The Index Podcast: Recent Episodes
Index Studios
Who's on The Index this week? We talk with industry pioneers and developers behind the Web3 revolution. Find out what's new in blockchain technology, DeFi, the metaverse, NFTs, and more. Hosted by Alex Kehaya, CEO of Holaplex and brought to you by the Graph. The Graph, known as the Google of blockchain, is a decentralized indexing protocol for organizing blockchain data.
From trading desks at UBS to leading global growth at one of the fastest-growing blockchains in the world โ Xen Baynham-Herd's journey through crypto is as wild as the industry itself.
In this episode, Alex sits down with Xen, Head of Marketing & Global Growth at Base, to unpack what it really takes to bring the world on-chain. If you're building in Web3 or just trying to understand where this is all going, this one's for you.
Topics covered:
๐ฆ How Xen went from UBS fixed income trader to crypto OG โ and why he's been in the space for 10+ years and can't look away
๐ต What Base actually is โ and how it's positioning itself as the go-to blockchain for global finance (not just another Solana competitor)
๐ Base's focus areas: trading, payments & AI agents โ including Base NPC, X402 agentic commerce, and what millions in on-chain volume actually looks like
๐ค Will AI agents cross the chasm into mainstream? โ why being able to transact directly inside ChatGPT or Claude could be the unlock crypto has been waiting for
๐ฅ Real-world asset tokenization done right โ the whiskey barrel lending story that perfectly explains DeFi's killer advantage over TradFi
๐ Emerging markets as crypto's first movers โ Latin America, Africa, India, and Asia are already running on stablecoins, and Base is doubling down on that
๐ The Base Ecosystem Fund & Base Batches accelerator โ what kinds of teams they're backing and what founders should be building right now
๐ก When does crypto stop being crypto? โ Xen and Alex agree: the real win is when nobody's talking about blockchain anymore because they're just using it
๐ Connect with Xen Baynham-Herd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xen-baynham-herd-01685775/
๐ Explore Base:https://www.linkedin.com/company/coinbase/
Show Links
The Index
X Channel
YouTube
The man behind one of Solana's most foundational DeFi protocols finally sits down with us. Michael Hwang, CEO of Orca, breaks down how a protocol that's been quietly powering Solana's liquidity for 5+ years is now stepping into the spotlight โ and building infrastructure for the next era of on-chain finance.
What we cover:
๐ฆ From BlackRock to Solana โ Michael's backstory and why he believes blockchain is building the financial rails of the future
๐ Orca's evolution โ How the protocol went from a retail-friendly DEX to the back-end liquidity engine for institutions, RWAs, and hybrid assets
๐ Regulated Asset Infrastructure โ Orca's brand-new product that lets asset issuers toggle KYC/compliance controls directly into on-chain liquidity pools
๐ช Tokenized Gold, Stocks & RWAs โ Why permissioned DeFi isn't a contradiction, and how Orca is building rails for a full spectrum of asset types
๐ค Prop AMM research โ The internal market-making engine Orca has been quietly running in production (and what it might become)
๐ Institutions on Solana โ Why "institution" is a spectrum, who's actually ready to step on-chain, and what friction remains
๐ The democratization thesis โ Michael's core belief: your grandma LPing alongside a Wall Street quant in the same pool is what makes DeFi worth building
๐ Links:
๐บ The Index Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@theindexpodcast
๐ฆ Michael Hwang (Twitter): https://x.com/tmoClabs
๐ผ Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mqhwang/
๐ Orca: https://www.orca.so/
๐ฆ Orca on Twitter: https://x.com/orca_so
๐ผ Orca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orca-so/
Show Links
The Index
X Channel
YouTube
What if every hot take you had could instantly become a trade? Jason Rodrigues, Founder of Cesto, is building exactly that on Solana โ and it might be the most exciting DeFi product you haven't heard of yet.
Cesto lets anyone invest in curated baskets of assets built around ideas, narratives, and trends โ from semiconductors and AI to sports teams and geopolitical headlines. In this episode, host Nicki Scans sits down with Jason to explore how Cesto is turning finance into something you actually feel โ and how Solana makes it all possible.
๐ Topics Covered:
- ๐ง Finance is editorializing โ why more and more money is moving based on vibes, views, and conviction
- ๐ชฃ What is a Cesto basket? โ curated bundles of tokens, stocks, and prediction market positions in one click
- โก Speed of execution โ how Cesto can launch a basket within 1โ5 minutes of a breaking news story
- ๐ Short-term vs. long-term holds โ how users are trading narratives, not just assets
- ๐ค The Anthropic Anti-Portfolio โ a real-world basket that 3โ4x'd by shorting companies Anthropic disrupted
- ๐๏ธ Why Solana? โ speed, culture, community liquidity, and developer ecosystem all in one
- ๐ฅ How Cesto curates experts โ from niche Substack writers to Reddit mods, building the next generation of fund managers
- ๐ What's coming โ World Cup baskets, mobile retail, wallet integrations, and institutional-grade liquidity
๐ Links:
- ๐๏ธ The Index Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@theindexpodcast
- ๐ Cesto: https://cesto.co/
- ๐ฆ Cesto on X: https://x.com/cesto_co
- ๐ฆ Jason on X: https://x.com/jasonrodrigues
- ๐ผ Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrrodrigues/
Show Links
The Index
X Channel
YouTube
What does it take to build a truly decentralized exchange that can compete with traditional financial markets?
In this episode of The Index Podcast, Dhrumil, Co-Founder of Archer Exchange, joins us to discuss why Solana is uniquely positioned to power the next generation of on-chain trading and how Archer is building a fully on-chain order book designed for transparency, efficiency, and deep liquidity.
From democratizing market making to creating infrastructure for tokenized real-world assets, Dhrumil shares the vision behind Archer and what it takes to build an exchange that stays true to DeFi principles.
Key Topics Covered
๐ Why Dhrumil chose Solana to build Archer
๐ How Archer combines the efficiency of modern AMMs with the familiarity of an order book
๐ก Why market making should be accessible to everyoneโnot just large institutions
๐ The importance of fully on-chain trading infrastructure
๐ How composability enables developers to build new products on top of Archer
๐ฆ The future of tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) and on-chain markets
๐ Why security and transparency are critical for the next generation of DeFi exchanges
๐ Lessons learned from Archer's beta launch and early user growth
โก Building liquidity, tighter spreads, and better trading experiences on Solana
Links
๐ The Index Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/@theindexpodcast
๐ Dhrumil (X):
https://x.com/mmdhrumil
๐ Archer Exchange:
https://archer.exchange/
๐ Archer Exchange (X):
https://x.com/ArcherExchange_
Show Links
The Index
X Channel
YouTube
What happens when you combine rare whiskey, real-world assets, and Solana?
In this episode of The Index Podcast, Alex Kehaya sits down with Tzvi Wiesel, Founder & CEO of Baxus, to explore how one of the most unique RWA platforms in crypto is bringing rare spirits, collectibles, lending, and liquidity fully onchain.
From tokenized whiskey bottles and decentralized financing to physical asset authentication and viral whiskey vending machines, Todd shares how Baxus is building the future of collectibles on Solana.
What You'll Learn:
๐ฅ How Baxus is transforming the global whiskey and spirits market with Solana
๐ Why rare whiskey behaves like NFTsโbut with real-world value
๐ฆ How Baxus is tokenizing whiskey barrels and unlocking DeFi lending opportunities
๐ฐ The path to adding $500M+ in new TVL through tokenized barrel infrastructure
๐ How Baxus uses real-world data, sensors, and provenance tracking for asset verification
๐ฐ Inside the new Baxus whiskey vending machine and collectible marketplace experience
๐ Why stablecoins could become a major payment rail for the global alcohol industry
๐ The future of RWAs, collectibles, and tokenized ownership on Solana
๐ Links
๐๏ธ The Index Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/@theindexpodcast
๐ฅ Baxus Website
https://www.baxus.co/
๐ฆ Baxus on X
https://x.com/BAXUSco
๐ค Tzvi Wiesel (LinkedIn)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-wiesel/
๐ฆ Tzvi Wiesel on X
https://x.com/web4O
Show Links
The Index
X Channel
YouTube
What if you could turn an idea into a live Solana app without writing code?
In this episode of The Index Podcast, host Alex Kehaya sits down with Jordan OโNeill, CMO and co-founder of Eitherway, to explore how AI agents are making Web3 app development faster, easier, and more accessible for builders around the world.
Jordan breaks down how Eitherway helps users prompt, build, deploy, and monetize production-ready apps across Web2, mobile, and Web3 โ with deep integrations across the Solana ecosystem.
In this episode, we cover:
๐ How Eitherway lets users build apps from simple prompts
๐ง Why AI agents are changing the future of software development
โก How Eitherway integrates Solana infrastructure like Jupiter, Meteora, Raydium, Kamino, Solflare, DFlow, and more
๐ Why emerging markets are a major focus for Web3 payments and USDC adoption
๐ ๏ธ What builders created during Eitherwayโs Superteam hackathon
๐ฒ How Eitherwayโs Telegram agent can build apps directly from chat
๐ฎ Whatโs next for Eitherway, including open-source agent frameworks and new product upgrades
Links:
Jordan OโNeill on X: https://x.com/Depin_Dexter
Eitherway on X: https://x.com/EitherwayAI
Eitherway App: https://eitherway.ai/chat
Show Links
The Index
X Channel
YouTube
What does it take to build the best perps trading experience on Solana?
In this episode of The Index Podcast, Alex Kehaya sits down with Hunter Simmons, CTO & Co-Founder, and Jordan Prince, CEO & Co-Founder, of Imperial Perps to unpack why Solana perps are evolving fast, what traders actually need, and how Imperial is building a clearer, more transparent trading experience for the next wave of onchain users.
From fee transparency to better routing, liquidation risk, UX, and the โseek truthโ mindset behind great products, this conversation breaks down where Solana DeFi is heading โ without the jargon.
In this episode:
๐ Why Imperial Perps is building exclusively on Solana
๐ What perpetual contracts are โ and why traders love them
โก The current state of Solana perps vs. Hyperliquid and centralized exchanges
๐ธ Why fees, slippage, and liquidation risk matter more than most users realize
๐ง How Imperial routes traders toward better execution and clearer PnL
๐ ๏ธ The founder mindset: seeking truth, product-market fit, and building through hard cycles
๐ Why the next 6โ12 months could be huge for Solana perps
Links:
The Index Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@theindexpodcast
Imperial Perps Website: https://imperial.space
Imperial Perps on X: https://x.com/ImperialPerps
Hunter Simmons on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-simmons1
Hunter Simmons on X: https://x.com/ImperialAttila
Jordan Prince on X: https://x.com/redacted_j
Show Links
The Index
X Channel
YouTube
- AI agents are coming on-chain โ and Clawpump wants Solana to be their home base. In this episode of The Index Podcast, Nicky Scanella sits down with Bunny, Mauricio Trujillo Ramirez, co-founder of Clawpump and Tektonic, to unpack how autonomous AI agents could trade, earn, pay for compute, and interact with DeFi in real time.
- From โeternal agentsโ to x402, Solana speed, and the future of agentic finance, this conversation breaks down one of the most exciting intersections in Web3: AI x crypto.
- In this episode, we cover:
๐ค What Clawpump is building as the โHouse of Agentic Financeโ on Solana
โก Why Solana is becoming a key ecosystem for AI agents and on-chain automation
๐ธ How agents can earn money, pay for compute, and interact with DeFi
๐ What x402 actually means โ and why it matters for crypto users and developers
๐ฆ The difference between Clawpumpโs retail focus and Tektonicโs institutional infrastructure
๐ Agentic trading, arbitrage, prediction markets, and the future of on-chain finance
๐ง Why AI agents wonโt replace every app, wallet, or human experience
Links:
The Index Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@theindexpodcast
Clawpump Website: https://www.clawpump.tech/
Clawpump on X: https://x.com/clawpumptech
Tektonic Website: https://tektonic.company/
Bunny / Mauricio on X: https://x.com/ConejoCapital
Show Links
The Index
X Channel
YouTube
What if markets โ not committees โ made the big decisions behind crypto fundraising?
In this episode of The Index Podcast, Alex Kehaya sits down with Proph3t, co-founder of MetaDAO, to unpack how Solana-native fundraising is evolving, why token launches are being reimagined, and how decision markets could reshape how founders raise, govern, and scale.
In this episode, we cover:
๐ How MetaDAO is changing internet-native fundraising on Solana
๐ง What decision markets are โ and why they matter
๐ฐ Why post-raise treasury oversight could reduce rugs and misaligned incentives
โ๏ธ The real trade-offs of launching a token vs. raising traditional venture capital
๐ฅ Why community ownership can supercharge distribution
๐ ๏ธ How founders should think about โtoken or no tokenโ
๐ The long-term vision for market-driven decision-making
Links:
๐๏ธ The Index Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@theindexpodcast
๐ค Proph3t on X: https://x.com/metaproph3t
๐ข MetaDAO on X: https://x.com/MetaDAOProject
๐ MetaDAO Website: https://www.metadao.fi/
Show Links
The Index
X Channel
YouTube
Crypto adoption isnโt just about better techโฆ itโs about better culture.
In this episode, John Wilson & Amol Gharte, cofounders of Solana Spaces, break down how real-world experiences are onboarding the next wave of Web3 users.
From viral pop-ups to global community building, this is what happens when crypto steps out of the screen and into real life.
๐ In this episode, we cover:
- ๐ฌ How Solana Spaces reinvented crypto retail through pop-ups and global experiences
- ๐ Why culture > technology when it comes to mass adoption
- ๐ Inside their legendary NYC pop-up that turned into a street-level crypto party
- ๐ง The Apple Store strategy behind onboarding users into Web3
- ๐๏ธ Why most crypto merch failsโand how to build real brand affinity
- ๐ How they measure ROI, conversions, and real-world engagement
- ๐ฅ Wild activation ideas: crypto tattoos, prediction games, and more
- ๐งฉ The future: marketplaces, consulting, and scaling beyond Solana events
๐ Follow & learn more:
- ๐๏ธ The Index Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@theindexpodcast
- ๐งโ๐ป John Wilson (X): https://x.com/DegentlemanJohn
- ๐งโ๐ป Amol Gharte (X): https://x.com/0xAmol
- ๐ข Solana Spaces: https://solanaspaces.com/
- ๐ฆ Solana Spaces (X): https://x.com/solanaspaces
Show Links
The Index
X Channel
YouTube
What if you could launch a full Solana application just by describing your idea in plain English? Amit Ishairzay and Bilal Shahid, co-founders of Poof (poof.new), are building exactly that โ and it's already live.
From prediction markets to token escrows to DePIN apps for cleaning up dog poop (yes, really), builders are shipping on-chain products faster than ever. Here's how they're doing it.
In this episode:
- ๐ ๏ธ What Poof actually is โ type your idea, get a deployed Solana app with smart contracts, indexing, frontend, and backend
- ๐ The "Poof Policy" system โ the AI-native schema that makes smart contract generation secure and auditable
- โก Why Solana? โ and how Poof is to Web3 what Firebase/Supabase is to Web2
- ๐ค AI + Crypto infrastructure โ how the team uses Claude Code, Codex, and auto-routing between models to keep costs down
- ๐งช The wildest apps people have built โ from pump.fun clones to hyper-personalized all-in-one trading terminals
- ๐พ Agentic Poof โ what happens when no human is in the loop and an agent is shipping apps autonomously
- ๐ The open source debate โ how AI is reshaping the risk calculus for open source projects
- ๐ง Mythos (Anthropic's unreleased model) โ what a model too dangerous to release means for the future of software security
๐ LINKS
- The Index Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@theindexpodcast
- Poof: https://poof.new
- Amit (X): https://x.com/legitamit
- Bilal (X): https://x.com/BSha256
Show Links
The Index
X Channel
YouTube
What if ripping open Pokรฉmon packs as a kid was actually your billion-dollar origin story? Jake, Co-Founder of Phygitals, built a $180M on-chain trading card marketplace on Solana, bootstrapped, shot down by 7 VCs, and still winning. This one hits different.
In this episode, we cover:
๐ What Phygitals actually is โ a tokenized collectibles marketplace where physical cards live in vaults and trade at the speed of blockchain ๐ The vault system โ how PSA, Fanatics, and Alt Vault secure the physical cards behind every NFT ๐ธ The 92% instant buyback model โ why it works and how they make money on the delta ๐ Building on Solana โ why the culture, community, and bootstrapping power of Solana made it the only choice ๐ฆ From $4K in Pokรฉmon cards to $180M in volume โ the scrappy GTM that started with an airdrop and a $1 claw machine ๐ค Getting roasted by 7 VCs โ and why Jake used it as fuel ๐ 60% Web2 users โ how Stripe + CoinFlow made crypto-native rails accessible to non-crypto collectors ๐ช The B2B infrastructure play โ deployable storefronts and API layers for card shops and major brands ๐ฌ USDC as the future of collectibles payments โ solving the ACH settlement nightmare in high-value auctions
๐ LINKS
- ๐ฆ Jake / Mr. Colada on X: https://x.com/coladacodes
- ๐ฆ Phygitals on X: https://x.com/phygitals
- ๐ Phygitals Website: https://phygitals.com
- ๐บ The Index Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@theindexpodcast
Show Links
The Index
X Channel
YouTube
Most DeFi protocols are one hack away from collapse. Plish is building Hylo differently โ and in this episode, he breaks down exactly why.
From winning the Colosseum Radar Hackathon to crossing $100M TVL, Hylo is rewriting the rules of decentralized stablecoins on Solana. No external dependencies. No borrowed risk. Just battle-tested code.
What we cover:
๐งฑ What is Hylo? โ A DeFi platform issuing a yield-bearing stablecoin (HiUSD) and a leveraged SOL ETF (xSOL), built entirely on-chain with zero external protocol dependencies
โ ๏ธ What Solana DeFi is getting wrong โ Why composability is both DeFi's superpower and its biggest security liability (and the Drift hack as a live case study)
๐ The self-custody gospel โ Why Plish keeps it simple: stake your SOL, stay in control, and never full-port into someone else's smart contract risk
๐ค Running a 4-person team with AI agents โ How Hylo uses Claude, Granola, and a custom hiring system based on the Who framework to punch way above their weight
๐ Hylo V2 is coming โ xBTC, new collateral types (RWAs, yield-bearing dollars, maybe even S&P 500-backed stablecoins), and a new UI with stop losses and DCA tools
๐ The leverage problem nobody talks about โ Why 50x perps are dangerous for retail, and why Hylo's managed 2โ4x xAssets might be the smarter play
๐ LINKS
๐๏ธ The Index Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@theindexpodcast ๐ฆ Plish on X: https://x.com/0xPlish ๐ฆ Hylo on X: https://x.com/hylo_so ๐ Hylo Website: https://hylo.so/
Show Links
The Index
X Channel
YouTube
What does it take to build the most trusted wallet in the Solana ecosystem and keep it that way?
What happens when every trade you make on-chain is public โ and your friends start copy-trading you without asking? That's what pushed Kru Shah to build Umbra, the first live app on Arcium's Mainnet Alpha, and he's here to break down exactly how confidential compute is about to change everything on Solana.
