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 networking—essential tools for both new and seasoned entrepreneurs aiming to make their mark.

Orange DAO:
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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 seconds—paving 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, Bagel’s latest product, empowers developers to stack AI components like LEGO bricks for greater scalability and efficiency.

🔥 Key Topics Discussed:
✅ How zero-knowledge proofs are reshaping AI ownership and monetization
✅ The impact of Bagel Network’s ZK LoRa verification system
✅ The rise of domain-specific ASI models and real-world applications
✅ How The Bakery fuels decentralized AI development at scale
✅ The potential for community-built AGI running on crypto rails

🔗 Learn More & Join the Community:
🌐 Website: Bagel Network
🐦 Follow on X (Twitter): @BagelOpenAI
📺 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 Celestia’s 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 Solana’s 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 scalability—a 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 system—one where models aren’t 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 Allora’s 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 finance—but 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 AI—systems capable of reasoning, planning, and executing tasks with minimal human intervention—and 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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