Podcast
MoneyNeverSleeps
Hosted by Pete Townsend | GP at Norio Ventures · EN
MoneyNeverSleeps is a weekly show where smart people bring one big idea, and Pete Townsend breaks it down in under 15 minutes. Featuring founders, operators, and investors shaping crypto, fintech, AI, and onchain finance. After 300+ long-form episodes, the show has evolved into a sharper, faster format built for a world where insights need to travel quickly.
36episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
2026 Crypto Predictions: Why It All Gets Boring
Jan 500:12:59Tap to summarizeCrypto doesn’t win in 2026 by being louder - it wins by becoming boring.In this episode of MoneyNeverSleeps, Pete Townsend is joined by Alejandro Gutierrez for a sharp set of 2026 predictions on where crypto, onchain finance, and AI actually go next, as the hype keeps fading and the infrastructure takes over.This is Alejandro’s 11th appearance on the show, and the first in the new era of MoneyNeverSleeps: sharper, faster, and YouTube-led.We break down:- Why the next onchain breakout won’t look like a product, but a primitive- Why blockchains weren’t built for humans — and why AI agents may be the real users- Why privacy is coming back, driven by institutions and regulators, not consumers- How quantum risk is moving from theory to something protocols must address now- Why HTTP 402 and internet-native payments will finally resurface for the modern web.Alejandro brings deep experience from the Solana ecosystem and years in crypto, DeFi, and fintech, offering a grounded view on what’s maturing, what’s misunderstood, and what actually matters heading into 2026.If you care about where crypto is heading beyond price action — infrastructure, AI, privacy, RWAs, and the future of onchain finance — this is a sharp, 13-minute deep dive worth your time. Watch OnYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@moneyneversleeps1814Listen OnSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTndApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/moneyneversleeps/id1455819294About MoneyNeverSleepsMoneyNeverSleeps is a weekly show where smart people bring one big idea — and Pete Townsend breaks it down in under 15 minutes. Featuring founders, operators, and investors shaping crypto, fintech, AI, and onchain finance. After 300+ long-form episodes, the show has evolved into a sharper, faster format built for a world where insights need to travel quickly.Sharp riffs, big ideas, real insights. Hosted by Pete Townsend. Website: https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/
Transcribe →Stablecoin Power Shift? Dollar Dominance, AI, and Europe’s Big Question (EP.301)
Dec 1200:13:46Tap to summarizeWhy are stablecoins suddenly a geopolitical issue? Pete Townsend and Garrett Cassidy break down dollar dominance, EU pushback, AI’s role in digital money, and the future of global financial rails — in one fast 14-minute riff.We cover:• Why dollar-based stablecoins are spreading globally• Why European policymakers are pushing back• What Martin Wolf gets right (and wrong) in the FT• How AI could become a major stablecoin “super-user”• The real near-term use cases for consumers and enterprises• The future of onchain finance and global money railsSharp riffs, big ideas, real insights — in 10–15 minutes.New episodes weekly.Hosted by Pete Townsend.
Transcribe →The Next Episode - MoneyNeverSleeps 300: One Story Ends, Another Begins
Oct 1001:28:16Tap to summarizeHey there, I’m Pete Townsend, and this is MoneyNeverSleeps - where we look inside the minds of entrepreneurs and at the crossover of startups, enterprise, finance, technology, and life as we know it.This one’s different.We’re live from The Podcast Studios at HeadStuff HQ in Dublin - the legendary former Westland Studios where artists like U2 and Hozier recorded in the past - for Episode 300.Seven years. Three hundred episodes. Hundreds of conversations with founders, investors, operators, technologists and builders. One story ends, another begins.To mark the moment, I’m joined by Mai Santamaria and Alejandro Gutierrez, two of the rocks who’ve carried the show forward in the post-Eoin Fitzgerald era. We look back on how it all started with “two mics and a backpack,” revisit some of our bold 2025 predictions, riff on tokenization, stablecoins, and AI, and reflect on what this community has built together.Big thanks to Search4Less and Barry Darmody for sponsoring this episode, to Conan Brophy for seven years of production wizardry, and to every single one of you who’s listened, shared, or joined in along the way.Featuring: Mai Santamaria, Alejandro Gutierrez, Conan Brophy, Paul Smyth, Barry DarmodyFull predictions recap at moneyneversleeps.ie🔗 LINKSLeave a review & subscribe on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoneyNeverSleeps (website)Email us: info@norioventures.comPete Townsend: X/Twitter | LinkedIn MoneyNeverSleeps: X/Twitter | LinkedIn | Newsletter
