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In-Depth Podcast Show Notes: Agridex’s Blockchain Revolution in Agriculture with Omar

Episode Overview

Host Thomas welcomes back Omar from Agridex for an in-depth discussion on the company’s transformative work in the agricultural trade sector using blockchain technology. Since their last appearance, Agridex has launched its platform and governance token, expanded operations in Africa, and begun reshaping the agricultural supply chain. The episode explores Agridex’s real-world utility, the complexities of token launches, the role of stablecoins, and the broader impact of real-world assets (RWAs) in the crypto ecosystem. The conversation also touches on regulatory developments, community engagement, and Agridex’s vision for bridging traditional finance with blockchain.

Key Discussion Points

1. Agridex’s Mission and Milestones

• Core Mission: Agridex operates as a digital marketplace for agricultural goods, leveraging blockchain to enable instant, low-cost settlements and full transparency across the supply chain. This addresses inefficiencies in traditional trade, such as high fees and delayed payments.
• Recent Achievements:
• Platform Launch: Agridex has transitioned from pre-launch to a fully operational platform, facilitating real-world transactions.
• Token Launch: Successfully launched a governance token on Solana, listed on decentralized exchanges, with an airdrop scheduled for early April.
• On-Chain Bull Transaction: Conducted a pioneering transaction involving a royal bull, livestreamed on Twitter, named “Moo” by the community, showcasing Agridex’s ability to blend cultural engagement with technological innovation.
• Africa Expansion: Onboarded new clients and engaged with agricultural ministries, notably in Zambia, where the minister plans to bring honey on-chain, highlighting Agridex’s growing influence.
• Real-World Impact:
• In complex jurisdictions like Holland and Nigeria, traditional banking imposes 3-6% settlement fees and up to five-day delays, risking currency depreciation losses of up to 10%. Agridex uses USDC stablecoins to reduce fees to under 0.5% and enable instant settlements, protecting farmers’ earnings.
• By providing exposure to the US dollar, Agridex shields farmers from local currency volatility, a critical issue in regions with high inflation (e.g., 20% annual losses in some areas).

2. The Power of Stablecoins

• Stabilizing Transactions: Stablecoins, primarily USDC, serve as a universal currency for Agridex’s transactions, offering stability and trust in regions where local currencies fluctuate wildly. This is particularly valuable for farmers in developing economies.
• Onboarding Non-Crypto Users:
• Agridex prioritizes user-friendly onboarding, making crypto accessible to farmers unfamiliar with blockchain. This involves abstracting complex backend processes to present a simple, relatable interface.
• Omar emphasizes that this approach not only facilitates adoption but also opens pathways for users to explore other crypto assets, fostering broader ecosystem participation.
• Currency Flexibility: While transactions occur in USDC, users can convert holdings into other stablecoins (e.g., Euro-based) or assets, providing financial flexibility without locking them into a single currency.
• Global Implications: Omar argues that stablecoins reinforce the US dollar’s dominance, countering calls for alternative stablecoins (e.g., a British or European coin). He views this as a long-term strength, given the US’s economic and geopolitical influence.

3. Token Launch: Navigating Market Dynamics

• Launch Context:
• Agridex’s token launch aligned with a mini bull market, capitalizing on heightened crypto interest. The token was listed on decentralized exchanges, and an airdrop was planned to reward early supporters.
• Community engagement was strong, with the “Moo” bull naming and meme coin creation reflecting Solana’s playful yet effective culture.
• Market Challenges:
• Volatility vs. Fundamentals: Token prices often reflect retail speculation rather than company performance, a challenge for RWA projects like Agridex. Omar cites Jeff Bezos’s 1999 Amazon shareholder letter, quoting Benjamin Graham: “In the short term, the stock market is a voting machine; in the long term, it’s a weighing machine.” This underscores Agridex’s focus on long-term value over short-term price swings.
• Retail vs. Institutional Sentiment: Retail investors, influenced by meme coin culture, seek quick gains, while institutions are optimistic about RWAs’ regulatory and technological potential. Agridex’s token showed resilience amid RWA market downturns, highlighting this disconnect.
• Lessons Learned:
• Balancing token holder expectations with company goals is complex. Token holders are early supporters, but their focus on price can overshadow internal progress.
• Agridex is refining its communication strategy to better convey long-term value, learning from other RWA projects (e.g., ONO’s token price drop despite major partnerships).

4. Real-World Assets (RWAs) and Tokenization

• Agridex’s RWA Model:
• Unlike RWA projects tied to physical assets, Agridex tokenizes agricultural trades (e.g., a $200K cocoa deal between Coca-Cola and a farmer) rather than crops. This enhances supply chain efficiency without perishability concerns.
• The governance token enables community participation in platform decisions, not direct asset ownership.
• Trade Finance Innovation:
• Agridex aims to address an $18 billion trade finance gap in African agriculture by enabling users to lend funds for instant farmer payouts. For example, a farmer owed $200K in 90 days could receive $190K immediately, with users earning yields backed by reliable counterparties like Coca-Cola.
• This fractionalized lending model democratizes access to high-quality yields, typically reserved for accredited investors, while supporting farmers’ cashflow needs.
• Future Potential:
• Omar hints at upcoming announcements regarding tokenization mechanisms, suggesting a user-friendly lending interface to bridge crypto and traditional finance.
• The model aligns with Agridex’s sustainability and equity goals, appealing to users interested in financial inclusion and agricultural impact.

