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Block Fuel

Latest episodes

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Oct 25, 2024 • 29min

Digital Asset Tax Clarity with IRS Leadership | Seth Wilks

We sit down Seth Wilks (@seththetaxman), IRS Executive Director of Digital Asset Strategy & Development, at Permissionless in Salt Lake City to discuss: ➩ The creation of an IRS office dedicated to digital assets and its goals for the industry ➩ How emerging tax rules are poised to impact both brokers and taxpayers ➩ Key takeaways from over 44,000 public comments on digital asset regulations Guest: @seththetaxman Hosts: @AviNMash @JodyFlournoy (MIA: @seanristau)
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Oct 24, 2024 • 24min

Innovating Finance: PancakeSwap's Impactful Journey

We are thrilled to have @Headchef_pcs on the Block Fuel Podcast, where she discusses: ➩ Her inspiring journey and leadership role at PancakeSwap ➩ Recent innovations such as PancakeSwapX (launched this week!) with no-fee trading and a telegram predictions bot ➩ PancakeSwap's approach to a multi-chain future and its commitment to promoting global DeFi adoption Guest: @Headchef_pcs Hosts: @SeanRistau (ooo: @AviNMash @JodyFlournoy)
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Oct 16, 2024 • 43min

From Website Hosting to $1.2M ARR and a Leader in Decentralized Compute | Prashant Maurya, CEO of Spheron

FRESH from Singapore: Our latest Block Fuel podcast with Prashant Maurya, CEO of Spheron! We're continuing our DePIN deep-dive into GPU demand given the significant impact advanced AI chips have recently had on both US market performance ( $NVDA, $AMD, $AVGO) and policy. ➩ Spheron's journey from website hosting to a leader in decentralized compute. Driving $1.2M ARR within just a few months ➩ Innovative token design: Transitioning from speculative token value to real-world impact including the flexibility for customers to pay for infrastructure with their native tokens ➩ Singapore, F1, & Token2049. Guest: @prashant_xyz Host: @JodyFlournoy (lurking: @AviNMash @SeanRistau )
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Oct 16, 2024 • 33min

Where and How Will Institutions Embrace Blockchain at Scale? Insights from Blockdaemon's Andrew Vranjes in Singapore

Newest episode of the Block Fuel podcast is now up featuring Andrew Vranjes, Head of International at Blockdaemon! Andrew joins us at Token2049 in Singapore to give us his conference insights as a local, institutional adoption, and the pivotal role of open conversation in building goodwill with regulators. With a background at Amazon, Andrew's insights into operational efficiency and customer-focused product development are not to be missed as they play the long game in driving the adoption of institutional staking. Hosts: @JodyFlournoy @AviNMash @SeanRistau
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Oct 2, 2024 • 33min

Will demand for advanced AI chips (GPUs) be 1:1 for every person? We sit down with Greg Osuri of Akash in Singapore.

Live from the Strait of Malacca -- Navigating GPU Shortages and AI Demand with Greg Osuri Join us on the latest episode of the Block Fuel podcast where we welcome Greg Osuri, CEO and Founder of Akash Network. Greg shares insights on the accelerating AI demand, GPU shortages (will demand eventually be 1:1 per person ), and a fascinating analogy with the railroad industry. Don't miss Greg’s take on the AI/blockchain intersection hype, the impact of the Chips Act, and his experiences from Token 2049 in Singapore. Hosts: @JodyFlournoy
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Oct 2, 2024 • 42min

Democratizing Access to the Final Frontier with SERA: A Space Agency for Everyone

SERA has reserved six seats on an upcoming Blue Origin flight, and you have a chance to join the crew. Their mission is to make space accessible to everyone through blockchain technology and global participation. As kid who attended space camp in Huntsville, Alabama with dreams of a NASA future, this project is especially inspiring as they make that dream come true for the next generation. Listen in for more: ➣Hear from @hespanha_victor, SERA's first astronaut, as he shares his life-changing experience in space. ➣Big steps for ALL mankind: Their focus on selecting countries who have never had an astronaut in space ➣Asteroid mining, space sovereignty, and solving the problem of space debris ➣Partnership with @base to make astronaut selection both transparent and verifiable Join the mission here: http://spacesummer.xyz! Hosts: @avinmash & @jodyflournoy
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Oct 1, 2024 • 30min

How Mythical Games is Leading the Web3 Charge with NFL, Pudgy Penguins, and GameFi

In this episode of the Block Fuel podcast, we’re joined by John Linden, founder and CEO of Mythical Games, to explore how Web3 and blockchain are changing the gaming world. Fresh from his trip to Africa, John shares insights on the power of digital ownership, his company’s collaborations with the NFL and Pudgy Penguins, and how Mythical is reshaping gaming economies. We also get into how AI is speeding up game development, the future of GameFi and SocialFi, and why John believes we’re on the verge of a huge shift in blockchain gaming. From insider stories to predictions about the next wave of digital innovation, this episode has something for anyone curious about the intersection of blockchain and gaming. Chapters: Introduction & John's Africa Trip: John shares highlights from his recent travels and the unexpected crypto connections he found along the way. From Activision to Mythical Games: John recounts his journey from working at Activision on projects like Call of Duty to founding one of the most innovative Web3 gaming companies. Building Mythical & the Power of Digital Ownership: A look into how Mythical Games is leading the way in blockchain gaming, with massive partnerships and a mission to revolutionize digital asset ownership. NFL and Pudgy Penguins Collaborations: The story behind how Mythical partnered with the NFL and why Pudgy Penguins is setting the standard for Web3 brands. The Future of GameFi & SocialFi: John shares his vision for the future of GameFi and SocialFi, and how these models will change how we play and interact online. AI’s Impact on Game Development: We dive into how AI is transforming the creative process behind games, speeding up everything from concept art to character animation. What’s Next for Blockchain in Gaming: John looks ahead at how blockchain could change the gaming industry forever and why Web3 will be the foundation of the next generation of games.
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Oct 1, 2024 • 36min

