MoneyNeverSleeps

Mark McLaughlin is an Irish entrepreneur who has been at the forefront of the ticketing industry since 2006. Mark is the co-founder and CEO of Coras, a company that's been revolutionizing the ticketing landscape with its powerful API solutions, boasting clients like Ryanair. But Mark’s journey doesn’t stop there—he’s now leading Coras into a new frontier with Fida, a cutting-edge loyalty platform that's merging the best of web2 and web3 worlds.

In this episode, we’ll explore Mark’s entrepreneurial journey from founding Ticket Text and Ticket ABC to building Coras, and now, innovating with Fida. We’ll dive into the recent €1.3 million funding round led by Irish VC DataOp and the unique challenges of navigating the web2 and web3 investment landscape. Mark will share insights on balancing traditional and forward-thinking approaches for those straddling the web2 and web3 worlds, and what it means for getting these businesses funded.

00:36 Meet Mark McLaughlin: Revolutionizing Ticketing

03:24 The Ticketmaster Saga

05:52 Building Ticketing Solutions: Challenges and Innovations

07:02 Navigating Financial Crises and Raising Funds

10:59 The Evolution of Coras and the Impact of COVID-19

15:50 Introducing Fida: The Future of Loyalty Programs

25:48 Tokenized Commerce and Loyalty Programs

27:12 Building a Universal Loyalty Program

28:05 Challenges in Raising Funds for Web3 Projects

29:54 Pitching to Investors: Lessons Learned

36:04 The Importance of Timing and Luck in Fundraising

38:20 Exploring New Applications for Blockchain

39:05 Advice for Founders in Web2 and Web3

43:02 Mark's Journey from Music to Tech Entrepreneurship

46:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

LINKS:

Follow Mark McLaughlin on socials:

-Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmclaughlin1/

-Twitter/X: https://x.com/markwmcl

Learn more about and follow Coras & Fida

-Website: https://www.coras.io/

-Website: https://www.fidaapp.io/

-X-Twitter: @corasdotio | https://x.com/corasdotio

-X-Twitter: @fidaapp | https://x.com/fidaapp

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coras-io/

-LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fidaapp/

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Returning from our summer hiatus, Laura Walsh joins the show again this week as guest co-host as we dive into Crypto Politics by unpacking Donald Trump's campaign promises involving bitcoin and crypto.

Laura and I worked together closely in the first two years of the Techstars Web3 accelerator, and she is a Techstars All-Star Mentor, advisor, founder, web3 O.G. and friend.  

In this episode, Laura and I are diving into a hot topic that's been making waves in both the political and crypto spheres. As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Donald Trump has been making some bold promises regarding the future of crypto in the United States—from boosting Bitcoin mining to shaking up the regulatory landscape.

We take a close look at each of Trump's crypto promises, evaluating their feasibility and potential impact. We explore his claims about ending the so-called ‘crypto crackdown,’ his controversial pledge to fire SEC Chair Gary Gensler, and his ambitious goal of making the U.S. a dominant player in Bitcoin mining. We also discuss Trump's proposal to build a national Bitcoin stockpile and defend self-custody rights, along with his strong stance against the introduction of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).

But how much of this actually holds water? Can these promises be realistically fulfilled, or are they just campaign rhetoric designed to win over the crypto community? We break down each promise, tally up the results, and consider who in the tech and crypto space is lining up to support Trump—and why.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer picture of what’s at stake and whether these promises could shape the future of crypto in America, or if they’re just a play for votes. Jump right in as we unpack the reality behind the rhetoric.

TIMESTAMPS: 

03:38 Debate Reactions and Crypto Politics

05:03 Trump's Bitcoin Conference Appearance

14:13 Crypto Regulation and Political Maneuvering

16:42 Trump's Crypto Crackdown and Mining Proposals

26:47 Crypto and Politics: A Misunderstood Relationship

29:01 Bitcoin Stockpile: A Baffling Proposal

34:12 Self Custody and Legislative Processes

35:49 The Controversy of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)

40:46 Ross Ulbricht: A Presidential Promise

42:17 Evaluating Trump's Crypto Promises

49:07 Final Thoughts and Farewell

LINKS:

Connect with Laura Walsh on social media:

-Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralwalsh/

-Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheOGLauraWalsh

Leave a review and subscribe on 

-Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294

-Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd

-Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ

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MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/

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-Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv

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-Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/

-MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/

Pranav Kanade, Portfolio Manager of VanEck's Digital Assets Alpha Strategy joins the show this week. VanEck is an American investment management firm headquartered in New York City with over $100bn in assets under management. Although they’re well known for their passive exchange-traded funds or ETFs, they also manage active portfolios such as Pranav’s Digital Assets Alpha Strategy.  

