Empire

Logan Jastremski, Co-founder of Frictionless Capital, discusses the need for high-throughput blockchains for mainstream crypto adoption. They explore the limitations of existing chains, parallelization, and performant validator nodes. The conversation covers cross-chain transfers, investment strategies, and comparing performance levels. They also highlight the potential applications of high throughput blockchains and the importance of technical expertise in understanding blockchain projects.

Kyle Samani of Multicoin Capital and Dmitriy Berenzon of Archetype debate the decentralized physical infrastructure industry, discussing token incentives, business models, and mainstream adoption challenges. They explore B2B vs B2C models, token issuance, and the differences between centralized and decentralized infrastructure. They also discuss quality controls, branding, revenue distribution, and the future of the industry, as well as the importance of supply and demand in crypto adoption.

Matt Hougan and Eric Balchunas discuss the impact of the ETF on Bitcoin's price. They cover topics such as building a new audience in the crypto world, emotional relief and practical considerations of a Bitcoin ETF, cross chain interoperability, outflows from Grayscale, Bitcoin's growing role in investment portfolios, and the impact of ETF on Bitcoin's price. They also express excitement for DAS London and compare it to Salt in the early days of crypto.

Michael Sonnenshein, CEO of Grayscale Investments, joins to discuss the approval of a Bitcoin spot ETF, the fee war between issuers, Grayscales place in the market, potential for an Ethereum ETF, and crypto assets in mainstream finance.

Blockworks Senior Reporters Casey Wagner and Ben Strack join the podcast to analyze the first approvals of Bitcoin spot ETFs. They discuss early winners among asset managers, the unfolding fee war between issuers, and Coinbase's role as custodian. Stay tuned for more on this and the impact of the SEC's decisions on the crypto industry.

Dan Matuszewski, Co-founder of CMS Holdings, discusses trading strategies, surviving bear markets, and narrative trading in crypto. They also talk about the post Bitcoin ETF approval, BTC/Alt rotation, and the 2017 crypto mania.

Anatoly Yakovenko and Ben Sparango discuss Solana's priorities on scaling, fees, and alignment incentives. They explore the network effects of open-sourcing core technology and highlight mobile adoption and NFTs driving crypto demand. The podcast debates permissionless finance's trajectory and the potential impact of the Saga phone on distribution monopolies.

The podcast explores recent crypto market volatility, risks of overleveraging, and the trend of restaking protocols in depth. They also discuss concerns about fragility and centralization risks. The conversation turns to pending SEC decisions around Bitcoin ETF filings. They touch on topics such as funding rates, holding vs. trading in crypto, and financial incentives in Wall Street and crypto products.

In this episode, Santi and Jason make predictions for the year 2024 in the crypto industry, including the potential flip of Ethereum by Solana, the growth of NFTs, and the emergence of restaking companies. They also discuss the impact of DeFi OGs on mainstream adoption, app chains, and predictions for L2s in 2024. Additionally, they share specific price predictions for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana.

In this episode, host Santi dives into AI and it's intersection with Crypto. Joined by Casey and Daniel, they investigate AI's key innovations, centralizing tendency, and the importance of zero-knowledge proofs in merging AI and crypto. They address the potential challenges and opportunities presented by decentralized networks and GPUs. The chat extends to AI regulation, non-deterministic AI's issues in production, and AI model insurance. Stay tuned for all of this and much more!- -Follow Casey: https://twitter.com/caseykcarusoFollow Daniel: https://twitter.com/realDanielShorrFollow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroelFollow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepodSubscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2jSubscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprwGet top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ - -Join us at DAS (Digital Asset Summit) in London this March! DAS is the #1 institutional conference in crypto, hosted by Blockworks. Use the link below to learn more, and use EMPIRE20 to get 20% off your ticket! Sign up now because the price goes up every month. See you there! Learn more + get your ticket here: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2024-london/home- -Timestamps(00:02) Evolution and State of AI (18:03) Model Specialization(30:37) Productization of AI(34:46) Crypto & AI Intersection(49:34) DAS 2024(50:51) How Real is AI & Crypto(01:00:08) Performant Blockchains vs Ethereum(01:09:32) Decentralized Compute & Equitable GPU Access(01:17:18) First Crypto & AI Unlocks(01:32:18) AI & Crypto Debate- -Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.