Épisodes

  • 283: Arabian Prince | The N.W.A Pioneer Empowering the Next Tech Generation
    Jan 31 2025
    This week, we’re tapping into the intersection of hip-hop, technology, education and startups with a true pioneer—Arabian Prince. If you know your rap history, you know Arabian Prince as one of the founding members of N.W.A, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rap group that redefined music and culture. But what you might not know is that he’s also a lifelong technologist, entrepreneur and futurist—a kid from Compton who got his hands on a computer early and never looked back. From songwriting, rapping and DJ-ing to producing electro-funk beats and Grammy-nominated #1 hit song Supersonic to leading innovation in 3D animation, video games, and blockchain, he’s been pushing the boundaries of technology for decades. In this episode, we talk about how a chance encounter with an N.W.A-inspired crypto-merch baseball cap led to this conversation, and from there, we cover everything—his early love for tech, how music and technology shaped his career, and his mission as founder of INov8 Next Open Labs and co-founder of INov8 Capital to bring the next generation of kids into the world of tech. Form beats to bytes, Arabian’s story is all about curiosity, hustle, creativity, and breaking boundaries—whether it’s in music, business, or technology, so this is one you don’t want to miss. EPISODE LINKS Follow OGArabianPrince on social: Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter Learn more about iNov8 Next Open Labs Learn about Arabian Prince’s music and past work here Check out Arabian Prince’s GGGOAT Golf and GGGOAT PC brands Check out Swarm, the crypto real-world asset platform that started this conversation: www.swarm.com QUOTES FROM THE EPISODE “I was just a kid with a computer in Compton. That changed everything for me.” “If you want to make real change, you have to give kids access—not just knowledge, but tools, networks, and opportunities.” “Most of the people running tech companies today grew up on our music. That connection helps me open doors to push innovation forward.” SHOW NOTES 01:45 – The backstory: A crypto merch cap leads to this conversation 04:10 – Growing up in Compton, discovering computers, and early influences 08:50 – Blending music and technology: from electro-funk to hip-hop 11:15 – The birth of N.W.A and leveraging tech in the studio 14:40 – Why Arabian Prince left N.W.A and pivoted into animation and video games 16:20 – Working on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Silver Surfer, and Casper 18:30 – Founding iNov8 Next Open Labs and building tech education initiatives 21:05 – The regional approach: Adapting tech education to different U.S. communities 24:15 – Leveraging relationships and hip-hop’s legacy to open doors in tech 27:40 – Thoughts on blockchain, AI, and the future of digital ownership 29:50 – The impact of teaching kids about technology and entrepreneurship 32:00 – Fun facts about Arabian Prince: his love for SpongeBob and video games 34:00 – Arabian’s connection to Ireland and plans for visiting soon 35:00 – Closing thoughts and where to find Arabian Prince online Keywords: #arabianprince #nwa #rap #hiphop #tech #education #inov8next Shout-outs and hat-tips: Amor Sexton, Philipp Pieper, Timo Lehes, Katie Evans, Kene Ezeji-Okoye Leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify MoneyNeverSleeps (website) Email us: info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow Follow on LinkedIn: Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/
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    37 min
  • Trump Memecoin Mania, SEC Shakeups, and the Future of Finance with Laura Walsh
    Jan 24 2025
    Laura Walsh returns this week to help me unpack the whirlwind of events shaking up crypto, finance, and politics—from Trump’s memecoin antics to regulatory shifts and the ever-increasing adoption of crypto by institutional finance. Laura Walsh is a Techstars All Star Mentor, advisor, founder, web3 OG and friend, and in this episode, we dive into: Trump’s Memecoin Playbook – How the former U.S. president’s memecoins raked in millions in fees and what it says about crypto speculation today. Gary Gensler’s Exit from the SEC – What his departure means for the regulatory landscape and whether this signals a new era for crypto. Institutional Finance Embracing Blockchain – The latest on Circle’s acquisition of Hashnote’s tokenized money market fund and why crypto natives, not TradFi, are fueling the real-world asset movement. Regulatory Clarity & Crypto Adoption – How the SEC’s new crypto task force led by