Tony Sheng

Background

Hyperthyroid Condition: Diagnosed with subclinical hyperthyroid (mild case) causing eye inflammation and swelling
Recent Treatment: Started steroid treatment (5-day course) in July 2025 which showed significant improvement for eye symptoms
Mental Health Impact: Experienced depression for 4.5 months due to physical symptoms, significant mood improvement with treatment
Weight Changes: Lost approximately 5 pounds, attributes to hyperthyroid condition rather than intentional weight loss
Medical Care: Switched to new eye doctor who provides better care than family doctor
Upcoming Care: Endocrinologist appointment scheduled for August 19th, 2025

Successfully helped grandmother get off insulin shots through dietary management
Aware of extensive family diabetes history on paternal side
Monitors own A1C levels (around 6.2, borderline)

Company: Running a crypto/blockchain startup focused on safety solutions (Cozy protocol)
Funding: Raised $18 million, has approximately $9 million remaining
Challenges: Company was hacked for $400k in October 2025 through a router contract vulnerability
Team Status: Payam (co-founder) feeling burnt out; Tony himself feeling "mildly burnt out since starting the company"
Product Market Fit: Struggling with adoption - "people just don't really care that much about the safety side of things"
Considering: Potential acquihire exit (possibly to Coinbase), but complicated by divorce asset split arrangements

Learning Japanese: Actively studying as a way to prove his neuroplasticity still works and connect better with Japanese culture
Gaming: Was heavily playing TFT (TeamFight Tactics) with friend Tim, reached near grandmaster level during a depressed period
Peptides Research: Deep interest in peptide therapeutics, especially weight loss drugs like Ozempic/Tirzepatide
Investment Philosophy: Believes strongly in passive investing in equities and crypto over active business ventures

Relationship: Has a partner/wife who is fluent in Japanese but can't read/write
Divorce Proceedings: Complex asset split involving company shares where ex-wife owns significant portion due to community property laws
Living Situation: Lives in LA area (near Ventura Boulevard)
Mental State: Feeling lack of "pull" from meaningful projects, craving excitement and purpose

2025-04-10: Phone call with Gary (Gary's side recorded). Gary shared updates on his new role at Alpha School, his strategy for navigating the ecosystem, and a brief mention of a friend's high-stakes venture.
2025-07-20: Family birthday call for mom. Shared significant health progress with steroid treatment for hyperthyroid condition, discussed family diabetes concerns and dietary changes, planned weekend visit to parents.
2025-10-17: Extended conversation with Gary about work, life direction, and business opportunities. Tony expressed feeling burnt out, discussed his company's hack, shared insights about peptides market, and explored potential education business ideas (Kumon competitor). Offered to potentially bring Gary in as a growth engineer/marketer.
2025-10-19: Brief follow-up conversation where Tony provided career advice to Gary. Emphasized Gary's unique skill set (community building, software engineering, communication, leadership) and encouraged him to explore opportunities in Web3/AI space while maintaining meaningful side projects. Advised Gary to research companies like Tempo and Cues that haven't raised excessive funding but are doing well. Stressed that Gary shouldn't just "float around" but should capitalize on his skills and networks.

On Peptides: Sees it as "going to infinity" - believes obesity crisis is essentially solved, many friends already on various peptides
On Education: Interested in disrupting Kumon model with AI-powered learning terminals, sees massive market opportunity
On Investing: Questions value of active business ventures versus passive investing given dollar devaluation
Network Effects: Connected Polychain with Drake for potential collaboration, maintains relationships strategically

Chris: Friend who lost 70 pounds on Ozempic
Jack & Brandon: Friends using Selank peptide for anxiety
Tim: Music producer friend whose career is stalling, gaming buddy
Anthony: Old friend who runs annual "Tenderfest" chicken tender festival
Joe Lamont: Contact who does software private equity by replacing staff with offshore developers

Gary feels comfortable sharing his strategic thinking and personal reflections on his work situation with Tony
Shows resilience and proactive approach to health management
Values quality medical care and willing to advocate for family members' health
Tony expresses pattern of enjoying picking up new things and getting really good at them
Currently seeking "the angle" for his next big move
Philosophical about work: "There's no reason not to think as big as possible"
Brotherly Support: Despite being an atheist, Tony genuinely cares about Gary's wellbeing and success from his secular perspective
Career Counselor Role: Acts as practical advisor helping Gary navigate professional opportunities and avoid "floating around" without direction

Transcript ID	Date	Summary
2025-10-17-gary-sheng-tony-sheng-life-work-discussion	2025-10-17	Life, Work, and Future Directions conversation covering Alpha School departure, Web3 opportunities, and startup struggles
2025-04-10-tony-sheng-call	2025-04-10	Gary updates Tony on his new role at Alpha School and strategic approach within the ecosystem