311: Midnight, Dust & the Future of Private Blockchains with guest speaker Fahmi Syed

In this episode of Web3 with Sam Kamani, we dive deep into the future of AI and decentralized compute with Gaurav from io.net. From building in Linux file systems to scaling GPU infrastructure for global AI workloads, Gaurav shares what it takes to create a high-impact product in today’s Web3 x AI gold rush.We explore the vision behind io.net—making AI compute more accessible and affordable by decentralizing infrastructure. Gaurav Sharma also opens up about the real challenges of scaling, how their community drives product evolution, and what founders often get wrong when launching AI startups.If you're a founder, developer, or investor in AI or Web3, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and behind-the-scenes insights from someone who's building at the bleeding edge.Key Learnings + Timestamps[00:01:00] Gaurav’s journey from Linux systems to Web3 and AI[00:03:30] The problem with monopolies in AI compute pricing[00:05:00] io.net’s vision: Giving power back to builders[00:07:00] Decentralized compute vs. traditional hyperscalers[00:08:30] Two types of users io.net serves (technical & abstracted)[00:10:30] Why agents will thrive in Web3 and how AI agents will need crypto[00:12:00] Real-world use cases and who is already using io.net[00:14:30] Challenges of building decentralized infra with real utility[00:17:00] What most people misunderstand about building AI products[00:18:00] Why the compute demand will keep growing – the flywheel effect[00:21:30] What Gaurav would do differently if starting io.net today[00:24:00] How they ensure GPU quality across a decentralized network[00:27:00] Advice for new founders: Start with utility, not just narrative[00:30:00] io.net’s 6-month roadmap and product ecosystem vision[00:32:00] Call for collaborators, data engineers, and AI sales talentConnectX: https://x.com/ionetDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/ionetofficialTelegram: https://t.me/io_netLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ionet-official/Medium: https://medium.com/@ionetGaurav Sharma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/searchgauravsharma/?originalSubdomain=th DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment or financial advice and please do your own research.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

What if privacy wasn’t a barrier but the key to blockchain’s mass adoption?In this episode, I speak with Fahmi Syed, a financial industry veteran turned Web3 leader, now driving innovation at Midnight—a privacy-first blockchain backed by Charles Hoskinson. Fahmi shares how his journey from hedge funds to Parity, then to Midnight, shaped his belief that rational privacy is not just important, but essential for the next wave of blockchain adoption.We talk about Midnight’s unique dual-token model, why current chains fall short on privacy, and how selective disclosure using zero-knowledge proofs could unlock real-world use cases for enterprises and individuals alike. Whether you’re a builder, investor, or just curious about Web3’s next evolution, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Key Learnings & Timestamps00:45 – Fahmi’s journey from hedge funds to Parity and Midnight02:10 – The two things holding blockchain back: privacy and identity04:00 – Why pseudo-anonymity isn't true privacy05:55 – The rising demand for digital privacy (beyond just finance)07:40 – Real-world risks of transparency in financial trading10:15 – Rational privacy and what Midnight is solving12:00 – Where other privacy chains fell short (Monero, Zcash, etc.)14:15 – Protecting data and metadata on-chain17:00 – How Midnight supports transparency without sacrificing privacy22:10 – Building a blockchain with dual state: public and private24:00 – Midnight’s dual-token model: Knight and Dust explained28:00 – What Web2 gaming taught us about dual currencies33:00 – The Glacier Drop and Scavenger Mine explained34:15 – Midnight’s roadmap for the next 6-12 monthsConnecthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/fahmi-s-694b5414b/ https://x.com/midnightfdnhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/midnight-foundation/https://www.midnight.gd/⁠ DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.Finally, it would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

