Blockchain: Beyond the Hype

In this episode of Blockchain: Beyond the Hype, Sakib Mirza sits down with Ben Lee, Partner at Andersen UK and a top crypto tax advisor, to explore the intersection of blockchain innovation and tax compliance. From digital asset classification to the future of tokenised equity, Ben shares actionable insights for CFOs navigating the evolving crypto landscape. Discover how tax clarity can fuel blockchain adoption—and where regulatory gaps still hold us back. What You'll Learn in This Episode >> Why crypto-to-crypto transactions can still trigger tax liabilities under UK law >> The critical difference between blockchain R&D claims and crypto hype projects >> How tokenising equity can create community-driven growth and compliance challenges >> What CFOs need to know before accepting stablecoins for services >> Where global jurisdictions stand on taxing digital assets Meet Our Guest Ben Lee is a Partner at Andersen UK, specialising in crypto taxation and accounting. A Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor, Ben helps individuals and businesses navigate the tax implications of blockchain with clarity and precision. He is a frequent speaker at NFT.NYC, NFT.London, and a top recommended crypto advisor by Spears 500. About the Host Sakib Mirza is passionate about driving innovation and growth. He brings over 15 years of expertise in Technology Solutions. His career journey spans across a multitude of sectors, including Logistics, E-Commerce Technology, Media and Broadcast Solutions, and Software Product Development. With a proven track record in shaping Product and Business strategies. Enjoyed the Episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about transforming business through blockchain. Together, let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible! Kumo is dedicated to helping businesses navigate blockchain technology with user-friendly tools and practical applications. Partner with Kumo to bring your ideas to life. http://wearekumo.com/  Follow Us on Social Media Kumo: LinkedIn Ben Lee: LinkedIn

In this episode of Blockchain: Beyond the Hype, Janna De Vos sits down with Kaitlin Argeaux, founder of CryptoMondays London, to explore how inclusive, decentralised communities are driving Web3 adoption. Kaitlin shares her personal journey from theatre to blockchain, the evolution of CryptoMondays, and her mission to make crypto education accessible to all. This episode spotlights the power of community, representation, and real-world blockchain use cases. What You'll Learn in This Episode >> Why education is the key to mass Web3 adoption and how to make learning accessible >> How CryptoMondays London fosters a decentralised, diverse blockchain community >> Common misconceptions about crypto and how to challenge them effectively >> Kaitlin’s journey from theatre director to Web3 leader >> The importance of gender inclusion in blockchain events and organisations Meet Our Guest Kaitlin Argeaux is a leading advocate in the Web3 space and founder of CryptoMondays London. With a background in theatre and event strategy, she champions education, inclusivity, and decentralised community building in blockchain. About the Host Janna De Vos is Director of Commercial Strategy at Vodworks and Kumo. With a background in marketing, partnerships, and product across Southeast Asia, she brings a sharp eye for innovation and sustainable growth in the tech sector. Enjoyed the Episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about transforming business through blockchain. Together, let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible! Kumo is dedicated to helping businesses navigate blockchain technology with user-friendly tools and practical applications. Partner with Kumo to bring your ideas to life. http://wearekumo.com/  Follow Us on Social Media Kumo: LinkedInJanna De Vos: LinkedInKaitlin Argeaux: LinkedIn

In this episode of Blockchain: Beyond the Hype, Janna De Vos sits down with Steven Gaertner, Head of Tiamonds, to explore the tokenisation of diamonds and other precious assets. They unpack how blockchain is revolutionising ownership, improving transparency, and creating trust in traditionally opaque industries. Discover the future of investing in physical assets. What You'll Learn in This Episode How tokenisation links real-world diamonds to NFTs using blockchain technologyWhy regulation and transparency are essential for trust in physical asset tradingThe role of platforms like Tiamonds in democratising access to exclusive commoditiesHow physical asset validation and secure storage build investor confidenceWhat the rise of regulated digital asset markets means for global investment Meet Our Guest Steven Gaertner is Head of Tiamonds and a seasoned Web3 advisor. With a rich background in both the diamond industry and blockchain, Steven pioneers the tokenisation of physical assets, blending traditional value with cutting-edge technology. About the Host Janna De Vos is Director of Commercial Strategy at Vodworks and Kumo. With a background in marketing, partnerships, and product across Southeast Asia, she brings a sharp eye for innovation and sustainable growth in the tech sector. Enjoyed the Episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about transforming business through blockchain. Together, let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible! Kumo is dedicated to helping businesses navigate blockchain technology with user-friendly tools and practical applications. Partner with Kumo to bring your ideas to life. http://wearekumo.com/  Follow Us on Social Media Kumo: LinkedInJanna De Vos: LinkedInSteven Gaertner: LinkedIn

In this episode, we get into some of the most exciting real-world use cases for blockchain—from DeFi and retail to community-building and connecting with Gen Z. We also talk about how blockchain is reshaping investment and creating new paths for wealth distribution.  Joined by Annelise Osborne, Chief Business Officer at Kadena and author of the book “From Hoodies to Suits: Innovating Digital Assets for Traditional Finance”, the transformative potential of blockchain technology in art, retail, and investments, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by decentralised finance and stablecoins. Blockchain will eventually become a standard technology, like assembly language.Innovative applications of blockchain can link physical art with NFTs while retail investors are gaining access to alternative assets through blockchain.Blockchain can help build relationships with Gen Z by providing a sense of ownership.Education is crucial for overcoming barriers to blockchain adoption in enterprises. Enjoyed the Episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about transforming business through blockchain. Together, let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible! Kumo is dedicated to helping businesses navigate blockchain technology with user-friendly tools and practical applications. Partner with Kumo to bring your ideas to life.

