Unchained

David Grider, a Partner at Finality Capital and crypto investing expert, joins the discussion to dissect the evolving crypto landscape. He highlights the significance of a potential meeting between Trump and Brian Armstrong and its implications for crypto policy. Grider also discusses Ethereum's sluggish performance, seeing potential for a comeback, and expresses optimism about restaking initiatives. Additionally, he examines how anticipated interest rate cuts could influence the market and speculates on which crypto categories might emerge as winners.

Martin Köppelmann, co-founder and CEO of Gnosis, dives into the urgent need for native rollups to fix Ethereum's scalability woes. He critiques current layer 2 solutions, arguing they fall short on security and composability. His bold proposal includes 128 Ethereum-native rollups utilizing zero-knowledge proofs for enhanced privacy and speed. The conversation also tackles potential threats to existing L2s and whether the community is ready to embrace this transformative approach, all while ensuring that these innovations align with Ethereum's core principles.

Robbie Mitchnick, Head of Digital Assets for BlackRock, shares insights on the firm's groundbreaking entry into the crypto market. He discusses the surprising inflows from Bitcoin ETFs and how they’ve shifted institutional perceptions. Mitchnick delves into why he sees Bitcoin as more than just a risk-on asset and offers a unique investment thesis on Ethereum. He also addresses concerns about regulation and the balance between BlackRock's centralization and the decentralized crypto ethos, providing a compelling view of the future.

Faryar Shirzad and Kara Calvert from Coinbase dive into how the 2024 elections are reshaping the crypto landscape in Washington. They share insights on the Fairshake Super PAC's bold strategies, which led to a more crypto-friendly Congress. The discussion highlights the need for bipartisan support and regulatory clarity in the crypto space. They also explore the challenges of maintaining a non-partisan stance and the implications of global blockchain adoption on U.S. leadership in Web3 innovation.

Prediction markets have outpaced mainstream media in forecasting the 2024 election results, showcasing a shift in trust and transparency. With Trump’s potential pro-crypto policies, the landscape for ETFs and a federal Bitcoin reserve could change dramatically. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party's anti-crypto stance reveals a troubling disconnect with innovation, highlighting the need for a more nuanced conversation. As crypto legislation evolves, the political dynamics will greatly influence the future of the industry in America.

Jeff Park, Head of Alpha Strategies at Bitwise, offers a unique perspective on the intersection of crypto and politics. He discusses the potential for a pro-crypto shift in Washington and its impact on market dynamics. Park analyzes why DeFi tokens like UNI are thriving and debates Bitcoin's role as a strategic national asset. He also reveals insights on how China might react to Trump's economic policies and introduces his "radical portfolio" thesis, advocating for diversification into alternative assets amid changing regulations.

Ram Ahluwalia, CEO of Lumida, and Noelle Acheson, author of "Crypto Is Macro Now," explore the impact of Trump's election on crypto markets. They discuss possible upcoming IPOs and why DeFi tokens are thriving. With inflation concerns and regulatory shifts looming, they examine if Bitcoin could soar again. Ram and Noelle dive into how mainstream media misjudged Trump's appeal and the significance of platforms like Polymarket in predicting market moves. Their insights reveal the exciting interplay between political events and the crypto landscape.

In this discussion, Matt O’Connor, co-founder of Legion, and Mike Dudas, founding partner of 6th Man Ventures, delve into the flaws of traditional token launches dominated by whales. They argue for better alignment of token holders with long-term projects and explore Legion's innovative approach to fair distribution and organic growth. Key topics include the need for clear regulatory frameworks, the potential of MiCA regulations, and how reputation systems can foster genuine community engagement in the crypto space.

Join Mike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy Digital and a champion of Democratic crypto policies, and Shaun Maguire, General Partner at Sequoia Capital and Trump supporter, as they delve into the complexities of the 2024 election's impact on cryptocurrency. They debate how a Trump or Harris presidency could shape regulation and innovation in the industry. The conversation also touches on crypto's populist appeal, the potential for blockchain in ensuring electoral integrity, and the political dynamics that could redefine the future of crypto in the U.S.

Arthur Hayes, the co-founder of BitMEX and a crypto market guru, shares his insights on preparing for market shifts as the 2024 U.S. elections approach. He discusses election trade strategies, favoring Solana over Ethereum in the short term. Will Trump fulfill his crypto promises? Hayes explores potential market reactions based on election outcomes and the importance of focusing on major assets. Veronica Irwin, a regulatory reporter, adds insights on crypto policy developments and SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce's perspectives on leadership in regulation.