Get actionable advice on building products for real users, shipping iteratively, and tapping into Hyperliquid's permissionless ecosystem without the typical venture constraints

In this episode of GigaBrain Podcast, host Joao Simoes sits down with Ronald, cofounder of Hyperbuilder, to explore how community-driven networks are empowering the next generation of builders, creators, and traders across the Hyperliquid ecosystem with a particular focus on unlocking explosive growth in Asia's rapidly expanding crypto markets.
What You'll Learn:

• How to validate product-market fit before scaling
• Why Asia's "ship-first" culture creates durable competitive advantages
• The localization framework that unlocks regional liquidity explosions
• How to leverage Hyperliquid's architectural moat
• The events-as-distribution model that builds founder networks at scale
• Why Hyperliquid's no-marketing-department strategy creates inevitable ecosystem dominance
  
  

Ronald is a Co-founder of Hyperbuilder, a community-driven collective empowering the next generation of builders, creators, and traders across the Hyperliquid ecosystem. With extensive experience in Web3 communities, regional market expansion, and protocol adoption, particularly across Asia-Pacific markets including China, Vietnam, Japan, and Korea. Ronald brings a pragmatic, execution-focused approach to ecosystem development. Known for his expertise in go-to-market strategy, community distribution, and bridging the gap between builders and users, Ronald has been instrumental in supporting multiple successful projects including HyperSwap, Hyperswap, and numerous trading platforms on Hyperliquid. In this episode, Ronald shares critical insights on building sustainable projects within permissionless ecosystems, leveraging regional strategies for user acquisition, and the philosophical advantages of building on HyperEVM. His deep understanding of Asian crypto markets and hands-on approach to community building makes this conversation essential for DeFi enthusiasts seeking to understand how to ship faster, build with intent, and tap into the most dynamic trading communities in the crypto space.

What if you could trade, earn, and spend without ever leaving your favorite blockchain? In this episode of GigaBrain, host Joao Simoes sits down with Andy and Kurt from HypurrFi to explore how they're revolutionizing DeFi on Hyperliquid with an ambitious suite of products, from lending protocols and isolated markets to the groundbreaking Pokemon card index and on-chain spending card. Whether you're a trader seeking advanced margin solutions, a collector looking to unlock liquidity from real-world assets, or a DeFi builder curious about what's next in permissionless finance, this conversation unpacks the vision behind one of Hyperliquid's most comprehensive ecosystems and reveals insider insights on upcoming launches, strategic partnerships, and how community feedback shapes product development. Tune in to discover why genuine users and real revenue matter more than inflated metrics, and learn the strategies powering the next generation of decentralized finance.

What You'll Learn:

• How HypurrFi's "Trade, Earn, Spend" framework eliminates friction
• Why targeting genuine users over inflated TVL metrics
• The mechanics of isolated markets and Euler integration
• How synthetic dollar (USDXL) debt rails enable unique use cases
• Why the HypurrFi Card matters for traders
• How Pokémon cards as a tokenized index unlock real-world asset collateralization
• The role of community feedback in prioritizing product development
• Why the Perps deck integration matters for professional traders

Andy is a former tenured professor of communication and media research with a PhD, who transitioned into crypto in 2017 after recognizing the transformative potential of blockchain technology. Now serving as a founding member of HypurrFi, Andy brings deep expertise in DeFi infrastructure, protocol design, and communicating complex financial systems to diverse audiences. His work at HypurrFi, spanning lending pools, synthetic stablecoins, isolated markets, and innovative card products, has established him as a visionary builder focused on genuine user adoption and sustainable revenue generation.

Kurt is a professional esports competitor turned blockchain entrepreneur, having achieved rank-one status in multiple competitive titles before pivoting to DeFi. With experience in NFT marketplaces and chain partnerships, Kurt now leads business development and community engagement at HypurrFi, where his ability to identify user needs and execute rapidly has been instrumental in launching cutting-edge products from collateral swaps to the groundbreaking Pokémon collectibles index.

What if the tools you use to trade could actually match the speed and sophistication of Wall Street?

