

On The Brink with Castle Island
Castle Island Ventures
Hosts Matt Walsh and Nic Carter of Castle Island Ventures explore news and deals in the public blockchain space and talk to some of the leading experts in the industry. Learn more and stay up to date at CastleIsland.vc and follow on twitter @CastleIslandVC
Episodes
Mentioned books

9 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 34min
Weekly Roundup 10/24/25 (Quantum, Crypto Pardons, Fed Payment Accounts) (EP.679)
This week dives into a wild mix of topics. Crime makes a comeback with insider NBA betting scandals and a daring jewel heist at the Louvre. Insights reveal how quantum computing could threaten Bitcoin's security. A controversial presidential pardon for a crypto CEO stirs political debates, while the Federal Reserve introduces a payments charter impacting fintech. Plus, major fundraises in the crypto world, including the launch of a new hedge fund, ramp up the stakes in digital assets. Don't miss the clash of crypto and AI policy discussions!

12 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 34min
Weekly Roundup 10/17/25 (Flash crash, pig butchering scam busted, Erebor charter granted) (EP.678)
This week dives into the aftermath of a flash crash triggered by tariff news and its effects on crypto markets. The hosts dissect Binance's role and the auto-deleveraging phenomenon that intensified the selloff. They highlight the alarming $15 billion Bitcoin seizure linked to pig butchering scams, shedding light on the human cost behind these scams. The conversation also touches on the recent approval of Erebor’s OCC charter and the potential impact of new crypto banks on traditional finance, raising questions about regulatory dynamics.

12 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 27min
Pbj (Perpl) on the Perp DEX Market & Monad's Imminent Launch (EP.677)
Delve into the booming world of perpetual exchanges as the founder of Perpl shares insights on their allure for retail traders. Discover how derivatives dominate crypto trading volumes and the innovative strategies behind Hyperliquid's success. The discussion highlights Monad's unique features and potential for broad asset classes, while examining trading behavior across desktop and mobile. Learn about the exciting future of on-chain trading and how it could transform access to traditional markets.

Oct 13, 2025 • 33min
Dave Balter (Flipside) on the convergence of AI and Blockchain Analytics (EP.676)
Dave Balter, co-founder and CEO of Flipside Crypto, dives into the fascinating intersection of AI and blockchain analytics. He shares how Flipside is leveraging AI to transform data workflows, empowering analysts with partner-level insights. Balter discusses the urgent need for real-time on-chain data versus traditional finance delays, and how AI analytics can drastically reduce time-to-outcome. He also explores the challenges of balancing real users against bots on blockchains and the evolution of successful strategies in this rapidly changing landscape.

16 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 38min
Weekly Roundup 10/10/25 (Luxembourg buys BTC, N. Dakota’s stablecoin, Salomon bros dust attack) (EP.675)
This week's discussion dives into North Dakota's plans for a new stablecoin and Luxembourg's decision to invest in Bitcoin. The hosts explore the potential for stablecoins to cause bank deposit flight and question whether FDIC insurance is still relevant. They examine the risks of quantum computing for Bitcoin security and unpack a unique dusting scheme targeting dormant wallets. Additionally, ICE's investment in Polymarket and ongoing legislative efforts in Congress add layers to the evolving crypto landscape.

Oct 8, 2025 • 41min
Pelle Braendgaard on the Notabene Flow payments platform (EP.674)
Pelle Braendgaard, co-founder and CEO of Notabene, dives into the intersection of compliance and crypto. He shares insights on the travel rule's importance for blockchain transactions and how institutions are navigating these compliance waters. Pelle discusses the launch of Notabene Flow, a groundbreaking stablecoin payment platform enabling efficient B2B transactions. He explains the privacy risks of blockchain while highlighting the need for decentralized identity. Expect thought-provoking views on market structures and the future of digital identity!

24 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 37min
Mike Cagney (Figure) on Blockchain Capital Markets (EP.673)
Mike Cagney, founder and CEO of Figure, dives into the revolutionary world of blockchain-native capital markets. He shares insights about Figure's recent IPO process and the implications of tokenized securities. Cagney discusses how stablecoins could disrupt traditional banks, suggesting they should adapt by offering yielding alternatives. He emphasizes the advantages of on-chain equities and addresses the regulatory hurdles posed by NMS rules. Additionally, he highlights why HELOCs are a perfect fit for blockchain lending, advocating for decentralization over traditional intermediaries.

14 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 34min
Weekly Roundup 10/03/25 (Stablecoin Wars, SEC no action letters, Government shutdown) (EP.672)
In this lively discussion, hosts delve into the fascinating intersection of AI and Bitcoin mining, revealing how miners pivoting to AI workloads are revitalizing the industry. They explore the SEC's no-action letter for DoubleZero and its implications for token launches. The stablecoin landscape is dissected, with insights on Stripe's new infrastructure and potential challengers to dominant players. The hosts also touch on the impacts of the government shutdown and the excitement surrounding continuous crypto futures trading coming in 2026.

13 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 32min
Ben Ward & Steven Pack (RockSolid) on DeFi Vaults (EP.671)
In this conversation, Ben Ward and Steven Pack, co-founders of RockSolid, dive into the fascinating world of DeFi vaults. Steven shares insights on RockSolid's origins and the value of liquid staking tokens through DeFi integrations. Ben highlights the intricate design of vaults and their appeal to institutional demand. They explore how permissionless strategies hold both tremendous potential and risks, and discuss the evolving landscape of Ethereum finance. Their vision suggests that vaults might soon become essential financial infrastructure.

14 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 30min
Mark Coe (Intrinsic Edge) on The View From The Public Markets (EP.670)
Mark Coe, Founder and CIO of Intrinsic Edge Capital Management, discusses his journey in creating a fund focused on digital infrastructure and blockchain. He dives into the evolving landscape of public markets and shares insights on the mining industry's future, especially with AI's influence. Coe also examines the implications for Bitcoin miners, regulatory challenges, and the broader opportunities for businesses entering public markets, highlighting the convergence of crypto and traditional finance.


