What's a Fair Value for Crypto Networks Like BTC, ETH and SOL? - Ep. 721
Oct 18, 2024
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Jon Charbonneau, co-founder and General Partner at DBA, discusses the challenges of valuing decentralized networks like Bitcoin and Ethereum. He explains why traditional equity models falter when applied to these assets and reveals the tax inefficiencies impacting staking rewards. The conversation also delves into Layer 2 solutions and their complexities, questioning whether they enhance or hinder Layer 1 blockchains. Finally, Jon tackles the sustainability of these networks in the long run, offering a comprehensive look at crypto valuation.
Valuing decentralized networks like Bitcoin and Ethereum requires understanding their unique economic models and tax implications, which differ significantly from traditional investments.
The relationship between Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks is complex, as L2 solutions may enhance overall ecosystem value despite diverting some activity and fees from L1s.
Deep dives
Valuing Layer 1 and Layer 2 Tokens
Understanding how to value layer one (L1) and layer two (L2) tokens is crucial in the evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies. The discussion introduces key terms such as Total Economic Value (TEV) and Real Economic Value (REV), which provide a framework for assessing the revenues generated by these networks. TEV includes all economic activity on the network, such as transaction fees and miner incentives, while REV represents the actual user spending on the network, excluding inflation effects. This distinction highlights the need for a more nuanced conversation around token economics, moving beyond traditional corporate financial analysis to suit the unique structure of decentralized networks.
The Economics of Proof of Work versus Proof of Stake
The podcast delves into the different economic models inherent in proof of work (PoW) and proof of stake (PoS) networks. In PoW systems, like Bitcoin, token holders do not directly benefit from network fees; rather, all revenue goes to miners, often resulting in a net loss for token holders due to inflation. Conversely, PoS networks allow token holders to earn from transaction fees and issuance through staking, creating a potential profit margin. This fundamental difference informs how we assess the value and sustainability of various tokens, as PoS models may offer more stability and return on investment for holders due to their structured earnings.
Tax Implications and Their Impact on Network Value
The conversation brings attention to the often-overlooked implications of tax structures on network value, particularly in relation to staking rewards. Unlike traditional companies that face corporate tax rates on profits, decentralized networks do not inherently have tax constructs that apply universally; this leads to confusion regarding how issuance and rewards should be treated from a profit and taxation perspective. The speaker argues that this lack of a unified tax structure complicates the valuation of tokens, affecting investor decisions based on jurisdictional tax laws. As stakeholders consider their investments, understanding the tax landscape could influence the perceived value and appeal of specific tokens or networks.
Layer 2 Solutions and Their Relationship with Layer 1
The discussion addresses the ongoing debate regarding whether L2 solutions are beneficial or detrimental to L1 networks like Ethereum. While L2s are seen as potentially 'parasitic' because they divert user activity and associated fees away from L1s, they also provide scalability and efficiency that can actually benefit the entire ecosystem. The host and guest argue that L2s enhance the value of L1s by creating broader use cases and potentially increasing the overall cryptocurrency market value, despite the cash flows shifting. This creates a complex trade-off where L1 networks may sacrifice some cash flows to L2s in exchange for a more robust and widely used ecosystem that could ultimately enhance the underlying asset's value.
How do you determine the value of decentralized networks like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana? It’s not as straightforward as traditional investments.
Jon Charbonneau, general partner at crypto investment firm DBA, joins Unchained after writing a paper that dives deep into the complexities of valuing blockchain networks. He explains why applying traditional equity models to networks such as Bitcoin falls short, how tax inefficiencies in staking rewards impact valuations, and whether Layer 2 solutions like Optimism and Arbitrum are helping or hurting the long-term value of Layer 1 blockchains.
Also, he looks at the big question—are these networks sustainable in the long run?
Show highlights:
What motivated Jon to write the paper
What the main points of the paper are
Why tax inefficiencies in staking rewards are a critical factor in valuing decentralized networks and how they differ from traditional corporate taxes
What makes valuing networks tricky, as Jon explains how proof-of-work vs. proof-of-stake systems differ from traditional equity models
How he thinks about valuing Layer 2s and whether they are parasitic to the L1
Whether blockchains are sustainable in the long term
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