Empire

In this episode of Empire, Sam Kazemian joins Jason and Dan to discuss Frax's mission to build the most widely used stablecoins in DeFi. Sam starts by explaining how Frax has succeeded while other stable protocols have failed, why Frax is eyeing Fed deposits and the strategy behind the "DeFi Trinity". We then explore Frax's new ETH staking product, the stablecoin trilemma, and Sam drops a new product announcement (alpha leak). Don't miss this conversation with one of the brightest minds in DeFi!- -Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(00:49) - Frax’s Mission(04:41) - How Frax Thrived When Others Failed(09:00) - Fed Deposits, Escaping Regulation and RWAs(17:03) - Public ad(18:53) - Creating Spot Demand and Monetary Premium(26:00) - frxETH and sfrxETH Explained(44:31) - Is Frax’s Focus too Broad?(49:02) - The Stablecoin Trilemma(54:00) - Alpha Leak(55:46) - Update on Frax’s Multisig- -Follow Sam: https://twitter.com/samkazemian?lang=enFollow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitzFollow Dan: https://twitter.com/smyyguyFollow 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/- -This episode is sponsored by Public.com. Go to https://Public.com/empire to move your cash into a Treasury Account today.- -ResourcesFraxhttps://frax.finance/- -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.

In today’s episode of Empire, we discuss how crypto startups are running out of cash. Will more companies quietly shut down, and how will the survivors navigate the market? One group of people can strongly impact this outcome: Crypto VCs. We explore what decisions these VCs are facing, if they'll be able to raise funds from LPs, their hardest challenges and more! This is a short episode that's packed with insights.- -Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(00:57) Nike x Tiffany collab(10:38) Celsius lacks leadership(12:45) Private companies will quietly shut down(15:53) How VCs operate(22:12) Blockworks Research Ad(27:45) Challenges of running a crypto VC fund(32:55) Fundraising terms matter(34:23) Lessons learned from past cycles- -Follow Santi: https://twitter.com/santiagoroelFollow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitzFollow 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/- -ResourcesBell Curve podcasthttp://bit.ly/3HVuKi1LVMH storyhttps://www.ft.com/content/c79eccfc-fca1-11e9-a354-36acbbb0d9b6- -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.

In this episode of Empire, Hal Press joins Mike and Jason to discuss his investment thesis. It's no secret that Hal is an ETH super bull, and this episode makes it clear why. He explains ETH's unfair advantage, how L2s will serve as free marketing for Ethereum, the liquidity staking derivative trade, the mechanics behind token rallies, token value accrual and the deflationary outlook! Get ready, this is one of my favorite podcasts yet.- -Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(00:54) What Caused This Rally?(10:46) The ETH:BTC Ratio(13:14) How Shanghai Will Affect ETH Sell Pressure(18:32) The LSD Trade(20:30) Blockworks Research Ad(30:30) The Real Yield Thesis(32:36) Has ETH Won?(44:28) Aptos’ Rally & Learnings(54:40) The L2 Landscape(59:10) Where Will Value Accrue?(1:07:36) Bullish on dYdX(1:10:34) Macro and Deflation- -Follow Hal: https://twitter.com/NorthRockLPFollow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitzFollow Mike: https://twitter.com/MikeIppolito_Follow 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/ - -ResourcesNorth Rock Digitalhttps://northrockdigital.com/- - 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.

In today’s episode of Empire, we discuss how we've just entered the third phase of the bear market. A phase marked by apathy. We explore what this means for builders, investors and the industry. If you're still here (in crypto), you don't want to miss this.We then cover why Aptos' price is pumping, Circles CCTP news, the controversial Doodles announcement and more!- -Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(04:27) Permissionless Speakers(05:30) Phase 3 of the Bear Market(37:00) Regulatory Clarity(41:09) Why is Aptos Ripping?(49:06) Circle’s CCTP(55:29) Doodles 2 Launching on Flow(57:50) Kevin Rose $2M+ NFT “Hack”- -Follow Santi: https://twitter.com/santiagoroelFollow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitzFollow 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/ - -ResourcesElectric Capital 2022 Developer Reporthttps://www.developerreport.com/developer-reportRevoke.Cashhttps://revoke.cash/- - 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.

In this episode of Empire, Sreeram Kannan and Calvin Liu explain how EigenLayer creates a market for decentralized trust to enable permissionless infrastructure innovation. We explore EigenLayer's core use cases, slashing mechanics, economic incentives, re-staking risks and more. EigenLayer might be the most underrated project in Ethereum right now. Tune in to find out why!- -Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(01:08) EigenLayer 101(18:04) Liquid vs Native Staking(24:24) Why Calvin Joined EigenLayer(28:51) Core Use Cases(49:50) Improper Slashing Risk(1:00:00) EigenLayer’s Flywheel and Business Model(1:05:45) Systemic Risks: Overleveraging Staked ETH- -Follow Sreeram:https://twitter.com/sreeramkannanFollow Calvin: https://twitter.com/cjliu49Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitzFollow Santi: 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/- -ResourcesEigenLayerhttps://www.eigenlayer.com/EigenLayer's Twitterhttps://twitter.com/eigenlayer- -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.

