Early Days

Early Days #19: Build With Bitcoin by Lynne and Israel

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 08:00:26 GMT

Summary:

In this episode, Car talks with Lynne and Israel, to unpack what’s changing in Bitcoin startups and venture capital right now. They share their backgrounds, compare entrepreneurial ecosystems across Austin, San Francisco, Mexico, and Miami, and dig into why Bitcoin is creating outsized opportunities, especially across Latin America. Along the way, they explore new Bitcoin-native funding mechanisms, why strong advisory support matters for early founders, and what the next wave could look like at the intersection of AI and Bitcoin. A must-listen for Bitcoin founders.

Chapters:

03:45 Transitioning from TradFi to Bitcoin

06:22 Insights from the Build with Bitcoin Journey

09:25 Bitcoin Venture Capital

12:36 Innovative Funding Mechanisms for Bitcoin Startups

15:27 Advisory Services in the Bitcoin Space

20:33 Exploring Startup Profitability in the Bitcoin Ecosystem

24:41 The Future of Bitcoin Startups and Market Trends

31:57 The Potential of Bitcoin in Latin America

39:58 The Rise of Bitcoin in Mexico

42:53 Latin America's Unique Position in Bitcoin Adoption

45:47 Youth Understanding of Bitcoin in Latin America

49:00 The Startup Ecosystem in ATX, SF, MIA, CDMX

53:05 Investment Opportunities in Bitcoin

55:53 The Future of Bitcoin Infrastructure

57:54 Innovations in AI and Bitcoin

01:02:49 Closing Thoughts on Myths about Bitcoin

Learn more about Build With Bitcoin

Follow Build With Bitcoin on X
Follow Lynne on X
Follow Israel on X

Subscribe to Early Days wherever you get your podcasts — and don’t forget to leave a review!

Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders.

From contracts to foundational and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build.

Save 10% with code: PlebLab https://myventac.com/?aff=PlebLab

Follow Car:

Apply to ⁠PlebLab⁠

Learn more about ⁠PlebLab

⁠

Build with PlebLab Online:

PlebLab is a group that supports Bitcoin's success through free and open-source development. We back early-stage Bitcoin startups, builders and developers who host weekly workshops and hangouts.

Reach out to PlebLab on X or our website to: host a workshop, work out of the lab, pitch your startup idea, or find a co-founder. The FOSS ethos drives our mission to foster an open-source software and hardware community.

• 🟠 Apply to join: PlebLab Hackerspace Application.

• 🤙 Interested in supporting the mission? Consider donating.

• 💬 Stay in touch: X or Primal.

• ✨ Learn more about PL: pleblab.dev and our News/Blog.

• 📍 PL Events calendar: Luma.

• 👕 PL Merch: shop here.

• 🔵 PL LinkedIn: company page.

• 🤖 PL GitHub: PlebLab/main.

• 📚 PL Udemy: PlebLab Courses

• ⚡️ Stacker News: @PlebLab.

• 📮 PL Newsletter: subscribe.

• 👉 Follow for more PL Builder updates: Pulse

• 🟠 Bitcoin Builders Club: calendar.

• 🎥 Watch our latest events: YouTube Streams, Twitch, PlebTV.

• 🎧 Listen to this podcast on Fountain or Apple

Early Days #18 - Lightning Ventures by Muzz

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 06:23:53 GMT

Summary:

In this episode, Car talks with Muzz of Lightning Ventures about the real mechanics of funding Bitcoin startups. Muzz traces his path from early Bitcoin experiments to running the world’s largest Bitcoin angel investing network, then breaks down what investors look for, how consistent updates change outcomes, and why Bitcoin founders are unusually resilient. He also introduces Thunder Funder, an equity crowdfunding platform built for Bitcoin companies, and maps the growing community, capital, and playbooks available to builders. Whether you are writing your first investor update or exploring your first check, this conversation delivers clear, usable insight for Bitcoin founders.

