J Todd Coleman

I think there could be a next step in liquidity pool mechanics, something I'm dubbing "Agentic Liquidity Pools" (I'm sure someone's already thought of it). Imagine LPs that don't need human oversight but instead are created with baked in, preset instructions to maintain a tokens health and liquidity. Exisiting versions of AMMs + LBPs are still too "manual". Founders and Market Makers still need to intervene during periods of high volatility. But by creating "ALPs", we could start to see: - Better price stability 📈 - Better price discovery 📈 - More efficient pools resulting in cheaper fees 💲 - Less reliance on project teams to manage treasury 💻 - Less reliance on forcing community to keep liquidity locked in pools 👨‍🚀 And who knows - AI Agents might begin transacting for people onchain in future using something like an ALP. I wrote about it in detail over on the Tokenise blog. Check it out and let me know what you think https://lnkd.in/grre_rbe

4

Fundraising Series Part 2: Until...November 13th. Bitcoin crashed by 30% and our previous $80M valuation was no more. Now some VCs were asking for a $20M valuation. We were screwed! We ended up taking term sheets for $60M, then $40M, and we got stuck unable to close our round when we were previously even turning away investors! We ended up closing $3.5M instead of $10M at around a $40-50M valuation so I think I did a pretty good job all considering. Here are the numbers. Around 95% of the funding came from in-person meetings at conferences. There was a rare exception where I got a term sheet from a VC I never met. 😲 The lowest amount we got from a VC was $100K and the highest amount was around $300K. We didn't have any angel investors commit but I later found out there was a secret angel that put in $1M+ before I joined with the previous understanding that my wife and I had already joined the team which wasn't true. Even though I wasn't the CEO, I had single-handedly raised 50%+ of the round myself.

6

5 Comments

One of the most challenging parts of running a tech startup is raising investment. It takes patience, persistence, lots of phone/ zoom calls, and true belief in your product to build trust. If you're thinking about raising capital, here's a quick list of a few things that many VC’s and private investors look for: ·     A clear, concise pitch deck that both tells your story and paints a business case. ·     At least one builder founder, preferably an engineer, but UI/UX may be considered as well. ·     Traction including on-boarded clients, revenue and testimonials. ·     A strong team who has demonstrated past success.   If you’re an investor in the SaaS and/ or entertainment space, I’d love to connect with you to see what makes a project stand out in your eyes!

12

If you’re a founder building at the intersection of Games & AI, or just interested in what’s happening at the bleeding edge of the future in Silicon Valley, the new episode of /all chat is worth a listen.👇 Link in comments below. Hot takes from Patron portfolio founders Rick Ling of Rascal Games and Nico Christie of Altera with my partners Brian Cho and Jason Yeh! #games #ai #founders #seedfunding #startups

28

3 Comments

Experiments with summarizing all of Paul Graham's essays. ✅ Fits into Gemini 1.5 Pro, only 750K tokens (room for 2M) 💭 Adding user context to prompts works better 🤖 Tried ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini chats "Pretend to be Paul Graham". ChatGPT is still king 👑 🗣️ Chat with content give you even more insights 🔴 Cost ~$7 ✂️ Chunking/splitting for smaller models works, but needs context so it doesn't throw away the wrong stuff Yet to try: 1. RAG 2. Fine Tuning Thoughts? 💭 https://lnkd.in/g42dHbTi

4

1 Comment

And voice synthesis just got amazingly better I wrote about voice cloning just one short week ago - about how OpenAI’s VoiceEngine could synthesize voice from a 15 second audio clip. Pretty amazing stuff. Welp, here we go again - Product Hunt yesterday featured Replica Studio’s new Voice Director which let’s you create unique voices in a Voice Lab, and export text to speech using the voices that you created. The demo is here: https://lnkd.in/gXna_g5v and it is fun to watch. I tried Voice Director and it’s pretty cool. Web-based (though they also have a downloadable app) Voice Lab is their lab for mixing and matching voices to synthesize new voices. The source voices come from professional voice actors. An intuitive web-based interface let’s you mix the voices together to synthesize new voices. You can save voices and then use them with text strings to generate voice. So simple; so cool. Also interesting is that Replica did a deal with SAG-AFTRA so that voice performers can work with Replica to create replications of their voices and get paid. From Replica’s release: “We license our training data from a growing network of voice actors, ensuring best practices around consent and compensation. We are honored to be the first AI company to partner with SAG-AFTRA, and pioneer AI licensing models that create new revenue streams for actors and talent.” The applications are many, but the gaming industry is absolutely going to go through massive change from voice engines like Replica and image/scene generators like Scenario.com, both of which have APIs. Now you can dynamically generate scenes, characters and voices and directly integrate into a game. Oh the times, they are a changing. This one is pretty cool.

