Hey there, crypto enthusiasts and blockchain curious! If you’re looking to level up your knowledge about the world of decentralized tech, you’re in for a treat. The first episode of the Accelerate podcast, hosted by mert | helius.dev, just dropped, and it features none other than Anatoly Yakovenko, the co-founder of Solana. Released on July 16, 2025, this episode is packed with juicy insights that span the tech, business, and even philosophical sides of building a blockchain empire. Let’s break it down!

What’s in Store?

Anatoly Yakovenko brings his wealth of experience to the table, and the episode covers a wide range of topics that are perfect for anyone interested in crypto, startups, or leadership. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect:

• Why Solana Matters: Ever wondered what makes Solana stand out in the crowded blockchain space? Anatoly dives into the necessity and vision behind the chain, sharing some untold stories that give you a behind-the-scenes look.
• Winning Strategies: From competition to going to market, he spills the beans on how to come out on top in the fast-paced crypto world.
• Tips for Founders: Whether you’re a technical whiz or a non-technical dreamer, Anatoly offers advice on finding product-market fit—a crucial step for any startup—and balancing idealism with pragmatism.
• Leadership and Learning: Stress management, leadership tips, and how to learn fast are all on the menu, making this a goldmine for aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Big Ideas: How about designing a new country or navigating the differences between traditional finance (tradfi) and crypto-native companies? Yep, it’s that ambitious!

Plus, there’s a nod to open-source culture, which is a big deal in the blockchain community.

Who Is Anatoly Yakovenko?

For those new to the scene, Anatoly is a key figure in the crypto world. As the co-founder of Solana, he’s been instrumental in building a blockchain known for its speed and scalability. His insights aren’t just theoretical—he’s lived the journey, from tech innovations to navigating market challenges. This episode feels like a masterclass with someone who’s been in the trenches.

How to Tune In

Ready to listen? You can catch the episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts—just follow the links shared by Mert in the thread. The podcast art, featuring Anatoly in a sleek hoodie with the Accelerate logo, sets the tone perfectly.

Mert even throws in a fun plea to “like and subscribe” to help cover those pricey airport water costs—gotta love the humor! Check out the channel at Accelerate with Mert for more.

Why It Matters

This podcast isn’t just for Solana fans. The topics—like product-market fit and leadership—are universal for anyone in the blockchain or tech space. With meme tokens and decentralized projects popping up left and right, understanding how to build something sustainable is more important than ever. Anatoly’s take on designing a new country might even spark some wild ideas for the future of governance in the crypto world!

Community Buzz

The X thread shows the excitement is real. From Solana’s official account hyping it up to fans joking about bald founders running podcasts, the community is buzzing. Comments like “casually teaching how to build a chain and a nation” highlight the episode’s bold scope.

So, grab your headphones, tune into Accelerate Episode 1, and let Anatoly Yakovenko guide you through the wild ride of blockchain innovation. Whether you’re a practitioner looking to enhance your skills or just curious about the future, this is one episode you won’t want to miss. What are your thoughts? Drop them in the comments below!