Infrastructure for the Global South: Why accessibility and cost matter.[00:24:00] Final Ask: Builders, stakers, ambassadors—get involved with NodeOps.Connecthttps://nodeops.network/https://www.linkedin.com/company/nodeops/https://x.com/NodeOpsHQhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alexalbanoc/https://x.com/alex_incryptoDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Usman Wahid, a 23-year veteran lawyer and now founder of Legalise, joins Sam Kamani to explore the evolution of AI in the legal world. They dive into hallucinations in legal AI, how Legalise enables smarter contract negotiation for SaaS companies, the tension between centralized vs decentralized AI models, and how the legal profession must adapt. Usman also shares the importance of human-in-the-loop design, the challenge of building trust in AI tools, and his startup's ask for early B2B adopters.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Usman and the focus on legal AI for SaaS and B2B negotiations.[00:01:00] Usman's Journey: From 23 years in law to launching a startup at 46.[00:03:00] What Legalise Does: Differentiating product-based legal AI from platforms.[00:05:00] Handling Complex Negotiations: Workflow design, issue tracking, and stakeholder collaboration.[00:08:00] Common AI Mistakes in Law: Hallucinated citations and legal misuse of retail LLMs.[00:11:00] AI in the Courts: UK case examples and regulatory pressure on legal AI.[00:14:00] Centralized vs Open Source AI: Tradeoffs and Legalise's hybrid approach.[00:18:00] Decentralized AI: Trustless infrastructure, microtransactions, and public service potential.[00:20:00] AI and Careers: How future lawyers can thrive, not just survive, with AI tools.[00:25:00] Usman's Ask: Early adopters for Legalise, especially in B2B and Web3 verticals.Connecthttps://legalise.io/https://www.linkedin.com/in/usman-wahid-78236413/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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Vadym Rozov, founder of Simplify Labs, joins the podcast to break down the regulatory future of crypto in Europe. With MiCA and DORA reshaping the landscape, Simplify Labs is helping exchanges stay compliant and launch fast with modular white-label solutions. Vadym shares what sets their platform apart, the challenges of MiCA implementation, how banks are evolving into exchanges, and what startups must know before entering regulated markets.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Vadym Rozov and the focus on MiCA regulation and Simplify Labs.[00:01:00] Vadym's Background: From Ukraine's Web2 outsourcing to building Simplify Labs.[00:02:00] What Simplify Labs Offers: A modular, white-label crypto exchange solution with MiCA compliance.[00:04:30] How It's Different: Built for real use—already powering licensed exchanges like RX in Malta.[00:06:00] Regulation-Ready: Adapting to MiCA and DORA from years ago, including penetration testing and dev scale.[00:07:00] MiCA's Impact: Only 100 out of 5,000+ EU exchanges expected to survive by 2026.[00:08:00] Travel Rule Explained: Why all transactions now need sender/receiver data stored.[00:09:30] Client Successes: Crypto card deployments, fiat conversion, and onboarding for MiCA-regulated exchanges.[00:11:30] Roadmap: Continual updates to match changing regulations and user needs.[00:12:30] Business Growth: Positioning for the MiCA shift and long-term regulatory infrastructure.[00:14:00] Costs of Compliance: Team, tech, and monthly operational costs under MiCA.[00:16:00] Building Lessons: Why Simplify Labs' roots in real-world exchange operations matter.[00:17:00] Market Trends: Telegram bots, fun tokens, meme coins, and where MiCA draws the line.[00:19:30] Banks vs Exchanges: Vadym on why traditional banks will become the next big crypto players.[00:21:00] Final Ask: Looking for long-term partners, not funding—ready to support licensed launches.Connecthttps://simplifylabs.io/https://www.linkedin.com/company/simplify-labs/https://x.com/simplifylabs_iohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/vadimrozov/https://x.com/vadimrozovDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Michael from 0G.AI joins Sam to discuss how they're building the AI operating system of the decentralized world. From decentralized compute and high-throughput storage to local consensus clusters and alignment networks, 0G is tackling the hardest infrastructure challenges at the intersection of AI and blockchain. With over 10 million wallets, 500+ companies building on Testnet, and $350M raised, this episode unpacks how they're enabling verifiable, transparent AI for real-world use—like embedded agents, robotics, and fully decentralized model training.Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Michael and outlines 0G's massive traction and mission.[00:01:00] Michael's Journey: From Bitcoin in grad school to ICOs and the AI-Web3 crossroads.[00:03:00] What 0G Solves: The case for cheat-proof, transparent AI and blockchain-based provenance.[00:05:00] Infrastructure: Testnet, L1, decentralized storage, compute layers, and upcoming mainnet.[00:06:30] Technical Hurdles: From hot storage to random access proofs, DA throughput, and consensus layers.[00:10:00] Why Build a New L1?: Why Ethereum wasn't enough—and the Tesla analogy for Web3 UX.[00:12:00] Scaling Users: How 0G reached 10M wallets—partnerships, KOLs, and atomic brand activation.[00:14:00] Node Sale & Community: 9,000+ node holders and the power of real ownership over airdrops.[00:15:00] Trends in Web3: Stablecoins, agents, better UX, DEX innovation, and model training.[00:16:00] What's Coming: Why robotics and embedded AI will push blockchain to the edge.[00:18:00] Survivorship Bias: Why closed models are dangerous and open-source is key for alignment.[00:21:00] Education Revolution: AI-powered collaborative schooling and what it means for society.[00:22:30] Roadmap: Scaling decentralized compute, proof of useful work, and agent-to-agent networks.[00:24:00] $88M Ecosystem Fund: Who it's for and how founders can plug into 0G's stack.[00:25:00] Final CTA: Join the community, build with 0G, and explore the intersection of AI x Web3.Connecthttps://0g.ai/https://x.com/0G_labshttps://x.com/michaelh_0ghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/0g-labs/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mheinrich/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 Apple Podcasts 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 wallet could pay gas fees on any chain—using just BNB?In this episode, Sam Kamani speaks with founder Rishi, Yashi and Divyansh from Tychi Wallet about building a next-gen smart wallet with AI, on-chain privacy, and a universal gas framework (UGF) that simplifies multi-chain interactions. They discuss how Tychi aims to replace clunky user experiences with smart abstraction, social recovery, cold wallet security, and embedded education—all while remaining non-custodial.Rishi also shares insights into their upcoming launch, technical roadmap, and the Kiwi roots behind the project.