GRTiQ Podcast

Leave feedback!Today I am speaking with Ram Kumar, Co-founder at OpenLedger, a platform building specialized AI models through decentralized data collection and attribution.Born and raised in Chennai chen-NYE, India's thriving tech hub, Ram has been actively involved in the web3 space since 2017. Ram's journey from building web3 solutions for enterprises to founding OpenLedger was driven by his observation of data bottlenecks in AI development. His vision for specialized AI models that can power purposeful agents while ensuring fair attribution to data contributors showcases his commitment to making AI development more accessible and transparent.Show Notes and TranscriptsThe GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem.  Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.Twitter: GRT_iQwww.GRTiQ.com

Leave feedback!Today I am speaking with Lark Davis, an influential crypto content creator and the driving force behind the widely followed YouTube channel and newsletter, Wealth Mastery. Many listeners know Lark for his approachable and often humorous take on navigating the ever-changing landscape of crypto markets. His journey into crypto began in 2017, sparked by a suggestion from his mother, and he quickly transitioned from a career in education to become one a well-known voice in the industry. Lark’s insights into market cycles, meme coins, and the future of decentralized finance have earned him a large, engaged audience. In our conversation, Lark shares stories from growing up in a small Appalachian town, moving to New Zealand, traveling the world, and how those experiences shaped his relentless drive. We dive deep into his thoughts on meme coins, the current market cycle, the role of community engagement, and the future of the crypto industry.Show Notes and TranscriptsThe GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem.  Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.Twitter: GRT_iQwww.GRTiQ.com

Leave feedback!Today I am speaking with Sean Robb, Technical Product Lead at Flow. Based out of St. Louis, Sean’s journey into Web3 started with his background in computer engineering, where he worked on flight control systems before moving into roles at CenturyLink and MasterCard. At Dapper Labs, he helped shape the Dapper Wallet during the NBA Top Shot craze, driving the evolution of consumer-facing applications in Web3. Now at Flow, Sean is pushing the envelope in blockchain scalability and user experience, especially with recent upgrades like Crescendo and its EVM compatibility. We explore Sean’s unique perspective on Web3's consumer applications, digital scarcity, and the role of AI in decentralized ecosystems.Show Notes and TranscriptsThe GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem.  Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.Twitter: GRT_iQwww.GRTiQ.com

Leave feedback!Today I am speaking with Rebecca Liao, CEO and Co-founder at Saga. A Stanford economics graduate and Harvard Law alumna, Rebecca's remarkable journey spans from corporate law to presidential politics, serving as policy advisor for both the Biden and Clinton campaigns. Her entrepreneurial path includes co-founding Skuchain, which grew to $5 billion in annual volume providing short-term liquidity to small businesses, and early leadership at Globality, where she helped drive the company to unicorn status through AI and international procurement solutions. At Saga, Rebecca is revolutionizing blockchain infrastructure for gaming and entertainment, creating automated solutions for developers while maintaining a steadfast focus on community building. A lifelong performer who began ballet at age three, she brings an artist's sensibility to technology leadership.Show Notes and TranscriptsThe GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem.  Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.Twitter: GRT_iQwww.GRTiQ.com

Leave feedback!Today I am speaking with Anna Kazlauskas, CEO and Co-founder at Vana. A builder at heart who discovered programming through graphing calculators, Anna's journey spans from mining cryptocurrency in MIT's dorm rooms to pioneering decentralized AI solutions. Her unique background combines computer science and economics, including work at the Federal Reserve, World Bank, and Cello, where she focused on making blockchain accessible on mobile devices. At Vana, Anna is revolutionizing how users own and monetize their data in the AI era, drawing inspiration from her Filipino heritage and passion for creating global opportunities in tech. A testament to her innovative spirit, she built her first startup after automating document processing at the World Bank, and now leads Vana's mission to establish a new paradigm for data ownership in the age of artificial intelligence.I started the conversation with Anna by talking about her upbringing in Montreal, Sweden, and Minnesota, and how her early curiosity led her to take apart appliances and read instruction manuals, shaping her systematic approach to understanding technology.Show Notes and TranscriptsThe GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem.  Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.Twitter: GRT_iQwww.GRTiQ.com

Leave feedback!Today I am speaking with Jeroen Develter, Chief Operating Officer at Persistence Labs. Jeroen’s journey into web3 spans traditional finance, consulting, and an entrepreneurial leap into the world of crypto and blockchain. Originally from Belgium, he built a global career that took him from working with major banks in Paris to founding a startup in Singapore. His diverse background provides a unique perspective on the emerging Bitcoin DeFi ecosystem, a narrative that seems to grow more and more each day. At Persistence Labs, Jeroen is working on pioneering solutions aimed at expanding the utility of Bitcoin through interoperable layer-two networks and innovative DeFi applications. During our conversation, Jeroen shares insights into his vision for a productive Bitcoin economy, the challenges of scaling Bitcoin's infrastructure, and why he believes Bitcoin DeFi could outpace Ethereum’s DeFi ecosystem.Show Notes and TranscriptsThe GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem.  Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.Twitter: GRT_iQwww.GRTiQ.com