5. Solana: The Ideal Blockchain for RWAs

• Why Solana?:
• Solana’s low-cost, high-speed transactions (fractions of a penny vs. Ethereum’s $50 during DeFi summer) and parallel execution model make it ideal for RWA use cases requiring efficiency.
• The developer-friendly ecosystem and collaborative community support Agridex’s growth, with builders helping each other innovate.
• Cultural Dynamics:
• Solana’s efficiency fueled its meme coin boom, earning it a “crime chain” reputation. However, Omar defends its broader potential, likening its impact to historical technological shifts (e.g., the plow enabling feudalism).
• The ecosystem’s resilience is evident in its response to bad actors (e.g., insider trading), with the community addressing issues transparently.
• Solana RWA Council:
• Co-founded by Agridex, Bax, Access, Collector, Crypt, and Parcel, the council promotes RWA projects on Solana through thought leadership, research papers, and conference side events.
• Recent additions include the OR team, with plans to announce new members and ramp up activities, consolidating RWA mindshare at major conferences.

6. Navigating the Regulatory Landscape

• US Progress:
• Recent regulatory clarity, including dropped SEC cases against major exchanges and a potential stablecoin bill, signals a bullish outlook for crypto adoption.
• Bank of America’s exploration of stablecoins and relaxed on/off-ramp regulations reduce barriers for businesses using on-chain dollars.
• Global Ripple Effects:
• US leadership influences global policies, with Thailand and Singapore exploring Bitcoin reserves to avoid being outpaced.
• Omar notes that if the US accumulates crypto assets, other nations must adapt or risk economic disadvantage.
• UK Challenges:
• Despite London’s status as a financial hub, the UK’s regulatory environment under the Labour government is increasingly restrictive, banning platforms like Pump.fun due to consumer protection concerns.
• High taxes and low incentives drive talent loss (e.g., 30% of UK foundation doctors moving to Australia), risking innovation stagnation.
• Agridex’s Advocacy:
• Agridex won Stand With Crypto’s UK best use case competition, presenting in Parliament to educate policymakers on blockchain’s benefits.
• Co-founder Russell, formerly of Deutsche Bank, leverages FCA connections to advocate for balanced regulations, emphasizing Agridex’s real-world utility.

7. Community Engagement and Outreach

• Africa Roadshow:
• Agridex’s team, led by Chief Strategy Officer Henry Edward and Head of Africa Brad Barrett, conducted a roadshow across South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, targeting both Web2 (e.g., fertilizer conferences) and Web3 audiences.
• Engagements with ministries, such as Zambia’s agricultural minister, highlight Agridex’s ability to bridge traditional and blockchain ecosystems.
• Web2 Integration:
• Recognizing crypto’s stigma among traditional stakeholders, Agridex is developing a presentation layer that abstracts blockchain jargon, making the platform accessible to Web2 audiences like CFOs wary of crypto.
• This aligns with industry trends toward abstraction, where user experience trumps technical complexity, as seen in Solana’s seamless transactions.
• Community Connections:
• Omar acknowledges supportive community members like RW Arabica, a Colombian coffee farmer enthusiastic about Agridex. Given your interest in Colombian coffee growers (from our April 10, 2025 conversation), Agridex’s plans to expand to South America could directly benefit farmers like RW Arabica, addressing challenges like uneven ripening and labor-intensive harvests through trade finance solutions.
• Shoutouts to “reply guys” (e.g., Space Dino) underscore the community’s role in amplifying Agridex’s presence, with Omar pledging to onboard RW Arabica once South American operations launch.

8. Future Vision and Industry Trends

• Upcoming Announcements:
• Agridex plans to reveal details on asset tokenization and partnerships, enhancing user access to trade finance yields.
• The Solana RWA Council will expand its influence through research and events, positioning Solana as a leader in RWA innovation.
• Bear Market Opportunities:
• Omar views bear markets as a chance to prove Agridex’s value, offering stable yields unaffected by crypto volatility, unlike speculative assets.
• This contrasts with meme coin-driven retail losses, emphasizing RWAs’ long-term potential.
• On-Chain Supercycle Thesis:
• Thomas proposes an “on-chain supercycle,” where user adoption grows regardless of market cycles, driven by real-world utility like Agridex’s platform.
• Omar agrees, citing increasing user education and storytelling improvements, with Solana’s Superteam UK events (e.g., music and culture) showcasing blockchain’s diverse applications.
• Global Expansion:
• Beyond Africa, Agridex targets the Middle East (food security focus) and Latin America (crypto openness), aligning with your interest in Colombian coffee growers. This expansion could integrate AI-driven insights (e.g., Bloomfield’s crop grading) to enhance trade efficiency.

Notable Quotes

• Omar on Stablecoins: “By being able to introduce stablecoins and the general advantage that stablecoins have, I think that’s only going to contribute further and further to the power of the US dollar.”
• Omar on RWAs: “Solana could crash, and it doesn’t affect the yields that we’d be able to generate and the people that we’d be able to onboard and using our platform.”
• Thomas on Community: “Reply guys run the world, you know.”
• Omar on Regulation: “If the US does it, everyone else has to adapt or die at that point.”

