Episode description

In this episode of the Applied Blockchain Podcast, Adi Ben-Ari (Founder, CEO) speaks with Charles Adams, Head of Investor Relations at Nickel Digital Asset Management, one of Europe's leading digital asset hedge funds, about what a decade inside crypto actually looks like, and where the industry is heading next.

Charles is a true crypto native who has never worked in traditional finance. He bought a Bitcoin miner and a book on blockchain off eBay in 2013, set up a mining rig in his school dorm, and has been in the space ever since — through ICOs, DeFi, institutional adoption, and now the convergence of AI and digital assets.

Together, Adi and Charles explore, but not limited to:

• Why Charles started mining Bitcoin in his school dorm in 2013 — and why he originally planned to sell it all immediately
• Why utility tokens remain the most under-appreciated innovation in the ecosystem
• How Uniswap and automated market makers represent one of the few genuinely original innovations in digital assets
• Why autonomous AI agents may be the natural native users of crypto infrastructure
• The risk management challenges of deploying AI agents in a regulated investment environment
• Why hackathons are no longer just for coders — and what's coming up at Applied Blockchain's AI Hackathon

Resources Mentioned & Themes Discussed

• Uniswap and automated market makers
• Hyperliquid — decentralised perpetuals trading
• Stablecoins and the GENIUS Act
• KYC/AML friction in institutional fund operations

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The episode also covers Applied Blockchain's upcoming AI Hackathon, where participants can build AI-powered solutions, with Dan Brockwell (Portfolio Manager, Directional Digital Liquid Venture, Nickel Digital Asset Management) serving as a judge.

Register for the AI Hackathon → https://luma.com/5m9c16x4

This podcast is brought to you by Applied Blockchain, a leading blockchain development company shaping the future of Web3 and decentralized technologies.

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Disclaimer

This podcast is strictly for educational purposes and does not constitute financial or tax advice. It is not a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or make financial decisions. Always consult with a professional and do your own research.