What happens when you combine 15+ years of JP Morgan institutional sales experience with a vision to disrupt European real estate? You get Mihai from  MetaWealth, and a masterclass in how to bridge the gap between traditional finance and Web3.In this episode, recorded live at Token2049 in Singapore, Mihai breaks down how MetaWealth is tackling the world's largest yet least liquid asset class, real estate, and making it accessible through a dual-rail system: Web2 and Web3. He shares why tokenization efforts have failed before, what makes MetaWealth different, and how he's getting institutional investors on board. We also dive into the macro outlook, the shift in capital from the US to Europe, and the biggest challenges of selling to institutions in a brand-new space.If you’re building in Web3, interested in RWAs, or just want to understand where institutional money is heading next, this is an unmissable episode.Key Timestamps[00:01:00] Why optimism beats pessimism in building and investing.[00:02:30] Mihai’s journey from JP Morgan to MetaWealth.[00:04:00] How to build trust with institutions: compliance, structure, and language.[00:06:00] Why tokenized real estate has struggled — and how MetaWealth is doing it differently.[00:09:00] MetaWealth’s dual strategy: Web2 now, Web3 in parallel.[00:12:00] The launch of RO: a liquidity marketplace for RWAs.[00:16:00] MetaWealth’s five-country real estate strategy.[00:17:30] Three sub-verticals: Development, Rentals, and Private Credit.[00:20:00] Challenges of selling to institutions without a big brand name.[00:24:00] Macro outlook: Europe, inflation, and opportunity.[00:26:00] The ask: feedback, partnerships, and collaboration.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/Connect with Metawealthhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/metawealthapp/https://twitter.com/MetaWealthDisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.Finally, It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. 🙏🏼

In this episode, I sit down with Sunil Raina, founder of CereBree, a groundbreaking AI + Web3 platform designed to make life’s essential services come to you—proactively. Sunil shares his journey from working at Ferrari and Microsoft to creating CereBree, a “platform for life” that combines blockchain, AI agents, and decentralized data to solve real-world problems.From personalized AI agents that can book your travel in seconds to systems that detect when your child might be in danger, Sunil paints a future where AI isn’t just reactive—it’s intuitive. We discuss privacy, token economics, and the bold vision behind building a unified data layer that connects everything from jobs to healthcare to education.Key Learnings[00:01:00] How Sunil transitioned from corporate consulting to founding CereBree. [00:04:00] The real-world use cases CereBree solves—from healthcare to hiring.[00:06:00] How CereBree’s AI agents can shorten job hiring from 8 weeks to 3 minutes. [00:08:00] The unique hybrid data system “Kymera” and how it protects user privacy. [00:11:00] The token model (CRX) that powers CereBree’s ecosystem. [00:13:00] The toughest technical challenges in integrating legacy systems with AI. [00:15:00] How AI can proactively detect safety risks in children through anomaly detection.[00:18:00] From smart to intelligent wearables—how AI can take health monitoring to the next level. [00:22:00] CereBree’s north star metric: real user success stories and time to resolution. [00:24:00] Using AI to empower autistic individuals through the “Heal” platform. [00:30:00] The future of personalized travel assistants powered by AI. [00:34:00] What it takes to build a truly intelligent, human-centered AI platform.Connecthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/cerebreeofficialhttps://x.com/cere_bree?s=21&t=xHWJLqhoD3tu8IHdJJxvnQhttps://t.me/CereBree DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice. Please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share it with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us – https://www.web3pod.xyz/

