Podcast appearances and mentions of sam kamani

 EPISODE DESCRIPTION I sat down with André Dragosch, European Head of Research at Bitwise Investments, live at Bitcoin Prague in the Czech Republic. Bitwise manages over $11 billion in AUM and Andre breaks down exactly why institutional investors are quietly rotating capital out of AI stocks and into crypto assets right now. We dig into why Bitcoin behaves more like a CDS on sovereign bonds than an equity hedge, how ETPs solve the custody headache for family offices and pension funds, and why the K-shaped economy in the US is actually one of the most bullish setups Bitcoin has ever seen. Andre also shares where Bitwise is expanding next, including staking on Ethereum and Solana and curated vault strategies. This is one of the most grounded, data-driven macro conversations I have had on the show and I think you will get a lot out of it. DISCLAIMERNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/ CONNECT Bitwise Investments Website: https://bitwiseinvestments.eu/Twitter/X - Bitwise: https://x.com/Bitwise_EuropeLinkedIn - André Dragosch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andredragosch/ Web3 with Sam Kamani: https://www.web3pod.xyz KEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS • [00:00] Bitcoin acts as a CDS on sovereign bonds and is trading in the lowest 10% of valuations across multiple metrics• [02:05] Andre's journey from Dogecoin in 2013 to European Head of Research at Bitwise, including his time at Union Investment• [04:28] How ETC Group was acquired by Bitwise in summer 2024 and became Bitwise Europe• [06:52] Why ETPs solve custody, regulatory, and cost problems for institutional investors and pension fund holders• [09:14] Capital rotation already happening from expensive AI stocks into cheap crypto assets• [11:40] Why Bitcoin's correlation with Nasdaq has risen since the US ETF launch but it showed resilience during the recent AI correction• [14:02] Bitcoin as a macro canary in the coal mine, signalling liquidity deterioration before it hits equities• [16:18] Risks in private credit financing AI CapEx and the comparison to Cisco during the dot-com era• [20:57] Why the Fed's reaction function would be far more aggressive today given how politically dependent the economy is on rising stock prices• [23:15] The K-shaped economy in the US and why 90% of the population is being left behind• [24:41] Bitwise's next growth areas: staking on Ethereum and Solana, and curated vault strategies• [25:41] How flows into ETPs are both cyclical and sentiment-driven, but strategic allocators invest regardless of price

 EPISODE DESCRIPTION I sat down with Brian J. Esposito, CEO of Diamond Lake Minerals (DLMI) and a 25-year entrepreneur who has built over 115 companies across 25 industries. Brian has been in regulated, compliant tokenization for over 13 years , long before it was cool , and in this episode he breaks down exactly why most RWA projects are getting it wrong, why owning the underlying asset is non-negotiable, and how Diamond Lake is structured like a modern General Electric to bring fractional ownership of commercial real estate, music catalogs, hotels, and more to millions of people who have never had access to these kinds of assets before. We also get into the frothy AI IPO market, speculative leverage trading, and why the next FTX-style collapse would set the entire industry back years. If you care about where real-world asset tokenization is actually heading , not the hype , this one is for you.DISCLAIMERNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/ CONNECT Diamond Lake Minerals (DLMI) – Official Website: https://diamondlakeminerals.com/ Twitter/X – Brian J. Esposito: https://x.com/brianjesposito?lang=enLinkedIn – Brian J. Esposito: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjesposito/Web3 with Sam Kamani https://www.web3pod.xyz/ KEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS • [00:10] Sam introduces the episode and guest Brian J. Esposito, CEO of Diamond Lake Minerals, focused on tokenizing real-world assets• [01:43] Brian shares his 25-year entrepreneurial journey , from launching 1,200 beauty brands to building a private holding company of 115 companies across 25 industries• [02:53] Why Brian took over Diamond Lake as a public vehicle: making tokenized assets accessible to people who already know how to buy stocks• [04:18] Brian's 13-year background in regulated security tokens, his relationships with INX, Securitize, and T-Zero, and what he expected after FTX collapsed• [07:22] Why true mass adoption of security tokens happens when they appear on mainstream brokerage accounts like Charles Schwab or Merrill Lynch• [08:55] The surprising fit of tokenization for commercial real estate , stable Fortune 50 tenants, 15-year leases, and fractional revenue sharing for global investors• [11:25] How tokenization democratizes access , billions of people previously locked out of IPOs and Series A-E rounds can now invest with pennies• [13:41] Why owning any asset beats cash in an inflationary world, and how even $1-2 per month in token earnings is life-changing for people in developing economies• [15:17] Lessons from merging traditional finance with digital assets , the trust gap, the UX challenge, and why regulatory silos are the biggest barrier• [18:36] How Diamond Lake decides which industries and asset classes to pursue next , and why their network and team access is their real competitive moat• [21:19] The microtransaction fee problem in fractional investing, and how controlling your own licensed exchange changes the economics• [26:01] Brian's most contrarian take: RWA firms don't actually own the assets they tokenize, and that's a ticking time bomb for the industry• [28:09] Where RWAs are headed by 2030 , projections ranging from $6 trillion to $35 trillion , and why Diamond Lake doesn't need a big slice to win big for shareholders• [29:22] The AI IPO frenzy, leverage trading, and why history is repeating the dot-com bubble in dangerous ways• [35:23] Diamond Lake's recent merger with ECI and Stillway , over $20 billion in commercial real estate transactions over 40 years , and a first tranche of $5M investment announced• [37:18] Brian's closing philosophy: treat every dollar that comes in like it's your grandmother's, build sustainably, and let million-dollar deals grow into billion-dollar deals

 EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, I sit down with Prakash Kamraj, co-founder of DeCharge Network, to explore one of the most overlooked intersections of Web3 and the physical world: EV charging infrastructure. Prakash walks me through how DeCharge is building an Airbnb-style model for EV chargers, where anyone , from a business owner to a crypto community member , can host a charging station and earn passive income from it. We dig into why the B2B market is the real engine of EV growth, how DeCharge keeps the user experience dead simple with a scan-and-pay web app, and why autonomous charging powered by crypto payment rails could be the next massive wave. We also get into the surprising EV adoption stories across India, China, Southeast Asia, Ethiopia, and beyond. Whether you're an EV owner frustrated by fragmented charging apps, a crypto builder looking for real-world use cases, or an investor trying to spot where energy infrastructure is heading, this conversation is packed with sharp thinking and hard-won lessons from the ground up. DISCLAIMERNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/ CONNECT DeCharge Website: https://www.decharge.ioScout App: https://scout.decharge.ioTwitter/X:https://x.com/DeChargeTelegram: https://t.me/dechargecommunityWeb3 with Sam Kamani: https://www.web3pod.xyz KEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS • [00:01] Sam introduces Prakash Kamraj and DeCharge Network, framing it as an Airbnb for EV chargers• [01:09] Prakash shares his background , from medical field to engineering, health tech startups, and catching the crypto bug in 2017• [03:36] How deep involvement in the early Solana ecosystem in India shaped Prakash's builder mindset• [05:33] The core problem: not enough EV charging infrastructure globally, with one charger for every 80 vehicles on average• [06:33] Sam shares firsthand observations from Guangzhou , nearly 100% EV adoption on the streets• [09:25] The personal range anxiety story that validated the problem , getting stuck at 9% battery in Denver in winter• [10:30] Why copy-pasting the Helium model doesn't work and why a more nuanced distributed model was needed• [11:00] DeCharge's three-pillar model: community-owned slow chargers, fast charger funding pools, and a software network incentive for charge point operators• [14:15] How the business model works , revenue share with hosts, transparent dashboards, and community-funded infra• [17:01] The user experience: scan a QR code, pay as you go, no app download required• [19:31] Why DeCharge integrates with default local payment apps (UPI, Promptpay, Stripe) instead of forcing new behavior• [23:16] Why India isn't lagging , 70% of EV usage is commercial, driven by food delivery riders and ride-sharing fleets• [25:40] Southeast Asia generates 80% of DeCharge's current network revenue• [27:21] Biggest challenges: avoiding R&D rabbit holes, sticking to first principles, and iterating fast across hardware and software• [29:05] Funding journey: seed round led by Lemniscap, first Asian startup in Colosseum's hackathon ecosystem• [32:06] Contrarian view: autonomous EV charging powered by crypto payment rails is the next major wave• [33:30] Energy is the truest form of currency , especially as AI data centers drive massive power demand• [35:14] The ask: charge point operator partnerships, community members, and VC conversations welcome• [39:19] The Scout app , a community-curated tool to map charger density and identify demand hotspots at scout.decharge.io