In this episode: ๐งฑ What Arcium actually is โ the confidential compute engine powering Umbra (and why it matters beyond DeFi) ๐ How private swaps work on Umbra โ and why 7 seconds of latency is a trade-off worth making โ๏ธ Privacy vs. regulation โ Kru's take on Tornado Cash, Roman Storm, and the case for privacy as a human right ๐ฃ The Elizabeth Warren challenge โ Kru's 30-second answer to crypto's biggest privacy skeptic ๐ธ Raising on MetaDAO / Futarchy โ how Umbra got $155M in commitments and only took $3M ๐ช Ownership tokens vs. meme coin culture โ why token holders need to earn their seat at the table ๐ค Building alongside Arcium โ why this relationship is unlike any typical "app built on infrastructure"
๐ LINKS
๐๏ธ The Index Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@theindexpodcast ๐ข Umbra Website: https://www.umbraprivacy.com/ ๐ฆ Umbra on X: https://x.com/UmbraPrivacy
Show Links
The Index
X Channel
YouTube
Animoca Brands co-founder Yat Siu sits down with host Alex Kehaya to talk about digital ownership, the agentic economy, and why everything we built in Web3 was secretly a proof of concept for what's coming next. This one hits differently.
Alex shares how Nansen went all-in on agentic AI, deploying 75 OpenClaws across their entire team, building shared skill repositories, and pioneering what he calls "claw fooding" โ getting AI agents to test and fix their own product. We also get deep into agentic trading, Nansen's new CLI that lets your AI agent trade on-chain, and why Alex believes the traditional trading interface is dead.
๐ Key Topics Covered:
- ๐ Digital property rights & the case for true ownership โ why most people are living in "rented space" online and what blockchain actually fixes
- ๐ค The agentic economy is here โ from 3โ5 agents per person to potentially hundreds of billions roaming the open web
- ๐ธ Agents need wallets โ how crypto rails (payments, identity, wallets) are the perfect infrastructure for AI agents to transact freely
- ๐ง Animoca Minds deep dive โ how it deploys persistent agents in under 60 seconds, with shared infrastructure, long-term memory, and a skills marketplace
- โ๏ธ Why Solana's builder culture mattered โ and how purpose-driven communities created ecosystems that survived the hardest moments
- ๐๏ธ Orchestration vs LLMs โ why the real value isn't which model you pick, but how you harness and own your agents
- ๐ Open source super intelligence as a human right โ the stakes of letting a handful of companies own AGI, and how crypto + open source can counter that
- ๐ The cultural gap between AI and crypto โ why Asia gets it and what the West needs to catch up on
๐ Connect & Follow:
๐๏ธ The Index Podcast:https://www.youtube.com/@theindexpodcast ๐ค Yat Siu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yatsiu ๐ฆ Yat Siu on X: https://x.com/ysiu ๐ข Animoca Brands: https://www.animocabrands.com ๐ฆ Animoca Brands on X: https://x.com/animocabrands
Show Links
The Index
X Channel
YouTube
What if the real crypto opportunity isn't in Silicon Valley but in cargo ports, agricultural corridors, and emerging markets that Wall Street ignores? Arnold Lee moved there to find out.
Arnold is the co-founder & CEO of Sphere Labs, building stablecoin payment infrastructure on Solana for the markets that need it most. This conversation goes deep.
In this episode:
- ๐ฒ How Sphere Labs was born from a random Solana x Stripe hackathon submission โ and why they almost didn't enter
- ๐ฅ Incorporating the company the week FTX collapsed (with two co-founders celebrating birthdays that day)
- ๐ Why Arnold lived functionally homeless for 4 years, moving across Latin America to build closer to real users
- ๐ฆ The cargo port moment โ understanding payment friction by watching shipments sit idle at port for weeks
- ๐ต Why people in emerging markets don't really want "stablecoins" โ they want access to stable dollars
- โณ The closing window: why stablecoins and cross-border payments are a race against the AI divide
- ๐ค The AI access gap โ and why a $200/month Claude subscription is out of reach for billions of people
- ๐ก How blockchain "agnosticizes" where investment capital can flow โ unlocking markets that traditional FinTech ignores
- ๐ What's next for Sphere: faster, cheaper, multi-currency rails across LATAM, MENA, and APAC
- ๐๏ธ Why AI infrastructure spending (data centers, energy, commodities) is driving new stablecoin order flow
๐ LINKS
๐๏ธ The Index Podcast โ https://www.youtube.com/@theindexpodcast ๐ค Arnold Lee on LinkedIn โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnoldhlee/ ๐ฆ Arnold Lee on X โ https://x.com/0xdirichlet ๐ Sphere Labs โ https://spherepay.co ๐ฆ Sphere Labs on X โ https://x.com/sphere_labs ๐ผ Sphere Labs on LinkedIn โ https://www.linkedin.com/company/sphere-laboratories/ ๐ฒ Sphere RAMP โ https://spherepay.co/ramp
Show Links
The Index
X Channel
YouTube
What We Cover:
- ๐ What is Nomadz? โ A crypto-friendly travel aggregator on Solana with access to 30+ booking APIs
- ๐ธ Why stablecoin payments matter โ Save up to 5โ6% vs. traditional payment rails like Stripe
- ๐ฑ Solana Seeker & the DAP Store โ Why mobile is the key to onboarding the next wave of Web3 users
- ๐ฎ Gamification that actually works โ Nomad ID, XP, NFT suitcases, quests, and why it's leagues ahead of legacy loyalty programs
- ๐ Web3 users > Web2 users โ Why Ivan isn't chasing the mass market (and why that's the right call)
- ๐ Revenue before token โ The refreshing philosophy behind Nomadz's long-term approach to building
- ๐บ๐ฆ A personal story โ How the war in Ukraine turned Ivan into a digital nomad and sparked the idea for Nomadz
- ๐ฎ The vision โ Flights, eSIMs, visas, B2B travel management, and a full Web3 travel stack
๐ Links:
- ๐๏ธ The Index Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@theindexpodcast
- ๐ค Ivan Maltsev on X: https://x.com/ivan_nomadz
- ๐ค Ivan Maltsev on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanxmaltsev/
- ๐ข Nomadz on X: https://x.com/NOMADZxyz
- ๐ข Nomadz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nomadzxyz/posts/?feedView=all
- ๐ Nomadz Platform: https://nomadz.xyz
Show Links
The Index
X Channel
YouTube
What happens when a company has more AI agents than human employees? Nansen CEO Alex Svanevik joins The Index to break down exactly that and a whole lot more.
Alex shares how Nansen went all-in on agentic AI, deploying 75 OpenClaws across their entire team, building shared skill repositories, and pioneering what he calls "claw fooding", getting AI agents to test and fix their own product. We also get deep into agentic trading, Nansen's new CLI that lets your AI agent trade on-chain, and why Alex believes the traditional trading interface is dead.
In this episode:
- ๐ค How Nansen runs more AI agents than humans โ and what that actually looks like day-to-day
- ๐ Security, governance & trust ladders for autonomous AI agents managing real money
- โก "Vibe trading" โ talking to an AI to execute on-chain trades with one tap
- ๐ ๏ธ The Nansen CLI: give your OpenClaude eyes on-chain (Solana, Base & more)
- ๐ Why prediction markets are the biggest low-hanging fruit for agentic AI right now
- ๐ง Fine-tuning open-source LLMs for on-chain trading โ and why it matters
- ๐ธ Token costs, spend control, and how to scale an AI-native organization without burning money
- ๐ฎ The roadmap to fully autonomous, hosted agentic trading
Whether you're a crypto trader, an AI builder, or a founder trying to figure out how to make your company AI-native โ this episode is required watching.
๐ Try the Nansen AI App: nansen.ai
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What does it take to build the most trusted wallet in the Solana ecosystem and keep it that way?
In this episode, Nicky sits down with Filip Dragoslaviฤ, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Solflare, to talk about everything from the early days of Solana (think: 20 people in a Discord server with Anatoly answering every question himself) to what crypto wallets will look like in 2028 and beyond.
Filip pulls back the curtain on how Solflare went from a simple staking tool to a full-blown super app, and why 40% of their users never even leave the wallet to interact with outside apps. They also dive deep into some of Solflare's most exciting bets:
๐ก๏ธ Solflare Shield โ a screenless, battery-free hardware wallet that rethinks cold storage from the ground up. Same security. A fraction of the price. Just tap your phone.
๐ PAL (Privacy Aggregation Layer) โ Solflare's new privacy toggle that lets users send transactions without exposing their address โ and why this matters way more than most people realize (spoiler: crypto was never as private as the media claimed).
๐ค Agentic Payments โ Why Solana is the only network capable of being the default payment rail for AI agents, and why Filip believes humans will always remain the ultimate decision-makers.
Plus: the Ethereum vs. Solana builder culture debate, the real reason privacy in crypto is so hard to solve, and how Solflare is quietly stripping away jargon to bring the next wave of users onboard.
Whether you're a DeFi degen, a crypto newcomer, or just obsessed with where Web3 is heading โ this one's packed.
๐ LINKS
- ๐ Solflare: https://www.solflare.com/
- ๐ก๏ธ Solflare Shield: https://solflare.com/hardware-wallet
- ๐ผ Filip Dragoslaviฤ on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/filip-dragoslavic
- ๐บ The Index Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@theindexpodcast
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What if your paycheck went straight into crypto, and you never had to sell to cover your expenses? Diego Garcรญa, co-founder & CEO of Pyra (pyra.finance), is building exactly that on Solana. This one will make you rethink how you build wealth.
In this episode, we cover:
๐ธ What Pyra actually does โ invest your income into assets, spend via credit, and never touch your portfolio
๐ The "spread" model explained โ why the gap between yield and credit cost is everything
โก Why Solana? โ DeFi ecosystem, speed, cost, and the wave of tokenized real-world assets
๐ฆ How this is different from a margin account โ higher LTV ratios, micro-credit pulls, and built for wealth builders, not just the ultra-rich
๐ฐ Filling the gap between boring savings and crypto gambling โ why Gen Z deserves better options
๐ Self-custody + KYC explained โ what's permissionless and what isn't
โ ๏ธ The risk engine โ stop losses, liquidation warnings, and portfolio diversification automation
๐ What's next โ tokenized equities, broader market expansion, and moving beyond crypto-native users
๐ LINKS
- ๐๏ธ The Index Podcast โ https://www.youtube.com/@theindexpodcast
- ๐ค Diego Garcรญa on LinkedIn โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/diego-garcia-na/
- ๐ข Pyra โ https://www.pyra.fi/
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What happens when AI agents can own wallets, spend money, and interact with the internet autonomously?
In this episode of The Index Podcast, host Alex Kehaya sits down with Alfonso Gรณmez, Founder & CEO of Crossmint, to explore the emerging world of agentic commerce, AI-driven payments, and blockchain infrastructure built for the programmatic economy.
Alfonso shares how Crossmint is building tools that make blockchain adoption as easy as integrating an API, enabling companies to add wallets, payments, and digital assets directly into real-world applications.
The conversation dives into the future of AI agents with spending power, the role of stablecoins and card networks, and how new technologies could transform the way software interacts with money.
Youโll also hear fascinating stories from Alfonsoโs career, from helping design Googleโs โIโm not a robotโ CAPTCHA to shaping messaging infrastructure at WhatsApp, before founding Crossmint to power the next generation of internet payments.
๐ Topics covered include:
- Why the world is moving toward a programmatic economy
- How AI agents will pay for tools, compute, and services
- Crossmintโs vision for agentic payments and digital asset infrastructure
- Stablecoins vs credit cards: what will dominate AI commerce?
- The future of autonomous transactions powered by Solana and blockchain
If you're interested in AI agents, Solana, stablecoins, developer infrastructure, and the future of digital payments, this episode is a must-watch.
๐ Learn more about Crossmint: https://www.crossmint.com
๐๏ธ More episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@theindexpodcast
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What happens when AI meets the Solana ecosystem?
In this episode of The Index Podcast, Alex Kehaya sits down with Ben Coverston, founder of Harmonic, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming how startups are built, analyzed, and funded in the crypto space.
Ben shares insights into how Harmonic is using AI to map the global startup ecosystem, identify emerging trends, and help investors and builders understand where innovation is happening fastest โ including within the Solana ecosystem.
The conversation dives into the intersection of AI, venture capital, crypto infrastructure, and data intelligence, and what it means for founders building the next generation of Web3 companies.
If you're interested in AI-driven investing, startup intelligence, and the future of Solana, this episode is a must-watch.
๐ฅ In this episode we discuss:
- How Harmonic uses AI to analyze startups and ecosystems
- The role of data intelligence in venture investing
- Why Solana continues to attract builders and innovation
- How AI will reshape startup discovery and due diligence
- The future of crypto entrepreneurship
๐ For more information:
- Harmonic
X: https://x.com/harmonic_gg
Website:https://harmonic.gg/
- Ben Covertson
X:https://x.com/HypoNyms
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-coverston/
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How do you bring digital finance to hundreds of millions of users inside one of the worldโs largest messaging platforms?
In this episode of The Index Podcast, host Alex Kehaya sits down with Irina Chuchkina, Chief Growth Officer at Wallet in Telegram, to explore how a crypto wallet integrated directly into Telegram is unlocking financial access for users around the world.
Irina shares how Wallet in Telegram has already reached over 100 million users, and how stable digital dollars are helping people in high-inflation economies save, send, and spend money more easily. The conversation also dives into the growing Telegram economy, where wallets are powering payments across mini apps, creator channels, marketplaces, and digital services.
They also discuss:
โข Why stablecoins are becoming essential in emerging markets
โข The rise of economic activity inside Telegramโs ecosystem
โข Tokenized assets like stocks and ETFs becoming accessible globally
โข How messaging apps are evolving into financial platforms
โข The future of wallets, payments, and digital economies
Wallet in Telegram aims to expand financial access to up to 1 billion Telegram users, making everyday digital finance as simple as sending a message.
๐ Explore Wallet in TelegramDiscover how Wallet is bringing crypto directly into Telegram and making digital assets accessible to millions of users worldwide.
โข X (Twitter): https://x.com/wallet_tg
โข Telegram: https://t.me/wallet
๐ค About the Guest โ Irina Chuchkina
Irina Chuchkina shares insights on the evolution of Wallet in Telegram and how embedded crypto experiences are shaping the future of onboarding in Web3.
โข X (Twitter): https://x.com/pogodasuper
โข LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/irinachuchkina
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Why is Solana becoming the home for real on-chain governance?
In this episode of The Index, Dean Pappas (Director of Realms) explains how Solanaโs speed, low fees, and native transaction execution make it uniquely suited for scalable, programmable DAOs.
We cover:
โข Why most DAOs fail โ and how Solana fixes it
โข On-chain proposal execution vs. off-chain promises
โข The โThanos Testโ for true decentralization
โข Optimistic governance and fast decision-making
โข How Realms powers major Solana protocols
Solana isnโt just built for DeFi and NFTs โ itโs built for coordination at scale. And Realms is turning governance into a competitive advantage.
๐ For more information:
- Realms
X: https://x.com/realmsDAOs
Website:https://realms.today/ - Dean Pappas
X:https://x.com/_dean_machine
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/pappasdean/?originalSubdomain=gr
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In this episode of The Index Podcast, we sit down with Yash Agarwal, CEO of SendAI, to explore why Solana could become the financial layer for AI agents and how autonomous commerce is closer than we think.
From launching the Solana Agent Kit (now one of the most widely used AI agent toolkits in crypto) to building an omni-distribution AI trading platform, Yash breaks down how SendAI is creating the tooling layer that enables AI agents to read, write, and transact directly on-chain.
๐ง What Youโll Learn in This Episode:
- Why โcrypto was built for AIโ might actually be true
- How AI agents can execute complex financial strategies across Solana protocols
- The real bottlenecks preventing fully autonomous commerce
- Why latency and deterministic settlement make Solana ideal for agents
- How SendAI evolved from open-source tooling to a full-stack AI trading interface
- The security challenges of giving AI access to wallets
- Why SaaS isnโt dead but is being radically transformed
- The future of generative financial instruments
If you're bullish on:
- AI agents
- Autonomous finance
- Solana infrastructure
- The convergence of crypto and machine intelligence
This episode is for you.
๐ง Listen now and discover how AI + Solana could redefine commerce.
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Is gold about to become the most important asset on Solana?
In this episode of The Index Podcast, host Nicky Scannella sits down with Usman Saleem, Founder of ORO, to explore how tokenized gold is evolving from a passive store of value into a productive, yield-bearing on-chain asset.
With 100+ years of family history in the gold business, Usman brings a rare perspective to crypto bridging traditional gold markets with DeFi infrastructure. ORO isnโt just โtokenizing gold.โ Itโs building digital gold rails for the internet on Solana.
We cover:
- Why simply mirroring spot price isnโt enough for tokenized gold
- How ORO generates real yield (including gold leasing)
- Why gold may outperform stablecoins as a savings asset
- Borrowing against gold at 10% instead of 30โ40%
- The institutional unlock for $6โ7 trillion in vaulted gold
- Why Solana was the ideal ecosystem to launch ORO
- What a mature tokenized gold DeFi ecosystem looks like in 5 years
As inflation erodes fiat and global markets shift, major institutions are increasing gold allocations. The question is no longer โShould gold be on-chain?โ itโs โWhy isnโt all gold digital yet?โ
If you care about DeFi, RWAs, stablecoins, or the future of capital markets on Solana, this episode is a must-watch.
๐ For more information:
- ORO
X:https://x.com/orogoldapp
Website:https://www.oro.finance/ - Usman Saleem
X: https://x.com/theusmansal/media
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What happens when most of the internet is no longer human?
In this episode of The Index Podcast, Nicky Scannella sits down with Zach Meltzer, Founder of VeryAI, to explore the future of identity, AI agents, and trust in an increasingly synthetic world. As AI-generated content accelerates and autonomous agents begin managing wallets and transacting on-chain, the question becomes urgent: How do we prove whatโs real?
Zach introduces the concept of โProof of Realityโ, combining privacy-preserving biometrics with AI deepfake detection to verify both the human and the content behind every digital interaction. The conversation dives into proof of personhood, the rise of โKnow Your Agent (KYA),โ the coming explosion of AI-driven transactions, and why crypto infrastructure, particularly Solana, is uniquely positioned to scale identity solutions to billions of users.
If over 50% of online content is already synthetic, what happens when that number hits 90%? And could crypto have been built for AI agents all along?
This episode explores the intersection of AI, blockchain, and the future of digital trust.
๐ For more information:
- VeryAI
X: https://x.com/VeryAI
Website: https://very.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/veryai/ - Zach Meltzer
X: https://x.com/itszach
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharymeltzer/
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Who really gets access to the best opportunities in crypto? ๐ค
In this episode of The Index Podcast, Alex Kehaya sits down with Fabrizio, co-founder of Legion, to unpack one of the biggest issues in the ecosystem: unequal access to early-stage deals.
From a deeply personal story shaped by lack of opportunity, Fabrizio explains why Legion is building a merit-based fundraising model, powered by on-chain reputation, transparency, and regulatory compliance. We dive into:
- Who actually wins (and loses) in todayโs token launches
- Why TGEs are broken and how theyโre often gamed
- Retail vs VCs: myths, realities, and risks
- How to reduce information asymmetry in crypto
- The role of Solana, DEXs, and exchanges like Kraken in fairer token distribution
An honest conversation about capital, access, incentives, and what a more equitable future for crypto fundraising could look like.
