The Crypto Conversation

Avi Zurlo is the new CEO at =nil; Foundation building an Ethereum L2 powered by zkSharding. =nil; Foundation is rolling out Testnet v1 for its Ethereum Layer 2 solution, powered by zkSharding. This launch marks a major step on their roadmap after the initial Devnet release in July. With zkSharding, =nil; Foundation's new L2 combines the efficiency of appchains with the cohesive capabilities of a monolithic blockchain, aiming to offer unmatched scalability and interoperability for Ethereum developers. Why you should listen In this conversation, Avi Zirlo, CEO of NIL Foundation, discusses his journey in the crypto space, the vision and goals of NIL Foundation, and the significance of ZK sharding in building scalable applications on Ethereum. By enabling zero-knowledge (zk) proofs and sharding, =nil; allows developers to build scalable decentralized applications. Each shard in its architecture processes transactions independently but reports back to a primary shard, which validates and syncs data across Ethereum. This approach promises enhanced transaction efficiency, security, and low costs, making =nil; a robust framework for developing high-performance blockchain applications. Avi shares insights on the current landscape of Ethereum layer 2 solutions, the launch of NIL's testnet, and the focus on developer experience. Avi also provides his perspectives on the Ethereum ecosystem, market trends, and the future of blockchain technology. Supporting links Stabull Finance Nil Foundation Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Siwon Kim is the Co-Founder and CEO of Botanika, a hyper-scalable, hyper-efficient decentralized data storage platform. Why you should listen In this conversation, Siwon Kim, co-founder and CEO of Botanica, discusses the importance of decentralized data storage and how Botanica aims to address the growing demand for data storage solutions. He explains the innovative AI-powered hardware nodes that differentiate Botanica from other providers, the tokenomics behind their native token Bonsai, and the strategies for user acquisition. Siwon Kim also highlights Botanica's role in the AI narrative and shares insights on the product rollout and future plans. The Botanika B1 device offers a decentralized solution for scalable, secure, and efficient data storage. Combining hardware optimized for AI tasks with the Botanika Protocol, it tackles high cloud costs, security risks, and inefficiencies of centralized storage by dispersing data across a global node network. Key features include AI-driven resource allocation, data sharding, and B-Code compression for significant cost savings. Botanika aims to provide high-performance, low-latency access, making it ideal for industries needing reliable, scalable, and decentralized storage solutions. Supporting links Stabull Finance Botanika Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Incubated by Nvidia Inception VC Alliance, Compute Labs leverages its self-developed Compute Tokenization Protocol to financialize AI, enable direct exposure to compute assets, and create compute derivates, empowering investors to effortlessly yield from compute, the currency of the future Why you should listen Compute Labs believes that compute will become the currency of the future, they are committed to democratizing access to this advanced AI infrastructure. Their mission is to establish the financial ecosystem for compute as an emerging asset class from zero. By leveraging blockchain technology and enabling financial derivatives, Compute Labs aims to reshape AI investments and create diversified opportunities for investors interested in capturing the most fundamental infrastructure, AI compute, throughout the AGI journey. They aim to be the premier platform for compute tokenization, derivatives, and structured products. In this conversation, Albert Zhang, founder and CEO of Compute Labs, discusses the innovative approach of financializing AI through compute assets. He explains the vision behind Compute Labs, the tokenization of GPU resources, and how this model aims to democratize access to AI infrastructure. The discussion also covers the engagement of both retail and institutional investors, the collaboration with AI companies, and the roadmap for product rollout. Albert shares insights on the Nvidia Inception VC Alliance, the future of AI and AGI, and why investors should consider Compute Labs as an opportunity in the evolving landscape of AI and crypto. Supporting links Stabull Finance Compute Labs Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Fabian is the co-founder of Illuminodes, guiding the development of the SALUD Protocol, which aims to give individuals control over their health data. Fabian shares insights on the challenges of managing health data, the collaboration with local hospitals in El Salvador, and the integration of global standards in health data management. Why you should listen The SALUD Protocol is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing the way healthcare data is managed