The DCo Podcast

Brett Harrison helped scale FTX US before founding Architect and its exchange AX. AX is the first regulated centralised exchange for perpetual futures on traditional assets like gold, currencies, single stocks, and GPU compute, all settled on crypto rails. We talk about why perpetuals never took off in traditional finance, the innovator's dilemma facing CME, and how crypto infrastructure is quietly reshaping the $15T/day futures market. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

In this episode, LI.FI Founder and CEO Philipp Zentner joins Saurabh to unpack where crypto is headed as tokenised assets proliferate across chains, standards, compliance rails and execution venues. They talk about why fragmentation is the default, why distribution is the hard part of tokenisation, and how LI.FI is building the orchestration layer that makes “asset A to asset B in one click” possible.We also go deeper into how LI.FI evolved from aggregation into a broader coordination layer, including its multi-chain transaction rail, a domain-specific execution layer (Composer), and an open solver marketplace for intents. If the next era of crypto looks like more rails, more standards, and more asset representations, the winners may be the systems that can route reliably across all of it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Timothy Stebbing is CTO of House of Doge and Director at the Dogecoin Foundation. He spent 25 years in open source development before joining Dogecoin in 2021.In this episode, we discuss:• Why Timothy tells his friends and family to stay away from crypto• How 2% inflation was accidentally good design• Why Bitcoin lost the payments battle• The growth from five developers to over a hundred• Managing a community of memers and institutional investors• What Dogecoin is actually building This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

AI is shifting from chat interfaces to agents that act, earn, and participate in real economic activity. Mike Hanono, CEO of Talus Network, explains how this agentic economy takes shape and why it needs crypto rails. We explore idol.fun as the first live example of agents competing and generating value. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Eric Saraniecki has spent the past decade building the infrastructure that large financial institutions need to participate in crypto. As the Co-Founder and Head of Product at Digital Asset and a core builder behind Canton Network, Eric has a perspective that few operators in this industry share. He works directly with banks, asset managers, and market operators on the problems that define institutional adoption. This conversation outlines what those institutions actually require and why most blockchain systems were not designed for their needs. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

The conversation with Justin Waldron, co-founder of Zynga and now founder of Open Game Protocol, is a masterclass in how distribution models evolve in games and how Web3 could power the next one. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

AI agents are cheap to launch and impossible to trust. This episode is for people building and backing growth-stage crypto startups: how do you pick between thousands of on-chain “trading bots,” research assistants, and execution agents when most collapse in live conditions? Andrew Hill, CEO of Recall, lays out how Recall is trying to become crypto’s neutral trust layer for agents with live competitions, skill markets, and a ranking system you can actually underwrite.Key Moments00:00:00 - Introduction to Recall00:01:26 - Introduction to Andrew Hill and Recall00:01:45 - The Need for a Curation Layer for AI Models00:03:08 - Recall's Vision and Functioning00:05:26 - The Role of Competitions in Recall00:10:45 - The Future of Recall and AI Agents00:15:26 - Demand for Agentic Systems in Trading00:17:47 - The Evolution of AI Agents and Their Capabilities00:20:17 - The Growing Role of AI Agents in Crypto Trading00:26:51 - The Approach to Evaluating Subjective Skills00:28:29 - The Behavior of AI Models00:32:45 - The Role of Curators and Boosters in Recall00:36:11 - The Future of AI Evaluation and Alignment00:41:05 - The Role of Recall's Token in the AI Marketplace00:43:38 - Revenue Lines for Recall00:45:41 - The Role of Human Judges in Recall00:48:11 - Challenges for Agent Builders and Future Prospects00:49:08 - Potential Risks and Fears for Recall00:49:20 - The Battle of Decentralized vs Centralized Intelligence00:50:43 - The Future of AI Agents and Complex Tasks00:51:19 - The Threat of a Single, All-Powerful Agent00:52:13 - Recall's Achievements and What to Look Forward To This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

In this episode, Luca Netz shares how he took a failing NFT collection and turned it into one of the fastest-growing Web3 brands. We dive into his three-pillar model of ecosystem, attention, and revenue; and explore how Pudgy has sold over 1.5M toys through Walmart and Target, signed 45+ licensing deals, and built a business where culture and cash flow compound.In the episode, talk about: • How 80% of Pudgy’s revenue comes from licensing (45+ active deals) • Why arcade machines, toys, and games beat token drops in driving brand value • What “tokenized culture” actually means—and how it becomes a moat • The future of consumer crypto and Luca’s bet on Abstract’s Portal • Why the next big crypto success might not feel like crypto at all • How to fix crypto’s broken consumer journey • How to turn IP into retail + social currency without losing the core community. Chapters 0:00 – Intro 2:45 – Tokenising Culture, Memes & Influence 10:48 - The role of speculation 15:30 – The Three Pillars of Crypto Value: Ecosystem, Attention & Revenue 21:55 – The Pudgy Playbook: Community, Marketing & $50M Revenue 27:56 – What Luca knew when he bid $2.5 million on Pudgy IP 30:45 – What's Broken in Consumer Crypto 38:20 – Fixing Onboarding: Abstract Portal & The Future of Adoption 49:43 – Building for Gen Z & Gen Alpha 51:10 – Lessons from $PENGU Airdrop 54:09 – Is Token a Product? If you want to know more about Luca, we recently published a story on him here — https://www.thetokendispatch.com/p/the-luca-netz-story 👥 Guest: Luca Netz – CEO at Pudgy Penguins and Igloo Twitter: https://x.com/LucaNetz 🎙️ Host: Saurabh Deshpande – DCo Podcast Twitter: https://x.com/desh_saurabh 📬 Stay Updated: Subscribe to DCo Newsletter → https://www.decentralised.co/subscribe Follow DCo on Twitter → https://x.com/Decentralisedco This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