For more information about Legion and their approach to merit-based, compliant crypto fundraising, visit their website and follow them on X:
๐ Website: https://legion.cc
๐ฆ X (Twitter): https://x.com/legiondotcc
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What happens when real-world assets go fully on-chain with instant, 24/7 liquidity on Solana?
In this episode of The Index Podcast, Alex Kehaya is joined by Will Beeson, Founder & CEO of Uniform Labs, to break down why liquidity is the missing piece holding back tokenized real-world assets, and how Solana is becoming the leading chain to solve it.
Will shares his journey from building fintech banks and working inside global institutions like Standard Chartered, to launching infrastructure that connects TradFi and DeFi through instant settlement and institutional-grade liquidity.
In this conversation, we cover:
- Why liquidity is the existential challenge for RWAs
- How 24/7 instant settlement on Solana unlocks new financial primitives
- Uniform Labsโ MultiLiquid protocol and its partnership with Metalayer
- Tokenized money market funds, private credit, and DeFi vaults
- Why institutions are actively building on Solana
- The paradigm shift from holding cash to holding always-on yield
If youโre interested in Solana, RWAs, institutional crypto, or the future of financial infrastructure, this episode is for you.
For more information:
Learn more about Uniform Labs and follow the conversation directly from the source:
- Uniform Labs website:https://www.uniformlabs.co/
- Will Beeson on X: https://x.com/will_beeson?lang=en
- Team & ecosystem updates on X:https://x.com/multiliquid_xyz
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In this episode of The Index Podcast, Alex Kehaya sits down with Manish Dutta, Founder & CEO of Alpha Ledger, to unpack what it really takes to bring financial markets on-chain, the right way.
Alpha Ledger is building regulated infrastructure that allows real-world assets (RWAs), equities, treasuries, and private credit to move on-chain with compliance, programmability, and real ownership at the core. This isnโt about hype or speculation, itโs about upgrading decades-old financial rails and unlocking global, 24/7 access to capital markets.
In this conversation, we dive into:
- Why tokenization isnโt a crypto trend, but a financial infrastructure upgrade
- The critical difference between narrative tokenization vs. real asset ownership
- Why broker-dealers, transfer agents, and regulation matter on-chain
- How digital asset treasuries and on-chain origination are reshaping capital formation
- Why Solana is emerging as a serious layer for regulated financial assets
- What happens when tokenization becomes boring and why thatโs the real win
This episode is a must-watch for founders building in crypto, institutions exploring RWAs, and anyone trying to understand how TradFi and on-chain finance are finally converging.
For more information:
Learn more about Alpha Ledger and follow the conversation directly from the source:
- Alpha Ledger website: https://www.alphaledger.com/
- Manish Dutta on X: https://x.com/dutta_manish?s=20
- Team & ecosystem updates on X: https://x.com/OmitowojuP?s=20
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What if staking wasnโt just a passive yield strategy, but a fully tradable, financialized market?
In this episode of The Index Podcast, host Nicky Scanz sits down with Eric Ashdown, Co-Founder of Pye Finance, to explore the next evolution of staking on Solana: stake trading.
Eric breaks down how Pye Finance is unlocking liquidity from locked SOL and future staking rewards, turning Solana staking into what he calls an internet-native commodity market. Drawing parallels to oil, commodities trading, and traditional financial markets, the conversation dives deep into why staking is entering its financialization era and why this shift is inevitable.
We cover everything from:
- Why Solanaโs validator ecosystem is stronger because itโs hard to run
- How stake trading can help professional validators survive the โrace to zeroโ
- What new strategies open up when principal and yield are separated
- Why trust, relationships, and reputation matter more than ever in staking
- And how Pye Finance could reshape incentives for validators, stakers, and institutions alike
If youโre a validator, staker, DeFi builder, or long-term Solana believer, this episode offers a rare, unfiltered look at where Solana staking and on-chain capital markets are headed next.
To learn more about Pye Finance and how the protocol is building stake trading and on-chain capital markets on Solana, visit their official website at https://pye.fi/. You can also follow them on X for the latest updates, product announcements, and ecosystem insights.
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What does it really take to build and scale on Solana in 2026?
In this episode of The Index Podcast, Alex Kehaya and Nicky Scanz sit down with Vibhu Norby, serial entrepreneur and member of the Solana Foundation, for a wide-ranging conversation on distribution, startup psychology, and Solanaโs biggest strategic battles ahead.
Vibhu breaks down why โdistribution is the productโ and why no feature will ever fix a distribution problem. Drawing from years of building, shipping, and engaging directly with users, he shares hard-earned lessons for founders on go-to-market strategy, community building, and avoiding feature creep in an era of AI-assisted development.
The conversation also dives deep into Solanaโs current challenges and priorities: from perps, RWAs, and payments, to global competition, regional adoption, and why Solana canโt afford to take a single month off. Vibhu outlines why 2026 is the year of assets, and how the ecosystem is working toward making Solana the best place in the world to trade, build, and scale real-world financial infrastructure.
If youโre a founder, builder, or operator navigating Web3, this episode offers a rare, candid look into how the Solana Foundation thinks about growth, risk, and long-term execution, straight from someone in the arena.
For more information on Solanaโs ecosystem, initiatives, and global development efforts, visit the Solana Foundation website athttps://solana.org. There youโll find resources for builders, updates on ecosystem priorities, and insights into how Solana is scaling on-chain infrastructure worldwide.
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What powers the fastest-growing blockchain oracleโand why is real-time, AI-ready data now mission-critical for DeFi? In this episode of The Index, host Alex Kehaya sits down with Marcin Kaลบmierczak, Co-founder of RedStone, the fastest-growing oracle network in web3. Together, they unpack how RedStone is redefining what on-chain data can doโfor DeFi protocols, institutional finance, and AI agents alike.
When a single bad tick can destroy an entire strategy, โgood enoughโ data just wonโt cut it. RedStone is building the next-gen oracle layer: low-latency, manipulation-resistant price feeds that move at Solana speed, span multiple chains, and empower everything from loans and perps to tokenized treasuries and real-world assets.
We explore RedStoneโs acquisition of Credora, a DeFi ratings platform that turns protocol complexity into clean, institutional-grade risk signals. Because behind every juicy APR is a deeper truthโgovernance dynamics, multisig vulnerabilities, oracle exposure. Ratings help users choose risk on purpose, while giving institutions the audit-ready insights they need.
And as AI agents begin to analyze markets, make trades, and interact with smart contracts, verifiable data isnโt just helpfulโitโs an AI safety layer. We dive into how RedStoneโs architecture supports AI-native finance, from model training to real-time validation, all with MEV-aware design baked in.
Whether youโre building in DeFi, deploying capital, or experimenting with AI, this is a deep dive into the composable, verifiable, high-performance data layer powering the next era of web3.
Enjoy the episode? Follow The Index, leave a review, and share it with someone building the future.
Website: https://www.redstone.finance/
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What happens when blockchain technology moves beyond finance to reshape the physical world around us? In this episode of The Index, host Alex Kehaya sits down with Amira Valliani, Head of DePIN at the Solana Foundation we explore the revolutionary potential of Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks and their impact on everything from telecommunications to satellite tracking.
Amira's journey from the Obama White House to crypto advocacy offers a unique perspective on bridging the worlds of policy and blockchain innovation. What started as a simple "crypto week" to become conversant at dinner parties blossomed into a three-year mission to help policymakers understand the technology's potential while helping builders navigate Washington's complex landscape.
The conversation takes us deep into the world of DePIN projects transforming multiple industries. We discover how GeoNet provides centimeter-precise mapping for agricultural applications, disrupting monopolistic players like John Deere who charge farmers tens of thousands annually for similar services. We explore companies deploying robots through gaming competitions to collect valuable environmental data for future autonomous systems. Perhaps most intriguingly, we learn about "Space DePIN" projects creating decentralized networks for tracking the rapidly growing constellation of satellites orbiting our planet.
Beyond the technical innovations, Amira shares valuable insights about engaging with policymakers in Washington DC. She challenges the crypto community to move beyond skepticism and actually visit the Capitol, where they'll find many legislators genuinely curious about blockchain's potential. As she notes, the divide on crypto policy is "much more generational than partisan," with bipartisan support growing as more officials understand the technology's practical applications.
If youโre a dev working in Web3, exploring DePIN, or building real-world applications on Solana, this conversation offers insight into where the space is headedโand what still stands in its way.
Website: https://solana.com/
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What is the future of Bitcoin wealth? This week on The Index, Alex Kehaya sits down with Joe Kelly, CEO of Unchained, to explore the rise of a Bitcoin-focused financial services company built on self-sovereignty.
From pioneering Bitcoin-backed loans to securing over 100,000 BTC as a full-suite wealth management platform, Kelly shares how Unchained grew into a 140-person team while staying true to core Bitcoin values.
At the heart of their model is collaborative custody. Unlike traditional custodians, Unchainedโs multi-signature approach gives clients two keys, while the company holds just oneโallowing access to loans and IRAs without giving up control. After the collapse of FTX, this model gained serious traction as a safer, more aligned alternative.
Kelly opens up about balancing Bitcoin ideals with business realities, building products that satisfy both regulators and sovereignty-minded clients. The conversation also dives into Unchainedโs Bitcoin IRA, which blends tax compliance with key controlโsomething never before possible in retirement accounts.
Youโll also hear about Unchainedโs Legacy Project, which supports education, development, and philanthropy in the Bitcoin ecosystem. As ETFs and institutions move in, Unchained keeps its sights set on empowering individual holders to truly own their financial future.
Learn more at https://www.unchained.com/
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What happens when traditional finance collides with decentralized networks? Hadley Stern, Chief Commercial Officer at Marinade Finance, takes us on a fascinating journey from his 18-year career at Fidelity Investments to the cutting edge of decentralized finance. Drawing from his pioneering experience leading Bitcoin initiatives as early as 2014, Hadley provides unique insights into why decentralized networks represent the future of global finance.
The conversation explores the revolutionary convergence of traditional finance with blockchain technology. As tokenized equities begin trading on Solana through platforms like Superstate, we're witnessing a fundamental shift in market accessibility. Unlike previous attempts that merely tracked prices, these new offerings provide actual ownership with voting rights while enabling 24/7 global trading โ a stark contrast to traditional exchanges' limited hours.
Hadley articulates why this matters: "It comes back to this ethos of decentralization and the idea that networks, tools, software, things that we do every day that are currently handled by centralized entities can actually be handled by decentralized entities, and that's better for the world."
The total addressable market for "internet capital markets" is staggering โ potentially many trillions of dollars. With Solana processing more transaction volume than all other blockchains combined, Marinade Finance is strategically positioned at the center of this revolution as a staking provider for institutional players entering the space.
The discussion also touches on fascinating technological parallels, including how AI and "vibe coding" are enabling developers to build applications that reach $100 million in revenue within months โ a pace unimaginable even during the early internet boom.
Whether you're an investor, builder, or simply curious about where finance is heading, this episode provides an illuminating roadmap to the future of capital markets. Subscribe to The Index Podcast for more conversations with visionaries shaping the next generation of technology and finance.
Learn more at https://marinade.finance/
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What if blockchain networks could process transactions hundreds of times faster than they do today? This fundamental question led Austin Federa to leave his position at the Solana Foundation and co-found Double Zero, a revolutionary project building what might be the future of the internet itself.
Austin reveals the surprising limitations of our current internet infrastructure that most people never consider. While engineers at Solana had built validator clients theoretically capable of processing a million transactions per second, the public internet simply couldn't support those speeds. Even more concerning, the entire internet is controlled by approximately 20 tier-one ISPs worldwide, creating both performance bottlenecks and potential censorship vulnerabilities.
Double Zero's solution is breathtakingly ambitious yet practical: create a parallel infrastructure using dedicated fiber connections that enable direct routing between nodes. By September 2023, they had connected 50 different fiber links across 18 global locations, offering 20-100 times the bandwidth capacity of typical blockchain nodes. What makes this approach unique is the consortium model, bringing together 11 different companies to contribute existing fiber to the network rather than attempting to build this massive infrastructure alone.
The economic innovations are equally fascinating. Austin explains "proof of utility," their novel reward system based on Shapley values that measures actual contribution to network performance. Unlike traditional cryptocurrency models, if you operate a fiber link that nobody uses, you earn nothing. This creates fierce competition to provide the fastest, most reliable connections.
Perhaps most intriguing is Double Zero's long-term vision: eventually eliminating IP addresses entirely in favor of cryptographic routing. This would remove centralized intermediaries like certificate authorities and DNS servers, creating a more secure and truly decentralized internet infrastructure resistant to spoofing and man-in-the-middle attacks.
As traditional finance increasingly explores blockchain solutions, the demand for high-performance networks will only grow. Double Zero isn't just improving existing technologyโit's rebuilding the internet from the ground up. Listen now to understand how this revolution might transform our digital infrastructure forever.
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What happens when one of cryptoโs most prestigious investment firms decides to go all-in on Solana?
In this episode of The Index Podcast, host Alex Kehaya sits down with Cosmo Jiang, General Partner at Pantera Capital, to unpack their groundbreaking move into the Digital Asset Treasury (DAT) space with HSDT Heliosโa $500 million Solana-focused venture already making waves across the industry.
Why Solana over other blockchains? Cosmo shares a refreshingly straightforward thesis, drawing on Jeff Bezosโ โholy trinityโ of consumer wants: faster, cheaper, and more accessible. Itโs this simple yet powerful framework that explains how Solana surged from generating $50,000 in revenue in 2020 to $1.4 billion in 2024โa growth curve impossible to ignore.
Together, Alex and Cosmo dive deep into what makes Digital Asset Treasury companies work, why Solana-based DATs hold fundamental advantages over Bitcoin alternatives, and how these entities function more like sophisticated financial institutions. โThese businesses look a lot like banks,โ Cosmo explains. โIf they can generate a return above their cost of capital, then they trade above book value.โ Itโs a lens that helps founders and investors alike understand why premier DATs command sustainable premiums.
For founders and crypto investors, this conversation is a master class on the rapidly expanding $80B DAT landscape, from evaluating which companies might outperform to exploring how regulatory tailwinds are opening new possibilities for tokenized equity in DeFi.
Want to understand the future of institutional crypto adoption and how Solana is positioning itself at the center of this revolution? This episode is your essential guide.
๐ Learn more at Helius โก๏ธ โจSolana Companyโจ - https://www.solanacompany.co/
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What does the future of Ethereum and blockchain really look like โ a few massive chains, or thousands of specialized ones working together? This week, host Alex Kehaya sits down with Sam McIngvale, Head of Product at OP Labs, to explore the evolution of Optimism from an Ethereum scaling solution into the creator of an entire ecosystem powered by the OP Stack.
Sam breaks down the idea of the โSuperchainโ and many others share both technology and revenue. Itโs a model that combines customization with the security of shared, battle-tested infrastructure, creating a powerful network effect.
Youโll also hear his take on enterprise adoption and the rise of what he cleverly calls โDeFi Mulletsโ โ familiar, traditional-looking financial products with decentralized rails underneath. Sam explains why users often trust brands like Coinbase over abstract decentralization, while still stressing the need for โescape hatchesโ to protect blockchainโs core values.
For builders in web3, this conversation offers a compelling vision: how institutions managing trillions could drive the next wave of adoption, and how enterprise solutions, better infrastructure, and interoperability are shaping that path.
Ready to explore how open-source infrastructure is reshaping Ethereum and the broader blockchain landscape? Tune in and discover why the future may belong to those building bridges rather than walls between ecosystems.
๐ oplabs.co
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The blockchain world is undergoing a fundamental shift. What once seemed possibleโscaling Web3 to internet size with a single chainโis now recognized as unrealistic. The future belongs to specialized chains that excel at specific tasks while seamlessly communicating with one another.
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya sits down with Mark Boiron, CEO of Polygon Labs, to discuss the next chapter in open source development and explore how the Aggregation Layer is unlocking a new era of blockchain interoperability. Unlike traditional bridges that rely on wrapped assets, the Aggregation Layer leverages zero-knowledge proofs to verify chain states and enable secure cross-chain transactionsโsolving critical issues with settlement control and reorganization risks that have long plagued current solutions.
Boiron also unpacks the rapid evolution of zero-knowledge development. What experts once predicted would take 5โ10 years has already been achieved in just two, hinting at an even greater wave of breakthroughs to comeโboth within and beyond blockchain.
Rather than framing chains as competitors, Boiron envisions an ecosystem of collaboration, where specialized networks focus on their strengthsโwhether payments, gaming, or DeFiโwhile remaining interconnected. Even chains often seen as rivals, like Solana, could eventually integrate into this unified experience as demand for cross-chain assets grows.
Ready to rethink blockchain scaling and interoperability? Tune in now to discover why the next era of Web3 wonโt be about competition between chains, but collaboration across them.
Website: https://polygon.technology/
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What happens when a computer science PhD specializing in AI pivots to blockchain technology? For Radha Dasari, Lead Technical Advocate at the Web3 Foundation, it was a journey fueled by a mission to combat digital misinformation and bring fairness to the internet.
In this eye-opening episode of The Index, host Alex Kehaya sits down with Radha to explore how Polkadot has evolved since its early days of parachain auctions. He breaks down the move to Agile Coretimeโa major innovation that dramatically lowers entry barriers for developers while keeping Polkadotโs integrated security model intact. Unlike other multi-chain ecosystems where chain security varies, Polkadotโs validator shuffling ensures uniform security across all parachainsโa true differentiator in the blockchain space.
The most fascinating part of our discussion emerges at the intersection of AI and blockchain. Drawing from his academic background in artificial intelligence, Radha explains how deepfakes and digital misinformation pushed him toward seeing blockchain as an โanchor for truth.โ He shares exciting developments in content authenticity solutions built on blockchain technology and introduces us to Jam Protocolโa Gavin Wood project creating a decentralized supercomputer capable of running programs indefinitely.
Radhaโs vision for Web3 goes far beyond financial applicationsโhis passion lies in designing digital spaces rooted in fairness, authenticity, and trust.
๐ If youโre a developer, researcher, or just someone fascinated by the intersection of AI and blockchain, this episode is packed with insights you wonโt want to miss.
Website: https://web3.foundation/
Polkadot: https://polkadot.com/
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What happens when you combine addictive gameplay with blockchain technology? According to Rick Johanson and Dan Peng, Founding Partners at Arbitrum Gaming Ventures, the answer isn't simply "add a token and hope for the best." Their refreshing approach prioritizes the core gameplay experience first, with blockchain features thoughtfully layered in only when they truly enhance the player experience.
The gaming landscape is undergoing a profound transformation at the intersection of Web3 and artificial intelligence. As Dan Peng explains, "The core loop is ultimately what matters about a game, and then features built on top that offer benefits attached to crypto could make sense." This player-centric philosophy marks an evolution from earlier crypto gaming efforts that often prioritized tokenomics over fun.
Where blockchain truly shines is in enabling verifiable user-created content, cross-game asset ownership, and new collaborative models between publishers and players. Meanwhile, AI tools are dramatically accelerating development cyclesโwhat once took months or years can now be prototyped in days or even hours. Alex shares his experience vibe-coding an entire game prototype and viral marketing system in mere days using tools like Codex, demonstrating how these technologies are democratizing game development.
