The Scoop

Guilhem Chaumont, Co-Founder and CEO of Flowdesk, discusses the intersection of tariffs and market volatility impacting cryptocurrency. He explores the hesitation of traditional financial institutions in adopting digital assets amidst uncertainties. The conversation delves into the unique challenges facing altcoins and the current state of the crypto market. Chaumont also emphasizes the convergence of crypto and traditional finance, the role of AI in this transformation, and the potential for Real World Assets to shape future investment strategies.

Nick Matthew is an investor with Standard Crypto.In this episode, Matthew joins The Scoop to discuss the current state of the crypto market, noting that investment opportunities still exist despite macro downturns. Matthew also contrasts the rise of stablecoins with memecoins, and the potential for crypto to consolidate and shift its evolution towards building 'Fintech 2.0' rather than web3.OUTLINE00:00 – Introduction01:12 – Sponsor break03:04 – Coping with market downturnsl03:25 – The Fundraising Freeze05:02 – Macro in the driver seat09:36 – Memecoin extinction or ressurection15:59 – Who’s making money in crypto17:45 – Fintech 2.0 or Web322:04 – Investing in stablecoins25:26 – Investing in teams28:30 – The next billion users31:40 – Looking ahead and conclusionGUEST LINKSNick Matthew on X: https://x.com/nickjmattStandard Crypto on X: https://x.com/standardcryptoAre you hiring in crypto?Use Campus to quickly find your best candidates with our challenging Crypto Assessment Test.Faster hiring, stronger teams.Sign up for a trial today: theblock.co/campusThis episode is brought to your by our sponsors:FidelityExplore Fidelity crypto careers today. Go to crypto.FidelityCareers.com to learn more.Uranium.ioInvesting in uranium is now widely accessible. Visit uranium.io to learn more.

Arthur Breitman, Co-founder of Tezos, dives into the launch of uranium.io, a blockchain marketplace transforming uranium trading for retail investors. He discusses the complexities and transparency issues in the current uranium market. The conversation highlights the implications of tokenization and its potential to drive demand for nuclear energy amidst geopolitical tensions. Additionally, Breitman explores the evolving landscape of commodities, including the intersection of AI and energy needs, revealing why uranium is 'red hot' right now.

Kyle Samani, Co-Founder of Multicoin Capital and a seasoned expert in on-chain finance, discusses the shifting dynamics of the crypto market. He analyzes the decline in venture capital funding and its impact on investment opportunities. Samani makes a compelling case for Solana, citing its speed and developer engagement, suggesting it could outpace Ethereum. He advocates for clearer regulations to attract traditional investors, emphasizing the potential for a new era in cryptocurrency.

Michael Rihani, Director of Products at Coinbase, is a key player behind the revolutionary bitcoin-backed loan product aimed at everyday consumers. He discusses how this innovative solution bridges decentralized finance and traditional banking, allowing users to unlock liquidity without selling their Bitcoin. Rihani emphasizes making DeFi feel 'magical' through user-friendly designs that attract mainstream users. He also explores the future of DeFi, highlighting the potential for fixed-rate lending and the role of decentralized identity in transforming financial interactions.

Latif Peracha, General Partner at M13 with expertise in Bitcoin, and Mark Grace, M13 Principal focused on early-stage crypto investments, dive into the complex world of liquid tokens. They discuss the balancing act crypto founders face between immediate liquidity and long-term project potential. The conversation also touches on the volatility of tokens, opportunities within CeFi versus DeFi, and the necessity of regulatory clarity for innovation. Both guests share insights on evolving investment strategies amid the dynamic crypto landscape.

Cody Carbone, President of the Digital Chamber, advocates for progressive crypto policies and discusses the rapid shifts in Washington D.C.'s approach to the industry. He highlights emerging bipartisan support for stablecoins and the removal of restrictive IRS DeFi rules, forecasting a brighter future for crypto legislation. Carbone emphasizes the importance of lobbying efforts and voter influence in shaping policy, while also outlining the need for clear regulations to foster innovation in decentralized finance.

The Scoop's host, Frank Chaparro, was joined by Paris Blockchain Week Chairman Michael Amar.In this episode, Chaparro and Amar discussed the origin and development of Paris Blockchain Week. Amar shared anecdotes of the various challenges and milestones reached over the years, and gave tips on curating a top-tier crypto conference.OUTLINE00:00 - Introduction00:56 - Sponsor break02:49 - Michael Amar’s journey into crypto06:55 - The development of Paris Blockchain Week08:57 - Capturing the Zeitgeist each year11:11 - Crypto conference oversaturation13:40 - The Biggest Challenges in Running a Crypto Event18:28 - The European crypto landscape20:35 - Expectations for 202522:20 - Emerging sectors and trends25:33 - Advice for founders entering the crypto space30:38 - ConclusionGUEST LINKSMichael Amar - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amarmic/Michael Amar on X - https://x.com/amarmicParis Blockchain Week - https://www.parisblockchainweek.com/Paris Blockchain Week on X - https://x.com/ParisblockweekThis episode is brought to your by our sponsors:FidelityExplore Fidelity crypto careers today. Go to crypto.FidelityCareers.com to learn more.Uranium.ioInvesting in uranium is now widely accessible. Visit uranium.io to learn more.

The Scoop's host, Frank Chaparro, was joined by Yellow Card Financial CTO and Co-Founder Justin Poiroux.In this episode, Chaparro and Poiroux discussed the rapid adoption of stablecoins in emerging markets, particularly in Africa. They explore how stablecoins are solving cross-border payment issues, and how Yellow Card is looking to bridging the gap between the developing world and the global financial system.OUTLINE00:00 - Introduction00:58 - Sponsor break03:44 - Understanding Yellow Card05:56 - Challenges of building in Africa08:04 - How Yellow Card addresses cross-border payments15:53 - Yellow Card’s origins20:02 - Early challenges25:03 - Educating users & building trust in emerging markets28:26 - Looking ahead34:40 - ConclusionGUEST LINKSJustin Poiroux - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinpoiroux/Yellow Card Financial - https://yellowcard.io/Yellow Card Financial on X - https://x.com/yellowcard_appThis episode is brought to your by our sponsors:FidelityExplore Fidelity crypto careers today. Go to crypto.FidelityCareers.com to learn more.Uranium.ioInvesting in uranium is now widely accessible. Visit uranium.io to learn more.

Matthew Graham, Founder and Managing Partner of Ryze Labs, dives into the fascinating intersections of AI, crypto, and robotics. He discusses how AI companions, like Eliza, could redefine human connection, while also reflecting on the implications of passing the Turing test. The conversation shifts to the future of humanoid robotics, addressing challenges in balance and movement. Additionally, Graham explores innovative investment opportunities at the crossroads of these technologies, painting an exciting picture of our economic future.