We sit down with Androo and Andy from HypurrFi who are building at the intersection of on-chain credit and real-world usability.While most DeFi protocols treat borrowing as a one-time action, HypurrFi is making debt dynamic. Think refinancing, real-time spending, and routing capital across markets—without closing your position.We cover:— Why HypurrFi is focused on active debt management— How they're using USDXL (a synthetic dollar) as a programmable debt rail— Why their on-chain card integration changes how crypto holders can spend— How they’re thinking about traders, tax-advantaged holders, and capital efficiency— Why building on Hyperliquid gives them a unique edge, and what the challenges are— What “debt servicing” really means (and how it differs from basic lending)Timestamps —00:00: Introduction01:30 Backgrounds02:00: The Hyperliquid Ecosystem10:20: "Everyone Is Coming" Thesis20:00: HyperFi's Core Products & Vision32:00: The Card & The Philosophy of Debt46:00: Debt Servicing58:00: Competition👥 Guest:Androo Lloyd – Co-Founder at HypurrFiTwitter: https://x.com/androolloydAndy – Head of Growth at HypurrFiTwitter: https://x.com/andyhyfi🎙️ Host: Saurabh Deshpande – DCo PodcastTwitter: https://x.com/desh_saurabh📬 Stay Updated:Subscribe to DCo Newsletter → https://www.decentralised.co/subscribeFollow DCo on Twitter → https://x.com/Decentralisedco This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Kinetiq co-founder and Hyperliquid contributor Omnia joins to unpack how Hyperliquid evolved from a DEX into a liquidity layer, what HIPs unlock, and why apps like Phantom and Kinetiq are treating it as default.Chapters —00:00 Podcast Opening & Disclaimer00:19 Kinetic's Launch & Market Context03:20 Hyperliquid's Core Thesis11:33 Hyperliquid Technical Architecture20:30 Understanding Hyperliquid Improvement Proposals (HIPs)36:10 Kinetiq's Staking Solutions & Platform Decentralisation46:06 Custody and Compliant Staking on Hyperliquid01:01:24 Builder Codes and On-Chain Asset Growth👥 Guest: Omnia – Co-founder at Kinetiq Twitter: https://x.com/0xOmnia🎙️ Host: Saurabh Deshpande – DCo Podcast Twitter: https://x.com/desh_saurabh📬 Stay Updated: Subscribe to DCo Newsletter → https://www.decentralised.co/subscribeFollow DCo on Twitter → https://x.com/Decentralisedco This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

While everyone's been copying MicroStrategy's Bitcoin strategy, Sol Strategies took a different approach. CEO Leah Wald and CTO Max Kaplan join me to discuss why they're building actual infrastructure around Solana instead of just holding tokens. Sol Strategies is a publicly listed company (CSE: HODL) - formerly Cypherpunk Holdings - that transformed from one of the first Bitcoin treasury vehicles in North America into a comprehensive Solana infrastructure company.Sol Strategies now manages more than $500 million worth of SOL through its validators.🎯 Inside the Episode:• Why Sol Strategies chose Solana over Bitcoin & Ethereum• How they generate yield through staking & validators• Why native yield changes everything for crypto treasury companies• Why premium to NAV won't last forever (and what comes next)• The future of tokenised stocks and Solana DeFi• Why institutional investors are finally paying attention• Breakdown of Solana's performance vs. Hyperliquid• What will change with new Solana validator clients like Firedancer & AlpenglowTimestamps —0:00  Introduction & The Vision for Solana Investment5:40  Sol Strategies’ Journey and Investment Thesis11:58  Market Dynamics and Fundraising19:16 Why Sol Strategies is Bullish on Solana 27:10 Hyperliquid vs Solana30:33 How is Solana going to get better?34:39  The Future of On-Chain Assets & Revenue Diversification👥 Guest:Leah Wald – CEO at SOL Strategies Twitter: https://x.com/leahwaldMax Kaplan – CTO at SOL Strategies Twitter: https://x.com/maxekaplan🎙️ Host: Saurabh Deshpande – DCo PodcastTwitter: https://x.com/desh_saurabh📬 Stay Updated: Subscribe to DCo Newsletter → https://www.decentralised.co/subscribeFollow DCo on Twitter → https://x.com/Decentralisedco This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

What actually happens after you hit “swap”?In this episode, Saurabh is joined by Nikita Ovchinnik, founder of BarterSwap, to break down the mechanics of routing, MEV, solvers, and the invisible infrastructure that powers billions in DeFi volume.They explore:– Why AMMs leak value and how orderbooks are making a comeback– The role of solvers, searchers, and market makers in intent-based trading– How MEV is created, who captures it, and whether it can ever be eradicated– BarterSwap’s new product, Superposition — liquidity without TVL– Why most liquidity providers lose money, and what alternatives could work better– Expansion to Solana, L2s, and building infrastructure that scales across chainsBarterSwap has routed over $11B in trades. But its model isn’t extractive — it’s about giving users more control over execution, pricing, and outcomes. This episode will make you understand how DeFi works behind the scenes.00:18 Introduction to MEV and BarterSwap03:52 AMMs vs Order Books07:15 The Role of Liquidity Providers in DeFi13:31 Exploring MEV19:29 Barter's Approach to MEV27:50 Liquidity Management with Barter's Superposition31:14 Barter's Multi-Chain Strategy33:40 MEV - Good or Bad?33:51 How Barter is Tackling MEV34:30 How Superposition Allows Users to Provide Liquidity Without Deploying Assets into a Pool36:18 Future Plans to Integrate Solana?40:47 Barter's Business Model👉 Related reading:The Inevitability of MEV👥 Guest: Nikita Ovchinnik – Co-founder at BarterSwapTwitter: https://x.com/novaovchinnik🎙️ Host: Saurabh Deshpande – DCo PodcastTwitter: https://x.com/desh_saurabh📬 Stay Updated: Subscribe to DCo Newsletter → https://www.decentralised.co/subscribeFollow DCo on Twitter → https://x.com/Decentralisedco This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Most discussions about crypto UX revolve around decentralisation and ease of use. Mats Olson, co-founder and CTO of Dune, dives deeper into the overlooked importance of real-time data infrastructure. Mats explains why blockchains, built as write-optimised databases, make data retrieval challenging and how Dune is solving this critical problem.We explore:• Why Dune’s community-driven approach to analytics succeeded without incentives• The pragmatic trade-offs between decentralisation and usability• How their latest product, SIM, provides real-time cross-chain data• What separates crypto teams that thrive from those that struggle with data strategyChapters — 00:00 Introduction to Dune and Its Evolution02:56 User-Generated Content and Community Engagement05:59 Expanding Beyond Analytics08:58 The Role of Data in Crypto (Retail vs. Institutional Usage)11:58 Challenges of On-Chain Data and Infrastructure15:03 Acquisitions and Future Directions for Dune17:47 The Future of AI in Data Analytics21:12 Decentralisation vs. Pragmatism in Crypto Applications👥 Guest: Mats Olsen – Co-founder & CTO at Dune Twitter: https://x.com/mewwts 🎙️ Host: Saurabh Deshpande – DCo Podcast Twitter: https://x.com/desh_saurabh 📬 Stay Updated: Subscribe to DCo Newsletter → https://www.decentralised.co/subscribe Follow DCo on Twitter → https://x.com/Decentralisedco This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Forecasting and prediction tools are missing links in DeFi and Mode Network is trying to fill that gap.In this episode, James Ross (co-founder of Mode and Synthdata) talks about building smarter forecasting systems for DeFi. We dig into how Mode is using BitTensor’s decentralised AI network to power real-time risk analysis, how agents could drive most on-chain activity in the future, and why better decision-making tools are critical for DeFi’s next evolution.We also cover:• Why forecasting short-term volatility matters• How Synthdata's subnet incentivises accurate predictions• The behavioural challenge of trusting agents with capital• What still needs to be proven before these systems can scale👥 Guest: James Ross – Founder, Mode Network and SynthTower Twitter: https://x.com/jrosstreacher 🎙️ Host: Saurabh Deshpande – DCo Podcast Twitter: https://x.com/desh_saurabh 📬 Stay Updated: Subscribe to DCo Newsletter → https://www.decentralised.co/subscribe Follow DCo on Twitter → https://x.com/Decentralisedco This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Stablecoins are crypto’s biggest product-market fit—$230B and growing. But the pipes that move them? Broken.In this episode, Saurabh speaks with Jay Kurahashi-Sofue (CMO) and Ryne Sachs (CEO) of Eco, who are building something surprisingly rare in crypto: infrastructure that actually works. Not another stablecoin—but a liquidity layer that coordinates capital intelligently across chains.We dive into:• Fragmented across venues and pools• How Eco’s “crowd liquidity” model lets users earn yield without impermanent loss• Eco's GTM and incentive mechanisms🎙️ Guests:Ryne Saxe – CEO, Eco Inc.Twitter: https://x.com/rynesaxeJay Kurahashi-Sofue – CMO, Eco Inc.Twitter: https://x.com/jayks🎧 Host:Saurabh Deshpande – DCo PodcastTwitter: https://x.com/desh_saurabh📬 Stay Updated:Subscribe to DCo Newsletter → https://www.decentralised.co/subscribeFollow DCo on Twitter → https://x.com/Decentralisedco This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

