This interview features Art Abal, Managing Director of Vana Foundation and co-founder of Vana Protocol. Vana focuses on empowering individuals to own and benefit from their data, addressing key challenges in AI and Web3 through innovations like Data DAOs and Data Liquidity Pools. Art discusses how Vana ensures data quality, engages its community, and differentiates itself from other Web3 projects. He also highlights the role of Vana tokens in governance and transactions, the speculative potential of dataset-specific tokens, and plans for the upcoming mainnet launch. This conversation provides a concise look at Vana’s mission to transform data ownership and unlock its value for AI. Text summary: wublockchain.medium.com Timeline: 00:00 Background and founding purpose of Vana Protocol 03:17 How did Vana establish its partnership with Paradigm? 05:17 Key strengths that attracted Paradigm's investment 06:07 Specific reasons why Paradigm recognized Vana's potential 07:38 What strategic support did Paradigm provide beyond funding? 09:57 Collaboration and interaction with the a16z team 11:38 How does Vana stand out to attract investors in a competitive space? 13:44 Thoughts on VC-backed projects and the rise of meme coins 18:02 How does Vana build trust with data contributors and the community? 21:00 How do data liquidity pools and Data DAOs operate? 24:12 How is Vana different from other Web3 data projects? 28:04 How does Vana ensure data quality, and what is the role of its token? 30:09 Growth potential of dataset-specific tokens 31:44 How does Vana secure user data and ensure privacy? 34:11 Why was Telegram chosen as the platform for user interaction? 36:38 Mainnet launch plans and future roadmap

In this conversation, Colin and Murad explore the unique role and future of meme coins (such as Doge and Pepe) in the cryptocurrency landscape. Murad shares his journey from being a Bitcoin advocate to a meme coin investor, explaining the community-driven factors behind meme coin success. He sees meme coins as more than short-term hype, describing them as a social innovation with a stronger “wealth creation for the masses” potential compared to traditional VC tokens. Murad emphasizes the importance of evaluating the community and leadership behind meme coins and predicts that increasing participation from the Asian market will drive a global meme coin trend. Additionally, he is cautiously observing AI-themed meme coins, noting that these projects need more time for their communities to mature. Text summary Timeline: 00:00 Brief Intro to Murad 01:53 East Asian Studies and Finance at Princeton 03:20 Early crypto career and insights into OKX 04:29 Shift from traditional trading to meme coins 06:27 Bitcoin has meme qualities but is mainly a store of value 07:22 Meme coins succeed due to fair distribution and community, VC tokens suffer from overvaluation 11:03 Recommends holding select high-quality meme coins long-term 12:50 Focus on community strength and "diamond hands" for meme coin investment 14:23 U.S. election impact is minimal; global economics are the main driver 15:15 Wallet transparency has little effect; holding strategy is public 16:05 Meme projects need market makers, but choose "clean" partners 16:32 Centralized exchanges are still key for meme coin liquidity 17:36 Solana is preferred for meme coins; multi-chain is the future 18:34 Focus on Ethereum and Solana, less on Bitcoin ecosystem 19:31 Expects more Asian market involvement in meme coins 20:36 AI meme coins show promise but need more time to mature

In this interview in October 31 Dubai Binance Blockchain Week, Binance Founder CZ reflected on his time in prison, sharing insights on human connections and his unique sentencing under the Banking Secrecy Act He has stepped down as Binance CEO but retains a major shareholder role and no plans to return His focus now is on investing in blockchain, AI, and biotech, and supporting new entrepreneurs. CZ also introduced Giggle Academy, a digital learning platform to aid underserved regions, using AI for personalized education and job training While he has no immediate plans to issue a new token, he envisions a sustainable Web3 economy within the platform. Timeline: 00:03 CZ thanks the audience 00:10 Host indirectly refers to CZ’s prison time, CZ responds briefly 00:22 CZ shares his reflections on prison restrictions and missing family 01:33 CZ explains his unique sentencing under the Banking Secrecy Act 03:13 CZ recalls the judge’s positive comments and short sentence 04:12 CZ discusses friendships in prison; mentions guards asking for crypto advice 05:17 CZ reflects on harsh sentences for minor offenses 05:56 CZ describes “prison consulting” and his preparations 08:18 CZ on current relationship with Binance after stepping down 10:57 CZ dismisses lifetime ban rumors; can still invest in crypto 12:12 CZ focuses on blockchain, AI, biotech, and mentorship 13:36 CZ remains optimistic on crypto’s future growth 16:17 CZ sees regulatory progress, slower in large countries 17:36 CZ avoids US election topics for legal reasons 19:47 CZ introduces Giggle Academy, a platform for digital education 27:04 No new token planned, but may integrate existing crypto assets