Pranav Kanade joined VanEck in 2022 from Millennium Management where he was a Credit Portfolio Manager working closely with a team of six investment professionals. Prior to Millennium, he was the founding member of the Head of Research for the Liquid Credit investing business at Angelo, Gordon & Co. and also spent time with Hutchin Hill Capital focused on technology and energy.

In this episode, Pranav and I dig into his transition from traditional finance (TradFi) to the crypto world, his investment philosophy, and the catalysts for growth in digital assets. Pranav details his journey, the differences between traditional and liquid token investments, and how stablecoins, decentralized physical infrastructure, gaming, and social finance can drive mass adoption. We also delve into regulatory landscapes, tokenomics, and the challenges and opportunities in token project investments.

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:18 Meet Pranav Kanade: From TradFi to Crypto

01:55 The Evolution of Digital Assets

04:10 Understanding Tokenomics and Market Dynamics

16:20 The Future of Stablecoins and Tokenized Securities

21:13 Managing a Liquid Venture Portfolio

26:03 The Role of Regulation in Crypto Adoption

38:05 Closing Thoughts and Personal Insights

LINKS:

Follow Pranav Kanade on socials:

-Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkanade1/

-Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/vaneckpk

-Substack: https://killerapps.substack.com/

Learn more about and follow VanEck:

-X-Twitter: @vaneck_us  |  https://twitter.com/vaneck_us

-LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/vaneck/

Leave a review and subscribe on 

-Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294

-Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd

-Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ

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MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/

Email us at [email protected]

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-Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv

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Rita Martins joins the show to discuss her new book, Web3 in Financial Services, which explores how blockchain, digital assets, and cryptocurrency are disrupting traditional financial services. 

In this episode, Rita and I riff on her inspiration for writing Web3 in Financial Services and how she tackled the process of writing a book for the first time.  We also talk about the present and the future of Web3 technologies in finance, the book’s key messages, and how Rita aimed to make the content evergreen with the fast pace of change in web3. Rita was kind enough to feature a conversation with me in the book, so thank you Rita for including my thoughts. 

Rita Martins is a strategic senior leader with a distinguished track record in financial services, fintech and Web3. She serves on the advisory boards of a range of startups at the intersection of finance and DeFi, blockchain, digital assets and crypto, and is a mentor for the Techstars Web3 accelerator.

Previously, Rita was the Global Head of Fintech Partnerships at HSBC, where she played a key role in incubating and accelerating disruptive technologies, creating significant advancements in the fintech landscape. Her extensive background also includes strategy and digital transformation roles at Accenture and Ernst & Young, where she led large-scale digital transformation projects, helping clients achieve strategic milestones.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:43 Meet Rita Martins: Author, Financial Services Executive and Board Member

01:20 Diving into Web3 and Financial Services

02:43 Rita's Journey in Financial Services

05:23 The Inspiration Behind the Book

06:52 Understanding Blockchain and Its Impact

10:58 Writing the Book: Challenges and Insights

15:07 The Future of Web3 in Finance

26:16 Evolving Ecosystem and Challenges

28:10 Dynamic Nature of Writing in Crypto

29:05 Podcasting vs. Publishing

30:31 Killer Apps in Crypto

31:18 Political Influence on Crypto

34:07 Global Impact and Future Predictions

38:09 Reactions and Feedback

41:22 Marketing and Promotion Efforts

44:34 Personal Insights and Experiences

LINKS:

Connect with Rita Martins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritamartins2/

Follow Rita Martins on X: https://x.com/RitaMartinsUK

Buy/download Rita Martin’s book Web3 in Financial Services: 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Web3-Financial-Services-Blockchain-Traditional/dp/1398615714