From regulatory battles that forced him out of DeFi, to the conviction that drew him back, Andre opens up about the unseen cost of innovation in a space that now rewards safety over experimentation.This isn’t a retrospective of Yearn or a breakdown of his past projects. It’s a look at why composability collapsed, how decentralisation became a UX burden, and why most builders today are creating walled gardens instead of primitives.We explore:• The psychological and legal toll of building in public• Why upgradability killed trust and composability in DeFi• Ethereum’s missed opportunity: 2% utilisation and a path to 8x throughput• The paradox of building secure, decentralised systems for users who don’t want to deal with either• Why Andre thinks you shouldn’t build in crypto and what to do if you still want toThis episode isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about reckoning with the systems we’ve created, and the incentives we’ve chosen.If you’ve ever asked yourself whether it’s still worth building in this space, this is the episode to watch.Timestamps — 00:00 Introduction 01:34 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in Crypto03:09 Legal Battles and SEC Interactions09:23 The Shift in Market Participants and Decentralization13:59 Innovation Stagnation in DeFi18:00 Balancing User Experience and Decentralization34:00 Scalability and the Limitations of Ethereum41:17 Innovations in DeFi Primitives44:10 Advice for Builders👥 Guest: Andre Cronje – CTO, Sonic LabsTwitter: https://x.com/andrecronjetech 🎙️ Host: Saurabh Deshpande – DCo Podcast Twitter: https://x.com/desh_saurabh 📬 Stay Updated: Subscribe to DCo Newsletter → https://www.decentralised.co/subscribe Follow DCo on Twitter → https://x.com/Decentralisedco This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Recorded just before the market was hit by tariff chaos, this episode captures a rare quiet moment—and uses it to unpack the deeper mechanics of how crypto actually works.From the Hyperliquid–JELLY saga to the evolving reality of intents, solvers, and Ethereum’s fragmentation, Jose brings sharp, grounded perspective without the fluff.This isn’t a polished panel or pitch deck walkthrough. It’s a low-pressure, free-flowing conversation that cuts through the noise—from Solana’s competitive shift to stablecoin strategies and the quiet rise of Pendle. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

In this episode, Ejaaz joins Saurabh to explore what it really takes to build usable, decentralized AI tools on crypto rails.We break down the AI x Crypto stack from first principles: – Why fragmented compute networks haven’t worked (and what might change that) – How AI agents are reshaping crypto UX – Why open-sourcing everything could backfire in an alpha-driven world – Who the actual users of crypto-AI might be—and why they’re likely not crypto-nativeWe also discuss why product-led growth beats token-first strategies in the long run, and how to think clearly when everything—from apps to infrastructure—is bleeding into each other.If you're a founder, crypto builder, AI researcher, or just trying to make sense of where this industry is heading, this conversation is for you.Key Moments —00:00 Introduction 01:10 Understanding the AI Stack10:04 Business Models in the AI Stack18:41 AI's Role in DeFi27:58 The Future of Trading Agents33:27 The Case for Proprietary Strategies35:10 Opportunities for AI in Crypto39:10 Bridging Web2 and Web3 with AI43:16 The Role of Agents in Supply Chain and Enterprise47:56 Identifying Blind Spots in AI and Crypto49:39 Accelerate DAO👥 Guest: Ejaaz Ahamadeen – Co-Founder, Aiccelerate DAO Twitter: https://x.com/cryptopunk7213 🎙️ Host: Saurabh Deshpande – DCo Podcast Twitter: https://x.com/desh_saurabh 📬 Stay Updated: Subscribe to DCo Newsletter → https://www.decentralised.co/subscribe Follow DCo on Twitter → https://x.com/Decentralisedco This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

We break down why the familiar crypto playbook no longer applies. We explore the death of predictable Bitcoin cycles, how macroeconomic shifts under Trump's administration are reshaping markets, and why stablecoins like USDC could soon dominate finance. Will shares his disciplined strategy—separating long-term conviction from short-term trades—and why crypto, in his words, remains 'the purest form of capitalism.' Tune in for a grounded, insightful take on navigating today's evolving crypto landscape.00:00 Will's Journey04:19 From Trading Sneakers to Bitcoin and Market Analysis06:20 Market Dynamics and Economic Influences15:52 Investing in Private Deals20:02 Navigating Criticism and Building a Social Media Presence25:13 Advice for Aspiring Investors and Content Creators28:56 Trends in Bitcoin and Institutional Adoption32:55 The Future of Crypto: Speculation and Regulation34:10 Portfolio Management: Balancing Long-term and Tactical Investments36:37 Stablecoins38:11 Bitcoin L2s and DeFi: Exploring New Frontiers40:45 Market Cycles47:27 Building Sustainable Businesses in Crypto51:00 The Role of Regulation in Unlocking Crypto's Potential55:55 From Memecoins to Value-driven Investments01:01:03 Market Outlook: Short-term Caution vs. Long-term OptimismFollow Us: DCo – https://x.com/Decentralisedco Will Clemente – https://x.com/WClementeIII Saurabh Deshpande – https://x.com/desh_saurabh Subscribe to DCo Newsletter – https://www.decentralised.co/subscribe This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