In this episode, we are joined by Eva, Director of The Graph Foundation, to discuss the current state and future of The Graph and the broader Web3 ecosystem. We explore key topics such as AI integration, decentralized data, and how The Graph is expanding its offerings for developers. We also touch on the challenges faced by the Web3 developer community, the role of the GRT token, and the impact of decentralized data in addressing misinformation and information bubbles. Timeline: 00:34 Brief Intro to Eva and The Graph 01:46 What is the Graph Foundation and your role there? 05:00 How would you explain The Graph and how its protocol works for beginners? 06:21 What is a knowledge graph and how does it benefit Web3 applications? 09:22 What is the role of the GRT token in The Graph network? 11:26 Which chains does The Graph support now? 12:30 What new data services has The Graph introduced, and how do they enhance the protocol? 16:49 How do the core development teams of The Graph operate and collaborate? 20:19 How is The Graph integrating AI, and what impact might this have on decentralized data? 23:00 Are there any recent developments or announcements about The Graph that excite you? 25:42 What are the best ways for people to get involved with The Graph? 27:30 What is Horizon, and how does it compare to other similar initiatives? 29:00 What concerns do you have about the direction of Web3, and how can the community improve? 31:58 How can Web3 and decentralized data help address misinformation and information bubbles?

In this episode, we have an in-depth conversation with Chris Yin, co-founder and CEO of Plume Network, discussing how Plume is tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs) through its unique RWAfi platform. Chris provides detailed insights into the challenges and opportunities of tokenizing real-world assets, and explains how Plume is combining traditional finance with crypto-native principles to drive the development of RWAfi. He also shares the future prospects of Plume within the decentralized finance (DeFi) space. TImeline: 00:00 Introduction to Plume Network & RWAfi 02:00 How Plume Leverages Key Partnerships for RWA and Data Availability 03:06 Challenges with Traditional RWAs and Plume’s Approach 07:58 Innovations in Tokenized Real-World Assets (RWAfi) 11:01 Institutional Adoption and Tokenization of Assets 13:48 Tokenized Asset Categories and Yield Opportunities on Plume 18:15 Success Stories and Real-World Asset Deployment on Plume 22:54 How Plume Identifies Suitable Assets for Tokenization 27:08 Innovations to Enhance Returns on Tokenized RWAs 31:04 User Engagement and Tools for Interacting with Tokenized RWAs 33:48 Navigating Regulatory Challenges and Ensuring Compliance 36:42 Security Measures for Tokenized Physical and Digital Assets

In this episode, Dr. K, co-founder and CTO of Quai Network, discussed the network's unique approach to scalability, privacy, and tokenomics in blockchain technology The conversation covered Quai's hierarchical merge mining implementation, the dual-token economic model, and its environmental impact Dr. K also highlighted Quai's grants program and marketing initiatives for wider community participation. Timeline: 00:00 Introduction of Dr. K and Quai Network 01:53 Explanation of Quai Network's merge mining and its benefits 03:59 How does Quai Network differ from other layer-1 blockchains like TON? 05:03 Discussion on current market infrastructure and Quai's support for dApp development 06:51 Overview of Quai Network’s dual-token economic model 09:01 Details of the token distribution plan and minimizing venture capital bias 10:16 Marketing and community incentive plans for Quai Network 12:18 Dr. K's research on Proof of Entropy Minima and its role in Quai's sharding 15:18 How Proof of Entropy Minima enhances security and efficiency 16:25 Bottlenecks in blockchain scalability and Quai's multi-chain architecture 21:03 Environmental concerns and Quai's energy efficiency strategies 22:49 Quai Network's advantages in privacy protection and cross-chain interoperability 24:34 Upcoming plans for Quai Network

This transcript captures an interview between Colin and John O'Loghlen, Regional Managing Director of Coinbase in APAC, held at the Token 2049 conference in Singapore. The discussion covered John's background, Coinbase's international expansion, and insights into the future of crypto in the APAC region and China. 00:00 Brief Introduction 09:33 What Drives Coinbase’s International Expansion? 17:07 Which APAC Countries Are Most Important to Coinbase? 19:42 Is Compliance Key to Coinbase’s Global Expansion? 21:33 Is Base Central to Coinbase’s Future Strategy? 26:07 Singapore, Hong Kong, or Dubai: APAC’s Crypto Hub? 31:01 Will Offshore Exchanges Decline as Crypto Regulation Grows? 33:36 How Will a Trump Win Impact U.S. and Global Crypto? 35:38 Will China Open Up to Crypto in the Future?