KoganPage

https://www.koganpage.com/accounting-finance-banking/web3-in-financial-services-9781398615717

Leave a review and subscribe on 

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This week, we dive into decentralization with Kenny Ezeji-Okoye and Stella Dyer from Millicent, Ilya Orlov from FileMarket, alongside Rita Martins, author and Techstars Web3 mentor. The discussion covers the journey from centralized to decentralized models, the impact of decentralization on users and developers, and insights into decentralization in financial services. The episode also includes a sneak peek into Rita Martins' new book, Web3 in Financial Services.

Decentralization generally refers to the transfer of control of an enterprise from a small group of stakeholders to a distributed network. At the earliest stages of a startup’s life, the co-founders usually put a plan in motion to keep the control of the business within the hands of the co-founders as a centralized business. 

With many web3 projects, however, the project leads or co-founders decide to create a distributed network, where the enterprise value accrues to a token rather than to the equity of a centralized operating company.

Decentralization is not a point-in-time decision, however. For example, it took 5 years for the Maker Protocol to fully decentralize.  Most web3 projects that do become decentralized originally start as a centralized operating company and then decentralize over time, like Maker Protocol became Maker DAO.  

Does this matter to users whether or not a project is decentralized or plans to decentralize?  Do they actually care?  What about developers, i.e., those building apps/dapps on top of web3 protocols?  What’s in it for them?

Kene and Stella from Millicent, Ilya from FileMarket, and author Rita Martins tell us what they think about decentralization and when it matters and when it doesn’t.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:57 Understanding Decentralization

02:12 Perspectives from Millicent and FileMarket

03:31 In-Depth Discussion on Decentralization

10:36 User and Developer Perspectives

18:33 Advice for Web3 Founders

23:18 Rita Martins on Decentralization in Financial Services

32:35 Conclusion and Closing Remarks

LINKS:

Connect with this week’s guests on LinkedIn:

-Kene Ezeji-Okoye: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pronouncedkenny/

-Stella Dyer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stelladyer/

-Ilya Orlov: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orlov-ilya/

-Rita Martins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritamartins2/

Follow this week’s guests on X/Twitter:

-Kene Ezeji-Okoye: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pronouncedkenny/

-Stella Dyer: https://x.com/MillicentLabs/

-Ilya Orlov: https://x.com/UnderKong

-Rita Martins: https://x.com/RitaMartinsUK

Learn more about each founder’s business:

-Millicent Labs: https://www.millicent.io/  |  https://x.com/MillicentLabs

-FileMarket: https://filemarket.xyz/  |  https://x.com/FileMarket_xyz

-Rita Martins’ book: Web3 in Financial Services https://www.amazon.co.uk/Web3-Financial-Services-Blockchain-Traditional/dp/1398615714

Leave a review and subscribe on 

-Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294

-Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd

-Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ

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MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/

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-Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv

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-Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/

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Alejandro Gutierrez, CEO of npayme Labs and co-founder of ETH Dublin joins me again as guest co-host this week. We start with Alejandro's Token2049 Dubai ‘tsunami-in-a-yacht’ story, the upcoming ETH Dublin 2024, and the Techstars Web3 demo day on June 6th in NYC. We then cover the challenging venture capital funding market for Web3 projects, political and regulatory developments in the U.S. concerning crypto, and the in-flight approval of Ethereum ETFs.

As we recorded this episode a few hours before the SEC took the first step in authorizing Ethereum ETFs, we unpacked the political and legislative climate towards crypto in the U.S., and how things like SAB121 and the FIT21 Act are driving real change.  We also touch on the broader impact of blockchain technology on financial markets and the context of tokenization, consumerization, and infrastructure improvements in the crypto space.

TIMESTAMPS:

01:53 Alejandro's Dubai Adventure at Token 2049

04:40 ETH Dublin 2024 Preview and Techstars Web3 Demo Day

07:16 npayme Labs and the Future of Web3

12:14 The State of Venture Capital in Crypto

23:00 The Impact of Political Climate on Crypto

25:04 Trump's Crypto Strategy

26:18 Crypto Donations and Political Influence

28:43 Ethereum ETFs and Regulatory Challenges

32:25 Political Shifts and Crypto Regulation

37:19 The Future of Crypto Legislation

45:09 Pizza Day and Bitcoin's History

STORIES WE COVERED:

VC Funding in Crypto

Galaxy Ventures bemoans ‘challenging’ market as crypto VC funding set for measly 27% gain (DL News, 20-May-24)

CryptoRank:  Recent Crypto Investments and Fundraising Rounds (early stage only)

ETH ETF Approval Expectations

Ether jumps 20% on renewed optimism for an ETF, bitcoin also rallies (CNBC, 20-May-24)

Ether ETFs Filing Process Sees Abrupt Progress, Though Approval Not Guaranteed: Sources (CoinDesk, 20-May-24)

Fidelity Drops Staking Plans in Updated Ether ETF Filing (CoinDesk, 21-May-24

Blockworks’ BTC ETF Tracker

US Crypto Regulatory Ups and Downs

House To Vote On Who Will Regulate Crypto (21-May-24)

Proposed DeFi Carve-out from Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Hayden Adams on X/Twitter, 20-May-24)

Uniswap Labs Urges SEC to Drop Pending Enforcement Action in Wells Response (CoinDesk, 21-May-

LINKS:

Follow our guest co-host Alejandro Gutierrez:

-X(Twitter):  https://twitter.com/A_gutierro

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandro-gutierrez-98979b43/

Learn more about:

-npayme Labs: https://npayme.com/

-ETH Dublin:  https://ethdublin.io/

Register for the Techstars Web3 Demo Day:  

-Livestream: https://lu.ma/usaj1l7k

-In-Person (NYC): https://lu.ma/3wlbvrih

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-Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294

-Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd

-Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ

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MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/

Email us:  [email protected]

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-Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv

-MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow  

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-Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/

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This week, we dive into Aleph Zero, a privacy-enhancing layer one blockchain renowned for prioritizing scalability, security and speed, with co-founder Antoni Zolciak and Head of Investments Piotr Saczuk. 

Antoni discusses his transition from technology marketer to blockchain, emphasizing the humanist aspect of technology and the broad scope of blockchain's potential applications. Piotr shares his journey from TradFi to blockchain investments, highlighting the importance of values and adaptability in the fast-paced crypto industry. 

The discussion explores the challenges and strategies involved in building the Aleph Zero community, driven by transparency, support, and a user-focused approach. We also talk about the nuances of ecosystem investing, the importance of UX, and the integral role of a strong community in fostering innovation and adoption. Additionally, we look inside Aleph Zero’s relationship with the Techstars Web3 accelerator, and the related benefits to web3 founders.

00:24 Introducing Aleph Zero: A Privacy-Enhancing Blockchain

01:16 The Journey to Aleph Zero: Antoni’s and Piotr’s Stories

01:24 Building a Thriving Ecosystem and Community in Web3

05:30 The Art of Keeping Up with Blockchain's Pace

10:48 From Concept to Ecosystem: The Growth of Aleph Zero

21:27 Investing in the Future: The Ecosystem Funding Program

25:05 The Importance of UX and Security in Web3 Development

32:34 Finding the Right Founders to Build on Aleph Zero

38:33 Closing Thoughts and Personal Revelations

Antoni Zolciak is co-founder of the Aleph Zero Foundation and Cardinal Cryptography, the core developer of the Aleph Zero blockchain.  Antoni is a technology marketer with over 10 years of professional experience in public relations and content creation projects for global brands such as ING, Samsung, Sony, Olympus and Nikon.  But now, he’s here to tell the story of incredibly smart people working on decentralized innovations.

Piotr Saczuk is the Head of Investments at the Aleph Zero Foundation.  After university, Piotr had a short spell in TradFi before going down the crypto rabbit hole with Finoa, Unmind DAO, Soonami, and then finally to Cardinal Cryptography and Aleph Zero, first as ecosystem investments manager and then into his current role as Head of Investments.