8

4 Comments

Understanding AppLovin In the latest episode of the Mobile Dev Memo podcast, I present a long-form analysis of AppLovin's business and its significant recent growth. But understanding AppLovin the company is fundamentally predicated on understanding the market in which it operates, mobile games advertising, and the direct response digital advertising landscape more broadly. And so the podcast is structured in three parts: - Understanding direct response advertising - Understanding mobile gaming advertising - Understanding AppLovin’s growth Link below.

167

5 Comments

I think this is right Danny; to add true value in an LLM-ubiquitous economy, you have to build products that leverage LLM functionality but go far beyond for (increasinly narrow) use-cases. We are building a highly flexible tech-stack that leverages multiple LLMs (and can easily hot-swap) in a way that demonstrates compelling content now but is componentized for the future.

2

Here's the truth about Meta's plans with Horizon OS (that no one is talking about). This move isn't about creating an "open computing system" - it's about helping them achieve total market dominance by becoming the Android of XR - and then going beyond that. Now, I don't mean to say it's not a good move: it is, and as someone with 2 apps on the Meta Quest store I think this is an excellent strategic choice that will ultimately help Meta and all of their developers. However, Meta is also forcibly using the word "open" as much as they can in their marketing to sell a narrative that, in many ways, isn't really true. Their OS is still closed-source. Their store is non-negotiable for any headset that decides to license the OS. And so are the 30% taxes they will charge for every purchased piece of software on their store in perpetuity. At the end of the day, this is exactly what Google offers with Android: if you are a phone manufacturer who wants to focus on hardware (and not bother with the software), you can simply pay Google to use their OS and their store. Now this means that you won't make any real money with the software - but hey, if all you care about is selling hardware, it's a really good choice! So is packaging your operating system into a product an altruistic gesture towards an "open computing system"? Not really. Meta's been trying really hard to sell the idea that "they're the open one" while "Apple is closed one", but when it comes down to it, they're both sides of the same coin. But is it a great strategic move? Absolutely! And this is where things get interesting: unlike Google and Android, what Meta ultimately plans to do with Horizon OS is to integrate all of their social features into the OS so they are inseparable from it. It's called Horizon OS for a reason (just like their Horizon Worlds social app.) In the next few years, we'll witness Meta turning the Horizon OS into a full fledged social network of its own, one that is completely integrated into the operating system. And as long as their OS spreads and continues to popularize, this paves the way for them to achieve their ultimate goal: to own the social layer of the next computing platform. If you need an advisor to help you navigate the world of emerging tech, marketing & the future of creativity, hit me up :) #metaquest #analysis #markzuckerberg #horizonOS #meta #applevisionpro #metaverse #virtualreality #vr #mr #mixedreality #mr #augmentedreality #ar #android #opensource #google #operatingsystem

304

60 Comments

As a huge advocate for AI and its potential to revolutionize industries and improve lives, it's disheartening to see such a prominent tech giant like Meta fall short of ethical standards. While AI holds immense promise, incidents like this erode public trust and hinder the progress of the entire industry. A $1.4 billion fine is a lenient punishment that sends a dangerous message: prioritizing profits over user privacy is acceptable. It's time for regulators to adopt a more robust approach to hold tech giants accountable. #AI #Meta #dataprivacy #techregulation #ethics #accountability #consumerrights #marketingethics #AIethics #Metasettlement

