SheCrypto

Kelly Ann Collins

5.0 (1)
Society & Culture

Your keys. Your vibe. Your tribe. www.shecrypto.org

6d ago

¿Lista para UNLOCK? Ready to UNLOCK?

¿Qué pasa cuando la educación sobre Bitcoin sale de una conferencia y llega a universidades, comercios locales y las calles de un Pueblo Mágico? What happens when Bitcoin education moves beyond the conference stage and into universities, local businesses and the streets of a Pueblo Mágico? Eso es parte de lo que UNLOCK Summit está construyendo en Zacatlán de las Manzanas, Puebla, del 11 al 13 de septiembre de 2026. That’s part of what UNLOCK Summit is building in Zacatlán de las Manzanas, Puebla, September 11-13, 2026. En el nuevo episodio del podcast de SheCrypto, Kelly Ann Collins y Laura Suárez León conversan con Abi Cupido de UNLOCK Summit sobre Bitcoin, DeFi, mujeres, comunidad y cómo se ve la adopción en el mundo real. In the latest episode of the SheCrypto Podcast, Kelly Ann Collins and Laura Suárez León sit down with UNLOCK Summit’s Abi Cupido to talk Bitcoin, DeFi, women, community and what real-world adoption can actually look like. Y esta vez, la conversación también refleja la comunidad que estamos construyendo: es bilingüe. Abi responde cada pregunta en español y en inglés. And this time, the conversation reflects the community we’re building, too: it’s bilingual. Abi answers every question in both Spanish and English. Dos idiomas. Una conversación. Una comunidad.Two languages. One conversation. One community. Del rabbit hole a construir la comunidad | From the rabbit hole to building community Abi descubrió Bitcoin en 2021 después de aprender por su cuenta sobre inversiones durante la pandemia. Como muchas mujeres que llegan a este espacio, comenzó prácticamente sola, navegando información principalmente en inglés y sin una comunidad que la acompañara. Abi discovered Bitcoin in 2021 after teaching herself to invest during the pandemic. Like many women entering the space, she started largely on her own, navigating mostly English-language information without a community around her. Entonces encontró UNLOCK. Hoy ayuda a construir la misma comunidad que cambió su propio camino. Then she found UNLOCK. Today, she’s helping build the community that helped change her own direction. Para nosotros en SheCrypto, esa parte de su historia importa. La información puede abrir una puerta, pero la comunidad puede darte la confianza para cruzarla. At SheCrypto, that part of her story matters. Information can open a door, but community can give you the confidence to walk through it. Bitcoin, pero en el mundo real | Bitcoin, but make it real UNLOCK no quiere que la conversación termine en el escenario. UNLOCK doesn’t want the conversation to end onstage. Antes del summit, el equipo está conectando con universidades de Zacatlán y organizando brigadas para ayudar a comerciantes locales a descargar wallets, entender Bitcoin y aprender cómo recibirlo en sus negocios. Ahead of the summit, the team is connecting with universities around Zacatlán and organizing merchant brigades to help local business owners download wallets, understand Bitcoin and learn how to accept it. Dentro del evento, también habrá un nuevo bootcamp de cero a DeFi, además de conversaciones sobre copy trading, inteligencia artificial, emprendimiento, comunicación, conciencia y productividad basada en el ciclo femenino. Inside the summit, attendees will also find a new zero-to-DeFi bootcamp, along with conversations around copy trading, AI, entrepreneurship, communication, consciousness and cycle-based productivity. Todo se organiza alrededor de las cinco puertas de UNLOCK: It’s all organized around UNLOCK’s five doors: Conciencia. Innovación. Comunicación. Emprendimiento. Imagen.Consciousness. Innovation. Communication. Entrepreneurship. Image. “Me