LINKS:

Follow this week’s guests on X/Twitter:

-Antoni Zolciak:  https://twitter.com/antonizolciak

-Piotr Saczuk:  https://twitter.com/Piotr_Saczuk

Learn more about and follow Aleph Zero:

-X-Twitter:  @aleph__zero  |  https://x.com/aleph__zero

-Linktree:   https://linktr.ee/alephzero  

Connect with this week’s guests on LinkedIn:

-Antoni Zolciak:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonizolciak/

-Piotr Saczuk:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/piotr-saczuk-0347521bb/

Leave a review and subscribe on 

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MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/

Email us at [email protected]

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-Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/

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This week, I’m joined by guest co-host Mai Santamaria, the head of the financial advisory unit for the Department of Finance in Ireland. We delve into the world of digital identity, discussing the projects of World ID and TON, iris and palm scanning, and how humans are incentivized to digitalize their identity. Mai and I explore the broader implications of digital identity on economic freedoms and the geopolitical landscape that influences the sovereignty of digital infrastructure. 

Additionally, we touch upon the impact of digital identity in securing basic human rights and the potential shifts towards universal basic income facilitated by emerging technologies. The discussion also includes insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by decentralization, the significance of maintaining digital infrastructure sovereignty, and the ongoing regulatory hurdles faced by companies at the intersection of finance and technology.

TIMESTAMPS:

02:54 The Evolution and Impact of Digital Identity Technologies

03:31 World ID, TON and Digital Identity: A Closer Look

08:45 Exploring the Future of Universal Basic Income and Digital Identity

14:07 The Ethical and Practical Implications of Digital Identity Verification

15:57 Reflecting on the Broader Implications of Digital Identity and Personhood

20:34 Exploring Mobile Wallet Security and User Comfort

21:26 Revolutionizing SIM Technology with eSIMs and Wallet Integration

23:10 The Future of Identity: From Physical to Digital

24:29 Digital Infrastructure and Sovereignty: A European Perspective

30:01 Innovations in Mapping and the Importance of Open Infrastructure

35:03 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in the Crypto Space

36:58 Optimism for the Future of Digital Identity and Infrastructure

Mai originally featured on episode 5 of MoneyNeverSleeps back in 2018, she made a cameo on our 200th episode, and she’s a Techstars mentor.  Two of the episodes that I did with Mai recently, episode 241 on the crossover of blockchain and AI and episode 247 on the crossover of blockchain and digital identity, have been very popular with our most loyal listeners, so make sure you check those out.

Worldcoin tightens privacy checks, allows users to unverify World ID (9-Apr-24, Cointelegraph)

TON’s $5M incentive program aims to drive digital ID verification (Cointelegraph, 8-Apr-24)

Two new satellites join the Galileo constellation (ESA, 29-Apr-24)

SEC issues Robinhood Crypto with Wells Notice, citing alleged securities violations (The Block, 6-May-24)

LINKS:

Follow our guest co-host Mai Santamaria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mai07/

Leave a review and subscribe on 

-Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294

-Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd

-Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ

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MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/

Email us at [email protected]

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-Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv

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-Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/

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I’m joined by three of the founders from the Techstars Web3 class of 2024 to help me identify the mainstream adoption path for blockchain technology, including Andrea Miele, Co-Founder and CEO of The Colony, Fabien Arneodo, Co-Founder and CEO of SportSyncTech, and Nick Mason, Co-Founder and CEO of ProofSpace.

As William Gibson, author of the 1984 book Neuromancer, famously said: “The future is already here, it’s just not that evenly distributed”.  I think of this quote every time I get pushback from naysayers on the long-term usability of blockchain technology.

In the intro to a recent episode with the first group of 4 founders from Techstars Web3 we talked to about common misconceptions about web3, I referred to the estimated less than 20 million daily active users of crypto. Crypto in all of its shapes and forms is accountable for the overwhelming majority of the use of blockchain technology around the world today.

Recently, Lex Sokolin from the Fintech Blueprint (shout out to Lex!) summarized things nicely by pointing out that the daily active users of major blockchain protocols such as Ethereum, Binance Chain, Polygon, and Solana increased from 5 million to nearly 8 million this year.  Whether we’re talking about 8 million daily active users or 20 million users, with blockchain, we’re only in the ballpark of the number of Robinhood daily active users or the population of the Netherlands.