Chapters:

03:29 Building A Bitcoin Only Syndicate

06:32 The Importance of Investor Updates and Communication

09:27 Challenges of Raising Capital in the Bitcoin Space

12:27 Comparing Bitcoin and Traditional Investment Models

15:30 The Unique Resilience of Bitcoin Founders

18:25 Understanding the Hurdles of Bitcoin Investments

24:23 Navigating the VC Landscape in Bitcoin

30:35 Future Plans for PL Startup School

35:10 Building a Bitcoin Company

39:41 The Austin Bitcoin Scene

40:40 Thunder Funder: Equity Crowdfunding for Bitcoin Startups

44:36 Lessons Learned Navigating the Crowdfunding Landscape

48:18 Changes in Accreditation and Regulation

54:35 The Evolution of Lightning Ventures

Learn more about Lightning Ventures

Learn more about Thunder Funder
Follow Lightning Ventures on X
Follow Muzz on X

Subscribe to Early Days wherever you get your podcasts — and don’t forget to leave a review!

Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders.

From contracts to foundational and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build.

Save 10% with code: PlebLab https://myventac.com/?aff=PlebLab

Follow Car:

Apply to ⁠PlebLab⁠

Learn more about ⁠PlebLab

⁠

Build with PlebLab Online:

PlebLab is a group that supports Bitcoin's success through free and open-source development. We back early-stage Bitcoin startups, builders and developers who host weekly workshops and hangouts.

• 🟠 Apply to join: PlebLab Hackerspace Application.

• 🤙 Interested in supporting the mission? Consider donating.

• 💬 Stay in touch: X or Primal.

• ✨ Learn more about PL: pleblab.dev and our News/Blog.

• 📍 PL Events calendar: Luma.

• 👕 PL Merch: shop here.

• 🔵 PL LinkedIn: company page.

• 🤖 PL GitHub: PlebLab/main.

• 📚 PL Udemy: PlebLab Courses

• ⚡️ Stacker News: @PlebLab.

• 📮 PL Newsletter: subscribe.

• 👉 Follow for more PL Builder updates: Pulse

• 🟠 Bitcoin Builders Club: calendar.

• 🎥 Watch our latest events: YouTube Streams, Twitch, PlebTV.

• 🎧 Listen to this podcast on Fountain or Apple

Early Days #17: Feed Filter AI by Ted Thayer

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:00:28 GMT

Summary:

In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Ted from Feed Filter AI to explore using AI as a tool to enhance user experience on social media by filtering out unwanted content.

They discuss the role of Feed Filter AI in content curation, the challenges of social media today, and the importance of understanding user needs in early-stage products.

Ted shares hard lessons from earlier startups, the importance of shipping with live user feedback, and why he’s building Feed Filter AI as a company for the Bitcoin era, where privacy, ownership, and open networks matter.

We explore:

How to Make Social Media Great Again!
Where does the moat live? User-owned rules, privacy, compounding models
What to measure? Junk removed, time saved, retention
User-controlled filters that run across X and Instagram
Cutting social noise so users get their attention back

Chapters:

00:00 Problem framing: noise steals attention, AI gives it back

03:11 Context over keywords: how the model reads text, images, memes

06:33 UX realities: overwhelm, friction, drop-off—what actually fixes it

09:55 Market entry: where Feed Filter wins first, initial wedge

12:21 Feedback loop: ship weekly, instrument everything, learn fast

16:15 Filtering engine: user rules, aggregation, precision at scale

20:55 Roadmap and future app rollout

25:05 Founder scars: what previous startups taught Ted that transfers

40:30 Surviving the trough: cash, focus, and saying no

48:13 Past pivots (incl. health tech): extracting playbooks, not baggage

58:07 Post-mortems that matter: what to keep, what to kill

01:02:53 Building for the Bitcoin era: privacy, ownership, open networks

Learn more about Feed Filter AI

Download Feed Filter AI for Chrome
Follow Feed Filter AI on X
Follow Ted Thayer on X

Subscribe to Early Days wherever you get your podcasts — and don’t forget to leave a review!

Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders.

From contracts to foundational and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build.

Save 10% with code: PlebLab https://myventac.com/?aff=PlebLab

Follow Car:

Apply to ⁠PlebLab⁠

Learn more about ⁠PlebLab

⁠

Build with PlebLab Online:

PlebLab is a group that supports Bitcoin's success through free and open-source development. We back early-stage Bitcoin startups, builders and developers who host weekly workshops and hangouts.

• 🟠 Apply to join: PlebLab Hackerspace Application.

• 🤙 Interested in supporting the mission? Consider donating.