da miedo Bitcoin.” | “I’m afraid of Bitcoin.” Es una de las frases que Abi escucha con más frecuencia entre las mujeres. It’s one of the things Abi says she hears most often from women. Y lo entendemos. Bitcoin puede parecer complicado, técnico e intimidante, especialmente cuando entras en este mundo sin una comunidad. And we get it. Bitcoin can feel complicated, technical and intimidating, especially when you’re entering the space without a community around you. Pero no necesitas saberlo todo para empezar. No necesitas convertirte en trader. Necesitas un lugar donde puedas hacer preguntas, aprender y descubrir qué herramientas tienen sentido para ti. But you don’t need to know everything before you start. You don’t need to become a trader. You need a place where you can ask questions, learn and figure out which tools make sense for you. Educación. Acceso. Comunidad.Education. Access. Community. Nos vemos en Zacatlán | Meet us in Zacatlán 🇲🇽 UNLOCK Summit se llevará a cabo del 11 al 13 de septiembre de 2026 en el Centro Cultural de Zacatlán, en Zacatlán de las Manzanas, Puebla. UNLOCK Summit takes place September 11-13, 2026, at the Centro Cultural de Zacatlán in Zacatlán de las Manzanas, Puebla. Habrá transporte gratuito de ida y vuelta para los asistentes desde Ciudad de México y Puebla. Free round-trip buses are available for attendees from Mexico City and Puebla. La comunidad de SheCrypto puede solicitar un código de descuento y participar en nuestro sorteo de entradas gratuitas escribiendo a tickets@shecrypto.org. SheCrypto readers can request a discount code and enter our drawing for complimentary admission by emailing tickets@shecrypto.org. 🎧 Escucha nuestra conversación completa con Abi Cupido, grabada en español e inglés.Listen to our full conversation with Abi Cupido, recorded in Spanish and English. Dos idiomas. Cinco puertas. Tres días. Una comunidad desbloqueando lo que viene.Two languages. Five doors. Three days. One community unlocking what’s next. Tus llaves. Tu vibra. Tu tribu.Your keys. Your vibe. Your tribe. Connect with Abi and UNLOCKAbi CupidoInstagram: @abicupido | TikTok: Abi Cupido | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/abigail-cupido-843b02b1 UNLOCKWebsite: unlocksummit.io | X: @unlocksummit_io | Instagram: @unlocksummit.io Connect with SheCryptoKelly Ann CollinsX: @itskac | Instagram: @kellyann.xyz | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/itskac Laura Suárez LeónX: @laissu | Instagram: @lauraisuarez | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laurasuarezleon Want to bring SheCrypto to your event? We partner with conferences and companies ready to put more women in the room, and on the stage. Reach out and let’s make it happen. kac@shecrypto.org¿Quieres llevar SheCrypto a tu evento?Colaboramos con conferencias y empresas que quieren llevar a más mujeres a la sala y al escenario. Escríbenos y hagámoslo realidad. kac@shecrypto.org 💫 Let’s keep shining, keep building! SheCrypto is powered by the people (yep, that’s you 🚀). Want the alpha and the vibes delivered straight to you? Smash that subscribe button.💫 ¡Sigamos brillando, sigamos construyendo!SheCrypto existe gracias a nuestra comunidad (sí, tú 🚀). ¿Quieres recibir el alpha y las buenas vibras directamente? Dale al botón de suscripción. This episode and all SheCrypto content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Not financial advice. Always DYOR.Este episodio y todo el contenido de SheCrypto tienen fines exclusivamente informativos y de entretenimiento. No constituyen asesoramiento financiero. Siempre haz tu propia investigación (DYOR). Get full access to SheCrypto at www.shecrypto.org/subscribe
Aug 27