Transcribe →299: Norio Ventures’ Next Phase | Scaling Solana in Ireland | Stablecoin Growth | Tokenized Securities | Alejandro Gutierrez
Sep 1600:38:32Tap to summarizeAlejandro Gutierrez joins me to talk Solana in Ireland, stablecoins, and tokenized securities - plus I share the launch of Norio Ventures Fund I and what’s ahead for Episode 300.🔹 Scaling Solana Superteam Ireland and building community across the island🔹 Stablecoins moving mainstream + tokenized securities gaining momentum with Nasdaq🔹 My launch of Norio Ventures Fund I and what’s next for MoneyNeverSleeps🔹 Plus, we look ahead to the Payments Innovation Roundtable in Dublin, and CryptoMondays BelfastAbout MoneyNeverSleeps:I’m Pete Townsend, host of MoneyNeverSleeps and General Partner of Norio Ventures. With nearly 300 episodes, this show dives into the minds of entrepreneurs at the intersection of startups, finance, technology, and life as we know it.References:Solana Superteam IrelandNorio VenturesCryptoMondays Irelandrwa.xyz (on tokenized securities)LINKS:Solana Superteam Ireland: Website | X/(Twitter) | LinkedInAlejandro Gutierrez: X/(Twitter) | LinkedInLeave a review & subscribe on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoneyNeverSleeps (website)Email us: info@norioventures.comPete Townsend: X/Twitter | LinkedIn MoneyNeverSleeps: X/Twitter | LinkedIn | Newsletter
Transcribe →298: Techstars Web3 Demo Day 2025: Live from NY Tech Week
Jul 29, 202501:00:41Tap to summarizeThis week, we're doing something different on MoneyNeverSleeps.You're coming inside the room for the Techstars Web3 Demo Day 2025, recorded live at Civic Hall in NYC during NY Tech Week, where we brought 5 incredible Web3 startups to the stage for a standing-room-only crowd of founders, investors, and builders.These aren’t founders chasing hype - they’re building with traction, with purpose, and with an eye on the next version of the internet.Along the way, you’ll hear:A powerful fireside chat with Clarisse Hagege, founder and CEO of Dfns, on her journey from TradFi to web3 and the reality of raising in tough marketsStartups introduced by their mentors and customers, not just the usual emcee banterClosing thoughts on what Techstars Web3 has meant to me and to Hugh McGirr, my partner in building this since 2021You’ll hear from:🧠 Autonom – web3’s first full-context real-world assets oracle🛡️ DABL – the essential risk layer for onchain hedging🔐 Nera Systems – privacy-enhancing tech for secure data sharing in AI workflows🌱 nodes.garden – one-click platform for running testnet nodes and earning token rewards🔍 TRUSTBYTES – bringing predictive intelligence to institutional walletsWhether you’re a founder, investor, or web3 builder—this one captures the energy, the ambition, and the conviction of what’s next.🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube: Techstars Web3 Demo Day 2025LINKS:Leave a review & subscribe on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoneyNeverSleeps (website)Email us: info@norioventures.comPete Townsend: X/Twitter | LinkedIn MoneyNeverSleeps: X/Twitter | LinkedIn | Newsletter
Transcribe →297: Grit, Mud & $400K | Jesse Phillips | Trustware Co-Founder & CEO
Jun 23, 202500:52:51Tap to summarizeThis week, I caught up with Jesse Phillips, co-founder and CEO of Trustware, and one of the most quietly determined founders I’ve ever backed.I invested in Jesse and his co-founder Jonathan Frazier through the Techstars Web3 accelerator in 2023, and since then, Trustware have done what most early-stage startups only dream of—shipping a real product, signing real customers, and generating real revenue… all on just $400K in capital and a team of six.In this conversation, Jesse and I get into what it really takes to build through the mud - when you’ve got more vision than runway, and the only way out of the mud is through the mud. We talk about the early decisions that shaped Trustware’s roadmap, the week Jesse had to tell his team he couldn’t promise their next paycheck, and why raising less money actually made them a stronger company.Trustware is building what Jesse calls “a switchboard