Lex chats with Jason Morton, CEO of EZKL - EZKL is a technology that helps people build around artificial intelligence using zero-knowledge proofs (ZK proofs) and the latest in technology. Jason explains that ZK proofs are a way to prove that a computation has been executed correctly without revealing any sensitive information. The proofs can be used to verify the execution of AI models, statistical models, and other computations on blockchain networks. EZKL provides a command line tool, a backend proving service, and a Python library for developers to use. The company's economic model involves licensing the components of the system and running backend services. In the future, EZKL aims to provide a more complete solution for interacting with the technology. The demand for verifiable AI and ZK proofs is expected to come from both Web2 and Web3 companies, as well as enterprise clients

MENTIONED IN THE CONVERSATION

EZKL's Website: https://bit.ly/4dx1wUb

Jason's Twitter: https://bit.ly/4boqumY

Topics: fintech, machine learning, ai, artificial intelligence, llm, zk-proofs, zero-knowledge proofs, blockchain, web3

Companies: EZKL, Ethereum, Bitcoin, DARPA

ABOUT THE FINTECH BLUEPRINT

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👉 Twitter: https://twitter.com/LexSokolin

TIMESTAMPS

1’18: From Mathematics to Machine Learning: Tracing the Journey of an AI Researcher"

3’47: Putting Theory Into Practice: Navigating the Evolution of Neural Networks and Blockchain

7’18: Understanding Zero-Knowledge Proofs: The Evolution and Impact of Cryptographic Privacy

11’02: Digital Trust and Privacy: How Zero-Knowledge Proofs Enhance Security and Authentication Online

16’15: From Consensus to Cryptography: Exploring the Transformative Impact of Zero-Knowledge Proofs on Blockchain Technology

22’30: Revolutionizing AI with Blockchain: The Strategic Focus of EZKL on Verifiable and Secure Machine Learning

28’18: Connecting Worlds: Bridging Advanced AI and Blockchain Technology for Economic and Computational Efficiency

31’21: Strategic Transparency: Integrating Proofs in Smart Contracts for Trustworthy Investment Strategies

35’44: EZKL Defined: Navigating the Blend of Product, Library, and Framework in Blockchain Proofs

38’48: Blurring Lines: Will Web3 Innovations or Traditional Web2 Enterprises Drive the Future Demand for EZKL?

40’28: The channels used to connect with Jason & learn more about EZKL

Disclaimer here — this newsletter does not provide investment advice and represents solely the views and opinions of FINTECH BLUEPRINT LTD.

Contributors: Lex, Laurence, Matt, Farhad, Mike, Daniella

Want to discuss? Stop by our Discord and reach out here with questions.

Lex chats with Libor Michalek, the President of Affirm, a buy now, pay later (BNPL) company. Michalek discusses his early experiences with the internet and how it shaped his understanding of technology and its potential in the financial services industry. He explains how Affirm was founded with the goal of building honest financial products that improve people's lives, and how the convergence of e-commerce, mobile technology, machine learning, and access to consumer information enabled the company to create a credit product that aligned with consumer interests. Michalek also discusses the challenges of building a technology-driven finance company, the performance of Affirm's loans compared to credit cards and personal loans, and the company's approach to competition and future growth.

MENTIONED IN THE CONVERSATION

Affirm's Website: https://bit.ly/3Qo2DvI

Libor's LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4bfsQVk

Topics: fintech, buy now pay later, BNPL, e-commerce, machine learning, loans, credit, credit cards, payments

Companies: Affirm, Thinking Machines Corporation, PayPal, Amazon

ABOUT THE FINTECH BLUEPRINT

🔥Subscribe to the Fintech Blueprint newsletter to stay at the forefront of Fintech and DeFi: https://bit.ly/3hyhlC2

🤝 Partner with Fintech Blueprint through sponsorships: https://bit.ly/3UZllsV

👉 Twitter: https://twitter.com/LexSokolin

TIMESTAMPS

1’00: Internet Pioneers and Business Innovation: Libor Michalek touches on Early Web Experiences

