

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

Jan 6, 2025 • 47min
The Future of Blockchain Interoperability with Omni | Austin King
Follow Building in Public Podcast: https://x.com/builtnpublicpod
Mahesh and guest host John Wu sit down with Austin King, CEO of Omni Labs, to explore the future of cryptocurrency and decentralized finance (DeFi). Austin shares his journey from Harvard College to building and selling his first company to Ripple, reflecting on the lessons from the 2017 crypto boom that shaped his vision for blockchain interoperability. He discusses innovative design trends like "intents and solvers," which simplify cross-chain transactions for users, and Omni Labs’ mission to abstract blockchain complexities, enabling seamless participation in the on-chain economy. Austin also opens up about leadership challenges, including pivoting after significant fundraising, and emphasizes the value of transparency, collaboration, and a strong support network. The conversation concludes with insights into the evolving crypto landscape and Austin's vision for a neutral and open economic system.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:31 - Introduction to Omni and Solvernet
01:30 - Austin King's Journey from Harvard to Crypto
03:02 - Identifying the Need for Interoperability
05:20 - The Ripple Acquisition Story
06:43 - Understanding the XRP Community
10:19 - Misunderstandings About XRP and Ripple
14:24 - Cults and Communities in Crypto
16:21 - Building Omni and Its Vision
20:56 - The Importance of Interoperability
23:24 - Pivoting After Fundraising
28:01 - Support Networks for Founders
30:33 - Conviction in Decision-Making
33:37 - Overview of the Omni Token and Network
39:04 - Defining Success in the Crypto Space
41:34 - Long-Term Vision for Crypto Development
Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Jan 2, 2025 • 22min
Redefining IOT Meets Blockchain with Staex | Dr. Alexandra Mikityuk
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Sal sits down with Alexandra from Staex, a company redefining IoT through a trusted, decentralized network. They discuss the inefficiencies of traditional network protocols for modern IoT and how Staex’s approach re-architects infrastructure to reduce overhead and enhance security. Alexandra highlights Staex’s impact, including saving a U.S. client with 2,000 charging stations $100,000 annually by optimizing data transmission. She also shares use cases like anchoring battery data on-chain for regulatory compliance and using drones to measure electromagnetic fields. The conversation reveals Staex’s shift from a decentralization-first pitch to a focus on efficiency and cost savings, and Alexandra invites builders to join the evolution of DePIN and the machine economy. This episode offers a compelling look at how IoT, blockchain, and regulatory compliance are converging to reshape industries.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:31 - Overview of Staex and IoT Challenges
01:40 - Alexandra's Background in IoT Networking
05:26 - The Monolithic Approach of Staex
08:09 - Evolving the Pitch to Enterprises
10:33 - Understanding Cost Savings in IoT
12:12 - Industrial Use Cases for Staex
15:19 - Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities
17:19 - Current Stage and Future Plans for Staex
20:16 - Alexandra's Aspirations Beyond Staex
21:47 - Call to Action for Builders and Collaborators
Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

13 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 27min
$TAO as the King of Crypto x AI
Sami, the former co-host of the Building in Public podcast and an expert on Bittensor, dives deep into the revolutionary decentralized AI platform. They explore how Bittensor challenges traditional models like OpenAI with its unique approach and subnets. Sami emphasizes the power of open-source innovation and the necessity of financial incentives for contributors. He also discusses the community's commitment to improving Bittensor and its optimistic future prospects, alongside challenges related to emission distribution.