This technological democratization creates what Rick Johanson calls "a window of opportunity where anyone, regardless of their technical proficiency, can turn ideas into action." Yet with this new power comes a surprising shift in competitive dynamics: "It's all go-to-market," Alex Kehaya notes, "Distribution is really the only thing that matters." As creation barriers fall, reaching and engaging users becomes the primary challenge.
Arbitrum Gaming is addressing these evolving needs through their "Project Easy Mode" initiative, providing tailored support to different developer personas. Whether you're an established Web2 developer exploring blockchain or an indie creator pushing boundaries, their unconventional venture model offers flexibility and resources beyond mere funding.
Curious about the future of gaming, AI, and blockchain? This conversation offers valuable insights for developers, investors, and players navigating this rapidly evolving landscape. The winners of tomorrow will be those who can harness these powerful tools while staying laser-focused on creating genuinely compelling player experiences.
Arbitrum Gaming: https://arbitrum.io/
X; https://x.com/arbitrum
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What happens when we can no longer trust the performance claims of AI model creators?
Thatโs the challenge driving LayerLens, an innovative platform bringing transparency and practical evaluation to the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
In this episode, host Alex Kehaya sits down with Archie Chaudhury, Co-founder of LayerLens, to explore how blockchain-powered benchmarking can cut through the hype and deliver verifiable, real-world AI performance metrics. Unlike traditional academic benchmarks focused on abstract intelligence scores, LayerLens enables practical evaluations that reflect the real use cases businesses care about.
Archie explains how the platformโs integration with EigenLayer makes every step of the evaluation process transparent โ every question, every answer, and whether the model got it right or wrong โ removing the need to rely on self-reported claims from model creators.
We also dig into LayerLensโ vision for democratizing benchmark creation, empowering subject matter experts across industries to design their own domain-specific evaluations. This community-driven model builds a diverse library of practical tests that can better reflect the complexity of real-world challenges.
From decentralized evaluation to the broader โOpen Intelligenceโ stack โ decentralized data, compute, training, and inference โ this conversation reveals how LayerLens is shaping the future of AI accountability at a critical moment in the technologyโs evolution.
Whether youโre building with AI, investing in the space, or simply curious about how we can trust the systems making decisions on our behalf, this episode pulls back the curtain on whatโs really under the hood of your favorite AI models.
๐ Learn more: layerlens.ai | X (Twitter)
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What if staking could be seamless, secure and DeFi-friendly? In this episode of The Index, host Alex Kehaya talks with Michael Repetny, Co-founder and CEO of Marinade Finance, the largest staking protocol on Solana with over $1.5 billion in crypto assets under management.
Michael shares the remarkable journey behind Marinadeโfrom a scrappy Solana hackathon project to a cornerstone of Solanaโs infrastructure. Built by a team that turned down VC funding and acquisition offers, Marinadeโs community-first ethos helped it scale organically while staying aligned with Solanaโs mission of decentralization.
To help demystify staking, Michael breaks it down with an easy-to-grasp analogy: Solana is a representative democracyโvalidators act as political parties processing transactions, while token holders are citizens who delegate their voting power. Marinade leveled up this system with liquid staking, empowering users to earn staking rewards while staying active in DeFi. Itโs like earning yield without locking up your assetsโhaving your cake and eating it too.
The conversation also dives into Marinadeโs evolving product suite:
- mSOL โ the OG liquid staking token
- Marinade Native โ a no-smart-contract solution that stakes directly with validators
- Marinade Select โ tailored for institutions prioritizing compliance and transparency
These innovations are positioning Marinade as the go-to staking partner as Solana matures, financial institutional interest grows, and ETF discussions heat up.
Whether youโre building in Solana, buying tokens, or just want your assets to work harderโthis is a conversation you donโt want to miss.
๐ง Listen now to unlock the next chapter of crypto staking.
๐ Marinade: marinade.finance
๐ฆ Marinade X: @MarinadeFinance
Ready to make your crypto assets work harder? Listen now to understand the future of digital asset yield generation.
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Whatโs stopping DeFi from going mainstreamโand how can better UX, infrastructure, and automation unlock its full potential? In this episode of The Index, host Alex Kehaya talks with Vikram Arun, Co-founder of Superform, about building the future of on-chain wealth management. After managing a $100B DeFi book at BlockTower, Vikram saw a clear problem: if even institutional investors struggled with yield strategies, how could everyday users stand a chance?
That insight led to Superform, a cross-chain platform now offering over 1,000 yield opportunities across 60 protocols and 12 chains. Vikram explains why many experienced users now prefer to delegate yield decisionsโSuperVaults alone make up 60โ70% of SuperFormโs TVLโand how simplifying this process opens DeFi to a wider audience. He also shares the story behind โPiggy,โ their AI Telegram assistant that started as a meme and evolved into a real tool for portfolio monitoring and personalized yield recommendations.
The conversation dives into the tech stack behind Superformโs growth, including how Ethereum standards like ERC4626 enabled composability, and what it would take to expand to ecosystems like Solana. Vikram also shares his take on the regulatory landscape, especially the momentum around stablecoin clarity and what that could mean for developers building in the space.
Looking ahead, Vikram previews Superform V2โfeaturing smart accounts with email logins and passkeys, one-click DeFi actions, upgraded SuperVaults, and new "super assets" like SuperUSD and SuperBTC that automatically optimize yield across chains.
If you're building in DeFi, thinking about composability, or looking for real-world insights on scaling cross-chain infra, this episode is for you.
๐ Explore Superform: superform.xyz
๐ฆ Follow Superform on X: https://x.com/superformxyz
๐บ Subscribe: youtube.com/@theindexpodcast
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How do you build a DePIN network with 2.7M+ devices, zero CAC, and data streams optimized for AIโwithout draining batteries or compromising user trust?
In this episode of The Index, Alex Kehaya sits down with Jesse Adams, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Uprock, to unpack how theyโre building the worldโs first mobile-first DePIN for AI.
Jesseโs journey spans building an adult app store, launching an encrypted browser (Tenta, acquired), and now scaling Uprockโa decentralized physical infrastructure network designed to deliver real-time, geo-distributed data for AI/ML. Instead of relying on always-on proxies, Uprockโs task-based architecture wakes mobile devices only when needed, performs lightweight actions (like scraping or uptime checks), and puts them back to sleepโkeeping performance high and energy use low.
We explore:
- Why location-specific data is critical for LLMs and autonomous agents
- How Uprock scaled to 2.7M devices with zero paid acquisition
- Their crypto micropayment model for rewarding bandwidth contribution
- AI-driven dev workflows for code review, QA, and marketing at speed
If you're building in DePIN, Web3 infra, or AI toolingโthis convo is packed with ideas from the frontier.
๐ Open beta: uprock.com
๐ฆ Follow Jesse: @jesseshappyhour
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Ever wondered what happens to those domain names gathering digital dust in your GoDaddy account? In this episode of The Index, host Alex Kehaya sits down with Michael Ho, Co-founder of D3, to explore how blockchain technology is transforming the overlooked world of domain trading and ownership.
The domain industry hasnโt changed much since the โ90s. Selling a valuable name still involves clunky escrow services, manual transfers, and broker fees that can eat up 25% or more of your sale. D3 is changing thatโby tokenizing domains as programmable digital assets on-chain.
What makes D3โs approach unique is its seamless integration. Instead of building a new siloed system, theyโre bringing Web3 functionality directly to where domain owners already areโthrough familiar registrar interfaces. Soon, youโll be able to tokenize, trade, lease, or fractionalize your domains with just a few clicks.
At the heart of it all is Doma, the first DNS-compliant blockchain network. D3โs DomainFi platform runs on Doma, bridging traditional Web2 domains with Web3 ecosystems. The result? New sources of liquidity, distribution, and innovationโunlocking value in whatโs currently a $350B+ real-world asset class.
The biggest surprise? Half of all domains arenโt even being usedโjust sitting idle. D3โs technology brings those names to life, enabling domain holders to tap into new financial use cases, from collateral to leasing and beyond. And with the recent launch of .sol as an official top-level domain on Solana, the bridge between Web2 and Web3 is getting stronger by the day.
Whether youโre a domain investor, builder, or simply curious about the next wave of internet infrastructure, this conversation reveals whatโs possible when the worldโs original digital assets go decentralized.
๐ Learn more at: https://d3.inc/
๐ฆ Follow D3 on X: https://x.com/d3inc
๐ง Subscribe to The Index for more founder-led conversations at the frontier of Web3, AI, and open internet innovation.
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What if you could rebuild telecom from the ground upโopen, decentralized, and powered by crypto? In this episode of The Index, host Alex Kehaya chats with Frank Mong, COO of Nova Labs, the team behind Helium Mobileโthe decentralized wireless network now partnering with AT&T and Telefรณnica.
Helium started with a bold idea: replace legacy cell towers with a community-powered network. The key unlock? Blockchain incentives. After years of experimentation, they figured out how to bootstrap real wireless coverageโstarting indoors, where traditional carriers fail.
Frank breaks down how modern buildings kill cell signal, and how Helium turns everyday Wi-Fi routers into indoor cell towers using open-source tools and a crypto-powered incentive model. Now users and businesses can earn rewards while improving serviceโno billion-dollar infrastructure required.
Even more interesting? Heliumโs data lives on Solana. That transparency gives enterprise partners real-time visibility into network qualityโsomething they canโt get from legacy providers.
And for users, the payoff is real: free phone plans (3GB/month, no credit card), plus affordable upgrades that save families hundreds.
We also dive into:
- Why blockchain is the missing link for decentralized wireless
- How Heliumโs staking and incentive model works
- What it means to build infrastructure at startup speed
If you're building in Web3, care about real-world utility, or just want better phone service, this oneโs for you.
Helium Mobile: https://heliummobile.com/
X Channel: https://x.com/helium_mobile
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What if you could bring Solanaโs speed to every major blockchainโand onboard millions of new users with zero friction?
In this new episode of The Index, host Alex Kehaya welcomes back Joanna Zeng, Co-founder & CEO of SOON, for an exciting update on how her team is breaking down the walls between blockchain ecosystems and building the infrastructure for a more unified Web3.
Soon is pioneering a decoupled SVM architectureโseparating Solanaโs execution layer from its consensus layerโto deliver Solana-level performance on Ethereum, BNB Chain, Base, and beyond. The result? Developers can build once and deploy everywhere, while users get high-speed dApps without switching ecosystems.
Joanna also shares how Soon has evolved from pure infra to application builder. Their new platform, Simp for Fun, brings together AI-powered copy trading and livestreaming to create an experience that feels like Twitch for tradersโa smart, user-friendly entry point for onboarding the next wave of users into Web3.
We also cover:
- Three SVM rollups live in production
- Over 40 applications deployed on mainnet (half incubated by the Soon team)
- A 51% token allocation to the community
- Emerging market traction and grassroots growth
From technical breakthroughs to real-world adoption, this episode shows how Soon is executing at startup speed while building for long-term impact.
Subscribe to The Index for weekly interviews with builders pushing the edge of crypto, AI, and Web3 infrastructure.
๐ Learn more about SOON: https://soo.network/
๐ฆ Follow Soon on X: https://x.com/soon_svm
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The future of AI needs a new internet. Coinbase is laying the foundation.
In this episode of The Index, host Alex Kehaya talks with Nemil Dalal, Head of Coinbaseโs Developer Platform, about how Coinbase is building crypto-native infrastructure to power the next generation of applications, starting with autonomous AI agents.
Nemil shares his background in crypto, from meeting Brian Armstrong at Y Combinator to helping scale USDC from $10 million to $1 billion in market cap. Today, he's focused on making blockchain development more accessible by reducing friction around payments, APIs, and onboarding.
A key part of that effort is X402โCoinbaseโs implementation of the long-dormant HTTP 402 "Payment Required" status code. X402 allows AI agents and applications to autonomously pay for API access using cryptocurrency, without the need for API keys, credit cards, or manual account setup.
We break down how X402 works under the hood:
- API requests return a 402 response when payment is required
- Agents can immediately respond with a signed crypto transaction to unlock access
- Just one line of JavaScript is needed to enable it
This simple standard opens the door to a wide range of use casesโfrom AI agents accessing paid services to developers integrating crypto-powered paywalls with minimal overhead.
If you're building in Web3, working with AI, or developing APIs, this episode offers a practical look at how Coinbase is creating tools that make decentralized development more seamless and scalable.
๐ Learn more about Coinbase: https://www.coinbase.com
๐ฆ Follow Coinbase Dev on X: https://x.com/coinbaseDev
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What if launching a decentralized network didnโt require reinventing tokenomics or compromising on trust and security?
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya sits down with Misha Putiatin, Co-founder of Symbiotic, to explore how their novel approach to universal staking is changing the game for protocol builders. Instead of issuing a new token to bootstrap security, Symbiotic enables networks to leverage existing assets like ETH, providing deep, native trust from day one.
What makes Symbiotic particularly fascinating is its versatility. After thousands of customer conversations, one insight stood out: networks needed more than just security. They needed customizable staking infrastructure for use cases like insurance, complex collateral systems, and highly specialized validator requirements.
Just weeks after launching on Ethereum mainnet, Symbiotic is already securing 14+ networks and hundreds of millions in value, proving that the future of staking isnโt one-size-fits-all, but modular, open, and composable.
Misha also unpacks why open-source remains core to their mission (despite the risk of vampire attacks) and how permissionless infrastructure creates the conditions for real innovation.
If you're building in crypto, this conversation is a masterclass in how to architect trust at scale.
โ Learn more at symbiotic.fi and follow the team on X.
โ Subscribe to The Index for weekly conversations with the builders shaping blockchainโs next frontier.
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What does it take to make DeFi yield simple, transparent, and unstoppable?
In this episode of The Index, we sit down with Sunand Raghupathi, Co-founder and CEO of VEDA, to explore his journey from leaving a computer science PhD program to building one of DeFiโs fastest-growing platforms. VEDA has grown to $2 billion in assets and 100,000+ users in just over a year, proving thereโs massive demand for easy, accessible crypto yield.
What sets VEDA apart from failed centralized yield platforms like Celsius and FTX is its radical commitment to transparency. โWhen you put things on-chain, thatโs the best possible user experience,โ says Raghupathi. By combining user-friendly design with on-chain verifiable constraints, VEDA eliminates the hidden leverage and risky practices that doomed its predecessors.
We also explore VEDAโs breakthrough cross-chain architecture, which lets users tap yield opportunities across multiple ecosystems without the headaches of complex bridging. As VEDA expands beyond Ethereum-compatible chains to Solana, Raghupathi highlights the unique market structures and liquidity dynamics that create fresh yield strategies and points to Bitcoin as โa massive, untapped opportunityโ for DeFi to unlock.
If youโre a blockchain developer, investor, or founder looking for insights into the next phase of DeFi, this episode is packed with sharp takes on why Sunand is even more bullish on the space today than during the 2021 bull run.
Explore VEDAโs platform at https://veda.tech/.
Follow on X: https://x.com/veda_labs
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What if blockchains could communicate as easily as APIs? In The Index's Everything SVM episode, Alex Kehaya and Omar Zaki sit down with Dean Little, Co-founder and Chief Scientist at Zeus Network, which is building a seamless way to connect Bitcoin and other major blockchains to the Solana ecosystem. His other work includes cryptography research at Jupiter Research Center, where he focuses on advancing secure blockchain systems. In this episode, Dean unpacks the breakthroughs driving cross-chain interoperability forward.
The Everything SVM conversation dives into JupNet โ a groundbreaking SVM chain designed to โaggregate anything, verify anywhere,โ unlocking seamless cross-chain activity without the usual friction. Dean breaks down what sets JupNet apart from protocols like IBC, from its novel approach to validator trust to the way its architecture hides complexity behind an intuitive user experience.
We also explore Deanโs cutting-edge Quantum Vault project, where heโs using Winternitz One-Time Signatures (WOTS), to build quantum-resistant vaults on Solana โ a bold move to safeguard crypto assets against the looming threat of quantum computing.
If youโre serious about building cross-chain systems, exploring SVM innovation, or staying ahead of where blockchain infrastructure is headed, this is an episode you canโt afford to miss.
๐ Learn more at https://zeusnetwork.xyz/
๐ Follow Zeus Network on X: https://x.com/zeusnetworkhq
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What if the worldโs most powerful AI wasnโt controlled by a handful of tech giants, but was open, accessible, and owned by everyone?
In this episode of The Index, we sit down with Vincent Weisser, Co-founder and CEO of Prime Intellect, to explore his groundbreaking vision for democratizing artificial intelligence. Vincent pulls back the curtain on the technical and philosophical innovations behind Prime Intellect, from distributed training systems that harness idle compute power around the world to the crypto-economic incentives designed to reward contributors and decentralize ownership.
At the core of Prime Intellectโs approach is a radical rethink of how we train the next generation of AI models. Instead of relying on massive, centralized data centers, Prime Intellect distributes the workload across decentralized networks, achieving similar results with far fewer communication demands. This breakthrough not only unlocks cost-effective training at a global scale, but also reshapes who can participate in the AI economy.
But this episode isnโt just about engineering. Vincent shares his bigger mission: building a world where intelligence is โtoo cheap to meter,โ where abundance replaces scarcity, and where superintelligence becomes a public good, not a private monopoly. With the rapid pace of progress toward artificial general intelligence (AGI), the stakes have never been higher. As Vincent puts it, the race is onโnot just to build AGI, but to decide who will own and benefit from it.
Whether youโre building, investing, researching, or just reflecting on the future of AI, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and offer a rare glimpse into one of the most ambitious open-source projects shaping the future of intelligence.
Explore more at primeintellect.ai and follow on X at x.com/primeintellect.
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How do we rebuild trust in a decentralized financial system thatโs been rocked by collapses and scandals?
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya sits down with Alexandre Elkrief, Co-founder and CEO of August, to discuss the future of crypto, stablecoins, and DeFiโand how his team is rebuilding trust in the ecosystem with Upshift.
Designed to replace blind trust with verifiable transparency, Upshift is a breakthrough protocol thatโs redefining the infrastructure of decentralized finance.
After managing institutional DeFi positions during the chaotic โDeFi Summer,โ Elkrief witnessed the systemโs flaws up close. Most strategies were built on spreadsheets and assumptions, lacking the tools to manage risk or offer real transparency. Upshift solves this with a revolutionary tri-party account model that puts users back in controlโno more operating in the dark.
With over $300 million already managed in smart contract vaults, Upshift gives users, asset issuers, and strategists clear, auditable access to capital and strategy. As DeFi matures beyond hype and into serious financial engineering, Elkrief envisions Upshift as the โBlackRock of DeFiโโa platform where trust is earned through code, not promises.
Donโt miss this powerful conversation on the future of crypto, stablecoins, and decentralized financeโand how Upshift is setting a new standard for transparency, trust, and scale.
Website: https://www.augustdigital.io/
Follow on X: https://x.com/upshift_fi
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New on The Indexโ What happens when $1.5B disappears overnight?
Host Alex Kehaya chats with Andres Monteoliva, Co-founder and CEO of Rangeโa blockchain security and intelligence platformโabout the high-profile crypto hacks that have exposed major gaps in Web3 and how theyโre shaping the future of blockchain security.
