Empire

In this episode of Empire, Arianna Simpson and Ali Yahya join to discuss a16z's crypto thesis. We start with Ali's network flywheel framework, the future of interoperability and protocol value capture. Do protocols have moats? Is the L1 trade over? Will applications accrue an outsized share of crypto's value?We then discuss DAO governance, music NFTs, zero-knowledge proofs and crypto's open design space. This is one of those can't-miss episodes!- -Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:14) Crypto's Network Flywheel(08:40) Is The L1 Trade Over?(20:52) a16z’s Value Accrual Framework(28:03) Circle ad(29:45) Infrastructure Unlocks(37:55) a16z’s Governance & DAO Philosophy(44:33) Evolution of Web3 Gaming(49:19) Music NFTs(55:22) ZK Proofs & Building Privacy Into Blockchains(1:00:33) What Feels Obvious That Others Are Missing?- -Follow Arianna https://twitter.com/AriannaSimpsonFollow Ali: https://twitter.com/alive_ethFollow 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/ -- Circle’s USDC has quickly become one of the most trusted and widely used stablecoins because of its composability, stability and reserve transparency. As a seamless, trusted digital currency, USDC is a zero-to-one opportunity for the global financial system. Check out their Transparency Hub at http://empirepodcast.link/circle that outlines everything from links to USDC weekly reserve reports, monthly attestations, and blog posts written by their executive team highlighting how and why USDC was built the way it is.- -ResourcesAli's network flywheel tweet threadhttps://twitter.com/alive_eth/status/1296831069065375749Computers That Can Make Commitments (Chris Dixon)https://a16z.com/2020/01/27/computers-that-make-commitments/The Fat Protocol Thesishttps://www.usv.com/writing/2016/08/fat-protocols/The Internet Economyhttps://cdixon.org/2016/03/13/the-internet-economyCommoditize Your Complementshttps://www.joelonsoftware.com/2002/06/12/strategy-letter-v/The Myth of The Infrastructure Phasehttps://www.usv.com/writing/2018/10/the-myth-of-the-infrastructure-phase/1000 True Fanshttps://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/- - 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.Disclaimer: Scammers are impersonating Blockworks and replying to comments on some of our videos. Please be advised that we will NEVER reply to your comment asking you to contact us on whatsapp, telegram, provide investment advice, or solicit money from you. These are scam impersonator accounts and you should not respond to them.

In this episode of Empire's Weekly Roundup, we bring on Matthew Blumberg and Byron Gilliam to discuss how J.P. Morgan - the largest bank in the US - just made history.What happened? J.P. Morgan executed their first trade on a public blockchain (sup Polygon) using an Aave Arc clone. Tune in to find out what happened, why J.P. Morgan chose Polygon, how enterprise crypto adoption will likely play out and more!- -Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(00:42) JP Morgan’s Aave Trade, What Happened?(10:53) Permissioned DeFi, Why Do This On-Chain?(25:09) The Aave Mafia(26:08) Will Polygon Remain "Loyal" To Ethereum?(31:50) Why J.P. Morgan Chose Polygon(37:51) Social Media Is Adopting Web3- -Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitzFollow Matt: https://twitter.com/matt_blumbergFollow Byron: https://twitter.com/bgilliam1982Follow 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/- -ResourcesDecent Crypto Podcast (hosted by Matt)https://spoti.fi/3FKxBJWTy Lobban's tweet thread on the J.P. Morgan tradehttps://twitter.com/TyLobban/status/1587679344792829954Erik Voorhees & SBF on Banklesshttps://spoti.fi/3FIPw3MSandeep's tweet on Polygon "bringing the world to Ethereum"https://twitter.com/sandeepnailwal/status/1587949120031006721- -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, Santi is joined by Steven Goldfeder and Raul Jordan to discuss the Prsymatic Labs acquisition and the future of Arbitrum. We cover Arbitrum's approach to state growth, AnyTrust chains, developer usability, ZK tech and more. And trust me, Steven's take on enterprises leveraging crypto is worth staying until the end!- -Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(03:57) Arbitrum Acquires Prysmatic Labs(09:04) Monetizing Open Source & Building For Ethereum(17:29) State Growth, ZK Tech And L2 Innovations(31:14) Are L2s Ready For Prime Time?(35:51) Circle Ad(37:33) Arbitrum AnyTrust Chains(42:40) User & Developer Acquisition(46:31) What Changed After The Merge?(49:31) Reddit Points & Enterprise Interest(1:00:11) L1 Censorship Risk- -Follow Steven: https://twitter.com/sgoldfedFollow Raul: https://twitter.com/rauljordanethFollow 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/--Circle’s USDC has quickly become one of the most trusted and widely used stablecoins because of its composability, stability and reserve transparency. As a seamless, trusted digital currency, USDC is a zero-to-one opportunity for the global financial system. Check out their Transparency Hub at http://empirepodcast.link/circle that outlines everything from links to USDC weekly reserve reports, monthly attestations, and blog posts written by their executive team highlighting how and why USDC was built the way it is.- -ResourcesOffchain Labs websitehttps://offchainlabs.