In this episode of the podcast, we welcomed Andrej, CEO and co-founder of Wynd Labs, to share his experiences in developing the Grass network and the Live Context Retrieval (LCR) technology. Andrej discussed his transition from a PhD in applied mathematics to entrepreneurship and delved into how LCR technology is transforming the way AI models access real-time data, overcoming the limitations of traditional AI, which relies solely on static information. We also talked about how the Grass network ensures data accuracy and transparency, and explored the privacy protection measures within decentralized networks. Andrej elaborated on the technical and ethical advantages of Grass over conventional centralized platforms, and its wide-ranging applications across industries—from e-commerce to financial market predictions. Additionally, Andrej revealed Grass’s upcoming developments in the next few months, including the launch of an Android app, new hardware devices, and incentive programs for contributors. Shownotes: 00:51 Andrej's Background and Project Overview 04:05 Explaining Live Context Retrieval (LCR) 06:06 Comparison with Traditional AI Models 07:06 Addressing Information Integrity 14:53 Impact of LCR Across Industries 18:19 Competitive Advantages of Grass 22:40 Incentives for Contributors 24:53 Upcoming Developments

In this episode, we delve into the workings of Gyroscope, a decentralized stablecoin designed to manage various risks within the stablecoin ecosystem. Ariah Klages-Mundt, co-founder of Gyroscope, discusses its origins, the innovative mechanisms for minting and redeeming GYD, and how Gyroscope uses oracles and a diversified reserve strategy to maintain stability. He also introduces sGYD, a yield-bearing variant, and explores the potential expansion of Gyroscope’s reserve with new stablecoins and non-stable assets, aiming to set a new standard in DeFi. Shownotes: 00:00 Opening & Introduction 03:06 The Evolution of Stablecoins and DeFi 09:46 Overview of the Stablecoin Industry 10:53 The Risk Spectrum of Stablecoins 21:10 How Gyroscope Manages Stablecoin Risks 31:34 The Role of Oracles in Gyroscope 36:21 Minting and Redemption Mechanisms 46:24 Expanding Gyroscope’s Reserve with New Stablecoins 58:07 Yield-Bearing Stablecoin: sGYD 1:03:57 Future Developments and V2 Mechanism

In this episode, we invite Leo, a senior investment manager at MEXC, to delve into current investment strategies and market trends in the crypto space. MEXC is one of the most financially powerful cryptocurrency investors, a major investor in large projects such as TON, and an LP of important VCs such as Polychain, Bankless, and IOSG. Leo provides a detailed analysis of the differences in team structure and investment styles between Eastern and Western venture capital firms. He also shares insights on investment strategies during bear and bull markets. Additionally, Leo offers unique perspectives on the cultural phenomenon of meme coins and their impact on the market. This discussion helps listeners gain a better understanding of investment logic and future directions in the crypto market. Shownotes: 00:00 Opening 00:33 Brief Introduction 05:14 Differences between Eastern and Western VCs in investment decisions 12:36 How do crypto projects pitch to VCs differently in the East and West? 17:32 How do your investment strategies differ between bear and bull markets? 23:36 How do you evaluate new narratives in the crypto market? What are the criteria? 30:31 Memorable stories from working with projects 36:56 How do you view the claim that VC tokens are overvalued? 43:11 What are your thoughts on the cultural phenomenon of meme coins and their impact on the market?

In this episode, Andreas, the founder and CEO of Access Protocol, shares the background, technical details, and future plans of the project. Access Protocol offers a new way for content creators and service providers to monetize through a staking mechanism. Andreas explains in detail how the protocol leverages the latest technology from Solana to enhance user experience and discusses future market strategies and development directions. Shownotes: 00:15 Brief intro to Andreas and Access Protocol 02:05 How do you view the impact of Solana's latest technology on the industry? 04:03 How do Blinks and Actions simplify the user experience? 06:32 What challenges are faced in attracting Web2 users? 08:53 How does Access Protocol plan to expand its user base? 11:55 What could be the final form of Blinks? 16:23 What are some practical use cases for Blinks? 19:56 How does Access Protocol collaborate with Phantom and Backpack? 24:13 What are the latest developments and future plans for Access Protocol?

