Unchained

Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder and CEO of Solana Labs, shares insights on Solana's remarkable rise from its troubled beginnings to a leading blockchain platform. He discusses the unexpected boom of memecoins within the ecosystem and their lasting impact. The impact of Fire Dancer on Solana's scalability is highlighted, along with a debate on vertical vs. horizontal scaling. Finally, Anatoly reveals ambitious plans for the mobile market with the Seeker phone, promising to reshape crypto engagement for the future.

Join Jeff Park, Head of Alpha Strategies at Bitwise and a crypto asset management expert, as he dissects the latest in cryptocurrency. He critiques a controversial ECB paper on Bitcoin, calling it misguided. The rise in institutional interest for Bitcoin ETFs is explored, alongside the intriguing concept of the 'Trump trade' and its potential effects on altcoin markets. Plus, they discuss the emergence of AI memecoins and the implications of Stripe's significant acquisition in the crypto space, highlighting the evolving landscape of digital assets.

Chris Maurice, co-founder and CEO of Yellow Card, sheds light on Africa's dynamic crypto landscape. He reveals how stablecoins, particularly USDT, are revolutionizing B2B payments while tackling local currency instability. Maurice shares his personal journey into African finance, emphasizing the unique challenges of crypto entrepreneurship on the continent. He argues that stakeholders should pay more attention to Africa's innovative approach to finance, which could redefine the future of banking beyond traditional systems like SWIFT.

Jon Charbonneau, co-founder and General Partner at DBA, discusses the challenges of valuing decentralized networks like Bitcoin and Ethereum. He explains why traditional equity models falter when applied to these assets and reveals the tax inefficiencies impacting staking rewards. The conversation also delves into Layer 2 solutions and their complexities, questioning whether they enhance or hinder Layer 1 blockchains. Finally, Jon tackles the sustainability of these networks in the long run, offering a comprehensive look at crypto valuation.

Dive into the lively debate over the 'Memecoin Supercycle' and whether these meme-driven currencies are here to stay. Discover Uniswap's audacious move to launch its own chain on the Optimism Superchain and its potential to upend the DeFi landscape. Explore Kamala Harris's intriguing crypto stance as she targets memecoin investors with promises of regulatory protection. The discussion also highlights the shifting tide between meme coins and traditional venture capital as both vie for attention in the ever-evolving crypto ecosystem.

Arthur Cheong, founder and CIO of DeFiance Capital, and Jordi Alexander, founder of Selini Capital, share their insights on the potential bull run in decentralized finance. They discuss significant improvements in DeFi's security and user experience, alongside the rivalry between Ethereum and Solana. The duo also examines the controversial role of Layer 2 solutions, the impact of memecoins on investor behavior, and the critical need for healthy tokenomics. Join them as they explore the future landscape of DeFi and its growing appeal to investors.

Ryan Salame, the former CEO of FTX Digital Markets, opens up about his tumultuous journey leading to imprisonment for campaign finance violations. He reveals why he withdrew millions just before FTX's bankruptcy and details a bizarre scheme involving Thai prostitutes to access Alameda’s frozen funds in China. Salame disputes claims of misleading banks and argues that his former associates, notably Caroline Ellison and Nishad Singh, share culpability. His candid reflections on cooperation with prosecutors and the murky ethical landscape of crypto make for a riveting discussion.

In this conversation, Stani Kulechov, Founder and CEO of Avara and Aave innovator, dives into thrilling crypto debates. The group speculates on Satoshi Nakamoto's identity, fueled by a new HBO documentary. They discuss Ethereum's potential block time reduction and blob storage expansion to maintain competitiveness. The talk heats up with insights on a Trump whale on PolyMarket and the implications of Operation Chokepoint 2.0, highlighting regulatory pressures on the crypto space and the role of TikTok in shaping market reactions.

Nikos Kargadouris, Chief Investment Officer of a private investment office, joins the discussion about the shifting macro landscape as the PBOC and Fed adjust policies. He shares insights on how increased liquidity may drive all asset classes up, including equities and Bitcoin. The potential mispricing in the oil market due to geopolitical tensions is also highlighted, along with the surprising resilience of the U.S. economy against recession fears. Plus, they ponder whether central banks might embrace Bitcoin ETFs and the future of meme coins.

Sam Kessler, CoinDesk’s deputy managing editor for tech, and Taylor Monahan, co-founder of MyEtherWallet, dive into the alarming infiltration of the crypto industry by North Korean operatives. They discuss how these 'IT' workers use deception to bypass hiring processes and the ethical dilemmas facing companies unknowingly employing them. The conversation highlights security vulnerabilities, red flags to watch for, and personal stories that reveal the unique tactics deployed by these hackers. They also reflect on industry improvements and the ongoing fight to secure crypto protocols.