Unchained

Nicolas Vaiman, CEO and co-founder of Bubblemaps, dives into the murky waters of crypto shenanigans. He exposes how insiders like Hayden Davis and celebrity promoters have capitalized on high-profile token launches, often leaving retail investors in the dust. The discussion explores mechanics behind insider trading, deceptive tokenomics, and the rapid downfall of celebrity-endorsed coins. Vaiman also challenges listeners to consider what protections the crypto industry can realistically establish, given the current landscape of chaos and manipulation.

Alex Cutler, co-founder of Aerodrome Finance, and Luke Youngblood, founder of Moonwell Finance, dive into the transformative potential of Coinbase's Layer 2, Base. They discuss how Base could redefine token distribution, making it possible to reach 100M+ users effortlessly. The conversation tackles the sustainability of DeFi, the centrality of exchanges in asset trading, and the complications of liquidity fragmentation. They also speculate on the future of trading sequencing and the need for fairer market practices that enhance speed and user experience.

AJ Warner, Chief Strategy Officer at Offchain Labs and an influential voice in Arbitrum's ecosystem, joins the discussion on the latest in crypto. They explore Tom Lee’s ascendance as Ethereum's new advocate as BitMine claims 1.5% of its supply. The podcast dives into the intriguing dynamics of Digital Asset Treasuries, Japan's tax arbitrage, and the significant drop in mNAV premiums. Additionally, they tackle Robinhood's innovative tokenized stocks launch in Europe, and the potential shifts in crypto capital markets driven by mergers and acquisitions.

Peter Hans, Partner at Hack VC, and Jon Charbonneau, Co-founder of DBA, dive into the shifting landscape of cryptocurrency investments. They debate whether traditional four-year cycles are a thing of the past and explore the rise of Digital Asset Treasuries (DATs). The duo discusses Solana's potential for a TradFi boost, Ethereum's newfound importance, and how platforms like Hyperliquid are redefining the exchange landscape. Expect insights on stablecoin innovations and the evolving strategies investors must adopt in this fragmented market.

Vlad Tenev, CEO and co-founder of Robinhood, dives into revolutionary concepts for finance. He discusses Robinhood Chain's Layer 2 solution for tokenizing stocks and private shares like OpenAI and SpaceX. The debate over permissionless tokenization versus issuer consent highlights a shift in private market access. Tenev emphasizes the need for accreditation reform, moving away from wealth-gated systems. Finally, he explores how AI can enhance smart contract security and the vision for 24/7 trading, blending traditional finance with cutting-edge crypto.

David Nage, a VC Portfolio Manager at Arca, and Lawson Bae, Founder of Relayzero, dive into the heated bidding war between LayerZero and Wormhole over Stargate DAO. They analyze LayerZero's shocking $110 million bid and its implications for valuing DApps as real businesses. The discussion highlights how traditional business principles are seeping into crypto strategies, the importance of transparency in DAO acquisitions, and the potential for a consolidation wave in the industry. Tune in for insights on this pivotal moment in crypto M&A!

Brandon Millman, CEO of Phantom, champions user experience in crypto, while Luca Netz, CEO of Pudgy Penguins, aims to make crypto more accessible through character-driven IP. They explore the shift from speculation to mass adoption in crypto, debating who will capture the next hundred million users. Key insights include the importance of distribution, the payments race, and how established firms like Robinhood are reshaping competition. Both guests emphasize the need for innovation and user-focused applications to thrive in the evolving ecosystem.

Austin Campbell, NYU professor and founder of Zero Knowledge Consulting, dives deep into the burgeoning world of stablecoins and blockchain technology. He discusses whether specialized stablecoin blockchains are necessary, the competitive edge that Stripe’s new chain might have, and why Circle’s Arc could face challenges. Austin also speculates on unexpected contenders in the stablecoin race and warns that actual winners may not yet be in the spotlight. Consumers could ultimately benefit most as the landscape evolves.

Discover how major fintech companies are launching their own blockchains amid an altcoin resurgence, sparking debates on decentralization. Uncover the shocking 51% attack on Monero powered by an AI named Garth and its possible ramifications for Bitcoin's security. Tune in for insights on whether stablecoin-centric blockchains are innovative solutions or mere cash grabs. Exciting discussions highlight the future of Digital Asset Treasuries and the intriguing connection between market dynamics and real-world events!

Sid Powell, CEO & Co-Founder of Maple Finance, shares his insights on the thriving Ethereum market. He discusses the driving forces behind ETH's surge, questioning if it’s due to the GENIUS Act, stablecoins, or significant capital flows. The conversation reveals the competitive landscape of stablecoin dominance and the potential impact of TradFi investments on the blockchain. Powell also weighs in on the macroeconomic factors at play, highlighting the relationship between traditional finance and decentralized markets.