In a space where information is the ultimate edge, how do the best traders and builders stay ahead?Shaw from elizaOS returns to the podcast to break down the harsh realities of crypto trading, AI-driven investing, and building through market cycles. We explore:•The information edge in crypto: Why the best traders aren’t chart readers but those closest to deal flow.• AI trading agents: Overhyped? Why LLMs struggle with time-series data and where AI can actually add value.• Swarms over super AIs: The case for specialized AI agents instead of one-size-fits-all models.• Surviving market downturns: How token allocation mistakes are forcing founders into existential choices.• Revenue vs. hype: Why sustainable monetization beats reliance on speculative pumps.• Vampire attack partnerships: How some collaborations are designed to drain value rather than create it.Chapters —00:00 Introduction 02:52 The Role of AI in the Current Market05:53 Building Trust for AI-Driven Trading08:45 Exploring Copy Trading and Community Dynamics12:02 AI Agents and Swarms17:51 Practical Applications of AI Agents in Workflows28:09 Privacy and Security in Multi-tenant Environments35:12 Navigating Startup Challenges and Team Dynamics38:08 Tokenomics and Value Accrual Strategies46:21 Timing the Market and Launch Strategies50:20 The Future of Product Quality in DAOs51:09 Identifying Gaps in DAO Governance55:52 Balancing Contributions and Token Holding01:01:52 User Experience in DeFi Applications01:04:04 The Hype Cycle of New Technologies01:06:35 Lessons Learned from the Crypto SpaceFollow Us:DCo – https://x.com/DecentralisedcoShaw (wartime arc) – https://x.com/shawmakesmagicSaurabh Deshpande – https://x.com/desh_saurabhSubscribe to the DCo Newsletter – https://www.decentralised.co/subscribe This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

We discuss Jai's journey from leading blockchain integration at Coinbase to founding DefinitiveFi, and how the platform grew from $20-30M to nine-figure monthly volumes.Jai explains the key innovations needed for mainstream DeFi adoption - gas abstraction, chain abstraction, and account abstraction - and how advanced order types like TWAPs allow large trades without moving markets. The conversation explores compliance challenges for institutions in DeFi, the intersection of AI and crypto, and token design philosophy.We also touch on DefinitiveFi's future plans, including expanding beyond spot trading to perps and yield strategies. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Ethereum scaling has been an uphill battle. We’ve built rollups, fragmented liquidity, and pushed execution limits—but have we really solved the problem? Instead of patching Ethereum’s existing framework, MegaETH has rewritten the Ethereum data structure from scratch, eliminating bottlenecks and achieving millisecond block times. The implications? Possibility of on-chain high-frequency trading, real-time gaming, instant micropayments, and an entirely new breed of decentralised applications.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:11 Journey Towards Starting MegaETH06:43 The White Paper11:12 Consensus Mechanisms and Performance Challenges15:09 Security and Censorship Resistance in MegaETH19:03 Use Cases24:10 Empowering Applications in Crypto25:38 Cultural Influences on Crypto Markets27:48 Blockchain as Civilization30:30 The Role of Community in Crypto32:57 Valuations and Community Loyalty38:10 Building a Community40:52 Capitalism and Sustainable Business ModelsFollow Us: DCo – https://x.com/Decentralisedco Shuyao Kong a.k.a Brother Bing – https://x.com/hotpot_daoSaurabh Deshpande – https://x.com/desh_saurabh DCo Newsletter – https://www.decentralised.co/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Bitcoin mining is a delicate balance between mathematical certainty and real-world volatility. In this episode, Nick Hansen, CEO of Luxor, breaks down the evolution of mining—from hardware cycles to energy markets, hashrate futures, and Bitcoin’s shrinking block subsidy. We also discuss miners' role in stabilising power grids and the contentious debate over Bitcoin fees. Tune in to understand the future of mining and what happens when the last Bitcoin is mined.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:41 Nick’s Journey From Dirt Biking to Bitcoin Mining08:01 The Evolution of Luxor Mining and Its Services09:22 Understanding the Crypto Market and AI's Impact12:00 Transitioning from Hardware to Software in Mining13:21 Hashrate vs. Price: Understanding Bitcoin Economics17:46 How Electricity Costs Rule Mining Operations20:31 The Mining Hamster Wheel: Upgrading Equipment and Supply Chains22:47 Evolution of Mining Technology and Efficiency24:03 Energy Costs and Mining Profitability27:16 Hashrate Futures and Market Dynamics33:49 The Role of Renewable Energy in Bitcoin Mining40:09 Innovations in Block Construction and Mining Risks43:29 Future of Bitcoin Fees and Emission Concerns This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Web3 marketing has a retention problem. Too many projects chase mindshare, but few know how to build communities that last. In this episode, Phin, lead marketer at Abstract, shares his journey from Web2 to Web3 and unpacks why most crypto marketing playbooks are fundamentally flawed.We explore why engagement farming isn’t enough, why crypto products should compete in the mainstream, and how Abstract is rethinking consumer crypto by making Web3 seamless.If you’re a founder or marketer looking to cut through the noise and build something real, this episode is for you.Chapters:00:00 Introduction 02:47 The Evolution of Abstract and L2 Launch Decisions05:55 Comparing Ethereum and Solana: Insights and Opinions09:10 Marketing Strategies: Web2 vs Web311:58 The Future of Marketing in Web314:51 Data Privacy and User Experience in Web318:03 Session Keys and On-Chain Interactions23:56 Simplifying the Crypto Experience26:47 Reducing Onboarding Friction28:56 The Role of Price in Marketing30:35 Self-Custody and Consumer Behavior32:30 Building a Community in Crypto39:05 Abstract's Consumer-Centric Approach43:00 NFTs vs Tokens: Branding Strategies44:49 Marketing on a Budget This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

