This HODLong podcast episode interviews Armani Ferrante, CEO and co-founder of Backpack Exchange, about his company's journey and vision within the Web3 space. The conversation covers Backpack's evolution from a Solana-focused developer tool provider to a multi-chain wallet and exchange, including navigating the FTX collapse and subsequent pivot. Ferrante emphasizes the importance of compliance for centralized exchanges, arguing that bridging the gap between crypto-native innovation and traditional finance is crucial for long-term success. He details Backpack's public beta launch, focusing on building a robust, compliant platform with high capital efficiency, and discusses the future roadmap, including expanding into key markets like Europe and Japan. A significant portion of the discussion centers on Backpack's unique approach to integrating a self-custodial wallet with the exchange, aiming to enhance security while maintaining a user-friendly experience.
