Is This The New Internet?

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

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