Unchained

Matt Luongo, CEO of Thesis, dives into tBTC, a groundbreaking Bitcoin-Ethereum bridge. He shares his vision for this censorship-resistant platform and its unique features, including high collateralization and limited staking assets. The conversation explores the risks and intricacies of the DeFi landscape, how tBTC can buffer against ETH crashes, and the contrasting cultures of Bitcoin and Ethereum communities. Luongo also hints at the exciting possibilities of tBTC 2.0, shaping the future of decentralized finance.

Cathie Wood, CEO and CIO of ARK Invest, and Yassine Elmandjra, ARK's blockchain analyst, dive into the transformative potential of Bitcoin and blockchain technology. They discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted investor behavior, creating new opportunities for crypto. The duo analyzes Bitcoin's role as a store of value compared to traditional assets like gold and its evolving relationship with global markets. They also explore the future of central bank digital currencies and the impact of regulatory challenges on projects like Libra.

Mariano Conti, head of smart contracts at MakerDAO and an expert in decentralized finance, shares his journey through cryptocurrency as an Argentine navigating hyperinflation. He discusses MakerDAO's evolution from single-collateral to multi-collateral DAI and reflects on the pivotal Black Thursday events. Conti emphasizes the ongoing struggle for financial stability in Argentina, showcasing how decentralized finance empowers communities seeking autonomy in turbulent times. His insights shed light on both personal and collective challenges faced in the crypto landscape.

Kyle Samani, a partner at Multicoin Capital and a thought leader in blockchain, delves into the defensibility of major DeFi protocols on Ethereum. He evaluates the ease of forking these protocols, making a compelling case for the resilience of Maker while questioning the stability of certain decentralized exchanges. The discussion covers the competitive dynamics within DeFi, including the impact of stablecoin clearinghouses and emerging innovations. Samani's insights highlight the intricate balance of innovation and defensibility in the evolving DeFi landscape.

Haseeb Qureshi, managing partner at Dragonfly Capital and a thought leader in the cryptocurrency space, challenges the notion that decentralization is universally superior. He argues for context and nuance, explaining that decentralization isn't always the ultimate goal. Qureshi discusses the delicate balance between trust in centralized entities versus decentralized systems, and how user experience may not significantly differ between the two. He emphasizes the need to focus on practical solutions rather than adhering to a dogmatic view of decentralization.

Kyle Samani, managing partner at Multicoin Capital, unpacks the chaos of Black Thursday, detailing the tandem price drops and their link to market panic during COVID-19. He explains how blockchain congestion sparked a downward spiral in Bitcoin prices and the subsequent liquidation crisis on exchanges. The discussion touches on a clever maneuver during this turmoil that allowed a keeper to snag $4.5 million by bidding $0 on a vault, showcasing the vulnerabilities within the DeFi system. Insights into trading dynamics and systemic failures provide a riveting perspective on crypto's volatility.

Chris Burniske, a partner at Placeholder Capital and a thought leader on the societal implications of crypto, dives deep into the values shaping the cryptocurrency landscape. He discusses the dangers of prioritizing market values over societal virtues and the unique chance crypto has to recalibrate these values. Burniske reflects on his transformative journey from finance skeptic to advocate for ethical innovations. He explores the balance between privacy and compliance, the subjectivity of financial values, and advocates for a future where fairness drives economic systems.

Soona Amhaz is a general partner at Volt Capital, specializing in crypto investments, while Yele Bademosi founded Microtraction, a firm focused on African startups. They discuss Africa's potential as a crypto hub, driven by rising Bitcoin demand in countries like Nigeria and Ghana. The conversation touches on the continent's youthful population, fintech innovations, and the challenges of traditional banking. They emphasize the importance of creating user-friendly solutions to boost crypto adoption and address local economic issues.

In this fireside chat, Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado and former tech entrepreneur, teams up with Mark Gordon, Governor of Wyoming, a pioneer in crypto legislation. They share their intriguing journeys from tech to politics, revealing how their states foster crypto innovation. The conversation delves into the complexities of cryptocurrency regulation and highlights Wyoming's unique legal frameworks that protect ICOs. They touch upon the potential for a bipartisan approach to blockchain governance and the transformative impact of Ethereum on the industry.

Maya Zehavi, a blockchain consultant, and Zubin Koticha, co-founder of Opyn, dive deep into the controversial bZx attacks. They debate if the exploits were unethical or illegal and analyze the role of flash loans in these incidents. The conversation explores the need for transparency in DeFi, the significance of bug bounties, and the potential for circuit breakers to enhance security. Interestingly, both guests express optimism about the attacks prompting necessary improvements. Plus, Maya shares the quirky reason behind her pizza slice emoji!