Block Fuel

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.

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.

Join us as we delve into the fascinating journey of Sid, who transitioned from a computer science background to leading Skate, a pioneering force in the blockchain space. In this episode, we explore his experience in OTC trading and the evolution of DeFi, uncovering how Skate is streamlining cross-chain interoperability. Sid shares valuable insights into the future of Layer 2 ecosystems, the challenges they face, and the importance of building a robust community within the blockchain world. We also discuss his shift from being a technical founder to becoming a CEO and gain unique perspectives on Singapore's vibrant crypto community. Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation packed with expert insights and inspiring stories. Follow Us on "X": Guests: @skate_chain Block Fuel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/Block_Fuel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Avi Mash: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/AviNMash⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jody Flournoy: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/JodyFlournoy⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fresh off a $100m Series B from Framework Ventures, Brevan Howard Digital Assets, & Hack VC, we sit down with Smokey The Bera, Co-Founder of one the hottest projects of 2024: Berachain We touch on all corners of the Berritory: 🌊 Proof of liquidity: What is this new consensus model and how does it align security & liquidity? 🧸Build-a-Bera: New incubator driving developer adoption & innovation on Berachain 🫂 Community: Building an army of Berachain die-hards through a lackadaisical, meme-fueled approach 🙇 Respect: Drawing inspiration and leadership lessons from the founders of Polygon & Solana 🎭 Power of anonymity: "I wear a mask. And that mask, it's not to hide who I am, but to create what I am" -Batman Hosts: Avi Mash & Jody Flournoy Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice.

ChatGPT In this episode, we sit down with Angel Velarde, Co-Founder of OpenWorld, to discuss how their platform is making high-yield crypto investments accessible to non-crypto natives. Discover how you can build a portfolio of high-yield, low-risk liquidity pools with one click, boasting APYs of 50% or more. We also delve into Vietnam's impressive 50% crypto adoption rate, the strategic choice of building on Arbitrum, and ensuring security with Verichains. Plus, get the inside scoop on OpenWorld's official launch and its mission to revolutionize crypto investing. Angel Velarde @agvbtc OpenWorld @OpenWorldFi Block Fuel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/Block_Fuel⁠⁠⁠⁠ Avi Mash: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/AviNMash⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jody Flournoy: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/JodyFlournoy⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sean Ristau: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/SeanRistau⁠

In this engaging discussion, Catherine Daly, an expert in simplifying complex tech topics, shares insights on the rise of AI agents and cryptocurrency trading bots. The conversation highlights Microsoft's aggressive investment in AI through its M12 VC arm and the innovative partnership with Chainlink. They explore practical applications of AI and blockchain in finance and healthcare, while tackling the evolving landscape of enterprise engagement with blockchain technology and its significance in political contexts as candidates adopt crypto to connect with voters.

We explore the next wave of monetization through interactive ads within livestreams with Alex Casassovici, Founder of Azarus. Highlights: ➱ Why streaming is important (and the big numbers to prove it) ➱ Acquisition by @animocabrands ➱ Beyond ads: shopping, tipping & more in live streams ➱ "EQ, IQ, interaction, forming connections with people, that actually is what drives value and value within the ecosystem to keep it going." Hosts: Avi Mash, Jody Flournoy, Sean Ristau Production: Brad Parsons at Train Sound Studio Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:02 The Power of Live Streaming 07:47 Monetizing Web3 Games 14:51 Creating Connections and Relationships 25:06 Partnership with Animoca Brands 28:48 The Viability of Gaming as a Full-Time Career 30:07 The Potential of Play-to-Earn Models 32:05 The Future of Work in the Metaverse 37:43 Enhancing the Streaming Experience 44:13 Monetization and Engagement in Live Streaming 47:30 Measuring Authenticity in Audience Engagement 50:03 The Evolution of Technology for Streaming and Gaming

Alex Botte, a former quant investor turned crypto advocate, shares her fascinating journey from traditional finance to becoming a partner at Hack VC. She discusses her groundbreaking research revealing that 91% of Bitcoin's risk was unexplained. Botte also dives into BlackRock’s BUIDL fund and the potential of public vs. permissioned chains. With a keen eye on Berachain's Proof of Liquidity mechanism, she explores how ETFs and tokenization are reshaping institutional investment in crypto, marking a significant shift in the financial landscape.

Block Fuel meets with Nathan McCauley, CEO of Anchorage Digital, an OCC-chartered digital asset custodian with a passion for the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) space. We cover: ➱Anchorage Digital's journey from inception to becoming an OCC chartered bank ➱The role of RIAs in the adoption and integration of digital assets ➱Challenges & limitations of cold storage ➱Their recent launch of a self-custody solution: Porto Hosts: Avi Mash, Jody Flournoy, Sean Ristau Production: Brad Parsons at Train Sound Studio Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Anchorage Digital: From Inception to OCC Charter 06:29 Regulatory Approach and Client Base of Anchorage Digital 13:30 Asset Support Framework and Token Listing Process 22:40 The Significance of Naming: Anchorage and Porto 23:29 Anchorage: Redefining Crypto Custody and Security 25:01 The ETF Effect: Institutional Adoption and Impact 27:20 RIAs and Institutional Trends in the Crypto Space 36:31 Bitcoin Mining and AI: The Future of Energy Consumption

Nothing embodies the intersection of traditional finance and crypto quite like publicly traded bitcoin miners. Check out this week's episode with Adam Swick, Chief Growth Officer at MARA, the world's largest BTC miner. 📜 Marathon's evolution from a patent holding co to a data center company solving the world's energy problems ⚗ Innovating beyond the chips: MARA's new 2 Phase Immersion Cooling process 🤝 How showcasing "ability to partner" was the defining trait for success in Abu Dhabi project Where To Follow: Adam Swick: https://x.com/swicktalk⁠⁠⁠ Block Fuel: ⁠⁠https://x.com/Block_Fuel⁠⁠ Avi Mash: ⁠⁠https://x.com/AviNMash⁠⁠ Jody Flournoy: ⁠⁠https://x.com/JodyFlournoy⁠⁠ Sean Ristau: ⁠⁠https://x.com/SeanRistau⁠