In this episode, Yannik Schrade, CEO of Arcium, explains how they're building an encrypted supercomputer to bring privacy to both Web2 and Web3. We explore:• The journey from creating one of the world's most downloaded iPad apps to building privacy infrastructure• Why current privacy solutions like trusted hardware and zero-knowledge proofs aren't enough• How Arcium achieves efficient private computation through pre-computed multiplications and oblivious data structures• The future of private AI - from confidential training to trustless inference• Why privacy should be infrastructure, not a product• The path to bringing institutional players into DeFi through privacy• How Arcium could enable everything from dark pools to private gamingTimestamps -00:00 Introduction to Web3 and Privacy02:54 The Journey from Law to Crypto05:50 Building Elusive: On-Chain Transactional Privacy09:06 The Encrypted Supercomputer11:57 AI's Role in Crypto and User Experience14:51 Legacy Approach to Privacy Enhancing Technologies18:05 Zero-Knowledge Proofs and Their Limitations20:53 The Future of Privacy in DeFi and Healthcare23:47 Secure Multi-Party Computation: A New Paradigm27:12 Confidential Computing and Trust Models32:32 Transforming Encrypted Data into Random Values34:27 Understanding Arcium's Position in the Tech Stack36:54 Arcium as an Encrypted Supercomputer38:52 Efficiency of Secure Multi-Party Computation41:47 Flexibility and Oblivious Data Structures in MPC44:11 Selective Disclosure and Composability in Confidential Computing46:03 Arcium's Autonomous Network and Accountability Protocols49:55 AI Agents and Trust in Decision-Making52:45 Responsible AI and Explainability56:48 Market Landscape and Use Cases for Arcium This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

What if the popular belief that Bitcoin is "digital gold" is holding crypto back? Kyle Samani, Managing Partner at Multicoin Capital, unpacks why this analogy might be misleading and argues that utility—not nostalgia—will define the future of digital assets.We trace Multicoin’s evolution, from its early experiments to backing Solana when it was dismissed by many. Kyle shares insights into the power of first-principles thinking, why they pivoted away from Bitcoin and Ethereum, and how to identify protocols that solve real problems.Whether you’re an investor, founder, or curious observer, this episode offers a rare look into how a top crypto fund must challenge mainstream assumptions and spot not-so-obvious opportunities.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the DCo Podcast and Web300:58 Reflections on Early Bitcoin Predictions03:01 The Journey to MultiCoin Capital05:56 The Mechanics of Wealth Creation in Crypto08:49 The Role of Stablecoins in Wealth Distribution11:09 Transitioning from Ethereum to EOS and Solana18:01 The Evolution of MultiCoin Capital19:48 Market Dynamics and the Future of Crypto Investments22:08 Innovations in Layer 1 and Layer 2 Solutions24:01 Understanding MEV and Its Implications26:22 Value Accrual in Blockchain Systems28:18 The Moneyness Debate: Bitcoin vs. Ethereum30:46 Censorship Resistance and Usability in Cryptocurrencies32:41 The Future of Solana: Censorship Resistance and Economic Activity34:57 Institutional Adoption and Token Extensions49:43 Communication Skills in Fundraising and Investment Strategies This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Shaw's journey from mixing bands in NYC clubs to creating AI16Z reflects the unexpected ways innovation emerges in crypto. What began as a way to help developers access better trading strategies has evolved into an AI-driven DAO managing $21M in treasury funds, with their agent "AI Marc" making investment decisions by evaluating community members' trading suggestions through a "Virtual Marketplace of Trust."The key breakthrough came from solving what Shaw calls the "social agent loop" - teaching AI to engage naturally on social platforms rather than through traditional interfaces. Their open-source Eliza framework, now used by over 140 contributors, has enabled thousands of AI agents to trade, create, and interact with humans in increasingly sophisticated ways.Looking ahead, Shaw shares his vision of moving from an attention economy to a trust economy, where AI agents help democratize access to sophisticated trading strategies while reshaping how we think about work and value creation.Resources:• AI Agent Building Tutorial• Eliza Framework• SentientMarketCap• Virtual Marketplace of Trust• Using Chains, Taming Minds This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Brandon Kumar of Layer3 joined us for a founder series. Who better than a founder to ask fellow operators what it takes to build companies? This is episode one of many to come. Let’s go.Running a successful crypto company takes more than technical know-how; it requires understanding the human elements that bring an organisation to life. In the first episode of our operator-to-operator series, I explored this with Matt Katz from Caldera and my co-host Brandon from Layer3.What makes this conversation unique is the look behind the scenes at Caldera. Matt's journey from Stanford to CEO gives a compelling view of modern crypto entrepreneurship. Unlike founders chasing the 2022 bull market, Matt focused on building something valuable—blockchain deployment through standardisation and accessibility.Caldera's modular approach has reduced blockchain deployment costs by two orders of magnitude while maintaining security. Major projects like Apecoin, Manta, Treasure, and Zerion trust Caldera's infrastructure, proving its reliability.Matt's reflections on managing a diverse team and balancing a “high-performance sports team” mindset with respect for individuals are lessons for any startup.If you're curious about building a crypto company—from tech to team—this episode is worth your time.Key Moments: 00:00 - The Vision Behind Caldera 02:56 - The Journey of a Founder 05:52 - Operating Lessons in a Turbulent Market 09:13 - Building a High-Performance Team 12:06 - Understanding Caldera's Business Model 14:56 - Cost Reduction in Blockchain Launches 17:52 - Future Growth and Market Strategy 24:08 - Integrating New Technology and Infrastructure 25:05 - Vision for Caldera in 2034 26:31 - Navigating the Fundraising Landscape 29:20 - Maximizing Investor Relationships 32:44 - Co-Founder Dynamics and Decision-Making 36:29 - Learning from Competition and Market Adaptation 40:21 - Operational Rhythm and Team Management This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Fed up with missed opportunities because your crypto is scattered across different chains? In this episode, Vaibhav Chellani, co-founder of Socket, shares his vision for a future where blockchain fragmentation is no longer a barrier.From pioneering ZK rollups before they were mainstream to building Socket, Vaibhav tackles the big issues facing crypto today. We discuss why bridge aggregation isn't the solution, how AI agents could soon make on-chain trades seamless, and why the real conversation isn’t about appchains vs general-purpose chains, but about who controls the state.Socket is on a mission to make crypto as easy as using a credit card—forget about which chain you’re on or how to bridge assets. Hear why 400+ projects, including Coinbase Wallet, MetaMask, and Synthetix, are already using Socket's infrastructure.Tap into this episode to imagine a world where crypto feels intuitive, unified, and hassle-free.Key Moments: 00:00 - The Future of Front-Ends and AI Agents 03:02 - Chain Abstraction: A User-Centric Approach 05:55 - Scaling Ethereum: The Role of Rollups 09:10 - Building Socket Protocol and Chain Abstraction 12:04 - Bungee: A Marketplace for Cross-Chain Swaps 14:57 - The Mechanics of Bungee and Socket 17:46 - The Value Chain in Cross-Chain Transactions 21:06 - Permissionless Solutions and Market Dynamics 30:09 - Market Structure and Counterparty Dynamics 34:21 - Understanding Chain Abstraction and Its Implications 36:47 - Exploring Modular Auto Flow Auctions (MOFA) 40:15 - AI Agents and User Experience in Crypto Transactions 45:06 - The Future of Cross-Chain Interactions and Magic Accounts 52:23 - Solana vs. Ethereum: Perspectives on Blockchain Diversity 59:08 - The Shift Towards Chain Abstraction and User-Centric Solutions This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Larry Cermak, CEO of The Block, joined us for a frank conversation about crypto's evolution. He played around with BTC to buy NBA accounts to watch basketball and got hooked on understanding how it all worked. Later, he turned down Binance and missed ~300x gains on BNB. Fast forward to 2023, and he was handling layoffs and M&A as the CEO of the leading research and news company in the industry. Larry's journey mirrors crypto's maturation.In this episode, we get real about:- Why running a crypto project in 2024 is "pure suffering"- The death of 100x opportunities (unless you're gambling on memecoins)- How Ethereum maxis are repeating Bitcoin maxis' mistakes with Solana- The real problem with the "50M Americans in crypto" stat- Why UI/UX still matters more than elegant technology- The brutal reality of private market valuations- Predictions for crypto under different presidencies- Essential advice for analysts: become obsessed, find your niche, master SQL- Tips for developers entering crypto in 2024Larry lays it all out—how crypto has become more corporate, how DeFi and Layer 1s are facing tougher competition, and what it takes to get noticed and funded. He also shares practical advice for aspiring analysts, emphasising the importance of building a strong Twitter presence to grow professionally and open doors in the industry.If you've ever wondered what it's like to navigate the trenches, this episode is packed with real talk and a glimpse into why Larry keeps building despite the challenges. Don't miss it!Follow Larry Cermak on Twitter: @lawmaster Follow the host on Twitter: @desh_saurabh This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Fresh from hitting $18M in daily volume, Chainflip CEO Simon Harman delivers a masterclass in building crypto infrastructure. In this raw, technical conversation, he dismantles popular narratives around Bitcoin L2s and reveals what it actually takes to move BTC across chains.After spending 4 years solving complex cryptographic challenges while others made millions from JPEGs, Simon shares hard-earned insights about building real utility in crypto. From battling with validator communications to reimagining market design, this episode is a deep dive into the unglamorous work of building cross-chain infrastructure. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Mika Honkasalo's path from basketball analytics to crypto is anything but ordinary. During DeFi summer, his liquidity mining calculator became a yield farmer's essential tool, kickstarting his deep dive into DeFi's intricacies.Our conversation revisits Mika's insights on Solana's transaction dynamics, sparking an Ethereum vs Solana debate. While Ethereum's L2s focus on boosting throughput, Solana aims to slash latency, potentially revolutionizing finance.Mika challenges us to rethink Ethereum: Is it money or a business? This perspective shift dramatically impacts how we view L2 fragmentation and fee capture.Introducing the concept of "concentric circles" of growth, Mika argues that real progress in crypto comes from steady advances across multiple fronts, challenging the boom-and-bust narrative.Mika also highlights crypto's often-overlooked strength: global hardware distribution. From Bitcoin miners to Solana's phone project, this could be the industry's game-changer.Echoing Jon Charbonneau, Mika suggests we're all building towards the same endgame, despite different approaches.For those looking beyond the hype to understand crypto's future, this episode offers invaluable insights that could reshape your perspective on this dynamic industry. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Sreeram Kannan from EigenLayer joins us to discuss the evolution of human coordination mechanisms and the role blockchains play in their transformation. In this first episode since the token’s release, he discusses what attracted him to the industry, the challenges in bootstrapping trust and how AVSs play a role within it. According to Sreeram, societies evolve with their systems of forming commitments. Gold, legislation and economic policy in global monetary systems are built around commitments. But how do you scale that to the size of the internet? This is what Sreeram discusses in today’s episode. Tune in for a simple, distilled explanation of the EigenLayer ecosystem. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

