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In this episode, host Connor Lovely talks with Ariel Seidman, founder and CEO of Hivemapper, to explore the fast-growing world of decentralized mapping. They discuss how Hivemapper has mapped 36% of the world’s roads in just a few years and why both individual contributors and commercial fleets are key to scaling the network. Ariel breaks down the company’s recent $32 million fundraising round, the role of the $HONEY token, and how Hivemapper’s data is powering applications like robo-taxis. The conversation also touches on evolving crypto policy in Washington, D.C., and the future of global mapping, from integrating vehicle cameras to balancing static and dynamic map data.

Timestamps:

00:00 - introduction

01:07 - Policy Engagement in D.C.

02:00 - Crypto Lobby Dynamics

02:47 - Resurgence of Tech in SF

03:29 - Market Mismatch for DePIN Tokens

04:35 - Supply vs. Demand in DePIN

06:44 - Customer Coverage Needs

08:28 - Fundraising Success

10:57 - Utilization of Funds

12:34 - Device Payment Plans

14:18 - Dash Cam Benefits

16:31 - Top Use Cases for Hivemapper Data

20:56 - Revenue Insights

24:00 - HONEY Token Economics

27:14 - Contributor Types and Growth

30:29 - Complementary Roles of Contributors

32:57 - Future Coverage Goals

36:02 - Fractals and Deployment Sharing

38:21 - Integration with Vehicle Cameras

40:02 - Static Feature Release Timelines

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

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In this episode, host Connor Lovely talks with Andrej Radonjic, co-founder of Grass, about the rapidly changing worlds of AI and crypto. They cover how the landscape has shifted since May 2024, from advances in Fully Homomorphic Encryption to the move toward reasoning models and multimodal systems. Andrej explains how Grass is tackling real-time data with live context retrieval, expanding its network through Grasshopper hardware, and building tools like ClipTagger 12B, while also growing its community and evolving revenue models. The conversation offers a clear look at the challenges, opportunities, and future direction of AI and crypto.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

1:03 - Shifts in AI and Crypto Landscapes

2:15 - Diminishing Returns in AI Scaling

4:48 - The Evolution of AI Models

6:06 - Grass’s Position in the AI Industry

7:57 - Multimodal Models and Their Growth Potential

9:07 - Challenges in Multimodal Data

11:06 - Live Context Retrieval Explained

12:11 - The Importance of Real-Time Data

13:11 - The Future of AI Search

15:07 - The Scraping Dilemma

18:08 - Grass’s Unique Opportunity

22:05 - Current Node Count and Future Goals

24:29 - Grasshopper and Network Expansion

28:08 - Grass’s Identity: DePIN or AI Project?

30:23 - ClipTagger12B and Video Search Innovations

39:40 - Customer Engagement and Revenue Insights

45:04 - Future Growth and Market Potential

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

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Since recording this episode, Sourceful Energy has doubled down on what really matters: unlocking the greatest asset people already own—the battery in their car. With tens of millions of EVs on the road, each carrying enough energy to power a home for a week, this is the ultimate DePIN.

Our focus is clear: Zap + V2G. Zap is our unifying hardware, the plug that turns every EV, home battery, and solar system into a sovereign energy node. Homeowners keep control, decide when and how to participate, and get rewarded for providing real flexibility.

We're building this on Solana, because speed and scale matter. Millisecond response, real coordination of physical assets, and crypto-native growth.

What’s in it for you? Lower costs, real ownership of your energy, and the chance to turn your EV into a money-making, grid-stabilizing asset.