• 💬 Stay in touch: X or Primal.

• ✨ Learn more about PL: pleblab.dev and our News/Blog.

• 📍 PL Events calendar: Luma.

• 👕 PL Merch: shop here.

• 🔵 PL LinkedIn: company page.

• 🤖 PL GitHub: PlebLab/main.

• 📚 PL Udemy: PlebLab Courses

• ⚡️ Stacker News: @PlebLab.

• 📮 PL Newsletter: subscribe.

• 👉 Follow for more PL Builder updates: Pulse

• 🟠 Bitcoin Builders Club: calendar.

• 🎥 Watch our latest events: YouTube Streams, Twitch, PlebTV.

• 🎧 Listen to this podcast on Fountain or Apple

Early Days #16: Unchained by Joe Kelly

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Summary:

In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Joe from Unchained to explore what building early in Bitcoin really teaches you: ship fast, listen closely, iterate constantly, survive the hard parts, and play the long game. Joe shares lessons from selling his first startup before entering Bitcoin, learning to find real customer pull, make revenue make sense, and improve security without sacrificing speed.

They dive into strategies that compound over time such as education, tooling, and partnerships, and why education is not just marketing but part of the product. Joe also breaks down how brand is earned through consistency and presence, and where he sees custody and treasury companies heading next.

We explore:

Early mistakes harden into operating principles that stick
Education as culture building, not just content
Brand as trust, consistency over slogans
Resilience and adaptability when markets swing

Chapters:

00:58 First Startup exit: early mistakes: operating principles

02:56 Why Bitcoin? reading the market and timing the jump

04:22 Business model fit, revenue that actually makes sense

06:40 Unchained Day 1–500: chase customer pull, not feature creep

09:16 Handling criticism: investor pressure (show, don’t slogan)

11:04 Notes to early builders: ship fast, listen harder

12:21 Survival mode: runway, focus, resilience

14:38 Hold tight vs. let go: when to persist or pivot

16:35 Indirect plays that compound: education, tooling, partnerships

18:32 Culture as product: education as culture-building; brand trust

22:56 Revenue in Bitcoin: services → product, infra → ?

29:32 Secure without slowing down: custody trade-offs

31:14 Custody then & now: workflows for teams and enterprises

34:09 Wallet UX + security: what’s actually new

36:59 Custody biz models

42:34 Treasury companies & stable coins

47:17 The digital playground and Bitcoins next wave

50:48 Education that scales community

Subscribe to Early Days wherever you get your podcasts — and don’t forget to leave a review!

Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders.

From contracts to trademarks and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build.

Save 10% with code: PlebLab https://myventac.com/?aff=PlebLab

Follow Car:

Apply to ⁠PlebLab⁠

Learn more about ⁠PlebLab

⁠

Build with PlebLab Online:

PlebLab is a group that supports Bitcoin's success through free and open-source development. We back early-stage Bitcoin startups, builders and developers who host weekly workshops and hangouts.

• 🟠 Apply to join: PlebLab Hackerspace Application.

• 🤙 Interested in supporting the mission? Consider donating.

• 💬 Stay in touch: X or Primal.

• ✨ Learn more about PL: pleblab.dev and our News/Blog.

• 📍 PL Events calendar: Luma.

• 👕 PL Merch: shop here.

• 🔵 PL LinkedIn: company page.

• 🤖 PL GitHub: PlebLab/main.

• 📚 PL Udemy: PlebLab Courses

• ⚡️ Stacker News: @PlebLab.

• 📮 PL Newsletter: subscribe.

• 👉 Follow for more PL Builder updates: Pulse

• 🟠 Bitcoin Builders Club: calendar.

• 🎥 Watch our latest events: YouTube Streams, Twitch, PlebTV.

• 🎧 Listen to this podcast on Fountain or Apple

Early Days #15: Project 11 by Alex

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:57:45 GMT

Summary:

In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Alex of Project 11 for a thoughtful discussion on the current state of quantum computing and its potential implications for cryptography and Bitcoin. They explore the risks and opportunities this emerging technology presents particularly in the context of ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm) and RSA (Rivest Shamir Adleman encryption). Alex explains how Project 11 is approaching these developments and offers a grounded perspective on what quantum advancements could mean for the future of digital assets. Whether you're cautiously curious or deeply embedded in the ecosystem, this episode provides a measured look at a complex and increasingly relevant topic.

