Today Connor and Dave Grantham dive deep into the concept of real-world verification and its critical role in scaling DePINs. Dave shares insights on how AI can enhance the governance and reputation systems within these networks. They discuss the importance of functional verification, which allows us to build a reputation graph that helps distinguish reliable nodes from newcomers. Dave explains Reppo's dual approach: leveraging AI specialists to create models that detect gaming behaviors and opt...
Oct 07, 2024•16 min
Connor had the pleasure of speaking with Adam Feiler from Minima, a pioneering company in the blockchain space. They delved into the evolving landscape of technology, particularly the shift from cloud-based solutions back to on-device processing. Minima positions itself as an embedded blockchain that allows for data attestation at the source, which is crucial for ensuring the integrity of information generated by IoT devices. They discussed the importance of peer-to-peer communication and how Mi...
Oct 02, 2024•9 min
Connor is joined by Jiahao Sun of Flock, a project that aims to revolutionize the AI landscape through decentralization. They discussed the growing trend of open-source AI models catching up to their closed-source counterparts, raising the question of whether closed-source AI is becoming obsolete. Jiahao emphasized the importance of community-driven development and the need for individuals to have control over their own data and AI models, rather than relying solely on tech giants like Google an...
Sep 30, 2024•7 min
Connor welcomes Samer Bishay, founder of Karrier One, who recently acquired Cellular Spectrum in Canada. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Karrier One, allowing them to transition from a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) to a mobile network operator (MNO). This change not only gives them a seat at the table among major players in the telecom industry but also enhances their ability to communicate and collaborate with other MNOs. They discussed the importance of owning spect...
Sep 25, 2024•8 min
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...
Sep 23, 2024•12 min
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 a...
Sep 18, 2024•42 min
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 st...
Sep 16, 2024•48 min
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 ho...
Sep 11, 2024•13 min
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, empha...
Sep 09, 2024•11 min
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 insig...
Sep 04, 2024•11 min
In this episode, Connor welcomed back Sami Kassab, a DePIN OG and former PoC podcast co-host. Connor and Sami discussed the growing relevance and popularity of DePIN in the current market, with a focus on real-world value creation. Sami shared insights on the latest developments in the Bittensor ecosystem, highlighting its role as a decentralized AI project producing tangible results. We delved into Sami's transition from operating in the crypto space to his current role at OSS Capital, where he...
Sep 02, 2024•11 min
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 i...
Aug 29, 2024•7 min
In today’s episode Connor interviews Ben Schiller, a crypto journalist from CoinDesk, about the recent launch of a DePIN vertical on their platform. Ben discusses the importance of covering DePIN as a separate topic due to its unique focus on physical infrastructure and tangible services. They also touch on the evolution of the DePIN industry, the need for real revenue and profitability, and the potential for unicorn companies to emerge in the space. Ben emphasizes the importance of original and...
Aug 27, 2024•13 min
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 d...
Aug 22, 2024•48 min
In this episode, Connor, Sal, and Mahesh discussed the recent DePIN Summit and reflected on the highs and lows of the event. They talked about the importance of bringing the DePIN community together in person to foster collaboration and innovation and shared their experiences with recording the podcast in-person and the overall success of the Summit. We also touched on the feedback from other founders and investors on the SBC conference and how DePIN stands out with its focus on both infrastruct...
Aug 19, 2024•23 min
In this episode, Connor and Mahesh are joined by Karam Lakshman, the founder of the Dabba Network, a wireless network project in India. Karam shared the journey of Dabba, starting from a software consulting company to the deployment of Wi-Fi hotspots across India. The unique model of decoupling hotspot ownership and deployment was highlighted, allowing for foreign investment and scalability. The founder discussed the competitive advantage of Dabba in terms of pricing and coverage compared to tra...
Aug 12, 2024•46 min
In this episode, Connor & Sal are joined by Jason from Daylight. They delve into the world of energy and blockchain technology with a focus on the Daylight Network. The conversation touched on various topics, including the concept of energy as a commodity, the challenges and opportunities in the energy industry, and the evolution of the Daylight Network from its inception to its current state. The discussion also explored the idea of peer-to-peer energy trading, the role of liquidity in dece...
Aug 05, 2024•50 min
In this episode, Mahesh and guest host John Wu are joined by Kaledora Fontana Kiernan-Linn, Co-Founder of Ostium Labs. Ostium is committed to delivering solutions around stablecoin settlement, low-latency oracle-based pricing, minimal liquidity provider exposure, and a disintermediated and unbiased trading environment. We discuss the world of Ostium, finance, and various platforms like Interactive Brokers, LMAX, CME, and Coinbase futures. Kaledora examines the flexibility and benefits of the cur...
Jul 29, 2024•51 min
Sal is joined by Tom Trowbridge, Co-Founder of Fluence Labs. Fluence’s DePIN platform frees developers from centralized clouds by offering natively decentralized, low cost, and verifiable compute. In today’s episode, we dive deep into the world of decentralized networks with real-world utility. We discuss the trade-offs of decentralization, share personal experiences transitioning into the crypto space, and explore the changing landscape of talent and innovation in the crypto industry. The conve...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 1 min
In this episode, Sal is joined by ZX and Sylvan from Parasail - the leading restaking protocol for DePIN. Parasail is the first restaking protocol to provide onchain economic guarantees for DePIN services, helping drive DePIN adoption and onchain revenues. Discover how they’re connecting established crypto assets with emerging DePIN services to backstop on-chain refunds and boost staking rewards. ZX and Sylvan discuss Parasail's origins in the Filecoin ecosystem and their vision for the future o...
