Lightspeed

Gm! this week, Leah Wald joins the show to discuss what led Cypherpunk Holdings to go all in on Solana. We deep dive into the Solana ETF outlook, investing in the ecosystem, the role of staking, TradFi demand for Solana & much more!--Follow Leah: https://x.com/LeahWaldFollow Jack: https://x.com/whosknaveFollow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/LightspeedpodhqSubscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed--Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(02:25) Going All In On Solana(09:14) Investing In The Solana Ecosystem(16:01) Solana ETF(23:50) Staking(30:45) TradFi Demand For Solana--Disclaimers:Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation.Nothing said on Lightspeed is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

Gm! this week, we begin by discussing Snowden's recent comments that Solana is centralized. We then deep dive into Mert's biggest takeaways from recent conferences, the impact of Firedancer, reasons to be bullish DePin & more. Enjoy!--Follow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknaveFollow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/LightspeedpodhqSubscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed--DragonSwap is the DeFi Hub on Sei’s Layer 1, allowing users to swap, provide liquidity, and farm! Built on Sei’s sub-second execution environment, DragonSwap is transforming the DEX landscape by building an “onchain CEX” that leverages chain-abstracted AVSs, enabling users to buy any asset on any chain. With tons of incentives already available, September will bring even more to Sei users with partners like Stargate and Frax!Start farming on Sei today by visiting https://dragonswap.app/--(00:00) Introduction(03:28) Is Solana Centralized?(18:02) Defining Success In Crypto(23:49) Sei Ad(24:15) Firedancer(32:50) Solana TPS & Block Demand(39:37) The Firedancer Impact(44:49) Crypto's KOLs(53:09) Crypto Conferences(56:19) Bullish DePin--Disclaimers:Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation.Nothing said on Lightspeed is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

Arnold Lee, CEO and co-founder of Sphere, a pioneering Solana-based payments company, shares insights on revolutionizing global fintech payments. He explains how SphereNet addresses the challenges of international transactions, balancing permissioned and permissionless systems. The conversation touches on celebrity collaborations in cryptocurrency, including a project involving Iggy Azalea, highlighting their professional approach. Lee emphasizes the importance of smaller companies in blockchain innovation and the need for user-friendly applications for broader acceptance.

Sean Carey, a Partner at Borderless Capital and a DePIN specialist, shares his insights on decentralized physical infrastructure networks. He discusses the unique investment strategies of DePIN projects and their real-world applications like Helium. The conversation highlights the synergy between DePIN and cryptocurrency, exploring the transformative potential of decentralized technologies in disrupting traditional telecom models. Additionally, Carey delves into Solana's role in shaping the future of DePIN networks and emphasizes the importance of clear communication in fostering investment relationships.

Gm! In this episode, we’re joined by Andrea Fortunio, Co-founder of MagicBlock! We discussed the current state of the Solana gaming industry, AAA vs Mobile gaming, and the benefits of Ephemeral Rollups. Additionally, we dove into the security implications of utilizing optimistic rollups in onchain gaming. We ended the episode with coverage of MagicBlock’s current timelines, and their experience in the A16z accelerator. Enjoy!ResourcesMagicBlock Engine footage: https://x.com/magicblock/status/1802717656102978040–Follow MagicBlock: https://x.com/magicblockFollow Andrea: https://x.com/supermarioblockFollow Jack: https://x.com/whosknaveFollow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/LightspeedpodhqSubscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeedUtilize the Solana Dashboard by Blockworks Research: http://solana.blockworksresearch.com/--DragonSwap is the DeFi Hub on Sei’s Layer 1, allowing users to swap, provide liquidity, and farm! Built on Sei’s sub-second execution environment, DragonSwap is transforming the DEX landscape by building an “onchain CEX” that leverages chain-abstracted AVSs, enabling users to buy any asset on any chain. With tons of incentives already available, September will bring even more to Sei users with partners like Stargate and Frax!Start farming on Sei today by visiting https://dragonswap.app/--Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/43o3SykSubscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3OhiXgVSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OkF7PDGet top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/--(00:00) Introduction(05:07) Why Run Games Fully Onchain?(11:42) The Solana Gaming Industry(15:47) AAA Games vs Mobile Gaming(18:05) Sei Ad(18:31) The Benefits of Ephemeral Rollups(36:41) Security Implications of Optimistic Rollups for Onchain Gaming(40:10) Why Not Build A L2?(46:16) MagicBlock Timelines(50:55) A16z Accelerator & Crypto Gaming Sentiment--Disclaimers:Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation.Nothing said on Lightspeed is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

