

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

35 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 17min
How Venture Is Navigating Crypto IPOs Featuring Rob Hadick & Diogo Mónica
Diogo Mónica, a partner at Haun Ventures and co-founder of Anchorage, and Rob Hadick, a partner at Dragonfly known for his stablecoin investments, dive into the shifting landscape of crypto venture capital. They discuss the transition from speculative meme coins to serious investments, the challenges of crypto IPOs, and how companies like Circle are navigating this space. With insights on trading strategies and the evolving role of stablecoins, the conversation highlights opportunities and risks in the crypto market for both investors and emerging businesses.

23 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 1h 8min
Don’t Midcurve Circle and PumpFun | Weekly Roundup
Yano and Santi dive into the world of crypto, discussing the implications of Circle's oversubscribed IPO and Robinhood's expanding influence. They explore the excitement around Pump.fun's billion-dollar raise and dissect Coinbase's shifting position in the market. The hosts also touch on the intersection of politics and crypto, with humorous takes on the Trump family's involvement. Plus, they delve into the complexities of stablecoins in global remittances and the latest DeFi innovations, all while cautioning listeners about rising scams.

53 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 17min
Debate: How to Value an L1 Token With Dan Smith and Jonah Weinstein
Jonah Weinstein, a crypto-focused Portfolio Manager at SkyCatcher, joins forces with Dan Smith, Lead Researcher at Blockworks, for a deep dive into valuing L1 tokens. They debate the merits of REV versus RSOV metrics, exploring how these frameworks redefine investment strategies. The duo highlights the unique characteristics of Layer 1 tokens, their potential as monetary instruments, and the dynamic interplay among stakeholders. With insights into user demand and market valuations, they provide a fresh perspective on the evolving crypto landscape.

12 snips
May 31, 2025 • 1h 12min
LIVE Hivemind: Crypto Treasury Companies, Sui Hack & Solana’s New Consensus
The hosts explore the burgeoning trend of crypto treasury plays, spotlighting MicroStrategy's recent moves. They dive into the launch of the stablecoin Plasma and dissect the implications of the Sui hack on security and centralization. A fascinating discussion unfolds on Solana's new consensus model, balancing efficiency and decentralization. Plus, the looming threat of quantum computing on cryptocurrency security raises eyebrows. Tune in for insights that can shape the future of the crypto landscape!

6 snips
May 30, 2025 • 1h
Consensus Bets Pay Off In 2025 | Weekly Roundup
This discussion dives into the exciting trends in the cryptocurrency market, spotlighting standout tokens like Hyperliquid and Fartcoin. It examines investor caution amid rising scams and contrasts retail and institutional interests. The conversation also uncovers the world of crypto-backed securities, revealing risks and rewards. Key insights from a recent Bitcoin conference highlight crypto's role as a hedge against political instability, while investment strategies are analyzed through notable company movements and the impending IPO of Circle. Get ready for a thrilling ride in the crypto landscape!

May 26, 2025 • 1h 4min
The Bitcoin Treasury Playbook With Tyler Evans & Josh Solesbury
Tyler Evans, CIO of UTXO and co-founder of BTC Inc., joins Josh Solesbury, an investor at Parify, to uncover the cutting-edge world of Bitcoin treasury strategies. They discuss Michael Saylor's influence on corporate Bitcoin strategies and delve into how companies are innovatively integrating Bitcoin into their financial models. Listeners learn about unique investment profiles, the complexities of financial engineering, and potential strategies for institutional investors. This engaging conversation sheds light on Bitcoin's evolving role in corporate finance.

21 snips
May 23, 2025 • 1h 9min
Entering Ethereum’s New Era | Tomasz Stańczak
Tomasz Stańczak, Co-Executive Director at the Ethereum Foundation, shares his insights on Ethereum's evolving culture and product focus. He explores Ethereum's dominance in DeFi and real-world assets, emphasizing the need for innovation and adaptability in its ecosystem. The discussion includes groundbreaking advancements in real-time proving and scaling Layer 1, as well as strategies to bridge on-chain and off-chain economies. Tomasz highlights Ethereum's vision for a transformative future in finance, making it indispensable in today's digital landscape.

50 snips
May 19, 2025 • 1h 10min
The Bull Case For Ethereum | Tom Dunleavy & Ryan Berckmans
Ryan Berckmans, an ETH OG and community member, and Tom Dunleavy, Head of Venture at Varys Capital, delve into the bull case for Ethereum. They discuss Ethereum's notable pivot, value proposition, and the implications of Layer 1 and Layer 2 dynamics. The conversation highlights Ethereum's challenges and successes, as well as economic factors like block space pricing. They also explore future growth strategies and competition within the crypto landscape, offering insights into personal investment approaches in a rapidly evolving market.

13 snips
May 16, 2025 • 1h 8min
The Next Phase of the Bull Market | Weekly Roundup
This week dives into the fascinating dynamics of the cryptocurrency market. There’s a spotlight on Ethereum's recent surge and the cultural factors shaping trading strategies. The discussion also analyzes investment strategies, including Bitcoin’s role in portfolios and the anticipated rise of crypto mergers and acquisitions. With insights on navigating volatile markets and the impact of major firms like Coinbase, listeners gain a comprehensive view of investing in this rapidly evolving space.

6 snips
May 15, 2025 • 1h 6min
Hivemind: ETH Pump, Solana’s Edge & the New Meme Meta
The team dives into Ethereum's impressive surge, analyzing if it's fueled by real market demand or just speculative moves. They also spotlight Solana's potential as a hub for 'Internet Capital Markets' and discuss the fresh narratives surrounding real-world asset tokens. The conversation ventures into Celestia's challenges, the innovative landscape of tokenized equity fundraising, and the buzz around meme coins. Add a sprinkle of humor from personal parenting anecdotes, and you have a lively take on the ever-evolving crypto scene!