$4.2 Million in 49 Seconds: Buying Real Estate With Crypto

A buyer walks in with crypto. The seller only wants dollars. For years the answer was simply no. John Ioannou, Jr., has been a real estate attorney since 1999. About a year ago he got that exact call, said no, and could not stop thinking about it. He came back with licenses, KYC and KYB protocols, and a company that converts crypto to US dollars and wires them straight to the title company. The seller never has to touch a wallet. Listen as he walks us through the mechanics, including a $4.2 million Florida real estate closing. Timestamps 00:06 An attorney since 1999, and the moment real estate and blockchain collided00:27 Ten years ago: wallet to wallet only, and the seller had to want crypto01:50 The phone call that started it. He said no, then went looking for the yes02:35 What it took: federal and state licensing, KYC, KYB, blockchain analysis03:30 I have Bitcoin and I want to buy a farm. Now what?03:49 Why not just do it yourself on Coinbase or Kraken? Retail limits04:41 The offboarding problem. Buying in is easy, cashing out is where you get stuck06:26 Pricing: roughly 1 to 1.5 percent instead of 2 to 3 percent07:18 The three step process, start to close08:40 The $4.2 million closing and the buyer who came to the office in person09:10 49 seconds10:10 The reverse trade. A seller in Argentina who wanted his proceeds in crypto10:50 Beyond real estate: a plane, cars, real world assets11:41 Licensed in all fifty states, plus the commodities desk13:05 “I wasn’t about to send four million dollars to Singapore”13:23 Why he left litigation15:12 Computers and the Law, and what the 1990s taught him about now16:39 We are still early17:06 The real flow right now is stablecoins, not Bitcoin17:30 Venezuela, unstable banking, and buying US income property with USDT18:39 Closing thoughts Guest Information John Ioannou, Jr., Esq. Founder, CryptEscrow. Partner, Ioannou & Ioannou, LLP. Florida Bar since 1999. J.D., Albany Law School. Follow SheCrypto * 📸 Instagram * 🌐 Substack Blog + Newsletter * ❤️ SheCrypto Monthly on LinkedIn * 💼 LinkedIn * 🪙 X aka CT * 📘 Facebook * 🎥YouTube * 🎵 TikTok * 🎙️ Apple Podcasts * 💫 Spotify Let’s keep shining, keep building! SheCrypto is powered by the people (yep, that’s you 🚀). Want the alpha and the vibes delivered straight to you? Smash that subscribe button. This episode and all SheCrypto content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Not financial advice. Always DYOR. Get full access to SheCrypto at www.shecrypto.org/subscribe
Aug 13

Digital IDs and Blockchain Marriage Certificates: How Utah Is Building the Future of Digital Government

