Step into the intersection of gaming and cryptocurrency on The Index with Jacob C., the founder of HyperPlay. Ever wondered how gaming dApps are transforming financial systems for the unbanked? Jacob shares his journey from Bitcoin pioneer to Ethereum advocate, reflecting on his impactful role at MetaMask, where he helped grow the user base from 190,000 to over 30 million. Discover how decentralized applications are empowering users in regions with limited access to traditional banking, marking a new era in finance and gaming.

Imagine running your favorite Windows games seamlessly on Mac, Linux, or SteamOS—that’s just the beginning of HyperPlay’s revolutionary approach. Jacob discusses the platform’s commitment to developer autonomy and open-source principles, standing apart from giants like Steam and Apple. This isn’t just gaming; it’s a movement toward decentralization and freedom. HyperPlay is creating a sustainable ecosystem by minimizing intermediaries, giving developers unmatched control over their creations and business models.

With ambitious plans to reshape the gaming industry, HyperPlay’s questing features and wallet integration promise to transform user engagement. Picture an app store where tokens and quests drive interaction, turning gaming on its head. Jacob unveils plans to expand into NFT marketplaces and portfolio management tools, bridging traditional and blockchain gaming to build a decentralized ecosystem that empowers players and developers alike.

Learn more HyperPlay: https://www.hyperplay.xyz/

Show Links

The Index
X Channel
YouTube

How is blockchain transforming financial access? In this episode of The Index, we sit down with Rennick Palley, Founding Partner at Stratos, a leading investment firm.

We examine the current state of blockchain technology, exploring the psychological barriers and market volatility that shape its future. Rennick provides a firsthand look at the complexities of cross-chain transactions, highlighting how platforms like Solana deliver a smoother, faster alternative to traditional banking. We also discuss tools like Portal, which streamline blockchain’s intricate processes, making the technology more secure and accessible for users.

Through a comparison of Ethereum and Solana, this episode reveals why Solana’s user-centered, open-source ecosystem is gaining traction—and why prioritizing user-friendly products is crucial for blockchain’s ongoing growth. A must-listen for anyone curious about the latest shifts in crypto and blockchain’s impact on global financial access.

Stratos: https://www.stratos.xyz/about

Show Links

The Index
X Channel
YouTube

What does it take to make financial tools truly accessible worldwide? Jackie Bona, CEO of Valora, joins The Index to share her inspiring journey from aspiring UN diplomat to a leader in the crypto space. In this episode, Jackie reveals how her Filipino-American heritage and time at Google shaped her mission to drive global impact through crypto.

Explore how she’s leading Valora to simplify complex technologies for a global audience, especially in emerging markets, and discover the power of stablecoins in regions with devaluing currencies like Nigeria and Argentina. Learn how Valora provides users with USD-denominated stablecoins, offering stability and growth opportunities through DEFI, while balancing user experience with security in self-custodial wallets.

Jackie also shares her approach to launching digital services in diverse markets and the importance of understanding local needs and regulatory conditions. Her journey underscores the potential of inclusive leadership and diverse voices to drive innovation and growth in the crypto space.

Learn more about Valora - https://valora.xyz

Show Links

The Index
X Channel
YouTube

What is the future of Solana Virtual Machines? In this episode of The Index, SOON Co-founder & CEO Joanna Zeng and Head of Developer Relations Nazreen M. share their entrepreneurial journey and their vision for Web3.

The Solana Optimistic Network (SOON) is revolutionizing blockchain and DeFi with a decentralized platform focused on scalability, security, and interoperability. By offering tools and infrastructure to build a decoupled SVM stack, SOON enhances transaction efficiency for Web3 applications.

Learn how SOON achieved rapid growth, opted for angel investors over traditional VC funding, and launched a DevNet within six months. Joanna and Nazreen also discuss their dedication to sustainable, impactful solutions and their partnership with ABK Labs to power the next wave of decentralized applications. This episode is rich with insights into vision, strategy, and the future of Web3. Tune in to learn more!