In this episode of Giga Brain, host Joao Simoes sits down with Osama, co-founder of Lit, a desktop trading terminal built on Hyperliquid that's reshaping how power users execute trades on-chain. Discover why advanced traders are abandoning basic interfaces for drag-and-drop limit orders, multi-leg take profits, and wallet tracking features that rival traditional finance—plus gain insider insights on Hyperliquid's roadmap, the emerging HIP3 asset revolution, and why decentralized perpetual trading is about to outpace centralized exchanges. Whether you're a day trader seeking edge or a DeFi enthusiast curious about the next generation of on-chain infrastructure, this conversation reveals the UX innovations and technical strategies positioning Lit as the MetaTrader of decentralized trading.

What You'll Learn:

• How to design UX that traders will actually adopt by involving them directly in the build process
• Why partial take profit and stop loss placement is the killer feature no one else has tackled
• The infrastructure advantage of co-locating servers in Tokyo next to Hyperliquid's core infrastructure
• How to leverage Hyperliquid's permissionless asset listing to capture traders searching for tail-end coins that centralized exchanges won't touch
• Why builder codes and self-funded models align incentives better than VC backing
• The political reality of insider trading in crypto markets and how transparent whale tracking flips the power dynamic

Osama is a Co-founder of Lit, a high-performance trading terminal built on Hyperliquid designed for power users and day traders seeking institutional-grade tools. With a software engineering background from the University of Waterloo and prior experience at Bigo (a major institutional custody firm) and SeatGeek, Osama has deep expertise in building sophisticated trading infrastructure and DeFi products. In this episode, Osama shares critical insights on advanced order execution, professional trading UX design, and how decentralized perpetual exchanges are reshaping the landscape of on-chain trading. His work at Lit which pioneered features like drag-and-drop SL/TP orders, wallet tracking for whale monitoring, and multi-asset on-ramping demonstrates how thoughtful product design can bridge the gap between traditional finance workflows and decentralized trading. For DeFi enthusiasts with technical acumen seeking to level up their trading capabilities, this conversation offers actionable strategies on leveraging Hyperliquid's infrastructure and understanding the competitive dynamics between centralized and decentralized derivatives platforms.

Mercury's Mobile Revolution: Building DeFi for Retail

What if accessing institutional-grade DeFi trading didn't require a computer or technical expertise? In this episode of GigaBrain Podcast, host Joao Simoes sits down with Kyle Grange, founder of Mercury, to explore why mobile-first interfaces are reshaping DeFi adoption, how Mercury leverages Hyperliquid's infrastructure to simplify trading, and the critical strategies needed to compete in an increasingly crowded builder ecosystem. Whether you're a DeFi trader seeking seamless on-the-go execution or an entrepreneur curious about consumer app innovation, this conversation reveals how the next wave of crypto adoption hinges on UX design—and why privacy, scalability, and narrative-driven markets will define 2025's winners. Tune in to uncover why the future of finance isn't just decentralized; it's mobile.


What You'll Learn:

• How to simplify DeFi onboarding for retail users
• Why building on top of existing infrastructure beats competing on backend technology
• The shift from time-based to narrative-driven markets
• How to future-proof a DeFi product through scalable architecture
• Why privacy mechanisms are critical for institutional adoption of decentralized exchanges 
• The builder code model's friction point and how it impacts ecosystem growth
• Consumer apps as the next major crypto trend

Kyle Grange is the founder and lead developer at Mercury, a mobile-first interface built directly on Hyperliquid's decentralized derivatives platform. With a background in IT and business from his tenure at PwC as an advisor, Kyle combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial vision to democratize access to decentralized finance. In this episode, he shares critical insights on building consumer-focused DeFi applications, the evolution of Hyperliquid's ecosystem, and the strategic importance of mobile-first design in bringing institutional-grade trading to retail users. His work on Mercury—which simplifies complex features like unified balances and seamless EVM access—directly addresses the friction points preventing mainstream DeFi adoption. For DeFi enthusiasts seeking to understand how interface innovation and builder incentives shape the future of decentralized trading, Kyle's perspective on narrative-driven markets, privacy considerations, and the scalability of consumer applications offers both strategic foresight and actionable takeaways on positioning oneself within emerging DeFi ecosystems.