Okay, this one blew our minds. Amelia Powers Gardner went from engineering heavy machinery to spearheading some of the most interesting blockchain, digital identity, AI, and GovTech initiatives we’ve seen in local government. And this isn’t some tiny test market. Gardner is a Commissioner in Utah County, where the government serves just shy of one million people. As one of only three commissioners, she serves in both an executive and legislative capacity, with the county’s IT department under her portfolio. Her focus? “How does government use this technology to make citizens’ lives easier? And how do we use it to make things better, faster, cheaper?” First Came the Blockchain Marriage Certificate While serving as Utah County Clerk/Auditor, Gardner spearheaded a system that allowed people to obtain a marriage license completely online, using remote identity verification similar to the KYC process used in crypto. The county then used what Gardner describes as a “blockchain seal” to create a verifiable digital credential for the marriage certificate. The beta launched in October 2019 and went fully live in January 2020. Then COVID happened. Government offices closed around the world, leaving some couples unable to obtain marriage licenses. Gardner had a pretty straightforward reaction: “Why is the government telling me I can’t get married?” Utah County began making its system available to couples around the world. Gardner explains that under Utah law, the officiant must be in Utah, but the people getting married can be elsewhere and participate through Zoom, Google Meet, or another platform. And that’s where this gets wild. One woman was eight months pregnant in Texas while her fiancé was stuck in London during COVID. Because they weren’t married, he was unable to enter the United States. Utah County married them remotely and issued the marriage certificate. Gardner even fielded a call from the Department of Homeland Security asking whether it was valid. It was. Her fiancé was able to enter the country in time for the birth of their child. Yeah. Blockchain-backed marriage credentials suddenly got very real. Then Came Citizen-Owned Digital ID The marriage project snowballed into something much bigger: digital identity. Gardner is now helping spearhead Utah’s work around a state-endorsed digital ID designed to be decentralized and owned by the citizen while retaining the rights and privileges associated with identification such as a Utah driver’s license. And privacy is a major part of it. “Utah cannot have reciprocity with another state’s ID if that ID tracks the citizens.” Gardner says Utah has helped create a 13-state consortium, with discussions underway with additional states, to advance a model for digital ID that is convenient and secure while preserving privacy. Making Government “Suck Less” For all the talk about blockchain, digital IDs, AI, verifiable credentials, and digital government, Gardner’s motivation is wonderfully straightforward. When other government officials questioned why she wanted to reinvent a marriage-license process people had been using for generations, her response was: “What’s the problem? And I was like, because it sucks.” And then: “It was more just my passion for making government suck less.” She’s got some pretty compelling results. Gardner says another county process requiring four wet-ink signatures took an average of about 10 days. After moving to digital signing, they got it down to around three hours. Utah County has also established an AI task force, employee AI training, an AI-use policy, technology pilots, and an innovation fund designed to help departments implement new technologies. The idea is to create a system where innovation continues even after Gardner leaves office. From Utah to the UN Gardner’s second term ends in December, but she’s not walking away from digital government. She plans to continue working across government and industry, helping governments adopt emerging technologies and helping technology companies understand how to actually implement their ideas in the public sector. And she’s taking the conversation beyond Utah. Gardner told us she’s headed to Washington for the Government Blockchain Association conference and plans to speak about Utah’s digital identity work during a forum day at the United Nations General Assembly. Her bigger vision is where this gets really interesting. For someone living in a rural area, obtaining a government document can mean traveling half a day just to reach an office. Gardner asks us to imagine something different: “Can you imagine if those people could do it with a cell phone?” That’s the bigger story here. Digital IDs. Blockchain-backed marriage certificates. Verifiable credentials. Remote identity verification. AI. Digital government. Not technology for technology’s sake. Technology that might actually make people’s lives easier. And we’re here for it. 🎧 Tune in to SheCrypto’s conversation with Amelia Powers Gardner about digital IDs, blockchain marriage certificates, online marriage licenses, verifiable credentials, privacy, AI, and the future of digital government. Chapters 00:00 Welcome00:44 From heavy machinery to blockchain02:20 The first fully online marriage license03:00 Utah’s citizen-owned digital ID03:47 How anyone in the world can marry from Utah04:37 COVID, Homeland Security, and a Zoom wedding06:57 Why government innovates so slowly07:39 The most boring campaign ever08:14 Ten days to three hours11:36 The privacy law and the 13-state consortium13:07 Building innovation that outlives you16:37 Washington, the UN, and what comes next Follow SheCrypto wherever you are, and subscribe so you never miss an update. * 📸 Instagram * 🌐 Substack Blog + Newsletter * ❤️ SheCrypto Monthly on LinkedIn * 💼 LinkedIn * 🪙 X aka CT * 📘 Facebook * 🎥YouTube * 🎵 TikTok * 🎙️ Apple Podcasts * 💫 Spotify Let’s keep shining, keep building! SheCrypto is powered by the people (yep, that’s you 🚀). Want the alpha and the vibes delivered straight to you? Smash that subscribe button. This episode and all SheCrypto content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Not financial advice. Always DYOR. Get full access to SheCrypto at www.shecrypto.org/subscribe
Aug 6

