The Defiant - DeFi Podcast

In this episode of the Defiant Podcast, we sit down with Michael Bentley, co-founder and CEO of Euler Labs, to explore one of the most remarkable comeback stories in DeFi history. From a devastating $200M exploit in 2023 to surpassing $1B in outstanding loans, Euler Labs has redefined resilience and innovation in the crypto space.Michael shares the emotional and technical challenges of navigating the exploit, the process of recovering funds, and the lessons learned along the way. We also dive into the evolution of Euler Labs, the launch of V2, and their groundbreaking innovations in DeFi lending, borrowing, and stablecoins.Whether you're a crypto enthusiast, a DeFi builder, or just love a good comeback story, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at the future of decentralized finance.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction01:27 - Meet Michael Bentley: CEO of Euler Labs02:03 - The Early Days: From PhD to Crypto04:02 - Founding Euler Labs: Hackathon Beginnings08:10 - Innovations in DeFi Lending13:00 - The 2023 Exploit: What Happened?20:33 - Recovering $200M: Negotiating with the Hacker33:04 - Picking Up the Pieces: Team Resilience36:41 - Launching V2: A New Chapter42:29 - Differentiating Euler Labs in DeFi45:24 - The Future of DeFi: Institutional Adoption50:43 - Lessons for Founders: Resilience and Security52:24 - Closing Thoughts: The Hard Things Are Worth It

Steven Goldfeder, co-founder and CEO of Offchain Labs, shares insights on Arbitrum's success as a leading Ethereum Layer 2 solution. He discusses his journey from academia to pioneering blockchain, emphasizing the role of optimistic rollups in enhancing Ethereum's scalability. AJ Warner highlights the exciting partnership with Robinhood and the seamless integration of Arbitrum's technology. The duo engages in intriguing debates about ZK and optimistic rollups, the future of decentralized finance, and how Ethereum's Layer 2 solutions can significantly bolster the ecosystem.

Join Stuart Popejoy, CEO of Kadena and ex-head of JP Morgan’s blockchain division, as he unveils Kadena's bold $50 million grant program aimed at fostering innovation. They dive into scalability challenges within blockchain, highlighting Kadena's unique Chainweb architecture that promises stability and growth. Stuart shares insights from his journey in traditional finance to the forefront of blockchain, emphasizing the importance of integrating real-world assets and inspiring a proactive crypto user base for broader adoption.

Vlad Tenev, Co-founder and CEO of Robinhood, dives into the revolutionary world of tokenized stocks and the rollout of an Ethereum Layer 2 using Arbitrum technology. He discusses how Robinhood is set to offer tokenized U.S. stocks in the EU, pushing boundaries in fintech. Tenev also tackles regulatory challenges and the potential of crypto to serve as a backbone for global finance, all while emphasizing a human-centric approach to engagement and innovation in decentralized finance.

Vikram Arun, CEO of Superform, sheds light on stablecoin yield strategies and the transformative power of DeFi. He addresses the sustainability of 20% on-chain yields and the critical role of Web3 technology in enhancing automation. The conversation also dives into the implications of the GENIUS Act on the crypto landscape, exploring how regulation can shape innovation. Arun emphasizes the evolving perception of stablecoins and the need for financial literacy in this dynamic market, highlighting the integration of crypto into everyday finance.

Emin Gün Sirer, CEO and Founder of Ava Labs, is a pioneer in blockchain technology, particularly known for his work on the Avalanche protocol. In this discussion, he reveals how Avalanche's innovative consensus mechanism sets it apart from Bitcoin and Ethereum. Emin explores the challenges of centralization, the advantages of multi-chain scaling, and how Avalanche fosters interoperability. He also dives into the future of stablecoins in relation to central banks and highlights the rising interest and activity within the Avalanche ecosystem.

Evan Weiss, COO of Alluvial and founder of the Proof of Stake Alliance, shares valuable insights into the rising trend of Ethereum Staking ETFs. He discusses the regulatory landscape and its evolving dynamics on Capitol Hill. The conversation highlights how these ETFs could democratize crypto investments, improve staking yields, and enhance security for individuals. Weiss also examines the role of institutions in shaping staking infrastructure and the significance of liquidity for everyday users in this transformative financial landscape.

Sandy Kaul, Head of Innovation at Franklin Templeton, discusses how traditional finance is evolving with crypto. She highlights groundbreaking projects like onchain money market funds and explores the transformative potential of DeFi in supply chain and asset management. Kaul also addresses the obstacles posed by regulation and the exciting future of integrated financial services, emphasizing that every company could soon embrace crypto as a standard. Tune in for insights into the innovative landscape reshaping global finance.

Alex Estorick, Editor in Chief of Right Click Save, dives into the transformative world of NFTs and digital art. He discusses the convergence of art and finance, exploring how NFTs challenge traditional art categorization. The rise of meme coins as cultural artifacts connects financial phenomena to artistic expression. Estorick also highlights the diverse perspectives within the crypto community and the evolving challenges artists face with royalties. Lastly, he envisions a future where artists leverage DeFi tools and regain control over their digital creations.

In this engaging discussion, Tomasz Stańczak, Co-Executive Director of the Ethereum Foundation and early team member of Flashbots, shares transformative insights on Ethereum's evolution. He highlights the foundation's efforts to improve communication and transparency while addressing community feedback. Tomasz dives into strategic initiatives for ecosystem growth, emphasizing the significance of Layer 1 and Layer 2 relationships. He envisions Ethereum as a hub for a global economy, balancing user needs and core values, and outlines innovative treasury strategies to enhance support for developers.