Share

cover art for Functionland with Ehsan Shariati | E240

Fintech Impact

Functionland with Ehsan Shariati | E240

Ep. 240
•

Jason Pereira talks to Ehsan Shariati, CEO and Co-Founder of Functionland. The company is the distributed storage platform that allows you to store data on the blockchain but utilizing your own dedicated hardware.


Episode Highlights

  • 0.33: In Functionland we are creating a decentralized Google cloud. Basically, like the cloud providers that we are getting services from like storage, backups, computation power and running AI algorithms on their servers, says Ehsan. 
  • 1.00: Ehsan's company is decentralizing the hard infrastructure so that everyone become a provider to others and they all can basically provide services to each other
  • 2.47: We have a can full of companies there that are providing most of the storage for the Internet at this point and all of the tools get built on cloud providers, says Jason.
  • 6.37: Blockchain has given us the power of P2P transactions basically without any middleman and we used that power in the hard work, says Ehsan. 
  • 7.41: Ehsan says that they are utility token not a financial token and the token is there to support the utility of the ecosystem which is storage and computer and application providing.
  • 8.12: If you have the hardware, you can get all the basic things for free because the tokens are there to pay for it by itself.
  • 9.51: In our system there is no central key. You are the owner of your keys and no one else can access your files or decrypt except you, says Ehsan. 
  • 11.18: We connect your wallet, your wallet sends the request, encrypt the file with that signature and send it for backup, says Ehsan.
  • 12.01: Ehsan explains if there is a fair approximation that the things you are providing are a beauty play for people who have tremendous amounts of storage need or people who also are developers. 
  • 15.00: The vision that we had was actually to create a platform that monetizes open source. We want to create a direct channel between the creators like app developers, content creators with the consumers, says Ehsan.


3 Key Points

  1. Ehsan decided to create plug and play hardware that any user could plug into the Internet, and it became a DAB server. It gives you the power to own your own data.
  2. Ehsan explains how secure it is to have mine data stored on someone else device that could be sitting on their desktop?
  3. Ehsan talks about the entire fragmentation of the data and how that works. 


Tweetable Quotes

  • "We are a partner of five coin, and we work together on the protocol set that we have. But the approach is different because five coin is more focused on B2B business." – Ehsan
  • "We opened a per-order campaign for one month and the initial storage that we have when we go live by the end of the year is 2 petabytes and that would be start." - Ehsan 
  • "I have been at developer like for 15 years and the vision that we have that to monetize open source, that's something I know that it's very interesting for a lot of developers." - Ehsan


Resources Mentioned


More episodes

View all episodes

  • 430. Wise Revisited with Josh Rowat | E430

    25:17||Ep. 430
    Host Jason Pereira interviews Josh Rowat of Wise about the company’s mission to make international money movement faster and cheaper. Operating in 150+ countries, Wise delivers 75% of its payments instantly with an average fee of just 0.51%. The conversation focuses on Wise’s expansion in Canada, where new regulatory changes allow non-banks direct access to payment rails via Payments Canada and Interac. Rowat explains how these milestones bypass traditional banking bottlenecks to lower costs, increase speed, and prepare for the future of real-time open banking.This episode is a must-listen for fintech professionals and cross-border businesses looking to understand how regulatory shifts are lowering global payment friction.Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome And Guest00:35 Wise Elevator Pitch02:23 Canada Payments Canada Milestone04:47 How Wise Got Approved08:27 Global Access Trends10:57 Why Direct Rails Matter12:43 Wise Platform As Pipes13:57 What's Next For Wise16:00 Instant Rails And Adoption20:57 Rapid Fire Closing Questions24:17 Wrap Up And SponsorResources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorWiseLinkedIn - Josh Rowat’s LinkedIn

  • 429. Contio with Aaron Klein | E429

    39:16||Ep. 429
    Host Jason Pereira welcomes Aaron Klein, founder of Contio (and former CEO of Nitrogen/Riskalyze), to discuss his new mission: fixing the "meeting problem." Klein explains that most advisor meetings suffer from poor agendas, missing data, and heavy manual follow-up. Contio’s MeetingOS solves this by using AI to build collaborative agendas and "pre-brief" advisors—pulling together past history, performance reports, and financial plans to anticipate client questions before the meeting starts.The conversation covers the technical side of the platform, including how it securely captures system audio to build a shared "firm intelligence." By turning conversations into structured data, Contio helps firms transform meeting notes into automatic workflow outputs while keeping client data in a secure, private cloud.This episode is a must-listen for advisors looking to eliminate meeting prep drudgery and leaders interested in how the next generation of "MeetingOS" tech will drive firm efficiency.Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome Back, Aaron Klein01:00 Riskalyze to Nitrogen Rebrand02:16 Keeping the CEO Exit Secret02:36 Fearless Keynote Cancer Scare04:55 Introducing Contio Origins07:21 AI Notetakers Miss the Point08:26 Roman Empire Naming Fun09:47 MeetingOS for Advisors10:49 Client Review Prep Magic14:38 Building the Tech Team18:12 Hard Problem Audio Capture19:18 Security Bet and Predictions19:48 Data Theft and PII Risks20:21 Private Cloud Security Wall21:15 Compounding Workspace Intelligence25:25 APIs Partners and No Lock In27:12 Orchestrating AI at Work30:29 Wish More Advisors Invest36:00 Biggest Build Challenge37:20 Why Keep Building38:26 Wrap Up and SponsorResources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorContioLinkedIn - Aaron Klein’s LinkedIn