In this podcast, Joshua Tobkin, co-founder and CEO of Supra, discusses the project's philosophy and technological breakthroughs. He explains how Supra integrates decentralized services like oracles, cross-chain protocols, and automation to create a high-performance Layer1 network. Joshua also shares recent updates, including the Supra dApp Competition, StarKey wallet, and Project Blast Off V2, and talks about Supra's unique position and future direction in blockchain integration. Text summary: Link Shownotes: 00:20 Introduction and Supra Overview 04:00 Why shift to Layer1? 05:45 Key Features of Supra Layer1 08:50 How do Supra's components integrate? 10:50 What is Moonshot Consensus? 12:55 Overview of HyperNova and HyperLoop 20:45 Future Plans and $SUPRA Token 24:45 Current Projects and dApps 27:45 Long-term Vision and Goals 30:45 Biggest Challenges and Solutions 33:55 Final Thoughts and Messages

In this episode, we have Brandon Kumar, co-founder of Layer3, to discuss the innovative ways Layer3 connects users with blockchain protocols. Brandon delves into the origins, operations, and future prospects of Layer3, highlighting its unique approach to user engagement and token distribution within the Web3 ecosystem. Layer 3 recently raised $15 million from ParaFi, Greenfield Capital, and Electric Capital, totaling $21.2 million in funding. Text summary: Link Shownotes: 00:00 Opening 00:37 Brief Intro to Brandon & Layer3 01:50 What Is Layer3's Concept? 02:44 Why Call It Layer3? 04:13 Any Stories From Working With Uniswap and Base? 06:14 High-Quality Users Are Key 07:44 Thoughts on Bots and Sybils 10:09 Criteria for New Projects Setting Up Their Tasks 13:30 Why Should Users Be Excited About Milestone Feature? 15:55 Innovative Token Allocation Strategy & Anti-Sybil Mechanisms 19:08 Diverse Use Cases for Layer3 Token 20:36 Any Special Strategies for APAC Market? 29:15 Upcoming Events and Features 31:38 Last Messages for Audience

In this episode, we talk with Smokey, the co-founder of Berachain, about the unique aspects and transformative potential of Berachain within the blockchain ecosystem. Smokey provides insights into how Berachain's proof of liquidity model enhances security and incentivizes liquidity. He discusses the EVM-identical nature of Berachain, the use of Comet BFT consensus for single slot finality, and the two-token system of $BGT and $BERA. Smokey also highlights Berachain's evolution from an NFT community, the challenges and innovations in airdrop design, and the role of native dApps in setting a quality baseline for the ecosystem. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the positive flywheel effect and the future of Berachain. Text summary: wublock.substack.com Shownotes: 00:00 Opening 00:05 Introduction and Background of Berachain 04:48 Proof of Liquidity and Incentive Marketplace 11:09 Evolution from NFT Community to Blockchain 27:42 Airdrop Design Challenges and Innovation 29:07 Decreasing Utility and Retention of Airdrops 31:28 Rise of Institutional Airdrop Farmers 34:13 The Two-Token System on Bearchain 36:12 Creating a Positive Flywheel Effect on Berachain 47:27 The Role of Native dApps on Berachain

In this episode, we talk with Ganesh Swami, the co-founder of Covalent, about the transformative potential of Covalent's data infrastructure within the Web3 ecosystem. Ganesh provides insights into how Covalent enhances blockchain data accessibility and reliability, making it more competitive and efficient for developers and users alike. He discusses the business model, scalability challenges, and the importance of data availability beyond the challenge window. Ganesh also highlights Covalent's competitive edge, their strategic decisions, and upcoming developments, including partnerships and the launch of a new token, CXT. Text summary: wublock.substack.com Shownotes: 00:00 Brief Intro to Ganesh & Covalent 01:26 Covalent's Business Model & Profitability 03:38 The Importance of the Ethereum Wayback Machine 07:38 Impact of the Wayback Machine on the Ecosystem 10:15 Competitors and Covalent's Advantages 13:27 The Concept of Long-Term Data Availability 14:36 How does Covalent use AI in its operations? 17:40 Issues with AI Data Bias and Decentralized Data 20:58 Why Did You Decide to Migrate from Moonbeam to Ethereum? 26:51 How Did You Convince Arthur Hayes to Join the Team? 36:44 Buyback of CQT Tokens from FTX Bankruptcy Trustee 43:35 Market Plans and Strategies for the APAC Market 46:42 Managing the Market Value of CQT Tokens 52:23 Upcoming Improvements and Final Thoughts