Simon Lejeune, Vice President of Growth at Wealthsimple, shares his insights on the cryptocurrency market's recent downturn and its future. He reveals how regulatory changes and market fluctuations are reshaping investor confidence. The discussion then shifts to an innovative biotech drug aimed at extending canine lifespans, opening doors for future advancements in human longevity. Lejeune also highlights the transformative effects of AI on growth marketing, emphasizing how these changes are revolutionizing digital engagement strategies.
The cryptocurrency market is facing significant volatility due to regulatory uncertainties and high-profile thefts, prompting concerns about investment risks.
A biotech company is developing a life extension drug for dogs, highlighting the increasing willingness of pet owners to invest significantly in their pets' health.
Deep dives
The Roller Coaster of Crypto
The current state of the cryptocurrency market shows significant volatility, with recent data highlighting substantial losses for investors. Bitcoin has lost around half of its gains post-election, and Ethereum has seen prices drop lower than their levels from the beginning of November. Factors contributing to this decline include regulatory uncertainty and major thefts, such as the staggering $1.5 billion stolen from a crypto exchange. The market's instability has intensified discussions about the inherent risks of investing in crypto and the potential for further declines as trading patterns shift.
Doggy Longevity: A New Frontier in Biotech
A biotech company focused on life extension for dogs is gaining attention after making strides toward FDA approval for its drug aimed at improving canine longevity. Founded by Celine Haliwa, the company has developed a treatment that enhances a dog's metabolism, potentially increasing their lifespan significantly. The financial implications are notable, as pet owners are willing to invest substantial amounts in treatments for their pets, with a significant percentage expressing a willingness to pay whatever it takes for an additional year of life. This reflects a growing trend where pet owners treat their animals with the same care and urgency as human family members.
AI's Impact on Internet Marketing
The rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape of growth marketing and how companies engage consumers online. Traditionally, marketers have relied on search engine optimization to manipulate algorithms and attract attention, but AI introduces a new dynamic by enabling the rapid generation of content. This shift raises questions about the future of content authenticity, as the internet becomes flooded with AI-generated material. As growth hackers adapt their strategies to leverage AI, the challenge will be maintaining quality and ensuring meaningful engagement amid an evolving content creation landscape.
After a year of incredible gains, the crypto market’s been coming back to earth. On this week’s TLDR, we look at the dynamics influencing the crypto market in 2025 — and what they might mean for the future. Plus, a biotech company’s been working on a life extension drug for dogs. We look at the science behind it — and the business opportunity in front of it. And, the internet’s been shaped and reshaped by growth marketers. Wealthsimple’s VP of Growth Marketing explains how AI is changing the game.
This episode was hosted by Devin Friedman, business reporter Sarah Rieger and former hedgefunder Matthew Karasz, with an appearance by Wealthsimple’s VP of Growth Marketing Simon Lejeune. Follow us on other platforms, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter: linkin.bio/tldr
The TLDR Podcast is offered by Wealthsimple Media Inc. and is for informational purposes only. The content in the TLDR Podcast is not investment advice, a recommendation to buy or sell assets or securities, and does not represent the views of Wealthsimple Financial Corp or any of its other subsidiaries or affiliates. Wealthsimple Media Inc. does not endorse any third-party views referenced in this content. More information at wealthsimple.com/tldr.
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