As crypto adoption increases, so does the pressing need for blockchain scalability. Monolithic blockchains provide data availability, consensus and execution on a single, base layer, which makes scaling them a difficult endeavour. Multiple layer-2 (L2) scaling solutions have been proposed to address computation and/or data availability, but they reach the same design bottlenecks: limited bandwidth, account state models, sequential transaction processing, etc. Modular blockchains separate the core functionalities, redesigning them as customisable building blocks. This allows for greater flexibility and scalability, adapting blockchain structure to its intended function. We were joined by Nick Dodson, CEO and co-founder of Fuel Labs, to discuss modular execution layers and how they approach different aspects of blockchain design and scalability. Topics covered in this episode: Nick’s background and founding Fuel LabsWhy most blockchain designs are not scalableThe vision behind Fuel Labs’ modular execution layerThe difference between L2 roll-ups and modular execution layersBlockchain design philosophies and integrationsUTXO and multi-thread parallel transactionsUTXO vs. account model systemsFuel Labs’ own virtual machine (VM)Multiple native assets supportDeveloper experience switching to Sway DSLBridging to a settlement layer and interoperabilityBuilding on FuelEpisode links: Fuel LabsFuel Labs on TwitterNick on TwitterSponsors: Omni: Access all of Web3 in one easy-to-use wallet! Earn and manage assets at once with Omni's built-in staking, yield vaults, bridges, swaps and NFT support. https://omni.app/ -This episode is hosted by Friederike Ernst & Sebastien Couture. Show notes and listening options: epicenter.tv/474

Dune Analytics is a platform aggregating blockchain data, making data easier to query and understand for the larger public. Over the past years, Dune has become the go-to tool for blockchain analytics, as well as the home of a community of dune wizards numbering in the thousands, with its fundraising at a 1 Billion valuation as a testament to the growth of the project over the past 4 years. In today's episode, we are joined by the project's co-founder, Fredrik Haga. We discuss the products Dune Analytics offers, why it's hard to aggregate data that in principle is public, and how a community of data wizards was built in a grassroots effort. We also chatted about product focus and vision for the future, as well as useful lessons for bootstrapping a project on a shoestring budget. Topics covered in this episode: The beginning of DuneThe challenges and difficulties in building a blockchain data product.Technical improvements on Dune V2Supporting for non-evm chainsBusiness models, userbases, and valuationsInteresting use cases on DuneCommunity BuildingThe focus on product experience and next steps for the projectEpisode links: Dune Analytics's websiteDune Analytics TwitterFredrik Haga's twitterSponsors: Omni: Access all of Web3 in one easy-to-use wallet! Earn and manage assets at once with Omni's built-in staking, yield vaults, bridges, swaps and NFT support. https://omni.app/ -This episode is hosted by Friederike Ernst & Felix Lutsch. Show notes and listening options: epicenter.tv/472