How do you take the chaos of DeFi and turn it into a simple, secure, one-click experience for both retail and institutional users?In this episode recorded live at Token2049, I talk with Steven Pack, co-founder of RockSolid. Steven’s journey from high-frequency trading to leading product at Mina Protocol to now simplifying DeFi is nothing short of inspiring.We dive into how RockSolid is helping protocols like Rocket Pool offer real yield through vaults, how they’re solving “DeFi complexity” for institutions, and why decentralization still matters. If you're a builder, founder, investor, or just DeFi-curious — this one is for you.🧠 Key Learnings with Timestamps:[00:01:00] Steven’s origin story: From HFT and Web2 to full-time crypto.[00:03:00] What RockSolid does: Simplified DeFi vaults for higher returns.[00:06:00] How vaults align incentives between protocols and token holders.[00:08:00] Combatting yield farmers: Build vaults so good people don’t leave.[00:10:00] Ideal partners for RockSolid: Any protocol or wallet with idle assets.[00:11:00] Managing risk: How RockSolid mitigates smart contract and strategy risks.[00:15:00] Institutions are here: The shift in capital flows from retail to institutional.[00:19:00] Global builder trends: India, Nigeria, and Southeast Asia are rising.[00:22:00] Looping strategies explained and used in RockSolid vaults.[00:27:00] Key founder lessons: Product, distribution, and great co-founders matter.[00:31:00] The roadmap: More vaults, deeper integrations, massive scale.⚠️ Disclaimer:Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.🙏 Finally, it would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.🔗 Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/Connecthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenpack1/https://www.linkedin.com/company/rocksolidvaults/https://rocksolid.network/https://x.com/rocksolidHQ 

Is gold ready for Web3?In this episode, I chat with Cole from Global Gold, who’s building a decentralized ecosystem for tokenized gold. Cole reveals how the U.S. is fast becoming the center of global gold flows, and why tokenizing U.S.-vaulted gold is the next big move in real-world assets (RWAs). From gold-backed stablecoins to a decentralized gold exchange, Cole breaks down how Global Gold is putting one of humanity’s oldest assets to work on-chain — creating liquidity, yield, and new DeFi opportunities.If you’ve ever wondered how gold fits into the future of crypto, DeFi, or stablecoins, this is your episode.[00:01:00] Cole’s journey from trading crypto to building protocols[00:02:30] Why now is the perfect time to tokenize U.S. gold[00:03:45] Global Gold's products: tokenized gold, exchange, and vaults[00:05:00] Making gold a yield-generating asset in DeFi[00:06:15] Legal ownership and transparency through serial-numbered bars[00:07:15] Using Chainlink and custom proof-of-reserve mechanisms[00:08:30] Institutional-grade infrastructure and Wyoming-based vaults[00:09:45] How gold in DeFi unlocks lending, staking, and treasury diversification[00:11:00] Gold vs Bitcoin in bear markets — why it matters[00:12:00] Basel III: Why banks are allowed to hold gold as tier-1 assets[00:13:45] The difference between physical vs tokenized gold ownership[00:14:45] Liquidity, lending, and staking with tokenized gold[00:16:00] Meme coins as a marketing funnel — Golden’s $30M day-one cap[00:19:30] Roadmap: Vaults, NFT, Exchange, Lending Protocol[00:21:00] Key challenges ahead: regulation and hiring top talent[00:23:00] Raising a seed round and expanding integrations[00:24:30] The vision: a global commodities exchange on-chainhttps://globalgold.finance/https://x.com/GlobalGoldXhttps://x.com/GOLDNonchainhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/colechapman/Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/⏱️ Key Learnings & TimestampsConnect with Cole and Global Gold⚠️ Disclaimer

Sandro, founder of KW₳RXS, shares how his team is bringing utility-scale solar to chain via NFT membership passes that let anyone participate in project returns—without the usual high minimums. We cover: why Cardano (sustainability, security, decentralization), what on-chain access actually looks like (claimable pools, 10-year participation), and the nuts & bolts of real projects (e.g., a 51 MW Netherlands solar park with 20 MW battery storage powering ~35,000 homes). Sandro explains the surge of RWA interest, grid/storage realities, subsidies vs. open market power sales, and KW₳RXS Project Catalyst journey. We also talk expansion (NL, Austria, Italy, Germany), regulation (MiCA & Dubai