MoneyNeverSleeps

Pete Townsend | Early-stage Startup Investor

A weekly podcast that looks inside the minds of entrepreneurs and at the crossover of startups, enterprise, finance, technology and life as we know it, hosted by early-stage startup investor Pete Townsend.

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Top 10 MoneyNeverSleeps Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best MoneyNeverSleeps episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to MoneyNeverSleeps for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite MoneyNeverSleeps episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

279: Mastering the Startup Game | Nigel Eccles | Insights from a Serial Entrepreneur

MoneyNeverSleeps

12/13/24 • 44 min

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

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285: Startup Smarts & Web3 Wisdom | Highlights from the Past Year

MoneyNeverSleeps

02/21/25 • 41 min

This week, we’re taking a look back at some of my favorite moments from the past year—the conversations that stuck with me long after we hit stop on the recording. If you missed them the first time around, now’s your chance to catch the highlights!

And here’s the kicker—every one of the eight segments I pulled together features a mentor from the Techstars Web3 Accelerator that I lead. It’s part highlight reel, part "thank you" to these incredible people who help founders navigate the startup grind. A huge shoutout to Mai Santamaria, Patrick Pinschmidt, Hesus Inoma, Rita Martins, Alejandro Gutierrez, Laura Walsh, Philipp Pieper, Timo Lehes, and Arabian Prince from NWA for sharing their wisdom.

A number of these guests will also be joining us at the Techstars x Crypto Mondays Ireland event that Hugh McGirr and I are hosting in Dublin on Monday, March 10th at Toner’s Pub. If you’re around, come reconnect with old friends, meet new builders, investors, and operators across Web2, Web3, and enterprise, and hear from our Techstars Web3 Class of 2025. You might even enjoy a pint of Guinness while you’re at it. Check out the Luma linkto register here.

LINKS:

Keywords: #techstars #mentors #web3 #cbdc #beststartupinsights #entrepreneurship #podcast #startupecosystem #venturecapitalinsights #blockchaintrends #AI #crypto #fintechinnovations

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Check out all of the original episodes we featured:

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Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/
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283: Arabian Prince | The N.W.A Pioneer Empowering the Next Tech Generation

MoneyNeverSleeps

01/31/25 • 37 min

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

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Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv
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Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin....

280: 2025 Predictions with Alejandro Gutierrez

MoneyNeverSleeps

01/05/25 • 50 min

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:

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 [email protected]. 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

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Follow our guest co-host Alejandro Gutierrez:

X(Twitter): https://twitter.com/A_gutierro
LinkedIn:

293: Building Bridges: Simon Brown on Ethereum’s Cultural Gravity and Consensys Network State

MoneyNeverSleeps

05/09/25 • 37 min

Simon Brown joins me to share how his role at Consensys has evolved since his last appearance in January 2024 and why he’s now leading the charge on the Consensys Network State. It’s all about reconnecting the sprawl of the Ethereum ecosystem, reinforcing the cultural gravity that made Ethereum magical in the first place, and creating a more cohesive network of builders, founders, and ecosystem experts.

In this episode, we dive into how the Consensys Network State initiative is setting the stage for Ethereum’s next decade, how it’s bridging gaps between projects and people, and what it means for the future of decentralized coordination. We also get into some big-picture thinking around the evolution of Ethereum, the rise of network states, stablecoin growth, and what it takes to keep that cultural gravity intact as Ethereum continues to grow.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Simon Brown and Consensys:

Simon Brown: X(Twitter) | LinkedIn | Medium

Consensys: Website | X(Twitter)

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Apple Podcasts

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MoneyNeverSleeps (website)

Email us: [email protected]

Connect with Pete Townsend and MoneyNeverSleeps:

Pete Townsend: X/Twitter | LinkedIn

MoneyNeverSleeps: X/Twitter | LinkedIn | Newsletter

268: Garvan Callan | Be the Change You Seek | Founder of OneZero1

MoneyNeverSleeps

09/13/24 • 40 min

Garvan Callan is the founder of OneZero1, a company that’s redefining how startups and enterprises alike can navigate the complex world of digital strategy and transformation. Garvan is a strategist, innovator and transformation advisor whose career spans leadership roles in major corporations and working hands-on with startups, giving him a unique perspective on both sides of the entrepreneurial divide. Garvan is also a lecturer and the author of Digital Business Strategy, a must-read for anyone serious about innovation and growth in today’s fast-moving world.