Together, they unpack the real-world failures behind some of the biggest exploits and explore how Range is using real-time risk modeling to help prevent the next billion-dollar breach.
From the $600M Ronin Bridge hack that went unnoticed for days to Reddit users spotting the Osmosis exploit before the devs did, Monti shares how these events exposed major gapsโand why they led him to build Range, now a cross-chain monitoring platform protecting ecosystems like Solana and Cosmos.
They break down the Bybit hack, where attackers used a compromised dev machine to deploy malicious frontends, and why 70% of stolen funds still trace back to Web2-style exploits like key compromises.
Monti also dives into Rangeโs multi-layered defense systemโcombining transaction monitoring, asset tracking, and real-time anomaly detection using heuristics and machine learning.
If you're building in Web3, this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons on securing your protocol without sacrificing decentralization.
Website: https://www.range.org/
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What if the original vision for the internetโa decentralized, permissionless, and open systemโcould still be realized?
On this episode of The Index, host Alex Kehaya is joined by Danny OโBrien, Senior Fellow at the Filecoin Foundation, to explore how we got hereโand how we can build something better.
Dannyโs career spans decades at the frontlines of digital freedom, from the early days of the free software movement to todayโs push for decentralized infrastructure and open AI. He shares stories connecting the dotsโfrom Bash shell's origins as free software (the same Bash running on the Mars helicopter) to the modern struggle against walled gardens and platform lock-in.
Together, we unpack why centralized systems pose such a risk to innovation, how the ethos of โjust build togetherโ remains vital, and why open-source collaboration is more than a philosophyโitโs the backbone of digital sovereignty.
We also dive into the future of โopen intelligenceโ: AI systems built on transparent, community-driven infrastructure. Danny argues this is the continuation of a 60-year project, where the tools we build reflect the freedoms we value.
If you're a builder in Web3, an open-source contributor, or working at the intersection of AI and decentralized protocols, this conversation is for you.
Letโs dive in and rebuild the internet from first principles.
Website: https://fil.org/
Follow Danny O'Brien on X
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What if smart contracts could manage keys, secure assets, and run AI agents autonomously?
This week on The Index podcast โHost Alex Kehaya sits down with David Sneider, co-founder of Lit Protocol, to dive into decentralized key management, threshold cryptography, and the future of AI in Web3.
David shares his journey from building in the Bay Area tech scene to launching Lit Protocol, with stops along the way that include the acquisition of his SaaS startup by LinkedIn and working alongside crypto pioneer Chris Cassano. The two get into how threshold cryptography is powering the next wave of secure computation and enabling new use cases for AI and smart contracts.
Youโll hear how Lit is rethinking identity recovery and asset security through multi-party computation (MPC)โwith real-world examples like the Fuse Wallet, where managing crypto feels more like using a banking app. Alex and David also explore how smart accounts, MPC, and AI agents are coming together to shape the next-gen developer stack.
Later in the episode, they look ahead to decentralized AI frameworks, the role of open-source models in avoiding centralized AI control, and why community-owned infrastructure matters.
If youโre building at the edge of crypto and AI, this oneโs for you.
Website: https://www.litprotocol.com/
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What if launching your own Layer 1 blockchain was as fast and seamless as spinning up a cloud server? In this episode of The Index, Jin Kwon, Co-founder of Saga.xyz, shares how Saga is redefining how developers scale in Web3. Rather than relying on rollups or months of coordination, Saga lets you launch your own Layer 1 chainโcalled a chainletโin just minutes.
Jin explains how his computer architecture and finance background helped shape Sagaโs vision and why automation is key to building scalable blockchain infrastructure. He breaks down how Sagaโs validator system works, how pricing is dynamically optimized through competition, and how chainlets come pre-integrated with bridges and liquidityโall with minimal developer effort.
The conversation also explores the future of application-level sharding, using Uniswap as a real-world example of how splitting liquidity across multiple chainlets could unlock massive throughput without compromising user experience.
If youโre a developer looking for faster, cheaper, and more modular ways to build in Web3, this episode is packed with insights into where blockchain infrastructure is headed.
Connect with Jin Kwon and the Saga team:
Saga: https://www.saga.xyz/
Follow on X: https://x.com/sagaxyz__
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How do we unlock the true potential of decentralized AI? In this episode of Everything Bagel, co-hosts Alex Kehaya and Bidhan Roy dive into the powerful intersection of blockchain and AI, fresh from ETHDenver and the OpenAGI Summit.
Bidhan, founder of Bagel, shares insights from hosting a Builderโs Breakfast that exceeded all expectations, drawing triple the anticipated attendance. He unpacks how Bagel is tackling one of decentralized AIโs biggest challengesโverifiabilityโthrough innovations like ZK LoRa (Zero-Knowledge Low-Rank Adaptation).
The conversation explores why structured public data often holds more value than proprietary datasets and how Bagel enables contributors to monetize the process of transforming raw data into usable intelligence. Most importantly, Alex and Bidhan discuss a new paradigm where buildersโnot extractorsโare at the heart of innovation, aligning open-source principles with financial sustainability.
Join the open intelligence movement and discover why hundreds of developers are already building on Bagel. Learn more at bagel.net.
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The Future of Finance: How Blockchain is Bringing Real-World Assets On-Chain
This week on The Index, Alex Kehaya joins Eli Cohen, General Counsel at Centrifuge, to break down how crypto is transforming traditional finance by bringing real-world assets (RWA) on-chain.
Eliโs blockchain journey began in 2017 at CME Group, where he helped launch Bitcoin futures, exposing him to the inefficiencies of legacy markets. Municipal bonds take ten days to settle. FX swaps carry days of currency risk. Mortgages still rely on paper. These bottlenecks lock up trillionsโtokenization is the solution.
Centrifuge started with trade receivables for small businesses and has since scaled into institutional finance, launching a $40M US Treasury pool in 2023. The shift is clear: on-chain assets are going mainstream.
Regulation remains a battleground. Eli unpacks the SECโs aggressive stance, the "chokepoint" banking restrictions, and why the post-election landscape could reshape global policy.
With BlackRock entering tokenized treasuries, the crypto-finance crossover is accelerating. This isnโt just digitizationโitโs a full-scale reinvention of how assets move and who gets access.
Whether you're a crypto investor, builder, or just watching the space, this episode reveals why RWA tokenization is the next big thing.
Centrifuge: https://centrifuge.io/
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Can small, agile teams outpace massive, well-funded engineering orgs in AI and open-source innovation?
Co-hosts Alex Kehaya & Bidhan Roy, Founder of Bagel Network joins Greg Osuri, Founder of Akash Network, for a deep dive into the open-source AI stack, decentralization, and the engineering principles behind lean, high-impact teams.
Greg shares how Akash is revolutionizing cloud computing with decentralized infrastructure, the power of Zero Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) for AI model validation, and why small, focused developer teams consistently outperform bloated, overfunded projects.
Key Dev Insights:
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Scaling open-source AI with decentralized computing
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ZKPs & AI securityโwhy cryptographic proofs are the future of model validation
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Building with constraintsโwhy limited funding fuels better engineering decisions
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Community-driven devโhow Akash leverages contributors for rapid iteration
Join us for an engineering-first discussion on the future of decentralized AI and why lean, open-source teams are leading the way.
Website: https://akash.network/
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What if internet memes were the new crypto luxury brand, driving financial speculation with the same fervor as high-end fashion?This week on The Index, we take a deep dive into everything crypto with Ben Huh, the co-founder of Orange DAO. Ben offers a unique perspective on how meme coins like Bonk are not just digital jokes but significant players in the evolving participatory financial system. He discusses the speculative nature of these coins, which operate more on sentiment than tangible utility, and the critical role of community and brand affinity in anchoring their value.
While meme coins are on the rise, launching a successful crypto project demands more than just a catchy name. It's a strategic dance through distribution channels and realistic market expectations. Ben sheds light on the careful planning behind token launches, stressing the importance of grounding them in stable valuations and widespread distribution rather than hype. He also shares insights on current trends, such as the minimal use of venture capital allocations in bootstrap companies and the psychological waves caused by token unlocks on platforms like Solana.
For those building the future of blockchain, choosing the right ecosystem is a make-or-break decision. Ben reveals the intricacies of selecting between Polkadot's high barriers and Solana's allure of accessibility. He also offers guidance for crypto founders pitching to investors, emphasizing the craft of compelling storytelling over the common reliance on credentials. The discussion touches upon the dynamic experience of accelerator programs, the art of succinct pitching during demo days, and the power of networkingโessential tools for both new and seasoned entrepreneurs aiming to make their mark.
Orange DAO:Follow on X:
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How can developers monetize open-source AI while preserving ownership and privacy?
In this episode of Everything Bagel, co-hosts Alex Kehaya and Bidhan Roy, Founder of Bagel Network, dive into the revolutionary role of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) in open-source AI monetization.
Bidhan shares how Bagel Network is transforming the AI landscape by enabling developers to earn from their contributions while maintaining full control and privacy. They discuss the game-changing breakthrough of ZK LoRa, a zero-knowledge proof system that slashes AI training verification times from weeks to under two secondsโpaving the way for scalable, decentralized AI.
The conversation explores how community-driven ASI (Artificial Super Intelligence) can evolve through modular AI models, making decentralized AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) more accessible and cost-effective. Plus, they unpack how The Bakery, Bagelโs latest product, empowers developers to stack AI components like LEGO bricks for greater scalability and efficiency.
๐ฅ Key Topics Discussed:
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How zero-knowledge proofs are reshaping AI ownership and monetization
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The impact of Bagel Networkโs ZK LoRa verification system
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The rise of domain-specific ASI models and real-world applications
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How The Bakery fuels decentralized AI development at scale
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The potential for community-built AGI running on crypto rails
๐ Learn More & Join the Community:
๐ Website: Bagel Network
๐ฆ Follow on X (Twitter): @BagelOpenAI
๐บ YouTube: @bagelnet
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What if building a blockchain was as easy as deploying a smart contract? On this episode of Everything SVM on The Index, co-hosts Alex Kehaya and Omar Zaki, CEO of Mantis, sit down with Nick White, Vice President of Celestia Labs, to explore how modular blockchain architectures revolutionize scalability and innovation. Nick breaks down Celestiaโs groundbreaking approach, which separates execution from consensus and data availability, providing developers with unprecedented flexibility. This paradigm shift is key to overcoming the bottlenecks that have long-constrained networks like Ethereum and Solana.
The conversation ventures into the rapidly evolving landscape of DeFi protocols and application-specific chains, where innovation is reshaping how developers build decentralized applications. With Solanaโs high-speed block times pushing the limits of transaction efficiency, we examine how modular solutions like roll-ups could unlock even faster confirmations and tailored scalability. The AppChain thesis takes center stage as we explore Celestia-based projects that exemplifies the potential for customizable and private transactions.
They discuss the next evolution of blockchain development, where deploying roll-ups on Celestia might soon be more accessible than launching a smart contract. As we unpack the challenges of modular ecosystems and the solutions emerging to address them, we paint a vision of the ultimate end game for blockchain scalabilityโa future where modular chains provide unmatched flexibility, efficiency, and innovation.
Celestia: https://celestia.org/
Mantis: https://mantis.app/
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What if AI could break free from centralized silos and operate as a decentralized, collaborative network? In this episode of Everything Bagel on The Index, we sit down with Nick Emmons, CEO of Allora Labs, to explore how decentralized AI is reshaping market dynamics and redefining the way machine intelligence evolves.
Nick walks us through the core architecture of Allora, an AI-powered coordination layer optimized for digital assets. We discuss how Allora leverages decentralized learning mechanisms, allowing AI models to interact, validate, and refine their outputs collectively. This approach introduces a more adaptive and resilient systemโone where models arenโt competing in isolation but instead contributing to a shared intelligence network.
Beyond the technical mechanics, we explore the broader implications of decentralized AI infrastructure, including its potential impact on media, finance, and beyond. Nick shares insights into Alloraโs testnet evolution, its application within high-stakes financial environments, and the challenges of open-source AI monetization and licensing. As AI shifts toward more permissionless, composable, and decentralized frameworks, we examine whether this could be the foundation for AI as a public utility and how it aligns with the long-term vision of people-powered AGI.
For developers, builders, and crypto-native technologists, this episode of Everything Bagel on The Index is a deep dive into the next frontier of open-source AI. Tune in to explore the future of decentralized intelligence, blockchain-driven AI economics, and the evolving intersection of crypto and machine learning.
Bagel: https://www.bagel.net/
Allora: https://www.allora.network/
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Crypto has the potential to revolutionize financeโbut how do we make it truly accessible? In this episode of The Index, we sit down with Ryne Saxe, CEO of Eco, to explore the future of payments, stablecoins, and the evolving role of blockchain in everyday transactions.
Ryne shares his journey from the traditional banking world to the fast-paced San Francisco crypto scene, where he saw an opportunity to build a better financial system. We dive into how Eco is tackling the complexities of crypto adoption, simplifying user experiences, and creating seamless payment solutions that benefit both users and merchants.
We also discuss the shift away from traditional credit card networks, the potential cost savings of stablecoins and Bitcoin, and the growing role of crypto wallets in mainstream adoption. From Ethereum rollups to Solana integration, Ryne breaks down the key innovations shaping the next era of Web3 payments.
Join us for an insightful conversation on the road ahead, the challenges still to be overcome, and why the future of finance might be closer than we think.
Website: https://eco.com/
Follow on X: https://x.com/eco
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What if artificial superintelligence (ASI) could be the ultimate equalizer, leveling the playing field for all? We're diving headfirst into this provocative territory by examining the transformative potential of open-source AI. Inspired by Mark Zuckerberg's recent conversation with Joe Rogan, we unravel the complexities of democratizing AI access and the role it plays in safeguarding against monopolistic control. The insights from Sam Altman about the imminent rise of artificial general intelligence (AGI) add fuel to our discussion, as we explore the risks and societal shifts these advancements might entail. With open-source platforms empowering both heroes and villains, is balance of power within our grasp?
Venturing beyond the tech giants, we spotlight underdog innovators like Mistral and DeepSeek, who are challenging the status quo with limited resources but boundless ambition. We tackle the intricate dance between corporate interests and open-source ideals, pondering how a sustainable revenue model could redefine community-driven innovation. As the specter of a technological singularity looms, the philosophical and ethical questions mount: what will a world transformed by ASI look like, and how will humanity redefine its role? Join us as we navigate this uncharted territory, contemplating the future where robots might eliminate labor shortages, and society reshapes itself around an AI-driven reality.
Website: https://www.bagel.net/
Follow Bagel on X: https://x.com/BagelOpenAI
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Can decentralization truly revolutionize how we store data? In this episode of The Index, Alex Kehaya talks with Dmitriy Ryajov, Founder and Architect of the Codex Durability Engine at codex.storage, a leader in decentralized storage. Dmitry shares his inspiring journey from traditional software developer to trailblazer in the decentralized tech community. Discover how his early work with Ethereum and IPFS ignited his passion for peer-to-peer systems and open-source contributions.
We dive into the complexities of building decentralized storage systems, exploring established players like Filecoin and Arweave alongside emerging solutions like the Shadow Network on Solana. Dmitry tackles these challenges head-on with Codex.
For developers, privacy and security are paramount. We discuss data encryption methods, such as symmetric key encryption and data distribution, to safeguard against unauthorized access.
Learn how Codex is redefining the landscape of data storage and shaping the future of the internet. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the technical intricacies of decentralized systems.
Website: https://codex.storage/
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What does the future of finance look like built on Bitcoin? In this episode of The Index, Alex Kehaya talks with Jacob Phillips, co-founder of Lombard, a leading player in the liquid staking space. Jacob shares his unique journey from aspiring political debater to crypto entrepreneur, and how that unconventional path led him to the forefront of Bitcoin innovation.
We dive deep into the world of non-custodial protocols, focusing on Lombard's Squads protocol, which empowers businesses to operate confidently on-chain while sidestepping the limitations of traditional banking systems.
The conversation also explores Bitcoin's evolving role beyond a mere store of value, spotlighting fresh use cases and innovative opportunities for yield generation that are challenging the status quo. We examine the intersection of Bitcoin and the Solana ecosystem, focusing on groundbreaking platforms like Babylon and the potential of LBTC to unlock unprecedented flexibility for Bitcoin holders.
This is a must-listen for founders, developers, and anyone interested in the cutting-edge of Bitcoin and DeFi.
Lombard: https://www.lombard.finance/
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What does the future of agentic AI look like, and how close are we to building systems that truly mimic and enhance human reasoning? In this episode of Everything Bagel, Alex Kehaya joins Bidhan Roy, founder of Bagel, to explore the cutting edge of open-source AI and its transformative potential.
The conversation unpacks the concept of agentic AIโsystems capable of reasoning, planning, and executing tasks with minimal human interventionโand the revolutionary infrastructure Bagel is building to enable collaborative development of open-source foundation models. Bidhan shares insights into groundbreaking AI research, including fine-tuning techniques, adapters, and cryptographic ownership models that empower developers and communities to monetize their AI contributions.
The episode also takes an in-depth look at large language models (LLMs): Do they genuinely understand the data they process, or are they merely "stochastic parrots" mimicking human reasoning? We delve into the mysterious "black box" nature of neural networks and the concerns surrounding AI models potentially feigning alignment with human goals.
From the challenges of reasoning in neural networks to the implications of quantum computing in AI development, this episode offers a deep dive into the evolving landscape of AI and its significance for developers, researchers, and the future of innovation.
Tune in to discover how Bagel is shaping the next wave of decentralized, community-driven AI.
**The future of monetizable open-source AI begins now.
Bagel: https://blog.bagel.net/ X: https://x.com/BagelOpenAI**
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What is the Future of Open Source? In this episode of The Index, host Alex Kehya sits down with his business partner, Brian Fox, Co-founder of ABK Labs and the original author of the GNU Bash Shell. Brian, a pioneering figure in the open-source movement, offers valuable insights into its evolution from academic roots to its profound impact on modern technology, including the crypto and blockchain space.
Brian discusses the critical role of community and collaboration, exploring how open-source principles have driven innovation in fields like AI. He provides a unique perspective on the future of technology, discussing how AI can not only automate tasks but also empower individuals and accelerate progress.
This conversation provides a valuable framework for understanding the enduring power of open source and its potential to shape the future of our digital world. We explore how open-source culture, with its ethos of community-driven progress, has shaped projects like Solana and continues to inspire new technological advancements within the crypto and blockchain ecosystem. Drawing parallels with the evolution of Linux, we imagine a world where AI not only automates tasks but also frees us to pursue personal and global aspirations.
This episode celebrates open source as a catalyst for innovation, embodying the spirit of collaboration and the shared endeavor to build a brighter technological future.
ABK Labs: https://abklabs.com/
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Can Blockchain Truly Revolutionize Telecommunications?
In this episode of The Index, Alex Kehaya chats with Coco Tang, General Manager of Helium Mobile, about how blockchain is transforming the telecom industry. From Heliumโs origins as an IoT network to its ambitious leap into mobile, Coco dives into the challenges, milestones, and practical blockchain applications.