EPISODE DESCRIPTION I sat down with Lux, Chief Commercial Officer at OpenPayd, and this conversation genuinely surprised me. Lux started out as an FX trader at JP Morgan , the guy who once typed 'Bitcoin is a Ponzi scheme' into a Bloomberg chat , and now he's helping build one of the most quietly impressive fintech infrastructure companies out there. We got into how OpenPayd has grown to over 1,200 institutional clients, processed over $200 billion in volume annually, stayed cash flow positive for five years, and never taken a single round of funding. We talked about why financial institutions are now OpenPayd's fastest growing vertical, what the stablecoin sandwich actually means for cross-border payments, and whether crypto is really dead or just maturing. Lux also shared his contrarian take on why the era of 150% Ethereum weeks is probably behind us , and why that's actually a good sign. If you're in fintech, payments, or crypto infrastructure, this one is worth your time. DISCLAIMERNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/ CONNECT OpenPayd Website: https://www.openpayd.com/OpenPayd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/openpayd/Web3 with Sam Kamani: https://www.web3pod.xyz/ KEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS • [00:06] Sam introduces Lux from OpenPayd , a bootstrapped fintech with 200+ employees and $200B+ annual volume• [01:30] Lux's origin story: FX trader at JP Morgan who called Bitcoin a Ponzi scheme in 2009, then missed it, then got into Ethereum• [03:20] How joining a payments firm opened Lux's eyes to the real problem crypto companies face with banking access• [05:09] The divergence between crypto and stablecoins , and why stablecoin market cap is no longer correlated to Bitcoin price• [06:06] What OpenPayd is built on: providing financial infrastructure to underserved industries and incorporating blockchain into payments rails• [09:35] The Innovator's Dilemma in banking , why incumbents like HSBC still charge 1.7% on FX when the actual spread is near zero• [11:00] How Revolut and Nubank disrupted banking without reinventing the wheel , and what that means for crypto adoption by banks• [13:18] How OpenPayd differentiates: speed, product, tech, licensing, and becoming a one-stop-shop across fiat and blockchain rails• [18:03] The biggest trend at OpenPayd: financial institutions have become the number one vertical in under 15 months, driven by stablecoin adoption• [20:50] Running a bootstrapped company: the nice headache of keeping up with growth while staying compliant across 1,300+ institutional clients• [22:19] Lux's contrarian take: crypto isn't dead , the market has just matured because institutional money behaves differently than retail• [27:19] Why AI investment and geopolitical uncertainty have pulled capital away from crypto , and why that rotation will eventually reverse• [31:05] Lux's biggest challenge as CCO: reducing churn, staying relevant, and keeping one eye on short-term revenue and one on scalable growth• [32:49] OpenPayd's 2-3 year roadmap: US expansion later this year, then Latam and Asia , building both sides of the stablecoin sandwich• [34:41] On fundraising: profitable for five years, no need to raise, but never ruling it out

 EPISODE DESCRIPTION I sat down with Brian Gerrard, founder of PaySlice, who spent seven years living across Latin America before building one of the most human-centered fintech startups I have come across. Brian started by connecting friends in emerging markets with remote jobs, then realized they were losing massive chunks of their income to inflation and bad exchange rates. That led him to build PaySlice , a platform that lets workers access their earned wages daily and get paid in stablecoins instead of a depreciating local currency. We talk about how he grew to nearly 10,000 users mostly through word of mouth, why he chose payroll over remittances, how he is embedding PaySlice into gaming and credit apps with zero customer acquisition cost, and where he sees this going as one point two billion people receive a paycheck every month. This is a real conversation about real problems, real traction, and what it actually takes to build something that matters. DISCLAIMERNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/ CONNECT PaySlice Website: https://www.payslice.comBrian Gerrard LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjgerrard/Brian Gerrard Email: mailto:brian@payslice.comWeb3 with Sam Kamani: https://www.web3pod.xyz/ KEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS • [00:01] Sam introduces Brian Gerrard from PaySlice and the show's focus on payment infrastructure innovation• [01:36] Brian shares his background , leaving San Francisco to explore Latin America, which turned into a seven-year journey• [02:59] How Brian's staffing agency workers in Argentina, Colombia, and Jamaica asked to be paid daily and in USD, sparking the PaySlice idea• [03:58] PaySlice launches and grows to nearly 10,000 employees on the platform• [05:04] Why stablecoins have real product-market fit , stablecoin transaction volumes now surpassing Visa and Mastercard combined• [07:18] The B2C and B2B sides of PaySlice and which industries are gaining traction, including staffing agencies and payroll companies• [09:30] How traditional payroll tools force-convert currencies and silently take 3.5% from employees without employers knowing• [12:08] How PaySlice acquired most of its users through word-of-mouth and a referral boost mechanic• [13:21] Plans for a physical card launch in 18 countries in Q3 or Q4• [16:34] Brian's growth marketing background at Twitch, where he scaled to 25 million monthly active users• [17:44] Using paid advertising in English and Spanish to target the US-Latin America remittance corridor• [19:08] How analyzing user transaction data via Plaid led to zero-CAC distribution deals with credit repair and mobile gaming companies• [21:03] Companies Brian admires , Revolut and Wise for solving currency frustration at scale• [22:22] The most misunderstood part of crypto-powered payroll and why employers need more empathy toward employees in unstable currencies• [23:05] Founder advice: listen to the market, hold beliefs loosely, and recognize the difference between good struggle and the wrong fit• [30:29] Brian's 10-year vision , getting 1.2 billion monthly paycheck recipients paid every day instead of once a month• [31:27] PaySlice's current seed raise, embedded finance partnership opportunities, and revenue share model