  • 428. InvestorCOM with Parham Nasseri | E428

    33:03||Ep. 428
    Host Jason Pereira welcomes back Parham Nasseri, President of InvestorCOM, to discuss how firms are turning complex regulations into intuitive, digital workflows. Nasseri explains that while some firms still use manual "check-the-box" forms, tech-first companies are using InvestorCOM to automate requirements like Reg BI and KYC-KYP. This approach not only builds a "compliance moat" but also helps advisors provide more defensible advice during high-scrutiny events like 401(k) rollovers.The conversation also previews InvestorCOM’s AI roadmap, specifically the use of "ambient AI" to pre-populate compliance documents directly from meeting recordings. This shift aims to reduce administrative burden, allowing advisors to focus on client outcomes rather than paperwork.This episode is a must-listen for compliance officers and advisors looking to transform regulatory hurdles into a competitive advantage through automation and AI.Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro00:30 What InvestorCOM Does01:23 Compliance as Workflow02:19 Reg BI and CFR Shift04:10 KYC KYP Best Practices07:19 Paper Forms vs Digital09:02 Tech First and AI Future11:38 US Case Study 401k Rollovers15:02 AI Roadmap and Note Takers21:02 Industry Change Mindset22:42 InvestorCOM Transformation26:36 Buy vs Build Debate30:45 Motivation and Closing32:11 Outro and Sponsor MessageResources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorInvestorCOMLinkedIn - Parham Nasseri’s LinkedIn

  • 427. iFactfind with Dr. Paul Moran | E427

    30:42||Ep. 427
    On this episode of FinTech Impact, host Jason Pereira interviews Dr. Paul Moran, CEO of iFactFind, about replacing clunky, paper-based data collection with a dynamic digital portal. Originally built for Australia’s strict compliance landscape, iFactFind uses conditional questionnaires and secure document uploads to create a single, shared dataset between the advisor and client. This ensures that client data stays current and visible to both parties, moving the focus from product sales to professional, goals-based advice.The platform streamlines the advisor workflow with two-way integrations, e-signatures, and upcoming AI-driven document reading. By capturing everything from risk profiles to audit snapshots, iFactFind helps advisors eliminate data-entry errors while meeting high regulatory standards.This episode is a must-listen for advisors looking to digitize their onboarding process and transition to a more professional, data-driven planning model.Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome to FinTech Impact00:39 What Is iFactFind01:24 Why Build It03:15 Client Onboarding Flow07:07 Advisor View and Integrations08:44 Compliance Built for Australia11:32 Who It Fits Best13:04 Product Lessons and Scaling15:55 Scope Creep Reality Check16:44 Product Expands Beyond Fact Find17:53 Should We Build CRM19:13 Integrations And Pricing Strategy20:39 Roadmap Modeling And Better Advice Docs21:51 Monte Carlo Debate25:15 Goals Based Advice And Professionalism27:51 Biggest Challenge Building Tech28:35 Why Financial Planning Matters30:11 Wrap Up And Sponsor MessageResources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsoriFactFindLinkedIn - Paul Moran’s LinkedIn

  • 426. Fynancial with Tom Fields | E426

    24:31||Ep. 426
    Host Jason Pereira interviews Tom Fields, CEO of Fynancial, a platform providing wealth management firms with a white-labeled mobile app. Fields explains how a branded app allows advisors to "own their distribution," bypassing the noise of email and social media to deliver proactive push notifications, secure documents, and performance data directly to clients.The discussion covers how Fynancial integrates with existing CRMs and planning tools to automate workflows—like "next-best-action" tasks—while ensuring all communications are archived for compliance. By centralizing the client experience, firms are seeing higher satisfaction, easier referrals, and a more modern brand presence.This episode is a must-listen for advisors looking to strengthen client loyalty and modernize their practice through a dedicated mobile experience.Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro00:49 What Fynancial Does01:24 Why Advisors Need Phone Real Estate02:14 Origin Story Fired Client05:01 Building the Advisor App06:25 Client Engagement Push Notifications09:44 Compliance and Secure Messaging12:03 Success Stories Growth Referrals16:25 Future Roadmap AI Next Best Action19:20 Rapid Fire Closing Questions23:41 Wrap Up and Sponsor OutroResources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorFynancialLinkedIn - Tom Fields’ LinkedIn