Leave feedback!Today I am speaking with Mark Beylin, an associate at Boost VC, an early stage venture capital firm with expertise in deep tech hardware and software. And as you will hear, Mark is no stranger to the world of web3 and blockchain - his journey includes founding roles and launching interesting tech, along with some amazing roles at Deloitte and ConsenSys.Recently, Mark has gained significant attention for some thought-provoking blogs, including “The Token is the Product” and “The Hard Crypto Thesis,” which have challenged conventional views and started industry-wide discussions. During this interview, we explore both of these blogs and the arguments he is making. We’ll also unpack Mark’s professional experiences, his journey into web3, some of his entrepreneurial insights, his take on the evolving crypto industry, and the principles guiding his work at Boost VC.  I started the conversation with Mark by talking about his early years, growing up as the child of Russian immigrants in Canada, and how this background shaped his views on entrepreneurship and innovation​.Show Notes and TranscriptsThe GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem.  Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.Twitter: GRT_iQwww.GRTiQ.com

Leave feedback!Today I am speaking with Julian Zawistowski, Director at Golem Foundation. Julian is a co-founder and longtime leader behind Golem, a project initiated to leverage collective computing power through decentralized networks.Since entering the blockchain space in 2013, Julian has applied his economics and policy background to drive innovation and create decentralized infrastructure for public good. Growing up in Poland, Julian witnessed the country’s historic transition away from communism—a pivotal experience that sparked his fascination with economics and shaped his mission to drive decentralization. During this interview, Julian discusses his journey from Golem Factory to the Golem Foundation, exploring the evolution of decentralized computing, the importance of public goods funding, and the future of web3. Julian also shares insights on Ethereum staking, the challenges of decentralized coordination, and his team’s use of The Graph.Show Notes and TranscriptsThe GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem.  Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.Twitter: GRT_iQwww.GRTiQ.com

Leave feedback!Today, I am speaking with Steve (Namwoong) Kim, Co-Founder at Four Pillars, a global blockchain research firm based in Seoul, South Korea. Four Pillars is influential throughout the blockchain space, known for its deep knowledge and research of key infrastructure and unique tech emerging in web3.Steve’s academic background includes a degree in Economics from Penn State University, where he also pursued a minor in political philosophy. Steve’s passion for blockchain emerged from his interest in Austrian economics and the philosophical underpinnings of decentralization. During this interview, Steve shares his incredible personal journey, beginning with his early life in South Korea. We then dive into his studies in the U.S., his pivot towards economics, and how some insight into financial hardship motivated him to explore blockchain technology. Steve’s reflections on the ideological and technological transformations within the crypto space provide unique insights into the intersection of economics and blockchain. We also discuss his vision for Four Pillars, the importance of interoperability in web3, his research on The Graph, and his experiences writing influential research that bridges Eastern and Western perspectives on blockchain development.Show Notes and TranscriptsThe GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem.  Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.Twitter: GRT_iQwww.GRTiQ.com

Leave feedback!Today I am speaking with Ben Huh, a pioneering entrepreneur, co-founder, and investor. Many listeners will know Ben as the visionary behind the massive success of Cheezburger, the internet sensation that transformed memes and user-generated content into a business powerhouse.Ben’s career spans decades of innovation, from his early entrepreneurial efforts to his role as a thought leader in web3. He’s currently an integral part of Orange DAO, where he continues to champion tech, web3, crypto, and DAOs.During this interview, we explore Ben’s remarkable journey—from growing up as the son of immigrants, his time at Northwestern University, the rise of Cheezburger, to his current work empowering the next generation of web3 entrepreneurs. I think you’ll find Ben’s insights into meme culture, decentralization, and entrepreneurship are second to none.Show Notes and TranscriptsThe GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem.  Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.Twitter: GRT_iQwww.GRTiQ.com