EPISODE DESCRIPTIONI sat down with Amit Mahensaria, co-founder of Pred, to explore why the $500 billion sports betting industry is ripe for disruption. Amit isn't a typical Web3 founder , he came in as a degen, a 22-year sports trader who got tired of the house always winning. In this episode, we dig into how Pred is building a trustless, peer-to-peer sports prediction exchange on Base, why live sports demand a completely different architecture than general prediction markets like Polymarket, and what it really takes to build an on-chain order book that can keep up with a goal being scored in real time. We also get into the state of the prediction market industry, who's going to win the space, and why Amit believes the Hyperliquid of sports trading hasn't been built yet , until now. DISCLAIMERNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/CONNECTPred Website: https://www.pred.app/trade/fif-cdr-den-2026-06-03Twitter/X - Pred: https://x.com/predofficialWeb3 with Sam Kamani: https://www.web3pod.xyz/KEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS• [00:02] Sam introduces Amit Mahensaria, co-founder of Pred, a sports-native prediction exchange at the intersection of AI, crypto, and blockchain• [01:11] Amit shares his background , not a typical Web3 founder, but a 22-year sports trader and DeFi degen since the 2020 DeFi Summer• [02:32] His co-founder is a Web3 OG and former product and design head of Binance India• [03:38] The origin story: Amit built a peer-to-peer sports trading community 7 years ago after getting frustrated with sportsbook middlemen always taking a cut• [05:43] The core thesis , middlemen are being removed from every industry, and sports betting is one of the last frontiers where the house still always wins• [07:16] Why general-purpose prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi are not designed for sports UX or speed• [10:27] The biggest technical challenges: building an off-chain order book with on-chain matching, achieving 10x lower latency than competitors, and managing correlated multi-outcome order books in real time• [14:44] The Venn diagram problem , crypto users and frequent sports traders overlap by around 40%, poker bettors and crypto users by 60%• [16:29] How Pred abstracts crypto complexity away for mainstream users, and partnerships with fund.xyz and swap.com for on-ramping• [17:47] Key product learnings from 200-250 beta users over 8 weeks , sports UX must look nothing like a financial trading terminal• [19:47] Why Pred chose to build on Base , speed via Flash Blocks, distribution, and a roadmap conversation with Jesse Pollak• [21:55] The prediction market landscape has over 120 projects, but the space is still very early , the Hyperliquid of prediction markets hasn't emerged yet• [25:54] Pred is coming out of invite-only beta and opening to the public by end of month, starting with soccer only• [28:46] Advice for Web3 founders , do not launch a points program before you have PMF; GTM too early will kill you• [32:22] Long-term vision: a trustless, globally accessible sports trading exchange where users own the platform and trust every trade• [34:09] Liquidity management strategy , a transparent algo-driven vault similar to Hyperliquid's HLP, plus easy API onboarding for sports-focused market makers• [38:20] Current asks: users who want to trade and give feedback, sports-focused market makers, and a larger fundraise planned post-public launch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode of Web3 with Sam Kamani, I sit down with Kallol from Verified Network, a group at the forefront of tokenized financial products and real-world assets (RWAs).Kallol shares his journey from traditional entrepreneurship to building infrastructure that bridges traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). We talk about the gaps in private banking access, the massive opportunity among the next 750 million investors, and how Verified is building rails for affordable, accessible, and liquid RWA investing.We also dig into how Verified handles compliance, custody, and global issuance across multiple regulated entities. Finally, Kallol reveals what's next in 2026, from fixed-income DeFi distribution to tokenizing mutual funds and expanding partnerships worldwide.

In this episode of Web3 with Sam Kamani, we dive deep into the future of AI and decentralized compute with Gaurav from io.net. From building in Linux file systems to scaling GPU infrastructure for global AI workloads, Gaurav shares what it takes to create a high-impact product in today's Web3 x AI gold rush.We explore the vision behind io.net—making AI compute more accessible and affordable by decentralizing infrastructure. Gaurav Sharma also opens up about the real challenges of scaling, how their community drives product evolution, and what founders often get wrong when launching AI startups.If you're a founder, developer, or investor in AI or Web3, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and behind-the-scenes insights from someone who's building at the bleeding edge.Key Learnings + Timestamps[00:01:00] Gaurav's journey from Linux systems to Web3 and AI[00:03:30] The problem with monopolies in AI compute pricing[00:05:00] io.net's vision: Giving power back to builders[00:07:00] Decentralized compute vs. traditional hyperscalers[00:08:30] Two types of users io.net serves (technical & abstracted)[00:10:30] Why agents will thrive in Web3 and how AI agents will need crypto[00:12:00] Real-world use cases and who is already using io.net[00:14:30] Challenges of building decentralized infra with real utility[00:17:00] What most people misunderstand about building AI products[00:18:00] Why the compute demand will keep growing – the flywheel effect[00:21:30] What Gaurav would do differently if starting io.net today[00:24:00] How they ensure GPU quality across a decentralized network[00:27:00] Advice for new founders: Start with utility, not just narrative[00:30:00] io.net's 6-month roadmap and product ecosystem vision[00:32:00] Call for collaborators, data engineers, and AI sales talentConnectX: https://x.com/ionetDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/ionetofficialTelegram: https://t.me/io_netLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ionet-official/Medium: https://medium.com/@ionetGaurav Sharma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/searchgauravsharma/?originalSubdomain=th DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment or financial advice and please do your own research.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/

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/

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/

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/

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, 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/