  • 425. Ezra Group with Craig Iskowitz | E425

    40:19||Ep. 425
    Craig Iskowitz, CEO of Ezra Group, returns to speak with Jason about navigating the overwhelming pace of technology change in wealth management. Iskowitz explains how Ezra Group provides objective tech stack evaluations for firms without the bias of referral fees or software sales. The discussion highlights the shift from crypto to AI hype, the dangers of overbuilding in-house tools, and why "integration quality" is often the weakest link in an advisor's workflow.This episode is a must-listen for RIA owners and operations leaders who need a reality check on AI implementation and a framework for building a scalable, well-integrated tech stack.Episode Highlights:00:00 Milestone Guest Intro01:23 Craig’s Origin Story02:51 Tech Change Goes Exponential04:31 AI Hype Versus Reality08:03 Regulated Industry Limits09:28 Buy Versus Build Returns10:01 Hidden Costs of Building15:43 When Building Makes Sense18:22 Super Apps and All-in-One20:01 Integration Friction Problem20:43 Integration Reality Check22:48 AI And Vendor Shifts26:51 Note Takers Threaten CRMs29:19 Build Versus Buy Limits30:49 Tech Spend And Stack Strategy32:13 Optimize Before Replacing34:53 Wishes Hiring And Motivation39:35 Wrap Up And CreditsResources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorEzra GroupLinkedIn - Craig Iskowitz’s LinkedIn

  • 424. Turnqey Labs with Tyrone Ross | E424

    30:31||Ep. 424
    Host Jason Pereira catches up with Tyrone Ross, CEO of Turnqey Labs, a platform providing advisors with "holdings intelligence" for crypto assets. Turnqey delivers high-fidelity, audited on-chain data and tax lot reconciliation directly into tools like Morningstar and Wealthbox, allowing advisors to manage crypto with the same rigour as traditional portfolios. Ross highlights how Turnqey uses AI-ready APIs to modernize wealthtech and shares his vision for a future where traditional accounts are eventually replaced by digital wallet identifiers.This episode is a must-listen for advisors and developers needing to bridge the gap between "wild west" crypto data and professional, compliance-heavy wealth management.Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro00:39 Sprinkles Cupcakes Banter01:47 What Turnqey Labs Does03:38 API First Platform Strategy05:41 AI Rebuild and Cost Savings08:12 Advisor Onboarding Workflow10:30 API Keys Over OAuth12:15 Holdings Intelligence and Education17:12 Founder Frustrations and Origin Story18:37 Integration Value for WealthTech23:13 Future Wallet-Based Accounts25:55 Rapid Fire Closing Questions29:45 Wrap Up and Sponsor MessageResources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorTurnqey LabsLinkedIn - Tyrone Ross’ LinkedIn

  • 423. Prometeo with Ximena Alemán | E423

    28:20||Ep. 423
    Host Jason Pereira interviews Ximena Alemán, co-founder and CEO of Prometeo, about bridging the gap between global corporations and fragmented banking systems through a single, standardized API. Born from the frustration of building digital wallets in Uruguay, Prometeo now connects over 7,000+ financial institutions across 50+ countries, specializing in the Latin America and U.S.–LatAm corridors. Alemán details how their infrastructure streamlines account verification and money movement, while preparing for a future of AI-driven "agentic" payments.This episode is a must-listen for fintech developers and global business leaders looking to simplify cross-border operations and scale rapidly across the complex Americas regulatory landscape.Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro00:31 What Prometeo Does01:40 Spaghetti Connectivity Problem02:54 Origin Story and LatAm Focus06:01 Coverage and Standardization07:31 Who Uses Prometeo08:27 Regulation and Expansion10:22 Efficiency and Time to Market12:19 Agentic Payments and AI17:11 Emerging Markets and RTP Rails21:16 Rapid Fire Closing Questions27:21 Wrap Up and Sponsor MessageResources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPrometeoLinkedIn - Ximena Alemán’s LinkedIn

  • 422. Money Risk Inventory with Dr. Charles Chaffin | E422

    33:45||Ep. 422
    Host Jason Pereira interviews Dr. Charles Chaffin about Money Risk Inventory (MRI), a platform that transforms financial psychology from an "art" into a measurable science. Built on years of academic research, MRI moves beyond simple risk scores to objectively assess client biases, financial anxiety, and readiness for change. Chaffin explains how MRI’s suite of tools—including specialized modules for prospect conversion and client check-ins—uses colour-coded insights to help advisors understand a client's "money scripts" and communication style before they even step into a meeting.The conversation explores how this psychological data creates stickier client relationships and more effective coaching, while teasing future plans for deeper AI integration to further personalize the planning process.This episode is a must-listen for advisors who want to move past guesswork and use data-driven psychology to improve client retention and close more prospects.Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro00:29 What Is Money Risk Inventory01:00 Origins and Research Roots02:31 What MRI Measures03:24 Advisor Workflow and Colour Coding04:17 Product Line and Packaging05:20 Prospecting With Genesis07:37 Client Action and Stages of Change11:55 Communication and Learning Styles12:56 Scripts, Advisor Bias, and AI15:37 Coaching Over Knowledge18:03 Feeling Heard and Trust26:01 Future Roadmap for MRI27:46 Rapid Fire Three Questions32:55 Closing and Sponsor MessageResources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorMoney and Risk Inventory (MRI)LinkedIn -  Dr. Charles Chaffin’s LinkedIn