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Rishi from Tychi Wallet and outlines the episode.[00:01:00] What is Tychi?: Rishi explains the wallet's mission, name origin, and value prop.[00:03:00] Dumb wallets vs. Smart wallets: Why most wallets aren't working for users.[00:05:00] Universal Gas Framework: How UGF enables BNB-based gas on any chain.[00:07:00] Cold wallet innovation: Turning USBs, laptops, and mobiles into secure cold wallets.[00:08:00] Greenfield storage: Partnering with BNB for decentralized asset storage.[00:09:00] Game integration: Embedding games within the wallet experience.[00:10:00] Technical dive: Yashir explains UGF using EIP-4337 and smart architecture.[00:13:00] Social wallet & recovery: How family wallets and Shamir-based recovery work.[00:15:00] Launch phase: 600+ early testers and security-first release approach.[00:18:00] AI roadmap: Prediction tools, multi-chain DEX, and token launch plans.[00:21:00] Educational gamification: Learn-to-earn modules tied to airdrops.[00:24:00] Origin story: Rishi shares the pain point that inspired Tychi.[00:26:00] The ask: Help with marketing, early users, and seed round support.Connecthttps://tychiwallet.comhttps://x.com/TychiWallethttps://t.me/+PJgRdlTeaoY3MGVlhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/tychi-limitedhttps://www.instagram.com/tychiwallet/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishi-rudrhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/singhyashhhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/divyanshh-kalraDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Robert Mofrad from Serenity joins the show to talk about digital asset inheritance, decentralized data survivability, and the power of biometrics in Web3. From seed phrase backups to biometric cards that double as wallets, Serenity is tackling the often-overlooked infrastructure needed for long-term Web3 adoption. Robert also shares his thoughts on RWA vs. RWS (Real World Services), regulatory gaps, and why Serenity is building beyond just another wallet.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam welcomes Robert Mofrad from Serenity to discuss inheritance, security, and on-chain data survivability.[00:01:00] Entry into Web3: Robert shares how skepticism turned to fascination after reading the Bitcoin whitepaper.[00:03:30] Inheritance Trigger: A conversation with his wife sparked Serenity's first product idea—secure inheritance for crypto.[00:05:00] S Box & Biometric Wallet: Why Serenity created a biometric cold wallet with inheritance protocols built-in.[00:09:00] Real-World Use Cases: From enterprise logins to healthcare data access, how biometric cards extend beyond crypto.[00:14:00] Decentralized Data Survivability: Why cloud storage fails and what Serenity's on-chain solution does differently.[00:20:30] Health Records on Chain: The vision for universal patient access using biometric-secured medical histories.[00:23:30] RWS vs RWA: Robert outlines why Real World Services may outpace Real World Assets in adoption.[00:28:30] Serenity's Roadmap: Launching a technical hub in India, partnerships for RWA, and embracing post-quantum security.[00:33:30] The Long-Term Vision: Becoming a decentralized infrastructure standard for secure data and asset inheritance.Connecthttps://s.technology/https://www.linkedin.com/company/serenitystech/https://x.com/SerenityStechhttps://www.instagram.com/serenitystech/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 Apple Podcasts 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 entry point to crypto wasn't Bitcoin or ETH… but a Real World Asset backed token tied to real oil production? In this episode, Dave from OilXCoin shares how their team is bridging the gap between traditional energy markets and Web3 by launching a token which has received regulatory approval. From upstream oil leases and production logistics to regulatory compliance, licensed secondary market exchanges, and building for crypto newcomers — this episode is a real-world masterclass in how RWA tokenization works when done the hard way.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Dave joins to discuss oil-backed RWA tokenization.[00:01:00] Origin story: From BMW and IT to blockchain and crypto.[00:02:00] Building OilXCoin: Bridging commodities and regulated securities.[00:03:00] Why oil and gas: Real assets, upstream exposure, and untapped investor appetite.[00:04:30] Who it's for: 85% of early buyers had never held crypto before.[00:06:00] What makes it a security: Beyond peg — exposure to production and revenue.[00:07:00] Price movement: Unlike stable RWAs, value includes operational upside.[00:08:00] Volatility: Why oil makes for a compelling but steady entry asset.[00:10:00] Why blockchain: Transparency, efficiency, and long-term access.[00:11:00] Tech stack: Launched on Ethereum ERC-20 for compliance and trust.[00:13:00] Focus: Why OilXCoin avoids complexity and sticks with clarity.[00:14:00] Target audience: Retail entry users + conservative institutional players.[00:17:00] Regulatory path: Approved as a security by Liechtenstein's FMA.[00:19:00] Security = Legitimacy: Why regulation actually helps gain trust.[00:20:00] Compliance costs: High barriers but critical for adoption.[00:21:00] Exchange listings: Waiting on licensed, compliant RWA marketplaces.[00:24:00] Revenue model: Extracting and selling crude oil + transaction fees.[00:26:00] No staking: Clear messaging and simplicity for new users.[00:29:00] The liquidity problem: RWA tokens and the future of compliant exchanges.[00:32:00] Final ask: Partnerships, oil lease providers, and early exchange support.Connecthttps://oilxcoin.io/enhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/oilxcoin/https://x.com/OilXCoinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/d-rademacher/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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