In this episode of Blockchain: Beyond the Hype, we take a hard look at digital identity—who controls it, how it's evolving, and whether full decentralisation is even possible. As AI reshapes online interactions, the need for secure, verifiable identity solutions is greater than ever. But while blockchain promises decentralization, many solutions, like Didit, remain centralized. Why? We explore the challenges of scaling decentralised identity, the risks AI poses to digital privacy, and how business models like Didit's B2B2C approach have helped identity solutions gain traction. What you will learn: While blockchain offers a vision for decentralized identity, real-world adoption requires a phased approach. Right now, centralization is the pragmatic choice, but the future might look different as technology and regulations evolve.Companies must adapt to the increasing need for secure identification methods. AI algorithms improve with more data and usage. Enjoyed the Episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about transforming business through blockchain. Together, let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible! Kumo is dedicated to helping businesses navigate blockchain technology with user-friendly tools and practical applications. Partner with Kumo to bring your ideas to life.

In this episode of Blockchain: Beyond the Hype, Sakib Mirza, CEO of Kumo and Tomisin Jenrola from SwarmZero.ai delve into the intersection of blockchain and AI, exploring the challenges of blockchain technology, corporate resistance to its adoption, and the dynamic of trust and power within decentralized systems. They discuss the current state of AI, its potential, and how SwarmZero aims to connect AI and blockchain to create a decentralized AI network that empowers users to monetize their AI agents. Key Takeaways Blockchain technology is inherently complex due to its decentralized nature.Data ownership and monetization are crucial in the AI landscape.Innovative startups can still thrive despite competition from large organizations. SwarmZero provides access to multiple LLMs including OpenAI and Google.Community contributions are increasing, indicating growing interest.Future developments will focus on user-friendly product demos. Chapters [01:33] Tomisin’s journey into blockchain[05:01] Why corporations are reluctant to embrace this technology [09:26] The ways AI can be used in business[17:36] What differentiates SwarmZero.ai [23:08] Why people underestimate data [28:17] What’s ahead for SwarmZero Enjoyed the Episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about transforming business through blockchain. Together, let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible! Kumo is dedicated to helping businesses navigate blockchain technology with user-friendly tools and practical applications. Partner with Kumo to bring your ideas to life.

In this episode of Blockchain Beyond the Hype, Sakib Mirza interviews Pablo Castillo, CEO of Chain for Travel and Camino Network, discussing the integration of blockchain technology in the travel industry. They talk about the transformative potential of blockchain technology in the travel industry and beyond.  Together they emphasise the importance of problem-solving, strategic funding, and the challenges of onboarding traditional companies to new technologies. The discussion also covers the evolving narrative of Web3, the significance of creating value beyond trends, and the vision for a connected and seamless travel experience through the Camino Network. Key Takeaways Blockchain technology has evolved significantly since 2016.The travel industry is highly fragmented, requiring innovative solutions.Digital identity will play a crucial role in the future of travel.Blockchain can help reduce fraud in ticketing systems.Loyalty programs need to adapt to modern consumer needs. Enjoyed the Episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about transforming business through blockchain. Together, let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible! Kumo is dedicated to helping businesses navigate blockchain technology with user-friendly tools and practical applications. Partner with Kumo to bring your ideas to life.

In the inaugural episode of Blockchain Beyond the Hype, hosts Janna De Vos and Sakib Mirza, CEO of Kumo, explore their journeys into the blockchain space and the evolution of blockchain technology.  Diving into the importance of implementing blockchain where it truly adds value, the right timing for businesses to adopt this technology, and the challenges that still exist in the blockchain industry, their conversation emphasises the need for education and innovation in this rapidly evolving field. Advancements in blockchain scalability and eco-friendly solutions are breaking old myths about its speed and environmental impact.Technology advancements and broader ecosystem support now make blockchain more accessible for real-world applications.Education, investment, and R&D remain challenges, but the rise of major players in the space is accelerating progress.Smaller players benefit from the market education efforts of industry giants, paving the way for broader adoption.Blockchain projects don’t have to be costly. Collaborate with experts to identify incremental opportunities to add value. Enjoyed the Episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about transforming business through blockchain. Together, let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible! Kumo is dedicated to helping businesses navigate blockchain technology with user-friendly tools and practical applications. Partner with Kumo to bring your ideas to life. http://wearekumo.com/

Welcome to “Blockchain: Beyond the Hype" - the podcast that cuts through the noise to deliver practical insights into how blockchain is transforming industries today.  In each episode, we'll host discussions with experts applying blockchain technology to solve real-world problems. It's not about chasing trends. It's about unpacking stories of tangible change, innovation, and business results. Together, we'll explore what's possible for the future and look at industries where blockchain can have the most significant impact, from healthcare and supply chain, to real estate and renewable industries. So be sure to subscribe to “Blockchain: Beyond the Hype” to never miss an episode and join us as we uncover the ways blockchain is disrupting industries, beyond the hype. -- Brought to you by Kumo, a blockchain partner that is dedicated to bridging the gap between existing infrastructure and launching real-life blockchain solutions. Learn more here: https://wearekumo.com/