We explore:

Explore how quantum computing could reshape cryptography and digital assets, with far-reaching implications for the future of finance.
Examine the potential risks quantum advancements pose to Bitcoin and how the ecosystem is preparing to meet these challenges.
Learn how Project Eleven is proposing solutions to safeguard digital currencies against potential technological threats.
Hear Alex’s personal journey from a military background to leading a pioneering effort in the quantum computing space.

Chapters:

03:05 Understanding Qubits and Cryptography Threats

05:44 The Implications of Quantum Computing on Bitcoin

08:54 Government Responses to Quantum Threats

12:03 The Risks of Nation-State Actors

13:48 The Future of Bitcoin and Quantum Computing

16:44 Current Developments in Quantum Computing

19:41 The Race for Quantum Supremacy

22:48 Project 11 and the Yellow Pages Initiative

28:12 Understanding Post-Quantum Cryptography

31:29 The Open Source Approach of Project 11

35:05 Funding and Future Directions of Project 11

36:21 Optimism in Quantum Computing

44:34 Introducing the Q Day Prize

Subscribe to Early Days wherever you get your podcasts — and don’t forget to leave a review!

Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders.

From contracts to trademarks and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build.

Save 10% with code: PlebLab https://myventac.com/?aff=PlebLab

Follow Car:

Apply to ⁠PlebLab⁠

Learn more about ⁠PlebLab⁠

Follow PlebLab:

Early Days #14: CASCDR by Jim

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 17:00:00 GMT

Summary:

In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Jim of CASCDR to talk about what he’s building and why it matters. We get into the future of AI and its impact on Bitcoin, media, podcasting, and even legal systems. Jim breaks down what CASCDR is, how feedback loops improve AI, and why leadership and team culture matter more than ever. We also dig into the ethics of it all, what’s coming, what to watch for, and how to build tools that actually help humanity.

We explore:

Why AI is seen as an elemental technology with vast potential.
How building workflows in AI can enhance efficiency and creativity.
Why we need Bitcoiners leading the charge in AI development.
Why Feedback mechanisms are crucial for improving AI systems.

Chapters:

02:52 Understanding CASCDR

05:53 The Importance of AI

11:53 Role of Bitcoin in AI Development

18:08 Ethics and Responsibility in AI Development

23:58 The Dangers of AI Without Ethical Oversight

43:41 Features of Jamie Pro

45:18 AI in Podcasting

47:58 Jamie Pro and AI Tools

53:01 Clara: A New Tool for Legal Translation

01:02:04 AI and Interoperability

01:06:14 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Development

Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders.

From contracts to trademarks and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build.

Save 10% with code: PlebLab https://myventac.com/?aff=PlebLab

Follow Car:

Apply to ⁠PlebLab⁠

Learn more about ⁠PlebLab⁠

Follow PlebLab:

Early Days #13: Portal by Alekos

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Summary:

In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Alekos of Portal, to discuss the Portal hardware device, they explore the importance of user experience, the concepts and future plans around decentralized identity, and examine the evolving role of hardware in the Bitcoin space.

We explore:

How decentralized identity can simplify online and offline authentication.
How to transition from open source to founding a startup in the bitcoin ecosystem.
The difficulties of raising funds for hardware startups in the bitcoin ecosystem.
Why more startups should pursue ambitious ideas in the bitcoin ecosystem.

Chapters:

01:01 Hackerspace Updates
03:27 Alekos's Journey into Bitcoin
06:27 The Evolution of Ideas and Creativity
09:17 From OpenSource to Bitcoin Startup
15:40 Innovations in NFC Technology
24:32 Expanding Functionality of Portal
29:13 Security and Authentication
37:07 Understanding the Portal Device
46:13 User Experience in Digital Security
52:27 Security and Privacy Concerns in Digital Identity
57:45 Learnings on Building Hardware
01:06:00 Future of Portal

Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders.

From contracts to trademarks and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build.