What's holding back enterprise adoption of blockchain?In this episode, Sergio from Sonar X joins Sam to explain why the missing piece is data infrastructure. Drawing from experience at Bloomberg and AWS (where he led Amazon Managed Blockchain), Sergio breaks down why most blockchain systems are broken at the data layer—and how Sonar X is building a scalable, multi-chain backend to fix it.From audit-grade historical data to real-time indexing across 30+ chains, Sonar X is laying the foundation for Web3's next growth wave.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sergio's background and what Sonar X is solving.[00:01:30] Growing up as a fixer: From Italian banking to Bloomberg and AWS.[00:04:00] Falling in love with blockchain: MIT program and lightbulb moment.[00:05:30] The problem: Enterprise-grade infrastructure for blockchain data doesn't exist.[00:07:00] What Sonar X does: Reliable, multi-chain data infra for coverage, quality, and access.[00:09:00] Use cases: From DeFi indexes to forensics, custody, fund admin, and compliance.[00:12:00] The architecture: How Sonar X solves the CAP theorem limitations of blockchain.[00:15:00] Data standardization: Making 30+ chains interoperable via common schemas.[00:17:30] Indexing like Bloomberg: Creating a “market data” layer for all chains.[00:19:00] Data delivery: Snowflake, Databricks, CSV exports, and multi-cloud support.[00:20:00] Business model: Simple annual chain-based subscriptions, no usage limits.[00:22:00] Custom support: Engineering advisory to reduce compute costs for clients.[00:23:00] Challenges ahead: Scaling to meet 1M+ TPS chains and occasional-use customers.[00:25:00] Traditional finance: How blockchain will upgrade, not replace, infrastructure like DTCC or SWIFT.[00:27:00] Blockchain = the ultimate value exchange machine.[00:28:00] Data scale: Every new asset, chain, or protocol creates exponential complexity.[00:30:00] Final ask: Keep investing in product, preparing for GenAI, and expanding chain support.[00:33:00] The future: RWA tokenization, AI agents, and why reliable data will be the cornerstone.Connecthttps://www.sonarx.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/sonarxhttps://x.com/sonarx_hqhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sergiocapannaDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

What if smart contracts could see and react to events across multiple blockchains—automatically?In this episode, I speak with Rong Kai, co-founder of Reactive Network, a groundbreaking Layer 0.5 protocol designed to enable reactive smart contracts that operate fully on-chain.If you're a developer, founder, or anyone interested in the future of composable, automated smart contracts, this episode is for you.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Rong Kai and the concept of Reactive Network.[00:01:00] Career pivot: From Singapore Police Force to Web3 startup founder.[00:03:00] Entry into crypto: How a volunteer role at Binance led to full-time Web3.[00:04:00] What is Reactive Network: A Layer 0.5 for reactive smart contracts.[00:06:00] Problem with current smart contracts: Why they can't see or react on-chain.[00:08:00] Centralization risks: Why relying on off-chain processes is dangerous.[00:10:00] Launching Reactive: Building a sequencer and scaling multi-chain support.[00:12:00] Hyperlane & GMPs: Using general message passing to expand integration.[00:13:00] Traditional automation stack: Complexity and fragmentation of off-chain solutions.[00:17:00] Upgrading the smart contract model: How Reactive adds “sensors” to Web3.[00:18:00] Solidity-first approach: Starting with EVM, plans for non-EVM support.[00:20:00] Business model: Machines paying for gas via automated smart contracts.[00:23:00] Gas fee balancing: Keeping costs low through hard forks and efficiency.[00:26:00] $3M dev fund: Grants and bounties for builders experimenting with reactive contracts.[00:29:00] Go-to-market strategy: Developer onboarding and ecosystem partnerships.[00:31:00] Web3 dev challenges: Why the space still struggles to scale builders.[00:34:00] Ecosystem consolidation: Fewer chains, more specialization.[00:36:00] Retail stagnation: Why altcoin volume is dropping despite Bitcoin's rise.[00:38:00] Institutions & paradigm shifts: Why the next wave may not follow past cycles.[00:40:00] Call to action: Rong's ask to devs and projects—try Reactive Network.Connecthttps://reactive.network/https://x.com/parsiq_nethttps://x.com/RongKaiPARSIQDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Sim Khela from Farmsent joins Sam to explore how blockchain, sensors, and co-ops are creating a new agricultural economy. From decentralized food marketplaces to tokenized trade finance and carbon credits, Sim breaks down how Web3 can uplift farmers, ensure food security, and transform supply chains globally. With 160,000 farmers onboarded, partnerships across continents, and a “children-first” KPI, this episode shows what real-world impact in Web3 looks like.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Sim and the topic—Web3 and the global food system. [00:01:00] Sim's Journey: Discovering Bitcoin in 2012 and evolving from engineering to blockchain for agriculture.[00:03:00] What is Farmsent: Connecting farmers to buyers via decentralized marketplaces and deep tech. [00:04:30] Why Web3: From Web2 startup Beanboat to decentralized systems with real-world impact. [00:05:30] AI & Sensors: Data from forests, fields, and drones feeds into real-time insights and carbon credit generation.[00:07:00] Supply Chain Fix: How Farmsent bypasses intermediaries and still uses existing logistics infrastructure.[00:09:00] Co-op Power: Why co-operatives, not middlemen, are key to unlocking food flow efficiency.[00:10:00] Farmer Mental Health: Addressing stress and resistance with simplicity, transparency, and real returns.[00:11:30] Real Value: 25% better pricing with minimal complexity—no gas, no seed phrases. [00:13:00] Vision of Direct Agri-Commerce: Similar to China's factory-to-buyer shift—now for farms. [00:14:30] Deep Tech: Tokenized carbon credits, AI farming, and biochar—Farmsent's roadmap. [00:16:00] Partnerships: From Belt & Road land grants to speaking with Sheiks at Token2049 and support from Peaq.[00:19:00] Legal Progress: Working with Montana to reclassify tokens as infrastructure, not securities. [00:20:00] Core Challenges: Merging Web2, blockchain, and physical systems into a unified workflow. [00:21:30] Learnings: Sim reflects on token launch timing, VC skepticism, and the need for mission-aligned capital.[00:23:00] What's Coming: Super app, sensors live in Malaysia, and a quiet token launch in Q2–Q3. [00:24:30] Long-Term Vision: Post-capitalist future of zero marginal cost and tokenized abundance. [00:26:00] Final Ask: Join the journey—bring your skills, networks, or energy to build decentralized food systems.Connecthttps://www.farmsent.io/https://www.linkedin.com/company/farmsent/https://x.com/farmsent_iohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/simkhela/https://x.com/mtcryptosimDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

