Proof of Coverage

Latest Episodes:

Defining the DePIN Category Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode, Connor interviews Shayon Sengupta, an early investor in DePIN. They discuss the rapid growth and potential of DePIN as a business model innovation enabled by crypto. Shayon highlighted the importance of both supply and demand sides in the DePIN space, emphasizing the need for pragmatic approaches to onboarding demand. They also touched upon the unique blend of applications and infrastructure in DePIN networks, with a focus on tokenomics and value transfer.

Shayon shared insights on his role as an activist investor, providing valuable guidance to portfolio companies to increase their probability of success. He emphasized the significance of being involved in decision-making at the product and distribution side, leveraging his expertise in product development.

Overall, the conversation delved into the evolving landscape of DePIN, the importance of token design, and the role of investors in supporting founders in the crypto space. It was an insightful discussion that shed light on the potential and challenges of DePIN networks.

00:00 - Intro

00:57 - Introduction to DePIN’s Business Model Innovation

05:30 - The Debate Between Applications and Infrastructure in DePIN

07:25 - Investor Activism and Support for Founders

Although our guest this week is an Investment Partner of a registered investment adviser, nothing in this podcast should be considered an offer of Multicoin’s investment advisory services or should otherwise be confused for investment, tax, legal or other financial advice.

Investing in the future of crypto x AI Sep 02, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Connor welcomed back Sami Kassab, a DePIN OG and former PoC podcast co-host. Connor and Sami discussed the growing relevance and popularity of DePIN in the current market, with a focus on real-world value creation. Sami shared insights on the latest developments in the Bittensor ecosystem, highlighting its role as a decentralized AI project producing tangible results.

We delved into Sami's transition from operating in the crypto space to his current role at OSS Capital, where he is laser-focused on Bittensor. He emphasized the importance of specialization and developing expertise in a specific area to make a meaningful contribution. Sami's journey from research to investing provided valuable insights for those looking to break into the crypto VC space.

Overall, the episode showcased the evolving landscape of DePIN and Bittensor, highlighting the potential for these projects to drive innovation and create real-world impact in the crypto and AI space.

00:00:00 - Introduction to DePIN's Growing Relevance

00:03:40 - Bittensor: A Decentralized AI Project

00:06:42 - Bittensor's Role in the DePIN Ecosystem

00:07:45 - Transition from Operator to Investor in Crypto VC

00:10:33 - Conclusion

Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Making DePIN for Everyone with IoTeX Aug 29, 2024

Show notes

In today’s episode, Connor discusses the importance of real-world verification in the DePIN network with Raullen Chai from IoTeX. They explore the challenges of ensuring devices in the network perform as expected and provide minimum levels of service. Raullen highlights IoTeX's approach to addressing this issue through device integrity, data privacy, and verification processes.

The conversation also delves into IoTeX's recent 2.0 launch, focusing on modularizing the tech infrastructure to make it more accessible to builders and developers. Raullen emphasizes the need for more DePIN projects in the market to test what works and what doesn't.

Furthermore, Connor & Raullen touch on IoTeX's longevity in the crypto industry, attributing their success to a dedicated team, long-term vision, and adaptability to industry trends.

00:00 - Real World Verification Challenges

01:24 - Pain Points in DePIN Projects

02:36 - Democratizing DePIN

03:18 - IoTeX's Approach to Real-World Verification

04:28 - Longevity and Success of IoTeX

DePIN: Crypto’s Next Big Thing Aug 27, 2024

Show notes

In today’s episode Connor interviews Ben Schiller, a crypto journalist from CoinDesk, about the recent launch of a DePIN vertical on their platform. Ben discusses the importance of covering DePIN as a separate topic due to its unique focus on physical infrastructure and tangible services. They also touch on the evolution of the DePIN industry, the need for real revenue and profitability, and the potential for unicorn companies to emerge in the space. Ben emphasizes the importance of original and provocative perspectives in the coverage of DePIN and invites listeners to contribute their insights. Overall, the episode highlights the growing interest and experimentation in the DePIN sector and the potential for significant revenue growth in the future. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:40 - Why CoinDesk started covering DePIN 05:30 - Planning Crypto Events 09:28 - Evolution of the Term "DePIN" 10:12 - Revenue Outlook in the DePINIndustry

Monetize the Air Rights Above Your Home Aug 22, 2024

Show notes

In today’s episode, we had Jonathan from SkyTrade as our guest, discussing the current state and future of air rights in the drone industry. Jonathan highlighted the use cases of air rights in real estate, views protection, and overhangs. He also emphasized the importance of drones and cargo drones in the future of low-altitude transit.