Hester Peirce is changing the conversation around compliance and innovation. Lessons from the Irish Whiskey Trade Battle – A fascinating parallel between crypto lobbying and how the Irish whiskey industry successfully pushed for tariff exclusions in the U.S. Canada’s Response to Trump’s Trade Threats – The geopolitical implications of America’s shifting trade policies and how Canadians are rallying against expansionist rhetoric. There’s no shortage of action in this episode—memecoins, market shifts, regulatory updates, and some fascinating history lessons all packed into one conversation! Resources & Mentions: Gary Gensler Leaves SEC, and Cryptocurrency-Friendly Mark Uyeda Is Appointed (Binance, 20-Jan-25) SEC Forms New Crypto Task Force Spearheaded by Hester Peirce (CoinDesk, 21-Jan-25) Trump’s meme coin is a reminder of crypto’s dumbest use case (CNN, 21-Jan-25) Alternative viewpoint on memecoins from Kevin DeGods (X/Twitter, 20-Jan-25) Canada has threatened ‘dollar for dollar’ retaliatory tariffs and ‘nothing is off the table’ (National Post, 21-Jan-25) The Irish whiskey playbook: an insider’s guide to how firms must navigate Trump’s DC (Business Post, 20-Jan-25) Dfns Raises $16 Million to Expand Crypto Wallet Infrastructure (Pymnts.com, 17-Jan-25) Circle buys tokenized money market fund Hashnote-USYC (Finextra, 21-Jan-25) Tornado Cash off OFAC List (Cointelegraph, 22-Jan-25) Ross Ulbricht pardoned (X, 21-Jan-25) Connect with Laura Walsh on social media: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralwalsh/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheOGLauraWalsh Keywords: Trump, memecoins, crypto, regulations, SEC, tokenized assets Leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify MoneyNeverSleeps (website) Email us: info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow Follow on LinkedIn: Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/
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    42 min
  • 281: The Art of Startup Exits | Brian McDonald from Bay Advisory
    Jan 17 2025
    Brian McDonald is a partner at Bay Advisory, a corporate finance firm helping founders navigate funding, scaling, and exiting their businesses. Brian first joined the show in 2021, and now, four years later, he returns to share updated insights on startup exits, valuations, and the evolving market landscape. From the importance of staying true to your business identity to understanding deal structuring and negotiation tactics, Brian breaks down what founders need to know before, during, and after an exit. He also shares his thoughts on current trends, including valuation shifts, the rise of AI-driven businesses, and the significance of knowing when to walk away from a deal. If you’re a founder planning your next fundraising round or thinking about an exit, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples that you won’t want to miss. Key Takeaways 1. Stay True to Your Business Identity: Many founders feel pressured to present their business as a SaaS or AI-driven venture to attract investors, but Brian emphasizes the importance of positioning your business based on what it truly is rather than shaping it to fit investor expectations. 2. Avoid Venture Capital If You Plan to Keep Your Business Long-Term: If you’re building a business to own and operate for life, taking on investors expecting a return may not be the right move. Transparency about your vision is crucial in aligning with the right partners. 3. Consider Alternatives to Full Exits: Founders don’t have to sell their entire company to achieve financial security. Partial exits or taking some cash off the table while continuing to scale can be viable options. 4. Valuation Challenges in Today’s Market: Valuations fluctuate, and generic revenue multiples can be misleading. Founders should focus on comparable deals and be realistic about their company’s value in the current market conditions. 5. Earnouts and Deal Structuring: Few exits involve a full cash payout at closing. Earnouts based on future performance are common, and founders should aim for turnover-based earnouts rather than EBITDA-based, as buyers can manipulate EBITDA figures.. 