Helium Mobile stands out as the worldโs first crypto carrier built on Solana, a high-performance blockchain. After migrating to Solana in April 2023, the Helium Network became faster, more affordable, and more stable. Solana now powers Helium Mobileโs token storage, demonstrating how blockchain can redefine connectivity.
As a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Helium Mobile blends its decentralized network with T-Mobileโs infrastructure. This unique model allows users to earn tokens and even offset their phone billsโa game-changer in telecom.
Tune in to hear how Helium Mobile is disrupting the telecom landscape with its community-driven approach, proving that blockchain technology can empower individuals and redefine the way we stay connected.
Helium Mobile: https://hellohelium.com/
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Have you ever considered how many frontier models could exist if open source AI was monetizable? This is the core problem that Bagel solves, and co-founder Bidhan Roy is creating a way to make open source AI monetizable. In this episode of Everything Bagel, Alex Kehaya, and Bidhan dive into this groundbreaking vision and discuss a recent blog article highlighting innovative research from the Bagel team.
Founders and developers will gain insight into a significant breakthrough in verifiable inference spearheaded by Bagel. The episode details how verification times were reduced from 200 hours to just a minute through advanced fingerprinting and watermarking technologiesโa decentralized AI model management milestone.
The discussion also navigates the trade-offs between scalability and accuracy, comparing probabilistic and deterministic systems. For developers working in fields like high-frequency trading or any area reliant on precision, understanding these trade-offs is crucial.
They explore the challenges of monetizing open-source AI, the role of verifiable inference, and how Bagel is building economic incentives to empower developers. Bidhan shares insights into the open-source community's potential to rival closed AI labs and explains how Bagel is shaping the future of decentralized AI networks.
Tune in to learn how Bagelโs work transforms the open-source AI landscape and drives innovation forward.
Bagel website: https://www.bagel.net/
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What if open-source AI Could Be Both Powerful and Profitable?
In the first episode of Everything Bagel, Alex Kehaya sits down with Bidhan Roy, Founder & CEO of Bagel, a groundbreaking AI & Cryptography Research Lab that's making open-source AI monetizable.
Bidhan discusses how Bagel's innovative AI model architecture empowers anyone to contribute to open-source AI development while ensuring fair compensation for their work. Utilizing novel cryptographic techniques, Bagel's fine-tuning technology records the evolution of open-source AI modelsโtracking every contribution and rewarding every creator automatically.
By leveraging cryptography, Bagel addresses the current imbalance in AI development dominated by tech giants. The company is creating a new economic framework that incentivizes collaboration and fosters a thriving, decentralized AI ecosystem.
Enjoyed the conversation? Like and subscribe for the latest insights on AI & cryptography, and join the Bagel community to be part of the open-source AI revolution!
**The future of monetizable open-source AI begins now.
Bagel: https://blog.bagel.net/ X: https://x.com/BagelOpenAI**
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What if you could move assets seamlessly across multiple chains while prioritizing security and decentralization?
This week on The Index, we join Omar Zaki, CEO of Mantis, for a deep dive into how trust-minimized transactions are reshaping blockchain interactions. This conversation explores how Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) and zero-knowledge (zk) technology are driving the future of interoperable, secure, and efficient blockchain ecosystems.
Omar walks us through the collaborative ethos driving innovation within the SVM ecosystem and the open-source development that supports it. Looking ahead, we also explore the intersection of cryptocurrency, AI, and the self-custody revolution, touching on the growing interest in meme coins like GOAT and the potential for virtual marketplaces for AI agents to flourish.
This episode highlights the potential of crypto off-ramps, such as Bridge and FuseWallet, to transform small business operations through seamless transactions and reduced fees. As we explore these advancements, we are reminded of the exciting opportunities they present for earning yield and promoting crypto adoption in everyday business practices.
Mantis: https://x.com/mantis
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What if your watch could predict your next illness before you even felt sick?
This week on The Index, we welcome Jeffrey Schneider, former Program Manager at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), to discuss the future of wearable technology in defense and healthcare.
Discover how a project originally designed to detect chemical threats evolved into a critical health monitoring tool, capable of predicting illnesses days before symptoms appear. Powered by AI and machine learning, this innovation underscores the game-changing possibilities of data-driven healthcare in both military and civilian contexts.
Jeffrey highlights the role of rapid prototyping and public-private partnerships in adapting commercial technologies for military applications. He also addresses the challenges of securing sensitive health data using advanced solutions like zero-knowledge proofs and homomorphic encryption.
The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on the future of wearable technology and its implications for public health. Jeffreyโs insights illustrate how defense innovations can drive advancements in healthcare, showcasing the transformative impact of cross-sector collaboration.
Learn more about the Defense Innovation Unit: https://www.diu.mil/
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What is the future of open-source development and AI Superintelligence? This week on The Index, we sit down with Dr. Steven Waterhouse, Founder & CEO of Nazare Ventures, to explore the challenges and opportunities within decentralized AI frameworks.
Join us as we venture into the world of AI infrastructure thatโs pushing beyond traditional applications. Dr. Waterhouse will discuss the essential shift towards innovative models that move away from the typical AI tech stack, emphasizing decentralized solutions that merge cost-effectiveness with scalability.
Discover the expansive potential of open-source AI and how it mirrors the monumental shift away from proprietary systems seen during the dot-com era.
As we consider the broader consequences of AI, we examine the societal and ethical dilemmas posed by the rapid advancements in AI technologies. Tune in to gain insights from the frontier of AI innovation and decentralization, a conversation particularly relevant for developers in the open-source community.
Nazare Ventures: https://nazare.io/
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What if you could access the power of Ethereum without the hassle of high fees, slow transactions, or rewriting your applicationsโall while leveraging Solana's blazing speed and efficiency? On this episode of The Index, weโre joined by Andrey Falaleev, CTO of Neon Labs, to explore how the Neon EVM and Solana Signature SDK are reshaping blockchain interoperability.
Andrey shares how Neon Labs enables Ethereum dApps to integrate with the Solana ecosystem. Learn how this game-changing technology lets developers embrace Solana wallets like Phantom, eliminating the need for cumbersome asset bridges and enhancing the user experience.
Listen to the episode to learn the challenges and rewards of connecting two powerful blockchain networks, and how Neon EVM acts as a seamless extension rather than just a bridge. As Ethereum grapples with high costs and scalability issues, Andrey explains why Solanaโs unique advantages pave the way for a more efficient and inclusive blockchain future.
Check out Neon Labs: https://neon-labs.org/
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What if the future of computing power wasnโt centralized but distributed across a global network? This week on The Index, we dive into the cutting-edge world of decentralized infrastructure with Kyle Okamoto, CTO of Aethir. Discover how Aethirโs revolutionary GPU cloud platform is reshaping both the AI and gaming landscapes, making enterprise-grade computing power secure, cost-effective, and accessible to innovators worldwide.
Kyleโs passion for tackling big-picture challenges shines as he unpacks Aethirโs mission to break the monopoly of traditional cloud giants. By empowering a global network of contributors, Aethir is creating more than just a serviceโitโs building an ecosystem where transparency, collaboration, and community involvement are the driving forces.
We explore how Aethirโs distributed model transforms tier 3 and tier 4 data centers into powerful hubs for applications like cloud gaming, AI training, and beyondโall while slashing costs and ensuring reliability. Kyle also reveals the mechanics behind Aethirโs unique rewards system, checker nodes, and how they provide security and efficiency across the network.
Also for developers, Kyle reveals Aethirโs exciting new $100-million ecosystem fund, aimed at helping builders create the next generation of groundbreaking games.
Tune in and discover how Aethir is not just reshaping the future of computing but leveling the playing field for innovators worldwide.
Learn more about Aethir: https://aethir.com/
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Step into the intersection of gaming and cryptocurrency on The Index with Jacob C., the founder of HyperPlay. Ever wondered how gaming dApps are transforming financial systems for the unbanked? Jacob shares his journey from Bitcoin pioneer to Ethereum advocate, reflecting on his impactful role at MetaMask, where he helped grow the user base from 190,000 to over 30 million. Discover how decentralized applications are empowering users in regions with limited access to traditional banking, marking a new era in finance and gaming.
Imagine running your favorite Windows games seamlessly on Mac, Linux, or SteamOSโthatโs just the beginning of HyperPlayโs revolutionary approach. Jacob discusses the platformโs commitment to developer autonomy and open-source principles, standing apart from giants like Steam and Apple. This isnโt just gaming; itโs a movement toward decentralization and freedom. HyperPlay is creating a sustainable ecosystem by minimizing intermediaries, giving developers unmatched control over their creations and business models.
With ambitious plans to reshape the gaming industry, HyperPlayโs questing features and wallet integration promise to transform user engagement. Picture an app store where tokens and quests drive interaction, turning gaming on its head. Jacob unveils plans to expand into NFT marketplaces and portfolio management tools, bridging traditional and blockchain gaming to build a decentralized ecosystem that empowers players and developers alike.
Learn more HyperPlay: https://www.hyperplay.xyz/
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How is blockchain transforming financial access? In this episode of The Index, we sit down with Rennick Palley, Founding Partner at Stratos, a leading investment firm.
We examine the current state of blockchain technology, exploring the psychological barriers and market volatility that shape its future. Rennick provides a firsthand look at the complexities of cross-chain transactions, highlighting how platforms like Solana deliver a smoother, faster alternative to traditional banking. We also discuss tools like Portal, which streamline blockchainโs intricate processes, making the technology more secure and accessible for users.
Through a comparison of Ethereum and Solana, this episode reveals why Solanaโs user-centered, open-source ecosystem is gaining tractionโand why prioritizing user-friendly products is crucial for blockchainโs ongoing growth. A must-listen for anyone curious about the latest shifts in crypto and blockchainโs impact on global financial access.
Stratos: https://www.stratos.xyz/about
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What does it take to make financial tools truly accessible worldwide? Jackie Bona, CEO of Valora, joins The Index to share her inspiring journey from aspiring UN diplomat to a leader in the crypto space. In this episode, Jackie reveals how her Filipino-American heritage and time at Google shaped her mission to drive global impact through crypto.
Explore how sheโs leading Valora to simplify complex technologies for a global audience, especially in emerging markets, and discover the power of stablecoins in regions with devaluing currencies like Nigeria and Argentina. Learn how Valora provides users with USD-denominated stablecoins, offering stability and growth opportunities through DEFI, while balancing user experience with security in self-custodial wallets.
Jackie also shares her approach to launching digital services in diverse markets and the importance of understanding local needs and regulatory conditions. Her journey underscores the potential of inclusive leadership and diverse voices to drive innovation and growth in the crypto space.
Learn more about Valora - https://valora.xyz
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What is the future of Solana Virtual Machines? In this episode of The Index, SOON Co-founder & CEO Joanna Zeng and Head of Developer Relations Nazreen M. share their entrepreneurial journey and their vision for Web3.
The Solana Optimistic Network (SOON) is revolutionizing blockchain and DeFi with a decentralized platform focused on scalability, security, and interoperability. By offering tools and infrastructure to build a decoupled SVM stack, SOON enhances transaction efficiency for Web3 applications.
Learn how SOON achieved rapid growth, opted for angel investors over traditional VC funding, and launched a DevNet within six months. Joanna and Nazreen also discuss their dedication to sustainable, impactful solutions and their partnership with ABK Labs to power the next wave of decentralized applications. This episode is rich with insights into vision, strategy, and the future of Web3. Tune in to learn more!
Learn more about Soon: https://soo.network/
X: https://x.com/soon_svm
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What does it take to build the future of decentralized technologies? In this special episode of Everything SVM on The Index, recorded live at Solana Breakpoint 2024, Alex Kehaya and Omar Zaki dive into the world of building on the Solana ecosystem. Joined by blockchain pioneers Vijay Chetty, CEO of Eclipse Labs, and Joanna Zeng, CEO of Soon, they discuss the transformative role of open-source software in shaping decentralized technologies.
This episode explores strategic integrations and innovations like SVM L2s and roll-up stacks that are redefining the blockchain landscape. Discover the ethos of open-source cultureโrooted in transparency, community-driven progress, and the guiding principles set forth by the Solona co-founders.
Learn how production engineering and pioneering research work together to drive blockchain infrastructure toward a future of universal self-custody and scalability. The episode also examines horizontal vs. vertical scaling, the disruptive potential of the decoupled SVM model, and its impact on niche areas like decentralized AI and gaming.
Whether youโre a blockchain enthusiast or simply curious about decentralized systems, join this insightful discussion where community collaboration is the key to Web3โs future.
ABK Labs: https://abklabs.com/
Mantis: https://www.mantis.app/
Eclipse Labs: https://www.eclipse.xyz/
Soon: https://soo.network/
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What is the future of Web3 gaming? Join Alex Kehaya on The Index Podcast as he chats with Tyson Loney, COO of Helika, a leading Web3 gaming and NFT analytics platform.
In this episode, we explore Helika's role in Web3 gaming, providing analytics to help developers optimize player behavior and performance across blockchain games. Tyson shares how Helika's tools simplify multi-chain support, enabling studios to create data-driven experiences.
We also dive into standout titles like Proof of Play and Parallel, discussing how decentralized ownership is reshaping gaming by allowing players to own and monetize in-game assets. Tyson offers insights on the future of gaming, NFTs, and overcoming startup challenges.
Website: https://www.helika.io/
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Whatโs the future of real estate investment? This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya joins Darren Carvalho, co-CEO of MetaWealth, to explore how blockchainโspecifically Solanaโis reshaping the industry. With his background at Toronto Dominion Bank and Goldman Sachs, Darren shares how MetaWealth is using Solanaโs fast, low-cost, and scalable blockchain to offer everyday investors fractional property ownership.
Discover how Solanaโs high-performance blockchain enables lightning-fast transactions, minimal fees, and robust security, opening the door for global investors to access real estate markets previously out of reach. Learn how tokenization is transforming the industry by cutting out intermediaries, reducing costs, and making real estate investments more accessible. Plus, get the inside scoop on MetaWealthโs European expansion and the upcoming launch of the AUM token. Perfect for investors looking to diversify through cutting-edge, tokenized assets.
Learn about MetaWealth.
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What does it take to build a million-strong community with just a four-person team? In this special episode of The Index, featuring the recent live stream interview on Everything SVM, host Alex Kehaya joins Jack Levin, CEO of XEN, to explore the story behind XEN Cryptoโa community-driven project designed to educate others about the power of economic freedom and the potential of the XEN token. Rooted in the first principles laid out by Satoshi Nakamotoโs Bitcoin Whitepaper, XEN aims to redefine self-custody, transparency, and decentralization.
Jack shares how X1 is revolutionizing blockchain technology by integrating a hybrid Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS) model. We break down how this unique approach combines the best of both systems, offering unparalleled decentralization, security, and scalability, setting it apart from platforms like Solana, Ethereum, and Bitcoin. Learn about XENโs mission to empower individuals to mint their tokens, contribute to a collaborative ecosystem, and participate in shaping a future where open-source innovation drives the blockchain industry forward.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation on building value from the ground up and the impact of community-led development on the crypto space.
Check out XEN: https://www.xencrypto.io/
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What does it take to build the next generation of DeFi on Solana? In this special episode of the Solana Startup Series, we sit down with Tristan Frizza, Founder of Zeta Markets, to explore the future of crypto trading. Tristan shares his journey from AI to blockchain, participating in Solanaโs early hackathons, and the inspiration behind creating Zeta Marketsโone of DeFiโs most compelling exchanges.
Tristan takes us through the ins and outs of perpetual futures trading and explains why these instruments are game-changers for traders seeking flexible, non-expiring positions. However, this flexibility comes with risks, especially with high leverage. Tristan provides insights into how volatility can be an advantage, maximizing exchange profitability and offering a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind crypto revenue models.
We also dive into the technical complexities of building on Solana, one of the fastest-growing ecosystems in crypto. Tristan discusses the necessity of Layer 2 solutions to address network congestion and cost management and breaks down advanced concepts like optimistic roll-ups and ZK bridges.
Tune in to learn how Zeta Markets plans to overcome these challenges and build a comprehensive, builder-friendly ecosystem for the next wave of DeFi innovation on Solana.
Zeta Markets: https://www.zeta.markets/
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Whatโs the future of Web3 gaming? Join us for a special episode of the Solana Startup Series on The Index. Today, weโre talking with Guido Pardini, CEO of Shaga, a revolutionary cloud gaming platform born from Solana Labs. Guido takes us on an inspiring journey from his teenage years in Italy, where he immersed himself in 3D printing and the maker movement, to his academic studies in computer science and electrical engineering in Milan. Discover how the 2009 financial crisis ignited his passion for decentralized technologies like Bitcoin, and how those early interests now fuel Shagaโs mission to revolutionize gaming by drastically reducing latency through decentralization.
We explore the key differences between centralized and decentralized gaming infrastructures and the innovative ways Shaga is solving the latency problem. Shagaโs DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) transforms individual gaming PCs into nodes, distributed near gamers. These nodes share their computing power to enhance the gaming experience, slashing latency and providing seamless, real-time gameplay. Guido also shares the ambitious plan to pilot a decentralized Xbox cloud gaming platform, offering lag-free experiences while giving small game studios access to free cloud infrastructure. Learn why Solanaโs unique state-on-flight technology was the perfect foundation for this game-changing platform.
Donโt miss this deep dive into the future of gaming and the transformative potential of decentralized networks.
Website: https://www.shaga.xyz/
X Channel: https://x.com/playonshaga
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What does it take to build a successful startup in the blockchain space? Join us for a special episode of The Index podcast as part of the Solana Startup Series, featuring twin co-founders Tommy and Taylor Johnson. The two brothers share their startup journey in the crypto world, from Tommyโs early days in the blockchain scene in 2014 to their significant pivot to Solana in 2020. The Johnson brothers provide a detailed account of how they overcame initial hurdles, such as the lack of development frameworks and tools, and how their perseverance led to the innovative project, PsyOptions, which won a Solana hackathon in 2021. Their story is about technical achievements and the founders spirit and resilience required to adapt and thrive in a fast-growing industry.
The discussion delves into their new project, Armada, and their work on staking and tokenomics infrastructure within the Solana ecosystem. They provide insights into validating market demand, collaborating with teams like Hero and Bonk, and emphasize the importance of pattern recognition and perseverance in entrepreneurship. The twins also reflect on the unique challenges and advantages of working together as siblings. From navigating VC funding to balancing family life, this episode is packed with practical advice and serves as another inspiring Solana startup story.
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What is the future of global payment solutions? In this special episode of The Index for the Solana Startup Series, we join Anthony Emezu, CEO & Co-founder of Espresso Cash. Anthony shares his entrepreneurial journey from working at prestigious media companies like ViacomCBS and Showtime Networks to building a groundbreaking mobile finance app.
Learn how Espresso Cash, now available in the USA, Europe, and Nigeria, leverages crypto rails and stablecoins to deliver users a seamless, Venmo-like experience, especially in emerging markets with volatile currencies. Anthony also talks about the appโs rapid growth strategies, their exciting partnership with MoneyGram, and how theyโre building network effects in the open-source crypto ecosystem.
Espresso Cash
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What if you could completely transform your investment strategy with real-time, curated on-chain data? This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya joins Alex Svanovic, co-founder and CEO of Nansen AI, to uncover how his innovative platform is reshaping the financial world by making blockchain data more transparent, efficient, and actionable.