Jonathan shared insights on how SkyTrade is revolutionizing the air rights market by enabling homeowners to monetize their airspace through a marketplace and a drone radar app. He also discussed the plans for landing and refueling stations for drones, emphasizing the potential for infrastructure development in the drone industry.

Additionally, Jonathan hinted at the possibility of a native token for SkyTrade in the future, with tokenomics already in progress. Overall, the episode provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of air rights and the role of SkyTrade in shaping the future of the drone industry.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to SkyTrade and Air Rights Market

05:30 - Motivation Behind Writing Publicly and Building a Following

10:30 - Current State and Future of Air Rights Use Cases

19:48 - Future State of Air Rights and Use Cases

29:48 - Discussion on eVTOL Market and Concentration of Companies

35:32 - Enforcement and Regulation of Air Rights

36:34 - SkyTrade's Plans for Landing and Taking Off Stations

39:54 - SkyTrade Token Plans and Usage

Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

DePIN Summit Recap and Sector Outlook Aug 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Connor, Sal, and Mahesh discussed the recent DePIN Summit and reflected on the highs and lows of the event. They talked about the importance of bringing the DePIN community together in person to foster collaboration and innovation and shared their experiences with recording the podcast in-person and the overall success of the Summit.

We also touched on the feedback from other founders and investors on the SBC conference and how DePIN stands out with its focus on both infrastructure and applications. The hosts highlighted the energy and optimism present at the summit, especially in sectors like telecom and energy.

Overall, the episode emphasized the importance of making noise about DePIN and the exciting developments within the community. The hosts expressed their enthusiasm for the future of DePIN and the growth potential of the sector.

00:00:00 - Intro

00:05:30 - Mahesh's Talk and Venue Atmosphere

00:10:34 - Highlights and Post-Summit Reflections

00:13:04 - Plans for Future DePIN Summits

00:16:22 - Ping Pong Tournament Recap

00:17:13 - Discussion on SBC Conference Criticism

00:20:17 - Focus on Telecom and Energy Sectors

00:21:46 - Watch the DePIN Summit Talks!!

Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Connecting the Unconnected with Dabba Network Aug 12, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Connor and Mahesh are joined by Karam Lakshman, the founder of the Dabba Network, a wireless network project in India. Karam shared the journey of Dabba, starting from a software consulting company to the deployment of Wi-Fi hotspots across India. The unique model of decoupling hotspot ownership and deployment was highlighted, allowing for foreign investment and scalability. The founder discussed the competitive advantage of Dabba in terms of pricing and coverage compared to traditional telcos in India. The episode also touched upon the upcoming token launch for Dabba, following the buy and burn mechanic for data transfer usage. Overall, the episode provided insights into the innovative approach of Dabba in providing affordable and widespread connectivity in India.

00:00:00 - DePIN’s Expansion

00:05:30 - Global Networks and Deepin's Unique Approach

00:10:46 - Significance of Dreams and Personal Reflections

00:15:20 - India's Growing Wireless Networks

00:17:35 - Dabba’s Origin Story and Progress

00:23:44 - Considering the Helium SubDAO model

00:25:51 - Transition to Mainnet and Token Launch

00:29:08 - Location and Geography in DePIN Networks

00:31:22 - Helium’s Network of Networks Concept

00:34:02 - Supply and Deployment Model of Hotspots

00:37:44 - Demand Side and Data Usage

00:41:42 - Power of Community Assets in the DePIN Model

00:42:29 - Tokenomics Overview and TGE Plans

Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Upgrading the Energy Grid with the Daylight Network Aug 05, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Connor & Sal are joined by Jason from Daylight. They delve into the world of energy and blockchain technology with a focus on the Daylight Network. The conversation touched on various topics, including the concept of energy as a commodity, the challenges and opportunities in the energy industry, and the evolution of the Daylight Network from its inception to its current state.

The discussion also explored the idea of peer-to-peer energy trading, the role of liquidity in decentralized networks, and the importance of separating governance and economic rights in protocols. Jason shared insights on the Medallions model, inspired by taxi medallions, as a way to simplify operational overhead and provide a fixed amount of energy capacity to users.

Additionally, the conversation touched on the topic of fixed versus variable total token supplies and token inflation. Overall, the episode provided a deep dive into the intersection of energy, blockchain technology, and token economics, offering valuable insights and perspectives on the evolving landscape of decentralized networks.

