Enabling User-Owned Data to Create User-Owned AI with Vana | Anna Kazlauskas

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Connor sits down with Anna Kazlauskas, co-founder of Vana, to explore the intersection of AI and user-owned data. They discuss the resurgence of the crypto scene in San Francisco, fueled by advancements in AI, and the impact of DeepSeek on model training efficiency and data privacy. Anna shares her journey from MIT to co-founding Vana, a layer one blockchain enabling programmable data rights for AI. She introduces the concept of data DAOs—user-owned data collectives that negotiate better terms with platforms—highlighting the shift toward self-sovereign digital identities. The conversation also covers Vana’s tokenomics and its mission to address AI’s data shortage by empowering users with control and incentives.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:45 - Impact of DeepSeek on AI and User Privacy

04:22 - User Awareness and Data Storage Concerns

06:28 - The Shift in AI Narrative

07:14 - Anna's Journey into User-Owned Data

10:45 - Vana's Technical Framework and Privacy

12:20 - The Need for Data Sovereignty in AI

13:27 - Building a Layer 1 Blockchain

15:51 - Data DAOs: A New Approach to Data Ownership

17:15 - Understanding Data DAOs and Their Function

22:47 - The Role of Data Ownership in Social Platforms

24:51 - Negotiating Better Terms for Data Ownership

26:40 - Bringing Data to Vana and AI Applications

28:09 - Privacy-Preserving Compute Solutions

29:22 - Tokenomics of Vana

30:55 - Data DAO Specific Tokens and Their Role

31:22 - Final Thoughts on Vana's Vision

32:30 - Where to Find More Information

Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.