Understanding Tokens and Decentralization

with @eddylazzarin @milesjennings @rhhackett

Today’s episode covers all things tokens — that includes what tokens have to do with decentralized protocols, understanding the different types of tokens, and, of course, the Do's and Don'ts of designing and launching a token.

Our guests are a16z crypto chief technology officer Eddy Lazzarin, as well as a16z crypto general counsel and head of decentralization Miles Jennings, the two of whom have advised many scores of projects on protocol design and tokencraft. They discuss what sets web3 apart from earlier technology eras; avoiding common pitfalls in the search for product market fit; how to reason about various designs and strategies, as well as their risk and reward tradeoffs; and more. 

Related resources:

The token launch playbook (part 1)

• "Operational guidelines for token launches, from creation to custody" by Adina Fischer, Matt Gleason, and Justin Simcock
• "5 rules for token launches" by Miles Jennings
• "Getting ready to launch a token: What you need to know" by Miles Jennings and Jason Rosenthal
• "How to navigate token launch risks" by Miles Jennings
• "Launching compliant tokens" by Miles Jennings

The token launch playbook (part 2)

• "Tokencraft" with Eddy Lazzarin [Youtube, August 2024]
• "Planning for token launches" with Miles Jennings [Youtube, August 2024]

As a reminder: None of the content should be taken as investment, legal, business, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.