in El Salvador, using the NOSTR protocol. The pilot project, launched at Paravida hospitals in collaboration with the Salvadoran tech initiative Illuminodes, seeks to address the growing concerns around centralized healthcare systems and patient data privacy. Currently, many healthcare data systems are controlled by large corporations, which often monetize this data at the expense of patient privacy. With the SALUD Protocol, the aim is to return control of personal health data to the individual. SALUD, which stands for "Sistema de Administración de Libertad Único y Descentralizado," offers a decentralized method of managing healthcare information. By leveraging blockchain technologies, it ensures that health data remains tamper-proof, trustworthy, and accessible only on a need-to-know basis by authorized healthcare providers. The promise of SALUD lies in its ability to provide accurate, decentralized data storage, reducing costs compared to traditional systems while also preventing single points of failure (SPOF). El Salvador has positioned itself as a leader in both financial and technological innovation, particularly under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, who made Bitcoin legal tender. With new healthcare laws on the horizon, El Salvador offers a prime testing ground for SALUD's pilot program. This initiative represents more than just a local change; it reflects a global shift towards decentralized control of personal data, which is increasingly being seen as a fundamental human right. The team behind SALUD is optimistic that the success of this project will serve as a model for other countries and systems worldwide, ushering in a new era of digital sovereignty and patient-controlled healthcare data. Supporting links Stabull Finance Illuminodes Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Sam Williams is the founder of Arweave. The Arweave network is like Bitcoin, but for data: A permanent and decentralized web inside an open ledger. The Arweave protocol is stable, mature and widely adopted. Why you should listen Permanent storage has many applications: from the preservation of humanity's most important data, to the hosting of truly decentralized and provably neutral web apps. In this conversation, Sam Williams, founder of Arweave, discusses the vision behind Arweave as a permanent data storage solution, its implications for information control, and the development of the Permaweb. He introduces the AO protocol, a decentralized supercomputer, and explains the economic model behind it, emphasizing the importance of liquidity in attracting users. The conversation also touches on the Universal Data License and the future of decentralized services in cyberspace Arweave is a decentralized storage network that aims to provide a permanent, tamper-proof archive of data on the blockchain. Unlike traditional cloud storage platforms that charge ongoing fees and store data temporarily, Arweave introduces a novel concept called the "permaweb." This innovation guarantees that once data is uploaded, it will be available indefinitely without requiring the uploader to keep paying to maintain access. This is achieved through a unique economic model and technical infrastructure. Data can never be taken down or censored, offering an unprecedented level of freedom for content creators and developers. Users have built platforms like decentralized social media apps, content archiving services, and even NFT marketplaces on Arweave, taking advantage of its promise of permanence. A key part of Arweave's value proposition is that users only pay a one-time fee to store data, covering the cost for its perpetual storage. The one-time payment is calculated based on the current price of AR tokens and the anticipated future costs of storage. The system is designed to scale effectively, with storage costs decreasing over time due to advancements in storage technology. Arweave has attracted attention due to its role in solving the problem of data integrity, especially in an age where information can be manipulated. By ensuring that information stored on its network can never be altered or deleted, Arweave offers a solution for organizations needing long-term data archival, such as research institutions, media outlets, and governments. Arweave represents a radical shift in how we might think about data storage, offering a decentralized, permanent solution in contrast to the fleeting nature of traditional cloud services. Supporting links Stabull Finance Arweave Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Michael Stroev is the CEO of Venga, a universal crypto app aimed at bridging decentralized finance and traditional banking. Why you should listen Venga is a versatile crypto app designed to simplify how users navigate the world of Web3 and decentralized finance (DeFi). Launched with a mission to bring blockchain technologies closer to mainstream users, Venga offers an intuitive, user-friendly platform that helps people buy, sell, and swap cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and