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/

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/

In this episode of Web3 with Sam Kamani, Sam is joined by co-host Amanda Whitcroft to interview Hoansoo Lee, co-founder of Exabits.ai. With a PhD from Harvard and deep expertise in edge computing, Hoansoo shares how Exabits is decentralizing the GPU cloud for AI by combining high-performance chips like the H100 and Blackwell with tokenized infrastructure on Web3 rails.They explore why AI compute is the "new energy," how Exabits differentiates from competitors like CoreWeave, and the opportunities for DeFi and structured finance in this emerging landscape. Hoansoo also discusses the limitations of decentralized compute, the challenges around AI experimentation, and how data, compute, and causality intersect in building next-gen AI.Whether you're a founder building in AI, a researcher, or a curious investor, this episode is packed with deep insights into the future of decentralized compute and what's next in the AI x Web3 convergence.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces co-host Amanda and guest Hoansoo Lee from Exabits.ai.[00:01:00] What is Exabits?: Hoansoo explains Exabits in one sentence—high-quality GPU compute for AI.[00:02:00] Who Uses It: Discussing their customer base across Web2 and Web3.[00:03:00] Hardware Stack: Exabits runs 60,000+ GPUs including H100s and Blackwells.[00:04:00] Competitive Landscape: Why Exabits is different from other Web3 dePIN projects.[00:05:00] Founding Story: How a background in edge computing led to building Exabits.[00:06:00] Go-to-Market: Customer acquisition through partnerships, referrals, and conferences.[00:07:00] Growth Opportunity: Why structured finance and GPU financialization is the next big thing.[00:08:00] AI Efficiency vs. Demand: DeepSeek, scaling laws, and the compute boom.[00:10:00] Energy + Compute: AI's demand for energy and its parallels to historical tech trends.[00:11:00] Decentralized Compute: Limitations of latency-sensitive decentralized AI infrastructure.[00:13:00] AI = Bitcoin Mining 2.0: The evolution from minting Bitcoin to minting intelligence.[00:14:00] Pillars of AI: From compute/data/models to experimentation and causal inference.[00:17:00] AI Limits: Why synthetic data can't replace real-world experimentation.[00:18:00] Scarcity & Innovation: How chip scarcity could spark further innovation.[00:20:00] In-House Servers: Why building H200 racks in-house is a differentiator.[00:21:00] How It Works: A user's experience on Exabits from login to compute access.[00:23:00] Founder Advice: Hoansoo's take on building something with real customers and solid fundamentals[00:24:00] Roadmap: Data center expansion, orchestration features, and governance via staking.[00:25:00] TGE Ahead: Exabits' upcoming token generation event and next steps.Connecthttps://www.exabits.ai/https://www.linkedin.com/company/exabitsai/https://x.com/exa_bitshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hoansoo-lee-21586b9/https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-whitcroft-324879164/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, Brayden Doig from Abyss joins Sam Kamani to discuss his innovative trading card game powered by AI. He shares how Abyss is merging AI with storytelling to create unique, one-of-one NFTs that evolve through user choices. Brayden also dives into his involvement with the Taste Foundation and how AI can transform the entertainment landscape. He talks about his artistic journey and how artists should embrace AI technology while preserving their craft. Plus, he gives valuable advice for Web3 gaming founders navigating the post-2022 downturn. If you're interested in gaming, art, NFTs, and AI, this episode is a must-listen!Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Brayden and previews the topics of AI, art, NFTs, and gaming.[00:02:00] Abyss Overview: Brayden explains how Abyss is a one-of-one AI-powered trading card game.[00:03:30] How It Works: Soul-bound NFTs, player choices, and AI-generated cards.[00:06:00] Art Style: How Brayden trained AI on his own digital artwork for Abyss.[00:08:30] AI + Artists: Brayden discusses how artists can use AI without losing ownership or identity.[00:10:00] Protecting Artists: Smart contracts, zk proofs, and Taste's focus on ethical AI.[00:12:00] AI as a Creative Partner: How AI enhances creativity instead of replacing it.[00:15:00] Embracing Change: What past tech shifts can teach us about adopting AI today.[00:16:30] Abyss Roadmap: Phases, data collection, and long-term gameplay powered by AI.[00:20:30] White-Labelling the Platform: The broader vision for creative industries.[00:21:00] AI Agents in Gaming: Will autonomous agents soon play alongside human characters?[00:24:00] Collecting Metadata: Why choices matter in building future gameplay.[00:27:30] Advice to Web3 Creators: Tenacity, creativity, and finding the right people.[00:30:00] Enemies Mean Progress: What gaming teaches us about startup adversity.[00:32:00] The Ask: Taste Foundation is closing their seed round and seeking artists & IP holders.Connecthttps://abyss.cards/https://x.com/abysscardshttps://x.com/froyd_arthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brayden-doig/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 of Web3 with Sam Kamani, recorded live at Digital Asset Summit in New York, I sit down with Paul Talbert from ATV Fund to discuss how they're transforming fixed-income investing through tokenization.Paul explains how mortgage-backed securities (MBS), a traditionally illiquid asset class, are now being made accessible, efficient, and transparent through blockchain. We talk about how this tokenized product compares to stable coins, why it appeals to global investors, and the challenges of scaling a compliant, yield-bearing Web3 fund.We also dive into the convergence of AI, DeFi, and traditional finance, the growing acceptance of tokenized RWAs, and how ATV is positioning itself to serve institutions, family offices, and—soon—retail.If you're curious about tokenized treasuries, on-chain income, or how crypto can bridge the TradFi gap, this episode is for you.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Paul Delbert from ATV Fund, recorded live at DAS NYC.[00:01:00] What is ATV Fund: Paul explains their focus on tokenized mortgage-backed securities.[00:02:00] Why Tokenization: How ATV is building the ETF equivalent for real-world assets.[00:04:00] Tax Efficiency & Yield: Why tokenized MBS offer advantages over ETFs and stablecoins.[00:06:00] Access & Participation: How accredited investors can buy into ATV's two tokenized products.[00:08:00] Sovereign Wealth & Institutional Appetite: Paul explains their go-to-market focus.[00:09:00] Industry Trends: How growing government support is reshaping crypto finance.[00:11:00] Benefits of MBS: Exposure to USD, low risk, and global investor appeal.[00:13:00] Stablecoins vs Tokenized Assets: Why ATV offers a better alternative for yield-seeking investors.[00:15:00] Wallet Recovery & KYC: How ATV balances self-custody with investor safety.[00:16:00] Main Challenges: Scaling the fund and educating the market.[00:17:00] What Keeps Him Up: Navigating fast-moving AI and DeFi integrations.[00:19:00] The Big Ask: Paul shares ATV's upcoming raise and what they're looking for.Connecthttps://atvfund.io/https://www.linkedin.com/company/atvfund/https://x.com/ATVFund/https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-talbert-85732a333/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 taking photos could earn you rewards?Most Web3 games struggle with retention, but Snpit has built a thriving community in Japan, Italy & beyond—and their users keep coming back.In this episode of Web3 with Sam Kamani, I talk to Ani from Snpit.xyz about: ✅ How Snpit gamifies photography with battles, leaderboards & NFTs ✅ The secret to acquiring & keeping real Web3 users ✅ How Japan's unique market shaped Snpit's success ✅ Why Web3 projects need sustainable business models✅ How Snpit is integrating AR & real-world rewardsIf you're a Web3 founder struggling with user retention, this episode is for you.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Ani from Snpit, a Web3 photography GameFi platform that's growing fast in Japan & Italy.[00:01:00] What is Snpit?A "Snap-to-Earn" platform that rewards users for taking photosPhoto battles where users compete & vote on the best picturesBuilding an authentic, unprocessed photo database[00:03:00] Ani's Journey into Web3Started as a casual crypto investor before diving in full-timeFascinated by GameFi, tokenomics & business modelsThe challenges & rewards of working on a Web3 startup[00:05:00] How Snpit Works—A Step-by-Step Guide