Nest & the Future of HyperLiquid: Building the Next Generation DEX

What if the future of decentralized trading hinges on amplified exposure to a single token? In this episode of GigaBrain Podcast, host Joao Simoes sits down with Telaga, a former PhD cancer researcher turned crypto founder, and Esty, a DeFi maxi and growth strategist, to explore why HyperLiquid represents the most compelling trading venue of the next decade, how Nest's MetaDex model creates sustainable yield through treasury mechanics, and the key strategies to position yourself for exponential growth through MegaHype. Whether you're looking to understand next-generation DEX architecture, master capital-efficient trading on HyperVM, or discover how digital asset treasuries can compound your crypto exposure, this conversation is packed with technical insights and bullish thesis that challenge conventional thinking. Tune in to uncover why the Assistance Fund's buyback mechanics make $100 HYPE virtually inevitable—and why builders are racing to capture value in HyperLiquid's expanding ecosystem.

What You'll Learn:

• Why the MetaDex model dominates growth chains and how Nest leverages it for capital efficiency.
• How MicroStrategy's treasury playbook applies to crypto assets.
• The math behind why HYPE hitting $100 is inevitable, not speculative.
• How to maximize returns as an early Nest participant.
• Why Hyperliquid's $1.4B annualized revenue in 2.5 years with an 11-person team signals a generational platform shift.
• How to evaluate crypto risk in infrastructure plays.
  
  
  

Telaga is a former UK PhD cancer researcher turned crypto founder, known for his expertise in decentralized exchange architecture and digital asset treasury mechanics. With a background in biochemistry, drug discovery, and academic research, he transitioned into crypto during the COVID-19 pandemic and quickly developed deep knowledge of DeFi protocols, particularly the ve(3,3) model. As co-founder of Nest—a MetaDex on Hyperliquid—and architect of the Hype Engine, an on-chain digital asset treasury, Telaga is pioneering innovative capital efficiency solutions for DeFi users. In this episode, he shares critical insights on how Nest leverages Hyperliquid's economics to create amplified exposure to the HYPE token while building sustainable value for the broader ecosystem, making this conversation essential for those seeking to understand next-generation DeFi infrastructure and long-term wealth accumulation strategies in crypto.
Esty is a DeFi maximalist and senior growth marketer with a background in biology and sports science who has been immersed in cryptocurrency since 2019. Based in Thailand, Esty has built his expertise through hands-on experience across Discord communities, social media strategy, and protocol marketing, while actively engaging in high-yield farming and trading on platforms like Hyperliquid. As co-founder of Nest, Esty brings a pragmatic, community-focused perspective on capital efficiency, security, and ecosystem alignment within DeFi. In this episode, he articulates a bold vision for Hyperliquid's inevitable market dominance and explains why NEST represents the optimal gateway for accumulating long-term exposure to HYPE, offering DeFi enthusiasts an unfiltered take on market dynamics and sustainable wealth strategies in crypto.

Why DeFi adoption hinges on user experience: Russell and Shahab break down the real barriers to mass adoption and how they're solving the UX problem that's held crypto back for years
What You'll Learn:

• How to position UX as the critical gateway to mainstream DeFi adoption
• Why building on Hyperliquid wasn't accidental, but inevitable
• The community-driven development framework that shaped product roadmap
• Why consensus determines crypto's real value, not scarcity alone
• The specific signals proving this cycle differs from previous alt-season manias
• How Hyperliquid's understated approach (small team, formal events, zero hype theater) signals genuine staying power

