In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Jay Gujral, a seasoned entrepreneur and angel investor with a deep understanding of blockchain technology. Jay shares his journey from founding Gradlancer, a student freelance marketplace, to his current venture, Record, which aims to provide robust data integrity solutions for businesses. The conversation explores the challenges of blockchain adoption, the role of AI in validating information, and the importance of establishing a reliable system of record. Jay emphasises that the future of digital trust should be accessible without requiring extensive technical knowledge. Tune in to hear insights on the early missteps founders often make and how Record aspires to set a new data standard in the industry. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Jay Gujral Welcome to the episode featuring Jay Gujral, a repeat founder and blockchain expert. 00:01:02 - Web3 and Blockchain Adoption Discussion on the challenges of Web3 and the need for broader adoption beyond tech circles. 00:04:04 - Understanding Blockchain's Value Exploring why blockchain matters and its potential beyond cryptocurrency. 00:06:18 - Complexity of Blockchain Solutions The need for simplicity in blockchain applications for mass market adoption. 00:09:02 - The Current State of Blockchain Reflections on the hype around blockchain, NFTs, and the impact of recent scandals. 00:10:11 - Marketing Challenges in Crypto The crypto community's echo chamber and the need for external engagement. 00:11:32 - AI and Blockchain Intersection How AI's growth necessitates a reliable system of record, potentially fulfilled by blockchain. 00:14:15 - Proof of Data Integrity The importance of tamper-proof records in the age of AI and misinformation. 00:17:04 - Real-World Applications of Blockchain Examples of how blockchain can solve real-world problems, such as land title disputes. 00:19:12 - Blockdojo's Approach to Founders Insights into the support provided to early-stage blockchain founders at Blockdojo. 00:22:57 - The Importance of Focus for Founders Advice on the necessity for founders to solve specific problems rather than overreach. 00:25:13 - Record's Vision for Data Standards Discussion on the potential for Record to become a data standard in compliance and risk management. 00:27:44 - Lessons from Gradlancer Jay reflects on his experience building and selling Gradlancer and what he learned. 00:30:01 - The Evolution of Founding a Startup Comparing the startup landscape from Gradlancer to current ventures and the changes in approach. 00:35:11 - Decision to Return to Founding Jay discusses his thought process and motivations for starting again with Record. Find Jay Gujral online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaygujral/ Twitter: https://x.com/JayGujral Rekord:https: //rekord.io/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe