Episodios

  • Kim Currier -- Building Community in the Metaverse with Decentraland
    May 21 2025

    Summary

    In this conversation, Kim Currier, Head of Partnerships and Marketing at Decentraland Foundation, discusses her journey into the crypto space, the unique aspects of Decentraland as a social virtual world, and the various user experiences it offers. She highlights the importance of brand partnerships in creating engaging experiences and shares insights on community growth strategies, including the introduction of marketplace credits to enhance user engagement and digital identity. In this conversation, Kim Currier from Decentraland discusses the innovative ways users can earn credits through engagement, the importance of social interaction, and the emotional stories that emerge from the virtual world. She highlights the community's growth, the welcoming approach for Web2 users, and the various events and opportunities available within Decentraland. The conversation also touches on the relationships formed in the virtual space and the potential for educational experiences.


    Takeaways


    — Kim Currier transitioned from traditional marketing to the crypto space during the pandemic.

    — Decentraland is a social virtual world focused on user-generated content.

    — The platform allows users to build and experience a 3D world collaboratively.

    — Friendship gatherings and parties are the most popular use cases in Decentraland.

    — Brands are encouraged to create engaging experiences rather than just advertisements.

    — Partnerships with brands like Doritos and Mountain Dew focus on providing value to users.

    — Events play a crucial role in attracting new users to Decentraland.

    — Marketplace credits will incentivize users to engage with their digital identity.

    — The community in Decentraland is characterized by generosity and gifting.

    — Decentraland aims to connect individuals across the globe in a virtual space.

    — Users can earn credits by engaging in various activities in Decentraland.

    — Social interaction is a key focus, encouraging users to meet and connect.

    — Creators receive 97.5% of sales, promoting a creator-first economy.

    — Badges and achievements enhance user experience and engagement.

    — Emotional stories highlight the impact of Decentraland on users' lives.

    — The platform fosters real friendships and connections, even romantic ones.

    — Decentraland is making efforts to welcome Web2 users without requiring crypto knowledge.

    — Upcoming events aim to enhance community engagement and participation.

    — Training and educational opportunities are being explored within the platform.

    — The community is active and continuously creating new experiences.

    Chapters

    — (00:00) Introduction to Decentraland and Kim Currier

    — (02:07) Journey into the Crypto Space

    — (04:11) Understanding Decentraland: A Virtual World

    — (08:18) User Experiences in Decentraland

    — (13:54) Brand Partnerships and Engagement Strategies

    — (19:32) Growth Strategies and Community Engagement

    — (27:04) Earning Credits Through Engagement

    — (29:10) Bragging Rights and Social Interaction

    — (31:36) Emotional Stories from Decentraland

    — (36:17) Building Relationships in the Virtual World

    — (39:22) Welcoming Web2 Users to Decentraland

    — (43:14) Exploring Training and Educational Opportunities

    — (45:12) Upcoming Events and Community Engagement


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    52 m
  • Ben Celermajer--Synthetix Bets Big on Ethereum Mainnet with Derive Perp DEX and Infinex Integration
    May 19 2025

    Summary

    In this conversation, Ben Celermajer, the Strategy Lead at Synthetix, discusses the evolution of Synthetix from its origins as Haven to its current state in the DeFi landscape. He highlights the challenges faced by the platform, including the need for a new direction encapsulated in SIP 420, which aims to put the SNX token back at the core of the ecosystem. Ben emphasizes the importance of user engagement and product performance, outlining Synthetix's strategy to revitalize its offerings and attract new users. The conversation also touches on the broader DeFi ecosystem and the competitive landscape, with a focus on simplifying the user experience and enhancing community involvement.


    Takeaways


    — Synthetix has a rich history in the DeFi space.

    — The transition from Haven to Synthetix marked a significant evolution.

    — SIP 420 aims to reestablish the SNX token's importance.

    — User engagement is crucial for Synthetix's future success.

    — The platform is shifting towards a product-led strategy.

    — Synthetix aims to simplify the user experience for new users.

    — The DeFi landscape is highly competitive and requires innovation.

    — Community involvement is key to Synthetix's revitalization efforts.

    — Synthetix is focusing on performance over decentralization in product development.

    — Future updates and product releases are expected to increase.


    Chapters


    - (00:00) Introduction to Synthetix and Ben Celermajer

    - (01:39) The Evolution of Synthetix: From Haven to Today

    - (04:45) SIP 420: A New Direction for Synthetix

    - (11:06) Reassessing Product Strategy and User Engagement

    - (20:20) The Renaissance of Synthetix: Revitalizing the Ecosystem

    - (25:14) Targeting New Users: Simplifying the Experience

    - (36:32) Future Directions and Community Engagement


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    45 m
  • Reka--RISC ZERO, Launching Boundless, Access Verifiable ZK Proofs and Computation on Any Chain
    May 15 2025

    Summary

    In this conversation, Reka, the Director of Marketing at RISC ZERO, shares her unique journey from veterinary medicine to the world of crypto. She discusses her experiences in community building through Guild, the innovative technology behind Boundless, and the challenges of promoting zero-knowledge (ZK) technology. Reka emphasizes the importance of making ZK relatable and accessible, while also introducing the concept of the Berry as a new approach to verifiable compute. In this conversation, Reka discusses the innovative marketing strategies employed for the launch of Boundless, focusing on making zero-knowledge (ZK) technology more accessible and engaging. She emphasizes the importance of community involvement, creative storytelling, and the use of NFTs to create a relatable brand narrative. Reka shares insights on building trust within the team and the community, as well as the challenges of changing perceptions in a technical field. The conversation highlights the significance of co-creation and flexibility in marketing approaches, particularly in the crypto space.


    Takeaways

    – Reka transitioned from veterinary medicine to crypto through a series of fortunate events.
    – Her experiences in volunteering and entrepreneurship shaped her journey into the crypto space.
    – Working in veterinary medicine provided her with valuable life lessons and friendships.
    – Guild.xyz serves as a community-building tool in the crypto industry.
    – Boundless aims to make zero-knowledge technology more accessible to developers.
    – ZK technology has the potential to solve scalability issues in blockchain.
    – The Berry represents a new approach to verifiable compute in the crypto space.
    – ZK has a perception problem that needs to be addressed for wider adoption.
    – Reka believes in the importance of community and collaboration in crypto.
    – The future of ZK technology could revolutionize how we interact with blockchains. We need to bring it down and make it more accessible.
    – How do we make this more fun?
    – The proof isn’t just being made; it’s about its use.
    – Proof of verifiable work is useful and beneficial.
    – This is our product analogy for better understanding.
    – We had 1.5 million mints in 48 hours, showing engagement.
    – It’s important to involve people in the reading process.
    – We had over 10,000 proof of reads, indicating interest.
    – Co-creation with the community is essential for success.
    – It’s done with love and intention, which resonates with the audience.

    Chapters

    (00:00) From Veterinary Medicine to Crypto: A Unique Journey
    (08:59) Building Communities in Crypto: The Guild Experience
    (12:01) Exploring Zero Knowledge Technology: The Rise of Boundless
    (22:06) Understanding ZK: Overcoming Misconceptions and Challenges
    (29:54) Introducing the Berry: A New Approach to Verifiable Compute
    (31:13) Making ZK Accessible and Fun
    (36:48) The Power of Community Engagement
    (41:54) Building Trust and Collaboration
    (46:13) Innovative Launch Strategies
    (52:31) Co-Creation and Flexibility in Marketing


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    58 m
  • Harrison Hines--Fleek and The Future of AI Agents and Crypto
    May 12 2025

    Summary


    In this conversation, Harrison Hines, co-founder of Fleek, shares his journey into the crypto space, the evolution of Fleek, and the company's focus on AI agents and trusted execution environments. He discusses the implications of recent developments in AI, particularly the emergence of DeepSeek and its impact on the market. Hines emphasizes the importance of simplifying technology for users and developers, and outlines Fleek's core offerings and target audience in the rapidly evolving landscape of web infrastructure and AI. In this conversation, Harrison discusses the rapid growth of prompt-based web app building products, particularly focusing on Fleek's strategy to target non-technical users with their agent products. He emphasizes the importance of market research and customer development in shaping their offerings. The conversation also highlights the need for improved user experience, especially for non-developers, and explores the potential of token models in engaging the community and aligning incentives. Harrison shares insights on the infrastructure needed to support innovation and lower barriers for users, ultimately aiming to create a seamless experience for building and deploying agents.


    Takeaways


    — Harrison Hines transitioned from equity crowdfunding to crypto after discovering Ethereum.

    — Fleek aims to simplify the deployment of AI agents for non-technical users.

    — The recent developments in AI, particularly with DeepSeek, are seen as bullish for the industry.

    — Fleek’s infrastructure leverages trusted execution environments for AI agent hosting.

    — The company is focused on lowering the barrier for non-technical users to engage with AI agents.

    — Fleek’s core offerings include website and app hosting, as well as AI agent hosting.

    — The importance of privacy and verifiability in AI agents is emphasized.

    — Fleek’s approach is to provide a user-friendly experience without overwhelming users with technical details.

    — The company is positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for AI agents in various applications.

    — Fleek’s infrastructure decisions are driven by the needs of its products and services.

    — Bolt.new achieved 20 million in ARR in two months.

    — Targeting non-technical users is a key strategy.

    — Market research is crucial for understanding user needs.

    — Lowering costs can drive innovation in agent deployment.

    — User experience improvements are on the horizon.

    — Agents could become the new apps on phones.

    — Token models can enhance community engagement.

    — Infrastructure is essential for enabling new platforms.

    — Listening to customer feedback drives product development.

    — The future of agents is promising across various industries.


    Chapters


    (00:00) Harrison Hines: From Startup to Crypto Pioneer

    (03:01) Fleek: Revolutionizing AI Agent Deployment

    (05:57) DeepSeek and OpenAI: The Cost of Innovation

    (09:03) Fleek’s Positioning in the AI Agent Landscape

    (11:47) Trusted Execution Environments: The Future of AI Agents

    (15:11) Simplifying Privacy for Users and Developers

    (17:57) Fleek’s Core Offerings and Target Audience

    (34:50) The Rise of Prompt-Based Web App Building

    (38:53) Understanding the Agent Space and Market Research

    (43:04) Infrastructure for Innovation: Lowering Barriers

    (46:57) Enhancing User Experience for Non-Technical Users

    (52:41) Token Models and Community Engagement


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    1 h y 5 m
  • Steven Waterhouse--Nazare Ventures and Why AI First, Crypto Second, Builders Will Win
    May 7 2025

    Summary


    In this conversation, Steven Waterhouse discusses his extensive background in technology and venture capital, focusing on his transition from crypto to AI. He emphasizes the enabling nature of AI as a technology that enhances human capabilities rather than detracting from them. Waterhouse explores the evolution of AI, its applications, and the challenges it faces, including the Turing test and the need for better understanding of language and context. He also discusses the intersection of AI and crypto, advocating for an AI-first approach in product development, and highlights the potential for AI to improve efficiency and profitability in various sectors. In this conversation, Steven Waterhouse discusses the future of data and machine learning, the role of crypto as an incentive mechanism, and the importance of decentralization in technology. He emphasizes the need for innovative AI infrastructure and the potential for AI to evolve from the crypto space. The discussion also touches on the intersection of AI and zero-knowledge (ZK) technology, highlighting the opportunities for privacy and decentralized applications.


    Takeaways


    — Steven Waterhouse has a rich background in technology and venture capital.

    — AI is seen as an enabling technology that enhances human capabilities.

    — The transition from crypto to AI reflects a broader trend in technology.

    — Understanding AI requires a grasp of its foundational elements, including data and models.

    — The Turing test highlights the ongoing challenges in AI's understanding of human language.

    — AI and crypto can intersect, but the focus should be on AI first.

    — Product market fit is crucial for successful ventures in both AI and crypto.

    — AI has the potential to make companies more profitable by improving efficiency.

    — The future of AI involves collaboration between humans and machines.

    — Innovative approaches in AI development can lead to significant advancements.

    — The future of data involves labeling messy data for machine learning.

    — Synthetic data can be effective for training models.

    — Decentralization is key to overcoming centralized control.

    — Investing in AI infrastructure is crucial for future developments.

    — Crypto can serve as an incentive mechanism in technology.

    — The focus is shifting from crypto to AI applications.

    — Digital art and gaming will continue to evolve.

    — ZK technology is becoming more relevant and ready for use.

    — Trust between AI agents is a significant challenge.

    — Collaboration and support are essential in the tech industry.


