"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg

E54: Naval Ravikant and Balaji Srinivasan on Why History Points to Crypto

Apr 12, 2024

Naval Ravikant, co-founder of AngelList and a tech-savvy entrepreneur, teams up with Balaji Srinivasan, former CTO of Coinbase and a cryptocurrency visionary. They delve into the rich history of money and the perils of centralized power, advocating for blockchain's potential to reshape industries. personal journeys into crypto are fascinating, revealing how outdated regulations spurred their interest. The duo discusses cryptocurrency's transformative power and its promise to democratize investing, especially in crisis-stricken regions, while envisioning a more connected future.

01:05:45

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Episode guests

Balaji Srinivasan

Naval Ravikant

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Highlights

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Blockchain technology fosters a decentralized economy with market corrections facilitated through reputation systems, promoting innovation and adaptability without traditional regulatory bodies.

Coinbase expands services beyond traditional trading by adding new assets and features like Earn, investing in emerging companies through Coinbase Ventures to drive innovation within the cryptocurrency space.

Blockchain offers equal global access for participation, bridging gaps and promoting collaboration regardless of individual backgrounds, creating a level playing field for innovation and opportunity.

Deep dives

Decentralized Financial System Vision

Building an open financial system is the core vision of Coinbase. This system aims to create an environment where collaboration and customization through blockchain technology are accessible to individuals worldwide. By enabling a more open financial system, Coinbase seeks to onboard users into a network that fosters international collaboration and innovation.

Everyone as an Investor: A Global Learning Curve

01:19

The Journey of Interest: From Biotech to Blockchain

01:45

Different Functions of Money

01:18

The Evolution of Human Networks and the Rise of Blockchain

04:20

Intro

2min

Decentralized Networks: The Future of Power and Trust

5min

From Innovation to Cryptocurrency: Personal Journeys and Insights

2min

The Evolution of Blockchain Narratives

9min

The Transformative Power of Cryptocurrency

26min

Inequality and Innovation in Blockchain

21min

Innovative Visions for a Connected Future

3min

This episode was initially recorded before a live audience in 2018. Erik talks with Naval Ravikant and Balaji Srinivasan about the history of money and centralization and why crypto has the potential to fulfill the promise of the internet. Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

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Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:30) Decentralization and Blockchain: A Deep Dive with Naval Ravikant and Balaji Srinivasan

(06:22) Personal Journeys into the World of Cryptocurrency

(08:27) Debating Bitcoin vs. Blockchain: Perspectives and Predictions

(12:22) Sponsors: Squad | Turpentine

(14:33) The Social and Economic Implications of Blockchain Technology

(19:55) Blockchain Beyond Money: Envisioning Future Applications

(22:43) Crypto as a Social Phenomenon: Tribalism and Governance

(28:10) Envisioning a Decentralized Future: Microeconomics and Global Impact