Crypto Altruists Episode 185 - Masa Network - Crypto-Powered AI Agents and Fair AI through Decentralization
In episode 185, we’re excited to welcome Calanthia Mei, Co-Founder of Masa, a decentralized AI network where individuals can earn by contributing their data. Calanthia is a visionary leader with a rich history in fintech, having scaled successful companies and driven blockchain innovation. In this episode, we explore Masa’s groundbreaking approach to democratizing AI through blockchain, and how it’s paving the way for a future of Fair AI powered by people.
We discuss:
How blockchain can decentralize AI and empower Fair AI to create equitable opportunities for all,
The growth of AI agents in crypto networks,
Emerging trends to keep an eye on that are shaping the intersection of crypto and AI, and
How you can join the Masa community and run your own node.
Thank you to PIPE gDAO for sponsoring the Crypto Altruism podcast! 🙏
PIPE gDAO is leveraging blockchain for their University Real World Asset IP Launchpad that helps bring groundbreaking ideas from lab to market. By joining the Pipe Associate Network (aka PAN), associates can create a profile highlighting their skills, be notified of opportunities, and then contribute fractional work to pre-IPO companies in return for equity and tokens.
Check out their Linktree for links to all of their socials so you can get involved and join this growing community!
Key Takeaways
The Four Stages of AI Agents - Calanthia made a bold prediction that AI agents will evolve through four key stages: from interactive JPGs to self-improving systems, utility-driven tools, and eventually a coordinated, competitive AI agent society. This progression highlights the transformative potential of AI in reshaping how we interact with technology and one another.
Empowering Builders with AI - AI agents will democratize innovation by empowering “builders” - individuals with or without technical expertise - to create solutions. Masa plays a critical role by providing cost-effective access to AI data and bandwidth, enabling a new wave of creators to leverage AI capabilities without barriers.
Decentralizing AI for Fair and Inclusive Networks - Currently, AI development is dominated by big tech, limiting opportunities for smaller developers. Similarly, centralization in crypto could lead to inequality. Decentralizing AI through blockchain technologies can create fairer, safer, and more inclusive AI networks, ensuring opportunities for all stakeholders.
AI Agents Solving Crypto’s UX Challenges - AI agents are inherently platform-agnostic, which positions them to address crypto's UI/UX complexity. These agents can navigate interfaces and processes, simplifying the user experience and unlocking the full potential of blockchain applications for a wider audience.
Follow Calanthia and Masa Network
Episode Time Stamps
01:45 - Before transitioning into the world of Web3, you served as a Founding Member of PayPal’s Venture Capital arm and successfully scaled multiple fintech companies. Tell me more about your background and why you decided to make the transition to Web3 – was there an “Ah hah” moment that really got you excited about cryptocurrency/web3?
05:10 - To lay the groundwork for this conversation, do you mind giving a high-level intro to the mission of Masa?
08:40– I understand that you have a bold prediction about the future of crypto and AI – can you tell me more?
12:05 - Masa has a mission to build “the largest zero-knowledge user data network in the world.” How would you explain this to someone unfamiliar with ZK and Web3?
16:55 - Tell me more about the concept of Fair AI, and why this is important when looking at the current AI landscape.
19:30 - Tell me more about the role of Data Miners
22:00 - I’d love to learn more about the incentive mechanisms that encourage Data Miners to participate in the network.
25:15 - It’s hard to have a conversation about AI without the risks coming up – from the immediate risks associated with data privacy, to the existential risks associated with AGI. How can blockchain support the responsible development of AI and introduce guardrails to protect users?
29:55 - You’ve had great success scaling fintech solutions in the past, having raised hundreds of millions and had successful exit, including an acquisition by a publicly traded company. Fintech is a very fast-moving space, similar to Web3, with new innovations emerging daily. What strategies do you use to stay on top of such a rapidly growing sector?
33:20- Being a Founder in Web3 is extremely challenging as they have to deal with rapid changes, regulatory issues, or negative events in the community. Do you have any advice for new builders and Founders on overcoming these challenges?
36:55 - Do you have any advice for leaders on how to build a successful and cohesive Web3 community?
39:35 - What’s the best way for listeners to get in touch, join the community, or learn more about Masa?
41:00 - To wrap things up, if you could name one thing that excites you most about the social impact potential of web3, what would it be and why?
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DISCLAIMER
While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, please do not take any of this as investment advice, and please make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More available HERE.
