Proof of Coverage

Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageIn the inaugural episode of the DePIN Roundtable, Connor Lovely is joined by Santiago R Santos, Mahesh Ramakrishnan, and Jason Badeaux to explore the evolving world of decentralized physical infrastructure networks. They reflect on Bitcoin’s foundational role, early model flaws, and growing interest from non-crypto sectors, highlighted by Santiago’s insights from a Dubai conference. Mahesh discusses the collegial shift among fund managers, fundraising challenges, and the upcoming DePIN Summit in Africa. Jason shares updates on Daylight’s energy subscription model and lessons in team building. The group debates token models, product-market fit, and the experiences of projects like Helium, emphasizing the need for better alignment between user needs and tokenomics. The episode closes with an optimistic outlook on DePIN’s potential to transform infrastructure as SaaS did for software.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:11 - Welcome to the DePIN Roundtable02:09 - Insights from the Dubai Conference05:24 - Fundraising Challenges in Crypto08:53 - Santi's Fundraising Success12:04 - Building a Strong Team15:55 - Daylight's Revenue Generation20:30 - Daylight's Growth and Hiring21:09 - Energy Subscription Model25:11 - Token Launch Considerations30:00 - Learning from Helium's Journey35:09 - Supply Sinks in DePIN Networks41:11 - Innovative Token Use CasesDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageConnor welcomes back Alireza Ghods, co-founder of Natix, to discuss a major milestone for the company. Alireza announces a game-changing partnership with Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading super app—a strategic alliance that positions Grab as a key data customer for Natix’s VX360 product while granting Natix access to Grab’s advanced mapping technology. This marks a significant leap forward in Natix’s mission to build the world’s largest camera infrastructure without owning any cameras. Since December 2024, the company has grown rapidly, with nearly 250,000 registered drivers and over 170 million kilometers mapped across 171 countries. With VX360—an innovative 360-degree video plugin for Tesla vehicles—now shipping ahead of schedule, Alireza offers an inside look at how this partnership will unlock new revenue streams, accelerate autonomous mapmaking, and reshape the future of mobility.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:25 - Introduction to Natix and VX36001:35 - State of the Network: Growth and Updates02:12 - Shipping and User Experience of VX36003:41 - Announcement of Partnership with Grab04:58 - Details of the Partnership and Its Benefits08:04 - Economic Aspects of the Partnership10:22 - Focus on Data Collection and Monetization Strategy13:35 - Future Plans and Excitement for Autonomous Driving14:39 - Closing Remarks and Call to Action for Tesla DriversDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageConnor and Sal spoke with Michael Cho about the future of robotics and AI, highlighting his projects FrodoBots and the new BitRobot network. Michael explained the challenges of testing embodied AI in the real world and introduced the idea of cross-embodiment—training models using data from diverse robots. He also shared how BitRobot uses crypto incentives to crowdsource data and how the meme coin SAM helps build community in a low-pressure way. The conversation offered a fun and thoughtful look into where robotics is headed.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:47 - Intersection of Robotics and AI02:50 - Real-World Evaluation vs. Digital AI06:00 - The Importance of Real-World Testing07:07 - Mapping and Navigation in Robotics08:12 - Value of Real-World Data for AI09:38 - Differences in Data Utility13:07 - Exploring Different Robotic Form Factors14:04 - Cross-Embodiment in Robotics16:35 - Introduction to BitRobot17:30 - Transition from Frotobots to BitRobot20:08 - Collaboration with Researchers and Competitions22:05 - Future Plans for BitRobot24:27 - The Role of Meme Coins in Community Building27:46 - 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.

Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageConnor sits down with Anna Kazlauskas, co-founder of Vana, to explore the intersection of AI and user-owned data. They discuss the resurgence of the crypto scene in San Francisco, fueled by advancements in AI, and the impact of DeepSeek on model training efficiency and data privacy. Anna shares her journey from MIT to co-founding Vana, a layer one blockchain enabling programmable data rights for AI. She introduces the concept of data DAOs—user-owned data collectives that negotiate better terms with platforms—highlighting the shift toward self-sovereign digital identities. The conversation also covers Vana’s tokenomics and its mission to address AI’s data shortage by empowering users with control and incentives.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:45 - Impact of DeepSeek on AI and User Privacy04:22 - User Awareness and Data Storage Concerns06:28 - The Shift in AI Narrative07:14 - Anna's Journey into User-Owned Data10:45 - Vana's Technical Framework and Privacy12:20 - The Need for Data Sovereignty in AI13:27 - Building a Layer 1 Blockchain15:51 - Data DAOs: A New Approach to Data Ownership17:15 - Understanding Data DAOs and Their Function22:47 - The Role of Data Ownership in Social Platforms24:51 - Negotiating Better Terms for Data Ownership26:40 - Bringing Data to Vana and AI Applications28:09 - Privacy-Preserving Compute Solutions29:22 - Tokenomics of Vana30:55 - Data DAO Specific Tokens and Their Role31:22 - Final Thoughts on Vana's Vision32:30 - Where to Find More InformationDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageConnor chats with Rob Solomon, co-founder of DIMO, about the project’s steady evolution through the crypto market’s ups and downs. Rob explains how DIMO enables cars to access and share their data securely—unlocking use cases like EV owners monetizing charging data via carbon offsets. They discuss how blockchain powers trustless data sharing, the user experience of representing cars as NFTs, and the growing developer ecosystem with nearly 200 licenses issued. Rob also previews upcoming enterprise partnerships and invites users and builders to explore the DIMO platform.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:00 - Market Cycles02:26 - Vision and Progress Over Two Years03:40 - Use Cases and App Ecosystem06:42 - Real-World Value Beyond Crypto07:25 - Web2 Integrations and User Benefits10:02 - On-Chain Data and User Permissions11:01 - Explaining DIMO to Crypto Users14:09 - Developer Engagement and Access to Data15:58 - User Opt-In and Data Monetization18:31 - Revenue Generation and DIMO Token Dynamics20:05 - Enterprise Customer Insights22:16 - Go-to-Market Strategies and Supply Growth23:42 - Call to Action for Users and DevelopersDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageConnor speaks with Anirudh Pai, partner at Dragonfly Capital, about what it takes to build a successful crypto project and attract top investors. Anirudh highlights the importance of long-term demand strategies, demonstrating real customer engagement, and standing out in a competitive market. They explore the evolution of decentralized technologies, particularly in the energy sector, and the concept of commodity currencies like electrodollars, emphasizing the role of clean energy in technological progress. Anirudh also shares his insights on balancing learning, founder meetings, and supporting portfolio companies, along with his involvement in the Praxis project, which focuses on creating innovative living environments rooted in community and shared values. This conversation offers a wealth of insights into the crypto space, decentralized technologies, and the future of innovation.Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction01:09 - Getting on the Radar of Investors02:59 - Preferred Communication Channels for Founders04:08 - Balancing Workload and Learning06:21 - Embracing Serendipity in Investing08:13 - Avoiding Pattern Matching in Investment Decisions09:34 - The Evolution of DePIN15:13 - Commodity Currencies and Their Future18:09 - The Role of Energy in Economic Growth19:53 - Challenges in Decentralized Energy Markets22:33 - Roadblocks to DePIN Advancement26:04 - Innovations in the Medallion System27:05 - The Future of Energy and Wireless DePIN’s29:44 - Updates on Praxis and Community Living32:37 - Closing ThoughtsDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageConnor is joined by Sal Gala (EV3), Florian Fournier (Threefold), and Jose Aycart (Share) to announce the DePIN Summit 2025 in Africa and discuss its significance. They explore the region’s potential for technological disruption, the importance of local engagement and government collaboration, and the role of decentralized internet networks in driving innovation. With Africa already leading in digital payments and primed for new advancements, the Summit aims to connect global and local tech communities at a crucial moment for growth. The conversation highlights DePIN as a framework for new business models and the transformative opportunities ahead.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 03:01 - DePIN: A Global Perspective05:55 - The Significance of Africa in the DePIN Movement08:49 - Building Infrastructure: Local Engagement and Government Relations12:11 - Innovations in Internet Connectivity in Africa15:09 - The Future of DePIN: Vision for the Summit18:02 - Excitement for the Upcoming DePIN Summit20:51 - ConclusionDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageConnor and co-host James Lovely, an expert in structured financial products, welcome Brandon Goh, CEO and Co-founder of Treehouse Finance, to explore the intersection of traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). Goh shares his journey from Morgan Stanley to crypto, discussing how innovations like Uniswap reshaped his perspective. The conversation covers risk and return in borrowing rates, Ethereum’s proof-of-stake system as a crypto equivalent to the risk-free rate, and the differences between Ethereum and Bitcoin. Goh introduces Treehouse’s T-Asset product, which enhances liquid staking yields through arbitrage strategies, and highlights the importance of decentralized benchmark rates like the Decentralized Offered Rate (D.O.R). They also examine risks such as rehypothecation and the need for reliable data in DeFi, concluding with a discussion on institutional adoption and the infrastructure required for its growth.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction03:09 - Brandon's Transition from TradFi to Crypto05:12 - Core Concepts of Borrowing Rates in TradFi07:59 - On-Chain Rates and Their Implications09:05 - Comparing Bitcoin and Ethereum as Risk-Free Rates12:22 - Staking Yield as a Risk-Free Rate Analogy14:08 - Liquid Staking Explained21:34 - Treehouse's T-Asset Product Overview23:46 - Decentralized Finance and Risk Considerations29:30 - Institutional Involvement in DeFi31:12 - Expanding to Other Chains and Market Strategy32:34 - Introduction to Decentralized Offered Rates (DOR)41:34 - Building a Decentralized Benchmark Rate48:09 - Incentives and Accuracy in the DOR FrameworkDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageConnor and Mahesh welcomed Vinny Lingham, a prominent figure in crypto and tech. Vinny discussed his latest ventures, including Animal, a film exploring the benefits of the carnivore diet, and shared his personal health transformation. He reflected on the challenges of the 2018-2019 crypto winter, the evolving regulatory landscape, and his work with Civic, a decentralized identity protocol aimed at enhancing trust in digital transactions. The conversation also covered AI and decentralized computing, with Vinny highlighting projects like Render and Vast.ai as potential disruptors to traditional data centers. Throughout the discussion, he encouraged listeners to challenge conventional narratives in both health and technology, wrapping up with an invitation to connect with him on Twitter for further insights.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:27 - Upcoming Movie: Animal02:56 - Misconceptions About Diets06:42 - Challenging Established Narratives08:06 - Civic and Decentralized Identity10:42 - Regulatory Challenges in Crypto13:11 - Transparency in Elections14:15 - Bear Market Experience17:15 - Investing in Solana and Filecoin20:27 - AI Video Conferencing Platform: Rumi21:11 - DePIN Strategy and AI Development25:06 - Future of Decentralized GPUs26:44 - Closing Thoughts Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageConnor sits down with Tory Green to discuss how Io.net is revolutionizing AI infrastructure with affordable, decentralized compute power. They explore the challenges of centralized cloud providers, how DeepSeek underscores the need for decentralized AI solutions, and why Solana’s speed and community support make it the ideal foundation for Io.net. Tory also breaks down the network’s transparency, staking mechanisms, and competitive edge against AWS, GCP, and Azure, along with Io.net’s plans for product launches, partnerships, and mainstream adoption.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction02:50 The Impact of DeepSeek on AI06:04 The Journey to Decentralized AI08:46 Understanding Io.net's Core Problem12:00 Io.net's Solution and Market Position15:09 Overcoming Latency Challenges18:04 Choosing Solana for Io.net's Infrastructure21:03 Token Utility and Community Engagement23:55 Future Aspirations for Io.netDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.