Additional Context and Analysis

• RWA Market Trends: The RWA sector is gaining traction as investors seek stable, yield-generating assets amid crypto volatility. Agridex’s focus on trade finance positions it to capture a significant share of the $18 billion African trade finance gap, with potential to scale globally.
• Solana’s Ecosystem Strength: Solana’s 150% increase in conference side events reflects its growing mindshare, with Agridex’s RWA Council poised to consolidate this momentum. The council’s thought leadership could influence regulatory frameworks, benefiting projects like Agridex.
• Cultural Shifts: Agridex’s community engagement, from naming bulls to supporting reply guys, mirrors Solana’s ability to blend fun with function, a key driver of user retention despite short market cycles.
• Regulatory Risks and Opportunities: While US clarity is bullish, the UK’s heavy-handed approach could push Agridex to prioritize other regions. Their parliamentary advocacy suggests a proactive strategy to shape policy.

Call to Action

• Follow Agridex: Track their progress on social media and their website for updates on tokenization and partnerships.
• Engage with the Solana RWA Council: Explore RWA projects on Solana and attend their events to learn about innovative use cases.
• Connect with the Podcast: Share feedback on X, join Thomas’s spaces, or propose guests to amplify the Solana ecosystem.

Comprehensive Show Notes:

In this deep-dive episode of Solana Weekly, host Thomas Bahamas reconnects with Joshua from Solayer to explore revolutionary advancements in blockchain scalability through their ambitious project, InfiniSVM, the world’s first hardware-accelerated blockchain.

Episode Breakdown:

📌 Introduction to InfiniSVM – A New Era of Blockchain Scaling

• Joshua outlines Solayer’s innovative approach, emphasizing how InfiniSVM leverages advanced hardware technologies, specifically Nvidia’s Infiniband, to transcend traditional blockchain limitations.
• InfiniSVM pioneers a new blockchain category—hardware acceleration—setting unprecedented benchmarks in network performance and scalability.

📌 Performance Beyond Current Limits – Transactions per Second (TPS)

• Joshua details their current internal testnet achieving approximately 500,000 TPS with clear goals to hit 1 million TPS soon.
• Discussion around an extraordinary theoretical demonstration achieving 16 billion TPS under optimized conditions highlights the potential of InfiniSVM’s technology.

📌 Creating a Real-Time Blockchain Experience

• A key aim for InfiniSVM is instantaneous transaction confirmation, radically improving user experience by eliminating latency and transaction uncertainty.
• Joshua highlights diverse practical applications such as high-frequency trading, advanced DeFi solutions, consumer applications like streaming services, and e-commerce integrations.

📌 The Role of Specialized Hardware in Infinite Scalability

• Explanation of the shift from software-based to hardware-based scalability solutions, enabling elastic, demand-driven expansion.
• Joshua draws parallels to cloud computing infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud) to illustrate how blockchain scalability might function seamlessly and efficiently at scale.

📌 User Experience and Integration – Seamless and Invisible

• Joshua discusses plans for an SDK that enables existing Solana apps to seamlessly transition transactions to InfiniSVM during high congestion periods.
• Vision for a user experience indistinguishable from current Web2 interactions, with immediate, frictionless transactions.

📌 Cultivating a Utility-Focused and Innovative Community

• Solayer aims to foster a dynamic, product-driven community dedicated to meaningful and long-lasting technological innovation.
• Joshua discusses community-building strategies including engagement with developers and promoting experimentation, creativity, and genuine utility.

📌 Impactful Real-World Use Cases and Potential Markets

• Joshua outlines various groundbreaking use cases enabled by InfiniSVM:
  • Real-time consumer apps (e-commerce, social media, streaming platforms like Netflix and Spotify).
  • High-performance financial applications (peer-to-peer payments, global remittances, institutional finance).
  • Integration with mainstream applications (Venmo, PayPal, traditional banking services).

📌 Technical Deep Dive – Behind the Hardware Acceleration

• Detailed technical insights into the hardware stack including InfiniBand networking, RDMA, and SDN technology.
• Exploration of network performance, including handling bandwidth of 100 gigabytes per second, unmatched by any existing blockchain technology.

📌 Timeline for Development and Deployment

• Joshua shares a timeline, highlighting that public testnet rollout is planned for Q2, with mainnet following shortly thereafter.
• Emphasizes the accelerated development pace and open invitation for developers to participate and integrate with InfiniSVM.

📌 Addressing Decentralization and Potential Challenges

• Joshua candidly addresses concerns around decentralization, explaining their validator structure—featuring a primary sequencer complemented by checker nodes.
• Outlines the strategic balance between network performance and decentralization, ensuring robust security through statistical verification and slashing mechanisms.

🔥 Memorable Quotes from Joshua:

• “Our target is a hundred or even a thousand times improvement over the current standards of blockchain performance.”
• “In the long term, economics always wins—transactions have to be faster, cheaper, and frictionless.”
• “What happens when blockchain transactions become virtually infinite? We’re excited to find out.”

🎯 Engagement and Community Invitation:

• Developers, entrepreneurs, and integrators are encouraged to engage and experiment with InfiniSVM’s revolutionary capabilities.
• Audiences invited to stay tuned for public testnet details and forthcoming announcements from Solayer.

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🎙️ Host: Thomas Bahamas
🎤 Guest: Joshua from Solayer
📆 Podcast: Solana Weekly Episode #91

Disclaimer: This podcast does not constitute financial advice. Always perform your own research before making financial decisions.