In this episode of Empire, Qiao explains the upcoming Wallet Wars. Wallets are the decentralized access point for crypto, and the battle for distribution is about to get wild. Listen in to learn about the SuperApp Thesis, account abstraction, the battle for attention, wallet value capture and more!- -Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(01:50) The Fat Wallet Thesis(04:11) How Wallets Have Evolved(09:06) Wallet Wars, Rise of the SuperApp(24:35) Account Abstraction(27:28) Why Geography Matters(29:16) Wallet Value Capture(41:03) Blue Ocean Opportunities & Centralized Credentials(51:02) Crypto Alfalpha- -Follow Qiao: https://twitter.com/QwQiaoFollow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitzFollow Santi: 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/- -ResourcesAlliance DAOhttps://alliance.xyz/Good Game podcast (Qiao's podcast)https://goodgamepod.xyz/- -More related content by Blockworks:What Are Seed Phrases and Are They Needed? The New Debate https://blockworks.co/news/what-are-seed-phrases- -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.

In this episode of Empire, Emin Gün Sirer and John Wu explain why Avalanche is the most scalable, decentralized L1. We start with why developers choose Avalanche, then quickly transition into the L2 debate. Emin explains why Subnets are superior and how the L2 vision and L2 reality are miles apart. We also talk about Avalanche's consensus engine, business development, the multichain future and more!- -Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(01:01) Avalanche’s Core Thesis(04:17) Why Build on Avalanche?(14:19) The Problem with L2s(19:08) Avalanche's Tradeoffs(23:41) The Consensus Engine(30:00) Learnings From Other Networks(33:29) Solana vs Avalanche(40:59) Avalanche’s Security Guarantees(45:00) Business Development Strategy(55:09) Warp: Communication Between Subnets(1:00:01) On-Chain Governance(1:01:41) Avalanche’s Community(1:08:29) A Multichain Future?- -Follow Emin: https://twitter.com/el33th4xorFollow John: https://twitter.com/John1wuFollow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitzFollow Santi: 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/- -ResourcesAvalanchehttps://www.avax.network/Ava Labshttps://www.avalabs.org/- -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.

In today’s episode of Empire, we discuss the upcoming Shanghai upgrade and Lido's liquid staking monopoly. What will happen to stake rates once withdrawals are enabled? Will LSD providers steal market share from Lido?We also discuss Genesis' terrible GBTC trade, why we're feeling optimistic, FTX recovering $5B, Japan's most popular blockchain and how people still underestimate the power of BD in crypto (e.g. the Avalanche AWS partnership)!- -Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(00:21) Crypto Conferences & the January Effect(09:30) Genesis’ Terrible Risk/Reward Trade(20:08) FTX Finds $5B of Assets(24:38) SBF’s Substack Post(28:56) Why We're Still Feeling Optimistic(37:21) How the Shanghai Upgrade will Impact ETH staking rates(44:16) When to Sell (a Crypto Funds Perspective)(48:16) Has Lido Won the LSD Battle?(52:53) Avalanche Partners With AWS(1:01:07) Japan’s Most Popular Blockchain(1:03:39) Coinbase and Blockchain.com Layoffs(1:05:00) On-Chain US Treasuries (Ondo Finance)(1:07:25) Book Recommendations- -Follow Santi: https://twitter.com/santiagoroelFollow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitzFollow 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/- -ResourcesThinking in Probabilities (Byron newsletter)https://blockworks.co/newsletter/issue/30211866SBF's Substackhttps://sambf.substack.com/Ryan Watkins tweethttps://twitter.com/RyanWatkins_/status/1612872737134870528Astarhttps://astar.network/starmap/- -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.

In this episode, top VCs in crypto, Colleen Sullivan and Peter Johnson, predict the future of NFTs, gaming, trading infrastructure, stablecoins, regulation, and more. They discuss the growth of stablecoins, the potential of digital goods for brands, the unbundling of marketplaces, and the expansion of online services. They also reflect on past predictions, discuss the power of open systems, and express optimism about the future of cryptocurrencies.

In today’s episode of Empire, Santi and Jason go full Michael Scott by hosting the Annual Empire Awards. We discuss our favorite projects of 2022, our wildest predictions, the most overhyped section of crypto, the best unsexy ideas and so much more! We then get personal by discussing our worst investment in 2022, our best/worst new habits, our favorite app and our personal goals for 2023. Don't miss this one - it's one of my favorites yet.- -Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(04:08) Biggest Mental Reframe(17:06) Favorite Project or Business(20:48) Crypto Person of the Year(23:08) Top Breakout Company(29:23) Best Unsexy Idea(35:40) Wildest Prediction for 2023(43:40) Most Overlooked Vertical in Crypto(47:02) Most Overhyped Vertical in Crypto(50:33) Business You Want to See Built in 2023(51:56) Your Best & Worst Investment in 2022(59:37) Best Business Decision of 2022(1:01:55) Most Helpful Thing You Started in 2022(1:03:49) Worst & Best Habit(1:08:17) Favorite Content of 2022(1:13:48) Besides Crypto, What Would You Work On?(1:22:11) Favorite New App or Product(1:24:33) Dream Podcast Guest(1:27:13) 2023 Business & Personal Goals- -Follow Santi: https://twitter.com/santiagoroelFollow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitzFollow 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/- -ResourcesThe Diffhttps://www.thediff.co/I Pledge Allegiancehttps://bit.ly/3QgW2BKA Media Operatorhttps://www.amediaoperator.com/Graham Duncanhttps://grahamduncan.blog/about/John Collison with Stanley Druckenmillerhttps://bit.ly/3QxSRpLClayhttps://clay.earth/The Summit (by Santi)https://bit.ly/3Cu4cBk- -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.