What if we could trade without trusting anyone?Crypto promised decentralization, but most trading still relies on centralized exchanges.In this episode of Web3 with Sam Kamani, I sit down with Alexis from Yellow.com to discuss: ✅ Why trustless trading is the missing piece in crypto✅ How Yellow is bringing Lightning Network principles to trading ✅ The billion-dollar opportunity in building a trustless settlement layer ✅ Lessons from Bitcoin, Ethereum & early crypto pioneers✅ Why traditional finance will soon adopt trustless tradingYellow.com is building the infrastructure to remove trust from trading—just like Bitcoin did for money.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Alexis from Yellow.com and the discussion on trustless trading, crypto innovation & finance disruption.[00:01:00] Who is Alexis?Co-founder of Yellow.com & GSR, two major crypto firmsA crypto OG since 2013, involved in Bitcoin, Ethereum, & RippleBuilt two companies with 500+ employees globally[00:03:00] What is Yellow.com?A trustless trading infrastructure that removes counterparty riskUses Ethereum state channels for instant PNL settlementsA missing piece in Satoshi's vision—removing trust from trading[00:05:00] Why is Trustless Trading So Important?Trust limits financial innovationBitcoin removed trust in money; Yellow removes trust in tradingMost crypto trading still relies on trusted intermediaries[00:07:00] How Yellow Uses State Channels for Instant Profit SettlementSimilar to Lightning Network but for tradingTrades settle instantly without requiring counterparty trustInstitutions & retail can trade against exchanges without risk[00:10:00] How Big is the Trading Industry?Payments industry: $8 Trillion per dayTrading industry: $650 Trillion per dayCrypto trading is tiny in comparison—trustless trading unlocks new markets[00:12:00] How Yellow Compares to Clearing Houses in Traditional FinanceClearSync smart contracts replace clearing housesAutomated, trustless arbitration using EthereumFaster, cheaper, and safer than legacy systems[00:14:00] Biggest Challenges in Building YellowEducating institutions & traders on trustless tradingAdoption curve similar to Bitcoin & Ethereum in the early daysConvincing major players to shift from centralized models[00:18:00] Lessons from Bitcoin & Ethereum's Early DaysVitalik Buterin & early Ethereum days in BarcelonaThe anti-system movement that fueled Bitcoin's riseWhy removing trust has always been the key innovation in crypto[00:21:00] The Future of Crypto Trading—Mergers, Acquisitions & ConsolidationMajor banks & exchanges will start consolidatingRobinhood acquiring Bitstamp, Crypto.com buying licensesTraditional finance is preparing for the crypto wave[00:25:00] Yellow's Growth & Future RoadmapLaunching a US-regulated public sale via RepublicExpanding partnerships with institutional players like HSBCBuilding a global community around trustless trading[00:27:00] Why the Name ‘Yellow'?Derived from the Dolch word list—one of the world's most recognized wordsInstant brand recognition across all languages & culturesA branding masterstroke for a global financial infrastructureConnecthttps://yellow.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/yellow-com/https://x.com/Yellowhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sirkia/https://x.com/AlexisYellowDisclaimerNothing 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 we bring the next billion users into Web3?So many crypto projects have promised mass adoption, but most new users don't stick around. What if we could change that?In this episode of Web3 with Sam Kamani, I sit down with Jack from TON Society to discuss: ✅ Why Telegram's ecosystem is key to onboarding millions✅ How TON Society is using gamification to build sticky communities ✅ The success of TON-based viral mini-apps & games ✅ What most crypto projects get wrong about user retention ✅ How to make Web3 invisible—so mass adoption can happenTON's ecosystem is growing fast—this episode will give you insights into why!Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Jack from TON Society and the discussion on crypto onboarding, gamification & community-building.[00:01:00] What is TON Society?A community-driven movement focused on developers & creatorsWhy TON leans into Telegram's activist cultureTON's mission: Frictionless transactions & global accessibility[00:03:00] Jack's Journey into TON SocietyTON Society started as grassroots events but grew to a global movementRunning 182+ events worldwide, onboarding thousands of developersWhy community-driven growth is TON's core strategy[00:05:00] TON's Expansion in the US & AsiaUS expansion plans with a friendlier crypto regulatory landscapeWhy Asia's developer ecosystem is perfect for TON's super app modelHow WeChat, Grab & Kakao prepared Asia for Telegram's mini-apps[00:07:00] Why Telegram's Distribution Model is a Game-ChangerTON leverages Telegram's unique viral mechanicsWhy TON mini-apps scale faster than traditional Web3 dAppsNo algorithmic censorship—every user sees content directly[00:10:00] The Virality of TON Mini-AppsHow Notcoin reached 35M users in 3 monthsHamster Kombat: 300M+ users in six monthsWhy Telegram's viral sharing beats traditional social media algorithms[00:12:00] The Problem With Incentivized GrowthTON's rapid growth attracted new users—but they didn't stickHow airdrops & tap-to-earn lead to high churn ratesThe key to sustainable adoption: strong post-airdrop utility[00:14:00] TON's Sustainable Growth ModelHow Bloom's DEX & MemePad strategy retains usersWhy tokens need real-world utility to avoid mass exitsWhat Web3 projects must learn from failed incentive programs[00:16:00] Gamifying Web3 Adoption: Open League & Hackers LeagueHow TON Society's competitions bring in high-quality developersHackathons fueling TON's developer ecosystemWhy Web3 needs better onboarding experiences for builders[00:18:00] TON's Big Bet: Skill-Based Gaming & Crypto AdoptionSkill-based competitions vs. Meme coins—why retention is 6x higherHow TON's gaming tournaments could drive real Web3 engagementThe missing piece: fun, sustainable, & rewarding games[00:22:00] Why Crypto Needs to Be Invisible for Mass AdoptionThe biggest misconception in Web3: people don't care about profitConvenience > Decentralization (for the average user)Why Web3 should work in the background, like any other tech[00:27:00] TON's Next Phase: Onboarding Household IPBringing major gaming IPs into TON's mini-app ecosystemHow TON is targeting mainstream entertainment brandsWhy traditional US-based IP might not be the future of gaming[00:30:00] Final Thoughts & Call to ActionTON Society is running more hackathons & looking for great buildersInvestors & projects looking to get involved in TON's ecosystemHow to connect with TON Society & start buildingConnecthttps://society.ton.org/https://www.linkedin.com/company/ton-society/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacbooth/https://x.com/ton_societyhttps://x.com/jbfxdotmeDisclaimerNothing 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/