Meet Zeynep Stefan, Ph.D.: SheCrypto Ambassador to Liechtenstein

This week, we’re heading to one of Europe’s most innovative financial hubs. Liechtenstein may be small in size - with a population of 40,000 and only about 160 square kilometers (62 square miles) of land - but it’s making big waves in blockchain, Bitcoin, digital assets, and financial innovation. With forward-thinking regulation, a growing ecosystem of digital asset companies, and a reputation for embracing emerging technologies, the country has become one of the world’s most influential jurisdictions for the future of finance. We’re thrilled to welcome Zeynep Stefan, Ph.D., SheCrypto’s Ambassador to Liechtenstein, to the podcast. As a leader in digital asset risk and governance, Zeynep brings a unique perspective on where the industry is headed, how institutions are approaching blockchain adoption, and why trust, security, and thoughtful regulation will play a critical role in the next phase of growth. Join us as we explore Liechtenstein’s growing influence in the global digital asset ecosystem, discuss the evolving landscape of crypto and institutional finance, and hear Zeynep’s insights on the opportunities shaping the future of blockchain. Let’s dive in. 🎧 In this episode: * Why Liechtenstein, a country of around 40,000, wants to be a serious hub for digital assets * The “fastest fish, not the biggest fish” strategy for competing with Switzerland and the wider EU * The token container model: representing assets like a car or gold on chain, and why it’s genuinely different * How MiCA and DORA shape what it takes to get licensed there * What it’s actually like to live and build in Liechtenstein * Zeynep’s outlook for 2026: more implementation, fewer new regulations, a possible AI Act draft later in the year * What being a SheCrypto ambassador means to her, and getting more women into C-level roles Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to SheCrypto00:52 Meet Zeynep and How Liechtenstein Is Building Its Digital Asset Hub07:01 Fastest Fish, Not the Biggest: Standing Out From the Bigger Players08:52 What It’s Actually Like to Live and Work There10:26 What Zeynep Is Watching for in 202613:11 What SheCrypto Means to Zeynep14:37 Wrapping Up Follow SheCrypto wherever you are, and subscribe so you never miss an update. * 📸 Instagram * 🌐 Substack Blog + Newsletter * ❤️ SheCrypto Monthly on LinkedIn * 💼 LinkedIn * 🪙 X aka CT * 📘 Facebook * 🎥YouTube * 🎵 TikTok * 🎙️ Apple Podcasts * 💫 Spotify Let’s keep shining, keep building! SheCrypto is powered by the people (yep, that’s you 🚀). Want the alpha and the vibes delivered straight to you? Smash that subscribe button. This episode and all SheCrypto content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Not financial advice. Always DYOR. Get full access to SheCrypto at www.shecrypto.org/subscribe
Jul 31

Anastasia Dellaccio: Helping States Shape the Future of Blockchain

For Anastasia Dellaccio, blockchain is about more than financial innovation. It is also about creating a more equitable and accessible future. Dellaccio first became interested in blockchain while working at WeWork, where she noticed major companies and associations entering the space. During the pandemic, she began researching digital assets more deeply and quickly became fascinated by both the technology’s potential and the risks of creating overly restrictive policies based on limited understanding. That interest inspired her to launch Ucoin, a nonprofit focused on engaging, educating and empowering more women in blockchain. She later joined the policy team at Core Scientific and served as a political appointee in the Biden-Harris administration. Today, Dellaccio is helping lead The Digital Chamber’s state network, connecting lawmakers, industry leaders and grassroots organizations across the country. Her work focuses on helping states develop thoughtful, coordinated policies that encourage innovation, attract builders and create jobs. She also remains deeply committed to ensuring women have a place in the industry. “There hasn’t necessarily been a catalyst or use case that has made women want to rush back into the industry yet,” she told SheCrypto. “I still feel very passionate about trying to make sure there’s room at the table for all people.” Through policy, advocacy and community building, Dellaccio is working to ensure the next chapter of blockchain includes more voices and creates opportunities across the country. Learn more about The Digital Chamber at www.digitalchamber.org. SheCrypto is powered by the people (yep, that’s you 🚀).Want the alpha and the vibes delivered straight to you? Subscribe now! This episode and all SheCrypto content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Not financial advice. Always DYOR. Follow SheCrypto wherever you are, and subscribe so you never miss an update. * Instagram * Substack Blog + Newsletter * SheCrypto Monthly on LinkedIn * LinkedIn * X aka CT * Facebook * YouTube * TikTok * Apple Podcasts * Spotify Get full access to SheCrypto at www.shecrypto.org/subscribe
Jul 29 · Bonus