6. Know Your ‘No’ and Be Ready to Walk Away: Understanding your bottom line in negotiations is critical. If a deal isn’t right, having the confidence to walk away can save founders from making costly mistakes. Market Trends and Strategic Insights: Longer Deal Timelines: Exit processes that once took six months are now stretching to 9-12 months due to market shifts. AI Bubble: Many businesses are branding themselves as AI-driven when they’re not, which mirrors past trends seen with blockchain startups. Corporate vs. PE Buyers: Corporates focus on strategic fit, while PE firms prioritize financials and growth potential. Importance of Data Rooms: Keeping updated documentation can streamline fundraising or an acquisition process when the time comes. Guest Details: Email: brian@bayadvisory.ie Website: BayAdvisory.ie LinkedIn: Brian McDonald Listen to Brian’s first appearance on MoneyNeverSleeps in 2021 (episodes 118 and 119, Words of Advice, Parts 1 &2) Learn more about Bay Advisory and their advisory services for founders Brian referred to the book A Slight Edge by Jeff Olson in focusing on your niche at the earliest stages Leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify MoneyNeverSleeps (website) Email us: info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow Follow on LinkedIn: Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/
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    47 min
  • 280: 2025 Predictions with Alejandro Gutierrez
    Jan 5 2025
    In this special year-end episode, Pete Townsend is joined by returning guest co-host Alejandro Gutierrez for a wide-ranging conversation about what the future may hold in 2025. Together, they explore transformative ideas, emerging trends, and groundbreaking technologies that could shape industries, disrupt norms, and redefine global innovation. From traditional finance’s embrace of tokenization to the rise of AI agents, the duo covers it all—including a bonus prediction from a mysterious contributor. Tune in for an exciting glimpse into 2025 and get ready to peer into the crystal ball with Pete and Alejandro. What You’ll Learn: Tokenization Takes Center Stage: How traditional finance is poised to fully embrace tokenization, opening up new markets and investment opportunities. Stablecoins in E-commerce: The role of stablecoins in reshaping online payments and the potential for major adoption by e-commerce giants. Decentralized Identity: Why verifiable credentials and self-sovereign identity could become mainstream. Blockchain and Gaming: Predictions for how large gaming studios might integrate blockchain into their IP to empower users with ownership. AI Meets Blockchain: The emergence of AI agents in Web3 and their potential to revolutionize decision-making and commerce. Regulatory Milestones: The Financial Innovation and Technology (FIT21) Act and its potential to establish a clear framework for digital assets in the U.S. Global Bitcoin Adoption: How BRICS nations and others might accelerate Bitcoin mining and adoption for financial sovereignty. Memecoins and AI Agents: The possibility of AI agents driving the next wave of meme coin mania and their implications for the ecosystem. Bonus Predictions: Eoin Motherway, fintech and funds industry legend, shared his take on 2025: Proliferation of Stablecoins: Beyond USD-pegged options, expect growth in other fiat-backed stablecoins (e.g., HKD, JPY). Tokenization of Funds: The tokenization of money market funds could gain momentum, paving the way for more accessible and efficient investments. Digital Assets Ireland: The emergence of Ireland as a hub for digital assets under MiCAR regulations. Resources Mentioned: Electric Capital Developer Report 2024 Castle Island Ventures: Stablecoins and Emerging Markets a16zcrypto: A few of the things we’re excited about in crypto (2025) a16zcrypto’s Chris Dixon on Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin Bankless Podcast on AI Agents and Finance Call to Action: If this episode sparked your curiosity about 2025, we’d love to hear your predictions! Share your thoughts on X/(Twitter) at @MNSShow or email us at info@norioventures.com. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review MoneyNeverSleeps on Apple Podcasts and Spotify—and share this episode with a friend. Keywords: Alejandro Gutierrez, Pete Townsend, 2025 tech trends, Blockchain and AI, Crypto trends 2025, Stablecoins future, Decentralized identity solutions, Bitcoin mining expansion, Tokenization in finance, web3 trends 2025 Leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify MoneyNeverSleeps (website) Follow our guest co-host Alejandro Gutierrez: X(Twitter): https://twitter.com/A_gutierro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandro-gutierrez-98979b43/ Email us: info@norioventures.com Follow us on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow Follow us on LinkedIn: Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/
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    50 min
  • 279: Mastering the Startup Game | Nigel Eccles | Insights from a Serial Entrepreneur
    Dec 13 2024

