Lightspeed

Eugene Chen, co-founder of Ellipsis Labs, shares his insights on improving Solana's market structure. He discusses innovative projects like Atlas, Phoenix, and SolFi, emphasizing the need for quality product development. The conversation dives into the complexities of market dynamics, exploring market-making innovations and the impact of Miner Extractable Value (MEV) on retail investors. Eugene also highlights the strategic advantages of perpetual contracts and new automated market makers aimed at enhancing token launch efficiency. Tune in for fresh ideas on boosting user experience!

Ali Yahya, General Partner at A16Z Crypto, shares insights on the crypto landscape in 2025. He discusses the evolving roles of venture capital, highlighting the contrast between apps and infrastructure investments. The conversation delves into the promising potential of Solana as a blockchain leader, the dynamics of stablecoin adoption, and the implications of AI in crypto. Yahya also explores innovative projects like WorldCoin, emphasizing the future of identity verification in the digital economy. Tune in for a compelling view on the trajectory of crypto investment!

This week, we're excited to share with our community a bonus episode which recaps PERMISSIONLESS IV, which just took place this past week in Brooklyn, NY. This episode features some of the biggest names in the Blockworks podcast family and we hope you enjoy all the alpha! – Follow Boccaccio: https://x.com/salveboccaccio Follow Danny: https://x.com/defi_kay_ Follow Rizzo: https://x.com/pete_rizzo_ Follow Felix: https://x.com/fejau_inc Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknave – Follow Lightspeed:   / lightspeedpodhq   Subscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed Join the Lightspeed Telegram: https://t.me/+QUl_ZOj2nMJlZTEx -- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ –

Join Armani Ferrante from Backpack, Luca Netz of Pudgy Penguins, Santi Roel from Inversion Capital, and Tzvi Twersky of Baxus as they explore the future of crypto. They discuss strategies for user acquisition and retention, highlighting the importance of accessible experiences. The group tackles crypto's image problem in urban culture, the need for consumer-centric applications, and the tension between speculation and innovation. Expect insights on bridging traditional businesses with blockchain solutions, and the potential for transformative user experiences in this dynamic industry.

Max Resnick, lead economist at Anza and former Ethereum researcher, dives into Solana's mission to create a decentralized Nasdaq. He discusses Anza's contributions to the Alpenglow upgrade and how it aims to revolutionize TradFi. Resnick sheds light on the evolution of decentralized exchanges, tackling challenges like liquidity and trading efficiency. He also addresses concerns regarding Solana's inflation and the pressing need for transparent trading mechanisms to enhance user experiences and retain stakers amidst competitive dynamics.

Mike Dudas, managing partner at Six Man Ventures and a savvy commentator in crypto and venture capital, dives into the evolving landscape of crypto investment. He shares the origin story of 6MV while contrasting liquid and venture investing strategies. The discussion touches on Solana's growing app ecosystem, the implications of market manipulation, and the challenges faced by venture capitalists in the crypto space. Dudas also explores the successes of platforms like Hyperliquid, illustrating the competitive dynamics shaping the future of decentralized finance.

Dan Smith, Head of Data at Blockworks, and Louis, Investment Partner at L1D, discuss the revolutionary Token Transparency Framework aimed at clarifying the crypto landscape. They dive into challenges in the token market, comparing it to a 'market for lemons' due to information gaps. The importance of standardized communication and trust among investors is highlighted. They also tackle systemic risks and the need for regulatory measures, emphasizing the framework's potential to elevate industry integrity and improve investor confidence.

Carlos Gonzalez Campo from BlockWorks Research joins to discuss exciting developments in the world of Solana ETFs. He shares insights on how these filings might affect SOL in 2025 and compares Treasury companies with ETFs. The conversation dives into the competitive landscape of decentralized finance, exploring CLOBs versus AMMs and the impact on trading strategies. Additionally, Carlos weighs in on whether Solana DEXs can hold their ground against competitors like Hyperliquid. It's a must-listen for crypto enthusiasts!

Geoff Kendrick, Head of Digital Asset Research at Standard Chartered, shares his insights on Solana's investment potential. He explores the bullish and bearish cases for SOL and discusses how to value Layer 1 blockchains. Kendrick also delves into the future scenarios for Solana, noting its potential impact in decentralized finance and the meme coin space. He compares Solana's growth prospects with Bitcoin and Ethereum, addressing institutional interest and scalability challenges that shape their roles in the crypto market.

Ted Livingston, the founder and CEO of Flipcash and former creator of Kik, delves into the transformative potential of his new Solana payments app. He discusses how Flipcash simplifies the digital cash experience, allowing users to seamlessly turn physical money into digital transactions. The conversation highlights innovative features like the use of USDC for instant payments, a focus on privacy, and the exciting possibilities of micropayments in various industries. Ted also shares insights on navigating the crypto landscape and the evolution of payment technologies.