Russell Shen is CEO of Dexari, a self-custodial mobile trading app built on Hyperliquid that combines centralized exchange UX with decentralized finance security. With a background spanning sell-side analysis at top-tier Chinese firms and executive roles at major centralized exchanges including HTX and Gate.io, Russell brings deep expertise in bridging traditional finance and DeFi. In this episode, Russell articulates a vision for mainstream crypto adoption through superior user experience and institutional-grade infrastructure, demonstrating how Dexari is democratizing access to leverage trading, diverse asset classes, and self-custody. His insights on Hyperliquid's ecosystem potential and the maturation of crypto markets provide DeFi enthusiasts with forward-thinking perspectives on the future of decentralized trading infrastructure.
Shahab S. is Head of Marketing at Dexari, bringing a marketing-first vision for building crypto communities that prioritize culture and sustained engagement. With a background in UGC strategy at GoPro and marketing leadership at companies like Tastemade and Liquid Death, Shahab combines Web2 expertise with deep crypto passion. In this episode, Shahab articulates an ambitious five-year vision for Dexari as a comprehensive fintech platform—seamlessly integrating trading, yield generation, and potential crypto debit card functionality in a fully self-custodial environment. His perspective on financial freedom and community-driven product development offers DeFi enthusiasts actionable insights into how decentralized apps can achieve mass adoption while maintaining the security and autonomy that define the crypto movement.

Join Joao Simoes as he speaks with Thomas Pratter, founder and CEO of Autowhale, about bridging the gap between TradFi and crypto through sophisticated execution and automation tools. Discover how Autowhale is revolutionizing portfolio management for institutional investors, the convergence of DeFi with traditional finance, and insights into the current crypto bull market trends. From AI integration possibilities to the future of decentralized exchanges, this episode unpacks essential developments for funds navigating the crypto space and offers a glimpse into the transformative tools shaping institutional crypto adoption.

What You'll Learn:

• How Autowhale is addressing key pain points for crypto funds through unified portfolio management and reporting
• Why institutional adoption requires both crypto-native solutions and traditional finance compliance standards
• The emerging convergence between TradFi and DeFi, particularly in stablecoins and real-world assets
• How funds are leveraging DeFi for yield generation and staking strategies
• Why Bitcoin could reach $250K by year-end 2024, with selective altcoin opportunities ahead
• How institutions can navigate regulatory requirements while accessing crypto market opportunities
• Why the combination of centralized and decentralized exchanges will continue to coexist for institutional trading
• The importance of secure, privacy-focused solutions for institutional portfolio management
  
  

Thomas Pratter is the founder and CEO of Autowhale, a platform helping bridge TradFi and crypto through sophisticated execution and automation tools. With a background in software engineering and crypto involvement since 2016, Pratter has extensive experience developing arbitrage software and institutional-grade solutions for crypto projects and funds. He co-founded Autowhale to address the critical infrastructure gap for institutional crypto adoption, creating a comprehensive platform that combines portfolio management, reporting, and execution capabilities. At Autowhale, Pratter focuses on delivering institutional-grade tools that cater to liquid funds managing $5-100M AUM, helping them navigate the complexities of crypto markets while meeting regulatory requirements and maintaining high security standards. His work in developing crypto-native solutions for traditional finance institutions positions him as a key figure in the ongoing convergence of TradFi and DeFi ecosystems.

Discover why the wild west of DeFi presents unique opportunities for traditional institutions looking to enter the crypto space, and how HyperStrategy is positioning itself as a bridge between conventional finance and decentralized ecosystems

What You'll Learn:- How HyperStrategy adapts MicroStrategy's treasury management approach for the DeFi ecosystem- Why convertible bonds are becoming a powerful tool for acquiring crypto assets on-chain- The mechanics of DeFi treasury looping and how it amplifies traditional bond strategies- How HyperStrategy's yield generation benefits both the protocol and token holders- Why the convergence of TradFi and DeFi creates unique opportunities for treasury management- The framework for managing risk in large-scale token treasury operations- The strategic importance of community alignment in building sustainable DeFi protocols

Rekt is the visionary behind HyperStrategy, a DeFi protocol designed to mirror MicroStrategy's approach to treasury management within the HyperLiquid ecosystem. With over 11 years of experience in crypto trading and DeFi, combined with a strong background in traditional finance, Rekt has pioneered innovative approaches to on-chain convertible bond protocols and treasury farming strategies. As a leading voice in DeFi treasury management, they are spearheading efforts to create one of the largest HYPE token treasuries, implementing sophisticated looping and yield generation strategies that go beyond traditional TradFi approaches. Their work at HyperStrategy demonstrates how DeFi and traditional finance are converging, offering institutional-grade treasury management solutions with the efficiency and flexibility of decentralized protocols.

