Intro

In today's episode Haseeb and Avichal return to Empire for a deep dive into the current state of the crypto market cycle. They debate whether we're heading toward a massive bubble or a more mature market phase. They also discuss the growing competition from Solana in the L1 sector. Then Haseeb and Avichal also dissect the impact of memecoins on crypto adoption, debate the real value of network effects, and analyze how Trump's potential election could reshape crypto's regulatory landscape. The episode concludes with a fascinating comparison between Ethereum and Intel, examining the risks of market dominance and innovation stagnation.

- -

Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis.

Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts

Follow Haseeb: https://x.com/hosseeb

Follow Avichal: https://x.com/avichal

Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz

Follow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel

Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod

Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j

Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7ww

Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw

Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/

- -

Explore the SKALE Ecosystem at skale.space/ecosystem and stay up to date with the gas-free blockchain on X at @skalenetwork

- -

It's time for an on chain Binance to emerge.

Magic Eden is getting into token trading and their vision is to become on chain Binance and then much more as the entire world ends up moving on chain

- -

The self-custody wallet that's built for swapping. Created for a multi-chain world by the most trusted team in DeFi.

Available on Chrome, iOS, and Android.

https://blckwrks.co/UniswapWallet

- -

$cmETH, a Mantle native liquid restaking token, will launch together with Season 2: Methamorphosis, allowing users to easily participate in restaking, and earn $COOK rewards in addition to other yields.

$COOK, the governance token of mETH Protocol, will allow holders to play a pivotal role in directing the strategic future of mETH Protocol.

Learn more: https://x.com/mETHProtocol

- -

Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors Empire podcast. Celebrating 10 years of protecting over 20% of the world’s crypto, Ledger ensures the security of your assets. For the best self-custody solution in the space, buy a LEDGER™ device and secure your crypto today.

Buy now at Ledger.com

- -

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:44 Is this Crypto's Boom & Bust Cycle?

14:03 Does the Market Understand Crypto?

18:20 Super Cycle (Real)

28:14 Return Dispersion

36:00 Why People are Buying Memecoins

48:02 Skale Ad

48:41 Magic Eden Ad

49:25 Uniswap Ad

49:57 Mantle Ad

50:51 Ledger Ad

51:36 Impact of Memecoins on VCs

58:46 Ethereum's Position

01:21:46 Impact of New US Admin

- -

Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.