What does it take to bring regulated, yield-bearing assets like U.S. Treasuries on-chain? Michele Crivelli, co-founder of NexBridge, shares how they're solving financial inclusion through tokenization of RWAs on the Liquid Network. From regulatory approvals in El Salvador to plans for tokenized equities and discretionary mandates, Michele breaks down the steps, the setbacks, and the massive potential of compliant asset tokenization.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Michele and the episode's focus on tokenized real-world assets. [00:01:00] Michele's Journey: From Swiss banker to launching NexBridge in El Salvador. [00:02:00] Vision for NexBridge: Why Michele believes tokenization is key for financial inclusion. [00:05:00] Differentiating NexBridge: Regulated issuance and choosing Liquid Network over Ethereum. [00:10:00] Ideal Users & Use Cases: Investors, emerging markets, and treasuries as collateral. [00:12:00] Go-to-Market Strategy: Working with centralized exchanges and regulatory hurdles. [00:15:00] The Education Gap: Why RWA adoption is still misunderstood. [00:17:00] Roadmap: Tokenized equities, discretionary mandates, and SME fundraising in LatAm. [00:20:00] Cross-chain Strategy: Bitcoin-first, but open to EVM chains. [00:21:00] Challenges: Banking hurdles and fragmented global regulation. [00:23:00] Lessons Learned: What Michele would do differently if starting again. [00:24:00] Final Ask: Michele's call for CEX partnerships to expand distribution. [00:25:00] Outro: Sam wraps up with links and how to connect with NexBridge.Connecthttps://www.nexbridge.io/enhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/nexbridgesv/https://x.com/NexBridgeSVhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-crivelli-0414a121/https://x.com/michelecrivelliDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Jon Kol, founder of Hyperlane, joins Sam Kamani to dive deep into one of crypto's biggest challenges—interoperability. From his days at Morgan Stanley to building Hyperlane, Jon shares how they're enabling any chain to communicate with any other through permissionless, modular frameworks. He explains why monolithic architectures can't scale, how modular security flips the bridge security model, and why interchain accounts will redefine how users interact with Web3. If you're building across chains, this episode is a must-listen.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Jon Kol and the mission of Hyperlane—interoperability for every chain.[00:01:00] Early Crypto Days: Jon shares his Bitcoin and Ethereum rabbit hole moment at Morgan Stanley.[00:03:00] From Wall Street to Web3: Why he left traditional finance to help rebuild the internet of value.[00:06:00] Why Hyperlane: The realization that one chain can't serve global finance—and the need for scalable communication.[00:08:00] Building Blocks: The philosophy behind Hyperlane and how it differs from LayerZero, Cosmos, etc.[00:10:00] Modular Interoperability: Any chain, any VM—Hyperlane can connect them all.[00:12:00] Security First: How Hyperlane's modular security avoids the “one breach risks all” trap.[00:14:00] Defense in Depth: Let developers stack their own security modules and future-proof integrations.[00:18:00] Use Cases: From DeFi bridges to governance, interchain AMMs, and yield routing via Superform.[00:22:00] Interchain Accounts: Why the future is one wallet, infinite access—regardless of chain or VM.[00:26:00] The Stablecoin Pain Point: Fragmentation across chains and the case for gasless, one-click stablecoin transfers.[00:30:00] Lessons Learned: What Jon would do differently—don't wait for others, build use cases in-house.[00:34:00] 2025 Vision: Interoperability becomes invisible—users stay on one chain, access anything cross-chain.[00:36:00] The Ask: Hyperlane is hiring builders who want to fix fragmentation and unlock Web3's next layer.Connecthttps://hyperlane.xyz/https://x.com/hyperlanehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-kol-4bb37a9b/https://x.com/thepalenimbusDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Martins from Gravity Team joins Sam to discuss the evolution of market making in Web3. Starting as a prop trading desk in 2017, Gravity now trades 1% of all spot crypto volume, provides liquidity to token projects, and invests in Web3 infrastructure. Martins explains what founders should look for in a market maker, why stablecoins and payments are the next wave, and how Gravity is building a global trading platform with offices from Latvia to Singapore.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Martins from Gravity Team and outlines the episode's topics. [00:01:00] Origin Story: Martins shares how he discovered Bitcoin in 2017 and launched a trading desk. [00:02:00] Early Arbitrage: Realizing inefficiencies in the Thai crypto market sparked Gravity's beginning. [00:04:00] What is Gravity: Martins explains Gravity's transition from prop trading to market making and investments. [00:05:30] Differentiator: Gravity's strength lies in bridging Web2 ↔ Web3 through tech-driven liquidity services. [00:06:30] Market Making 101: Why projects need market makers and what they should look for. [00:09:00] One-Stop Shop: Gravity offers OTC, treasury, and even investment—beyond just spreads. [00:11:00] Regulation Shift: Why 2025 will mark the rise of stablecoins and Web3 payment rails. [00:14:00] Prop Trading Arm: Gravity still runs HFT strategies, not just market making for clients. [00:16:00] Investment Focus: Gravity's criteria for backing projects like Cookie3 and Usual Labs. [00:18:00] Strategic Synergies: Gravity looks to invest in other trading teams and infrastructure. [00:19:30] Key Trends: The stablecoin surge and institutional interest in payments. [00:20:30] Infrastructure Gap: Web3 needs a “Stripe for stablecoins” to reach mass adoption. [00:21:00] Biggest Lesson: Martins would've scaled faster and taken more risk early on. [00:23:00] Managing Risk: Why mission-aligned strategies beat short-term gains. [00:25:00] Final Ask: Gravity is hiring globally, investing in trading talent, and open to partnerships.Connecthttps://gravityteam.cohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/gravity-team-ltd/https://www.linkedin.com/in/martins-benkitis/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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Lucian from MultiversX (formerly Elrond) joins Sam Kamani to break down how they're building one of the fastest L1 blockchains in the world. From sharding to Supernova, discover how MultiversX is tackling decentralization, scalability, and real-world adoption with a new wave of architecture, global partnerships, and government use cases. Lucian also shares what he'd do differently, how they're supporting builders, and the thinking behind their US expansion.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Lucian and today's focus on MultiversX and scalable L1 innovation. [00:01:00] Web3 Origins: Lucian shares his early exposure to Bitcoin and the journey from NAM to founding Elrond[00:04:00] Why Elrond Started: Gaps in scalability, early insights on sharding, and forming the founding team.[00:06:00] Tech Architecture: The database analogy for blockchain – consensus, state, and disk. [00:08:00] Understanding Sharding: Lucian explains adaptive state sharding using real-world computing concepts. [00:11:00] Scaling Without Sacrifice: How MultiversX optimizes scalability without compromising decentralization.