    This week, I interviewed serial entrepreneur Nigel Eccles. Known for his role as co-founder and former CEO of FanDuel, Nigel shares his incredible journey of launching and scaling multiple ventures, including his latest projects BetHog and BetDex. Nigel dives into the pivotal moments that defined his career, lessons learned from raising over $450 million in venture funding, and his insights into the evolving landscapes of crypto, Web3, and gaming.

    Nigel’s candid reflections on timing, co-founder dynamics, and building resilient startups are a must-hear for founders, investors, and anyone curious about how to stay ahead in the world of tech and entrepreneurship.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • A speedrun through Nigel’s backstory

    • The early days of FanDuel and lessons from building a billion-dollar business.

    • Insights into raising capital—from seed rounds to $450M in funding.

    • Why timing and market dynamics matter more than ever.

    • The role of ethics and trustworthiness in choosing co-founders and investors.

    • Building for users: Why understanding your audience is key.

    • The future of online gaming, streaming, and crypto’s role in innovation.

    Notable Quotes:

    • “If you’re a tech startup, you need a tech co-founder. It’s almost impossible to succeed without one.”

    • “The best hires often come from failed startups—they’ve been through the fire and still want to build.”

    • “The key to raising capital is timing and understanding what the market values.”

    Connect with Nigel Eccles: Twitter | LinkedIn

    Keywords: gaming, sports betting, FanDuel, crypto, web3, BetHog, BetDex, fundraising, venture capital

    Shout-outs: Connor Murphy, Bradley Tusk, Nic Carter

    Leave a review and subscribe on

    • Apple Podcasts

    • Spotify

    • MoneyNeverSleeps (website)

    Email us: info@norioventures.com

    Follow on X(Twitter):

    • Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv

    • MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow

    Follow on LinkedIn:

    • Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/

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    45 min
  • 278: Money Talks w/ Mai Santamaria | The Butterfly Defect & the Future of Finance
    Dec 6 2024
    This week, I’m joined by the brilliant Mai Santamaria for a far-ranging discussion inspired by Ian Goldin’s concept of The Butterfly Defect — a thought-provoking take on the risks and interconnectedness of our global systems. We dive into how this idea resonates with the evolution of crypto, web3, and the financial markets, and explore how the convergence of traditional and decentralized systems could reshape the future. Mai, an award-winning fintech and financial policy expert, has been a trailblazer in shaping regulatory and strategic frameworks in Ireland. With deep expertise in digital finance and a passion for innovation, Mai brings her unique perspective to our conversation, exploring the challenges—and opportunities—of hyper-connectivity in our global economy. It's a deep and engaging conversation that offers insights into how globalization, technology, and finance intertwine IN THIS EPISODE: - The Butterfly Defect: How hyperconnectivity increases systemic risks and the lessons for crypto and globalization. - Parallel Arcs of Financial Systems: The inevitable convergence of traditional financial markets and crypto. - Regulatory Perspectives: Why interconnectedness demands careful collaboration at a global level. - The Role of Technology: How blockchain innovation like self-executing smart contracts can reshape financial markets. - Echo Chambers: Navigating the challenges of being too immersed in niche ecosystems and staying grounded. - Ireland’s Potential: How Ireland’s geographical and technological advantages position it as a hub for sustainable digital financial services. - Emerging Market Innovation: The surprising use cases for stablecoins and tokenized assets in emerging markets. KEYWORDS: butterfly defect, globalization, digital economy, crypto, blockchain, web3, regulation, stablecoins, butterfly effect RESOURCES: Follow our guest co-host Mai Santamaria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mai07/ The Fintech 15: Meet the Women Shaping the Irish Revolution (paywall) The Fintech Blueprint podcast interview with Tom Duff Gordon from Coinbase Professor Ian Goldin’s 2014 Princeton lecture on The Butterfly Defect Meet Keith Gill, the man who drove the GameStop Reddit mania and made millions Aled Jones’s article The Actuary (2021) on the Butterfly Defect The Stablecoin Revolution with Linda Jeng | Unpacking Castle Island Ventures’ Latest Stablecoin Report David Senra’s Founders podcast LINKS: Leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify MoneyNeverSleeps (website) Email us: info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow Follow on LinkedIn: Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/
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    39 min
  • 277: Straight Outta Crypton | Swarm and the Rise of RWAs | Timo Lehes and Philipp Pieper
    Dec 1 2024
    This week. I sat down with Timo Lehes and Philipp Pieper, the co-founders of Swarm, the RWA (or Real World Assets) platform that brings unique digitization and trading solutions to the world of traditional and decentralized finance. Swam is the first organization in the world to offer digitized US treasury bills and Apple stock via a compliant and decentralized platform From their personal journeys into crypto to the challenges of integrating TradFi with DeFi, Timo and Philipp unpack Swarm's evolution, their focus on compliance, and their vision for the tokenized financial markets of tomorrow. Along the way, they share stories about formative moments in their careers, including Philipp’s time in New England during the fall of the Berlin Wall and Timo’s early coding days. Plus, we dive into: Swarm’s focus on making blockchain-based assets accessible and tradable globally. Insights from the initial coin offering (ICO) and security token offering (STO) waves of the mid-2010s. The importance of regulatory clarity for tokenization to thrive. The role of RWAs in bridging the gap between decentralized and traditional finance. And yes, the story behind Swarm’s iconic RWA baseball caps inspired by 80s rap legends NWA! Key Takeaways: The transition from niche assets to tokenizing well-known RWAs like stocks and gold has been pivotal for Swarm's success. Compliance and regulation are at the heart of Swarm's approach, paving the way for global adoption. Despite the challenges, blockchain holds the potential to simplify and disrupt traditional financial systems, much like the early internet. Swarm's dual focus: Issuing RWAs and providing the tools for others to tokenize assets through their SaaS platform. About Swarm: Swarm is a compliance-first platform for tokenizing real-world assets, combining the speed, efficiency, and flexibility of blockchain with the trust and asset diversity of traditional exchanges. By integrating TradFi with DeFi, Swarm aims to create a seamless future where everything just becomes “Fi.” Follow Swarm: Website: swarm.com Twitter: @SwarmMarkets Telegram: Swarm Community Connect with Timo and Philipp: Timo Lehes: Twitter | LinkedIn Philipp Pieper: Twitter | LinkedIn Mentioned in This Episode: Dead Poets Society and its influence on Philipp’s philosophy of independent thought. Regulatory developments in the U.S. and Europe, and their implications for tokenized markets. The role of stablecoins as the first real-world asset success story. NWA’s influence on Swarm’s RWA hats—bridging culture and finance. Keywords: crypto, blockchain, digital assets, tokenization, real world assets, RWAs, DeFi Leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify MoneyNeverSleeps (website) Email us: info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow Follow on LinkedIn: Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/
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    51 min
  • 276: Sponstar and the Rise of Fractional Sponsorship with Manu | Exclusive Interview
    Nov 22 2024