Episode Overview

In this episode of Solana Weekly, host Thomas sits down with Aly Madhavji, Managing Partner at Blockchain Founders Fund, to explore the investment side of crypto with particular focus on Solana. With over eight years of experience managing a crypto fund, Aly shares valuable insights on investment strategies, evaluating projects, and the current state of the market.

Guest Information

Aly Madhavji

• Managing Partner at Blockchain Founders Fund
• Early investor in Solana (invested at $0.18)
• Former advisor to Polymath
• Connects with 410+ funds on a weekly basis to coordinate deal flow
• X/Twitter: @Ali_Madhavji
• LinkedIn: Aly Madhavji

Key Topics & Timestamps

Investment Approach & Market Cycles (02:00)

• Discussion on recent market volatility, including reaction to Trump’s crypto announcements
• The importance of focusing on long-term value vs. short-term price movements
• BFF’s approach to analyzing 300-500 startups monthly

Major Investment Themes (05:30)

• Analysis of Layer 1 trends and why new L1s face diminishing returns
• Critical infrastructure and tooling gaps in the crypto ecosystem
• How developer inefficiencies create opportunities for tooling solutions

Development Tooling (10:00)

• Insights on Uniblock, a BFF portfolio company aggregating APIs
• Discussion of Validation Cloud, providing infrastructure for major chains
• The evolution of quality standards in crypto infrastructure

Real World Assets (RWAs) (18:20)

• RWA infrastructure investments including Asterism
• Mention of Zoth, creating yield from treasury notes
• Challenges in creating startup opportunities within the RWA trend

FinTech & Payments (22:45)

• Success of payment and remittance solutions in the current cycle
• Discussion of NodeOps simplifying node infrastructure
• Bridge acquisition and its implications for crypto payments

Revenue Generation & Profitability (27:30)

• How the current cycle differs with companies generating real revenue
• The importance of fundamentals versus token speculation
• Why companies with real revenue are sometimes undervalued in crypto

AI and Blockchain Intersection (32:15)

• Commentary on the hype around AI agents versus legitimate applications
• BFF’s investments in AI+blockchain since 2019
• Concerns about extractive value versus building real innovations

Retail Protection & Fair Launches (38:00)

• Problems with retail getting “dumped on” by early investors
• The need for fairer token distribution models
• Discussion on platforms like Echo and CoinList opening up investment opportunities

Investment Process (45:00)

• Detailed walk-through of BFF’s investment evaluation process
• The importance of founder pitches (11-second, 30-second, and 90-second hooks)
• How BFF measures “progress over time” as a key metric

Token Models & “Death Spirals” (58:00)

• Analysis of problematic token models and “value leakage”
• The concept of the “death spiral” when poor tokens hurt good businesses
• Discussion of UNIT Network and transparent treasuries
• The need for accountability in token launches

Meme Coins & Long-term Value (1:09:00)

• Commentary on the current meme coin trend
• Challenges for retail investors in the meme coin space
• Thoughts on sustainable token economics versus short-term hype
• Potential for legitimate businesses using meme aesthetics (Bonk)

US Regulatory Environment (1:16:00)

• Impact of changing US regulatory landscape on crypto innovation
• How regulatory clarity is bringing talent and projects back to the US
• Observations on the newfound energy in the US crypto ecosystem

Notable Quotes

“We expect a handful of companies to pay back the fund multiple times over. If you have a few of those, you’re in an amazing position.”

“You should be able to sell your company within 11 seconds, 30 seconds, and 90 seconds. If you can’t do that, there’s a big problem.”

“Progress over time is probably the most important metric… if you build something complex in less time than expected, that’s a very good sign.”

“There are companies with no revenue and no product that get valued higher in crypto. At some point that becomes a problem.”

“I got into this space more from an ideological perspective. I believe we need to find ways where retail is actually valued.”

“The death spiral can kill a great business. Everyone thinks there’s only a positive side to launching a token.”

“When you think about investing in startups, tech startups already have a pretty short duration in general. But then you throw crypto startups in the mix, and it’s pretty doggy dog out there.”

Resources & Companies Mentioned

• Blockchain Founders Fund – Aly’s investment firm
• Solana – Early BFF investment, now part of strategic reserve
• Uniblock – API aggregation tool
• Validation Cloud – Node infrastructure for major chains
• NodeOps – One-click node setup solution
• Asterism – RWA infrastructure
• Zoth – Treasury yields on-chain
• Credit – Microfinance loans, millions issued in Africa
• DEAN – Decentralized Insurance Network
• UNIT Network – Innovative tokenization platform
• Echo – Platform opening investment opportunities
• CoinList – Token sale platform
• Bonk – Solana meme coin with business applications

Conclusion

Aly Madhavji provides valuable insights into crypto investing from the perspective of an experienced fund manager. The conversation highlights the importance of long-term thinking, real utility, and fundamental business value in the often hype-driven crypto space. As Solana continues to gain prominence in the ecosystem, investors like Blockchain Founders Fund are looking for projects that create sustainable value rather than short-term token pumps.

Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

Podcast also available on: Spotify, Apple, Drip.Haus, Youtube

Here are detailed show notes based on the provided podcast transcript for “Solana Weekly” hosted by Thomas, featuring guest Swervor from WEN:

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Show Notes: Solana Weekly – Episode with Swervor from WEN

Host: Thomas
Guest: Swerveor, Team Member at WEN
Date: Recorded prior to March 12, 2025 (exact date not specified in transcript)

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Guest Introduction: Swervor from WEN

• Who is Swervor? An “OG” in the Solana space, a key figure behind WEN, a notable meme coin project. He previously worked on Ovols, a media-focused NFT project with a strong community.
• Background: Swervor shares his excitement about joining the podcast and reflects on his journey, starting with Ovols in early 2022. He highlights the fun and community-driven nature of his initial foray into Solana.

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Early Days of NFTs on Solana

• Timeline: Ovols began development in early 2022, with six months spent building a full marketplace and AMM before launching on Twitter.
• NFT Craze: Swervor recalls the peak NFT excitement on Solana (2021-2022), comparing it to the recent meme coin hype. Mint days were major events, driving community engagement.
• Evolution: Initially, NFTs were simple digital images with low expectations. Over time, the space matured, with projects introducing roadmaps and utility.

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The NFT Craze and Community Building

• Community Focus: NFTs fostered tight-knit communities on Solana, with Discord servers buzzing during mints. Swervor and Thomas reminisce about the thrill of reveals and trading.
• Personal Anecdotes: Swervor traded NFTs on Ethereum (e.g., owning a Bored Ape) before transitioning to Solana, while Thomas worked toward joining the Solana Monkey Business (SMB) community.
• Cultural Shift: Early Solana was synonymous with NFTs, though its focus has since broadened to scaling and broader use cases.

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Challenges and Evolution of Solana NFTs

• Network Stress: Big NFT mints tested Solana’s infrastructure, often slowing or crashing the network and marketplaces like Magic Eden.
• Improvements: These challenges led to innovations like demand hotspots, ensuring NFT mints didn’t disrupt the broader network.
• Community Strength: Swervor credits NFTs with building Solana’s unique community spirit, distinguishing it from other Layer 1s and Layer 2s.

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The Resilience of Solana’s Community

• Post-FTX Recovery: Despite the FTX crash tanking asset values (Solana hit $8-$10), the community remained vibrant, trading NFTs and maintaining morale.
• Contrast with New Chains: Thomas critiques newer chains like Monad, suggesting their community-building efforts feel artificial compared to Solana’s organic growth.
• Shared Experience: The “shared trauma” of market downturns has forged a resilient, tight-knit Solana community.

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The Rise of Meme Coins: Bonk and WEN

• WEN’s Airdrop: Launched in January 2024, WEN airdropped 70% of its trillion-token supply to over 1 million wallets, targeting strong Solana communities (e.g., SMBs, Ovols, Saga holders) and Jupiter power users.
• Fairness: WEN’s airdrop was uniform (643,000 tokens per wallet), avoiding insider allocations or influencer bias, making it one of Solana’s fairest distributions.
• Bonk Comparison: Both WEN and Bonk rewarded communities organically, contrasting with earlier Solana tokens that lacked such distribution strategies.

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Innovations in NFT Standards: WNS

• WNS Overview: WEN introduced the WNS (WEN NFT Standard), built on the Token-2022 standard for lightweight, composable NFTs. It addressed issues like optional royalties seen in older collections (e.g., Quekz).
• Origin Story: WEN’s token is an NFT—a fractionalized poem by Meow (Jupiter’s founder)—split into a trillion pieces, showcasing WNS’s flexibility.
• Adoption Challenges: Integrating WNS into wallets like Phantom took time, but support from ecosystem players brought it to life.

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Building the WEN Brand

• Beyond Crypto: WEN is pivoting from a meme coin to a mainstream brand centered on an adorable cat mascot, targeting cat lovers globally.
• IP Strategy: Plans include a “WEN World” with games, merch (e.g., a six-foot plushie), and collectibles, inspired by successes like Pudgy Penguins.
• Cat Twitter Power: WEN acquired the world’s #1 and #2 cat accounts (18-20 billion annual impressions), amplifying its reach beyond crypto.

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Crypto Community and Solana’s Unique Position

• Solana’s Edge: Swervor and Thomas praise Solana’s user-friendly UX, community focus, and accessibility to top ecosystem figures (e.g., Toly, Mert), setting it apart from Ethereum and other chains.
• Growth Potential: With regulatory tailwinds (e.g., Solana ETF filings) and high-profile adoptions (e.g., Pudgy Penguins, Doodles), Solana is poised for mainstream breakthroughs.

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The Importance of Airdrops

• Lessons from WEN: Swerver would scale future airdrops even larger, targeting Ethereum users to onboard them to Solana, inspired by Pudgy’s cross-chain success.
• Engagement: Airdrops activate users directly, fostering organic hype and adoption compared to passive marketing.

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WEN’s Future Plans and Branding Strategy

• Next Steps: Starting in March 2025, WEN will collaborate with a major agency to solidify its IP and brand, aiming to appeal to both crypto natives and mainstream cat lovers.
• Long-Term Vision: A robust treasury ensures years of development, focusing on quality and sustainability over short-term price pumps.
• Differentiation: WEN seeks to stand out by building a tangible, lovable brand, not just another meme coin.

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Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

• Swervor’s Takeaway: He’s excited for WEN’s evolution over the next few months and encourages listeners to watch the timeline for updates.
• Thomas’s Closing: Grateful for Swerver’s insights, Thomas urges listeners to subscribe, leave reviews, and share their bags, promising more Solana alpha next week.

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Key Themes

1. Solana’s Evolution: From NFT dominance to meme coin mania, Solana’s adaptability and community strength shine through.
2. WEN’s Journey: Starting as a fair airdrop, WEN is now building a global brand, leveraging Solana’s infrastructure and its own unique identity.
3. Community Power: Solana’s tight-knit, resilient community—forged through booms and busts—remains its greatest asset.

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Notable Quotes

• Swervor on NFTs: “It was so fun because it was so early… the bar for NFTs was so low.”
• Thomas on Solana’s Community: “We went through a gnarly thing… now it’s like we’re way stronger because of that.”
• Swerver on WEN’s Brand: “We’re extremely excited to watch WEN turn from just this Solana meme coin to this real mainstream brand.”

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Call to Action

• Subscribe to “Solana Weekly” on your preferred platform.
• Leave a review or shill your bags to Thomas.
• Stay tuned for WEN’s next moves in the coming months!

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These notes capture the essence of the conversation, providing a structured overview for listeners or readers seeking a deeper dive into the episode. Let me know if you’d like adjustments or additional details!

Telegram chat here: t.me/solanaweeklychat

Wen X: x.com/wenwencoin

Swervor: x.com/theswervor

x.com/solanaweeklypod

Podcast also available on: Spotify, Apple, Drip.Haus, Youtube

Episode Summary

In this episode of Solana Weekly, host Thomas interviews Davide from Neon Protocol about their recent developments in bringing EVM compatibility to Solana. The conversation explores how Neon’s “network extension” technology enables Ethereum developers to easily deploy their applications on Solana without needing to rewrite code in Rust or learn new development environments.

Key Topics Discussed

Neon’s Repositioning as a “Network Extension”

• Neon Protocol has evolved from being perceived as an isolated L2 solution to positioning itself as a Solana network extension
• This change emphasizes Neon’s close integration with Solana rather than being a separate bridge or layer

New Solana-Native Features

• Recent mainnet release introduces SDK for developers that makes Solana more accessible to Ethereum developers
• Users can now interact with EVM applications using their preferred Solana wallets (Phantom, Backpack, etc.)
• Gas fees can be paid in SOL instead of requiring the NEON token
• Eliminates the need for bridging assets between chains

Technical Architecture

• Neon uses Solana for consensus and settlement
• Neon Proxy executes transactions on the Solana blockchain
• The EVM compatibility layer extends Solana’s execution environment

Implementation of EIP-1559

• Neon has implemented Ethereum’s London Fork fee structure (base fee + priority fee)
• This aligns with Solana’s similar fee structure that became especially important during recent network congestion events

Benefits for Developers

• Ethereum developers can deploy on Solana without learning Rust
• Faster time to market (days instead of months)
• Access to Solana’s massive user base and transaction speed
• Avoid maintaining separate codebases for different chains

Future Development Roadmap

• Composability v2 will enable more complex transactions like atomic liquidations and flash loans
• SDK v2 will further simplify asset management on Solana
• Focus on bringing novel primitives to Solana that don’t currently exist

Comparisons and Context

• Unlike Eclipse (which brings Solana developers to Ethereum), Neon does the opposite by bringing Ethereum developers to Solana
• Neon enables protocols from various EVM chains (including new L1s like Monad and Base) to easily deploy on Solana
• The recent network stress tests from Trump and Melania token launches demonstrated both challenges and improvements in Solana’s infrastructure

Notable Quotes

“With this Solana-native feature, Solana users will not notice any difference between an EVM application on Neon and an actual Solana application.”

“We are just extending the execution environment, from SVM to EVM.”

“When you consider developing in Rust, you need to hire Rust developers. You need to build an infrastructure from scratch… you might miss the opportunity because we know crypto is super fast, Web3 is even faster, DeFi is even faster.”

Looking Ahead

The team is focused on demonstrating product-market fit by:

• Improving the SDK with version 2
• Enhancing composability with Solana’s existing DeFi infrastructure
• Enabling more complex transaction types through composability v2
• Bringing new EVM-based primitives that don’t yet exist in the Solana ecosystem

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This episode of Solana Weekly was hosted by Thomas. Subscribe for more insights into the Solana ecosystem.

Episode: Empowering Cities with Blockchain – A Conversation with Magellan from Maps.fun

In this episode, Thomas interviews Magellan from Maps.fun about their groundbreaking platform that enables cities to launch their own tokens and build self-governing communities. The discussion explores the fusion of blockchain technology, urban development, and community organization, offering a glimpse into the future of decentralized city governance.

Episode Summary

Magellan, drawing from his background in geospatial science and planning, explains how Maps.fun emerged as a response to innovative projects like CityDAO, CityCoins, and CabinDAO. The platform is designed as a launchpad for cities—both in the US and internationally—to create tokens, fund projects, and self-govern. With a particular focus on smaller communities, the conversation delves into the mechanics of geographically restricted token sales, community engagement, and the evolving economic philosophy that underpins this new approach to urban development.

Key Highlights

1. Origins and Vision

• Foundational Background:

Magellan’s expertise in geospatial science and planning paved the way for creating Maps.fun.

• Inspiration:

Projects such as CityDAO, CityCoins, and CabinDAO served as key influences.

• Core Idea:

The platform acts as a launchpad for cities to issue tokens and establish self-governing communities.

• Target Audience:

Focus on both US and international cities, with a keen interest in smaller communities where bonds can be stronger.

2. Platform Mechanics

• Token Sales Structure:

• Geographic Restrictions: 70% of tokens are reserved for local residents, while 30% are available to the general public.

• Weekly Competitions: City token launches are organized through a competitive weekly system.

• Governance and Fee Structure:

• Token22 Program: The platform integrates this program to manage fees.

• Exploration of Futarchy: Investigating a governance model based on predictive markets. Using markets for governance.

• Blockchain Backbone:

• Built on the Solana blockchain to ensure speed, scalability, and cost-efficiency.

3. Current Status and Community Engagement

• Launch Milestones:

• Launched three weeks ago with two initial cities: New York and San Francisco.

• Community Interest:

• Over 50 communities have already expressed interest in adopting the platform.

• Growth Goals:

• Aim to have 50 active city DAOs within six months!!!

• Target that 50% of these DAOs evolve into vibrant physical communities within one year.

Deep Dive: Key Concepts and Economic Philosophy

Evolution of Communities

• Transitioning from Virtual to Physical:

• Moving from cloud-based communities to land-based, physical communities.

• Building Trust Through Proximity:

• Emphasis on the importance of proximity networks, where accountability and relationships are inherently stronger.

• Leadership and Community Organization:

• Recognizing the role of local leadership in driving engagement and trust.

Economic Philosophy

• Universal Basic Ownership:

• Advocates for a model where citizens gain a stake in their community’s assets, as opposed to a universal basic income.

• Dot.fun Economy:

• Envisioning a new economic layer that integrates seamlessly with existing city infrastructures and governance models.

City-Specific Implementation

• Local Flexibility:

• Implementation strategies are tailored to the unique needs of each city.

• Urban Tech Innovations:

• The platform is designed to integrate with emerging urban technologies, solving localized problems and enhancing city services.

Notable Quotes

“Maps.fun is fundamentally, in the simplest sense, a launchpad for cities and city communities to launch a token for themselves and to self-govern that token and fund it.”

“Cities are networks of relationships based on proximity… accountability is very high in networks of proximity because you cannot vanish.”

“The number of atoms are fewer, but the bonds between the atoms are stronger.”

— On the strength and resilience of smaller cities.

Technical Details

• Blockchain: Solana

• Fee and Governance:

• Utilizes the Token22 program

• Exploring Futarchy as a governance mechanism

• Token Sales:

• Geographically restricted to prioritize local residents

• Community-managed treasury system ensures local control and accountability

Future Vision

• Urban Tech Integration:

• Continued focus on incorporating the latest urban tech innovations to meet evolving city needs.

• Practical, Community-Driven Solutions:

• Aiming to replace traditional municipal funding with community-powered, decentralized funding mechanisms.

• Organic Growth:

• Emphasis on the gradual development of city DAOs, fostering sustainable and resilient communities over time.

How to Get Involved

• Follow Maps.fun on Twitter:

• @maps.fun

• App Launch:

• Keep an eye out for the upcoming mobile and web app launches.

• Community Outreach:

• Communities interested in launching their own token can reach out directly for support.

• Engagement:

• Participate in local meetups and engage online to be part of the movement toward decentralized urban development.

Key Takeaways

1. Shift in Governance:

• Maps.fun is spearheading a move from traditional city governance to community-driven, decentralized models.

2. Flexibility Over One-Size-Fits-All:

• The platform’s adaptable approach caters to the unique needs of each city, especially smaller communities.

3. Strengthening Community Bonds:

• By combining digital innovation with physical community engagement, Maps.fun aims to create stronger, more resilient urban networks.

4. Revolutionizing Municipal Funding:

• The initiative presents a potential paradigm shift in how cities fund and manage their projects through token-based economies.

Conclusion:

This episode offers valuable insights into the transformative potential of blockchain in urban development. Magellan’s vision for Maps.fun not only reimagines city governance but also highlights a path toward more connected, accountable, and innovative communities. Whether you’re a city planner, tech enthusiast, or community leader, this discussion provides a roadmap for the future of decentralized urban development.

Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast to stay updated on future episodes exploring the intersection of technology, governance, and community innovation.

Episode Overview

• Host: Thomas (aka “Thomas Bahamas”)

• Guest: “Ape Dude,” a crypto/coffee entrepreneur based in Colombia creating RWA.

Summary

Thomas and Ape Dude have a wide-ranging discussion that starts with the surprising news of Donald Trump launching his own meme coin just before his inauguration, and then pivot into how this event reshapes perceptions of crypto across politics and society. They explore the idea of tokenizing “real world assets,” including coffee supply chains and public figures’ brand images. They also discuss the specific project “Real World Arabica” that aims to bridge Colombia’s specialty coffee industry with global blockchain technology.

Key Discussion Points

1. Donald Trump’s Meme Coin: A Political and Crypto Game-Changer

• Shock Value & Rapid Rise

• The token reached a massive market cap (over $70 billion) in just two days.

• This single event catapulted general awareness of crypto to unprecedented levels.

• Implications for Politics & Fundraising

• Politicians might move away from traditional lobbying or dark money in favor of tokenized sponsorship.

• Transparency is potentially increased because on-chain transactions are public, unlike conventional lobbying.

• Volatility Tied to Policy

• If a president’s or public figure’s token is directly tied to their brand and policy decisions, the price may swing wildly based on public sentiment or policy announcements.