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 this episode of Empire's Weekly Roundup, we discuss Reddit embracing NFTs, Apple's new NFT policy, the future of stablecoins (FedCoin?), Elon's Twitter takeover and more. Tune in for the spiciest stories and takes of the week!- -Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(02:41) Tech Stocks, VR & Elon Twitter Takeover(14:25) Apple’s NFT Announcement, Bullish?(23:17) Reddit Brings NFTs To $3M+ Users(29:33) What Makes Crypto Special(36:57) FTX Stablecoin Rumors & FedCoin Talk(48:14) Solana Virtual Machine Alpha - -Follow Santi: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel Follow Garrett: https://twitter.com/G_C_HarpFollow 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/ -- Circle’s USDC has quickly become one of the most trusted and widely used stablecoins because of its composability, stability and reserve transparency. As a seamless, trusted digital currency, USDC is a zero-to-one opportunity for the global financial system. Check out their Transparency Hub at http://empirepodcast.link/circle that outlines everything from links to USDC weekly reserve reports, monthly attestations, and blog posts written by their executive team highlighting how and why USDC was built the way it is.- -ResourcesVibe Bio Empire Podcasthttps://spoti.fi/3FnQ2UkNudge (book)https://amzn.to/3DbVzuJMatt Levine's crypto manifestohttps://www.bloomberg.com/features/2022-the-crypto-story/Chris Burniske's tweet on the SVM https://twitter.com/cburniske/status/1585346624574083072- - 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, Santi is joined by Zack Skelly and Aurora Harshner to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the Web3 talent market.How should employees and companies think about token compensation? Is compensation transparency an opportunity or a liability? How can we bring more talent to crypto? And what should you think about when joining a Web3 company? Tune in for these answers and more!- -Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(04:23) Crypto's Talent Pool(13:40) What Positions Are Companies Hiring?(22:05) Hiring Anons, DAOs & The Future of Work(29:06) Circle Ad(30:48) Opportunities & Challenges Of Token Compensation(51:53) Back Channeling and References(58:07) Recruiting Tactics(1:03:36) How Do You Convey Culture?- -Follow Zack: https://twitter.com/zorkaryFollow Aurora: https://twitter.com/aharshnerFollow 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/ -- Circle’s USDC has quickly become one of the most trusted and widely used stablecoins because of its composability, stability and reserve transparency. As a seamless, trusted digital currency, USDC is a zero-to-one opportunity for the global financial system. Check out their Transparency Hub at http://empirepodcast.link/circle that outlines everything from links to USDC weekly reserve reports, monthly attestations, and blog posts written by their executive team highlighting how and why USDC was built the way it is.- -ResourcesAurora's websitehttps://www.auroraharshner.com/Dragonfly's Job Boardhttps://jobs.dragonfly.xyz/jobsDragonfly's Mediumhttps://medium.com/dragonfly-research- - 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.

This podcast discusses the launch of Aptos, a new L1 blockchain, and debates the bull vs bear case for its potential. They also explore SBF's article on crypto regulation, Binance voting on behalf of users, data availability in blockchain systems, and the impact of AI in the crypto industry.

In this episode of Empire, Jason and Santi are joined by Meltem Demirors to discuss the creation and monetization of culture. We explore how culture is already monetized today, just indirectly, and that crypto-based market microstructure will be the catalyst for the fusion of a new culture-meets-capital paradigm.Where is the market shifting today, and what are the biggest opportunities ahead? Trust me, this is a must-listen if you are interested in NFTs, financial markets or the creation of culture.- -Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(01:29) Crypto Is A Market Structure Story(06:09) Everything Is Perception & Speculation(12:38) Arbitraging Culture(21:47) Where's The Utility? Culture Is Utility(30:22) Circle Ad(32:05) Why NFT Communities Don’t Scale(36:31) IP, Mimetic Transmission and Community(42:22) Boomer ETH NFTs & Lower Price Points(45:47) The Biggest Opportunities?(57:49) Culture Is Not Emergent, It’s Manufactured(1:08:34) Read Sci-Fi, Here’s Why- -Follow Meltem: https://twitter.com/Melt_DemFollow 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/--Circle’s USDC has quickly become one of the most trusted and widely used stablecoins because of its composability, stability and reserve transparency. As a seamless, trusted digital currency, USDC is a zero-to-one opportunity for the global financial system. Check out their Transparency Hub at http://empirepodcast.link/circle that outlines everything from links to USDC weekly reserve reports, monthly attestations, and blog posts written by their executive team highlighting how and why USDC was built the way it is.