[00:12:00] Current Use Cases: From DeFi and NFTs to real government integrations and national-level domain projects.[00:14:00] Andromeda Upgrade: One-shot finality explained and how it transforms blockchain performance. [00:15:30] Supernova Upgrade: Reducing block time to 600ms and beyond – toward real-time L1 performance.[00:17:00] Tradeoffs and Vision: What Lucian's team chose to optimize for and the engineering behind it. [00:23:00] What He'd Do Differently: From launching in Europe to distribution lessons and US expansion. [00:26:00] Bootstrapping Usage: Lucian discusses incentivizing real use over speculation. [00:30:00] Scaling with Ecosystem: Stablecoins, gaming, payments, DeFi, and government adoption trends. [00:34:00] Call to Action: Lucian invites builders, governments, and investors to collaborate. [00:36:00] Roadmap Highlights: Why Andromeda and Supernova are game-changers for the L1 space. [00:37:00] Grants and Investment: Supporting startups via Growth Games and launchpad ecosystem. [00:38:00] Final Words: Sam wraps up with links and how to get involved with MultiversX.Connecthttps://multiversx.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/multiversx/https://x.com/multiversxhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lucianmincu/https://x.com/lucianmincuDisclaimerNothing 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 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 Maksym, founder of WeFi, about his mission to create a fully decentralized alternative to traditional and neobanks. We dive into his origin story, the architecture of WeFi, how it abstracts complex DeFi systems for everyday users, and why millions of unbanked users are the real opportunity. Maksym also shares insights on banking regulations, token incentives, and why simplicity—not complexity—wins mass adoption.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces the episode featuring Maksym from WeFi.[00:01:00] Origin Story: Maksym shares how he got into crypto in 2016 while building a real estate tech platform.[00:02:00] Early Challenges: Why traditional banks were the biggest blockers for blockchain adoption.[00:03:30] What Is Deobank?: The evolution from banks to neobanks to Deobank.[00:04:30] Custodial vs. Non-Custodial: How Deobank bridges both models seamlessly.[00:06:30] Regulatory Shift: Why banks are now more open to crypto partnerships.[00:08:00] UX is Everything: The challenge of educating users and abstracting DeFi complexity.[00:10:00] Who Can Use It?: Targeting the 1.4 billion unbanked people worldwide.[00:11:00] Ferrari Giveaway: Maksym explains why community-first is core to WeFi's vision.[00:13:00] Visa Integration: How WeFi offers real-world spending with stablecoins.[00:15:00] Instant Yield: Why users earn on idle stablecoins—even while spending.[00:17:00] What's Next: Launching DeFi-native credit products and scaling to 1M users.[00:18:30] Final Ask: Maksym calls for community builders, not funding.Connecthttps://wefi.co/https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefi-co/https://www.linkedin.com/in/maksym-sakharov/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 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, Sam Kamani talks with Bundeep Singh Ranga, co-founder of Pi Protocol, about a new model for stablecoins. Bundeep shares how Pi separates principal and interest using tokenized US treasuries, empowering anyone to become a stablecoin minter and earn yield—without giving up liquidity. We explore why stablecoins are just getting started, what decentralization really means for finance, and how Pi Protocol plans to reach underserved markets around the globe.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Bundeep Singh and the stablecoin focus of this episode. [00:01:00] Immigrant Mindset: How being an outsider inspired Bundeep's entrepreneurial journey. [00:03:00] Market Opportunity: Stablecoins vs. global fiat—why we're at just 0.0002% of the addressable market[00:04:30] Birth of Pi Protocol: Solving the limitations of centralized minting by decentralizing the yield. [00:06:30] How Pi Works: Users mint stablecoins by bringing tokenized US treasuries and retain the yield. [00:08:30] The Tether Comparison: How Pi gives users what centralized stablecoins keep for themselves. [00:10:00] Breaking the Atom: Separating principal (stablecoin) from interest (yield) with smart contracts.[00:13:00] Not a Security: How Pi avoids regulatory friction while offering real utility and upside. [00:14:00] Get Involved: Testnet now live on Solana and Ethereum—how to access and contribute. [00:15:00] Global South Focus: Why unbanked and remittance-heavy markets are ripe for stablecoin adoption.[00:16:00] Closing Thoughts: Pi's vision, open roles, and why now is the best time to join.Connecthttps://www.pi-protocol.io/#/https://www.linkedin.com/company/piprotocol/https://x.com/PiProtocolhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rangar/https://x.com/bundeepDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Paul, co-founder of Somnia Protocol and former Improbable exec, joins Sam Kamani to unpack why we still need new Layer 1s—and how Somnia's high-performance, EVM-compatible blockchain is designed for mass-scale gaming, AI agents, and prediction markets. From his time at Goldman Sachs to building billion-dollar startups, Paul shares deep technical insights on compression, consensus, and abstracting Web3 for everyday users.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces the episode featuring Paul from Somnia Protocol.[00:01:00] Guest Intro: Paul shares his journey from Goldman Sachs to building billion-dollar gaming infrastructure.[00:03:00] Discovering Ethereum: Why Ethereum sparked Paul's imagination more than Bitcoin.[00:04:00] Gaming & Interoperability: Building large-scale immersive events and early Metaverse experiments.[00:07:00] Why Somnia?: The technical limitations that forced them to build a new L1.[00:10:00] Compression Innovation: Solving blockchain bottlenecks with novel networking and compression.[00:13:00] Who's Building on Somnia: Projects in gaming, DeFi, AI, social, and entertainment.[00:15:00] Blockchain Should Be Invisible: Why UX abstraction is the next big unlock for Web3.[00:18:00] Mainnet Plans: What Somnia needs before mainnet—ecosystem readiness, tech, and community.[00:20:00] Founder's Lessons: Why Paul wishes he invested in public storytelling and personal brand earlier.[00:23:00] Gaming Favorites: From League of Legends to Zelda—how Paul still finds time to game.[00:25:00] The Real Web3 Gaming Unlock: Prediction markets and financializing gameplay.