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Summary

In this episode of Block by Block, Del Led shares how he got into crypto in 2020 and walks through the vision behind Peapods Finance. He breaks down the liquidity problems plaguing DeFi and introduces the concept of volatility farming — a model that rewards users for price fluctuations rather than relying on inflationary token yields. The conversation also touches on how Peapods Finance is using AI to automate strategies, why community engagement is central to retention, and what it will take for Peapods to become a blue-chip protocol. Toward the end, Del and Pete discuss the broader future of DeFi — especially how Bitcoin could play a larger role.

Takeaways

– Del Led’s crypto journey began in 2020

– DeFi is poised for a strong resurgence

– Peapods Finance tackles inflationary LP yields with a new model

– Volatility farming lets users earn from price swings rather than token emissions

– Peapods reimagines liquidity provision through pod-based structures

– Strong community engagement drives user retention

– AI is being integrated to power automated yield strategies

– Bitcoin’s role in DeFi is likely to grow over time

– Peapods aims to be a blue-chip protocol in the DeFi ecosystem

– Marketing innovation is essential for user acquisition and differentiation

Timeline

(00:00) Introduction to Peapods Finance and Del Led’s journey

(02:05) The evolution of DeFi and Peapods’ role in it

(05:09) Solving liquidity challenges with novel mechanisms

(10:12) What volatility farming is and how it works

(15:00) Perspectives from LPs and traders

(19:55) Marketing strategies and growth outlook

(24:50) How Peapods is using AI to optimize returns

(29:46) The future of DeFi and Bitcoin integration

(35:02) Final thoughts and vision for the road ahead

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Summary

In this conversation, Benjamin Brandall, co-founder of WeaveVM, shares how his early interest in preserving digital culture led him into the crypto space. He breaks down the “EVM storage dilemma” — a growing issue for developers building in Ethereum-compatible environments — and explains how WeaveVM is tackling it with a new modular architecture designed for permanent, cost-effective data storage.

Benjamin also discusses the importance of data availability for decentralized applications, how WeaveVM works alongside existing data availability layers like EigenDA, and why decentralization matters for Layer 2 ecosystems. The conversation also covers the team’s upcoming mainnet launch, the competitive dynamics of on-chain storage, and what’s needed to attract developers and grow the community. With promising traction in ecosystems like Solana and partnerships forming across chains, WeaveVM is aiming to become a critical piece of crypto’s data infrastructure.

Takeaways

— Benjamin’s entry into crypto came from a passion for preserving digital culture.

— The EVM storage dilemma is a major but often underappreciated technical challenge.

— WeaveVM offers modular, permanent, and cost-efficient storage for EVM-compatible chains.

— Data availability is foundational to how decentralized applications function.

— WeaveVM bridges Ethereum’s developer base with Arweave’s long-term storage.

— Centralized providers currently dominate the storage landscape — WeaveVM offers a decentralized alternative.

— The project’s model creates sustainable long-term storage incentives.

— Partnerships (like with EigenDA) are key to WeaveVM’s value proposition.

— The Solana ecosystem presents a strong near-term growth opportunity.

— WeaveVM complements, rather than competes with, other DA solutions.

— Modularity is a core design philosophy that sets WeaveVM apart.

— Decentralization remains a critical goal, especially for Layer 2 networks.

— Demand for decentralized storage is rising, particularly from enterprises.

— Newer chains like MegaEath open doors for future expansion.

— Mainnet is targeted for this year, with clear milestones ahead.

— Community building and developer engagement will be crucial to success.

Timeline

(00:00) Introduction to WeaveVM and Benjamin Brandall’s journey

(02:53) Understanding the EVM storage dilemma

(06:08) WeaveVM’s technical approach to solving on-chain storage challenges

(09:02) Why data availability matters for decentralized apps

(11:48) Competitive landscape and how WeaveVM stands out

(14:55) Strategic partnerships and momentum in Solana

(18:02) Future-facing opportunities for WeaveVM

(27:42) How WeaveVM fits into the broader storage and data availability stack

(40:29) Mainnet goals and community incentives to grow the ecosystem

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Summary

In this episode, Lyron Co Ting Keh, co-founder and CEO of Seismic Systems, shares the story behind their recent funding round and what Seismic is building—a blockchain platform for encrypted financial services. Lyron explains how the current financial infrastructure still meets the minimum bar for most users, but fails to serve more sensitive or complex needs, especially around B2B lending and credit.

He talks about how Seismic is tackling fragmentation in crypto, offering a unified and encrypted environment that can support native applications and allow for meaningful experimentation. Lyron reflects on the importance of deep user research, how his background in AI influences Seismic’s design choices, and why long-term thinking is essential when building in crypto. He also outlines their roadmap, the role of the community, and how Seismic plans to empower underserved small businesses.

We also go into how to pitch to VC's and why Polychain Capital, a16z, saw that was special in Lyron and Seismic Systems.

Takeaways

— Seismic focuses on high-sensitivity payment flows, bringing encrypted financial services on-chain.

— Most existing systems are “good enough,” but don’t meet the needs of more complex or privacy-sensitive users.

— A major problem in crypto is fragmented encryption—Seismic aims to solve that by unifying the environment.

— The team is building native apps from the ground up, informed by deep user research.

— Fragmentation in crypto complicates order routing and transaction execution.

— Seismic targets the SMB lending market, which is underserved and inefficient.

— Crypto provides structural advantages for underwriting and loan distribution.

— Seismic’s model includes incentivizing developers and users in differentiated ways.

— Community engagement is core to Seismic’s long-term strategy.

— Lyron draws inspiration from AI and emphasizes faster iteration and feedback loops.

— The roadmap includes beta testing, developer incentives, and a full mainnet launch.

Timeline

(00:00) Introduction to Seismic Systems and Funding Announcement

(01:43) Understanding Seismic’s Market and Value Proposition

(06:21) Seismic’s Unique Approach to Encrypted DeFi

(12:14) Incubation of Native Applications for Seismic

(15:02) Lyron’s Journey into Crypto and Seismic’s Development

(17:17) User Research and Identifying Market Needs

(21:52) Challenges in Feedback Loops and Market Signals

(26:07) Understanding Fragmentation in Crypto Transactions

(28:18) Seismic’s Approach to Credit and Lending

(29:09) The Challenges of SMB Lending

(32:32) Innovations in Underwriting with Crypto

(34:09) Seismic’s Business Model and Community Engagement

(39:21) Roadmap and Future Plans for Seismic

(41:04) Incentivizing Community and Developer Engagement

(45:41) Inspirations and Influences Beyond Crypto

Follow me @shmula on X for upcoming episodes and to get in touch with me.