- -ResourcesReminiscences of a Stock Operatorhttps://amzn.to/3rTNWUwA Survey of NFT Licenses: Facts & Fictions (Galaxy)https://bit.ly/3MqIhid-- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ - - 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's Weekly Roundup, Jason and Santi share their thoughts on the state of the market, the endless hacks in crypto and a few of the latest innovations.Santi gives his unique private-market insights, Jason gives a behind-the-scenes look at Blockworks, and the duo discuss the biggest story of the week: the Binance and Mango Markets Exploit. We then discuss the 3 big ZK-rollup announcements (scaling season?), Arbitrum's acquisition, and more!- -Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(02:16) What's Changed At Blockworks During The Bear?(06:53) State of Venture, Macro And Crypto Markets(21:39) Does Everything Need A Token?(26:14) Hacks, Exploits And More Hacks (Binance, Mango)(39:43) Yuga Labs & Regulation By Enforcement(48:08) ZK Tech Is Here(51:56) Arbitrum Acquires Prysmatic Labs(55:36) Coinbase News, Stephane Resigns, PayPal & More- -Follow 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/mv4frfv7 Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw- -Referenced in the show:Cosmos podcasthttps://spoti.fi/3S3W9zPGCR's "inside job" tweethttps://twitter.com/GCRClassic/status/1579837794675216384Rebecca & Jake regulation podcasthttps://spoti.fi/3rSZMOwScroll's zkEVM podcasthttps://spoti.fi/3rTXO0wPolygon deep dive by Blockworks Researchhttps://bit.ly/3S3Wti1Starkware podcasthttps://spoti.fi/3Vqu88vInfluence Empire (book)https://bit.ly/3T9CLTcDavid Marcus tweet criticizing PayPalhttps://twitter.com/davidmarcus/status/1578795041719750663--Circle’s USDC has quickly become one of the most trusted and widely used stablecoins because of its composability, stability and reserve transparency. As a seamless, trusted digital currency, USDC is a zero-to-one opportunity for the global financial system. Check out their Transparency Hub at circle.com/transparency that outlines everything from links to USDC weekly reserve reports, monthly attestations, and blog posts written by their executive team highlighting how and why USDC was built the way it is. Learn more at: http://empirepodcast.link/circle-- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ - - 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, Jason is joined by Michelle Bailhe Fradin, Partner at Sequoia for a wide ranging discussion on venture capital in crypto.Michelle shares her thoughts on the fat protocol thesis, how infrastructure development is necessary for application growth, changing business models during a bear market and what the biggest opportunities for growth are in this environment. To hear all of this and more, you'll have to tune in!--Follow Michelle: https://twitter.com/michellebailheFollow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitzFollow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepodGet top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/--Circle’s USDC has quickly become one of the most trusted and widely used stablecoins because of its composability, stability and reserve transparency. As a seamless, trusted digital currency, USDC is a zero-to-one opportunity for the global financial system. Check out their Transparency Hub at circle.com/transparency that outlines everything from links to USDC weekly reserve reports, monthly attestations, and blog posts written by their executive team highlighting how and why USDC was built the way it is.--Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(01:05) Ask Not Wen Moon–Ask Why Moon(04:34) The Fat Protocol Thesis(12:58) The Myth of The Infrastructure Phase(16:57) Where Is Sequoia Seeing Opportunity In Crypto?(18:53) The State of Crypto VC Funding(23:10) Circle Ad(24:52) What Metrics Do VC's Track In Crypto?(33:29) How Business Models Change In A Bear Market(36:12) Rethinking Crypto Business Models(38:19) How Active Is Sequoia In Governance?(39:52) Michelle's Thesis On DAOs(48:02) How The VC Landscape Is Changing(53:33) Opportunities Outside of Crypto- -Referenced In The Show: Ask Not Wen Moon–Ask Why Moon: https://www.sequoiacap.com/article/ask-not-wen-moon-ask-why-moon/ Fat Protocols https://www.usv.com/writing/2016/08/fat-protocols/ The Myth of The Infrastructure Phase: https://www.usv.com/writing/2018/10/the-myth-of-the-infrastructure-phase/--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's Weekly Roundup, we discuss one area of the market many aren’t paying attention to, private order flow (POF). As well as POF, Sushiswap announced a new head chef, MakerDAO plans to invest $500M in US treasurys and many VCs are looking to gaming for the next big opportunity in crypto? To hear all this and more, you’ll have to tune in!--Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction(01:30) Sushiswap Brings In A New Head Chef(15:38) Uniswap & The App-Chain Thesis(28:15) Private Order Flow Is The New MEV(40:30) The Biggest Winners In MEV(43:00) Gaming: Crypto’s Biggest Opportunity(1:02:30) MakerDAO To Invest $500M in US Treasurys & Corporate Bonds  --Follow VanceFollow MichaelFollow JasonFollow Bell Curve--Referenced In The Show: SushiSwap ‘Head Chef’ Election Settled by GoldenTree, Cumberland https://blockworks.co/sushiswap-election-settled-by-goldentree-cumberland/ -Core, from Ava Labs, is more than just a wallet. It’s a free, non-custodial browser extension that gives Avalanche users a more seamless and secure Web3 experience. Download Core today at https://www.core.app/- -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. Mike, Jason, Michael, Vance and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.