for crypto” - a way for wallets and apps to exchange any asset for any other asset(s) across chains and identity layers. It’s a big vision with a deeply pragmatic approach - and one that’s already helping crypto-native teams clean up the mess under the hood.This one’s a masterclass in staying focused, tuning out the hype, and building for the long game.The early decision to bootstrap and stay leanHow Trustware helps wallets and apps simplify cross-chain opsWhy team culture matters even more when the money’s tightWhat Jesse learned about founder storytelling while fundraisingThe value of persistence over polish in the early inningsLINKS:Trustware: Website | X/(Twitter) | LinkedIn | DiscordJesse Phillips: X/(Twitter) | LinkedIn Leave a review & subscribe on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoneyNeverSleeps (website)Email us: info@norioventures.comPete Townsend: X/Twitter | LinkedIn In this episode:MoneyNeverSleeps: X/Twitter | LinkedIn | Newsletter
Transcribe →284: Operation Chokepoint 2.0 | SEC’s Next Crypto Journey | Solana’s Growth | Alejandro Gutierrez
Feb 17, 202500:44:14Tap to summarizeAlejandro Gutierrez joins me once again to dive into some of the biggest conversations in crypto right now, including:The fallout from Operation Chokepoint 2.0 and the debanking of crypto startups—what it means for the industry and how regulatory shifts in the U.S. and Europe could reshape the future of digital assets.Why Solana is having its moment—how Solana's DEX volume is outpacing Ethereum’s and what this means for the long-term viability of the network.The rise of decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and why Uniswap launching its own Layer 2, Unichain, could be a game changer.Institutionalization of crypto—how Solana ETFs and BitGo’s rumored IPO are bringing more traditional finance players into the space.The evolving regulatory landscape—what the SEC’s new stance on crypto, led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, could mean for the industry’s future.Plus, we share the details on an exciting new event—Techstars and CryptoMondays Ireland are teaming up for a first-of-its-kind gathering in Dublin on March 10th (register here).Alejandro Gutierrez is a leading figure in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space and an early adopter of real-world asset tokenization. Alejandro has contributed to the growth of DeFi through his work with MakerDAO, Tokeny, Securitize, and Centrifuge, as well as his co-founding of Consolfreight, Defactor, and ETH Dublin.EPISODE LINKS:Operation Chokepoint 2.0 / DebankingCoinbase - the facts are the facts FDIC (X, 6-Feb-25)Operation Chokepoint 2.0 - Nic Carter, Castle Island Ventures (Pirate Wires, 8-Feb-23) Marc Andreessen on Joe Rogan (Joe Rogan Experience, 27-Nov-24)Fed's Powell Says He's Also Worried About Debanking (Coindesk, 11-Feb-25)Graham Rodford from Archax on the UK situation (Linkedin, recently)New Era in the SEC with CryptoThe Journey Begins - SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce (SEC, 4-Feb-25)Other TopicsSolana DEX Volume Tops $60M as It Looks to Extend 4-Month Winning Streak Over Ethereum (Coindesk, 11-Feb-25)BitGo Mulling IPO This Year (Coindesk, 11-Feb-25)Uniswap Labs Officially Launches Layer-2 ‘Unichain’ (Coindesk, 10-Feb-25)Keywords: #OperationChokepoint2 #debanking #SolanaDEXvolume #UniswapLayer2 #Cryptoregulation2025 #DeFI #Institutionalcryptoadoption #SolanaETFs #seccryptopolicyLeave a review and subscribe onApple PodcastsSpotifyMoneyNeverSleeps (website)Follow our guest co-host Alejandro Gutierrez:X(Twitter): https://twitter.com/A_gutierroLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandro-gutierrez-98979b43/Email us: info@norioventures.comFollow us on X(Twitter):Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnvMoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshowFollow 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/
Transcribe →283: Arabian Prince | The N.W.A Pioneer Empowering the Next Tech Generation
Jan 31, 202500:37:07Tap to summarizeThis 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/
Transcribe →Trump Memecoin Mania, SEC Shakeups, and the Future of Finance with Laura Walsh
Jan 24, 202500:42:19Tap to summarizeLaura 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/
Transcribe →281: The Art of Startup Exits | Brian McDonald from Bay Advisory
Jan 17, 202500:47:04Tap to summarizeBrian 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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