In this episode of "Is This the New Internet?", Marv speaks with Dr. Kate Withers, co-founder of Functionland, about their approach to decentralized data storage. Dr. Withers explains how their FX Blocks hardware offers an alternative to centralized cloud services, allowing users to maintain ownership of their files while participating in a networked storage system. The conversation explores how Functionland operates as a DePIN aggregator, enabling users to provide infrastructure to multiple blockchain networks and earn various tokens simultaneously. From local AI models to self-hosted Minecraft servers, this Toronto-based, open-source project demonstrates practical applications of decentralized infrastructure. With insights on their forthcoming FULA token, this discussion illuminates both the technical foundations and real-world utility of blockchain-attached storage. *Websites & Socials* Dr. Kate Withers: https://x.com/FieldAgronomy21 Functionland: https://x.com/functionland Website: fx.land Buy your very own FxBlox: https://shop.fx.land/ Functionland Github: https://github.com/functionland Blockchain-Attached Storage Telegram Invite link: https://t.me/functionlanders Channel: https://t.me/functionland *Detailed Show Notes* Functionland is developing a decentralized approach to file storage through their FX Blocks hardware, which enables users to: - Store and access personal files without dependence on subscription services - Contribute to a network where storage resources are shared reciprocally - Earn FULA tokens by providing infrastructure resources - Support multiple DePIN networks simultaneously as an aggregator, earning various project tokens - Run applications locally, from AI models to gaming servers Dr. Withers provides the example of their partnership with the Streamer network, where FX Blocks owners can earn both Streamer's Data tokens and Functionland's FULA tokens by providing infrastructure through the same hardware. This aggregator model allows users to maximize the utility and earning potential of their hardware investment. Dr. Kate Withers shares her path from agricultural research to blockchain development, explaining how her experience with research data management informed Functionland's design principles. The conversation highlights how their approach differs from other decentralized storage solutions through its emphasis on file retrievability, mobile access, and response speed. Key aspects include: - The technical design of FX Blocks and their storage capabilities - Their token structure that allocates 40% toward open-source development contributions - Integration possibilities with Starlink for remote connectivity - The upcoming FULA token launch - The practical experience of running local AI inference on FX Blocks The discussion also covers the challenges of building hardware and software simultaneously, perspectives on the Canadian startup ecosystem, and considerations for decentralized infrastructure development across market cycles. For those interested in alternatives to corporate cloud storage, this episode presents thoughtful insights on the practical implementation of data sovereignty through accessible technology. *Chapters and Markers* 00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Kate Withers and Functionland 02:00 - Marvyn's introduction and podcast announcements 04:00 - Dr. Withers' background and entry into crypto 07:00 - Early work in AI and contextual agents (2016) 09:00 - Journey from academia to blockchain business leader 12:00 - Functionland 101: Decentralized file storage for consumers 15:00 - Evolution into a DePIN service aggregator 17:00 - Making decentralized technology plug-and-play for non-technical users 19:00 - Open source philosophy and compensating developers 21:00 - Comparing Functionland to other decentralized storage solutions 24:00 - How permanent storage works through IPFS and redundancy 27:00 - FX Blocks hardware design and specifications 30:00 - Comparison to traditional NAS (Network Attached Storage) 32:00 - Community use cases: Minecraft servers and local LLMs 35:00 - Building a global network of decentralized nodes 37:00 - The upcoming FULA token and its utility 40:00 - Token economics and multi-token earning potential 43:00 - Dr. Withers' experience as a female founder in Web3 47:00 - Building in the Canadian startup ecosystem 49:00 - Challenges of developing hardware and software simultaneously 52:00 - Pivoting from Raspberry Pi to more versatile hardware 56:00 - The current bull market versus 2021 59:00 - Projects and sectors Dr. Withers is excited about 01:02:00 - Lessons learned as a founder and team leader 01:04:00 - Skills needed in the Web3 industry 01:08:00 - Closing thoughts and how to connect with Functionland Listen ad-free and collect episodes at https://pods.media/is-this-the-new-internet Sign up to my newsletter at www.marvynpaul.com TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@newinternetpod Twitter - https://x.com/newinternetpod Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/newinternetpod.bsky.social Rumble - https://rumble.com/user/NewInternetPod Music generated by Mubert https://mubert.com/render