Gm! In this episode, Jack and Ian Unsworth from Kairos Research discuss Solana Mobile’s latest device, Seeker, and its potential impact on Solana’s growth. Additionally, they dive into the value proposition for Non-Bitcoin ETFs, and Trump’s upcoming DeFi project. They close out by asking - will Solana restaking be successful? Enjoy! ResourcesHelius Funding Announcement: https://x.com/0xMert_/status/1836578165977915858Drift Funding Announcement: https://x.com/DriftProtocol/status/1836752136614658325The Next Chapter of Solana Mobile: https://x.com/solanamobile/status/1836614409613119632Cypherpunk Holdings Rebrands: https://blockworks.co/news/lightspeed-newsletter-sol-strategies-rebrand--Follow Ian: https://x.com/Ian_UnsworthFollow Jack: https://x.com/whosknaveFollow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/LightspeedpodhqSubscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeedUtilize the Solana Dashboard by Blockworks Research: http://solana.blockworksresearch.com/--DragonSwap is the DeFi Hub on Sei’s Layer 1, allowing users to swap, provide liquidity, and farm! Built on Sei’s sub-second execution environment, DragonSwap is transforming the DEX landscape by building an “onchain CEX” that leverages chain-abstracted AVSs, enabling users to buy any asset on any chain. With tons of incentives already available, September will bring even more to Sei users with partners like Stargate and Frax!Start farming on Sei today by visiting https://dragonswap.app/--Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/43o3SykSubscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3OhiXgVSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OkF7PDGet top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/--(00:00) Introduction(02:07) Drift & Helius Announce Funding Rounds(03:37) The Solana Seeker(20:16) Seeker's Impact On Crypto Gaming(28:12) Sei Protocol Ad(28:38) Cypherpunk Holdings Rebrands to Sol Strategies(35:16) The Value Proposition For Non-Bitcoin ETFs(41:27) Trump Buys Burgers With Bitcoin(44:01) Trump's DeFi Project(47:49) Will Solana Restaking Be Successful?--Disclaimers:Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation.Nothing said on Lightspeed is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

Gm! In this episode, MacBrennan, Co-founder of MarginFi, joined us to discuss the state of Solana DeFi, crypto founder exhaustion, and crypto’s image problem. We also asked ourselves, where are the new users? Finally, told us how MarginFi has navigated 2024, and what he is optimistic about in crypto today. Enjoy!ResourcesMacBrennan’s Take on Founder Exhaustion: https://x.com/macbrennan_cc/status/1824203471656194259--Follow MacBrennan: https://x.com/macbrennan_ccFollow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknaveFollow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/LightspeedpodhqSubscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeedUtilize the Solana Dashboard by Blockworks Research: http://solana.blockworksresearch.com/--DragonSwap is the DeFi Hub on Sei’s Layer 1, allowing users to swap, provide liquidity, and farm! Built on Sei’s sub-second execution environment, DragonSwap is transforming the DEX landscape by building an “onchain CEX” that leverages chain-abstracted AVSs, enabling users to buy any asset on any chain. With tons of incentives already available, September will bring even more to Sei users with partners like Stargate and Frax!Start farming on Sei today by visiting https://dragonswap.app/--Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/43o3SykSubscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3OhiXgVSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OkF7PDGet top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/--(00:00) Introduction(02:45) The State of Solana DeFi(07:28) Are Crypto Founders Exhausted?(16:46) Sei Ad(17:13) Where Are the New Users?(28:39) Crypto's Image Problem(38:09) MarginFi Today(48:45) Optimism in Crypto--Disclaimers:Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation.Nothing said on Lightspeed is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

Gm! In this episode, Jack and Mert discuss the state of SocialFi, the lack of bold bets in crypto, and what it means for crypto to succeed. They also dove into how Proof of Stake systems should work, and how sandwich attacks can be reduced onchain. Finally, they covered new DePIN projects coming to market. Enjoy!--Follow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknaveFollow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/LightspeedpodhqSubscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed--DragonSwap is the DeFi Hub on Sei’s Layer 1, allowing users to swap, provide liquidity, and farm! Built on Sei’s sub-second execution environment, DragonSwap is transforming the DEX landscape by building an “onchain CEX” that leverages chain-abstracted AVSs, enabling users to buy any asset on any chain. With tons of incentives already available, September will bring even more to Sei users with partners like Stargate and Frax!Start farming on Sei today by visiting https://dragonswap.app/--Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/43o3SykSubscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3OhiXgVSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OkF7PDGet top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/--(00:00) Introduction(04:08) Is SocialFi Dead?(17:20) The Lack of Bold Bets in Crypto(26:44) What Does It Mean For Crypto to Succeed?(32:27) Sei Ad(32:53) How Should A Proof of Stake System Work?(47:41) Reducing Sandwich Attacks(53:31) New DePIN Projects Coming to Market--Disclaimers:Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation.Nothing said on Lightspeed is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