Are NFTs dead? Or are they just evolving?In this episode of Web3 with Sam Kamani, I sit down with Neil from Mojito to explore how NFTs are still powering major brands, how real-world assets (RWAs) are reshaping digital ownership, and how loyalty programs in Web3 could be the next major adoption driver.Key topics we cover:✅ How major brands like Mercedes, Sotheby's & Pernod Ricard are using NFTs✅ Why RWAs and tokenized assets are the future of NFTs✅ The next evolution of NFTs—beyond collectibles to financial utility✅ How Web3 loyalty programs could reshape brand engagement✅ How Mojito is onboarding enterprises into Web3If you think NFTs are dead, this episode will change your mind!Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Neil from Mojito and the discussion around the evolution of NFTs & Web3 adoption.[00:01:00] Neil's Background & Journey into Web3 How curiosity about smart contracts led him to blockchain Moving from eCommerce & brand-building to NFTs & Web3[00:03:00] What is Mojito? Solving Enterprise NFT Adoption Mojito as a Web3 engagement platform Working with Mercedes-Benz, Sotheby's, Pernod Ricard & more Why brands still see value in NFTs & blockchain[00:05:00] Surviving the NFT Crash—How Mojito Pivoted & Thrived Why Mojito focused on enterprise clients rather than retail hype How the NFT winter separated speculation from real utility Lessons learned from Web3 booms & busts[00:08:00] Navigating Web3 Narratives: How to Build for Long-Term Success Why Web3 is obsessed with new trends (AI, RWAs, etc.) Should companies chase the latest narrative? How Mojito balances innovation with customer needs[00:10:00] AI, NFTs & The Evolution of Web3 Engagement Why AI agents & NFTs will eventually converge How trading bots & automation are already using Mojito's marketplaces The hidden infrastructure powering Web3 innovation[00:12:00] What Does an NFT Partnership Look Like? How brands integrate NFTs into their strategy Real-world assets (RWAs) & tokenized collectibles The role of Web3 consulting in onboarding enterprises[00:15:00] Introducing Mojito Loyalty—A New Approach to Web3 Engagement Why existing loyalty programs (points, miles) are broken How blockchain-based loyalty can increase engagement Partnerships with Sweet Blockchain for low fees & fast transactions[00:17:00] NFT Lending, DeFi & Unlocking New NFT Utility How tokenized RWAs are being used as DeFi collateral Why fractionalization & lending will change NFT finance The rise of NFT-backed stablecoin loans & liquid staking strategies[00:20:00] The Future of NFTs—Utility Will Win Why NFTs will eventually move into the background The transition from speculation to real-world use cases NFTs as protocols rather than products[00:23:00] Final Thoughts & Call to Action Mojito is launching a free-tier loyalty program for brands How any business can experiment with Web3 engagement Connect with Mojito & explore their latest productsConnecthttps://getmojito.com/https://x.com/mojito_nfthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/mojitoinc/https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmullins/https://x.com/wordsofneilDisclaimerNothing 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/