Save 10% with code: PlebLab https://myventac.com/?aff=PlebLab

Follow Car:

Apply to ⁠PlebLab⁠

Learn more about ⁠PlebLab⁠

Follow PlebLab:

Early Days #12: Solo Satoshi by Matt

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 17:00:00 GMT

Summary:

In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Matt of Solo Satoshi, to discuss the rise of Bitaxe and its impact on home mining. They discuss the possibilities of home mining, decentralization, and how community support fuels resilience when building a bitcoin business.

We explore:

Why Bitaxe open source design files allow users to build their own devices.
How home mining is in its infancy and has huge growth potential.
How Bitaxe mining solutions can lead to greater decentralization.
Why the sovereign bitcoin stack will be made accessible to everyone.

Chapters:

02:43 Bitaxe Open Source Movement
03:49 Creating Solo Satoshi
17:01 Differentiating in the Bitaxe market
24:37 The Sovereign Bitcoin Stack
30:31 Bitaxe Operations and Challenges
42:04 Home Mining Competition
51:49 Importance of Integrity
01:02:04 The Evolution of Bitcoin Adoption
01:12:43 Plans for Solo Satoshi

Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders.

From contracts to trademarks and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build.

Save 10% with code: PlebLab https://myventac.com/?aff=PlebLab

Follow Car:

Apply to ⁠PlebLab⁠

Learn more about ⁠PlebLab⁠

Follow PlebLab:

Learn more:

Follow Matt on <…

Early Days #11: Boltz by Kilian

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:00:00 GMT

Summary:

In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Kilian, Co-founder and CEO of Boltz, to explore the inception and evolution of the platform—designed to enable non-custodial swaps across Bitcoin layers. Kilian shares insights into the early challenges of the Lightning Network, the integration of Liquid for more efficient transactions, and the ongoing pursuit of privacy in Lightning payments.

We explore:

Why professional operation of routing nodes is key to network reliability.
How privacy in Lightning transactions is progressing, with advancements like Bolt12.
Liquid’s shifting role as a valuable option during high-fee periods.
Why Kilian sees the Lightning Network as connective tissue across Bitcoin layers.

Chapters:

03:38 How Boltz Evolved
06:16 Liquid’s Role in Lightning
09:25 User Experience and Wallet Integration
12:31 The Boltz Founders Journey
15:30 Technical Challenges and Node Management
18:27 Legal Considerations: Structuring a Non-Custodial Business
21:39 The Future of Lightning Network and Privacy Concerns
41:52 How Private is Lightning?
45:16 Bolt12 in Focus
48:55 Compliance Challenges in an Open Bitcoin Ecosystem
52:10 Rethinking Liquid
59:28 Lightning Network and Channel Management

Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders. From contracts to trademarks and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build.

Save 10% with code: PlebLab https://myventac.com

Follow Car:

Apply to ⁠PlebLab⁠

Learn more about ⁠PlebLab⁠

Follow PlebLab:

Learn more:

Follow Kilian on X

Learn more Boltz

Early Days #10: Alamo Labs by Ge

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Summary:

In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Ge, the founder of Alamo Labs, to talk about the new Bitcoin hub taking shape in San Antonio — and the grassroots journey that brought it to life.

We explore:

The importance of plebs playing a crucial role in grassroots Bitcoin initiatives.
How the city often guides the direction and energy of local Bitcoin movements.
How building a physical space comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities for Bitcoin builders and community members
Why San Antonio is well-positioned to become a regional hub for Bitcoin in South Texas, with the right vision and support

Chapters:

01:11 The Story of Building Alamo Labs
07:00 Scaling Challenges
16:27 Measuring Impact
21:38 Expanding the Model for Other Cities
33:24 The Reality of Fundraising vs. Revenue
44:25 Unique Identity of Every Bitcoin City
49:46 Breaking Out of the Echo Chamber
1:01:54 Love, Legacy, and Brotherhood

Save 10% with code: PlebLab https://myventac.com

Follow Car:

Apply to ⁠PlebLab⁠

Learn more about ⁠PlebLab⁠

Follow PlebLab:

Learn more:

Follow Ge on X

Learn more Alamo Labs

Early Days #9: Synonym by John Carvalho

Wed, 21 May 2025 17:00:00 GMT

Summary:

In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with John to discuss the evolution of Synonym, its vision for a decentralized digital economy, and the development of the Pubky protocol.

