CoinDesk Podcast Network From Napster and LimeWire to Ava Labs: Emin Gün Sirer's Crypto Journey
May 23, 2025
Emin Gün Sirer, Founder and CEO of Ava Labs and a former Cornell professor, shares his fascinating journey from academia to the dynamic crypto world. He discusses the innovative approaches that make Ava Labs' blockchain both fast and affordable, transforming how we view digital assets. Sirer also highlights the importance of community in the Avalanche ecosystem, detailing efforts to support innovation and connect with institutions. Listen in for insights on the challenges and excitement of evolving blockchain technology!
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Science Powers Avalanche Blockchain
- Avalanche applies scientific principles from distributed systems to blockchain scalability and speed.
- It introduces innovations like the fastest, cheapest EVM and chains powered by large language models.
Early Crypto Career Risks
- Emin Gün Sirer built an early cryptocurrency system to incentivize Napster and LimeWire file sharing.
- Despite warnings from mentors about risks, he returned to crypto research after early abandonment.
Prioritize Delivery and Community
- Focus on delivering complete projects rather than making announcements.
- Build a dedicated, energetic team to foster a self-supporting community.