Learn more about Soon: https://soo.network/

X: https://x.com/soon_svm

Show Links

The Index
X Channel
YouTube

What does it take to build the future of decentralized technologies? In this special episode of Everything SVM on The Index, recorded live at Solana Breakpoint 2024, Alex Kehaya and Omar Zaki dive into the world of building on the Solana ecosystem. Joined by blockchain pioneers Vijay Chetty, CEO of Eclipse Labs, and Joanna Zeng, CEO of Soon, they discuss the transformative role of open-source software in shaping decentralized technologies.

This episode explores strategic integrations and innovations like SVM L2s and roll-up stacks that are redefining the blockchain landscape. Discover the ethos of open-source culture—rooted in transparency, community-driven progress, and the guiding principles set forth by the Solona co-founders.

Learn how production engineering and pioneering research work together to drive blockchain infrastructure toward a future of universal self-custody and scalability. The episode also examines horizontal vs. vertical scaling, the disruptive potential of the decoupled SVM model, and its impact on niche areas like decentralized AI and gaming.

Whether you’re a blockchain enthusiast or simply curious about decentralized systems, join this insightful discussion where community collaboration is the key to Web3’s future.

ABK Labs:  https://abklabs.com/
Mantis: https://www.mantis.app/
Eclipse Labs: https://www.eclipse.xyz/
Soon: https://soo.network/

Show Links

The Index
X Channel
YouTube

What is the future of Web3 gaming? Join Alex Kehaya on The Index Podcast as he chats with Tyson Loney, COO of Helika, a leading Web3 gaming and NFT analytics platform. 

In this episode, we explore Helika's role in Web3 gaming, providing analytics to help developers optimize player behavior and performance across blockchain games. Tyson shares how Helika's tools simplify multi-chain support, enabling studios to create data-driven experiences. 

We also dive into standout titles like Proof of Play and Parallel, discussing how decentralized ownership is reshaping gaming by allowing players to own and monetize in-game assets. Tyson offers insights on the future of gaming, NFTs, and overcoming startup challenges. 

Website: https://www.helika.io/

Show Links

The Index
X Channel
YouTube

What’s the future of real estate investment? This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya joins Darren Carvalho, co-CEO of MetaWealth, to explore how blockchain—specifically Solana—is reshaping the industry. With his background at Toronto Dominion Bank and Goldman Sachs, Darren shares how MetaWealth is using Solana’s fast, low-cost, and scalable blockchain to offer everyday investors fractional property ownership.

Discover how Solana’s high-performance blockchain enables lightning-fast transactions, minimal fees, and robust security, opening the door for global investors to access real estate markets previously out of reach. Learn how tokenization is transforming the industry by cutting out intermediaries, reducing costs, and making real estate investments more accessible. Plus, get the inside scoop on MetaWealth’s European expansion and the upcoming launch of the AUM token. Perfect for investors looking to diversify through cutting-edge, tokenized assets.

Learn about MetaWealth.

Show Links

The Index
X Channel
YouTube

What does it take to build a million-strong community with just a four-person team? In this special episode of The Index, featuring the recent live stream interview on Everything SVM, host Alex Kehaya joins Jack Levin, CEO of XEN, to explore the story behind XEN Crypto—a community-driven project designed to educate others about the power of economic freedom and the potential of the XEN token. Rooted in the first principles laid out by Satoshi Nakamoto’s Bitcoin Whitepaper, XEN aims to redefine self-custody, transparency, and decentralization.

Jack shares how X1 is revolutionizing blockchain technology by integrating a hybrid Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS) model. We break down how this unique approach combines the best of both systems, offering unparalleled decentralization, security, and scalability, setting it apart from platforms like Solana, Ethereum, and Bitcoin. Learn about XEN’s mission to empower individuals to mint their tokens, contribute to a collaborative ecosystem, and participate in shaping a future where open-source innovation drives the blockchain industry forward.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on building value from the ground up and the impact of community-led development on the crypto space.