We explore:

The importance of self-sovereignty, identity, and trust in the digital age
Pubky introducing a public key domain system for censorship resistance.
The Atomic Economy and why it is not just a technology stack.
Future of Pubky, Social Media and it's AI Integration.

Chapters:

05:01 Challenges of Lightning
10:51 Exploring the PubKey Protocol
17:43 Self-Sovereignty and Digital Identity
30:27 Payments and Settlement in The Next Web
36:36 The Challenge of Scaling Bitcoin
40:23 Building a Trusted Payment System
41:07 Understanding the "Semantic Social Graph"
44:47 The Future of Pubky, Social Media and AI Integration
52:32 Creating Meaningful Technology for Families
55:09 The Launch of PubKey

Save 10% with code: PlebLab https://myventac.com

Follow Car:

Apply to ⁠PlebLab⁠

Learn more about ⁠PlebLab⁠

Follow PlebLab:

Learn more about Synonym

Follow John on Pubky, X

Learn more Synonym

Build on Pubky Core

Early Days #8: Assign Money by Jeremy

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Summary:

In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Jeremy from Assign Money who shares his builder journey, detailing his love for creation, the challenges of building in Nigeria and why Bitcoin payroll is a growing need in Africa.

We explore:

Jeremy's journey into coding began with a desire to create and innovate.
The Nigerian government strict regulations against cryptocurrency transactions.
Why education is key to increasing Bitcoin adoption in Nigeria.
Despite regulations, there is a growing interest in Bitcoin among the population.

Chapters:

09:36 Challenges of Building on Bitcoin
16:44 The Regulatory Landscape in Nigeria
22:59 Adoption and Understanding of Bitcoin in Africa
27:48 The Development Ecosystem in Nigeria
31:04 What is Assign Money?
41:08 Stablecoins and Payroll Solutions in Africa

Learn more about Assign Money

Follow Jeremy on X

Follow Car:

Apply to PlebLab

Learn more about PlebLab

Follow PlebLab:

Early Days #7: HeatBit by Alex

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Summary:

In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Alex from Heatbit who shares his entrepreneurial journey, detailing the inception of Heatbit during the COVID-19 lockdown, the challenges faced in product development, and the importance of market validation.

We explore:

The journey began with a curiosity about Bitcoin mining and heating.
Market validation is crucial before fully developing a product.
Prototyping and user testing are essential steps in product development.
Optimism is common among founders, but realistic expectations are necessary.
Simplicity in product design often leads to better user experiences.

Chapters:

03:28 The Genesis of Heatbit: A Journey of Curiosity
06:38 Passion for Physical Products and Waste Reduction
09:30 The First Iteration: Building the Heatbit
12:29 Design Evolution and Professional Input
15:35 Market Entry: Lessons from Indiegogo
18:37 Navigating Challenges and Market Confirmation
21:38 Building the Team and Engaging Customers
24:38 Marketing Strategies and Customer Engagement
27:37 Production Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
30:26 The Emotional Journey of Product Creation
32:52 From Prototypes to Production
33:35 Customer Reactions: Excitement and Reality Check
36:25 Lessons Learned: Optimism vs. Reality in Startups
40:03 Simplicity in Design: The Key to User Experience
41:38 Funding the Vision
42:55 The Resurgence of Home Mining
47:29 Navigating Investor Relationships
51:58 Open Source and Privacy in Mining

Learn more about Heatbit

Follow on X

Follow Car:

Apply to PlebLab

Learn more about PlebLab

Follow PlebLab:

Early Days #6: Bitspend by Joshua

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 10:59:00 GMT

Summary:

In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Joshua, the founder of Bitspend, to discuss his journey in developing a payment solution using Bitcoin and the Lightning Network. The conversation also touches on the Ark protocol, revenue models for Bitspend, and the application of the 80/20 principle in development.

We explore:

Cross-border payments are difficult, especially from Nigeria.
Bitspend plugin aims to simplify user interactions with Bitcoin.
Bitshala Lab plays a significant role in educating developers.
Nigeria Bitcoin ecosystem
The Ark protocol
The 80/20 principle helps prioritize development efforts.

Joshua shares his experiences with cross-border payments, the importance of verification in Bitcoin transactions, and the challenges faced with the Lightning Network.

