E64: Eat Glass, Ship Fast - Lessons Learned in Startup Life
Startup life isn’t glamorous. It’s chaotic, messy, and often feels like eating glass. In this episode, Luke and Ash dive into what it really takes to start a company in crypto. From 5:00 AM routines and constant context switching to building strong teams and failing forward, they break down the highs, lows, and lessons of Web3 entrepreneurship. Whether you’re thinking about leaving a cushy job or already deep in the grind, this is a clear-eyed look at what startup life actually looks like.
E63: Beyond TVL - Driving Real Growth in DeFi Ecosystems
In this episode of the ATX DAO Podcast, we sit down with Austin Lee of Alpha Growth to explore what it really takes to drive sustainable growth in DeFi ecosystems beyond just chasing Total Value Locked (TVL). Austin shares his experience working with major protocols like Uniswap, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how Alpha Growth supports new chain launches, ecosystem development, and liquidity incentive strategies that actually work.
We dive into the evolving DeFi growth stack, from the role of infrastructure and on-off ramps to the rise of Uniswap V4 hooks and structured products. Austin explains why protocols must shift focus from vanity metrics to real user activation and capital velocity. Whether you’re launching a blockchain, scaling a DeFi product, or exploring new L2s, this episode is packed with practical insights on what separates temporary hype from lasting adoption.
E62: Manifold Labs, Bittensor, and the New Marketplace for AI Power
AI tools are everywhere, but who controls the power behind them? In this episode, Manifold Labs co-founder James Woodman explains how they’re building a decentralized marketplace for compute using Bittensor. We talk about why AI is so expensive, how your personal data is being handled today, and what it would take to flip the script on big tech. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really powering ChatGPT and whether there’s a better way, this one’s for you.
E61: How to Tell If a Crypto VC Will Actually Help You Build
Mike Chan from Deep Ventures joins the ATX DAO Podcast to talk about what makes a crypto VC actually useful to founders, especially in a post-bull market. Drawing from his own path as a Web2 founder and early Web3 operator, Mike shares why empathy, context, and hard-won experience matter more than ever in venture. He explains how Deep Ventures evolved from a syndicate to a fund, what changes in a bear market, and how founders can spot the difference between strategic capital and dead weight on the cap table.
This episode is packed with sharp, candid insights for anyone building in Web3. Whether you’re fundraising now or planning to in the future, Mike breaks down what good support really looks like, from writing real deal memos to offering founder-first guidance beyond the check. If you’re tired of surface-level VC talk and want a grounded look at crypto capital today, this one’s worth a listen.
E60: DAO Roundtable - Has Crypto Lost Its Soul? And Can It Get It Back?
In this ATX DAO Podcast roundtable edition, Christopher and Angle join to unpack one of crypto’s toughest questions: Has the industry lost its soul, and can it get it back? From Bitcoin’s origin story to meme coin mania and the rise of institutional players, the conversation pulls no punches. The crew explores how blockchain has strayed from its ideals, whether Web3 gaming is more than a gimmick, and what it will take to build systems that serve people instead of just pumping bags.
The episode also digs into the pitfalls of hype cycles, the collapse of trust in tokenized projects, and the reality that most “decentralized” systems still rely on centralized infrastructure. But it’s not all doom and gloom. From Quai Network’s energy-backed currency concept to the promise of games like Off the Grid, they explore what might be possible if the culture can reset. Whether you’re jaded, curious, or still holding onto the dream, this one is worth a listen.