Blockchain Futurist Conference 2026: Reaching New Heights, Together

Dear friends, This photo was taken 44 stories above Toronto at our SheCrypto x New Friendship Tech rooftop after-party, celebrating the close of Blockchain Futurist Conference during Canada Crypto Week. Fun fact: I’m afraid of heights. 😅 So, yes ... I smiled for the photo. Then … I happily stepped away from the edge. As the elevator climbed toward the rooftop, my ears popped somewhere around the 40th floor. It struck me that everyone attending Canada Crypto Week and Blockchain Futurist Conference was doing exactly the same thing, just in a different way. We were all reaching new heights, together. Not just in our careers or companies, but in what we’re building together. Blockchain has always been about exploring new frontiers. Every founder launching a startup, every developer writing code, every investor backing an idea, every creator educating a community, every entrepreneur taking a risk, and every organization pushing the industry forward is helping shape what’s next. The people willing to climb first don’t just change their own future. They make it possible for others to climb, too. That’s what I love most about this community. People often tell me, “Your events are incredible.” “I love the podcast.” “SheCrypto has built such an amazing community.” Thank you. It truly means the world. But here’s the truth. … SheCrypto is not a one-woman show. I may have founded it, but everything we’ve built exists because of our team, our partners, our collaborators, and the thousands of people who believe we can create a stronger, more inclusive blockchain ecosystem … together. Over the past year alone, we’ve helped more than 2,000 women attend blockchain and Bitcoin conferences at no cost, opening doors to education, careers, partnerships, mentorship, investment opportunities, and lifelong friendships. That didn’t happen because of one person. It happened because an entire community chose to show up. Founders. Investors. Developers. Builders. Creators. Volunteers. Ambassadors. Sponsors. Partners. Women and men who believe innovation is stronger when more people have the opportunity to contribute. Our Toronto networking event and rooftop after-party brought together people from across North America’s blockchain ecosystem. Many are building the companies, infrastructure, products, and policies that will shape the future of finance, technology, and digital ownership. What made the evening unforgettable wasn’t anyone’s title. It was the conversations. A willingness to share ideas. The introductions that turned into friendships. Collaborations that may become tomorrow’s breakthroughs. A huge thank you to Eric Spivak and the New Friendship Tech team for partnering with us on such an incredible evening. Thank you as well to the wonderful team at Bisha Hotel Toronto for hosting us on what I believe is the most spectacular rooftop in the city. And thank you to everyone who makes SheCrypto possible: Laura, Jennifer, Zeynep, Yaeunda, our ambassadors and partners around the world, Laura and Tracy and the entire Blockchain Futurist Conference team for creating one of the industry’s premier gatherings, Eric and the New Friendship Tech team, Cal, Elvis, Brad, Jacob, James, JVW for his continued encouragement and support of our mission, our volunteers, and every single person who has helped this community grow. YOU are the reason this community continues to grow. Standing 44 stories above Toronto and gazing out at the CN Tower reminded me of something I’ll never forget.The future isn’t built by people who stay comfortable. It’s built by people willing to take the next step, explore new frontiers, innovate, challenge what’s possible, and then reach back to help someone else climb. That’s how we reach new heights. Together. 💜 We’re just getting started.All my best,Kelly Annkac@shecrypto.orgX | LinkedIn | Instagram Follow SheCrypto wherever you are, and subscribe so you never miss an update. * 📸 Instagram * 🌐 Substack Blog + Newsletter * ❤️ SheCrypto Monthly on LinkedIn * 💼 LinkedIn * 🪙 X aka CT * 📘 Facebook * 🎥YouTube * 🎵 TikTok * 🎙️ Apple Podcasts * 💫 Spotify Let’s keep shining, keep building! SheCrypto is powered by the people (yep, that’s you 🚀). Want the alpha and the vibes delivered straight to you? Smash that subscribe button. This episode and all SheCrypto content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Not financial advice. Always DYOR. Get full access to SheCrypto at www.shecrypto.org/subscribe
Jul 20