Gm! In this episode, Dan Smith from Blockworks Research joined us to discuss L2 MEV extraction, Blockworks Research’s Solana Dashboard, and Total Economic Value on Solana! Additionally, we discussed how validators earn revenue from MEV, and supporting small validators. Finally, we unpacked Sanctum's recent LST partnerships, and speculated on whether or not NFTs will ever make a comeback. Enjoy!ResourcesBlockworks Research Solana Dashboard: https://solana.blockworksresearch.com/Dan Checks the Chain Part 1: https://x.com/smyyguy/status/1831761080252539182Dan Checks the Chain Part 2: https://x.com/smyyguy/status/1831803935549747563--Follow Dan: https://x.com/smyyguyFollow Jack: https://x.com/whosknaveFollow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/LightspeedpodhqSubscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed--Access is the new way to support and consume content from your favorite creators. Over 140 subscriptions to select from, spanning from large crypto media to a long tail of talented independent researchers and artists.No paying for subscriptions. Simply stake, consume, and get rewarded. Claim your free subscription through this link. But be quick there is a limited number available! https://tiplink.io/f/2195-aOAlZYc4ARht#Lhr8-0rBdVrxL94ZjOHwVtwxI2OSal2xw6Sz51lYuzU–Step into MyPrize—the online multiplayer crypto casino that lets you battle your friends and play alongside creators. On MyPrize, you're invited to get rowdy and share every victory and defeat with your pals. Because we know the only thing more fun than beating the house is beating your friends.Get started now with a 150% deposit or purchase bonus: https://myprize.com/invite/Lightspeed--Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/43o3SykSubscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3OhiXgVSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OkF7PDGet top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/--(00:00) Introduction(03:23) Is MEV Being Extracted on L2s?(15:57) Diving Into the Blockworks Solana Dashboard(24:34) Access Protocol Ad(25:16) MyPrize Ad(25:46) How Do Validators Earn Revenue From MEV?(28:57) Where Should TEV Be Going?(33:44) Supporting Small Validators(42:40) Are Stakers Entitled to a Large Share of TEV?(48:08) Sanctum's LST Partnerships(55:39) Are NFTs Coming Back?--Disclaimers:Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation.Nothing said on Lightspeed is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

Gm! In this episode, we’re joined by Emon Motamedi, the Head of Solana Incubator! We discussed Solana Incubator’s selection process, the first cohort of projects, and synergies with Solana Mobile. We also dove into the stories behind Sanctum and Meme Royale! Finally, Emon gave his thoughts on evaluating startups on Solana. Enjoy!Grow your company alongside Solana Labs: https://incubator.solanalabs.com/--Follow Emon: https://x.com/EmonMotamediFollow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknaveFollow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/LightspeedpodhqSubscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed--Access is the new way to support and consume content from your favorite creators. Over 140 subscriptions to select from, spanning from large crypto media to a long tail of talented independent researchers and artists.No paying for subscriptions. Simply stake, consume, and get rewarded. Claim your free subscription through this link. But be quick there is a limited number available! https://tiplink.io/f/2195-aOAlZYc4ARht#Lhr8-0rBdVrxL94ZjOHwVtwxI2OSal2xw6Sz51lYuzU–Step into MyPrize—the online multiplayer crypto casino that lets you battle your friends and play alongside creators. On MyPrize, you're invited to get rowdy and share every victory and defeat with your pals. Because we know the only thing more fun than beating the house is beating your friends.Get started now with a 150% deposit or purchase bonus: https://myprize.com/invite/Lightspeed--Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/43o3SykSubscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3OhiXgVSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OkF7PDGet top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/--(00:00) Introduction(01:48) Are Incubators Worth It?(10:27) Solana Incubator's Selection Process(14:58) The First Cohort(22:18) Access Protocol Ad(22:59) MyPrize Ad(23:30) Sanctum's Time In The Incubator(31:59) Which Teams From Cohort One Are Underrated?(36:31) Meme Royale's Story(40:42) Synergies With Solana Mobile(44:12) Emon's Shifting Roles(47:15) Evaluating Startups On Solana--Disclaimers:Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation.Nothing said on Lightspeed is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.