Chapters:

03:43 Challenges in Cross-Border Payments
06:37 The Importance of Verification in Bitcoin Transactions
09:29 Introducing the Bitspend Plugin
12:21 User Experience and Security in Wallet Applications
15:39 The Future of Bitspend and its Integration
18:19 Joshua's Background and Interest in Bitcoin
21:27 BitShala and its Role in the Bitcoin Ecosystem
24:13 The Bitcoin Community in Nigeria
33:20 Bitcoin as a Medium of Payment
35:26 The Lightning Network: Pros and Cons
37:44 Exploring the ARK Protocol
43:09 Revenue and Growth Strategies
48:25 The 80/20 Principle
52:41 Bitcoin's Role in Economic Empowerment

Learn more about Bitspend

Follow on X: @boringprimate

Follow Car:

Apply to PlebLab

Learn more aboutPlebLab

Follow PlebLab:

Early Days #5: 21M Comms by Phil

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Summary:

In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Phil, the founder and CEO of 21M Communications, to discuss his journey in the Bitcoin space and the unique PR strategies he employs for Bitcoin companies.

We explore:

The importance of aligning PR strategies with low time preference values.
How PR and marketing should work hand in hand.
Building relationships with reporters for effective media outreach.
Social listening as a key strategy for identifying trends and engaging with the media.
Leveraging podcasts for brand visibility and engagement.
How consistency in producing content can lead to unexpected opportunities and connections.

Phil discusses the differences between PR and marketing, foundational strategies for startups, and the significance of newsletters and content creation in building a brand’s presence in the media.

Learn more about 21M Comms

Follow on X: @ColdHardSats

Follow Car:

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to 21M Communications
03:34 Phil’s Journey in Media and Bitcoin
06:50 High Time Preference vs. Low Time Preference in Bitcoin
09:39 The Art of Storytelling in Bitcoin Marketing
12:33 Influencer Marketing in the Bitcoin Space
15:30 Understanding PR vs. Marketing
18:30 Case Study: AMBOSS and Effective Marketing Strategies
32:17 Building a Strong Foundation for Startups
40:43 Engaging with Media and Social Listening
45:14 Creating Impactful Content and Thought Leadership
48:41 The Power of Newsletters and Community Engagement

Apply to PlebLab

Learn more aboutPlebLab

Follow PlebLab:

Early Days #4: Cozy by Kiki

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Summary:

In this episode of_Early Days_, Car sits down with Kiki, a creative technologist and game designer, to dive into her unique journey from artist yogi to Bitcoin hacker and Unreal Engine maxi. Kiki shares how she discovered coding through an artist collective, fell in love with VR, and found her way into the ecosystem through hackathons.

We explore:

The evolution of AR, VR, MR, and XR – and where it's all headed.
The inspiration behind Cozy, her AI-powered Tamagotchi-like agent built on Bitcoin & Nostr.
How machine-to-machine payments and AI assistants could redefine human-to-digital interaction.
The growing wave of Bitcoin-native innovation in gaming, AI, and immersive tech.
Her vision for Cozy and the future of decentralized digital companions.

Kiki’s journey weaves together art, technology, and open-source innovation—tune in for a deep dive into the future of interactive and immersive digital experiences!

Learn more aboutKiki

Follow Car:

Chapters:

00:00 Kiki's Journey into Coding and Bitcoin
05:16 Understanding AR, VR, MR, and XR
10:22 The Vision Behind Cozy
15:29 The Future of Virtual Agents
20:02 Kiki's Unique Perspective from Venezuela
26:08 Introduction to Cozy and Its Development
32:56 Exploring 3D Tools and Technologies
36:26 Kiki's Educational Journey and Future Aspirations
40:04 The Vision for Cozy and Its Unique Features
43:58 Final Thoughts

Apply toPlebLab

Learn more aboutPlebLab

Follow PlebLab:

Early Days #3: Branta by Keith

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Summary:

In this conversation, Car talks with Keith, who shares his journey from Bloomberg to founding Branta. He reflects on the challenges of Building on Bitcoin, the need to adapt in a competitive landscape, and the value of long-term thinking when transitioning into the Bitcoin space. Keith delves into Branta’s evolution, highlighting its flagship product, Guardrail, which ensures safe transactions on the Bitcoin Lightning Network. They also explore Branta’s business model, the role of relationship-building in sales, and Keith’s vision for the company's future.

