

Proof of Coverage
Proof of Coverage
Home of the best crypto conversations
Hosted by Connor Lovely and EV3 Ventures | Built by Proof of Coverage
Hosted by Connor Lovely and EV3 Ventures | Built by Proof of Coverage
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 16, 2025 • 15min
WeatherXM: DePIN Summit Africa 2025 Edition | Manolis Nikiforakis
Follow Proof of Coverage: https://x.com/coverageprovedRecorded at the EV3 DePIN Summit in Kenya, Connor speaks with Manolis Nikiforakis, CEO and Co-founder of WeatherXM, about how the company is revolutionizing weather data collection using IoT technology and crypto incentives. Manolis shares insights into their growing network of around 10,000 weather stations, with a focus on expanding coverage in the Global South where data is most scarce. The duo discusses the ambitious goal of deploying 30 million stations worldwide to dramatically improve weather accuracy. They explore how the use of blockchain - specifically Solana - helps incentivize local participation, drive community engagement, and support new revenue models, all while emphasizing the critical importance of data quality.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction02:51 - Expanding Global Network in the Global South05:48 - Improving Weather Data Accuracy09:03 - The Role of Crypto Incentives11:43- Revenue Models and Customer Use Cases14:41 - Engaging with the Solana CommunityDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Sep 9, 2025 • 17min
Building the Airbnb for EV Charging with DeCharge | Mohan Ponnada
Follow Proof of Coverage: https://x.com/coverageprovedRecorded at the EV3 DePIN Summit in Kenya, Connor spoke with Mohan Ponnada, founder of DeCharge, at a beach resort in Mombasa, Kenya, about transforming the EV charging industry in emerging markets like Kenya and Tanzania. Ponnada discussed DeCharge’s move from India to Kenya to tap into the region’s growing gig economy and EV adoption, stressing the value of local partnerships. He outlined how DeCharge tackles the industry's fragmentation through a decentralized model that lets individuals and small businesses monetize idle charging infrastructure. With a goal of 25,000 stations by March and a seamless, app-free user experience, DeCharge is scaling quickly. The episode wrapped with insights into their upcoming token launch on the Solana blockchain to strengthen their decentralized foundation.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:03 - Exploring Emerging Markets01:54 - Current Footprint and Local Partnerships02:39 - Challenges in the EV Charging Industry04:57 - Decentralization and Community Involvement05:13 - Motivating Community Participation08:07 - Bringing Your Own Device09:06 - Current Network Status and Sales Growth12:14 - Token Launch Plans and Blockchain Choice14:32 - Why Solana?16:29 - Where to Learn More About DeChargeDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Sep 2, 2025 • 19min
Building a Global Network for High-Precision GPS with Onocoy | Samuel Welde
Follow Proof of Coverage: https://x.com/coverageprovedRecorded at the EV3 DePIN Summit in Zanzibar, Connor sits down with Samuel Welde, co-founder of Onocoy - a project using decentralized networks to boost GPS accuracy in emerging markets like Africa and South America. Samuel explains how Onocoy leverages Solana’s speed, low fees, and developer support to power billions of autonomous devices with affordable, centimeter-level precision. They discuss the limitations of traditional GPS, Onocoy’s expansion in countries like Kenya and Tanzania, and the project’s unique tokenomics, including the BONO beta token and upcoming ONO token, aimed at incentivizing long-term network growth.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:05 - DePIN Summit in Zanzibar01:45 - Challenges in the GPS Industry03:12 - Improving GPS Accuracy with Onocoy05:06 - Market Strategy in Emerging Markets06:44 - Global Coverage Goals09:44 - Community Building and Token Launch10:44 - Building on Solana13:18 - Monetization and Demand Side Strategy18:14 - Getting Involved with Onocoy Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Aug 26, 2025 • 15min
Catching Up with Natix at DePIN Summit Africa 2025