[00:27:00] Final Ask: Paul's call to developers and consumers to explore Somnia Testnet.Connecthttps://somnia.network/https://www.linkedin.com/company/somnianetwork/https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-thomas-90042b36/https://x.com/Somnia_Networkhttps://x.com/0xPaulThomasDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Eric from Polyhedra joins Sam Kamani to unpack how zero-knowledge proofs are redefining interoperability, AI verification, and developer tooling. They dive into the launch of ZK PyTorch, EXP Chain, and how verifiable AI could become the new standard for trusted machine learning. If you're building with LLMs, exploring trustless infrastructure, or care about blockchain security—this episode is for you.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam welcomes Eric from Polyhedra and previews the conversation on ZK proofs, AI, and Web3.[00:01:00] Polyhedra Origin: Eric shares how he met the team while working at LayerZero and why he joined the project.[00:02:30] The Problem with Bridges: Why Polyhedra's ZK-based approach makes interoperability more secure.[00:04:00] What is Expander?: A fast, scalable ZK proof system designed for real-time verifiability.[00:06:00] ZK PyTorch: Turning any PyTorch model into a verifiable model in minutes.[00:08:00] Verifiable AI Use Cases: Why financial applications like agents handling payments need proof-backed AI.[00:10:00] Developer Workflow: How easy it is to integrate ZK PyTorch into existing machine learning pipelines.[00:13:30] ZKML Festival & Community: Polyhedra's push to educate AI developers on trust-minimized systems.[00:15:30] Marketing Advice: Eric's background in content-driven growth, and why domain-specific content still wins.[00:19:30] EXP Chain: Polyhedra's new L1 for verifying ZK proofs cheaply and efficiently on-chain.[00:23:30] The Future of Verifiable AI: The team's goal to bring sub-second ZK proofs to large language models.[00:25:00] Call to Action: How developers, users, and founders can get involved with Polyhedra's ecosystem.Connecthttps://www.polyhedra.network/https://x.com/PolyhedraZKhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/polyhedrazk/https://x.com/vreelandhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/evreeland/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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

How do you power the next generation of AI — without centralized data monopolies?In this episode, I talk with Ben Noble, Marketing Director at Sapien, about how Sapien is building the world's first decentralized data foundry — rewarding people for training AI and contributing real-world data.We cover:How Sapien is combining Web3 incentives with AI data collectionWhy real human input still matters for AI trainingBen's best advice for marketing Web3/AI startupsStorytelling strategies for foundersHow to simplify complex ideas and drive viral messagingIf you're building in AI, Web3, or growth marketing, this episode is packed with practical insights you can use immediately.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces the episode and previews key topics: AI, Web3, storytelling, and startup growth. [00:01:00] Ben's Journey: How Ben got started in AI, left for Web3, and came full circle. [00:04:00] What Sapien Does: Decentralized data foundry explained — sourcing human expertise to train AI. [00:06:00] How It Works: How users earn rewards by contributing data to Sapien's platform. [00:09:00] Customers and Use Cases: Sapien's partnerships with enterprises like Alibaba, the UN, and others. [00:13:00] Safeguards: How Sapien prevents bots and fake data submissions. [00:15:00] Why Human Data Still Matters: The limits of AI and the need for human empathy and diversity. [00:19:00] Growth Strategies: Ben shares why partnerships and referrals outperform traditional marketing. [00:22:00] Web3 vs Web2 Marketing: The importance of authenticity, speed, and viral one-liners. [00:27:00] Future of AI: Will we see iterative improvements or major leaps? Ben's perspective. [00:30:00] Storytelling Lessons: Why contextualizing numbers is crucial for effective messaging. [00:36:00] What's Next for Sapien: Growing to 1M+ taskers and scaling the AI gig economy. [00:39:00] How to Get Involved: Sapien is closing their Series A and looking for users to join their data platform.Connecthttps://game.sapien.io/https://www.linkedin.com/company/playsapien/https://x.com/playsapienhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmnoble/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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

How do you grow a Web3 startup without falling into the same old traps — airdrops, bots, and unsustainable hype?In this episode, I speak with Sandesh, founder of Bandit Network, who shares how they're building growth infrastructure for Web3 — combining off-chain and on-chain data, enabling sustainable campaigns, and even launching their own rollup for deeper integrations.We explore:Why airdrops and point systems often failHow meme launchpads are evolving into engagement toolsMapping Twitter usernames to wallet addressesGrowth lessons from powering campaigns for Bonk, Brave, and ShardeumIf you care about Web3 user acquisition, retention, and real community-led engagement — this one's for you.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam sets up the episode and introduces Sandesh from Bandit Network. [00:01:00] Bandit Overview: Sandesh explains what Bandit does and how his journey from AI to Web3 began. [00:04:00] Early Web3 Involvement: Sandesh shares how his AI-powered creator startup was acquired and how that led to Bandit. [00:06:00] The Problem with Growth Tools: Why airdrop tools failed and how Bandit builds Lego-like infrastructure for campaigns. [00:09:00] Trends in Growth: Why meme launchpads are evolving into community engagement tools. [00:13:00] Meme Campaign Example: How one community uses roasts and meme voting as engagement loops. [00:15:00] Airdrops vs Bots: Sandesh explains how Bandit uses tools like Proof of Humanity and Bitcoin Passport to combat sybil attacks. [00:18:00] Challenges and Monetization: Bandit's biggest challenge is staying trend-adaptable; revenue is SaaS + custom token deals. [00:21:00] What's Next: Bandit is launching a rollup protocol for mapping Web2 identities to Web3 wallets. [00:24:00] The Bigger Vision: Building a decentralized growth protocol with support from QuickNode. [00:25:00] Fundraising: Bandit is raising $3–4M in their current seed round. [00:26:00] Closing Thoughts: Sam recaps why Bandit solves a real and pressing pain point in Web3 growth.Connecthttp://bandit.network/https://x.com/OnBndithttps://www.linkedin.com/company/onbndit/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeshbsuvarna/https://x.com/sandeshsuvarnaDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

