Bankless

Matt Cutler, founder of Blocknative and a seasoned entrepreneur, shares his wealth of experience from building companies through various internet eras. He reflects on the early days of the internet, discussing innovations like Gopher and the Mosaic browser. Cutler articulates the importance of understanding the 'why' behind Web3 and its economic potential, addressing both skepticism and the transformative changes in decentralized finance (DeFi). He emphasizes the need for innovation and supportive regulations to navigate the challenges of today's blockchain landscape.

Bitcoin is on the verge of hitting $100,000, driven by large acquisitions from MicroStrategy and BlackRock. A scandal unfolds as a middle schooler executes a meme coin rug pull, leading to chaos in the crypto community. On the regulatory front, SEC Chair Gensler's resignation coincides with Trump's plans for a 'Crypto Czar.' Meanwhile, Binance challenges Coinbase with a high-yield stablecoin, and Solana continues to reach new heights. The unpredictable nature of crypto keeps everyone on their toes!

In this insightful discussion, Roman Storm, a developer of Tornado Cash, shares his journey, facing severe legal challenges over blockchain privacy tools. Together with his attorney, Carrie Curtis-Alec, they explore the implications of the case on digital rights, including the crucial question of whether code is considered speech. They discuss the impact on developers and the potential precedent set for privacy in the U.S. amid increasing government scrutiny. The stakes couldn't be higher for both Storm and the future of digital privacy.

Discover the future of Ethereum rollups as Mteam dives into groundbreaking concepts that challenge youth stereotypes in tech. They unpack the significance of value accrual in Ethereum and the impact of MEV burning on its economic model. The discussion also highlights the importance of sustainable practices and innovative opportunities in the Mantle layer two ecosystem. With insights on restaking and the challenges of base rollups, this talk is packed with fresh perspectives on the evolving crypto landscape.

Arjun Bhuptani, CEO of Everclear and a pioneer in L2 research, sheds light on the essence of crypto-anarchism, igniting curiosity about our presence in the crypto space. He delves into the philosophical roots of blockchain as a response to increasing centralization and authoritarianism. The discussion touches on the patterns of governance, the challenges of resource management, and how decentralization could pave the way for a fairer society. Moreover, Arjun tackles the fierce competition in crypto and the critical need for enhanced privacy.

Justin Drake, a key figure in the Ethereum community, shares his insights following his talk at Devcon Bangkok. He discusses the significant role of Beamchain in the Ethereum roadmap. Exciting advancements in Ethereum Layer 1's execution, data, and consensus are highlighted, along with user feedback on fragmentation and scalability. Drake also emphasizes the rapid development in Mantle Layer 2 and its unique EigenDA architecture, showcasing how these innovations can enhance DeFi and trading experiences.

Bitcoin rockets to an all-time high, raising eyebrows about Ethereum's path. The hosts dive into the aftermath of elections influencing crypto markets and the shocking FBI raid on Polymarket's CEO. Highlights from DevCon week shine a light on innovative proposals and the Beam Chain announcement. The growing popularity of meme coins and the surprising adoption of ZK rollups by Deutsche Bank signal shifting tides in finance. With retail investors flocking to platforms like Coinbase, the landscape of cryptocurrency is evolving rapidly.

Ejaaz Ahamadeen, a former Coinbase product manager and now a Crypto-AI fund operator, dives into the exciting intersection of AI agents and cryptocurrency. He discusses whether AI x Crypto is a genuine wave or just a fleeting trend. Ejaaz explores the rise of autonomous language models, the potential risks and ethical concerns surrounding AI, and how decentralized networks may redefine investment strategies. He emphasizes the crucial need for transparency and the evolving role of AI in enhancing user experiences within the crypto space.

The hosts share bold predictions for Bitcoin and Ethereum's prices by 2025, emphasizing that Ethereum is undervalued. They dive into the excitement of Layer 2 technologies and the potential rise of memecoins. Discussions include the evolving landscape of DeFi and the contrasting narratives of Bitcoin and Ethereum. Personal stories highlight life changes that fueled their passion for crypto, giving insight into their optimistic outlook for the future of digital currencies.

Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX and CIO of the Maelstrom Fund, dives into the financial landscape, discussing what he's buying for 2025. He believes the U.S. election won’t affect money printing, which he predicts will surpass COVID stimulus. The conversation touches on the looming Chinese property bubble and the Fed's impact on the economy. Hayes also shares insights into his crypto portfolio and the evolving role of Ethereum as a potential monetary asset, setting the stage for the upcoming bull market.