FT News Briefing

A sceptic’s guide to crypto: the ‘smart’ money

Aug 28, 2022

John Thornhill, the Financial Times' innovation editor, interviews Chris Dixon, head of Andreessen Horowitz's crypto fund. They dive into the dual nature of NFTs, tackling their allure and volatility. Thornhill reflects on his own skepticism towards cryptocurrencies, spotlighting the power dynamics at play. The conversation critically examines Web3's promise to decentralize the internet versus the reality of growing centralization. They discuss the speculative finance driving blockchain innovations and advocate for a balanced view of this evolving landscape.

25:34

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Episode guests

John Thornhill

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Episode notes

Intro

4min

Skepticism and Legacy in Web3

7min

Unpacking Web3: Hope or Hype?

6min

The Financial Speculation Behind Web3 Innovations

2min

Navigating the Web3 Critique

6min

Exploring the Dual Nature of NFTs in Blockchain

3min

In the second episode of the latest season of Tech Tonic, FT columnist and host Jemima Kelly tries to understand why an influential Silicon Valley investment firm thinks that Web 3 is a good bet. Will blockchain technology really be the foundation of a new internet era? Is Web 3’s promise to decentralise the internet going to pose a challenge to companies such as Facebook and Twitter? The FT’s innovation editor John Thornhill interviews Chris Dixon, head of Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto fund, and Jemima talks to Molly White, author of the Web3 Is Going Just Great blog.

Presented by Jemima Kelly. Special thanks to John Thornhill. Edwin Lane is senior producer. Produced by Josh Gabert-Doyon. Executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound design by Breen Turner, with original music from Metaphor Music. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.

News clips credits: CBC, NBC, CNN.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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