1

As of December 3, 2024, Roblox Corporation (RBLX) has a market capitalization of $34.229 billion: Are YOUR Kids Obsessed with Roblox? Here’s What Every Parent Needs to Know in Under 5 Minutes! As a busy mom navigating work (helpful that digital and tech is what I do), family, and your own goals, staying ahead of the digital curve is part of mastering life. Roblox, the wildly popular platform your kids love, is more than a game—it’s a microcosm of the digital world shaping their future. Here’s why you need to pay attention: 🎮 The Dark Side: Why Roblox is under fire for exploiting children. 🧠 The Strategic Insight: How this ties into your child’s future digital and social skills. 🛡️ The Communication Key: How to talk to your kids and set boundaries to keep them safe. Our role isn’t just to protect—it’s to teach and empower. Personal mastery starts at home, and guiding our kids through these digital landscapes is a key part of that journey. BTW: Roblox is also rife with predators and pedophiles so we MUST stay alert and educate our kids. 🎥 Watch my 5-minute breakdown to master the conversation with your kids and take charge of their digital safety! - You can even watch it WITH your kids - trust me - they'll get it (and I don't mention pedo's in the video) #PersonalMastery #DigitalParenting #StrategicThinking #CommunicationSkills #MomLife

6

What’s next for VirZOOM? Exciting news today for my friends and followers to cap two years of my postings here on VirZOOM and XR industry developments. To sum up, I’ve reviewed our new VR motion IP that extends our ability to design apps and games that let you move through VR worlds freely sans locomotion discomfort. Previously, using a bike as a controller and leaning to steer, you moved yourself through VR worlds to explore the world or engage in multiplayer tank battles, among many many virtual activities that combine physical activity with game play much like sports do in the real world – vSports. Now we can design new vSports with our new tech that don’t require a bike. While standing, your head position in your play space controls speed and direction. Your body is the joystick. Hands and legs are free for game play, again resulting in exercise as you play – but without a bike. There are by our estimates perhaps 100x as many XR owners without a bike as have one. This vastly increases our vSports Serviceable Obtainable Market (SOM). I’ve posted about FLY, our new VR flight app for stand-alone XR platforms. FLY combines exploration of the world in 3D like Google Earth VR for PC-based VR platforms with dream-like flight that you control with body position. Explore any of 196 million square miles of earth mapped by Google. FLY began life in 2018 as a collaboration with Google on the API that today makes FLY possible on stand-alone XR platforms. Available now on the Quest store, an early version has recently earned a 4.8 out of 5-star rating and comments like, “This is the best VR content ever.” We’ll soon ship a major update for Quest and bring it to Apple Vision Pro, too. SteamDB data say PCVR users downloaded Google Earth VR 2.3M times. We're hopeful that FLY will prove as popular on stand-alone XR. Finally, I’ve opined on the Apple Vision Pro and noted announcements by Sony, Samsung, Asus, and Lenovo among others who plan to bring new stand-alone XR platforms to market starting later this year. An IDC report forecasts a 4x increase in XR sales between 2023 and 2026 as these platforms come to market. More platforms gives consumers more options and developers like VirZOOM an opportunity to generate additional content revenue streams. With a firm foundation of new tech and new products, and a newly resurgent XR industry, now it’s time for VirZOOM to raise capital to scale the business. To that end I’m pleased to announce a new round of funding. We’d love to have you among investors participating in this next phase of our growth. Visit our website to learn more about it now. https://lnkd.in/etihZjGM Disclaimer: In making an investment decision, investors must rely on their own examination of the issuer and the terms of the offering, including the merits and risks involved. VirZOOM Inc. has filed a Form C with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with its offering, a copy of which may be obtained here: invest.virzoom.com.

29

2 Comments

Forget the Metaverse. Is the Future Phygital? (Eh.. that sounded better in my head). The tech world loves to talk about Ready Player One and the Metaverse, but here's my take: what if the future isn't purely virtual but a seamless blend of physical and digital - the Phygital world? In a recent episode of the All-in Podcast (the best tech podcast, BTW), they talked about Humane's AI Pin–cliff notes; it's got issues. BUT. Early reviews aside, AI-powered wearables and devices are "coming in hot." They will allow us to interface with technology in a way that makes us more cybernetic without staring at our phones. Imagine AI recording your entire day, then analyzing it, filtering it, and sending you a summary, including a task list for tomorrow–If it works for meetings, why not life? "Hey Andy, don't forget to contact Amy from the Midway Airport. Based on your 3-minute conversation, she fits your ideal customer profile. Her main concern was integrations, so be prepared to resolve that. I drafted a follow-up email for you. Look it over and hit send." "Hey Andy, I recognize your tone has shifted this afternoon. Let's take a quick walk and get some fresh air." Here's the question: Are we too focused on escaping reality when the real innovation lies in augmenting it? This isn't just about gimmicky gadgets. It's about human-centered technology that enhances, not replaces, our physical world. What are your thoughts? Are we missing the bigger picture? https://lnkd.in/ggPmnskc #phygital #futureoftech #innovation #disruptivestrategy

9

Machine Learning on its own is impressive, but the new age of dynamic AI platforms and applications is offering developers a ton of benefits and opportunities. Join me and YK Sugi along with Danny Thompson, Rob Ocel, and Adam Rackis for this episode of Modern Web. Link in the comments!