Leave feedback!Today I am speaking with Anne Ahola Ward, Co-founder and CEO of CircleClick Media, a digital marketing firm that focuses on growing startups and emerging tech companies. Anne’s background is a unique blend of startups, business, and cutting-edge technology, which has fueled her passion for innovation and problem-solving across various industries. Anne is also the author of The SEO Battlefield, a comprehensive guide to search marketing strategies.During this interview, Anne shares her journey into tech and the startup world, beginning with her work as a developer during the dot-com boom. She reflects on her experience at Apple, where she fell in love with UI, UX, and SEO, and eventually led her to found CircleClick in 2009. Throughout our conversation, Anne discusses the evolution of SEO, how AI is reshaping the landscape, and her unique perspectives on the Wweb3 space, including her work with blockchain and DeFi projects. We also explore the future of privacy in marketing and Anne’s belief in the potential for mass adoption of web3 and crypto.Show Notes and TranscriptsThe GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem.  Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.Twitter: GRT_iQwww.GRTiQ.com

Leave feedback!Today I am speaking with Hyung-Kyu Choi, also known as "HQ," Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at DSRV, a well-known blockchain infrastructure provider based in South Korea. DSRV is known for offering a range of web3 infrastructure solutions, including its validator services, serving over 50 protocols, blockchain RPC service, and development support tools like Welldone Studio.HQ shares his web3 journey, growing up in Seoul, South Korea, with a brief stint in Canada, and his research experiences at the university in the states. HQ talks about his childhood fascination with space that sparked an early interest in mechanical engineering, but his curiosity evolved toward computer science and programming, leading him to earn a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Seoul National University. During the interview, HQ also discusses his experiences working on the Ethereum Virtual Machine and AI inference engines during his time at Samsung and Ground X, as well as his motivation to co-found DSRV to solve the blockchain infrastructure challenges that builders face. HQ also talks about DSRV’s involvement in The Graph ecosystem, starting with his participation in the Mission Control testnet and DSRV’s recent hosting of The Graph’s Sunrise Party in Seoul - sharing his perspective on the critical role The Graph plays in providing decentralized data infrastructure for web3.Show Notes and TranscriptsThe GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem.  Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.Twitter: GRT_iQwww.GRTiQ.com

Leave feedback!Today, I am speaking with Riad Wahby, Co-founder and CEO at Cubist, a company dedicated to enhancing security and simplifying key management for web3 developers and businesses. With a background that combines pioneering academic work in proof systems and cryptography, Riad brings a wealth of experience to his role at Cubist, where the team aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and user applications in web3.During our interview, Riad shares his interesting journey from growing up in Iowa to pursuing advanced studies at MIT and Stanford, where he made some notable contributions to the field of cryptography. We also discuss his early interest in technology, his perspectives on how the industry has evolved, and his professional journey that culminated in co-founding Cubist. Along the way, Riad also shared insight on the evolution of AI, the importance of decentralization, and his vision for the future of web3. Show Notes and TranscriptsThe GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem.  Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.

Leave feedback!Today, I am speaking with Eshan Chordia, Co-Founder at Lumino AI, a company building decentralized AI solutions focused on making machine learning models more accessible and affordable. As you will hear, Eshan’s background is filled with a deep passion for tech and entrepreneurship. From his early interest in tech and video games to his experiences working in startups and at Protocol Labs, Eshan has unique perspectives on topics like AI, decentralization, and web3.During this interview, Eshan shares his journey into tech and web3, his time at Protocol Labs working on Filecoin's cryptoeconomics team, and the origins behind Lumino AI. We explore the challenges and opportunities within the AI and web3 spaces, Eshan’s vision for decentralization, and why he believes that democratizing access to machine learning models is crucial for the future of tech. Eshan also provides insights into Lumino AI’s unique approach and a very thoughtful - maybe as thorough as you’ll hear - overview of how we should think about what the next big thing might be for AI.Show Notes and TranscriptsThe GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem.  Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.Twitter: GRT_iQwww.GRTiQ.com

Leave feedback!Today, I am speaking with Mark Smargon, Founder and CEO of Fuse, a leading web3 platform for business and finance. With a deep-rooted background in tech entrepreneurship that began at the age of 14, Mark has been a pioneering force in the crypto space, particularly in building payment solutions that merge the worlds of traditional finance and decentralization. During this interview, Mark shares his incredible journey, starting with his early ventures in tech alongside his twin brother, to his time in the Israeli intelligence unit, which he says shaped his approach to leadership and management. We also explore Mark's insights on the evolution of payments, his views on the tech and crypto scene in Israel, and how Fuse is revolutionizing payment infrastructure by blending the best of centralized and decentralized finance. Along the way, Mark shares his thoughts on the role of The Graph in Fuse's ecosystem, why being a blockchain rather than just an app makes sense for Fuse, and his vision for the future of Web3.Show Notes and TranscriptsThe GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem.  Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.Twitter: GRT_iQwww.GRTiQ.com