Dec 23, 2024 • 47min
Nils Pihl: Machine Perception, AR/VR’s Future, and DePIN’s Role in Capitalism
Follow Building in Public Podcast: https://x.com/builtnpublicpod
Sal sits down with Nils, founder and CEO of Auki Labs, to explore the future of spatial intelligence, machine perception, and augmented reality. Nils shares how his journey began with a vision for AR overlays in tabletop games like Warhammer, ultimately leading to breakthroughs in spatial computing. They discuss the potential of DePIN to make AI more accessible, drawing parallels between AR's evolution and human language. Nils addresses the limitations of current AR tech, such as battery life and processing power, and proposes new types of wearable devices as a solution. The conversation also delves into Auki's token system, which incentivizes contributions to a decentralized machine perception network. This episode offers a compelling look at the future of AR, robotics, and human-machine interaction.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:37 - Sponsor Message: Polygon
01:00 - Introduction to Nils and Auki Labs
02:02 - Inspiration Behind Auki and Spatial Computing
05:36 - DePIN: AI and Its Resources
06:52 - Terence McKenna and the Evolution of Language
09:58 - Augmented Reality as Humanity's Oldest Project
10:50 - The Future of Robotics and Human Language
14:32 - Decentralized Mapping and Positioning
15:57 - The Inevitable Global Movement of DePIN
16:27 - Memetic Engineering: A Career Overview
20:27 - The Concept of Memes and Their Impact
25:41 - Auki's Business Model and Go-to-Market Strategy
27:30 - AR Notes and Communication in Retail
30:53 - AI's Role in Retail Efficiency
33:44 - Form Factors for Spatial Computing
40:03 - Decentralized Collaborative Spatial Computing
41:51 - Auki's Token and Crypto Strategy
Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Dec 19, 2024 • 26min
Building a PC-Powered Compute DePIN with Koii | Al Morris
Sal talks to Al, the founder of Koii, about their platform that lets users run decentralized apps on personal computers. They discuss Koii’s new feature allowing token staking and rewards, creating an open marketplace for developers and users. Al shares his journey from blockchain education to building Koii, driven by a passion for technology’s impact, particularly in medicine. The conversation highlights how Koii simplifies decentralization, making it accessible even to those with little technical knowledge. Al emphasizes Koii's mission to lower barriers for developers and promote community-driven projects.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
01:15 - Background and Journey to Koii
06:07 - User Experience and Node Installation
08:55 - Financial Incentives vs. Community Engagement
12:57 - Developer Token Integration and Ecosystem
13:36 - Comparison with Other Crypto Projects
18:57 - Decentralization and Node Sales Discussion
24:52 - Closing Thoughts and Future of Decentralized Products
Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Dec 17, 2024 • 31min
Building a Real-Time View of the Road with Natix
Follow Building in Public Podcast: https://x.com/builtnpublicpod
Sal sat down with Alireza and Ulrich from Natix to explore their groundbreaking work with VX360, a 360-degree camera system designed to generate near-miss driving scenarios for autonomous vehicle testing. With over 190,000 registered drivers and 100 million kilometers of road covered, Natix focuses on dynamic, real-time data rather than static mapping. Alireza shared insights on AI, deep learning, and the growing importance of real-world data in autonomous driving, while Ulrich detailed how VX360 captures critical video data for scenario generation and object detection. The conversation also covered Natix’s first paying client, collaborations within the autonomous driving space, and a call-to-action for Tesla owners to become early adopters of VX360.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:34 - Sponsor Message: Polygon Labs
00:55 - AI and DePIN: A New Frontier
02:07 - Dash Cam Footage: Use Cases and Applications
04:22 - Current Status: Drivers and Road Coverage
05:55 - Dynamic Data vs. Unique Kilometers
06:48 - Collaboration with Other Mapping Companies
08:52 - Overview of VX360 Product and Its Purpose
09:22 - Scenario Generation for Autonomous Vehicles
11:24 - Importance of 360 Video Data
12:22 - Tesla's Role and Compatibility with VX360
14:22 - Monetization and Target Customers
16:30 - Messari Copilot Ad
17:23 - Token Economics and Revenue Accrual
20:11 - Scenario Focus Over Kilometers Driven
21:35 - Monetizing Street Level Imagery
22:13 - First Paying Client and Future Prospects
25:28 - Scaling Demand and Product Development
28:00 - Revenue Accrual to the Token
29:52 - Closing Remarks and Call to Action
Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Dec 11, 2024 • 33min
Vape to Quit Smoking and Earn Crypto with Puffpaw
Follow Building in Public Podcast: https://x.com/builtnpublicpod
This episode features Reffo, co-founder of Puffpaw, a project blending vaping with blockchain technology to create a "vape-to-earn" model that helps users monitor nicotine intake and incentivizes quitting through rewards. Reffo discusses Puffpaw's smart vaporizers, which track puff count and nicotine levels via a Bluetooth-connected app, promoting healthier habits and community engagement. The conversation covers Puffpaw's team expertise, their choice to build on Berachain, and their $6 million seed round. Reffo also shares insights on fundraising and the potential impact of Puffpaw’s health data on vaping research, emphasizing user privacy and control.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:26 - The Problem with Current Vaping Practices
