A conversation with Yiwen (aka @oceanicursula), founder of Nitro Labs, the team behind @Terminaxyz.

Full notes for this episode at: https://solfate.com/podcast/73

Solfate Podcast

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• Discover all our podcast episodes on our website: solfate.com/podcast
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Summary

In this episode of the Solfate Podcast, hosts James and Nick return after a brief hiatus to discuss groundbreaking innovations with Yiwen from Nitro Labs. The conversation dives deep into Nitro Labs’ product, Termina, which offers modular network extensions for the Solana ecosystem. They explore the concept of deconstructed rollups and how specific modules like the zkSVM prover, SVM engine, and Data Module allow for more efficient and targeted solutions. The discussion covers applications in DeFi, bridging, and the advantages of offloading high-compute tasks off-chain while ensuring on-chain security and verification. The episode also touches on the challenges and strategies for monetizing these advanced technical solutions.

00:00 Introduction to On-Chain Proof Verification

00:31 Welcome Back to the Podcast

00:54 Introducing Yiwen from Nitro Labs

01:03 Exploring Network Extensions and Deconstructed Rollups

05:04 Deep Dive into Solana and SVM

07:17 Shifting Focus to Solana Native Development

15:39 Understanding Asynchronous Settlement in DeFi

22:51 Beyond Rollups: The Future of Network Extensions

24:37 User Feedback and Modular Roll-Up Stack

25:01 Introducing the EZKS VM Improver

25:23 Challenges and Solutions in ZK VM Implementation

26:54 Proving Solana Transactions with ZK Prover

27:44 Bridging and Cross-Chain Transactions

31:18 Trustless Computation and Cryptographic Proofs

34:36 Real-World Applications and Use Cases

40:05 Monetizing ZK Prover and Developer Insights

45:56 Future of Network Extensions and Infrastructure

48:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Find Yiwen and Termina online

Follow Yiwen on Twitter/X: @oceanicursula

Follow Termina on Twitter/X: @Terminaxyz

Check out Termina at their website

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Nick

• twitter: @nickfrosty
• github: github.com/nickfrosty
• website: https://nick.af

James

• twitter: @jamesrp13
• github: github.com/jamesrp13

A conversation with Dana (aka @TheSoftwareJedi), Lead Backend Developer at @StepFinance_

Full notes for this episode at: https://solfate.com/podcast/71

Solfate Podcast

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• Discover all our podcast episodes on our website: solfate.com/podcast
• Collect our episodes as NFTs on DRiP: drip.haus/solfate

Summary

In this conversation, Dana shares his journey of discovering Bitcoin from a homeless shelter and what he’s building now at Step Finance. The discussion covers his initial discovery of Bitcoin, his eventual embrace of Solana, the engineering challenges faced in data aggregation, and the innovations being implemented by Step Finance for real-time Solana data processing. The conversation wraps up with valuable advice for those looking to enter the field.

Takeaways

• Dana's journey into crypto began during a challenging time in his life.
• He discovered Bitcoin while in a homeless shelter, leading to a passion for crypto.
• His entry into Solana was sparked by a friend's recommendation.
• Being helpful in the Solana Discord community opened doors for Dana.
• Step Finance's mission resonated with Dana's passion for DeFi products.
• Providing value to the ecosystem builds trust and credibility.
• Dana highlights the importance of community in the crypto space.
• Step Finance is involved in various initiatives, including education in underbanked countries.
• Real-time data processing is essential for modern applications.
• Understanding the account model in Solana is vital for developers.
• Low-level programming knowledge is beneficial in blockchain development.
• Documentation is key to mastering new technologies.
• Engineers must adapt to evolving data structures and requirements.
• Maintaining performance while scaling is a common challenge.
• Hands-on experience with constrained environments can aid in blockchain development.

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Nick

• twitter: @nickfrosty
• github: github.com/nickfrosty
• website: https://nick.af

James

• twitter: @jamesrp13
• github: github.com/jamesrp13

A conversation with Daniel (aka @nicechute), co-founder and CEO @Lulo

Full notes for this episode at: https://solfate.com/podcast/70

Solfate Podcast

• Follow us on twitter and turn the notifs on: @SolfatePod
• Discover all our podcast episodes on our website: solfate.com/podcast
• Collect our episodes as NFTs on DRiP: drip.haus/solfate

Summary

In this episode, we welcome Daniel on the podcast, co-founder and CEO of Lulo, to discuss the birth and evolution of Lulo, a platform that simplifies DeFi. We explore the challenges faced in the DeFi space, the pivot from their original product to FlexLend, and the importance of user experience. The discussion also covers upcoming features, including a native app and an insurance product aimed at mitigating smart contract risks, ultimately positioning Lulo as a competitive player in the personal finance space.

We talk about the innovative features of Lulo, a DeFi platform designed to enhance user experience and safety in digital asset management. The discussion covers the importance of risk management in DeFi, the introduction of an insurance-like product to protect users' deposits, and the vision for Lulo as a comprehensive financial tool that simplifies crypto investments. We also discuss regulatory challenges and the future of Lulo as a leading crypto app, highlighting the platform's potential to attract a broader audience to DeFi.

Takeaways

• DeFi is perceived as hard to use, which hinders adoption.
• The original idea for Lulo was an order book for lending.
• The pivot to FlexLend was driven by user needs for simplicity.
• Lulo's model allows for diversified risk management similar to traditional insurance.
• The future of Lulo includes features like debit cards and fiat onboarding.
• Lulo seeks to create a risk-free standard in the DeFi space.
• A simple UI can significantly enhance user experience.
• Launching a product early allows for easier iteration and feedback.
• Marketing strategies should align with product complexity.
• Lulo aims to compete with traditional finance apps like Robinhood. Safety is the number one concern for users in DeFi.
• The new insurance product helps manage risks associated with underlying protocols.
• Users will choose their risk level instead of specific apps in the new UX.
• Lulo aims to be the go-to crypto app for personal finance.
• The platform's efficiency improves as more DeFi pools are integrated.

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Nick

• twitter: @nickfrosty
• github: github.com/nickfrosty
• website: https://nick.af

James

• twitter: @jamesrp13
• github: github.com/jamesrp13