Zap + V2G + Solana = the rails of the world’s largest Virtual Power Plant.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introductions

01:58 - Comparing Energy Markets: Sweden vs. US

06:00 - Tesla's Virtual Power Plants and Market Dynamics

09:55 - The Importance of a Flexible Grid

12:18 - Sourceful's Role in Energy Transition

14:15 - Building Connectivity in Energy Systems

19:57 - Exploring Sourceful's Active Nodes and Data

25:05 - User Value and Product Focus

26:50 - Choosing Solana: Technical and Community Aspects

33:06 - Future Blockchain Applications in Energy

37:28 - Pilots and Market Validation

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

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Connor is joined by Neil Chatterjee to explore DePIN’s vision for a user-powered internet, highlighting insights from recent conversations with policymakers in Washington and the importance of shaping the future of crypto in the U.S. The discussion covers innovative marketing strategies aimed at accessibility, the critical role of internet infrastructure, and how wireless and antenna technology are driving new possibilities for connectivity. Listeners will also learn about the DAWN  protocol, the launch of the black box as a new era of home internet access, and how decentralized internet can empower communities, enhance privacy, and intersect with advancements in AI. At its core, the conversation emphasizes community collaboration and the shared goal of building a trustless, decentralized internet.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:04 - Neil's Trip to Washington

DC02:11 - Congress's Reception to Crypto and DePIN

06:00 - Understanding Internet Infrastructure

10:07 - Dawn's Role in the Internet Ecosystem

12:01 - Wireless Technology and User Empowerment

14:26 - Andrina's Contribution to Dawn

18:57 - The Black Box: A New Hardware Solution

22:22 - Motivation Behind the Black Box

28:03 - Use Cases and Partnerships for the Black Box

32:47 - Go-to-Market Strategy for the Black Box

37:33 - Token Plans and Solana Ecosystem

40:11 - Lessons Learned as a DePIN Founder

41:35 - Building Relationships in the DePIN Community

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

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Santi, Jason, Sal & Connor  explore the realities of scaling. Highlighting why sometimes doing things that don’t scale is the key to growth -  and how lessons from running reflect the discipline required in business. The speakers discuss the fundraising journey, the importance of building strong investor relationships, and the unique value private equity can unlock, before diving into the intersection of crypto and DePIN technology and their potential to transform industries. From innovations in energy distribution to the surging demand for wireless and Helium’s deflationary model, they unpack the market dynamics shaping the future. At the core is a focus on community-driven user acquisition, clarity, and the principle of going slow to go fast.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:02 - Scaling Insights from Running and Business

05:58 - Fundraising Journey and Investor Relation

11:47 - Unique Insights in Private Equity and Crypto

18:03 -  DePIN Technology and Real-World Applications

23:47 -  Innovations in Energy and Distributed Power

29:57 - Market Strategies and User Acquisition

35:37 -  Helium's Deflationary Model and Market Dynamics

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

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Recorded at the EV3 DePIN Summit in Kenya, Connor speaks with Manolis Nikiforakis, CEO and Co-founder of WeatherXM, about how the company is revolutionizing weather data collection using IoT technology and crypto incentives. Manolis shares insights into their growing network of around 10,000 weather stations, with a focus on expanding coverage in the Global South where data is most scarce. The duo discusses the ambitious goal of deploying 30 million stations worldwide to dramatically improve weather accuracy. They explore how the use of blockchain - specifically Solana - helps incentivize local participation, drive community engagement, and support new revenue models, all while emphasizing the critical importance of data quality.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

02:51 - Expanding Global Network in the Global South

05:48 - Improving Weather Data Accuracy

09:03 - The Role of Crypto Incentives

11:43-  Revenue Models and Customer Use Cases

14:41 - Engaging with the Solana Community

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

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Recorded at the EV3 DePIN Summit in Kenya, Connor spoke with Mohan Ponnada, founder of DeCharge, at a beach resort in Mombasa, Kenya, about transforming the EV charging industry in emerging markets like Kenya and Tanzania. Ponnada discussed DeCharge’s move from India to Kenya to tap into the region’s growing gig economy and EV adoption, stressing the value of local partnerships. He outlined how DeCharge tackles the industry's fragmentation through a decentralized model that lets individuals and small businesses monetize idle charging infrastructure. With a goal of 25,000 stations by March and a seamless, app-free user experience, DeCharge is scaling quickly. The episode wrapped with insights into their upcoming token launch on the Solana blockchain to strengthen their decentralized foundation.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:03 - Exploring Emerging Markets