What happens when a meme coin gets rugged—and the community takes over?In this episode, Sam chats with S from Neiro, the community takeover lead, to explore the real mechanics behind meme coin takeovers, the evolution of the Neiro project, and how it became the spiritual successor to Dogecoin.From Vitalik-backed donations to exclusive IP licensing and thoughts on political meme coins like TrumpCoin and Milady, S shares what it takes to build a decentralized movement in a chaotic crypto market.They also dive into the current state of macroeconomic uncertainty, how meme coins can bridge to real-world products, and why community contributors matter more than token holders.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces S from Neiro and sets the tone for a deep dive into community-led meme coins.[00:01:00] Neiro Origins: S shares how he stumbled into Neiro after a developer rugged and the community took over.[00:03:00] What Is a Community Takeover?: S explains how decentralized contributors rebuild abandoned tokens.[00:07:00] Decentralization & Purpose: Why meme coins can create meaning and a sense of belonging.[00:09:00] Charity & Vitalik's Donation: How Neiro caught Vitalik's attention and began its mission-led narrative.[00:11:00] IP Rights & Real-World Utility: S talks about exclusive Neiro licensing and monetization ideas like NFTs and pet food.[00:15:00] Meme Coins vs Political Tokens: Thoughts on TrumpCoin, Millennia, and the extractive nature of some meme trends.[00:20:00] Timing in Crypto: Why meme coin success (or failure) often depends on timing.[00:27:00] DeFi x Meme Coins: Can meme tokens integrate into lending, staking, and other financial products?[00:31:00] Dealing with Volatility: S shares mindset tips for surviving crypto market swings as a leader.[00:35:00] The Global Market Chaos: Thoughts on current macro uncertainty and political influence on the markets.[00:39:00] Final Ask: S encourages contributors to join Neiro's mission—not just as investors, but as builders.Connecthttps://x.com/neirohttps://www.neiroeth.io/https://t.me/ETHNEIROCTODisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Frank Cheng, founder of Apeiron and DoodiPals, joins Sam to unpack four years of building in Web3 gaming. From raising three funding rounds to building an entire gaming franchise, Frank shares practical lessons on tokenomics, community building, and how to retain real players. Learn why most Web3 games fail and how to fix them, what role AI will play, and why "fun" is the best utility of all.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Frank Cheng from Apeiron and DoodiPals.[00:01:00] Frank's Background: From private equity to gaming founder.[00:03:00] Fundraising Journey: Raising 3 rounds and migrating to Ronin.[00:05:00] Web3 vs. eSports: Monetization struggles and similarities.[00:09:00] Tokenomics: Apeiron's dual-token model and real utility.[00:11:00] Mobile Strategy: Expansion across SEA and Latin America.[00:13:00] Retention: DAU strategies, off-season drops, and incentives.[00:15:00] Community: How Frank built lasting connections on Discord.[00:18:00] Duty Pals: The IP and content strategy behind the Apeiron universe.[00:20:00] Future Trends: Web3 onboarding friction and AI's potential.[00:23:00] Generative AI: Challenges, copyright, and training game agents.[00:28:00] Roadmap 2025: Memes with fundamentals, new token layers.[00:30:00] Inspirations: What Axie Infinity and Big Time get right.[00:32:00] Evolving Tokenomics: Why vesting by usage beats time-based unlocks.[00:35:00] Founder Reflections: What Frank would do differently.[00:38:00] Final Ask: Looking for investors, talent, and community partners.Connecthttps://apeironnft.com/https://x.com/ApeironNFThttps://www.doodipals.com/https://x.com/DoodiPalshttps://x.com/FrankTChenghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/franktcheng/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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Yang Tang, co-founder of Memetica, joins Sam to dive deep into the world of AI agents — what they are, how they're trained, and how they're already generating value across Web2 and Web3. From his background in institutional finance and machine learning to launching BSD and Liam, Yang walks us through building intelligent, monetizable agents and why the future of AI is vertical-specific and application-first.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam welcomes Yang Tang and introduces the topic of AI agents.[00:01:00] Yang's Background: From Wall Street to machine learning to Web3.[00:03:00] Evolution of Trading: How everything became algorithmic post-2008.[00:05:00] Why AI Agents Now: LLMs aren't applications — agents are.[00:06:00] Core Features: Memetica's pillars — memory, RL, and utility.[00:08:00] Competing with Giants: Why focus beats AGI and big capital.[00:10:00] Data Strategy: Why private data is useless without context.[00:12:00] Use Cases: Real-world agent examples like Liam and BSD.[00:14:00] Reinforcement Learning: How Liam evolved to boost impressions.[00:16:00] Tokens and Agents: The rise of BSD and market cap milestones.[00:18:00] Pricing and Ownership: Who owns the agent's IP and revenue?[00:20:00] SME and Enterprise Use: From sports betting to social media ops.[00:23:00] Institutional AI Demand: Why application matters more than research.[00:25:00] Distribution Challenges: Why even strong products struggle to scale.[00:28:00] Time vs. Decision Value: Where AI agents can win right now.[00:30:00] Agent vs. Human: Running A/B tests with agents on social.[00:34:00] AI Misuse: The Trump chart story and hallucination risks.[00:36:00] Launching Tokens: What it takes to create tokenized agents.[00:38:00] Utility vs. Distraction: The token paradox for founders.[00:41:00] Building for SMEs: Future plans to support long-tail businesses.[00:44:00] Hiring and Scaling: What Memetica needs to grow.[00:46:00] Accuracy & Safeguards: How Memetica agents reach 95%+ accuracy.[00:47:00] Final Ask: Yang is raising, hiring, and looking to onboard more creators and partners.Connecthttps://memetica.ai/https://x.com/memeticaAIhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/qstarlabs/https://x.com/yangtanghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/yangtang/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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Kevin from Layer 1X joins Sam Kamani to discuss how they're building a quantum-resistant, bridgeless blockchain that enables secure cross-chain swaps, multi-chain token issuance, and zero-gas fee transactions. Kevin also shares insights from his PhD in blockchain and quantum computing, and why he believes most of Web3 is unprepared for the quantum era. If you're building in DeFi, infrastructure, or cross-chain protocols, this one's a must-listen.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Kevin and the episode's focus on Layer 1X, quantum computing, interoperability, and cross-chain infrastructure.[00:01:00] Kevin's Background: Kevin shares how he entered Web3 in 2019, built a rewards platform, and began exploring quantum and blockchain through a PhD.