We explore lessons from Obama's quote 'We are the change that we seek,' the significance of adaptability, the concept of the 'three V's: vision, values, and velocity,' and their application in both large corporations and startups. The episode also covers the challenges and strategies for fostering innovation, the importance of building strong, adaptive teams, and practical advice for startup founders looking to scale. So, whether you’re an entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or just someone interested in the future of business, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss

TIMESTAMPS:

01:52 The Power of Change: Lessons from Barack Obama

02:23 Garvin's Journey: From Rural Roots to Corporate Leadership

07:15 Embracing Uncertainty: A Key to Success

12:08 The Three V's: Vision, Values, and Velocity

19:51 Applying Startup Lessons to Large Enterprises

21:02 Leadership and Stress Management

22:13 Founders' Challenges and Letting Go

24:07 Enterprise Dynamics and Managerial Roles

24:59 Understanding Organizational Currencies

27:29 Corporate Innovation Labs and Startup Founders

36:35 Building Relationships and Synchronization

LINKS:

Follow Garvan Callan on socials:

-Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garvan-callan-b4634323/

-Twitter/X: https://x.com/gpcallan

Learn more about and follow OneZero1

-Website: https://onezero1.ie/

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onezero1/

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-Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294

-Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd

-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ

MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/

MoneyNeverSleeps website: https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/

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269: Working in Web3 | Real World Asset Tokenization in Finance and Beyond | Guest Co-Host Alejandro Gutierrez

MoneyNeverSleeps

09/20/24 • 35 min

Alejandro Gutierrez, CEO of npayme Labs and co-founder of ETH Dublin joins me again as guest co-host this week. In this episode, we recap our recent panel on ‘Finding Web3 Talent’ at Dogpatch Labs, touching on market sentiment, the cyclical nature of crypto investments, and strategies for early-stage startups. We delve into the concept of real-world asset tokenization, highlighting key initiatives by firms like Provenance, PayPal, Circle and Centrifuge. The conversation also covers the evolving landscape for content creators in Web3, emphasizing the use of tokenization for new revenue streams and the role of AI in content creation.

STORIES WE COVERED:

Recap of ‘Finding Talent in Web3’ last week at Dogpatch Labs (Owen Healy on LinkedIn, 15-Sep-24)

Friday Fund Tokenization Update (Eoin Motherway on Linkedin, 13-Sep-24)

Provenance Blockchain Labs launches Fund Issuance platform, to tokenize, list, & lend RWA funds on Figure Markets (Marketwatch, 20-Aug-24)

PayPal's stablecoin hits $1B market cap (Cointelegraph, 26-Aug-24)

MakerDAO, rebranded as SKY to roll out new stablecoin USDS (The Block, 27-Aug-24)

Circle's USDC in Brazil and Mexico Now Available to Businesses Via Banking System (CoinDesk, 17-Sep-24)

Stablecoins: The Emerging Market Story (Nic Carter @ Castle Island Ventures, 12-Sep-24)

Centrifuge launches a RWA lending market leveraging tokenized U.S. Treasury bills.(CoinDesk, 27-Aug-24)

AAVE (Avara) onboards BUIDL Shares as Collateral for GHO stablecoin (The Defiant, 29-Aug-24)

Natixis launch €100M Digital Bond, secured by mortgage loan pools & operated by SC Ventures, DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale & LBBW (Ledger Insights, 28-Aug-24).