01:54 - Current Footprint and Local Partnerships

02:39 - Challenges in the EV Charging Industry

04:57 - Decentralization and Community Involvement

05:13 - Motivating Community Participation

08:07 - Bringing Your Own Device

09:06 - Current Network Status and Sales Growth

12:14 - Token Launch Plans and Blockchain Choice

14:32 - Why Solana?

16:29 - Where to Learn More About DeCharge

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

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Recorded at the EV3 DePIN Summit in Kenya, Connor spoke with Mohan Ponnada, founder of DeCharge, at a beach resort in Mombasa, Kenya, about transforming the EV charging industry in emerging markets like Kenya and Tanzania. Ponnada discussed DeCharge’s move from India to Kenya to tap into the region’s growing gig economy and EV adoption, stressing the value of local partnerships. He outlined how DeCharge tackles the industry's fragmentation through a decentralized model that lets individuals and small businesses monetize idle charging infrastructure. With a goal of 25,000 stations by March and a seamless, app-free user experience, DeCharge is scaling quickly. The episode wrapped with insights into their upcoming token launch on the Solana blockchain to strengthen their decentralized foundation.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:03 - Exploring Emerging Markets

01:54 - Current Footprint and Local Partnerships

02:39 - Challenges in the EV Charging Industry

04:57 - Decentralization and Community Involvement

05:13 - Motivating Community Participation

08:07 - Bringing Your Own Device

09:06 - Current Network Status and Sales Growth

12:14 - Token Launch Plans and Blockchain Choice

14:32 - Why Solana?

16:29 - Where to Learn More About DeCharge

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

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Recorded at the EV3 DePIN Summit in Zanzibar, Connor sits down with Samuel Welde, co-founder of Onocoy - a project using decentralized networks to boost GPS accuracy in emerging markets like Africa and South America. Samuel explains how Onocoy leverages Solana’s speed, low fees, and developer support to power billions of autonomous devices with affordable, centimeter-level precision. They discuss the limitations of traditional GPS, Onocoy’s expansion in countries like Kenya and Tanzania, and the project’s unique tokenomics, including the BONO beta token and upcoming ONO token, aimed at incentivizing long-term network growth.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:05 - DePIN Summit in Zanzibar

01:45 - Challenges in the GPS Industry

03:12 - Improving GPS Accuracy with Onocoy

05:06 - Market Strategy in Emerging Markets

06:44 - Global Coverage Goals

09:44 - Community Building and Token Launch

10:44 - Building on Solana

13:18 - Monetization and Demand Side Strategy

18:14 - Getting Involved with Onocoy  

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

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Recorded at the EV3 DePIN Summit in Kenya, host Connor welcomed back Alireza Ghods, Co-founder and CEO of Natix, for his fifth appearance. Alireza shared insights from his trip to Mombasa and the opportunities for crypto adoption in Africa, highlighting Natix’s demand-led approach through partnerships with local businesses. He discussed the company’s dual focus on mapmaking and autonomous driving, noting the higher value and longevity of autonomous driving data. Alireza also reflected on Natix’s token on Solana, praised its usability, and teased major collaborations as the company focuses on scaling and revenue growth.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:08 - Emerging Markets and Product Fit in Africa

02:07 - Current Footprint in Africa and Demand Strategy

03:11 - Focus on Autonomous Driving vs. Mapmaking

04:32 - Data Requirements for Autonomous Driving

06:06 - Monetizing Data for Mapmaking and Autonomous Driving

08:06 - Understanding AI Models in Autonomous Vehicles

10:32 - Experience with Solana and Token Launch

12:52 - Future Plans and Upcoming Announcements

14:13 - How to Get Involved and Learn More

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