In this episode of the DCO Podcast, we sit down with Arthur Cheong, founder of Defiance Capital. We explore the concept explore the contrast between liquid and venture investments in crypto. With venture capitalists fiercely competing for private deals and driving up valuations before projects go public, the less crowded liquid markets often offer a smarter and more flexible option. Arthur shares how he navigates these opportunities and touches on the unique advantages of investing in Asia. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Before we begin…Sid and I are sorting out our schedules for Token2049 in Singapore. I’ll also be on a panel at Breakpoint. We’re excited to connect with researchers and founders working on the cutting edge. If you’re around, respond to this email and drop us a line. We’d love to meet up in person. JoelHello! In this episode of the DCO Podcast, Rand Hindi, CEO and co-founder of Zama, presents a thought-provoking discussion on the transformative power of Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) and its potential to revolutionise the future of privacy, blockchain, and the internet itself.Rand’s first company was Snips, an AI company for voice processing. Sonos, a listed audio equipment company, acquired it. He advised the French government on AI policy and co-authored a paper analysing AI's impact. His prediction from 2017 that AI would replace 10% of jobs, leave 50% unchanged, and augment 40% of jobs by increasing productivity seems accurate in today’s AI-dominated landscape.A major focus of the episode is the groundbreaking potential of FHE, a technology that allows computations on encrypted data without exposing it. By encrypting transaction details end-to-end, FHE eliminates the opportunity for front-running and other manipulative behaviours, thus paving the way for truly private and secure financial systems.Rand explains how Zama has addressed the major challenges traditionally associated with FHE: speed, usability, and scale. Zama’s technological advances have made FHE 100 times faster and integrated it into existing developer tools, making it accessible to developers without needing a deep understanding of cryptography. A key breakthrough discussed in this episode is Zama’s work in reducing the size of FHE-encrypted data. What used to expand data sizes by 20,000x has now been compressed to just 50x. With more improvements coming, this can be brought down to 10x, making it viable for use on Ethereum and other blockchain platforms. Tune in for the latest on privacy, a fully encrypted internet and a breakdown of FHE.Recovering from fever,Saurabh DeshpandeRelated Reading:- Ep 30- The Encrypted Supercomputer with Yannik from Arcium- Trusted Enclaves- The End of 'Just Trust Us'- Ep 27- Infrastructure, Empathy, and Grit This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

In this episode, Pacman, founder of Blur and Blast, explores the evolution of NFT marketplaces and Layer 2 solutions in crypto. He begins by reflecting on his startup journey, including his early days at Teespring and launching Namebase. Pacman shares how Blur, launched in 2022, quickly rose to prominence by catering to high-volume traders. It filled a gap left by platforms like OpenSea, which focused more on retail consumers. We also discuss the current state of the market and how lessons from Blur are shaping the development of Blast. Despite the market's quieter phase, Pacman suggests that the foundation is being laid for the next wave of innovation.Curious about NFTs, L2s, and strategies to disrupt incumbents? This episode is for you! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Hello!In the latest episode, we dive deep into the mind of Tomasz Tunguz. He is a venture capitalist who’s been in the game for over 15 years. As a General Partner at Theory Ventures and former Managing Director at Redpoint Ventures, Tomasz has witnessed the evolution of venture capital firsthand. From his early days at Google trying to monetise social media to his current focus on data-driven investments - Tomasz offers a zoomed-out and nuanced perspective on the industry.He shared insights that resonated deeply with me over our conversation. His key idea? That the only enduring moat is brand! He draws parallels between the growth of private equity, venture capital, and Web3. Tomasz predicts that Web3 will follow a similar path. For instance, sources of capital like PE funds and hedge funds ballooned from 8% to 81% of raises during the mania in 2021. VCs played a small, but crucial role in terms of amount of capital deployed. A key highlight of our conversation is Theory Ventures' investment in Allium. It is a company that provides Web3 data solutions for financial institutions. As the venture capital ecosystem in the U.S. expands from $8 billion to $175 billion deployed annually, the demand for Web3-compatible financial infrastructure has never been greater. Allium serves that gap today.Today’s episode with Tomasz Tunguz offers a masterclass in the evolution of venture capital and makes a compelling case for why the future of finance might be built on blockchain. Enjoy listening!Signing out,Saurabh DeshpandeRelated Reading:- Ep 21 - On Navigating Crypto Cynicism, Liquid Ventures, and DeFi’s Evolution- The Data Wars This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

We are joined by Matt Luongo from Thesis for today’s issue. Thesis is a Bitcoin oriented venture studio that is behind the likes of Fold, Acre and tBTC. Our episode, recorded last week, is an unfiltered look into the world of Bitcoin from someone who’s seen it all from the ground up.We explore the projects that Matt’s team at Thesis is spearheading, like tBTC or Threshold Network, Mezo, and Acre—all designed to expand Bitcoin’s utility while staying true to its core principles. Matt’s laser focus on user needs over technical jargon offers a grounded perspective that many in the crypto space overlook.So, if you are looking to gain a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in building on Bitcoin—and get a sneak peek into what’s next for Mezzo and Acre—tune in to this episode. It’s one you won’t want to miss. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Before we begin… Last week, we announced the launch of DCo.build.  As our publication grew, it was time to create a single hub for founders looking to collaborate with us on advisory, distribution and go-to-market strategies. The newsletter will continue to be the place where we showcase our research. DCo.build, will be where we put it to practice through our portfolio of companies. If you are an early-stage operator or a pre-token founder, make sure to reach out. Hey there! Last week, we wrote about how one of Compound's members raided its DAO. The lack of voter activity on-chain is partly to blame for such events. For all the surrounding noise and excitement, decentralised governance still has a long way to go. Our guest today, Steve Ngok, is one of many contributors building tooling for improving it. We had previously written about Dora Factory in Stealth Democracy. The conversation today explores how DoraHacks played a pivotal role in nurturing projects that would become major players in the space. Steve recounts stories of hosting hackathons that birthed influential protocols like Injective and Polygon, offering listeners a glimpse into the grassroots origins of today's blockchain giants.Unlike the voting you do for things like selecting a political leader, on-chain voting is public. Imagine if everybody knew who voted for whom. It might be far from ideal. Steve and his crew have been building tools to bring privacy to the equation. Imagine if civic governance ran with on-chain tools. Or if art and music were ranked with on-chain votes? How can consumer apps get better feedback from users regarding on-chain elections? We cover all of this and more in today’s episode.Tune in to learn from an operator who has closely observed the evolution of on-chain governance over the years and built critical tooling for it. Signing out,SaurabhFrom The CommunityMany of our community members have been busy shipping. Highlighting some of them below in today’s issue. * Stormzer0 from Anagram, announced the launch of Glider - a personal, customizable hedge fund that runs on-chain* Sage announced the release of Rolodex.social. Think of it as a private member directory for communities. * Aditya Shetty from Superteam announced a grant for analysts looking to explore the state of consumer applications. * Charliemarketplace.eth shipped a trending dashboard for crypto-twitter. * Saumya Saxena has been tinkering with a prediction market that runs natively on Telegram and Farcaster. Get an early preview here. * Swastik dropped a beautiful compilation on GTM strategies.Join us on Telegram to talk directly with the people behind these products and for some fun debates. Related Reading:- Stealth Democracy- Humpty Dumpty Took Over a DAO- How To Take Over A DAO? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Robert Drost is the CEO of @eigenfoundation, research partner at Ethereal Ventures and the former head of R&D at ConsenSys. Prior to jumping into crypto, he was an accomplished engineer with a 159 patents to his name.Our conversation delves into▪ Parallels between Web2 and Web3 infrastructure development▪ Issues in Web2 that are the biggest opportunities in Web3▪ What EigenLayer unlocks and the value it brings▪ How restaking to revolutionises blockchain economics▪ Why intersubjectivity might be the key to decentralised governanceTune in to our latest episode for some deep insights on the evolution of internet infrastructure, the potential of restaking to revolutionise blockchain economics, and why intersubjectivity might be the key to genuinely decentralised governance. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Have you ever made an impulse purchase on Instagram? Our guest today may have a role to play in it. Antonio García Martínez was part of the team that helped Facebook build its ad engine.He is also the author of Chaos Monkeys—a beautiful memoir of how the startup ecosystem used to be in the early 2010s and what it took to survive it. He was also a former advisor to Twitter.Antonio’s latest startup, Spindl, helps Web3 native firms attribute users to their traffic sources. Think of it as a Web3 native ad network. In our issue today, we explore why ads as primitive are here to stay, the challenges with business models in Web3, and why a fully on-chain ad network is a necessity for scaling the industry to a billion users.Tune in to our latest episode for some distilled wisdom on what it takes to survive market cycles, the need for conviction, and why advertisements are here to stay.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Gin Chao from No Limit Holdings joins us today to draw parallels with the evolution of the web and the state of crypto. No Limit Holdings is a venture investment firm that was early to back the likes of Ethena (now valued at $7.5 Billion) and Wynd. Gin's journey into crypto started a decade back with a poker game involving CZ. Prior to starting No Limit Holdings, he was the Chief Strategy Officer at Binance. His core focus areas were venture investments and corporate development. He has been on the board of Binance US, for a little over three years.In today’s episode, we go deep into Gin’s investment philosophies, his view on the cycle, and the key sectors he’s focused on. Tune in for notes from a seasoned veteran who has seen multiple billion-dollar companies from their seed stages to multi-billion-dollar valuations.Twitter: https://x.com/DecentralisedcoWebsite: Decentralised.coSaurabh: https://x.com/desh_saurabh/photoSid: https://x.com/shutterbugsid This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Today, we’re joined by Mike Silagadze, the CEO and founder of EtherFi. Before EtherFi, he was the founder and CEO of Top Hat, a dynamic courseware company for educators. He scaled that to over 500 employees and $60 million in revenue before switching his focus to crypto.Mike was also early to Bitcoin. His first Bitcoin purchase was at 80 cents in 2011, and he has been closely following the space ever since.Our conversation delves into the waters of the liquid restaking landscape, discussing the value and risks associated with it.  We uncover the genesis and evolution of EtherFi over the years. Mike shares how EtherFi went from being a hedge fund to becoming the largest liquid restaking protocol on Ethereum.We also get Mike’s thoughts on the difficulties of doing an airdrop and the low float high FDV meta.Listen for a crash course on liquid restaking and the road ahead for EtherFi. _________Links.1. Newsletter : Decentralised.co2. Our Twitter: https://x.com/Decentralisedco3. Saurabh Deshpande: https://x.com/desh_saurabh4. Mike Silagadze: https://x.com/MikeSilagadze This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Today, we are joined by one of our portfolio founders, Prasanna Sankar. We have been huge fans and investors in what he has been building with 0xppl. The product helps users know what their friends are doing on-chain. Think of it as Facebook, but for user wallets. Prior to founding 0xppl, Prasanna was involved with building Rippling - a company currently valued at $10 billion. He has been building consumer social products since the early 2010s and brings a wealth of knowledge around what it takes to go 0 to 1. We discuss why optimists win in markets, how philosophy helps persevere and the similarities between 2008 era Silicon Valley and Web3 today. Tune in for insights from a seasoned operator. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Monad was in the news in April 2024 for raising a little over $225 million. As of publishing, it is the largest venture round round in crypto for the year. But what even justifies that amount of money going into a new network? Why is it even needed?Our latest episode is an hour long conversation with Keone Hon. Prior to building Monad, he spent a decade as a quant working on high frequency trading strategies. He and his crew, have been building a blockchain from the ground up, with the intention of supporting large-scale financial markets. What would that take? A custom state database, a whole new consensus mechanism and an alternative approach to transaction execution. Sounds like jargon? It likely does. Keone explains how these things work in fairly simple terms. Along the way, he breaks down notes for founders looking to raise and how to engage with communities while building a protocol.Tune in for some alpha on what could be built on Monad and what it takes to make 10,0000 transactions per second possible on a blockchain.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

How do you scale as an employee alongside a network that is on its way to a multi-billion dollar valuation? What does it take to go from being an intern to Head of Strategy at a network that has acquired some of the most talented people in Web3? Sankset Shah may have the answers. In today’s episode, he joins us to discuss his journey over the years with Polygon Network. Early on, he had joined in a part-time capacity while juggling the needs of a startup and B-School. In his own words, he “focused where the fire was”. That focus had him juggling roles in marketing, BD and strategy. He joins us to explain Polygon’s evolution over the years and what’s next for the network trying to be the trust layer for the internet. Tune in for a brief on how early-stage employees adapt to the needs of a rapidly growing rocket ship and a good explainer on what’s cooking under the hood at Polygon Network.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Our guest for the episode is Austin Adams from Anagram . We discuss the reasons for Solana’s congestion, fixes that have already gone live, and other measures in the works that will further alleviate the problem. We also discuss the highly anticipated Firedancer client and the state of L2s on Solana. Austin also helps us keep up to speed on the developments of ZK projects on Solana. This is a technical discussion. If you’re new to the Solana ecosystem, we recommend reading our past articles on Solana to get adequate context. 1. The Solana Ecosystem2. Jito’s Joyride3. MEV on Solana This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Sunny Aggarwal from Osmosis labs joins us in this episode to discuss the emergence of L2s, meme-assets, and the future of shared security. Sunny was an early member of the team behind Cosmos and is currently a co-founder of Osmosis labs. He joins us to share how his career has evolved over the past three cycles, what he has learned along the way, and a few contrarian stances on where the market is headed. His takes are backed with substance that comes from operating deep in the industry. Stream for lessons from one of the best in our industry.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Today, we are joined by Vishwa from Anera Labs. From setting up a fund of funds to running a fintech company and using ChatGPT to enter crypto hackathons - this is a unique tale. One that captures the soul and spirit of crypto. He joins us today to explain the emerging market for intents and the role they would play for UX in the years to come. Along the way, he breaks down the economics of MEV, why founders should build goodwill while going from zero to one, and the importance of market-makers in DeFi. Listen for some rich context from an operator on how to break into an emergent sector while being a complete outsider.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co

Hello,We are joined by Arjun Chand from LiFi today to discuss all things bridges. They have grown into an ecosystem handling close to $20 billion today. As the number of blockchain ecosystems increase, bridges will become crucial infrastructure enabling the movement of money between them. LiFi is a dominant player facilitating SDKs for developers looking to embed bridges in their applications. Think of them as tooling that helps developers make their applications function across chains.Arjun joins us to explain how bridges work, the challenges with maintaining them and the trade-offs involved in developing bridges for new ecosystems. Along the way, he also explains how industries tend to adopt new standards. You can listen to the podcast directly on Substack, or use the following links* iTunes* SpotifyIn a multichain world, exchanging value and information across chains has become a norm. If you want to access an airdrop on Arbitrum based on the activity of your wallet on Ethereum, you will have to bridge some small amount of ETH as gas to Arbitrum. If you want to mint an NFT on Solana but have all your funds on Ethereum, you must use some bridge to get your stables on Solana. Why is this a big deal? The chart below offers some clues. At close to 325k users each week, bridging related applications see the most users and money flowing through them.More than $3 billion worth of value was moved in the last week alone. As of March 25, over $20 billion is locked in bridge contracts. It's safe to say that bridges are crucial and here to stay. Arjun has had a front-seat view watching this critical infrastructure evolve over the years. He has built a following writing long-forms on bridges as a theme. You can read some of it in the following links.* Trust is a spectrum* Aggregation in a multi-chain world* Trade offs in intent based bridges* Risk framework for bridgesListen to the podcast for context on how bridges are enabling that transition and the economic opportunity in building them.Happy Weekend!SaurabhIf you liked reading this, check these out next:- Abstracting Chains- Money Routers This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.decentralised.co