13

1 Comment

To celebrate Cal.com, Inc.'s newest launch on @ProductHunt today, I sat with Peer Richelsen to discuss how building Platform and Atoms is a full-circle moment + more 🚀 In this ep, we covered:  ✊🏻 Open vs. Closed and why OSS will win 💡 The importance of IP in a post-AI world 🔥 How premium products can be built using OSS 🤑 How to approach enterprise sales as a 1x founder 🙏🏼 The impact of Y Combinator on Peer as a founder PS: I'm a tiny investor in Cal.com and a big believer in Peer and the team! If you are into OSS, support the launch here: https://lnkd.in/e_CaE_KQ Links to the ep 👇🏼 🔗 Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eBUv5E9q 🔗 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/epngcvFU ❤️ Sponsor Corner ❤️ Big shoutout to acquire.com for making this episode happen! Acquire is the best online marketplace (I can vouch for this) to buy/sell startups, and I know many founders who have sold their businesses there. If you're looking to wind down your business and cash in some of your founder chips, check them out - https://lnkd.in/gM5VZBFC Andrew Gazdecki and the team are always on the hunt to find ways to help more founders through Acquire 🫡 Lastly, if you are a listener and have been enjoying the episodes, please take a minute to drop your rating on the podcast: https://lnkd.in/eaaw-tJk I appreciate you for giving your attention and time 🙏🏼

3

We are all gamers, game players, game consumers. All of us can play. Play is an essential part of human nature. Play is not work. Don't ever let parasitic crypto folks tell you otherwise. Play and work function and are designed differently. To play is human. Any of us can become game developers. Game development just requires skill, study, dedication, insight, inspiration, perspiration, and passion. Everyone can play. Any can develop. Most do not develop, because development is work. Most when they see a game, they want to play. Play is not work. Development is work. Everyone plays. ----- ESA: "2024 Essential Facts About the U.S. Video Game Industry" "The 2024 report details America’s relationship with video games and the reasons why games continue to inspire and delight us all. Play is a universal need for kids as well as adults. Video games build community, keep our minds sharp and bring us closer to others. Embracing the power of games unlocks our extraordinary potential, transforming lives — and the world." ESA: https://lnkd.in/gwwkFjrF ----- GamesIndustryBiz: "ESA: 61% of Americans play games at least one hour a week. Report also says that more than half of adults aged over 18 play games regularly" More than 190 million people in the US played video games for at least one hour a week in 2023, according to new data from the Entertainment Software Association. The ESA's 2024 Essential Facts About the Video Game Industry report was conducted in October 2023 by YouGov, including data from 5,000 respondents. It found that the average American player is 36 years old, and the average adult player has been playing games for almost two decades. The ESA found that 53% of respondents identified as male and 46% identified as female. By comparison, 2022's gender breakdown saw 52% of those surveyed identify as male and 48% of players identify as female. 38% of game players were people of colour, which has increased by about a third from data collected in 2022. More than half of adults 18 and older (56%) said they played games regularly, but it was the generation aged between five and ten that had the highest percentage of gamers at 79%. The report also included retrospective facts to mark the ESA's 30th anniversary, including the growth of industry sales in the past 25 years. In 2002, the industry reported $11.7 billion in consumer spending, while in 2023 this totaled $57.2 billion. "Video games have been a fixture in American life and culture for generations," said Stanley Pierre-Louis, president and CEO of the ESA. "Players of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are embracing the positivity that video games bring to their lives." "While the games we play – and how we play them – evolves over time, what remains consistent is how video games enhance our lives in ways that inspire us and bring us closer together." GamesIndustryBiz: https://lnkd.in/gU5JqCF7 #gameindustry #gamedev

10

4 Comments