This Week in Startups

US Crypto Reserve Bombshell, Ramp’s $13B Climb, & more | E2092

Mar 4, 2025

Discussion heats up around Trump's surprising proposal for a U.S. crypto reserve, stirring debates about its impact on the market and regulations. The show tackles the hilarious complexities of a suggested crypto tax and the potential challenges ahead. Ramp's staggering rise in the fintech sector is examined, alongside speculation about future IPOs and innovative business models. The hosts also explore the ongoing relationship between political maneuvers and cryptocurrency investments, serving a mix of insights and humor.

59:00

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Quick takeaways

Trump's suggestion for a U.S. Crypto Reserve with a transaction tax might significantly impact market dynamics and regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies.

The inclusion of altcoins like XRP and Solana in the proposed reserve raises questions about market perceptions and future regulatory acceptance of diverse cryptocurrencies.

Critics within the tech and finance sectors argue that the proposed reserve risks undermining the decentralized ethos of cryptocurrencies through increased government intervention.

Deep dives

Trump's Proposed Crypto Tax

A proposed crypto transaction tax has been introduced, suggesting that all crypto participants will pay a small fee, termed '10 bips,' on transactions to fund a US crypto reserve. This taxation model intends to generate revenue without impacting taxpayers, with potential plans for a crypto dividend that may benefit regular citizens. However, the idea of imposing a tax raises questions about the burden on the crypto community, as the proposal suggests these participants might not be American citizens, raising concerns about inclusivity and representation. This strategy aims to establish a regulatory framework supporting the crypto industry while tapping into the significant growth potential of the sector.

Intro

2min

Crypto Reserves and Political Intrigue

4min

Political Intrigue and Cryptocurrency Regulations

4min

Navigating Cryptocurrency Advice and Startup Solutions

3min

Taxation, Politics, and Cryptocurrency

7min

Navigating Conflicts of Interest in Crypto Investments

5min

Markets and Mandates: A Political Perspective

4min

Exploring Missed Opportunities and Cryptocurrency Tax Proposals

5min

Crypto, Casinos, and Contradictions

5min

10.

Reimagining Banking through Technology

7min

11.

Navigating Growth and IPO Landscape

14min

Today’s show: Trump just floated the idea of a U.S. Crypto Reserve, suggesting a 10 bips transaction tax and naming unexpected altcoins like XRP, Solana, and Cardano. Jason and Alex break down what this means for crypto markets, regulation, and startups—plus the legal and political fallout. Is this a game-changer or just another pump-and-dump controversy?

Timestamps:

(0:00) Alex and Jason kick of the show!(1:48) Trump's crypto policy and PR strategy(7:14) Analysis of Trump's proposed US crypto reserve

(10:21) Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll at http://gusto.com/twist(11:32) Predictions on legal challenges to Trump's crypto proposal(12:08) Industry reactions to the crypto tax proposal

(20:27) OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist⁠(22:26) Crypto report around market hours and Eric Trump's tweet(24:13) Predictions on Trump's future crypto policies and inflation impact(27:10) Trump's Truth Social and Crypto Investments dynamics(30:48) LinkedIn Jobs. Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist(31:05) Jason's alternative idea for a crypto tax(36:40) Ramp's funding and fintech sector growth(41:02) Discussion on investment performance and Jason's ETF idea(46:42) Challenges companies face with public offerings and market fairness(50:14) Potential CoreWeave IPO and high CapEx costs(54:39) Founder Hack from Matt Turck(57:12) Exploring hybrid business models

Links from the episode:

Check out Angel University: https://www.angel.university/Check out the JCal Case Study at Stanford Business: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/case-studies/jason-calacanis-case-study-creating-resourcesCheck out Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/Check out Ramp: https://ramp.com/

Check out Coreweave: https://www.coreweave.com/

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Thank you to our partners:

(10:21) Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll at http://gusto.com/twist(20:27) OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist⁠(30:48) LinkedIn Jobs. Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist

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