others with ease. The app stands out by providing competitive exchange rates and lower fees, making it attractive for both newcomers and seasoned crypto enthusiasts. The app aims to bridge the gap between decentralized technologies and traditional finance, addressing common issues in the crypto space such as poor user experiences, slow functionality, and a lack of trust. Venga is built on robust technology to avoid bugs and glitches, and it maintains a strong compliance-first approach. This is particularly important post-FTX, as trust in the crypto industry has become more critical than ever. Venga is fully registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in both Spain and Poland, ensuring it operates under strict regulations, which enhances user confidence. Venga's long-term vision includes making crypto more accessible by improving education around blockchain technologies. The team behind the app believes that lack of understanding is one of the biggest hurdles preventing the broader adoption of Web3. In response, the app not only provides trading tools but also aims to educate users on DeFi innovations, allowing them to discover and explore new opportunities in the crypto world. Looking ahead, Venga plans to expand its offerings with features like staking, additional cryptocurrencies, and its own Venga token. The team has big plans for 2025, including launching a fully-fledged cryptocurrency exchange and more advanced DeFi products, all while maintaining a focus on security, compliance, and a seamless user experience. Supporting links Stabull Finance Venga Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Dr. Himanshu Tyagi is a Core Contributor at Sentient, a blockchain project enabling community-built open AGI He's a researcher in information theory, applying its principles to solve real-world problems. Currently, he's a Professor at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Why you should listen Sentient is an AI research organization fostering a new Open AGI Economy for AI Builders and Creators. It is building platforms and protocols to enable open-source AI developers to (1) monetize their models, data, and other innovations, (2) collaborate with each other to collectively build powerful AIs, and (3) be significant stakeholders in a new Open AGI economy. Today, the development of AI is almost entirely controlled by a few organizations and a few individuals at those organizations. These organizations are locked into a feverish race to build AGI and, in the process, make critical decisions for all of humanity. On the other side, a large fraction of humanity is working to build AI developer and user skills. They have limited ways to showcase and contribute their skills and even worse ways to be gainfully employed. Sentient has the goal of bringing ownership rights to open AI development. By inventing science and technology that enables anyone to build, collaborate, own, and monetize AI products, we will birth an era of AI entrepreneurship. Sentient is building an AI platform for builders to collaborate and monetize their innovations. AI builders are the workhorses and principal actors of this economy, the ones who innovate and collaborate to build powerful new AI offerings. The underlying blockchain protocol and incentive mechanism provide the necessary economic alignment needed for the evolution of Open AGI in this collective offering. For all this to work, it is necessary that the powerful AI models hosted on Sentient are Open, Monetizable and Loyal (OML) – "loyal" models are those which remain aligned with the community that built them, enforced by the underlying blockchain protocol. Sentient has pioneered a new ambitious field in AI research with OML models. OML models will drive a shared Open AGI economy, supporting millions of AI agents and further downstream applications for billions of AI users. The next generation of AI will be able to reason, plan, and act strategically. This AI will be built using new innovative agents and by learning from interactions between these agents, underlying models, and humans. The Sentient AI platform will enable the community and the AI built by them to participate and learn from these interactions, with the underlying blockchain protocol ensuring everyone is incentive-aligned. Supporting links Stabull Finance Sentient Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Leanid Palkhouski is the Head of Ecosystem at Network3, helping AI developers efficiently train and validate models using Network3's AIoT Layer 2 technology. Why you should listen Network3 builds a dedicated AI Layer2, enabling AI developers worldwide to efficiently train, validate, and optimize models at scale through advanced techniques like AI model optimization, compression, federated learning, edge computing, and confidential computing. They recently secured $5M to build Edge AI infrastructure, growing to over 300,000 nodes and 100,000 daily active sessions. Network3 announced its new Local Large Language Model (LLM) feature at the TOKEN2049 