Rennick Palley, Founding Partner of Stratos, talks about his research and understanding of blockchain infrastructure, the importance of investing in seed rounds, comparing valuations of monetary assets, token dynamics, and exciting projects like Celestia. He also shares his contrarian takes within and outside of crypto.
Founders outside of the US are more pragmatic in the current crypto market, focusing on executing and finding product-market fit.
User experience and network effects at the L2 layer will play a more crucial role in the success of Layer 2 solutions.
Deep dives
The Potential of Crypto in Asia
Founders outside of the US are more pragmatic in the current crypto market, focusing on executing and finding product-market fit. Allocators in Asia are paying attention to younger generations and their interest in crypto. Some funds in Southeast Asia are focused on gaming and strategic investing in ecosystems they already have exposure to.
Stratos: A Seed Stage Blockchain Venture Fund
Stratos is a blockchain venture fund that focuses on seed-stage investments. They have been investing in crypto for almost four years and have a portfolio that combines liquid and early-stage deals. Their primary area of focus is infrastructure, particularly new networks.
The Potential Impact of Crypto on the World
If crypto funds were to 10x their returns and everything invested in went to the moon, it could have positive implications for consumers. The increased accessibility to digital dollars and enhanced financial systems could benefit global populations, especially those in areas with less developed financial infrastructures.
The Future of Blockchain Proving Mechanisms
Proving mechanisms such as optimistic and ZK rollups will not be the primary factors defining the success of L2 solutions. User experience and network effects at the L2 layer will play a more crucial role. Most execution layers will eventually have the capability to use either optimistic or ZK proving. Risk-adjustment solutions, like Risk Zero, will also have the potential to integrate ZK proofs into their ecosystems.
In this episode, Ben sits down with Rennick Palley Founding Partner of Stratos, a seed stage focused blockchain venture fund. Rennick is known for his research and understanding of blockchain infrastructure which he integrates into his equity research background. Stratos’ thought leadership into value accrual and token design offers unique insight for those interested in digital asset and network fundamentals.
Let's get into it.
Timestamps
1:36 How was the trip to Singapore?
2:08 What are some of the dynamics in Asia?
5:49 What is your background?
7:49 What would the world look like if your investments went 10x?
13:02 Why is it important to invest in the seed rounds?
16:45 Comparing the valuations of monetary assets and financial assets?
20:12 How do token owners accrue traditional value?
22:04 What is the business model for L2s?
26:02 Who is making the decisions around token dynamics: dev teams or token holders?
33:50 Where do data availability projects like Celestia fit in?
35:51 What is data availability?
38:10 How is Celestia's $TIA token integrated into the network?
40:30 What are some of the projects that Stratos is most excited about?
46:37 How is Dymension different than Cosmos
49:26 What is your most contrarian take within crypto?
52:40 What is your most contrarian take outside of crypto?
54:49 Where can people learn more about you and Stratos?
Resources Mentioned
Monetary Assets vs. Financial Assets
Exploring the Economics and Network Effects of Layer 2 Solutions
Babylon
Celestia
Intro to EigenDA
Fuel
Dymension
Connect with the guest
Stratos Capital https://www.stratos.xyz/
Follow Rennick on Twitter/X https://twitter.com/RennickPalley
Disclaimer
Ben Jacobs is a partner at Scenius Capital Management. All views expressed by Ben and the guests of this podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Scenius Capital Management. Guests and the host may maintain positions in the assets or funds discussed in this podcast. You should not treat any opinion expressed by anyone on this podcast as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy but only as an expression of their personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only.
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