02:00 - Founders' Background and Inspiration
04:00 - Overview of Genesis Pods and Smart Vape
05:30 - Features of the Smart Vape Device
08:00 - Social Engagement and Gamification
10:00 - Challenges in the Vape Industry
11:00 - Token Utility and Revenue Model
14:00 - Health Data and Research Opportunities
17:00 - Advertising Potential on Vape Screens
19:00 - Building on Berachain
22:00 - Fundraising Experience and Investor Reactions
25:00 - Advice for First Movers in Fundraising
28:00 - The Role of Angel Investors
30:00 - Closing Thoughts and Invitation for Discussion
Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Dec 9, 2024 • 31min
Connecting Your Car To The Blockchain with Soarchain
We were joined by Deniz from Soarchain, a company revolutionizing the mobility industry through innovative data solutions. Deniz discusses the oligopolistic nature of the automotive sector, challenges with data ownership, and how Soarchain empowers car owners to reclaim and monetize their vehicle data using a secure hardware device connected to the OBD2 port. He highlights the importance of decentralized data management, Soarchain’s progress with nearly 20,000 cars on their testnet, partnerships with major companies, and the upcoming transition to the Solana blockchain. This conversation showcases how Soarchain is transforming mobility with blockchain technology.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:26 - Sponsor Message: Polygon Labs
00:54 - Challenges in Mobility and Connectivity
04:19 - Data Ownership and Siloing Issues
06:10 - Soarchain’s Approach to Data Utilization
09:14 - User Empowerment and Data Monetization
12:13 - Connecting Cars to the Network
14:07 - Comparison with DIMO
18:38 - Data Privacy and User Experience
19:45 - Current Scale and Testnet Success
21:05 - Revenue Potential and Customer Profiles
23:10 - Innovative Use Cases and Applications
25:47 - Transition to Solana and Token Launch
29:55 - Community Engagement
Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Dec 4, 2024 • 31min
Providing WIFI Connectivity to 1M+ Customers with XNET | Rich DeVaul & Shaan Chaudhari
Follow Building in Public Podcast: https://x.com/builtnpublicpod
In this episode of Building in Public, Rich and Shaan from XNET discussed their progress as a decentralized neutral host mobile operator. They explored the XIP-10 proposal to reduce token supply and its benefits for the community. Rich highlighted XNET’s demand-side GTM, enabling millions to connect via existing carriers, with growth potential in the U.S. market. They covered MNOs vs. MVNOs, international expansion, and the Solana ecosystem’s supportive culture. Updates included funding milestones, Sphere Pay and Kamino integrations, and plans to onboard millions of users to Solana, showcasing XNET’s vision for decentralized mobile networks.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:41 - Discussion on XIP-10 and Token Burns
03:56 - Understanding XNET's Business Model
06:25 - Customer Segments: MNOs vs. MVNOs
10:09 - International Expansion and Roaming Opportunities
12:29 - Wi-Fi and Cellular Spectrum in Global Deployments
14:05 - Transition from Polygon to Solana
16:50 - Community Growth and Social Engagement
18:31 - Exciting Developments with XNET Foundation
20:49 - Meme Coins and Retail Engagement
22:31 - Scaling Supply Side through Brownfield Deployments
28:37 - Upcoming Features and Integrations
30:18 - Where to Find More Information on XNET
Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Dec 2, 2024 • 30min
$1B Revenue Gaming Studio to Cloud Services DePIN with Impossible Cloud Network | Kai Wawrzinek
Follow Building in Public Podcast: https://x.com/builtnpublicpod
In this episode, Kai Wawrzinek, co-founder of Impossible Cloud Network, shared his vision for decentralized cloud services. Drawing on his experience building $B+ Goodgame Studios, he highlighted the demand for scalable cloud solutions. Kai discussed the challenges of competing with AWS and emphasized decentralization’s benefits, like lower latency and resilience. He detailed Impossible Cloud’s enterprise-grade object storage, already serving 1,000+ customers, and the success of their testnet with 100,000 users. With a token launch planned for Q1 2025, Kai stressed building a collaborative ecosystem for decentralized cloud innovation.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:32 - Sponsor Message: Polygon Labs
01:06 - Goodgame Studios and Goodgame Empire
01:29 - Building a Gaming Studio: Lessons Learned
04:18 - Transitioning to Cloud Services in Gaming
04:42 - The Need for Decentralized Cloud Services
08:29 - Benefits of a Decentralized Network
10:43 - Impossible Cloud Network's Vision
12:43 - Focus on Demand Side and Initial Use Case
14:54 - Testnet Results and Community Engagement
15:43 - B2B Approach and Compliance Requirements
20:07 - Revenue Pipeline and Growth of Object Storage Product
22:10 - Token Launch Plans and Chain Selection
24:11 - Tokenomics and Utility in the Network
29:34 - Conclusion and How to Get Involved
Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.


