Proof of Coverage

In this episode, Connor had the pleasure of speaking with Garrett of Nodle, a groundbreaking startup that utilises smartphones to create a decentralized network for various applications. They discussed how Nodle began its journey seven years ago, initially focusing on building mesh networks to facilitate communication in areas without internet access. Today, Nodle has evolved into a powerful tool for verifying reality, enabling users to prove the authenticity of images and data through a new app called Click. Garrett highlighted the importance of citizen journalism in the current digital landscape, where anyone with a smartphone can capture significant events. We explored the potential of Nodle's technology to collect and incentivize these insights, making it a valuable resource for media companies and AI firms alike. One of the key challenges they addressed was the difficulty in distinguishing between real and AI-generated content, emphasizing the need for reliable verification tools. They also delved into the technical aspects of Nodle's wireless network creation, which utilizes Bluetooth connectivity from smartphones to locate assets, such as stolen vehicles. This innovative approach not only reduces costs but also enhances the efficiency of connecting devices to the internet. Garrett shared his vision for a more open future, where smartphones can be utilized to their full potential, breaking free from the restrictions imposed by traditional telecom companies. We discussed the implications of this shift, particularly in terms of trust and decentralization, and how blockchain technology can play a crucial role in establishing a more scalable and reliable model. 00:00 - Introduction 00:11 - The Challenge of Verifying Media Authenticity 00:26 - Overview of Nodle's Offerings 01:03 - The Evolution of Nodle's Technology 02:21 - The Role of Citizen Journalism in Modern Media 03:54 - Using Blockchain for Media Verification 04:50 - Image Authentication and Metadata Security 05:26 - Wireless Network Creation with Smartphones 06:38 - Real-World Applications: Asset Recovery 07:33 - The Future of Connectivity and Microcomputers 08:05 - The Debate: Custom Hardware vs. Smartphones 09:18 - The Shift Towards a More Open Future 10:01 - Decentralization and Trust in the Digital Age 10:11 - Conclusion 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.

In this episode, Mahesh sits down with Rushi Manche, the founder of Movement Labs, to explore the dynamic world of decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) and the Move programming language. The conversation begins with a look at the innovative work of the Solana team, particularly the unexpected success of the Solana Saga phone, which has piqued interest in Web3 products. Rushi offers his insights on how DePIN is disrupting industries typically controlled by a few large authorities, such as energy grids and telecommunications, by decentralizing control and enabling broader participation. As the DePIN Summit approaches, Rushi shares his excitement about the growing number of projects in the space. He notes that, while DePIN currently represents only 7% of the altcoin market cap, its potential to transform trillion-dollar industries is substantial. The discussion also covers the critical issue of security in blockchain, with Rushi reflecting on the billions lost to hacks each year and how Movement Labs is working to enhance blockchain security and accessibility. Rushi underscores the importance of innovation and experimentation in the crypto world, especially for younger founders entering the space. He shares his own journey, emphasizing the value of mentorship and community support in navigating the challenges of building during a bear market. The future of the Move programming language and its wide range of applications, from decentralized GPUs to novel projects like sentiment-based memory bracelets, is also explored. Rushi's vision for Movement Labs is clear: to build a decentralized ecosystem that empowers users and fosters real-world blockchain applications. 00:00 - Introduction 00:51 - Introducing Rushi from Movement Labs 01:26 - Understanding DePIN 03:30 - Mentorship in Crypto 04:54 - Building in a Bear Market 06:20 - Focus on Move Programming Language 08:25 - Security in Blockchain 09:08 - Making Security Attractive 10:48 - User Identity and Data Security 12:46 - DePIN's Role in Security 15:17 - Catalysts for DePIN's Growth 16:57 - Decentralization and User Experience 19:22 - Use Cases for Movement Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