    This week, we’ve got an exclusive interview with Manu, the founder and CEO of Sponstar, the fractional sponsorship marketplace that’s leveling the playing field for small and mid-sized brands to access high-profile sponsorship opportunities. Manu’s entrepreneurial journey, from traditional finance to web3, led to the creation of Sponstar—a game-changing platform that bridges physical events and digital experiences while redefining the sponsorship ecosystem.

    Manu shares her insights on fractional sponsorship, the intersection of blockchain, AI, and event marketing, and the unique challenges women founders face in the tech and crypto worlds. We also explore her guiding principles of spirituality, surrender, and how giving more strengthens a startup’s potential.

    Manu previously co-founded Alpha’a and alphaa.io where she changed the way companies connect with their fans, using web3 to help enterprises connect people, content and experiences. She has been in the tech and collectibles sector for the past 10 years successfully raising funds from venture investors such as Metaprop, Lightspeed, Chingona Ventures, and Gaingels With a background in finance, Manu worked as an equity analyst at Gávea Investments, one of Brazil’s most reputable investment management firms.

    Notably, Manu was named by Bloomberg in 2022 as one of the top 100 most influential Latinos and Latinas worldwide, one of the top 10 people to watch in Fintech in 2023, and one of the 33-Under-33 entrepreneurs in 2018 in New York City.

    RESOURCES & LINKS:

    Learn more about ⁠Sponstar⁠

    Recommended Reading: ⁠The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer⁠

    ABOUT THE HOST:

    Pete Townsend is an early-stage startup investor focused on the intersection of fintech, crypto, and web3. He also leads the ⁠Techstars Web3 Accelerator⁠. For more on Pete and how to get in touch, visit ⁠moneyneversleeps.ie⁠.

    SUPPORT THE SHOW:

    If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ or ⁠Spotify⁠, and don’t forget to subscribe for future episodes of MoneyNeverSleeps. Until next time, stay curious and keep learning!

    Email us: info@norioventures.com

    Follow on X(Twitter):

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    44 min