Leave feedback!Today, I am speaking with José Betancourt, Founder and CEO of Virtual Labs, a cutting-edge platform focused on decentralizing data and improving user experiences in web3. José made the bold decision to drop out of Yale to pursue his entrepreneurial journey full-time, driven by a passion for creating real-world applications in the blockchain space.During our conversation, José opens up about his path from Yale to becoming a founder, including the pivotal moments and decisions that shaped Virtual Labs. We discuss how he and his team continuously refined their ideas, leading to the development of several innovative products at Virtual Labs like the ZK State Channel and VDEX,  the first omnichain perpDEX with no slippage and sustainable Bitcoin Yield, combining the best of decentralized and centralized exchanges with sub-millisecond finality, full self-custody, and full chain abstraction.José also shares his insights on the challenges of user experience in blockchain, his vision for the future of web3, his perspective and use of The Graph, and why he believes real-world applications will drive the next wave of adoption.Show Notes and TranscriptsThe GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem.  Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.Twitter: GRT_iQwww.GRTiQ.com

Leave feedback!Today I am speaking with Max Scruffur, Head of Research at WWVentures, a venture capital firm with a unique focus on social capital and Web3 investments. Max has a diverse background, having started as an entrepreneur with various side hustles in his youth, and later moving into the world of venture capital and crypto.During this interview, Max shares his fascinating journey, beginning with his entrepreneurial spirit in high school, where he ran successful side businesses like hosting eSports events and even operating a Minecraft server. We dive into his early interest in crypto, including his role in early Bitcoin-to-fiat transactions back in 2010, and his interest in tokenomics, driven partly by his love for game theory. Max also offers insights into the future of web3, the intersection of AI and blockchain, and the unique approach WWVentures takes by leveraging social capital with influencers like Mr. Beast and athletes like Michael Bisping.Show Notes and TranscriptsThe GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem.  Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.Twitter: GRT_iQwww.GRTiQ.com

Leave feedback!Today I am speaking with Garvit Goel, Co-Founder at Electron Labs, a web3 solution focused on solving the final bottleneck in Ethereum's scaling roadmap using zero-knowledge proofs. Garvit has an interesting background, having grown up in New Delhi, India, and his early fascination with technology that led him to study chemical engineering before diving into the world of blockchain and crypto.During this interview, Garvit shares his journey from New Delhi to becoming an entrepreneur in the tech space. We discuss his early interest in technology, his unique experiences working in traditional finance, and the insights he gained that eventually led him to the blockchain space. Garvit also talks about his first entrepreneurial venture, Fraction 0x, and some of the important lessons he learned from it. We then explore the origins of Electron Labs, the challenges and pivots they faced, and how they are innovating in the Ethereum ecosystem. Additionally, Garvit shares his perspectives on the importance of distribution, the role of zero-knowledge proofs in scaling Ethereum, his opinion on The Graph and web3 data, and his vision for the future of blockchain technology.Show Notes and TranscriptsThe GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem.  Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.Twitter: GRT_iQwww.GRTiQ.com

Leave feedback!Today I am speaking with Emily Lin, Developer Relations at Scroll, an innovative layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum. Scroll aims to provide a more efficient and scalable platform for Ethereum transactions, enabling greater adoption and usability. During this interview, Emily shares her journey into the tech and web3 space. We first talk about Emily's background and then we discuss discovering her interest in computer science. She also shares her experiences working at various tech companies, including her time at Appian, some early entrepreneurial ventures, and how she got started at ConsenSys working on Linea and then her recent move to Scroll. We also explore the importance of L2s and Emily’s perspective for why The Graph is important to her work, both at Linea and now at Scroll, as a DevRel and the ecosystems she supports.Show Notes and TranscriptsThe GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem.  Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.Twitter: GRT_iQwww.GRTiQ.com

Leave feedback!Today I am speaking with Danny Zuckerman, Co-Founder at 3Box Labs, a web3 studio dedicated to advancing a more open, safe, and composable web3. As many of you may already know, 3Box Labs is also the team behind Ceramic Network, a decentralized data network for web3 applications.During our interview, Danny shares his journey into web3, which was fueled by his fascination with how people connect and organize. We discuss his experiences from university, his time at Bain Consulting, what he learned from his role at the education startup Zearn, co-authoring an award-winning book with his mom, and the founding and origins of 3Box Labs and Ceramic Network. Danny has an amazing depth of mind and intelligently sheds light not only on business and entrepreneurship, but also web3 data, the future of the industry, and he also shares his views on The Graph and how it fits into the web3 data story.Show Notes and TranscriptsThe GRTiQ Podcast takes listeners inside web3 and The Graph (GRT) by interviewing members of the ecosystem.  Please help support this project and build the community by subscribing and leaving a review.Twitter: GRT_iQwww.GRTiQ.com