4’56: Digital Transformation and Commerce: Unpacking the Consumer Insights and Technological Advances That Fuelled the E-commerce Explosion

9’18: Beyond Traditional Finance: How Affirm's Founding Insights and Technological Integration Redefined Fintech in the 2010s

13’14: Redefining Credit: Exploring the Consumer Demand for Transparency and Fairness in Financial Products with Affirm

19’04: Integrating Innovation: How Affirm's Unique Approach to E-commerce and Payments Shaped Its Market Strategy

23’47: Machine Learning and Financial Innovation: Launching Affirm's Transaction-Specific Underwriting Models

27’56: Assessing Investment Opportunities: The Risk and Return Profile of Affirm's Customer Loans from an Institutional Perspective

32’11: Empowering Customers: Affirm's Commitment to Transparency and Support in Financial Services

37’42: Leading the Charge: Navigating Competition and Innovation in the Buy Now, Pay Later Market

41’22: Defining Innovation in FinTech: Distinguishing Between Technology-Driven and Finance-First Companies

43’29: The channels used to connect with Libor & learn more about Affirm

Disclaimer here — this newsletter does not provide investment advice and represents solely the views and opinions of FINTECH BLUEPRINT LTD.

Contributors: Lex, Laurence, Matt, Farhad, Mike, Daniella

Want to discuss? Stop by our Discord and reach out here with questions.

Lex chats with Sarah Levy, CEO of Betterment - the largest independent digital investment advisor. Levy kicks off the conversation by discussing her career journey from working in the media industry to leading a fintech company. Levy explains that she was attracted to Betterment's mission of making people's lives better and saw the potential for growth and scale in the company. She also highlights the importance of brand building and understanding the customer in creating a successful business. Levy discusses Betterment's core products, including its retail robo-advisory service and its 401(k) offering for small and medium-sized businesses. She explains that Betterment aims to be a holistic investing home for its customers, focusing on expanding access and offering more account types and asset classes. Levy also discusses the potential for Betterment to offer self-directed investing options in the future.

MENTIONED IN THE CONVERSATION

Betterment's Website: https://bit.ly/3Uq5gPK

Sarah's LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4d5aGqJ

Topics: Fintech, embedded finance, banking, investment, RIA, Tax, roboadvisor, advisory, branding, 401k

Companies: Betterment, Nickelodeon, Disney, Viacom, Schwab, Fidelity

ABOUT THE FINTECH BLUEPRINT

🔥Subscribe to the Fintech Blueprint newsletter to stay at the forefront of Fintech and DeFi: https://bit.ly/3hyhlC2

🤝 Partner with Fintech Blueprint through sponsorships: https://bit.ly/3UZllsV

👉 Twitter: https://twitter.com/LexSokolin

TIMESTAMPS

1’10: From Nickelodeon to Betterment: Tracing Sarah Levy's Journey Through Media and FinTech

7’22: Brand Personification and Audience Engagement: Exploring Digital Transformation with a lens on the consumer

13’33: Mission and Brand Resonance: Transitioning Leadership at Betterment

16’50: Initial Impressions and Strategic Directions: Enhancing Betterment's Brand and Services

21’41: Refining FinTech: How Betterment Evolved to Meet the Needs of Modern Investors

24’58: Building Betterment's 401k Business: Strategic Growth and Market Opportunities

34’45: Revamping RIA Economics: Betterment's Innovative Approach to Advisor Services

39’41: Beyond the Super App: Betterment's Strategic Approach to FinTech Diversification

44’12: Focused Growth: Betterment's Strategic Decision to Prioritize Long-Term Investing Over Self-Directed Trading

47’09: The channels used to connect with Sarah & learn more about Betterment

Disclaimer here — this newsletter does not provide investment advice and represents solely the views and opinions of FINTECH BLUEPRINT LTD.

Contributors: Lex, Laurence, Matt, Farhad, Mike, Daniella

Want to discuss? Stop by our Discord and reach out here with questions.