VARA), and the roadmap: exhibitions, partnerships, and the goal to fund first parks directly on-chain.Timestamps[00:00] Origin story: solar EPC roots → NFTs as access keys[00:02] Problem: Renewable projects require high buy-ins; KW₳RXS lowers the barrier[00:03] Why Cardano: mission fit, security (no hacks), governance, PoS sustainability[00:05] Reality of renewables: utility-scale builds, storage changes the game[00:06] Case study: 51 MW NL solar + 20 MW battery; ~900M kWh over 20 yrs[00:08] Peak demand patterns; storage & dam “battery” concepts[00:10] Investor access: NFT = membership pass; claimable ADA pool over 10 yrs[00:12] Transparency: on-chain claims, pool visibility, traceability[00:13] Customers: grid entities/governments, NFT community, broader RWA crowd[00:15] Subsidies vs. free-market power sales; cross-border electricity flows[00:16] How big can it get? Launchpad for other assets (real estate tokenization, etc.)[00:18] Challenges: regulation (MiCA, VARA), community growth, filtering bad actors[00:19] Project Catalyst: winning ~300k ADA, milestones, shipping the MVP[00:22] Cardano projects Sandro rates: World Mobile, Minswap, JPEG Store, Catalyst[00:23] Expansion map: Netherlands, Austria, Italy, Germany (+ Asia/Gulf interest)[00:25] Real-world reality: building in mud/rain; site vlogs; “from the trenches”[00:27] Roadmap (18–24 mo): Token2049, global expos, marketing, first on-chain funding[00:29] The ask: smart capital, strategic partners, supplier co-builds, community supportConnecthttps://x.com/sandrokwarxs https://x.com/KWARXSLinktree: https://linktr.ee/kwarxs Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. Finally, it would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.

Dana Love, founder of PoobahAI (exited 5 companies, PhD in economics), breaks down why Web3 lags mainstream adoption and how AI-built software can unlock the space: “the future of Web3 is coding without coders.” We cover: the zero→one grind, macro shifts (globalization → nationalization), inflation realities, and why blockchains need to drop the barrier to projects, devs, and users. Dana shares Poobah’s approach—virtual co-founder, multi-chain no/low-code, pre-audited on-chain digital objects, and real showcases (NFT ticketing, RWA real estate, car auction). We also talk go-to-market (students & exec MBAs), chain partnerships, and their seed round.Timestamps[00:00] Dana’s thesis: coding without coders is Web3’s future[00:01] Background: exits, policy PhD, AI/ML → crypto since 2011[00:02] Patterns from 5+ exits: first $1 of revenue + investment; hearing “your baby is ugly”[00:04] Macro: globalization → nationalization; inflation dynamics & wages[00:07] Startup stages: 0→1 vs 1→10 vs 10→50—don’t over-process the first customer[00:08] Why Web3 adoption lags: tooling, UX, paucity of devs/projects/users[00:10] Public vs private chains; why transparency is a feature for upstarts[00:11] Naming Poobah & the “many hats” founder[00:12] Poobah overview: virtual co-founder, on-chain generation, digital objects (pre-audited contracts)[00:15] Code quality: making no-code generate good code; best-practice RAG/context[00:17] Focus: Web3 first—massive untapped value[00:18] GTM: students, MBAs, exec MBAs → enterprise wedge[00:19] Case: Princeton CS student ships NFT ticketing as a vibe-coder[00:20] B2B: chain licenses to drop coding barrier to near-zero[00:22] The “hackathon circus” & why broadening the builder base matters[00:23] Non-dev creators as founders: fine-arts → sticky NFTs[00:24] The Shopify moment for Web3 (payments/regulatory context)[00:27] RWAs: real estate fractionalization; car auctions; built in weeks[00:30] Will AI replace devs? Senior vs junior leverage; law firm analogy[00:36] Market will rebalance skills & pay; seniors x AI = force multiplier[00:37] Roadmap (6–12 mo): low-code launch → no-code, multi-chain MCP, virtual co-founder[00:38] The ask: chain partnerships, seed syndication, universities & exec MBAsConnecthttps://poobah.ai/https://www.linkedin.com/company/poobahai/https://www.linkedin.com/in/danalove/https://x.com/DanaFLoveDisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. Finally, it would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Mitchell, cofounder of Sierra Protocol, explains why most stablecoin yield goes to issuers—and how liquid-yield tokens can pass that yield