

Empire
Blockworks
Empire features interviews with top crypto founders to get the real stories that aren’t shared elsewhere. Empire is your look behind the curtain of the crypto industry. We release two episodes per week: guest interviews on Monday and a weekly roundup on Friday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

4 snips
Aug 2, 2024 • 53min
ETFs: Crypto's Path to ATHs in 2024 | Matt Hougan
Matt Hougan, a cryptocurrency expert from Bitwise, delves into the potential of crypto ETFs to drive all-time highs in 2024. He discusses the rising institutional interest and the impact of U.S. election outcomes on crypto regulations. The conversation also explores Bitcoin's likelihood of reaching $100K and Ethereum's path to new heights, alongside strategies for savvy investing. With insights into market dynamics and the burgeoning acceptance of crypto on Wall Street, Hougan sheds light on a transformative period for digital assets.

Jul 31, 2024 • 51min
Trading Crypto's Election Year | 1000x
The discussion dives into how the upcoming elections may influence the crypto market, highlighting potential outcomes from Trump or Kamala's victories. Traders explore diverse strategies amidst market volatility, particularly focusing on Bitcoin and Ethereum. The anticipated impact of Ethereum ETFs is scrutinized, alongside the regulatory landscape's influence on institutional investment. The speakers also highlight the unique position of Helium in the market, and speculate on the future of crypto under political changes, emphasizing adaptability and innovation.

Jul 30, 2024 • 1h 18min
Why Air Rights are Trading on Crypto Rails | Jonathan Dockrell, SkyTrade
Jonathan Dockrell, co-founder and CEO of SkyTrade, dives into the fascinating convergence of air rights and blockchain technology. He unveils how tokenized air rights could revolutionize real estate, urban planning, and drone operations. The discussion tackles the challenges of establishing transparent trading platforms and the potential profitability in major urban centers. Dockrell also shares insights on SkyTrade's journey, innovative applications, and the transformative role of blockchain in making transactions smoother and more accountable.

Jul 26, 2024 • 1h 2min
How Bitcoin Entering the Fed Changes Crypto Forever | Roundup
In this engaging discussion, Santi, a cryptocurrency expert, shares insights on Ethereum ETFs and their market implications. The conversation highlights Solana's rise in DEX volume, the potential for crypto influencers in the upcoming elections, and Senator Lummis’ push to make Bitcoin a reserve asset. They also explore the intersection of AI and cryptocurrency investments, innovative applications like Anoma's universal intent machine, and the evolving trading dynamics in the crypto space.

7 snips
Jul 23, 2024 • 1h 33min
Death of Crypto Venture? Rethinking Crypto Fund Strategies | Tushar Jain & Ray Hindi
Crypto fund managers Tushar Jain and Ray Hindi discuss transitioning from venture to liquid investments, timing market cycles, token launches, political influences on crypto, and advice for new fund managers. They explore sector-specific crypto funds, impact of political engagement, and strategies for emerging managers in the evolving crypto fund management landscape.

Jul 19, 2024 • 1h 12min
How Politics is Reshaping Crypto's Future | Roundup
JD Vance's political rise and pro-crypto stance, Larry Fink's evolving view on Bitcoin, JP Morgan's banking services, and the impact of political decisions on the crypto industry are discussed in this episode. The conversation touches on ETF approvals, currency debasement fears, and the future trajectory of crypto.

Jul 18, 2024 • 59min
Chief’s ETH & AI Bull Bet | 1000x
Guest ChiefingZa, a top trader on Bybit, discusses market volatility, Bitcoin ETF impact, bull case for Ethereum, AI in crypto like BitTensor, challenges in altcoin trading, L2 solutions, and finding alpha in crypto Discord channels.

4 snips
Jul 16, 2024 • 1h 1min
How Crypto Solves the Global Money Problem | Paul Bances, PayPal
Paul Bances, VP of Market and Business Development at PayPal Crypto, discusses stablecoins, PayPal's strategy with pyUSD, regulatory landscape, blockchain platforms, and the future of digital payments. They explore political uncertainties, Solana for payment solutions, and strategic partnerships for stablecoins and exchanges. The dedication of PayPal's team to solving real-world problems in the crypto space is highlighted.

Jul 12, 2024 • 56min
What Makes Crypto Conferences Valuable | Roundup
Exploring the evolving role of crypto conferences, networking benefits and deal-making opportunities. Touching on market dynamics, VC scandals, future predictions, and the value of in-person events. Delving into Bitcoin ownership by nation-states, comparing performance of Coinbase and Nvidia, and creative conference improvements like coffee activations.

Jul 9, 2024 • 1h 31min
Why Crypto Needs Better Insurance Models | Drew Patel, Karak
Drew Patel, Co-founder of Karak, discusses the evolution of crypto security, challenges of DeFi insurance, benefits of restaking, and creating sustainable yield sources. The conversation covers multi-chain support, diverse collateral types, risks associated with restaking, and the future of crypto risk management.