[AUDIO] Benjamin Brandall: Data Availability Is Broken, WeaveVM’s Fix Is Permanent, Affordable, and Always Onchain

Block by Block: A Show on Web3 Growth Marketing

Note: Since the recording of this episode, WeaveVM has rebranded to the Load Network @useload -- so you will hear the former in the conversation.

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Summary

In this conversation, Benjamin Brandall, co-founder of WeaveVM, shares how his early interest in preserving digital culture led him into the crypto space. He breaks down the “EVM storage dilemma” — a growing issue for developers building in Ethereum-compatible environments — and explains how WeaveVM is tackling it with a new modular architecture designed for permanent, cost-effective data storage.

Benjamin also discusses the importance of data availability for decentralized applications, how WeaveVM works alongside existing data availability layers like EigenDA, and why decentralization matters for Layer 2 ecosystems. The conversation also covers the team’s upcoming mainnet launch, the competitive dynamics of on-chain storage, and what’s needed to attract developers and grow the community. With promising traction in ecosystems like Solana and partnerships forming across chains, WeaveVM is aiming to become a critical piece of crypto’s data infrastructure.

Takeaways

— Benjamin’s entry into crypto came from a passion for preserving digital culture.

— The EVM storage dilemma is a major but often underappreciated technical challenge.

— WeaveVM offers modular, permanent, and cost-efficient storage for EVM-compatible chains.

— Data availability is foundational to how decentralized applications function.

— WeaveVM bridges Ethereum’s developer base with Arweave’s long-term storage.

— Centralized providers currently dominate the storage landscape — WeaveVM offers a decentralized alternative.

— The project’s model creates sustainable long-term storage incentives.

— Partnerships (like with EigenDA) are key to WeaveVM’s value proposition.

— The Solana ecosystem presents a strong near-term growth opportunity.

— WeaveVM complements, rather than competes with, other DA solutions.

— Modularity is a core design philosophy that sets WeaveVM apart.

— Decentralization remains a critical goal, especially for Layer 2 networks.

— Demand for decentralized storage is rising, particularly from enterprises.

— Newer chains like MegaEath open doors for future expansion.

— Mainnet is targeted for this year, with clear milestones ahead.

— Community building and developer engagement will be crucial to success.

Timeline

(00:00) Introduction to WeaveVM and Benjamin Brandall’s journey

(02:53) Understanding the EVM storage dilemma

(06:08) WeaveVM’s technical approach to solving on-chain storage challenges

(09:02) Why data availability matters for decentralized apps

(11:48) Competitive landscape and how WeaveVM stands out

(14:55) Strategic partnerships and momentum in Solana

(18:02) Future-facing opportunities for WeaveVM

(27:42) How WeaveVM fits into the broader storage and data availability stack

(40:29) Mainnet goals and community incentives to grow the ecosystem

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See other Episodes Here. And thank you to all our crypto and blockchain guests.

Chapters

1. Introduction to WeaveVM and Benjamin Brandall’s journey (00:00:00)

2. Understanding the EVM storage dilemma and Issues with Celestia (00:02:53)

3. WeaveVM’s technical approach to solving on-chain storage challenges (00:06:08)

4. Why data availability matters for decentralized apps (00:09:02)

5. Competitive landscape and how WeaveVM stands out (00:11:48)

6. Strategic partnerships and momentum in Solana (00:14:55)

7. Future-facing opportunities for WeaveVM (00:18:02)

8. How WeaveVM fits into the broader storage and data availability stack (00:27:42)

9. Mainnet goals and community incentives to grow the ecosystem (00:40:29)