DePIN Summit. This feature enhances the AI processing capabilities of smart devices by optimizing performance and reducing reliance on cloud computing. With Edge AI, data processing is done directly on local devices, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing privacy. Network3 aims to make AI and Web3 more accessible by allowing IoT devices to train small AI models and offer rewards for shared computing power. The new LLM will launch for testing soon. Network3's N3 Edge V1 mining device, designed for decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) applications, sold out within seconds of its release. The high demand for the device reflects strong market interest in DePIN, which enables the deployment of decentralized infrastructure networks using token incentives. The N3 Edge V1 offers powerful edge computing capabilities, contributing to Network3's broader goal of enhancing smart device networks. Supporting links Stabull Finance Network3 Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Roy Hui is the Co-Founder and CEO of LightLink, a Layer 2 blockchain company that lets dApps and enterprises offer users instant, gasless transactions. Roy also founded Pellar, a Web3 builder of blockchain solutions for government and enterprises. Why you should listen LightLink is an Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain platform designed to offer fast, gasless transactions, primarily aimed at enterprises and decentralized applications (dApps). It was developed by Pellar Technology, a company that has been creating blockchain solutions for enterprises in the Asia-Pacific region since 2017. One of LightLink's key innovations is its Enterprise Mode, which allows businesses to run on the blockchain without requiring their users to pay transaction fees or even possess tokens, thereby simplifying the user experience. The platform stands out for its scalability and affordability, boasting a transaction throughput of over 10,000 transactions per second (TPS) at a cost of less than $0.01 per transaction. This performance is achieved using its Optimium architecture, which separates the consensus, execution, and data availability layers. LightLink integrates with Celestia's data availability solution, enhancing security and allowing the platform to continue functioning even if the Layer 2 network goes offline. In addition to its performance advantages, LightLink offers a gasless transaction model for both developers and enterprises, making it easier to scale decentralized applications without the need for complex tokenomics. The platform's native token, LL, is used for governance, staking, and utility within the ecosystem. LightLink is also designed to be fully EVM-compatible, meaning developers can migrate their Ethereum-based projects to LightLink without needing to modify their code, simplifying the process of building on the network. LightLink's mission is to make blockchain adoption as seamless and intuitive as possible, abstracting away complex features like gas fees so that users can interact with blockchain technology as easily as they do with traditional Web2 applications. LightLink and its partners have demonstrated cutting-edge web3 capabilities in over 50 projects, including Australian Open, Translucia, The Red Village, Vhils, CoalaPay, and more. Supporting links Stabull Finance LightLink Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Tim Kravchunovsky is the founder and CEO of Chirp. Chirp is a DePIN network founded by a team of Telecommunications experts. Tim Kravchunovsky has over 20 years of experience as a network engineer, having held a position as a Consulting Engineer at the World Bank, Comacast and Chemonics International. Tim founded Chirp in January 2021 to connect the world through groundbreaking, accessible technology that has the potential to transform the way we live our daily lives. Why you should listen Chirp's mission is to connect the largest number of devices with the blockchain under one revolutionary network and a SaaS platform. With a focus on IoT and Mobile, Chirp aims to redefine the future of wireless communication. DePIN is one of the leading crypto narratives of 2024. DePIN uses blockchain to develop physical infrastructure like telecom communication, storage, IoT, and more. By decentralizing infrastructure, DePIN achieves tech scale and gives power back to the users. Tim Kravchunovsky, founder and CEO of Chirp, discusses the ambitious goals of Chirp in creating a global IoT ecosystem that connects real-world devices through decentralized technology. He shares insights on the challenges of IoT connectivity, the importance of breaking down barriers between different devices, and the potential of decentralized networks to empower communities. Tim emphasizes the need for standardization in IoT and the role of Chirp in facilitating this transformation, while also touching on the future of smart cities and the impact of blockchain technology. Supporting links Stabull Finance Chirp Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.