Jul 15, 2024•40 min
In this special episode, Connor is joined by Abhay Kumar and Joey Hiller from Helium, as well as Fredrik Ahlgren and Tobias Ohlsson from Srcful to discuss Srcful’s proposal to build a decentralized energy grid on top of Helium Network infrastructure. Helium is one of the oldest, largest DePIN projects, mostly focused on building out wireless networks but now leveraging its vast footprint and community to support DePINs in other verticals like energy and mobility. Meanwhile, Srcful is developing ...
Jul 08, 2024•46 min
Connor and Sal are joined by guests Houman Shadab and Wyatt Benno from NovaNet. NovaNet is building an incentive and coordination network for zero knowledge proofs that run locally and leverage the latest advances in ZK technology. The group discusses the zk yin to blockchain’s yang, how ZK proofs compare to other trustless verification methods like TEEs and secure hardware elements, and most importantly, how ZK technology will play an important role in shaping the future of the DePIN industry. ...
Jul 01, 2024•40 min
Connor and Sal are joined by guests Boris Renski & Amir Haleem from Helium. The Helium project is a DePIN building wireless networks. From tackling the intricacies of the token structure to discussing strategies for increasing data flow over Helium mobile hotspots, this episode promises to be an insightful exploration of the latest developments in the crypto and telco industry. We’ll dissect the dynamics of decentralized network planning, the significance of user experience in network develo...
Jun 24, 2024•46 min
Connor and Sal sit down with Harrison Hines of Fleek Network. Fleek is the lightning fast onchain cloud, powered by the Fleek Network, permissionless onchain cloud infrastructure, edge-optimized for performance. Harrison talks about what parts of Web2 infrastructure Fleek is solving, how they think about their GTM operations vs. technical operations in a Web3 world, how they deliver a highly performant network despite the need for higher verification than Web2 alternatives, and Fleek’s upcoming ...
Jun 03, 2024•1 hr 4 min
This week, Sal is joined by Anon Morpho, Neuratic and DNB from the Ator team. Ator is building the largest global anonymous-routing ecosystem, leveraging a decentralized privacy protocol, on-chain incentives and signature hardware to rapidly scale its network. The team discusses why privacy is so important to them, how Ator is advancing decades-old privacy concepts, the first-party benefits their hardware provides to customers straight out-of-the-box, why privacy is still critical in web3, and t...
May 20, 2024•42 min
Sami and Connor are joined by Andrej Radonjic, Founder of Grass Network. Grass is a network of over 2M+ people incentivized to assist AI developers in accessing data on the internet. Grass creates a more equitable and inclusive future for the development of AI. 00:00 Connor lives in a Resort 00:34 Grass merch coming soon 01:20 Catching up with Andrej 03:15 Open source datasets for AI 06:40 Why Andrej doxx’d himself on Twitter 09:30 Deep dive on Grass and the web scraping/AI market 17:11 What has...
May 06, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Mahesh and Sal are joined by Alireza Ghods, CEO & Co-Founder of Natix. Natix is a global mapping network of smart cameras. Natix’s 100k drivers have mapped 30M km across 170 countries. Alireza takes on the great DePIN mapping hardware debate, making the case for smartphones over dedicated hardware, lays out the long-term vision for Natix as a camera network beyond just road mapping, and illustrates how Natix could eventually enable a wide variety of use cases, including facilitating the use ...
Apr 25, 2024•47 min
Mahesh, Connor, and Sami are joined by Neil Chatterjee, CEO of Andrena and Ani Pai, Partner at Dragonfly Capital. Andrena is working to deliver affordable broadband to buildings by partnering with real estate owners and property managers through a revenue-share arrangement. They currently have 10,000 customers across 10 US states. Neil and Ani talk about the launch of DAWN - the first decentralized autonomous wireless network, how Andrena aligns incentives for both their employees and their cust...
Apr 15, 2024•59 min
This week, we’re still recovering from ETH Denver. Mahesh gets Sami, Connor, and Sal to fill us in on what we missed out West, including new DePIN themes coming the rest of the year, where DePIN fits into the current wave of ATH’s and memecoins, which projects are still underhyped, and the benefits of being IRL. 0:00 Welcome Back 1:19 I guess we have to talk about memecoins, huh? 5:54 Comparing ETH Denver this year vs. last year 9:15 Why DePIN token prices don’t seem to be taking off 16:45 Are D...
Mar 11, 2024•32 min
Connor, Sami, and Mahesh are joined by Raullen Chai, Co-Founder of IoTeX. IoTeX is the platform for DePIN builders, combining a fast, secure blockchain with IoT and smart devices. Raullen talks about how he fell in love with crypto when he tried to break Bitcoin (and couldn’t do it), why he dedicated his work in crypto to supporting DePIN, the competitive landscape of DePIN-focused L1’s and where IoTeX fits in, and how IoTeX’s hardware origins help them serve founders better. 0:00 Cold Open 0:36...
Feb 26, 2024•50 min