• Shifting Public Perception of Crypto

• Crypto was once perceived as an obscure or even shady realm; now it’s endorsed by a former—and again incoming—U. S. President.

• Normies (mainstream audience) might be more comfortable exploring crypto due to Trump’s brand behind it.

2. Tokenizing Real-World Assets & Brand Image

• Trump as a “Public Asset”

• Discussion that Trump essentially tokenized his own brand image—leading to a reevaluation of the concept of meme coins.

• The door is now open for other major public figures to do the same (e. g., Elon Musk, AOC, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., etc.).

• Broader Implications

• Beyond politics, tokenization can apply to any real-world asset: art, real estate, supply chains, etc.

• Potential for entire economies to operate on programmable money, validated by top political figures.

3. “Real World Arabica”: Tokenizing Colombia’s Specialty Coffee

• Project Vision

• Ape Dude is building an association of Colombian coffee farmers who can transact in crypto and bypass many of the traditional intermediaries.

• The plan is to cut costs, time, and supply-chain complexity using blockchain, much like the approach of platforms such as AgriDex.

• Challenges

• Traditional coffee farmers can be risk-averse, wanting “guarantees” and security.

• Education remains a major barrier—many farmers aren’t aware of how blockchain technology can improve logistics and reduce costs.

• Future of Specialty Coffee on the Blockchain

• Potential to deliver high-quality, specialty Arabica beans to global buyers at more affordable prices by streamlining paperwork, logistics, and banking with on-chain solutions.

• Crypto acceptance (including meme coins) could become a unique selling point.

4. The Power of Crypto in Global Business & Society

• Trump’s Move as a Catalyst

• The conversation highlights how Trump’s coin may pave the way for more blockchain-friendly regulations.

• Governments worldwide might reconsider policies and see crypto as a valid mechanism for commerce and even governance.

• A Paradigm Shift Toward On-Chain Systems

• In the next generation, everything from birth certificates to social security could live on the blockchain.

• Interoperability between major platforms (like Twitter/X and WhatsApp) is becoming more likely.

• Practical Next Steps

• For enthusiasts, it may be wise to look beyond immediate volatility and consider the four-year presidential term as a potential timeframe where Trump coin’s fate (and possibly the entire meme coin space’s fate) unfolds.

• For builders like Ape Dude, the focus is on onboarding farmers and introducing them to the opportunities that come with tokenization.

5. Personal Convictions & Philosophy

• Long-Term Thinking

• Both Thomas and Ape Dude emphasize moving away from the “5-minute chart” mindset.

• Instead, consider the 10-20 year horizons where crypto, tokenization, and global supply chains intersect.

• Risk, Reward, and Responsibility

• Ape Dude speaks openly about his personal conviction—putting nearly all his savings behind Trump coin and his Real World Arabica project.

• Reinforces that no one is forced to invest; self-education and self-responsibility remain critical in crypto.

6. Looking to the Future

• The Next 100 Days

• Both participants plan to follow Trump’s first 100 days closely, anticipating new policies or announcements that will affect Trump coin’s price and global crypto adoption.

• Global Copycats & New Coin Launches

• Other political figures, celebrities, and entrepreneurs could follow suit, creating a wave of high-profile tokens.

• “Political meme coins” might become a subcategory of crypto in their own right.

• Real World Arabica’s Roadmap

• Strengthening partnerships with coffee farms in Colombia.

• Expanding B2B relationships and eventually catering to specialty coffee enthusiasts worldwide.

• The ultimate goal is a streamlined, on-chain marketplace for top-tier beans—where anyone can buy with meme coins, Solana, Bitcoin, etc.

Implications & Takeaways

1. Mass Adoption Trigger

• A sitting (or incoming) U. S. President openly embracing crypto signals a watershed moment that legitimizes the space for millions of people.

2. Regulatory Clarity (or Shakeup)

• Political embrace of crypto could lead to clearer regulations—less “gray area” about compliance and more straightforward guidelines.

3. Major Shift in Fundraising & Governance

• Political campaigns or large institutions might raise funds via on-chain tokens, offering more transparent, direct supporter contributions.

4. Tokenization of Everything

• From real estate to coffee beans to personal brands, everything can potentially be represented on-chain—opening up new forms of value exchange.

5. Emergence of “Public Image Coins”

• Trump coin could set a precedent for celebrity and politician-backed tokens, changing how fandom, brand loyalty, and political support manifest economically.

6. Focus on Infrastructure

• As usage skyrockets, blockchains like Solana need to handle transaction surges. This drives further innovation and improvements in scalability.

7. Long-Term Vision

• Builders like Ape Dude are playing a decade-long game, emphasizing patient growth, real utility, and bridging the gap between real-world industries and blockchain tech.

• Subscribe & Review: Listeners are encouraged to follow Solana Weekly on their preferred podcast player and leave a review to support the show.

• Engage & Explore: Whether you’re bullish on Trump coin or more curious about tokenizing real-world assets, do your own research and stay informed.

• Connect: Reach out to Thomas if you have questions or want to shill your bags—just remember to back them with real substance!

Disclaimer: None of the discussion above is financial advice. Always DYOR (Do Your Own Research) and consult professionals when making investment decisions. The conversation is meant to spark ideas and highlight emerging trends, not dictate personal finance strategies.