[00:03:00] What Layer 1X Does: Layer 1X aims to enable bridgeless interoperability, empower developers, and offer quantum-resistant infrastructure.[00:05:00] Quantum Threats to Blockchain: Kevin explains quantum threats to cryptography and how error correction in quantum computing could make current blockchains vulnerable.[00:07:00] Blockchain Upgrades for Quantum Safety: Can Bitcoin or Ethereum become quantum-resistant? Kevin shares thoughts on protocol-level upgrades.[00:11:00] Why Build a New L1?: Kevin explains why Layer 1X had to be its own L1 — to control cross-chain validation, optimize gas, and integrate quantum resistance from the start.[00:15:00] Beyond the Chain: Multi-Chain Rollups and Use Cases: A look at how Layer 1X enables multi-chain rollups, composability, and better use of underutilized chains.[00:17:30] Use Case - Gaming & Identity: Kevin shares examples of how game assets and user tokens can function across multiple chains with Layer 1X.[00:20:00] Liquidity Abstraction & DeFi Fragmentation: How Layer 1X is solving one of DeFi's biggest problems — fragmented liquidity across chains.[00:24:00] Growth & Campaigns: Kevin discusses their successful “Swapathon” and upcoming campaign making cross-chain swaps gasless and free.[00:27:00] Revenue Model & Incentives: How Layer 1X is already generating revenue through cross-chain fees, NFTs, and tokenomics innovation.[00:30:00] Release Pool Model: An anti-dump mechanism allowing token distribution based on market demand and long-term health.[00:32:00] Web3 Blindspots: Kevin argues Web3 projects are too focused on token price and not enough on sustainable revenue or infrastructure.[00:35:00] Trends for 2025: More projects will go multichain, off-chain services will go on-chain, and awareness of quantum resistance will grow.[00:37:00] Funding & Next Steps: Layer 1X is raising $25M to scale adoption and expand its quantum-resilient protocol stack.[00:38:30] Closing: Sam recaps the value Layer 1X brings to the Web3 space and thanks Kevin for sharing his journey.Connecthttps://l1xapp.com/https://l1xapp.com/l1x-foundationhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/layer-one-x/https://www.linkedin.com/in/thekevincoutinho/https://x.com/LayerOneXhttps://x.com/thekevcoutinhoDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Can encryption make Ethereum more fair?In this episode, I speak with Loring Harkness, the ecosystem lead at Shutter Network, about a crucial — and often ignored — issue: malicious MEV. Loring explains how MEV bots extract value from unsuspecting users through front-running and sandwich attacks — and how Shutter uses threshold encryption to stop it.We talk about encrypted mempools, the recent whitepaper proposing encrypted mempools for Ethereum, and how commit-and-reveal encryption is already protecting DAOs, auctions, and bounties via Shutter's API.Loring also shares his journey from building financial inclusion tools in Myanmar to becoming a passionate advocate for privacy and credible neutrality in Web3.Whether you're building a dApp, trading onchain, or want a fairer Ethereum — this episode is for you.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Intro: Sam introduces Loring Harkness and the mission behind Shutter Network [00:01:00] Origin Story: How a coup in Myanmar inspired Loring's pivot from TradFi to Web3[00:04:00] What is Shutter?: Commit-reveal threshold encryption explained [00:06:00] Understanding MEV: How front-running and sandwich attacks work [00:08:00] Shielded Trading: How Shutter encrypts transactions to blind MEV bots [00:10:00] Integrations: Shielded trading on Gnosis and plans for Ethereum mainnet [00:11:00] The Cost of MEV: Over $1.3B lost to MEV since 2020 [00:12:00] Ethereum Whitepaper: How Shutter's proposal was received[00:14:00] The Shutter API: Making commit-reveal encryption accessible to dApps [00:16:00] Game Theory: Loring's live demo using rock-paper-scissors [00:20:00] Scaling Up: How Shutter supports many use cases and transactions [00:23:00] Real-World Adoption: Shielded voting on Snapshot and Paddle Battle auctions [00:25:00] The Real Threat: Why Ethereum must align with its own values [00:27:00] Community Ask: Why users and developers must demand fairness [00:29:00] Wrap-up: Links and next steps for integrating Shutter NetworkConnecthttps://www.shutter.network/https://x.com/ShutterNetworkhttps://x.com/LoringHarknesshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/loringharkness/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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

How do you prove someone is human in the AI era?In this episode, Sam Kamani speaks with Terence Kwok, the founder of Humanity Protocol — a decentralized identity blockchain now valued at over $1B. Terence shares how Humanity Protocol uses palm biometrics, ZK proofs, and partnerships with validators to establish proof of personhood, enable on-chain reputation, and prevent identity fraud.We explore use cases ranging from education credentials and credit scoring to gaming identities and undercollateralized lending — plus how AI is blurring the lines between human and machine online. Terence also shares the story of how he went from building a travel tech unicorn to launching a global identity protocol out of Hong Kong.If you're building in identity, AI, or Web3, this is one not to miss.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Intro: Sam introduces Terence Kwok and Humanity Protocol's billion-dollar vision. [00:02:00] Background: Terence shares how he pivoted from travel tech to Web3 identity. [00:04:00] What is Humanity Protocol?: A blockchain for proof of personhood and credentials. [00:07:00] Why Now?: The urgency of verifiable human identity in an AI-powered world. [00:09:00] Privacy & Sovereignty: How Humanity Protocol keeps biometric data safe.[00:13:00] Who Issues Credentials?: The role of validators and verifiers in the network. [00:16:00] Business Model: How staking, revenue-sharing, and token incentives work. [00:18:00] Beyond Network Effects: Use cases that work even with a small user base.[00:23:00] zkTLS Innovation: Zero-knowledge proofs for Web2 credentials. [00:26:00] On-Chain Credit: Proof of income and net worth for lending protocols. [00:28:00] Human Signals: Uber ratings, Airbnb history, and anti-bot credentials. [00:31:00] TPS vs Humanity: Why identity matters more than just scaling blockchains. [00:34:00] The Path Forward: Permissioned transactions and smarter chains. [00:36:00] Roadmap: App, mainnet, zkTLS, and biometric scanner rollouts. [00:37:00] Final Ask: Bringing on more dApps, developers, and potential investors.Connecthttps://www.humanity.org/https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanityprot/https://x.com/Humanityprot/https://t.me/HumanityProthttps://x.com/tk_humanityDisclaimerNothing 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/