Is the internet becoming more centralized and restricted?

Can tokenization unlock financial access for millions?In this episode of Web3 with Sam Kamani, I sit down with Jose from OwnChain, live at Consensus 2025 in Hong Kong, to discuss how OwnChain is bringing real-world assets (RWA) on-chain and revolutionizing financial markets.

Are stablecoins too centralized? Is there a way to get high yields without sacrificing decentralization?In this episode of Web3 with Sam Kamani, I sit down with Jean from Smardex, live at Consensus 2025 in Hong Kong, to discuss how Smardex is pushing the boundaries of stablecoins with USDN—the first fully decentralized synthetic dollar.

In this episode of Web3 with Sam Kamani, I sit down with Michael O'Rourke from Pocket Network & Grove to discuss the future of decentralized infrastructure in Web3.Key topics we cover:

In this episode ofWeb3 with Sam Kamani, I sit down withJohn Woods, CTO of Algorand, to discusshow Algorand is pushing the boundaries of blockchain technology andwhere AI and decentralization intersect.Key topics we cover:

In this episode ofWeb3 with Sam Kamani, I chat withMarcel & Dmitry from Subsquid aboutAI agents, Web3 data, and the future of decentralized infrastructure.

In this episode ofWeb3 with Sam Kamani, I chat withEvan from Mintify about how they're buildingthe ultimate platform for trading on-chain assets—NFTs, tokens, and beyond.

In this episode ofWeb3 with Sam Kamani, I chat withJerry from Apex Fusion about their ambitious goal ofbuilding a next-gen Layer 1 blockchain that merges the best of Bitcoin & Ethereum.

In this episode of Web3 with Sam Kamani, I talk with Amos Whitewolf, the Co-Founder of Perion, about the next evolution of gaming, Web3 adoption, and how Perion is creating a meta-layer for competitive gaming.

In this episode of Web3 with Sam Kamani, I talk with Hadley Stern, Chief Commercial Officer at Marinade Finance, about staking on Solana, institutional DeFi adoption, and how Marinade is revolutionizing staking yields. Marinade is Solana's largest staking marketplace, managing over $2B TVL. Unlike other providers, Marinade does not run its own validators—it decentralizes Solana by automatically distributing stake across 100+ validators for maximum yield and network security.

In this episode of Web3 with Sam Kamani, I speak with Chris Chung, co-founder of TitanDex, a DEX aggregator built on Solana. TitanDex aims to provide traders with the best swap prices by aggregating liquidity from multiple DEXs, reducing slippage, front-running, and MEV attacks.

In this episode of Web3 with Sam Kamani, I speak with Roman Saganov, founder of Antix, where they're building AI-powered digital humans that merge Web3, gaming, and generative AI. With a background in developing PUBG, FIFA, Game of Thrones, and more, Roman and his team are now bringing digital twins, AI agents, and blockchain identity verification to content creation.