In today’s episode we welcome back co-host John Wu and introduce Ash Ahmed, a recent Harvard College graduate and co-founder of Axal. Ash shares his fascinating journey from being a competitive debater to the world of startups and cryptocurrency. We discuss the unique bond between Ash and his twin brother, who is also making waves in the venture space with a non-invasive Neuralink startup. Ash discusses the entrepreneurial spirit fostered at Harvard, the challenges of building a company while still in college, and the importance of reflection in his decision-making process. Ash explains how Axal aims to create a network for verifiable autonomous agents, making tasks easier and more accessible for users. He highlights the intersection of AI and blockchain, the utility of Axal's token, and the vision for the future of crypto and task fulfillment. 00:00 - Introduction 01:06 - Introduction of Guests 01:57 - Sibling Rivalry and Competition: Ash's Twin Brother 04:19 - Different Paths: Ash and His Brother's Journeys 06:17 - Entrepreneurship in College 09:18 - Finding Funding and Building Axal 10:42 - Advice for Mentors in Startup Accelerators 12:26 - The Importance of Ambition and Hustle 16:46 - Reflections on Personal Growth and Maturity 17:12 - Introducing Axal: The Platform Overview 21:00 - Exploring Other Vertical Opportunities for Axal 23:23 - The Role of UI/UX in Product Development 24:34 - Comparing Computer Science Education Across Universities 26:10 - The Entrepreneurial Spirit at Harvard 27:25 - Token Utility and Ecosystem Dynamics 30:57 - Future Vision: Axal's Role in the Crypto Landscape 33:11 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in College 36:06 - The Pressure of Early Career Decisions 37:32 - The Value of Banking Experience for Entrepreneurs Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

In this episode, Connor talks to John Dogru of 3DOS about the evolving landscape of 3D printing and its implications for manufacturing and entrepreneurship. John, a seasoned veteran in the 3D printing industry, discusses how the expiration of key patents in the mid-2010s has led to increased competition, driving down costs and improving quality. This democratization of technology has made 3D printing more accessible, allowing individuals to start their own businesses with multiple printers at home. They explore the current state of the industry, highlighting advancements in desktop printers that now rival expensive industrial machines. John shares insights on the diverse applications of 3D printing, from medical devices to everyday household items, and how it is becoming a staple in various sectors, including automotive and IoT. The conversation shifts to the broader economic implications of manufacturing, emphasizing the need to return to a model where value is derived from producing goods and services rather than financial engineering. John advocates for a balance that supports productive individuals in society. They also discuss the journey of building a startup in the decentralized manufacturing space, including the importance of aligning with the right investors and choosing the right blockchain technology. John shares his vision for 3DOS, which aims to streamline the connection between design and manufacturing while expanding into a global distribution platform. Overall, this episode provides a fascinating look at the future of 3D printing, the potential for decentralized manufacturing, and the importance of creating a sustainable economic model that prioritizes real production. 00:00 - A discussion on the history and advancements in 3D printing technology 01:02 - An overview of the current capabilities of 3D printing 03:23 - Exploration of how increased competition and lower costs are shaping the 3D printing landscape. 05:18 -  A conversation about the importance of returning to a production-based economy versus financial engineering. 06:28 - Insights on fundraising and selecting the right blockchain for startups in DePIN 08:41 - Reflections on the benefits of a flexible work lifestyle and how it enhances productivity. 10:36 - Discussion on the future goals of 3DOS Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

In today’s episode Connor was joined by Logan Jastremski, an investor and co-founder of Frictionless Capital. They delved into the evolving landscape of venture capital in crypto, particularly focusing on the DePIN sector, which has gained significant traction over the past six months. Logan shared his insights on the importance of conviction in the face of skepticism, especially during challenging market conditions. He reflected on his unwavering support for Solana during its bear market, emphasizing the significance of understanding the underlying technology and its potential for scalability. His experience at Tesla shaped his perspective on the physics of blockchain architecture, reinforcing his belief that certain design elements are essential for long-term success. They also discussed the role of his podcast in building a network and reputation within the crypto community. Logan expressed how the podcast serves as a platform for founders to share their stories, which not only benefits them but also enhances his understanding of the industry. He highlighted the importance of asking better questions to facilitate meaningful conversations. As they wrapped up, Logan articulated his hopes for the DePIN sector, emphasizing the need for robust infrastructure to support scalable applications. He believes that decentralized physical infrastructure networks have the potential to revolutionize the way we utilize blockchain technology. 00:00 - The Nature of Venture Capital 01:01 - Starting the Podcast 02:46 - Building a Network Through Podcasting 04:08 - Conviction in Solana 06:51 - Understanding Blockchain Architecture 08:35 - Focus on the Deep End Sector 10:16 - Product Focus in Crypto Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