Crypto Winters, Institutional Trust, and the Future of ETFs: Gemini's John Burnett

Description: Join us on the BlockFuel podcast as we dive deep into the evolving crypto landscape with John Burnett, VP of Institutional at Gemini. John shares his decade-long journey in blockchain, from leading American Express's first Bitcoin deep dive to co-founding Omniex, which was later acquired by Gemini. We explore the lessons learned during the crypto winters, institutional crypto adoption, and the growing role of regulated infrastructure. John also shares insights into the future of crypto with ETFs, how to navigate market cycles, and essential advice for entrepreneurs building in the space. Chapters: Introduction & BackgroundJohn Burnett's journey from American Express to Gemini and the Omniex acquisition. Building Through Crypto WintersKey lessons and strategies for weathering crypto market downturns. Institutional Adoption & InfrastructureHow Gemini is fostering institutional trust in the crypto ecosystem. ETFs and the Future of CryptoWhat Bitcoin ETFs mean for institutional investors and crypto markets. Entrepreneurial AdviceJohn's tips on managing the highs and lows of building a company in a volatile industry.
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Sep 30, 2024 • 48min

From Amazon to Web3: Andrew Saunders on Blockchain Marketing, Gaming, and Scaling the Future with Skale

In this episode of the BlockFuel podcast, Andrew Saunders, CMO at Skale and former CMO at Arbitrum, shares his expert insights on marketing in Web3 and the future of blockchain. With a background that spans Amazon, NBCUniversal, and CAA, Andrew discusses how brands can connect with audiences in the rapidly growing Web3 space, the unique challenges of marketing to early adopters, and why community building is key to long-term success. Andrew also talks about the booming blockchain gaming and AI sectors, Skale’s no-gas-fee architecture, and the path to mass adoption. Whether you're a marketer, builder, or entrepreneur in the Web3 space, this episode provides valuable insights on how to navigate the landscape and prepare for the future. Chapters: 📍 Transitioning from Web2 to Web3Andrew reflects on his move from Web2 giants like Amazon and NBCUniversal to Web3, and the opportunities he sees in blockchain technology. 📍 Marketing in Web3: Building CommunitiesAndrew breaks down how brands can create lasting communities in Web3 by focusing on storytelling, accessibility, and emotional connection. 📍 The Rise of Blockchain Gaming & AIExploring the growth of blockchain gaming and AI, Andrew discusses how Skale’s high-throughput and no-gas-fee model is perfect for developers in these sectors. 📍 The Path to Mass AdoptionAndrew predicts what will bring the next wave of users to blockchain, from breakthrough games to large Web2 companies integrating blockchain into their platforms. 📍 Skale’s Unique Value PropositionWhy Skale is ideal for high-transaction applications like gaming, AI, and social apps, offering scalability without compromising the user experience.
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Sep 30, 2024 • 42min

Augie Ilag of CMT Digital on Funding, Scaling, and Tapping the Booming Asian Market

In this episode of the BlockFuel podcast, Avi Mash sits down with Augie Ilag, an investment partner at CMT Digital. They discuss Augie’s diverse career journey from McKinsey to Sequoia and CMT Digital, and how his experience in both traditional consulting and venture capital has shaped his approach to the blockchain industry. Augie shares insights on the early-stage investment landscape, founder-market fit, and the unique challenges of assessing startups in the fast-evolving crypto space. They also dive into how CMT Digital stands out among other VCs, exploring global market dynamics, the importance of on-the-ground experience, and how their trading-oriented heritage gives them an edge in supporting blockchain founders. Chapters: 📍 Introduction & Career OverviewAugie Ilag talks about his transition from McKinsey to Sequoia and CMT Digital, and how these experiences influence his perspective on blockchain investing. 📍 Life in Asia and Global Market ExpertiseAugie shares stories of moving to the Philippines, working in Southeast Asia, and how understanding cultural nuances in these regions benefits his work in crypto venture capital. 📍 Early-Stage Venture Capital & Investment PhilosophyExploring how CMT Digital simplifies early-stage investment decisions with a focus on founder-market fit, team dynamics, and market opportunities. 📍 Crypto Market Cycles & Global Regulatory ImpactA look into how market cycles and policies across different regions shape investment strategies in the blockchain space. 📍 Founder Insights & MotivationDiscussing the importance of founder motivation, outlier characteristics, and the role storytelling plays in the success of early-stage blockchain startups. 📍 Institutional Adoption & Real-World Assets (RWA)The rise of institutional interest in crypto and the potential of real-world asset tokenization as a game-changer in the blockchain space. 📍 Gaming and Consumer Applications in AsiaAugie delves into the gaming industry in Asia, discussing key trends, innovations, and why consumer applications are a big focus for blockchain investors in the region. 📍 CMT Digital’s DifferentiatorAugie wraps up by highlighting what makes CMT Digital unique among other venture firms and how they support founders with their global and trading-focused approach.

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