    Chapters


    (00:00) Introduction to Steven Waterhouse

    (02:05) Career Journey and Transition to AI

    (05:14) AI as an Enabling Technology

    (08:28) Understanding AI: From Data to Applications

    (13:06) The Evolution of AI and Its Challenges

    (15:51) AI and the Turing Test

    (16:31) The Intersection of AI and Crypto

    (22:17) AI-First Approach in Product Development

    (28:03) Future of AI and Human Collaboration

    (30:02) The Future of Data and Machine Learning

    (33:06) Crypto as an Incentive Mechanism

    (36:01) Decentralization and Centralized Control

    (39:03) Investing in AI Infrastructure

    (43:11) Pivoting from Crypto to AI

    (46:57) Exploring AI and ZK Opportunities


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    57 m
  • Orkun Kilic--Citrea: The First Bitcoin ZK Rollup
    May 5 2025

    Summary

    In this conversation, Orkun Kilic, co-founder of Citrea, shares his journey into the world of cryptocurrency, detailing how he transitioned from skepticism to becoming a key player in the Bitcoin ecosystem. He explains the concept of ZK rollups and their significance in making Bitcoin programmable, addressing the technical challenges faced in building on Bitcoin. Orkun discusses the potential for DeFi on Bitcoin and the importance of user experience in driving adoption. He emphasizes the need for a robust developer ecosystem to support innovative applications built on Citrea, aiming to enhance the usability of Bitcoin for everyday users. In this conversation, Orkun Kilic from Citrea discusses the innovative features of their platform, including the use of Bitcoin as a guest token and the unique smart contract capabilities. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong developer community through initiatives like the Origins program and hacker houses. The discussion also touches on branding strategies, addressing skepticism about Bitcoin's programmability, and the lessons learned in balancing technical development with community engagement.


    Takeaways


    — Orkun’s journey into crypto began with skepticism about Bitcoin.

    — ZK rollups are crucial for making Bitcoin programmable.

    — Building on Bitcoin presents unique technical challenges.

    — Collaboration with other ZK projects is essential for growth.

    — DeFi on Bitcoin has immense potential due to its large user base.

    — User experience is key to driving Bitcoin adoption.

    — Citrea aims to abstract the complexities of Bitcoin for users.

    — The first ZK rollup on Bitcoin sets a precedent for future projects.

    — Native applications are prioritized for better user experience.

    — Citrea is focused on creating applications that meet real user needs. Citrea deploys smart contracts on Bitcoin using EIP 7720.

    — The security of Citrea is closely tied to Bitcoin’s decentralization.

    — Citrea aims to support high-value applications, not meme coins.

    — The Origins program focuses on incubating early-stage projects.

    — Hacker houses foster community and developer engagement.

    — Branding is crucial for creating an ecosystem around Citrea.

    — Authentic community engagement is more valuable than mere metrics.

    — Skepticism about Bitcoin’s capabilities can be addressed through organic growth.

    — Balancing technical development with community building is essential.

    — Building something influential requires targeted user engagement.


    Chapters

    (00:00) Orkun’s Journey into Crypto

    (02:58) Understanding ZK Rollups and Bitcoin

    (05:59) The Technical Challenges of Building on Bitcoin

    (09:03) Collaborations and Partnerships in the ZK Space

    (11:51) The Potential of DeFi on Bitcoin

    (14:57) User Experience and Adoption Strategies

    (17:58) Building a Developer Ecosystem for Citrea

    (26:33) Building on Citrea: The Role of Smart Contracts

    (29:04) Understanding Citrea’s Data Availability and Security

    (31:29) Innovative Applications and Partnerships in Citrea

    (34:05) The Origins Program: Incubating Future Projects

    (35:58) Hacker Houses: Engaging Developers and Building Community

    (38:52) Branding and Community Building in the Crypto Space

    (43:03) Addressing Skepticism: The Long-Term Vision for Citrea

    (50:12) Lessons Learned: Balancing Technical and Community Growth


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    56 m
  • Jihao Sun--Flock.io Decentralized Federated Learning for Blockchain AI
    Apr 30 2025

    Summary

    In this conversation, Jihao Sun, co-founder of Flock, shares his journey from a background in computer science and AI to the creation of Flock, a platform that merges AI and blockchain technology. He discusses the importance of data in AI development, the challenges of building a two-sided market for data providers and engineers, and the strategies for fostering developer adoption. Sun emphasizes the significance of decentralization in the future of AI agents, aiming for a system where agents evolve independently through community input. In this conversation, Jihao Sun from Flock.io discusses the innovative approaches Flock is taking in the AI and blockchain space. He highlights the importance of user experience for validators, the collaboration with data providers, and the utility of the Flock token in governance. The conversation also covers the model store's role in the ecosystem, partnerships with firms like GSR, and the emphasis on privacy through federated learning. Sun shares insights on growth metrics and future aspirations for Flock, including making AI training accessible to a broader audience.