Join host Joao Simoes as he sits down with Luke Cannon, a prominent Hyperliquid community member, to explore the explosive growth and future potential of one of DeFi's most innovative protocols. From his journey of discovering Hyperliquid to insights on the platform's dominance in the perps market, Luke shares valuable perspectives on Hyper EVM's unique architecture, emerging projects in the ecosystem, and the potential impact of corporate treasury adoption. Whether you're a seasoned DeFi trader or curious about next-generation DEX platforms, this episode offers a deep dive into why Hyperliquid continues to capture market share and how its community-driven approach is reshaping the future of decentralized trading.

What You'll Learn:

• How Hyperliquid captured 90% market share in DEX perpetuals through superior UX and community engagement
• Why the dual block architecture of Hypercore and Hyper EVM creates unique advantages for scalability and composability
• The strategic importance of integrating orderbook functionality with smart contracts
• How community-driven development has shaped Hyperliquid's feature set and product roadmap
• Why corporate treasury initiatives and institutional adoption could drive significant price action for HYPE
• The future of Hyperliquid's interface ecosystem and potential technical innovations
• How Hyperliquid's approach to airdrops and tokenomics reflects their long-term vision
• The platform's competitive advantages against centralized exchanges and potential for market expansion

Luke Cannon is a prominent Hyperliquid community member and crypto analyst known for his deep insights into DeFi markets and perp trading. With a background in crypto dating back to 2017, he has become one of the most influential voices in the Hyperliquid ecosystem, providing regular market analysis and community engagement. Luke is particularly recognized for his role in testing new products, providing valuable feedback to developers, and helping shape the evolution of the Hyperliquid platform. His active involvement in the ecosystem and strategic holdings of HYPE tokens have positioned him as a trusted voice in the community, while his detailed analysis of market trends and platform developments has helped educate both new and experienced traders in the DeFi space. Through his Twitter presence (@lukecanon727), he continues to share valuable insights about Hyperliquid's growth and potential, making complex DeFi concepts accessible to a broader audience.

Join host Joao as he explores the future of decentralized exchanges with Jimbo, Creative Growth Lead at Alma Labs. Learn about their innovative approach to building a frictionless liquidity hub on Base, designed to fill crucial gaps left by larger DEXs. From their upcoming TGE to their unique "omni liquidity" approach, discover how Hydrex is making DeFi more accessible while supporting emerging projects. Essential listening for anyone interested in Base ecosystem development, DEX innovation, and the evolution of user-friendly DeFi platforms.

What You'll Learn:- How Hydrex is solving user friction in DeFi through single-click transactions and automated position management- Why Base's support for builders and integration with Coinbase makes it the ideal chain for DeFi innovation- The "Omni Liquidity" approach that allows projects to earn yields across multiple DEXs and platforms- How Hydrex's Base Drop pre-mining phase offers permanent earning and voting power opportunities- Why the evolution of DEXs requires more than just forking existing protocols- The roadmap to Hydrex's upcoming TGE and innovative UI/UX features for simplified DeFi interaction- How Base's integration with Coinbase is bridging the gap between centralized and decentralized finance- The future of DeFi automation and AI-powered trading strategies

Jimbo serves as the Creative Growth Lead at Alma Labs. Hydrex, a pioneering frictionless liquidity hub built on Base. With extensive experience in crypto dating back to 2017, Jimbo has developed deep expertise in DeFi marketing and project development, particularly during the 2021 DeFi boom. At Hydrex, he spearheads marketing strategies and partnership initiatives, focusing on creating a more accessible DeFi ecosystem through innovative liquidity solutions. Jimbo shares valuable insights on building a user-centric DEX platform that addresses current market gaps, particularly in making DeFi more accessible to newcomers while maintaining robust functionality for experienced users. His work in developing Hydrex's omni-liquidity approach and frictionless DeFi interface represents a significant innovation in the DEX landscape, particularly within the Base ecosystem.