Coinbase’s M&A strategy: build vs buy

This week, we’re joined by Coinbase’s Chief Business Officer, Shan Aggarwal, to discuss their acquisition of Echo. We dive into Coinbase’s strategy to bring capital markets onchain, Echo’s role in compliant onchain fundraising, integration of acquired teams, tokenized equities, prediction markets, and Coinbase’s broader goal of becoming an all-encompassing financial platform. Enjoy!

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Follow Shan: https://x.com/ShanAggarwal

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

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:18) Shan's Background

(05:42) Acquiring Echo

(15:49) Ads (Blockdaemon, Peaq)

(17:01) Coinbase's End Goal

(21:19) Coinbase Listings

(25:02) Coinbase Ventures

(29:30) Ads (Blockdaemon, Peaq)

(30:42) Advice for Founders

(33:08) The Acquisition Process

(41:27) Ads (Katana, Mantle)

(43:04) Thoughts on Predictions Markets

(57:56) Do Cycles Still Exist?

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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.