to holders. We dig into where yield actually comes from (perp basis funding, over-collateralized lending, Pendle PTs, MM vaults), Sierra’s diversified reserve management and risk framework, and why utility (CeFi collateral, DeFi integrations, payments) matters as much as APR. We cover DeFi maturity (institutional UX, token value accrual), composability trends, cold-start tactics (permissionless DeFi + points), and Sierra’s roadmap: audit-passed launch, points, integrations, and a governance token airdrop by end of Q2 next year. If you care about stablecoins evolving beyond “zero yield,” this one’s for you.Timestamps[00:00] Mitchell’s path: economist → WOO Exchange → Sierra Protocol[00:02] The problem: stablecoin yield accrues to issuers (Tether/Circle)[00:04] What is a liquid-yield token? Yield sources & passing it to holders[00:05] Yield 101: perp basis (market-neutral), over-collateralized lending, others[00:08] Risk lenses: liquidity, credit, exchange, smart-contract, oracle; risk-adjusted yield[00:11] Utility matters: hold, borrow, LP, use as perp collateral, payments/cards, custodians[00:12] CeFi angle: posting yield-bearing collateral to offset funding costs[00:13] Cold start: permissionless DeFi integrations + points program incentives[00:15] Key differentiation: diversified reserve strategy, daily rebalancing, transparency[00:17] Macro: incumbents vs new yield-bearing stables; why users will demand yield[00:17] DeFi trends: new DeFi-centric L1/L2s, perp wars, deep composability (Pendle → Aave loops)[00:19] Pro UX & token value accrual (buybacks/fees) vs last cycle’s “free airdrop” era[00:21] DeFi maturity: institutional-grade UX, Coinbase x Morpho “DeFi mullet”[00:23] 10-year bets: stablecoins/tokenization & on-chain lending[00:25] Sierra’s focus: single product, massive utility (CeFi + DeFi), global access[00:28] Roadmap: ~Oct launch (audit-passed), integrations, points → governance token by end Q2[00:30] The ask: users, partners (CeFi/DeFi/payments/custody), aligned investorsConnecthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-w-nicholson/https://sierra.money/ Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. Finally, it would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. Finally, it would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Adam (advisor at Byrrgis, fka Wolf Coin) breaks down how the team is building a vetted DeFi investing platform on Solana: curated, whitelist-only “Packs” (think crypto index baskets) that include audited tokens across chains—plus fees that buy back & burn the Wolf token.We cover:Why most microcaps are risky, and how contract + team audits can filter the junkPacks: curated baskets by risk profile; Wolf token included to create structural demandFees, buybacks & burns, staking, PnL automation, auto-rebalancingLI.FI aggregation for multi-chain swaps; roadmap to tokenized stocks/commoditiesGovernance, fair-launch origins, and trust-building with transparent commsWhat top Web3 teams do differently (and why “build in public” still wins)Timestamps[00:00] Why micro/nanocaps are risky; the case for a vetted list [00:02] Adam’s path: Samsung B2B → community → advisor → Wolf/Byrrgis [00:04] Byrrgis in one line: vetted DeFi platform with curated Packs [00:05] How it differs from DEX listings/CEXs; whitelist-only tokens [00:06] Wolf token utility: included in most Packs + fees → buyback & burn [00:07] Beyond listing: analytics, PnL, auto & manual rebalancing [00:08] Fair launch via Pump.fun (no team pre-allocation); governance plans [00:10] Revenue: ~2% swap fee; LI.FI aggregator; staking to boost rewards [00:13] Example: how a Pack works vs vaults/index funds[00:16] Growth drivers: capital backing, consistent delivery, visible buybacks [00:18] Fundraising tip: show product first, ask for feedback, not money [00:20] Biggest hurdle: trust (self-hosted app, wallet connect) → win via transparency [00:22] Roadmap: tokenized stocks/indices, automated tax, contract & team audits [00:24] What winning teams do: nothing to hide, ship updates weekly, stay current [00:27] Call to action: join TG, kick the tires; try Packs post-launchConnecthttps://coin.byrrgis.app/https://t.me/wolf_on_solhttps://x.com/wolf_on_sol/photoDisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. Finally, it would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/