Follow Proof of Coverage: https://x.com/coverageprovedRecorded at the EV3 DePIN Summit in Kenya, host Connor welcomed back Alireza Ghods, Co-founder and CEO of Natix, for his fifth appearance. Alireza shared insights from his trip to Mombasa and the opportunities for crypto adoption in Africa, highlighting Natix’s demand-led approach through partnerships with local businesses. He discussed the company’s dual focus on mapmaking and autonomous driving, noting the higher value and longevity of autonomous driving data. Alireza also reflected on Natix’s token on Solana, praised its usability, and teased major collaborations as the company focuses on scaling and revenue growth.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:08 - Emerging Markets and Product Fit in Africa02:07 - Current Footprint in Africa and Demand Strategy03:11 - Focus on Autonomous Driving vs. Mapmaking04:32 - Data Requirements for Autonomous Driving06:06 - Monetizing Data for Mapmaking and Autonomous Driving08:06 - Understanding AI Models in Autonomous Vehicles10:32 - Experience with Solana and Token Launch12:52 - Future Plans and Upcoming Announcements14:13 - How to Get Involved and Learn MoreDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Aug 13, 2025 • 56min
DePIN Roundtable Ep.3 with Blockworks Research | Nick Carpinito
Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageSantiago Santos, Jason Badeaux, Mahesh Ramakrishnan and Connor Lovely welcome Nick Carpinito from Blockworks Research to discuss Helium’s path toward deflation, decentralized energy grids, and the role of crypto and private equity in solving large-scale challenges. They touch on New York’s political climate and its potential impact on innovation, highlight Inversion’s talent-focused approach, and explore user-generated services like Daisy that enable real-time content monetization. Nick shares insights on Helium and Geodnet’s growth, tokenomics, and capital attraction, with the conversation underscoring the need for clear, aligned structures that prioritize community benefits over traditional shareholder gains.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:24 - New York Politics and Social Issues02:24 - New York vs. San Francisco03:16 - The Role of DePIN in Social Cohesion03:58 - Mamdani's Stance on Crypto04:17 - Inversion's Recent Developments05:34 - Hiring Trends and Talent in Crypto06:58 - Building in the Open vs. Secrecy08:53 - Insights on Hiring and Talent Acquisition09:54 - The Intersection of Crypto and Tradfi10:04 - Helium's Growth and MVNO Metrics12:09 - DePIN's Potential in Payments19:06 - The Concept of User-Generated Services22:19 - Introduction of Nick from Blockworks Research22:45 - Helium's Revenue Growth and Deflationary Potential25:03 - Tokenomics and Equity Conversion Discussions29:00 - The Importance of Clarity in Token Structures31:27 - Corporate Structures and Alignment in Crypto34:29 - Geodnet's Growth and Market Position39:29 - Revenue Dynamics in Geodnet and Helium41:42 - Earnings Dispersion Among DeployersDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Jun 23, 2025 • 50min
Building a Global, Multi-Strat Crypto Fund with Hypersphere Ventures | Jack Platts + Mehdi Farooq
Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageConnor and Sal are joined by guests Jack Platts and Mehdi Farooq to explore the evolving landscape of crypto investment, venture capital, and deep tech. They discuss strategies for unlocking value in crypto assets, the critical role of NAV in investment decisions, and the rise of micro strategies in deal-making. The conversation also covers the resurgence of ICOs, the importance of disciplined evaluation of investment vehicles, and the global perspectives shaping today’s crypto markets. Jack and Mehdi share insights on how podcasting drives research and networking, while emphasizing the transformative impact of deep tech on robotics and AI. The episode wraps with a look at why community building remains essential for startup success in decentralized ecosystems.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:47 - The Value of Podcasting 03:12 - Podcasting as a Platform for Founders 04:11 - Jack's Perspective on Podcasting 05:47 - Micro Strategy and Investment Trends 06:18 - Understanding Capital Markets 07:56 - Evaluating Investment Vehicles 11:07 - Natural Buyers for Investment Vehicles 16:00 - Long-term NAV Multiples 20:50 - 21 Capital Investment Insights 24:02 - Expanding Beyond Bitcoin 30:53 - Global Investment Perspectives 34:09 - Lessons from Polkadot 40:06 - The ICO Meta and Community Building 46:04 - DePIN Investments and Future Outlook Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Jun 16, 2025 • 49min
DePIN Roundtable Ep.2 with Helium | Amir Haleem, Santiago Santos, Jason Badeaux, Mahesh Ramakrishnan, Connor Lovely
Amir Haleem, co-founder and CEO of Helium, leads the discussion alongside venture capitalists Santiago Santos and Jason Badeaux. They explore Helium's impressive growth in revenue, driven by its mobile subscriber base. The conversation delves into sustainable business models beyond token sales, the convergence of crypto and traditional finance, and strategies for decentralized infrastructure projects. Insights into user engagement reveal Helium's shift towards prioritizing service delivery and the complexities of blending off-chain and on-chain revenues.