Alex S. shares his vision for a future where blockchain technology outpaces traditional banking, creating a more inclusive and forward-thinking financial ecosystem. Together, we explore how Nansen overcomes the four key challenges of transforming raw blockchain data into practical insights for investors and preview the upcoming Nansen 2, featuring faster speeds, personalized insights, and integrated portfolio tracking, along with new support for Solana.
We also dive into Nansenโs acquisition of Stakewithus, which enhances staking capabilities and aligns with their broader strategy, plus a look at the unique advantages of building in Singapore, a hub for blockchain innovation. Donโt miss this deep dive into how Nansen.ai is revolutionizing the world of finance!
Learn more about Nansen.ai
X Channel: https://x.com/nansen_ai
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Nansen-ai
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What will the future of AI governance and decentralized training look like? In this episode of The Index, host Alex Kehaya is joined by Alexander Joseph Long, Founder of Pluralis AI, to explore this pressing question. With a PhD in non-parametric external memory in deep learning and extensive experience at Amazon working on multimodal foundation models, Alexander offers a deep dive into the cutting-edge developments shaping the AI landscape.
They unpack why decentralized training is more than just a technological trendโitโs an essential shift for ensuring control and ownership of AI models. As Ethereum transitions from proof of work to proof of stake, the repurposing of GPUs for AI opens exciting possibilities for decentralized AI systems. The conversation also covers the economic incentives and infrastructure driving this transformation, along with the latest research optimizing communication efficiency for decentralized training algorithms. These developments point to a future where decentralized AI could challenge the monopolistic control held by a few tech giants.
Tune in to discover how this evolving technology could reshape the balance of power in AI.
Learn more about https://pluralis.ai/
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How can you manage cryptographic keys without risking security? Enter Riad S. Wahby, Co-founder and CEO of Cubist, whoโs on a mission to make key management seamless and secure.
In this episode of The Index, Riad shares his journey from working on zero-knowledge proofs and contributing to the Ethereum beacon chain to tackling one of the biggest challenges in crypto development. He introduces CubeSigner, a low-latency API designed to generate keys and sign transactions inside secure hardware, safeguarding against insider threats, app compromise, and costly mistakes without compromising performance.
Tune in for a deep dive into Cubistโs hardware-backed key management platform and learn how to keep your digital assets safe while streamlining your development process.
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Why are developers choosing to build on the Solana Virtual Machine? In this week's episode of The Index, we explore this question with an exclusive conversation from a recent livestream hosted by Alex Kehaya, Co-founder & CEO of ABK Labs, and Omar Zaki, Co-founder & CEO of Mantis. They're joined by Terry Chung, Head of Strategy at Eclipse, and Alejo Pinto, Co-founder at Pontem, to discuss the benefits and challenges of building on the SVM ecosystem.
Our expert panel explains why SVM chains are gaining traction among developers, focusing on their high throughput, scalability, and potential for interoperability with other blockchains. They also highlight the importance of creating a sustainable competitive advantage and ensuring a user-friendly experience to attract both developers and users to the SVM ecosystem.
Tune in to hear insightful conversations about the future of Layer 2 solutions, the evolving role of app chains, and innovative concepts like pre-confirmations and DeFi-specific environments within SVMs. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just curious about the Solana ecosystem, this episode is packed with valuable insights you wonโt want to miss!
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What impact will AI have on business innovation? This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya interviews business futurist Ajay Malik, CEO of Secomind.Ai and author of Artificial Intelligence for Wireless Networking. Ajay shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, including his pioneering work at Google and Qualcomm, and his efforts in shaping the future of AI in business.
Ajay explains the distinctions between classic AI and generative AI, highlighting how each addresses unique business challenges. He also discusses how cognitive AI mimics human learning through self-supervised techniques. Learn about real-world applications such as drone detection and Wi-Fi pattern recognition, powered by both proprietary and open-source models.
In this episode, you will learn how tools like GPT-4 simplify complex tasks and how AI-powered cameras enhance manufacturing monitoring. Gain insights into how AI boosts productivity and reduces costs across various industries, from manufacturing to vending machine management. Tune in to hear Ajayโs compelling examples and expert advice on integrating AI into your business strategies.
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What is the future of DeFi? This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya joins Josh Reyes from Local Solana for a deep dive into the world of decentralized peer-to-peer exchanges and his previous ventures with OpenPeer and Minke; learn how his new company, Local Solana, is poised to revolutionize the crypto trading landscape with gasless transactions, community-driven dispute resolution, and a user-friendly interface that simplifies crypto trading for everyone, from emerging markets to Western countries facing crypto purchase restrictions.
Josh discusses the innovative mechanisms behind Local Solana, highlighting its potential to deliver higher user returns through on-chain opportunities. He discusses the importance of composability, the impact of regulatory challenges, and how Local Solanaโs global team is driving change in underserved markets. With recent seed funding and an international mission to enhance financial systems, Local Solana aims to be a game-changer in the DeFi space.
Can AI-powered economic engines redefine the landscape of Web3 commerce?Find out on The Index as host Alex Kehaya joins Dr. John Ennis, CEO of NeoSwap, who takes us through his groundbreaking journey from mathematician to entrepreneur.
Learn how NeoSwap's innovative approach to simultaneous buying and selling transforms traditional trading methods by addressing liquidity issues and enhancing efficiency, especially in the complex world of NFTs. Plus, get an inside look at their upcoming product, SwapMeet, to revolutionize how users manage their NFT portfolios without hefty losses.
Discover how AI, mainly through NeoSwap's chatbot interface Theo, streamlines these complex transactions, providing users with optimized trading recommendations by analyzing their wallets and predicting asset values.
John discusses the potential and limitations of large language models versus cognitive AI, exploring how decentralized platforms could redefine Web3 and NFT trading.
What is the future of AI education? Host Alex Kehaya joins Maria Laws, VP of Learning & Development at Ahura AI, to explore how AI is revolutionizing corporate learning. Maria shares her journey from being a high school science and dance teacher to becoming a leader in AI-driven education.
Hear how Ahura AI is transforming corporate training and maintaining focus in an increasingly distracted world with its adaptive learning platform that is helping companies around the globe upskill their workforce.
Learn about the passion and dedication of Ahura AI's team, led by co-founders Bryan Talebi and Alex Tsado. Their commitment to equitable education drives the development of their innovative educational technology. Maria shares inspiring stories from Ahura AI's pilot programs with high school students in Los Angeles and innovative initiatives like empowering women farmers in Zimbabwe with AI tools.
Don't miss this insightful conversation on how GenAi can help your company stay ahead in the evolving workforce development landscape.
Can zero-knowledge proofs revolutionize the blockchain industry? This week on The Index, Alex Kehaya joins Brendan Farmer, Co-founder of Polygon, to discuss how Ethereum's scalability will change forever. Brendan shares his insights on the challenges of creating seamless interoperability across various virtual machines, such as EVM and SVM, and how zero-knowledge technology offers potential solutions. Brendan explains why unified liquidity, asset fungibility, and low-latency interoperability are crucial for blockchain mass adoption.
Join Alex and Brendan for an in-depth conversation that touches on the cultural dynamics of Web3, the alignment of incentives through tokens, and the future of decentralized technology.
How are blockchain companies evolving to meet the demands of a decentralized future? Join host Alex Kehaya on The Index as he talks with Yair Cleper, Co-founder & CEO of Lava Network. Yair shares his entrepreneurial journey into Web3 and discusses the vital role of the blockchain community in building decentralized protocols.
Tune in to learn how Lava is transforming the blockchain landscape by empowering developers to rapidly establish a robust network of infrastructure providers. With its focus on RPC and data access, Lava facilitates seamless access to over 30 diverse chains, including major players like Solana and Cosmos, thus streamlining development processes and enhancing connectivity across the decentralized ecosystem.
Tune in to learn more about Lava's innovative marketplace, recent investment funding, and the Magma Point system incentivizing participation.
Join us for a great conversation on AI technology, social media, privacy, and the future of digital marketing. On this episode of The Index, we are joined by Anne Ahola Ward, the CEO of CircleClick, futurist, and media-dubbed "mother of all startups." Anne shares her entrepreneurial journey from working at Apple to becoming a marketing guru, highlighting her innovative JavaScript solution during the OS 9 to OS 10 transition.
We cover SEO, web analytics, and digital marketing secrets. Then, we tackle hot topics like the U.S. TikTok ban, exploring data privacy and information manipulation. Anne shares invaluable advice on digital marketing strategies for startups and founders aiming to launch new businesses and build online communities. Additionally, we discuss the latest AI trends with ChatGPT and Googleโs Gemini.
Tune in to gain insights from Anne's experience and expertise at the intersection of technology and marketing.
What does the future hold for DeFi and social networking? Host Alex Kehaya joins Stani Kulechov, Founder and CEO of Avara & Aave, to explore the complex landscape of DeFi and L2 ecosystems. They discuss how DeFi is merging with social platforms, cultivating dynamic communities across blockchain networks like Ethereum and Solana.
Listen as they discuss the innovative Lens protocol, a groundbreaking approach to social networking that seamlessly integrates social engagement with on-chain actions, transforming how we connect online. The episode also highlights the influential role of meme coins such as PrapEat, bonk, and WEN, which are more than just viral sensationsโthey're crucial in forging communities, building brands, and rallying users around shared values. Tune in to discover the intertwined future of decentralized finance and digital social spaces.
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya is joined by Peter Voss, Chief Scientist at Aigo, to discuss the cutting-edge advancements in conversational AI and its path towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Peter shares his remarkable journey from electronics engineer to AGI pioneer, driven by a relentless curiosity that led him to develop a cognitive AI capable of outperforming thousands of human agents in customer service.
Tune in for an in-depth exploration of the potential for AI to harness human-like intuition and the philosophical debates surrounding our pursuit of AGI. From breaking down the massive training methods employed by tech giants to examining the pivotal role of open-source in cognitive architectures, they delve into the complexities of AI development and its far-reaching implications for society.
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya joins Darya Sesitskaya, Founder and CEO of the super cool Shader social camera app. This no-code AR creation tool instantly lets you customize videos with AI. Darya shares how it blurs the lines between the digital and the physical worlds, exploring how augmented reality can spin the mundane into the magical on your mobile devices.
This week on The Index, we're launching into staking on Solana for a deep dive into Jito Labs! Host Alex Kehaya joins the masterminds behind it all, Lucas Bruder and Zano Sherwani, the co-founders of Jito Labs! The blockchain's biggest validators trust their MEV software, and we're here to discuss the future of DEFI. They'll share their entrepreneurial journey, discuss JitoSOL, the liquid staking token, and explore how they're pushing the boundaries of decentralization on the Solana network.
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya dives into the future of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) with guests Wyatt Benno and Houman Shadab, Co-Founders of ICME and NovaNet, a groundbreaking P2P decentralized proving network. The conversation spans the current ZKP landscape, exploring its potential for future Web3 applications. Wyatt and Houman unpack the regulatory and legislative considerations surrounding this innovative technology and discuss how zero-knowledge proofs redefine the bounds of sensitive information to protect privacy.
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya welcomes Vinny Lingham, the Founder and CEO of Rumi, an AI-driven platform that offers video conferencing. Vinny shares his unique insights into the startup world as an investor and entrepreneur. We take a deep dive into the future of AI in the workplace, ChatGPT, decentralized storage, chip shortages, and what's next for Bitcoin.
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya dives into the world of cryptocurrency with Akshay Bidi, advisor to the Solana Foundation and founder of Superteam. Akshay's journey, from launching Uber in India to becoming a key player in crypto. Alex and Akshay discuss the potential of crypto to revolutionize wealth creation. They break down how owning tokens in a project can be similar to holding equity in a company. Learn how contributing to the development of crypto blockchain projects can mirror the financial benefits of traditional investments.
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya welcomes Niraj Pant, Co-founder of Ritual, the network for open AI infrastructure. Join them as they take a deep dive into Ritual's groundbreaking architecture, built on a crowdsourced governance layer aimed at ensuring safety. Explore Ritual's mission to become the focal point of AI in the web3 space by evolving Infernet into a modular suite of execution layers that interoperate with other base layer infrastructure.
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya welcomes Matty Taylor, former Head of Growth at the Solana Foundation, who left to co-found Colosseum. Known for organizing some of the largest blockchain hackathons in the crypto space, including Grizzlython and Hyperdrive, it's a great conversation about hacking innovation within the Solana ecosystem.
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya welcomes Jake Brukhman, Founder and CEO of Coinfund, to discuss the future of AI and Web3. They take a deep dive into how advanced AI and blockchain technologies are reshaping industries, from decentralized finance to the burgeoning NFT market. Alex and Jake explore AI's early applications in social media analytics for stock trading predictions and highlight the capabilities of tools like ChatGPT within today's digital landscape.
Jake provides key insights into Coinfund's investment strategy and potential AI-blockchain integration projects. Don't miss this opportunity to understand how Coinfund is championing the new leaders of the Internet.
This week on The Index, host Alex Kahaya welcomes entrepreneur Alex Pisarevski, Co-founder of the Epic Web3 conference. Join us as we explore how Alex is shaping a future where developers and founders come together, sharing insights and driving innovations at the forefront of the decentralized future.
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya welcomes Dan French, CEO of ResProp & Partner at Rex, a company reshaping property investment. It's a great conversation about blockchain-driven property investment opportunities, where high-quality real estate assets become as accessible as trading stocks. Learn more about the promise of AI in property management and the transformative potential of blockchain in mortgages.
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya welcomes former Coinfund partner Austin Barack, now the Founder and Managing Partner of Relayer Capital. Get ready for a deep dive into token economics, the transformative power of Bitcoin and Ethereum, the types of Web3 startups he will be investing in this year, and an in-depth discussion on the trailblazing paths carved by smart contracts and decentralized applications.
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya welcomes Meow, the Founder of Jupiter, the best exchange in DeFi on Solana. Meow shares Jupiter's blueprint for Web 3 and the decentralized future in this exclusive interview. Learn about Jupiter's full-stack ecosystem play, which is focused on advancing the metaverse.
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya welcomes Tzvi "Todd" Wiesel, a seasoned whisky trader, investor, and Founder/CEO of Baxus. Todd shares his entrepreneurial journeyโfrom serving in the Israeli military to the launch of BAXUS. This online marketplace offers collectors access to an extensive collection of rare bottles of wine and spirits from around the world, allowing them to buy, sell, and trade on the blockchain.
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya is joined by Alex Pruden, CEO of Aleo, a privacy-first blockchain. He shares his inspiring journey from military strategist to entrepreneur, emphasizing the significance of privacy in today's digital age. Pruden's story takes us through high-stakes decisions in the Middle East to his pioneering work in cryptography, highlighting the importance of financial sovereignty and personal privacy. It's an excellent conversation that explores the transformative potential of zero-knowledge proofs, a technology vital for preserving anonymity in our data-driven world.
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya welcomes Joey Janisheck, founder of BizQiz, the Web3 trivia game where brainpower unlocks blockchain rewards. Dive into this exciting fusion of AI-powered trivia questions, brand engagement, and digital collectible prizes. Discover how BizQiz is changing the game for both players and brands!
Ever wondered how the exciting worlds of crypto, social media, and AI intersect? This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya, welcomes Joe Vezzani, Co-founder and CEO of Lunar Crush, a social intelligence platform that's reshaping how we understand and interact with data on the internet. Learn how LunarCrush is empowering the creators and influencers of the digital economy, providing tools to enhance their content and expand their reach.
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya welcomes Tomer Dean, CEO of Lychee, a premium video content marketing platform. Tomer, along with his partners, started Lychee to assist brands and content creators in producing viral hits for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and more to reach over 1 million views. Learn how Lychee's unique hybrid AI architecture delivers high-end content for social media channels.
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya is joined by Michael Wagner, Co-founder of Star Atlas, an exciting space exploration-themed RPG built on the Solana network. Set in the year 2620, the game features political factions, territorial pursuits, advanced weaponry, and spacecraft, enhancing various gameplay aspects. Learn all about developer opportunities on the Star Atlas platform, the commercialization of 3D models, and the future of open-source blockchain games.
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya welcomes Jords, an early Solana adopter and an OG in the NFT space. Together, they take a deep dive into the early days of NFTs, with Jords sharing insights into the opportunities and collaborations that have influenced the crypto space. We also examine Boogle, Jords' project, aimed at uniting leaders, investors, and builders to drive positive growth in the Web3 realm. Jords shares his vision for Boogle and how it harnesses Solana's advantages to lower entry barriers and onboard billions of users into a trustless, permissionless ecosystem.
This week on "The Index, " host Alex Kehaya welcomes Diego Perez de Ayala, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Frictionless Capital, for a deep dive into the world of Web3 and crypto infrastructure. Together, they explore the concept of self-sovereignty and self-custody pioneered by Bitcoin and discuss how Solana democratizes these ideas. Join this insightful conversation to gain a deeper understanding of Web3, blockchain technology, and the transformative power they hold.
This week on "The Index" podcast, host Alex Kehaya welcomes Frank Mong, COO of Nova Labs, the creator of the Web3 open-source Helium Network. They take a deep dive into the early days of Helium, founded by Amir Haleem, Shawn Fanning, and Sean Carey. Learn how the founder's vision for building a decentralized wireless infrastructure to support the IoT industry became a reality and has since grown into the world's largest decentralized wireless network.
This week, host Alex Kehya is joined by Los Angeles-based artist, animator, and filmmaker Robbie Shilstone. Robbie's work showcases various styles, themes, and techniques that align with the narrative of each project he undertakes. Drawing inspiration from abstraction, minimalism, music, and philosophy, he skillfully crafts unique worlds for his characters. Join us as we dive into Robbie's creative world and learn how he is positioned to reshape animated storytelling.
This week on the podcast, Alex Kehaya welcomes Mert Mumtaz, Co-founder and CEO of Helius, the leading developer on Solana specializing in APIs, webhooks, and RPCs for building scalable and reliable Solana applications. They take a deep dive into open source development and how to navigate on-chain data using Helius' robust infrastructure efficiently.
Alex and Mert analyze crypto's slow yet steady growth, the rise of NFTs, and how Solana and L2s are redefining the crypto infrastructure. Mert shares his insights into the challenges crypto faced in its early days. They also briefly explore the roles of AI, AR, and VR in the crypto game, emphasizing the need for more talented founders in the space to build products that meet the demands of the crypto market.
This week, host Alex Kehaya welcomes Zach Anderson-Pettet, who hosts the FinTech Family Hour podcast and is the US Content Director for the Money 20/20 conference. Together, they dive into how crypto is revolutionizing payday lendingโwhere you can earn as you goโand how responsible lending is becoming the norm rather than the exception.
Zach shares his valuable insights into the importance of crafting a compelling narrative behind the crypto and Web 3 movement and what is driving this financial evolution.
This week, host Alex Kehaya explores the exciting world of GenoPets with Jay Chang, Co-founder of this Web3 game built on the Solana blockchain. Learn how GenoPets combines NFTs and gaming, their upcoming marketplace, competitive play potential, and the intriguing role of wearable health trackers in shaping their future.
