Unchained

Sota Watanabe, director of Soneium, shares insights on Sony's new Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain aimed at supporting creators in Web3. He discusses the controversy over blacklisting certain memecoins, emphasizing the balance between decentralization and IP protection. Watanabe also reveals the vision for Soneium's future in entertainment and finance. Meanwhile, Ari Gore of Zengo Wallet highlights innovative solutions for crypto self-custody, especially during natural disasters, advocating for advanced methods beyond traditional seed phrases.

In this discussion, Guy Young, the CEO and founder of Ethena Labs, dives into the turbulent waters of DeFi. He unpacks the USD0++ depeg crisis, revealing insights on risk transparency and the chaos it caused. Guy shares Ethena's ambitious vision for synthetic dollars and its rapid ascent in the DeFi landscape. They explore the appeal and risks of innovative yield strategies, and why centralized exchanges are crucial for scaling synthetic assets. Additionally, lessons from Luna’s downfall shape Ethena’s commitment to transparent communication.

Tom Dunleavy, Partner at Master Ventures, joins industry experts to dissect the future of crypto and macroeconomic policies. They explore the fading notion of a 'Fed pivot' and the ramifications of AI on job markets. Tom argues that Bitcoin isn't a reliable risk-off asset yet, while discussions emerge about nations possibly accumulating BTC. The moves of Tether to El Salvador stir debate about U.S. stablecoin regulations, and the recent Coinbase victory against the SEC signals potential shifts in the crypto regulatory landscape.

Zach Abrams, co-founder of stablecoin startup Bridge, shares his remarkable journey of securing a $1.1 billion acquisition by Stripe. He discusses the challenges of navigating the tumultuous crypto landscape and highlights how stablecoins can revolutionize traditional payment systems. With insights from his experience at Coinbase, Zach reveals the importance of compliance and fraud prevention in the industry. He also envisions a future with diverse stablecoins and suggests that the existing fiat infrastructure may pose the biggest competition for innovators like Bridge.

Travis Kling, Chief Investment Officer of Ikigai Asset Management, analyzes the recent turbulence in cryptocurrency markets, particularly the Bitcoin selloff. He argues that this dip may be 'abnormal' and discusses potential consequences like the DOJ's massive BTC liquidation. Kling emphatically highlights the explosive rise of AI agents and why crypto investors should take notice. He questions whether this boom is a bubble, while also examining how macroeconomic factors, including inflation and Fed policies, could influence the future of crypto.

Explore the FDIC's controversial actions against the crypto industry, including whistleblower revelations and transparency issues. Dive into the rise of the Echo crowdsale platform and its unique token distribution model, alongside the tension between VCs and community fairness. The hosts engage in playful banter, reflecting on pod stats for 2024 and their favorite cryptocurrencies. With a mix of serious insights and light-hearted commentary, they analyze the evolving regulatory landscape and the future of crypto fundraising.

This conversation features Charles Edwards, the founder of Capriole Investments, a quant fund specializing in Bitcoin strategies. They delve into Bitcoin's recent surge past $100K and the factors fueling its volatility. The discussion pivots to the economic implications of Trump’s presidency and the anticipated response from the Federal Reserve. Charles critiques the current state of AI agents in crypto and shares innovative possibilities for 2025, including potential supercycles and the future role of ETFs in the market.

Marc Zeller, founder of the Aave Chan Initiative, and Kain Warwick, founder of Infinex, analyze the fierce competition Ethereum faces from Solana and the evolving landscape of DeFi. They discuss the impact of AI agents on decentralized finance and speculate on whether these could rival traditional venture capitalists. Expect bold predictions for crypto in 2025 as they explore Ethereum's governance challenges and fragmentation issues. Will Ethereum reclaim its dominance, or will Solana continue to capture the spotlight?

In this engaging discussion, Jansen Teng, Co-founder and CEO of Virtuals Protocol, dives into the exciting world of AI agents and their intersection with blockchain. He reveals how Virtuals is leading the charge in tokenizing AI-driven agents and explores the explosive rise of projects like AIXBT. The conversation also highlights the contrasting dynamics of scarcity in crypto versus the abundance driven by AI, as well as the risks and implications of autonomous AI in finance. Tune in for insights into the future of decentralized economies!

Shaw Walters, founder of Eliza Labs, dives into the future of AI in finance. He shares his journey in launching the decentralized AI investment DAO, ai16z, and how the Eliza framework is changing crypto applications. Shaw discusses the evolution of AI agents from mere bots to powerful trading tools and their potential across blockchains. He explores the balance of trust between humans and AI, the impact on financial autonomy, and the vision of an empowered investment community. Exciting insights on how AI could redefine trading and enhance social media interactions await!