In today's episode, Connor interviews Shayon Sengupta, an early investor in DePIN. They discuss the rapid growth and potential of DePIN as a business model innovation enabled by crypto. Shayon highlighted the importance of both supply and demand sides in the DePIN space, emphasizing the need for pragmatic approaches to onboarding demand. They also touched upon the unique blend of applications and infrastructure in DePIN networks, with a focus on tokenomics and value transfer. Shayon shared insights on his role as an activist investor, providing valuable guidance to portfolio companies to increase their probability of success. He emphasized the significance of being involved in decision-making at the product and distribution side, leveraging his expertise in product development. Overall, the conversation delved into the evolving landscape of DePIN, the importance of token design, and the role of investors in supporting founders in the crypto space. It was an insightful discussion that shed light on the potential and challenges of DePIN networks. 00:00 - Intro 00:57 - Introduction to DePIN’s Business Model Innovation 05:30 - The Debate Between Applications and Infrastructure in DePIN 07:25 - Investor Activism and Support for Founders Although our guest this week is an Investment Partner of a registered investment adviser, nothing in this podcast should be considered an offer of Multicoin’s investment advisory services or should otherwise be confused for investment, tax, legal or other financial advice.

Sami Kassab, a DePIN OG and former co-host, dives into the burgeoning world of decentralized AI projects. He discusses the significance of the Bittensor ecosystem, revealing its innovative approach and real-world value creation. Sami highlights his transition from crypto operations to a focused investment role at OSS Capital, sharing valuable insights for aspiring crypto VCs. Their conversation spans the importance of niche specialization and the transformative potential of merging crypto with AI, showcasing how these projects can create tangible impacts.

In today’s episode, Connor discusses the importance of real-world verification in the DePIN network with Raullen Chai from IoTeX. They explore the challenges of ensuring devices in the network perform as expected and provide minimum levels of service. Raullen highlights IoTeX's approach to addressing this issue through device integrity, data privacy, and verification processes. The conversation also delves into IoTeX's recent 2.0 launch, focusing on modularizing the tech infrastructure to make it more accessible to builders and developers. Raullen emphasizes the need for more DePIN projects in the market to test what works and what doesn't. Furthermore, Connor & Raullen touch on IoTeX's longevity in the crypto industry, attributing their success to a dedicated team, long-term vision, and adaptability to industry trends. 00:00 - Real World Verification Challenges 01:24 - Pain Points in DePIN Projects 02:36 - Democratizing DePIN 03:18 - IoTeX's Approach to Real-World Verification 04:28 - Longevity and Success of IoTeX

In this engaging discussion, Ben Schiller, a crypto journalist from CoinDesk specializing in DePIN, shares insights on the significance of decentralized physical infrastructure networks. He highlights the shift from speculative crypto investments to practical, revenue-generating applications. Ben emphasizes the need for unique perspectives in DePIN coverage and the potential for more unicorn companies to arise in this space. With increasing interest and experimentation, he invites listeners to contribute their thoughts on the evolving DePIN landscape.

In today’s episode, we had Jonathan from SkyTrade as our guest, discussing the current state and future of air rights in the drone industry. Jonathan highlighted the use cases of air rights in real estate, views protection, and overhangs. He also emphasized the importance of drones and cargo drones in the future of low-altitude transit. Jonathan shared insights on how SkyTrade is revolutionizing the air rights market by enabling homeowners to monetize their airspace through a marketplace and a drone radar app. He also discussed the plans for landing and refueling stations for drones, emphasizing the potential for infrastructure development in the drone industry. Additionally, Jonathan hinted at the possibility of a native token for SkyTrade in the future, with tokenomics already in progress. Overall, the episode provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of air rights and the role of SkyTrade in shaping the future of the drone industry. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to SkyTrade and Air Rights Market 05:30 - Motivation Behind Writing Publicly and Building a Following 10:30 - Current State and Future of Air Rights Use Cases 19:48 - Future State of Air Rights and Use Cases 29:48 - Discussion on eVTOL Market and Concentration of Companies 35:32 - Enforcement and Regulation of Air Rights 36:34 - SkyTrade's Plans for Landing and Taking Off Stations 39:54 - SkyTrade Token Plans and Usage Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.