    Takeaways


    — Jihao Sun has a rich background in AI and finance.

    — Flock is a project that merges AI with blockchain technology.

    — Data is crucial for effective AI development.

    — Flock aims to give users control over their data.

    — The platform has a two-sided market for data providers and engineers.

    — Decentralization is key to the future of AI agents.

    — Flock's Testnet was launched last year, now on Mainnet.

    — The platform encourages community participation in AI training.

    — Flock addresses data silo issues in traditional industries.

    — The goal is to create AI agents that evolve independently. Flock has engaged a significant number of validators, enhancing user experience.

    — Data quality is crucial, and Flock collaborates with leading data layer companies.

    — The Flock token serves as a POS mechanism for governance and training.

    — Flock's model store allows users to launch and monetize their AI models.

    — Partnerships with firms like GSR focus on privacy-preserving AI training.

    — Federated learning ensures data privacy by keeping data local during training.

    — Accessibility is key; Flock aims to lower barriers for AI training.

    — Future growth metrics will focus on onboarding more business clients.

    — Flock is rebranding its model store to enhance user experience.

    — The vision for 2025 includes advancements in AI agents and hardware support.

    Timeline

    (00:00) Journey into AI and Blockchain

    (02:52) The Birth of Flock: Merging AI and Blockchain

    (05:58) Explaining Flock: From Mom to Target Customers

    (08:48) Building a Two-Sided Market: Data Providers and Engineers

    (11:56) Challenges and Strategies in Developer Adoption

    (14:59) Decentralization and the Future of AI Agents

    (22:09) Validator Engagement and User Experience

    (24:05) Data Quality and Collaboration in AI

    (25:53) Flock Token Utility and Governance

    (29:46) Model Store and Ecosystem Integration

    (31:52) Partnerships and Privacy in Trading

    (36:52) Growth Metrics and Future Aspirations


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    44 m
  • Unlocking Real-World Assets with Kingsley Advani from Allo.xyz
    Apr 28 2025

    Summary

    In this conversation, Kingsley Advani shares his journey in the crypto space, starting from his early coding experiences to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He discusses the founding of Allo, a platform designed to simplify the process of launching investment funds, particularly in the realm of real world assets (RWAs). Advani emphasizes the potential of RWAs and the importance of navigating regulatory landscapes to foster growth in the crypto industry. He also highlights the significance of community engagement and the unique opportunities presented by tokenization of various assets.

    Takeaways

    • Kingsley started coding at a young age and was entrepreneurial from the start.
    • He made his first million by investing in a group setting.
    • Allo aims to simplify the process of launching investment funds.
    • Real world assets represent a significant opportunity in the crypto space.
    • Navigating regulations is crucial for the growth of crypto funds.
    • Community engagement is key to Allo's success.
    • Tokenization can apply to a wide range of assets, including unique items.
    • The accredited investor test may evolve to be more inclusive.
    • Allo is positioned to support various types of funds and investments.
    • Kingsley encourages aspiring fund managers to reach out for support.

    Episode Links

    Follow Kingsley at: https://x.com/kadvani
    Follow Allo at https://x.com/allo_xyz
    Visit Allo.xyz to learn more

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Kingsley Advani and His Journey
    04:31 The Evolution of Allo and Its Purpose
    08:50 Understanding Real World Assets and Allo's Role
    13:28 The Future of Fund Management and Regulation
    18:04 Growth Metrics and Future Prospects of Allo
    20:24 Introduction to Allo and Community Growth
    21:27 Product Launches and Chain Agnosticism
    22:29 Speed and Cost in Fund Launching
    23:24 Real World Asset Tokenization and Competitors
    26:13 Target Customer Segments for Growth
    27:23 Tokenization of Diverse Assets
    29:14 Operational Mechanics of Fund Creation
    31:24 Proof of Asset and Industry Opportunities
    34:47 Learning and Entering the RWA Space
    36:07 Collaboration with High-Profile Investors



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    47 m
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