This week, Alex Kehaya talks with Armani Ferrante, Coral's founder and CEO, creator of Anchorโthe first Solana framework, and the imaginative force behind the NFT collection, Mad Lads. Mad Armani shares his developer journey, shares advice for building apps,ย and the innovative Backpack wallet embracing the Solana xNFT standard.ย
This week, host Alex Kehaya is joined by Samuel Harcourt, Director of Business Development at the Fantom Foundationโa permissionless, open-source smart contract platform for decentralized applications (dApps) and digital assets. Get ready to delve into the realm of Web3, token economics, and the pivotal role that hardware requisites play in operating an investment as a validator. It's an insightful conversation about the boundless potential of applications developed with Fantom and other L1 chains, and a glimpse into what lies ahead for the decentralized future.
Get ready for an incredible episode of "The Index"! This week, host Alex Kehaya welcomes Michelle Munson, Founder & CEO of Eluvio, a groundbreaking blockchain company revolutionizing Web3 content distribution. We learn all bout Eluvio's new collaboration with Warner Bros. and their cutting-edge Content Fabric Protocol, opening up a world of Web3 native media experiences.
From cool concerts and digital albums to mind-bending interactive meta-movieverse adventures, creators and fans can now directly enjoy and monetize their favorite content. Don't miss out on this exclusive look into their exciting promotion with Warner Bros.'s movie, The Flash. DC Comic fans can now immerse themselves in an unparalleled Web3 movie experience, available for purchase via Eluvio. Fans can unlock stunning 4K Ultra HD resolution, special features, captivating NFT artwork, and even augmented reality (AR) collectibles. Tune in now and learn how to own a piece of history with The Flash.
Host Alex Kehaya welcomes Pi Network's Cofounders, Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis and Dr. Chengdiao Fan this week. Tune in to learn more about the open-source technology powering Pi Network's unique consensus algorithm and how it makes crypto mining accessible and eco-friendly. They discuss how they utilize AI to verify identities worldwide by balancing automated and manual processes to ensure network safety and security.ย Get ready to explore the future of social cryptocurrency in Web3.
This week host Alex Kehaya joins Sandy Carter, COO of Unstoppable Domains, to discuss the future of digital identity, NFTs, uncensorable websites, self-custody, credentialed data, and beyond. Tune in as they explore how Unstoppable Domains is propelling the Web3 revolution and shaping tomorrow's digital landscape.
This week host Alex Kehaya and Justin Banon, Co-founder of Boson Protocol, a decentralized commerce exchange. Tune in for a great conversation about the new programmable economy, redeemable NFTs, and the future of Web3. Discover how Boson Protocol bridges traditional and digital marketplaces with unique tokenization.ย
Welcome to the latest episode of The Index. In today's show, we delve into the world of Web3, the Solana ecosystem, and the exciting future of digital collectibles with our special guest, Vibhu Norby. Vibhu, the Founder, and CEO of Solana Spaces, leads a pioneering company that initially operated Solana stores in New York City and Miami. Now, they've concentrated entirely on their groundbreaking project, Drip.
Vibhu shares with us how Drip is becoming a unique platform that allows creators to build a universe of collectibles around their content, fostering an immersive experience for their audience. Join us to gain insights into Vibhu's creative journey, the evolution of Solana Spaces and Drip, and his thoughtful perspectives on the future of the digital collectible realm.
This episode is brought to you by The Graph, the Google of Blockchain.
This week, host Alex Kehaya joins Logan Jastremski, the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Frictionless Capital, a thesis-driven fund specializing in investing in scalable blockchains and dApps. In this episode we dive into the critical factors that drive blockchain scalability, with a specific focus on data propagation and bandwidth. Additionally, we'll explore the significance of the virtual machine, consensus algorithm, and efficient data storage within blockchain networks. Tune in to gain an in-depth understanding of these vital elements and their profound impact on the ever-evolving tech landscape.
In this week's edition of The Index, host Alex Kehaya converses with Ertemann, the Developer Relations Lead at The Secret Agency. They dive into the inner workings of The Secret Network, the first mainnet blockchain known for its privacy-preserving smart contracts that debuted in 2020. It's a great conversation on the future of Web3, data privacy, and the challenges developers may face while building the next wave of the Internet. Tune in to learn more about building private, decentralized applications using the Secret Network.
Tune in for our rewind episode with host Alex Kehaya and Rhys Lindmark, Founder of Roote, a nonprofit startup studio building the Wisdom Age. It's a great conversation about the Web3 revolution, blockchain ethics, and the evolution of society in a decentralized future. Tune in to learn more about the transformative power of blockchain technology and the potential for a more transparent, equitable, and ethical world.
This week, we welcome Goncalo Sa, co-founder of Consensys Diligence. His company provides smart contract audit services that make it effortless for startups and enterprises to launch and maintain their Ethereum blockchain applications.ย
In this episode, we'll be taking a deep dive into Goncalo's journey as a Web3 hacker and tech startup founder. Goncalo shares his experiences, from his early fascination with computers to his discovery of Ethereum, which eventually led him to co-found ConsenSys Diligence. We also get an exclusive look at his latest project, The Creed, and discuss the current state of blockchain security. Tune in to find out what you need to know to stay ahead of the curve.
This week on the Index, we welcome Yip Thy-Diep Ta, an award-winning Web3 blockchain innovator, Co-Founder of Unit Masters, and Governor of H.E.R. Dao. Yip shares her insights on Unit Masters' comprehensive blockchain literacy programs that aim to make blockchain education accessible worldwide. She strongly believes in breaking down barriers and creating equitable access for all, with education and awareness being key to achieving this goal.
This week, join host Alex Kehaya and special guests Ola Muse and Karthik Kalyanarman, Co-founders of Scale3, an innovative DevOps platform for Web3 infrastructure. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the transformative power of blockchain technology and its potential to drive economic growth and social progress. Together, they discuss the decentralized future of the global economy, the freedom of Web3,ย and how Bitcoin is shaping the future of finance.
This week host Alex Kehaya joins Anne Ahola Ward, the CEO of CircleClick, a digital marketing agency famously known as the "Mother of Startups" by CNN. Anne is an accomplished entrepreneur, futurist, and published author with O'Reilly, and in this episode, she shares her expert predictions for the future of AI technology. It's a great conversation that explores what's next for Web3, ChatGPT, and social media platforms.
This week Alex Kehaya joins Sara Reynolds, a smart contract engineer for Uniswap Labs and co-founder of SHE 256, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting diversity and increasing accessibility to education and industry professionals in the blockchain space. Join us as we dive into Sara's work in the industry, and the initiatives she has spearheaded to bring more diversity to the world of Web3.
This week host Alex Kehaya joins serial entrepreneur John Belizaire, CEO of Soluna Computing the leading developer of green data centers for batchable computing, Join us for a great conversation on renewable energy and powering the future.
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya speaks with Chris Castiglione, Co-founder of Console, the first crypto native chat platform for Bitcoin and Ethereum. A great conversation about the exciting world of Web3 and the open source movement. From building and growing crypto communities, to discussing how the future is already here, it's just not evenly distributed. Listen now!
Alex Kehaya is joined this week by Aishwary Gupta, Defi Chief of Staff and Fintech SM at Polygon. We dive in to talk about all things Polygon, building the Web3 ecosystem, and the decentralized future.
This week host Alex Kehaya welcomes Jonas Simanavicius, Co-founder & CTO of Syntropy, to the show. We dive in to learn how Syntropy is improving security and transforming the Internet. It's a great conversation about Web3, blockchain development, and networking the future.
This week "The Index" welcomes Michael Wagner, CEO and Co-founder of Star Atlas, the open-world strategy video game metaverse that offers grand strategy play, territorial conquest, and political dominance. Host Alex Kehaya talks with Michael about the next generation gaming ecosystem with Solana.
This week host Alex Kehaya welcomes Alex Bornyakov, the Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and head of Dila City. Bornyakov discusses how the launch of "Diia City" will help Ukraine become one of the largest IT hubs in Europe and how he partnered up with Kuna Exchange and Everstake on a DAO Project called Aid for Ukraine. Through the support of the blockchain community, Aid for Ukraine has raised more than $60 million to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
This week host Alex Kehaya joins Paddy Cerri, Co-founder and Chief Architect at Minima. A great conversation on how Web3 and the decentralized blockchain is empowering freedom.
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya joins Sergey Vasylchuk, Founder and CEO of Everstake, one of the biggest decentralized staking providers in the blockchain industry. Sergey shares his Web3 perspectives and discusses Everstake's recent collaboration with Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation in the DAO project named Aid for Ukraine. The project has raised over $78 million to help support Ukraine's military and humanitarian needs of its citizens.ย
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya joins Sergey Vasylchuk, Founder and CEO of Everstake, one of the biggest decentralized staking providers in the blockchain industry. Sergey shares his Web3 perspectives and discusses Everstake's recent collaboration with Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation in the DAO project named Aid for Ukraine. The project has raised over $78 million to help support Ukraine's military and humanitarian needs of its citizens.ย
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya joins Nadav Zeimer, Founder of hs.credit and author of Education in the Digital Age. We take a deep dive to learn more about how Web3, open source technologies, AI, and decentralization is transforming education for high school students.ย
This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya joins Nadav Zeimer, Founder of hs.credit and author of Education in the Digital Age. We take a deep dive to learn more about how Web3, open source technologies, AI, and decentralization is transforming education for high school students.ย
This week host Alex Kehaya joins Chris Zhu, CEO & Co-founder of the Web3 game matrix, Mirror World. He's also the VP of products for Rct AI and is renowned for launching the world's first interactive NFT mirror.ย It's a great conversation on the metaverse, AI NFTS, and the future of Web3 gaming.
This week host Alex Kehaya joins Chris Zhu, CEO & Co-founder of the Web3 game matrix, Mirror World. He's also the VP of products for Rct AI and is renowned for launching the world's first interactive NFT mirror.ย It's a great conversation on the metaverse, AI NFTS, and the future of Web3 gaming.
This week on The Index, hostย Alex Kehaya joins Craig Burel, a Partner at Reciprocal Venture. He's currently leading the firm's investment strategies in blockchain and cryptocurrency. It's a great conversation about investing in the decentralized future with Solana and the Graph, and unlocking the power of your intellectual property with NFTs.
This week on The Index, hostย Alex Kehaya joins Craig Burel, a Partner at Reciprocal Venture. He's currently leading the firm's investment strategies in blockchain and cryptocurrency. It's a great conversation about investing in the decentralized future with Solana and the Graph, and unlocking the power of your intellectual property with NFTs.
This week host Alex Kehaya joins Web3 Futurist Al Morris, CEO of Koii. The Koii team is building the foundation for a more fair, community owned internet with a decentralized protocol and storage - bringing true decentralization to dApps in Web3. Dive in as we discuss the creator economy, the metaverse, and building a better Internet.ย
This week host Alex Kehaya joins Web3 Futurist Al Morris, CEO of Koii. The Koii team is building the foundation for a more fair, community owned internet with a decentralized protocol and storage - bringing true decentralization to dApps in Web3. Dive in as we discuss the creator economy, the metaverse, and building a better Internet.ย
This week host Alex Kehaya joins Iris Nevins, co-founder of Umba Daima, an NFT Studio building and curating community in Web3. Umba Daima creates virtual galleries featuring multicultural projects by artists worldwide, including the Black NFT Art network and The Unseen Gallery. We take a deep dive into building Web3 communities, empowering black artists, and the future of NFTs.
This week host Alex Kehaya joins The Guild founder Uri Goldshtein. The Guild is the largest group of open source developers in the GraphQL ecosystem. It's a deep dive on how Web3 and open-source projects are paving the way for a more decentralized future.
This week host Alex Kehaya joins John Paller, Founder and Steward of Opolis is a next generation ecosystem for the self-sovereign worker. John is also the founder of ETH Denver, the largest Ethereum hackathon in the world. It's a great conversation on Web3, the next generation of employment, and the decentralized future.ย
This week host Alex Kehaya joins Zhen Yu Yong, a former developer at Ethereum and the current CEO and Co-Founder of Web3Auth that is a distributed private key management solution. We take a deep dive to talk about the future of digital identity, self custody,ย and how Web3Auth is providing solutions that make crypto accessible to the masses. Have a listen!
This week host Alex Kehaya joins Tim Beiko who leads AllCoreDevs at the Ethereum Foundation to talk about the future of Ethereum and the upcoming Merge. A truly exciting conversation about the Ethereum vision โ more scalability, security, and sustainability.ย
This week host Alex Kehaya, talks with Olayinka Odeniran, CEO of CybSecWatch, and the founder of the Black Women Blockchain Council, a community designed to support and inspire black women pursuing careers in blockchain and fintech.ย
A great conversation on economic empowerment of black women through crypto, building generational wealth for under represented communities, NFTs, and the new creator economy.
This week host Alex Kehaya joins Rhys Lindmark, CEO and co-founder of Roote, a nonprofit startup studio building the Wisdom Age. A great conversation about the Web3 ecosystem, why capitalism needs marriage counseling, and the evolution of society.
This week host Alex Kehaya joins Professor James Hendler, one of the originators of the semantic web and the Director of the Institute for Data Exploration and Applications and the Tetherless World Professor for Computer, Web and Cognitive Science at RPI. James has authored over 450 books, technical papers, and articles in the areas of open data, the Semantic Web, artificial intelligence, data policy and governance. We take a deep dive into the inside story of the semantic web, what's next for Web3, and the future of artificial intelligence.
This week Alex Kehaya joins Avichal Garg, Co-founder, and Partner at Electric Capital, an early-stage venture firm. Avichal shares his thoughts on the evolution of Web 3.0, how developers can build a better Internet, and Twitter's decentralized future.
This week host Alex Kehaya joins Nik Kalyani, co-founder, and CEO of Decentology, who are building the future of decentralized apps on the Hyperverse. A great conversation on the power of DAOs, onboarding developers to Web3, and how we can build together to transform the Internet.
This week host Alex Kehaya joins Joseph Al-Chami, Product Manager for Figment one of the world's largest blockchain infrastructure providers and core developers for the Graph. A great conversation on how Figment is helping developers onboard to the Web3 ecosystem, building a better Internet, and the importance of community.
Host Alex Kehaya joins ย Jon Poole, Community Lead and Business Development at the Oasis Protocol Foundation. A great conversation on the Web3 revolution, privacy in the metaverse, and the future of data ownership. ย
Host Alex Kehaya joins Julian Zawistowski, Director of Golem Foundation. Julian, who lives in Poland, talks about his country's cultural andย economic ties with Ukraine, and the critical role Poland is playing during this humanitarian crisis. Also, they take a deep dive intoย decentralized governance and Golemโs latest endeavor Wildland, a new open protocol for data management and how it protects usersโ privacy and digital sovereignty.
What is the future of holograms? Host Alex Keyaha joins Shawn Frayne, Co-founder and CEO of the Looking Glass Factory, a Brooklyn-based startup that's designed the world's first desktop holographic display for 3D creators. We take a deep dive into what's next for the metaverse, holographic NFTs, and how AR/VR will change the world.
Host Alex Kehaya joins Aya Kantorovich, Head of Institutional Coverage at FalconX a digital trading asset platform. A great conversation on what's next for DeFI, the crypto economy, and why the metaverse is the next wave of Web3.
Host Alex Kehaya joins author Shermin Voshmgir, the director of the Research Institute for Cryptoeconomics at the Vienna University of Economics and the founder of BlockchainHub in Berlin. They take a deep dive into decentralized governance, the token economy, and how Web3 is reinventing the Internet.
Host Alex Kehaya kicks off The Index's new season with Anne futurist Ahola Ward, founder, and CEO of CircleClick Media. Anne has been dubbed "The Mother of Startups" by CNN, is an entrepreneur, and published O'Reilly Author. A great conversation on Web3's evolution, the future of the metaverse, NFTs, and what trends to watch for in 2022.ย
Host Alex Kehaya joins Starling Labs Jonathan Dotan, a Fellow at Stanford's Center for Blockchain Research, and is the writer & producer of HBO's Emmy Award-winning series SILICON VALLEY. A great conversation on restoring trust in the digital age and protecting human rights with Web 3.0.
Host Alex Kehaya joins Dragana Kaurin, a human rights researcher and Founder of The Localization Lab, an organization fighting for equal access to information. A great conversation on how to build a bridge across the great digital divide.
Alex Kehaya joins Raullen Chai, co-founder and CEO of IoTeX, a decentralized network for the Internet of Things. A great conversation on Raullen's vision of the decentralized future where self-sovereign users can control their smart devices, as well as the data and value they generate.
Host Alex Kehaya joins Kean Birch, an expert in technoscience and Professor at York University. They take a deep dive into big tech's impact on society, the current debate over personal data ownership, and the future of Web3.
Host Alex Kehaya joins Josh Rosenthal, a former historian, and partner at 6ixth Event Cataclysmic Capital. They take a deep dive into Web3's decentralized renaissance, the NFT revolution, and how crypto is breaking down barriers to create a borderless world.
Host Alex Kehaya joins Eliott Teissoniere, Chief Blockchain Officer for Nodle the worldโs largest ecosystem of connected devices that provides infrastructure, software, and access to date for the Internet of Things. They take a deep dive into the Web3 revolution, decentralized governance, and stepping into the digital future with IoT.ย
Host Alex Kehaya joins Danny Zuckerman, the award-winning co-author of the book, Identity Theft and the Co-founder of 3Box Labs, the company behind Ceramic Network, a next-generation framework for managing user data on the internet. Itโs a great conversation about the current convergence of technology, the power of NFTs, and how to use sovereign data to build Web3 apps.
Host Alex Kehaya joins Justin J. Moses, CTO at Synthetix. A great conversation on unlocking the power of DeFi, the promise of self-sovereign identity, and the future of personal data ownership.
Host Alex Kehaya joins Zhen Cao, a Partner at Republic, a startup investing platform. A great conversation about protecting digital sovereignty, the rise of the creator economy, and building a culture of developer innovation.
Host Alex Kehaya talks with Greg Osuri, Founder and CEO of Akash Network, the world's first open-source cloud. They take a deep dive into creating censorship-resistant networks, big tech deplatforming, and building a decentralized web.
Host Alex Kehaya joins Bradley Kam, Co-founder of Unstoppable Domains, ย a software company building domain names on blockchains. They take a deep dive into building an uncensorable Internet, blockchain domains, and the future of Web3.
Host Alex Kehaya joins Val Mack, Co-founder of Festival Labs and a core developer for the Ceramic Network, to explore the decentralized future. Val shares her thoughts on why diversity is essential in blockchain development teams and how different cultural backgrounds bring more creativity and innovation to technology.
Host Alex Kehaya joins Roneil Rumburg, Co-founder and CEO of Audius, the decentralized music streaming and sharing platform. Roneil discusses how Audius is putting power back into the hands of content creators and the future of NFTs.
Host Alex Kehaya joins Jake Brukhman, Founder of CoinFund one of the first venture firms to invest in blockchain technologies. They take a deep dive into the Web3 revolution, what top 5 blockchain projects Jake's most interested in right now, and why the future of the internet will be decentralized.
Welcome to The Index podcast, hosted by Alex Kehaya! Plugin every other Wednesday as we explore new frontiers with Web3 and the decentralized future. Subscribe and listen to our first episode on June 23, 2021.