Jun 9, 2025 • 31min
DePIN Tokenomics 101 with Tom Trowbridge | Fluence
Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageConnor speaks with Tom Trowbridge, co-founder of Fluence Labs and host of the DePIN Day & DePINEd Podcast about the evolving world of decentralized compute platforms and the broader DePIN ecosystem. Tom explains how Fluence operates as a “cloudless” service—open, resilient, and more cost-effective than traditional cloud providers—and outlines its innovative tokenomics, including fixed-dollar payments to contributors and a capped token supply to build investor trust. The discussion explores how DePINs offer unique advantages over centralized models like Uber and Airbnb, particularly the ability for early participants to benefit from token appreciation. Tom also touches on governance, buy-and-burn mechanisms, and how the convergence of hardware, open-source technology, and crypto economics is driving the future of decentralized infrastructure.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction02:54 - The Benefits of Podcasting05:10 - Overview of Fluence and Its Mission07:54 - Tokenomics Insights and Security Considerations10:01 - DePIN as Sharing Economy 2.012:32 - Marketing Dynamics in DePIN vs. Traditional Models14:10 - Payment Structures: Stablecoins vs. Native Tokens16:55 - Staking Rewards and Their Implications18:18 - Token Supply: Capped vs. Uncapped20:49 - Token Value Accrual Methods25:09 - Best Practices in Revenue Generation and Tokenomics29:29 - Future Opportunities in the DePIN Sector31:00 - Conclusion and Final ThoughtsDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Jun 2, 2025 • 31min
Onboarding the Next Billion Users with Galxe | Yumin Xia
Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageConnor speaks with Yumin, founder of Galxe, a crypto project focused on onboarding users through learning and earning rather than purchasing. They explore Yumin’s early experiences with technology in 2000s China, the evolving landscape for elite students, and the growing emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. Yumin shares Galxe’s mission to make crypto more accessible through on-chain quests powered by zero-knowledge proofs, enhancing privacy and transparency. He also introduces Gravity Chain, Galxe’s high-performance blockchain designed to improve the multi-chain user experience, and discusses the Galxe Identity Protocol and Passport, which enable users to manage digital identities with privacy and control.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:09 - Yumin's Background in China's Tech Scene03:57 - Opportunities for Elite Students in Tech06:16 - Onboarding Users through Earning Crypto07:15 - Evolution of Quests: From Off-Chain to On-Chain09:24 - Implementing On-Chain Quests with zk Proofs12:36 - Introduction of Gravity Chain16:45 - Building a High-Performance Blockchain20:14 - Digital Identity in the Blockchain Space27:57 - Galxe's Revenue Model and Future Plans29:40 - Conclusion and Where to Find GalxeDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

May 29, 2025 • 40min
Building a DePIN-powered Shazam for Media with Rumi | Niko Cunningham and Mateusz Poreda
Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageConnor and Sal spoke with Mateusz Poreda and Niko Cunningham, co-founders of Rumi, a company reimagining media consumption through contextually aware AI agents that enhance viewer engagement. Niko shared how his upbringing in Detroit sparked his passion for technology, while Mateusz discussed how his background in consulting and tech helps navigate Rumi’s complex challenges. They announced Rumi’s $5 million pre-seed round, co-led by EV3 and A16Z CSX, and outlined their vision to turn passive media into interactive experiences. The conversation touched on Rumi’s contributor rewards model, potential for creators and advertisers, and concluded with advice for aspiring founders, encouraging listeners to explore Rumi and join the growing community.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:56 - What is Rumi?03:50 - Niko's Journey and Early Influences08:33 - Mateusz's Background and Career Path10:20 - The Importance of Diverse Experiences13:16 - Rumi's Supply Side and Community Contribution14:04 - Transforming Media Consumption18:01 - Privacy and Data Handling20:05 - Maximizing Points and Engagement22:04 - Exploring Demand for Rumi27:08 - Unlocking New User Experiences29:07 - Nielsen vs. Rumi: A New Era of Analytics34:39 - Advice for Founders on Fundraising38:26 - How to Get Involved with RumiDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.