Check out XEN: https://www.xencrypto.io/

Show Links

The Index
X Channel
YouTube

What does it take to build the next generation of DeFi on Solana? In this special episode of the Solana Startup Series, we sit down with Tristan Frizza, Founder of Zeta Markets, to explore the future of crypto trading. Tristan shares his journey from AI to blockchain, participating in Solana’s early hackathons, and the inspiration behind creating Zeta Markets—one of DeFi’s most compelling exchanges.

Tristan takes us through the ins and outs of perpetual futures trading and explains why these instruments are game-changers for traders seeking flexible, non-expiring positions. However, this flexibility comes with risks, especially with high leverage. Tristan provides insights into how volatility can be an advantage, maximizing exchange profitability and offering a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind crypto revenue models.

We also dive into the technical complexities of building on Solana, one of the fastest-growing ecosystems in crypto. Tristan discusses the necessity of Layer 2 solutions to address network congestion and cost management and breaks down advanced concepts like optimistic roll-ups and ZK bridges.

Tune in to learn how Zeta Markets plans to overcome these challenges and build a comprehensive, builder-friendly ecosystem for the next wave of DeFi innovation on Solana.

Zeta Markets: https://www.zeta.markets/

Show Links

The Index
X Channel
YouTube

What’s the future of Web3 gaming? Join us for a special episode of the Solana Startup Series on The Index. Today, we’re talking with Guido Pardini, CEO of Shaga, a revolutionary cloud gaming platform born from Solana Labs. Guido takes us on an inspiring journey from his teenage years in Italy, where he immersed himself in 3D printing and the maker movement, to his academic studies in computer science and electrical engineering in Milan. Discover how the 2009 financial crisis ignited his passion for decentralized technologies like Bitcoin, and how those early interests now fuel Shaga’s mission to revolutionize gaming by drastically reducing latency through decentralization.

We explore the key differences between centralized and decentralized gaming infrastructures and the innovative ways Shaga is solving the latency problem. Shaga’s DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) transforms individual gaming PCs into nodes, distributed near gamers. These nodes share their computing power to enhance the gaming experience, slashing latency and providing seamless, real-time gameplay. Guido also shares the ambitious plan to pilot a decentralized Xbox cloud gaming platform, offering lag-free experiences while giving small game studios access to free cloud infrastructure. Learn why Solana’s unique state-on-flight technology was the perfect foundation for this game-changing platform.

Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of gaming and the transformative potential of decentralized networks.

Website: https://www.shaga.xyz/
X Channel: https://x.com/playonshaga

Show Links

The Index
X Channel
YouTube

What does it take to build a successful startup in the blockchain space? Join us for a special episode of The Index podcast as part of the Solana Startup Series, featuring twin co-founders Tommy and Taylor Johnson. The two brothers share their startup journey in the crypto world, from Tommy’s early days in the blockchain scene in 2014 to their significant pivot to Solana in 2020. The Johnson brothers provide a detailed account of how they overcame initial hurdles, such as the lack of development frameworks and tools, and how their perseverance led to the innovative project, PsyOptions, which won a Solana hackathon in 2021. Their story is about technical achievements and the founders spirit and resilience required to adapt and thrive in a fast-growing industry.

The discussion delves into their new project, Armada, and their work on staking and tokenomics infrastructure within the Solana ecosystem. They provide insights into validating market demand, collaborating with teams like Hero and Bonk, and emphasize the importance of pattern recognition and perseverance in entrepreneurship. The twins also reflect on the unique challenges and advantages of working together as siblings. From navigating VC funding to balancing family life, this episode is packed with practical advice and serves as another inspiring Solana startup story.

Show Links

The Index
X Channel
YouTube