Given how much of my time I spend in crypto and blockchain it feels like we’re already mainstream, and that the future is already here. But, back to the reality of today and our 20 million daily active users, we have some work to do.

We’re on a trajectory with crypto adoption similar to that of the internet in the 1990’s, and if the growth projections hold water, blockchain by association will become ‘mainstream’ during the 2030s. That’s a 10-year range, so what’s the timeline to where more of humanity with internet access are using blockchain daily than not?

In terms of adoption, what are the things we need to do more of (or less of) in web3 to trigger blockchain adoption by web2-only users? Do they even need to know they’re using blockchain?

To answer these questions and more this week, I asked Andrea Miele from The Colony, Fabien Arneodo from SportSyncTech, and Nick Mason from ProofSpace what they think about the mainstream adoption of blockchain technology.

LINKS:

Connect with this week’s guests on LinkedIn:

-Andrea Miele:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/agriffin717/

-Fabien Arneodo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabien-arneodo/

-Nick Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-mason-762316b/

Follow this week’s guests on X/Twitter:

-Andrea Miele: https://twitter.com/NFTeafor2

-Fabien Arneodo: https://twitter.com/FabienArneodo

-Nick Mason: https://twitter.com/nick__mason

Learn more about each founder’s business:

-The Colony: https://thecolony.xyz/   |   https://twitter.com/thecolonyxyz

-SportsyncTech: https://www.sportsynctech.com/  |   https://twitter.com/SportSyncTech

-ProofSpace: https://www.proofspace.id/  |   https://twitter.com/proof_space

Leave a review and subscribe on 

-Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294

-Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd

-Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ

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MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/

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-Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv

-MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow  

Follow on LinkedIn:

-Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/

-MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/

Gray Webb is co-founder and CTO at Liquibit Capital, and we kick things off with a look at what’s happened with BTC since the latest bitcoin halving.  Gray and I then riff on the evolution of bitcoin into a long-term holding with huge opportunities for financial innovation.  We also look at the mainstreaming of stablecoins as the killer app for crypto and how stablecoins have only scratched the surface by nudging past Visa in quarterly settlement volume.

Gray Webb is an entrepreneur and technology professional specializing in Digital Asset & Equity Capital Markets. With over 20 years of experience, he has expertise in high-frequency trading, risk management, and post-trade systems. He is currently the Co-Founder and CTO of Liquibit Capital, an algorithmic-driven trading and asset management company. Gray is also involved in mentoring, teaching, and startup mentoring in the blockchain and Web3 space, and is one of the fantastic mentors for founders in the Techstars Web3 accelerator program. He has a strong background in product management and technology delivery, having worked with companies like Digital Asset and JPMorgan. 

Liquibit Capital⁠ is a best-in-class investment management firm focused on producing consistent and uncorrelated returns in the emerging digital asset class.

You can also listen to more of Gray’s backstory and that of his Liquibit co-founder Joseph Chang in episode 138 from 2021. 

STORIES COVERED:

BTC as a long-term holding

Hong Kong's six spot bitcoin, ether ETFs see $11 million in volume on first trading day (The Block, 30-Apr-24)

Blockworks’ BTC ETF Tracker

Stablecoins mainstreaming

PV01 Issues First Digital Bond to Blue-Chip Stablecoin Investors (PRNewswire, 16-Apr-24)

Tether, USDC and DAI transaction volume surpasses Visa's 2023 monthly average: Nansen (The Block, 29-Apr-24)

Stripe Brings Back Crypto Payments Via USDC Stablecoin (Yahoo Finance, 25-Apr-24)

Making sense of stablecoins (Visa, 25-Apr-24)

LINKS:

Learn more about Liquibit Capital:  https://liquibit.io/

Connect with Gray Webb on socials:

-LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/graywebb/

-X(Twitter):  https://twitter.com/cryptopacific

Leave a review and subscribe on 

-Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294

-Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd

-Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ

MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/

MoneyNeverSleeps website:  https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/

Email us at [email protected]

Follow on X(Twitter): 

-Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv

-MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow  

Follow on LinkedIn:

-Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/

-MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/