From Fashion to Stablecoins: Building Crypto With a Human Touch

Fashion, stablecoins, and a live ancestry plot twist!Laura and I sat down with Karla Troncoso of Capa, one of Latin America’s fastest growing stablecoin and payments infrastructure companies. Karla shared how she went from fashion branding in Amsterdam to working to build one of the boldest brands in LatAm crypto, why this industry needs more creatives, and yes, the moment I found out on air that I’m part Dominican. We loved this interview! Karla is great!Enjoy!Best,Kelly Ann In this episode: * How Karla went from fashion branding in Amsterdam to leading brand at a LatAm stablecoin company * Why crypto companies all look the same, and what fashion people see that techies miss * Making a payments platform feel human when your customers move billions * Why compliance should be your creative team’s best friend * Building for Latin America: fragmented economies, real missions, and financial freedom * Being a citizen of the world, and how a cross cultural lens becomes a marketing edge * The live 23andMe reveal: Kelly finds out she’s part Dominican 🇩🇴 * Lightning round: pen and paper, theme walks, and why the future of crypto is female * Spanish language SheCrypto content coming soon Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Meet Karla Troncoso 01:10 From Fashion and Beauty to Crypto 06:03 What Fashion Teaches You About Branding 09:45 Day to Day at a LatAm Payments Startup 11:44 Making Crypto Approachable and Human 15:27 Building for Latin America 19:36 Citizen of the World: The Cross-Cultural Edge 23:49 Kelly’s 23andMe Reveal 24:45 Lightning Round 29:04 Where to Find Karla and Capa Want to bring SheCrypto to your event? We partner with conferences and companies ready to put more women in the room, and on the stage. Reach out and let’s make it happen. kac@shecrypto.org 💫 Let’s keep shining, keep building! SheCrypto is powered by the people (yep, that’s you 🚀). Want the alpha and the vibes delivered straight to you? Smash that subscribe button. This episode and all SheCrypto content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Not financial advice. Always DYOR. Get full access to SheCrypto at www.shecrypto.org/subscribe
Jul 20

Prediction markets are booming. But can they grow without profiting from addiction?

Prediction markets are having a moment. They’ve been called the fastest-growing corner of finance. Platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi are making headlines every week, and everyone from sports fans to political junkies is suddenly “trading” their opinions. But this week’s guest is looking at the boom through a different lens: ethics. On the latest episode of SheCrypto, Laura and I sat down with Gina Antoniello, a professor at NYU’s Tisch Institute for Global Sport, where she serves as academic director and teaches go-to-market strategy at the intersection of sports and business. Gina’s résumé reads like a tour of the sports business world. Before entering academia, she held roles with the Golden State Warriors, the Brooklyn Nets, and the XFL. Today, she researches and teaches at what she calls the intersection of ethics and enterprise, which is exactly where our conversation lived. Because here’s the tension she named, and it stuck with me: Sports betting and prediction markets are among the fastest-growing areas of modern finance, attracting institutional capital, legal battles, and a rapidly expanding cultural footprint. And, in her words, the sector is growing on the back of addiction. She cited a Fortune report on the numbers: Americans wagered around $167 billion on sports in 2025 alone, and roughly a quarter of sports bettors show signs of being unable to control their gambling. As Gina put it, addiction doesn’t just destroy savings. It destroys relationships and, in the worst cases, lives. These aren’t abstract statistics. They’re real people. That’s a rare thing to hear from someone working inside this industry, and it’s why this conversation is worth your time, regardless of how you feel about prediction markets. Her Project: SafeBets Gina is currently applying her go-to-market expertise to SafeBets, an early-stage prediction platform she is helping develop alongside her teaching. In the episode, she walks us through how the model is designed to work. Instead of users wagering their own money, the platform gives new users tokens to make predictions. The company says its returns are intended to come from trading against pricing inefficiencies across other prediction markets rather than from participants losing to one another. Gina frames it as an attempt to create an alternative to the addiction-driven model, allowing people to express their convictions and participate in collective intelligence without putting their own capital on the line. We asked the questions you’d want asked: Where does the money actually come from? How are winners paid? And how does the platform define the questions people are predicting on? Her sports analogy here is a good one: Even experts can’t agree on how to define a “sports fan,” illustrating why ambiguity in prediction questions remains a real, unresolved industry problem. It’s still early days for the venture. As with anything new in this space, do your own research before participating in any platform or token. That goes double for anything involving a future token offering. 💫 Let’s keep shining, keep building! SheCrypto is powered by the people (yep, that’s you 🚀). Want the alpha and the vibes delivered straight to you? Smash that subscribe button. This episode and all SheCrypto content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Not financial advice. Always DYOR. Get full access to SheCrypto at www.shecrypto.org/subscribe

Your keys. Your vibe. Your tribe. www.shecrypto.org

Creator

Kelly Ann Collins
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

32
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© SheCrypto | Unstoppable Future Corporation
Show Website

SheCrypto