00:00:00 - Introduction to Energy and Electricity Demand

00:01:01 - Discussion about DePIN Summit and Twitter Engagement

00:03:29 - Networking on Twitter

00:08:06 - Discussion on US Government Crypto Policy and Regulatory Changes

00:08:39 - Overview of Energy Industry and Future Infrastructure Needs

00:12:33 - Comparison of Wireless Industry and Decentralized Energy Movement

00:14:55 - Contribution of Flexible Energy Capacity and Energy-Backed Currency

00:15:34 - Discussion on Peer-to-Peer Energy and Market Structures

00:16:32 - Overview of Daylight Marketplace and Electrification Projects

00:22:38 - Evolution of React to Daylight, Bear Market Strategies, and Recent Funding

00:25:16 - Overview of Medallions Model and Separation of Governance and Economic Rights

00:30:23 - Helium Network and Sourceful HIP Discussion

00:35:16 - Insights on Sub-DAO Models and Token Economics

00:37:44 - Introduction to Medallions Model and Taxi Medallion Analogy

00:40:32 - Discussion on Medallions Model and Simplifying Operational Overhead

00:41:25 - Inflation Perspective and Token Economics for Daylight Network

Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Trading Any Asset On-chain with Ostium Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Mahesh and guest host John Wu are joined by Kaledora Fontana Kiernan-Linn, Co-Founder of Ostium Labs. Ostium is committed to delivering solutions around stablecoin settlement, low-latency oracle-based pricing, minimal liquidity provider exposure, and a disintermediated and unbiased trading environment.

We discuss the world of Ostium, finance, and various platforms like Interactive Brokers, LMAX, CME, and Coinbase futures. Kaledora examines the flexibility and benefits of the current trading model, highlighting institutional liquidity, potential partnerships, and the intriguing concept of "perpification."

We also explore the noncustodial perp market for commodities, the significance of funding rates, and the creation of a platform for onboarding real-world assets through synthetic products. Kaledora shares insights into the technical challenges and the project's potential to disrupt traditional markets. Additionally, we uncover the novel solution for market hours data at the node level, emphasizing the importance of quick and decisive decision-making in the startup landscape.

Gain valuable perspectives on trading strategies, decision-making, and the exciting innovations reshaping the world of finance and investment.

00:00 Prioritize quick decision-making over perfection, use intuition.

04:25 Rational decision-making process for quitting ballet.

07:33 Encouraging team trust, accepting imperfect decisions.

10:50 Constructive disagreements focus on idea generation approaches.

15:48 Trading any asset as a perpetual summary.

17:24 Innovative funding rates create balance in crypto.

23:27 Express thoughts freely, don't overthink sharing.

25:32 Advice for overcoming writer's block and perfectionism.

27:57 Accounting for market features crucial for creating oracles.

31:28 Improved solution for market hours data reporting.

36:08 Decentralized system using pool-based market making.

39:10 Excited about future opportunities in crypto markets.

41:18 Creating perpetuals, a unique onboarding approach overview.

44:34 Cryptocurrency, perpetual futures, and evolution of assets.

Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Decentralized Serverless Compute with Fluence Network Jul 22, 2024

Show notes

Sal is joined by Tom Trowbridge, Co-Founder of Fluence Labs. Fluence’s DePIN platform frees developers from centralized clouds by offering natively decentralized, low cost, and verifiable compute. In today’s episode, we dive deep into the world of decentralized networks with real-world utility. We discuss the trade-offs of decentralization, share personal experiences transitioning into the crypto space, and explore the changing landscape of talent and innovation in the crypto industry. The conversation delves into Fluence's unique approach to attracting utility-focused compute providers to power a decentralized, fault- tolerant, low-cost cloudless computing platform. This episode is filled with valuable insights covering the benefits and challenges of decentralized governance in token economies.

00:00 - Balancing institutional background with entrepreneurial experience.

05:48 - Sal's crypto-interest sparked by the first dedicated Crypto VC funds in 2018.

11:30 - Fluence’s new-generation Aqua programming language for distributed systems.

19:00 - Approximating demand for FLT through CPU staking.

25:31 - Drawbacks against community-run governance and centralization.

38:05 - Governance-minimized DePIN protocols.

42:40 - Sal discusses decentralized energy projects he’s excited about.

49:57 - AI model training, e.g. Grass for text and Frodobots for robotics.

56:30 - Complex crypto network economics impact crypto cycles.

Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.