Proof of Coverage

Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageConnor sits down with Anna Kazlauskas, co-founder of Vana, to explore the intersection of AI and user-owned data. They discuss the resurgence of the crypto scene in San Francisco, fueled by advancements in AI, and the impact of DeepSeek on model training efficiency and data privacy. Anna shares her journey from MIT to co-founding Vana, a layer one blockchain enabling programmable data rights for AI. She introduces the concept of data DAOs—user-owned data collectives that negotiate better terms with platforms—highlighting the shift toward self-sovereign digital identities. The conversation also covers Vana’s tokenomics and its mission to address AI’s data shortage by empowering users with control and incentives.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:45 - Impact of DeepSeek on AI and User Privacy04:22 - User Awareness and Data Storage Concerns06:28 - The Shift in AI Narrative07:14 - Anna's Journey into User-Owned Data10:45 - Vana's Technical Framework and Privacy12:20 - The Need for Data Sovereignty in AI13:27 - Building a Layer 1 Blockchain15:51 - Data DAOs: A New Approach to Data Ownership17:15 - Understanding Data DAOs and Their Function22:47 - The Role of Data Ownership in Social Platforms24:51 - Negotiating Better Terms for Data Ownership26:40 - Bringing Data to Vana and AI Applications28:09 - Privacy-Preserving Compute Solutions29:22 - Tokenomics of Vana30:55 - Data DAO Specific Tokens and Their Role31:22 - Final Thoughts on Vana's Vision32:30 - Where to Find More InformationDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

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Anirudh Pai, a partner at Dragonfly Capital, dives into the world of crypto VC and decentralized technologies. He shares crucial strategies for founders to attract investors through genuine customer engagement and innovative products. The conversation explores the exciting rise of decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) and the revolutionary potential of commodity currencies like electrodollars. Anirudh also discusses challenges in decentralized energy markets and highlights the importance of community and shared values in urban development.

Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageConnor is joined by Sal Gala (EV3), Florian Fournier (Threefold), and Jose Aycart (Share) to announce the DePIN Summit 2025 in Africa and discuss its significance. They explore the region’s potential for technological disruption, the importance of local engagement and government collaboration, and the role of decentralized internet networks in driving innovation. With Africa already leading in digital payments and primed for new advancements, the Summit aims to connect global and local tech communities at a crucial moment for growth. The conversation highlights DePIN as a framework for new business models and the transformative opportunities ahead.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 03:01 - DePIN: A Global Perspective05:55 - The Significance of Africa in the DePIN Movement08:49 - Building Infrastructure: Local Engagement and Government Relations12:11 - Innovations in Internet Connectivity in Africa15:09 - The Future of DePIN: Vision for the Summit18:02 - Excitement for the Upcoming DePIN Summit20:51 - ConclusionDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageConnor and co-host James Lovely, an expert in structured financial products, welcome Brandon Goh, CEO and Co-founder of Treehouse Finance, to explore the intersection of traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). Goh shares his journey from Morgan Stanley to crypto, discussing how innovations like Uniswap reshaped his perspective. The conversation covers risk and return in borrowing rates, Ethereum’s proof-of-stake system as a crypto equivalent to the risk-free rate, and the differences between Ethereum and Bitcoin. Goh introduces Treehouse’s T-Asset product, which enhances liquid staking yields through arbitrage strategies, and highlights the importance of decentralized benchmark rates like the Decentralized Offered Rate (D.O.R). They also examine risks such as rehypothecation and the need for reliable data in DeFi, concluding with a discussion on institutional adoption and the infrastructure required for its growth.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction03:09 - Brandon's Transition from TradFi to Crypto05:12 - Core Concepts of Borrowing Rates in TradFi07:59 - On-Chain Rates and Their Implications09:05 - Comparing Bitcoin and Ethereum as Risk-Free Rates12:22 - Staking Yield as a Risk-Free Rate Analogy14:08 - Liquid Staking Explained21:34 - Treehouse's T-Asset Product Overview23:46 - Decentralized Finance and Risk Considerations29:30 - Institutional Involvement in DeFi31:12 - Expanding to Other Chains and Market Strategy32:34 - Introduction to Decentralized Offered Rates (DOR)41:34 - Building a Decentralized Benchmark Rate48:09 - Incentives and Accuracy in the DOR FrameworkDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageConnor and Mahesh welcomed Vinny Lingham, a prominent figure in crypto and tech. Vinny discussed his latest ventures, including Animal, a film exploring the benefits of the carnivore diet, and shared his personal health transformation. He reflected on the challenges of the 2018-2019 crypto winter, the evolving regulatory landscape, and his work with Civic, a decentralized identity protocol aimed at enhancing trust in digital transactions. The conversation also covered AI and decentralized computing, with Vinny highlighting projects like Render and Vast.ai as potential disruptors to traditional data centers. Throughout the discussion, he encouraged listeners to challenge conventional narratives in both health and technology, wrapping up with an invitation to connect with him on Twitter for further insights.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:27 - Upcoming Movie: Animal02:56 - Misconceptions About Diets06:42 - Challenging Established Narratives08:06 - Civic and Decentralized Identity10:42 - Regulatory Challenges in Crypto13:11 - Transparency in Elections14:15 - Bear Market Experience17:15 - Investing in Solana and Filecoin20:27 - AI Video Conferencing Platform: Rumi21:11 - DePIN Strategy and AI Development25:06 - Future of Decentralized GPUs26:44 - Closing Thoughts Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageConnor sits down with Tory Green to discuss how Io.net is revolutionizing AI infrastructure with affordable, decentralized compute power. They explore the challenges of centralized cloud providers, how DeepSeek underscores the need for decentralized AI solutions, and why Solana’s speed and community support make it the ideal foundation for Io.net. Tory also breaks down the network’s transparency, staking mechanisms, and competitive edge against AWS, GCP, and Azure, along with Io.net’s plans for product launches, partnerships, and mainstream adoption.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction02:50 The Impact of DeepSeek on AI06:04 The Journey to Decentralized AI08:46 Understanding Io.net's Core Problem12:00 Io.net's Solution and Market Position15:09 Overcoming Latency Challenges18:04 Choosing Solana for Io.net's Infrastructure21:03 Token Utility and Community Engagement23:55 Future Aspirations for Io.netDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Santiago Santos, co-host of the Empire podcast and a leading voice in the crypto space, shares compelling insights on the future of private equity intertwined with cryptocurrency. He emphasizes the transformative power of open-source systems and rapid capital movement. The discussion touches on the urgency of crypto education, the necessity of integrating stablecoins into decentralized networks, and the shift from investor to founder. Santiago also highlights the evolving landscape of private equity in the face of challenges and the role of technology in realizing ambitious visions.

Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageConnor welcomes Miguel from Nillion to discuss the company's latest endeavors. Miguel shares insights into Nillion's motivation for launching an internal podcast designed to provide builders and developers with a platform to showcase their projects. The conversation explores the benefits of open-sourcing AI models, highlighting how Nillion leveraged DeepSeek's R1 model to develop a privacy-preserving "blind guru" chatbot. Additionally, the episode examines the broader implications of DeepSeek's open-source approach and the ongoing challenges surrounding privacy and security in AI development.Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction00:40 - Privacy-Preserving AI: The Impact of DeepSeek's Model04:13 - Trust and Privacy in AI Agents10:17 - How Web3 Can Benefit from Seamless Privacy Integration18:31 - The Connection Between Web2, Web3, and Privacy with ZkTLS22:17 - A Look at Privacy Solutions26:00 - Unique Use Cases for Nillion Technology30:54 - Ways to Get Involved with the CommunityDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageConnor speaks with Kevin McCordic, Head of Growth at Meet Monad, about the latest developments in the Monad ecosystem as they prepare for their Testnet launch. They discuss the volatile crypto market, likening it to a high-stakes game similar to Squid Game, where investor sentiment shifts unpredictably. Kevin shares his journey from venture investing to Monad, highlighting his evolving role in marketing, community building, and product strategy. The conversation explores Monad’s mission to make blockchain development more accessible through EVM integration, fostering innovation and expanding its developer base. Kevin also emphasizes the importance of community engagement in driving growth and previews exciting projects within the ecosystem. The episode concludes with a call for listeners to follow Monad on Twitter and stay tuned for the Testnet launch, marking a pivotal moment for the platform’s future.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:39 - Market Sentiment and Development Challenges in Crypto03:23 - Exploring Monad04:44 - Evolution of Roles at Monad: From Branding to Testnet Launch07:10 - Building the Ecosystem and Preparing for Testnet Launch10:33 - From Security to Opportunity in the Crypto Space11:56 - From Angel Investing to Joining the Team at Monad20:01 - The Impact of Fast Blockchains on Crypto Development25:22 - Leveraging Twitter and Memes for Growth in Crypto36:13 - Monad's Growth Strategies and Community EngagementDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.