420: From Spreadsheets to Smart Tax Reports: The CoinTracking Story with guest speaker Berken Menges

**EPISODE DESCRIPTION**  I sit down with Berken, CMO of CoinTracking, the world's first crypto tax platform founded all the way back in 2012 when Bitcoin was under $100. We dig into how they bootstrapped their way to 2.2 million users, why authentic education beats paid placements every time, and how they're navigating AI in a space where a single wrong number could land you in trouble with the IRS. Berken shares what channels are actually moving the needle, why they turned down the idea of launching their own token, and what their upcoming MCP integration means for connecting your Claude or ChatGPT directly to your tax data. Whether you're a crypto trader trying to avoid overpaying taxes, a founder looking for growth lessons, or someone curious about how a SaaS company stays relevant in a fast-moving space, this episode is packed with practical insights.  **DISCLAIMER** Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.  **Be a guest on the podcast or contact us -** https://www.web3pod.xyz/  **CONNECT**  CoinTracking Website: https://cointracking.info/ CoinTracking Twitter/X:https://x.com/Coin\_Tracking Berken LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/berken-menges Web3 with Sam Kamani: https://www.web3pod.xyz/  **KEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS**  • \[00:01] Sam introduces Berken, CMO of CoinTracking, and frames the episode around crypto taxes, AI, and startup growth • \[02:12] Berken shares his journey from personal crypto investor in 2019 to CMO, starting as an affiliate marketing manager • \[03:56] CoinTracking overview: 2.2 million users, 400+ exchange integrations, portfolio tracking and one-click tax reports • \[06:32] CoinTracking was the world's first crypto tax tool, founded in 2012 by Dario Kachel who built it for himself • \[08:00] The bootstrapped, organic growth story: users gave feedback, helped translate, and shaped the product over 13 years • \[10:20] Sam and Berken discuss how fragmented the crypto landscape is across DeFi wallets, CEXs, and blockchains • \[13:11] Why CoinTracking is a SaaS and not a crypto asset service provider, and how that makes compliance and partnerships simpler • \[14:58] How CoinTracking is approaching AI: an MCP integration coming soon to connect Claude or ChatGPT to your tax data • \[17:27] Why they are not allowing AI to edit tax data yet , reproducibility and accuracy are non-negotiable for tax filings • \[21:43] Berken's biggest CMO challenge: navigating daily shifts in regulation, exchange strategies, and market conditions • \[23:07] Business model breakdown: mostly B2C, but growing B2B with CPAs, funds, and a new white-label solution for exchanges • \[24:18] North star metrics: user growth and retention, with a focus on making CoinTracking a daily portfolio tool, not just a tax tool • \[26:08] The most common mistake people make: filing taxes with missing wallets or transactions, which can result in overpaying • \[29:08] What marketing channel works best: long-form YouTube content, authentic KOL partnerships, and connecting KOLs with CPAs • \[34:58] CoinTracking has been profitable since day one and is not looking for funding, but actively seeking exchange partnerships • \[36:09] Why they decided against launching their own token: sentiment risk, distraction, and wrong-type user acquisition • \[39:00] Sam draws a parallel to Xero's accountant-led growth strategy and how CoinTracking could follow a similar path