Learn more about ⁠⁠⁠⁠Branta

Follow Car on ⁠⁠⁠Primal⁠⁠⁠

Follow Car on ⁠⁠⁠StackerNews⁠⁠⁠

Chapters

00:00 Transitioning from Bloomberg to Bitcoin

03:13 The Evolution of Branta

06:18 Guardrail: Ensuring Safe Transactions

09:21 Business Model and Market Positioning

12:29 Navigating Competition in the Bitcoin Space

15:22 Keith's Builder Journey and Philosophy

18:27 Family and Personal Background

21:19 The Significance of Open Source Projects

27:14 Sparrow Wallet

32:57 Open Source vs. Commercial Models

35:44 Navigating Sales and Client Relationships

43:18 Building a Business the Old-Fashioned Way

50:33 The Vision for Branta

Apply to ⁠⁠⁠PlebLab⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about ⁠⁠PlebLab⁠⁠

Follow PL on ⁠⁠Primal⁠⁠

Follow PL on ⁠⁠X⁠⁠

Follow PL on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

Subscribe to PL on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

Visit PL in Austin on ⁠⁠Meetup⁠⁠

Stay Up To Date with PL ⁠⁠Newsletter

Early Days #2: Shopstr by Cal

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Summary:

In this conversation Car talks with Calvadev for a deep dive into Shopstr, a relatively new marketplace built on Bitcoin and powered by Nostr. Together, they discuss the importance of innovative revenue models, the unique challenges of launching a Bitcoin/Nostr business, and how user experience will shape the future of payments. Calvadev also shares practical advice for aspiring builders—highlighting community engagement, continuous experimentation, and simply getting started.

Learn more about ⁠⁠⁠Shopstr

Follow Car on ⁠⁠Primal⁠⁠

Follow Car on ⁠⁠StackerNews⁠⁠

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Building Shopstr

03:30 Community in Entrepreneurship

06:21 The Role of Nostr in Shopstr's Creation

09:26 Bridging the Gap to Mainstream Users

12:14 Innovative Revenue Models for Marketplaces

15:28 Navigating Competition and Collaboration

18:30 Future Directions and Premium Features

21:22 Building on Nostr: Opportunities and Challenges

30:23 The Future of Payment Systems and User Adoption

34:31 Challenges in Building Bitcoin/Nostr Companies

40:24 Opportunities in Nostr Marketplace Development

54:33 Advice for Aspiring Builders

Apply to ⁠⁠PlebLab⁠⁠

Learn more about ⁠PlebLab⁠

Follow PL on ⁠Primal⁠

Follow PL on ⁠X⁠

Follow PL on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Subscribe to PL on ⁠YouTube⁠

Visit PL in Austin on ⁠Meetup⁠

Stay Up To Date with PL ⁠Newsletter

Early Days #1: Lightning Bounties

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Summary:

In this conversation Car talks with the team behind Lightning Bounties discussing their journey from hackathon MIT participants to building a platform that rewards developers for contributing to open source projects. They share insights on the importance of teamwork, the evolution of their open source project, and the challenges they faced in creating a two-sided marketplace for bounties. The discussion also touches on the future of decentralization, and the role of AI in development, and including valuable advice for early stage startups.

Learn more about ⁠Lightning Bounties⁠

Follow Car on ⁠Primal⁠

Follow Car on ⁠StackerNews⁠

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Lightning. Bounties Team

09:22 The Value of Hackathons

13:26 The Evolution of Lightning Bounties

18:41 Building a Two-Sided Marketplace

26:42 Future Prospects and Concerns

29:43 The Genesis of Lightning Bounties

32:31 Decentralization vs Centralization in Development

35:41 The Future of Work and Value for Value Exchange

39:15 Navigating Challenges in Startup Development

45:28 Building a Strong Team for Success

50:56 Engagement and Future Directions for Lightning Bounties

52:53 Closing thoughts

Apply to ⁠PlebLab⁠

Learn more about PlebLab

Follow PL on Primal

Follow PL on X

Follow PL on LinkedIn

Subscribe to PL on YouTube

Visit PL in Austin on Meetup

Stay Up To Date with PL Newsletter