Siemens issues €300M digital bond, as the largest bond issued under Germany’s eWpG. (Ledger Insights, 4-Sep-24)

Creators’ content is a real-world asset (Alejandro Guterrez on X, 17-Sep-24)

TIMESTAMPS

01:40 Insights from the Web3 Talent Panel

04:11 Market Sentiment and Investment Strategies

07:02 The Role of Tokenization in Web3

14:31 Real-World Asset Tokenization

28:24 Content Creation in the Web3 Era

34:01 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

LINKS:

Follow our guest co-host Alejandro Gutierrez:

-X(Twitter): https://twitter.com/A_gutierro

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandro-gutierrez-98979b43/

Learn more about:

-npayme Labs: https://npayme.com/

-ETH Dublin: https://ethdublin.io/

-Techstars Web3 Accelerator: https://www.techstars.com/accelerators/web3

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-Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294

-Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd

-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ

MoneyNe...

045: Connect (v2) | Mihai Alisie and the AKASHA Foundation

MoneyNeverSleeps

05/10/19 • 45 min

The second part of our interview with Mihai Alisie of AKASHA Foundation as he talks about future plans and his skill at poker!

Kindly sponsored by Ireland’s fintech and financial services recruitment specialists: Top Tier Recruitment
Mihai Alisie is the founder of the AKASHA Foundation, a non-profit born at the intersection of blockchain and collective intelligence.

We believe that humans are not problems waiting to be solved, but potential waiting to unfold.

This is why we nurture projects helping individuals amplify their potential through open systems that expand our collective minds at local, regional and global scales. If this fires your synapses, we unpack it below and describe the behaviors we’ve adopted for the journey.

014: The Kids Aren't Alright | Lisa Smith and EngageSmith

MoneyNeverSleeps

08/22/18 • 41 min

Lisa Smith from EngageSmith joins us on the show this week to talk about becoming an entrepreneur and to how to speak the language of Millennials!

272: Scaling Environmental Impact: Luca Franchi’s Journey with Ambient and DePIN Innovation

MoneyNeverSleeps

10/18/24 • 35 min

Luca Franchi is the CEO and a co-founder of Ambient, a decentralized network of air quality sensors. Luca brings to Ambient over two decades of leading growth at several startups and large corporations in the US and Europe (O2 UK, Telefónica, Sky) across enterprise and consumer verticals.

In this episode, Luca shares his fascinating journey from working in startups and corporates like Sky in Silicon Valley to leading a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN). The conversation delves into Ambient's strategic pivot from Algorand to Solana, their $2 million seed round led by Borderless Capital, and the operational challenges of launching a decentralized network.

Luca elaborates on how Ambient’s air quality sensors and the AmbiGo! app aim to engage the community and commercialize data. We also discuss the importance of founder experience, particularly in recruiting industry experts to navigate enterprise sales and legal structuring in DePIN projects. The episode concludes with Luca reflecting on the importance of passion and perseverance in entrepreneurship, and what it takes to approach the founders’ journey with longevity in mind.

Ambient is a DePIN at the leading edge of decentralized environmental monitoring, harnessing the power of its vast sensor network to deliver real-time, hyper-local, actionable environmental data. By utilizing distributed technologies and a community-focused participation model, Ambient not only enhances environmental awareness but also drives impactful change across the globe.

The Techstars Web3 accelerator invests in entrepreneurs building in web3 and enabling the next wave of growth in the decentralized internet and in tokenized economies. Applications are now open for the Spring 2025 class, so check out techstars.com/accelerators/web3 to apply.

TIMESTAMPS:

02:03 Luca's Career Journey and Founding Ambient

08:21 Challenges and Strategies in Building Ambient

11:51 How Ambient Works and Future Plans

13:15 The AmbiGo! App: Enhancing User Experience

16:10 The Importance of Data in Decentralized Networks

19:12 The Importance of DePIN in Web3

22:44 Raising the $2 Million Seed Round

25:24 The Startup Journey: Moving Fast and Staying Passionate

28:43 Balancing Work and Life: Advice for Founders

33:42 Conclusion and Contact Information

TIMESTAMPS: