

Lightspeed
Blockworks
Lightspeed is a podcast for those interested in how crypto can solve real problems and create products users love. It's a callback to the garage days of Silicon Valley, where builders pushed the limits of hardware and software to build world-changing products. We interview the projects and founders that will make this same impact today.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 17, 2025 • 44min
Solana ETFs Are Coming With Carlos Gonzalez Campo
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!

Jun 13, 2025 • 50min
Standard Chartered: The Bull Case For Solana | Geoff Kendrick
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.

Jun 10, 2025 • 54min
Crypto's Fastest Payments App, Only Possible On Solana | Ted Livingston
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.

4 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 60min
How Will Pump Fun's Token Impact Solana? | Weekly Roundup
Ryan Connor, a Blockworks employee and staunch advocate for Pump Fun, dives into the ambitious plans surrounding the new token launch aimed at raising $1 billion. He discusses the potential impacts on the Solana ecosystem and explores market dynamics defining this venture. The conversation highlights strategies for navigating airdrops and the complexities of either launching a new blockchain or exchange. Additionally, Connor elaborates on the challenges of scaling within Solana, making it a must-listen for crypto enthusiasts!

Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 17min
Alpenglow: Solana's Largest Protocol Upgrade Ever | Brennan Watt, Anza
Brennan Watt, VP of Core Engineering at Anza, discusses the Alpenglow upgrade, which aims to enhance transaction speed and network security for Solana. He shares insights on Anza's role in improving Solana’s scalability and the technical shifts from Tower BFT to innovative solutions. The conversation also delves into strategies for reducing malicious MEV and the changing economics surrounding decentralized transactions. Brennan's expertise sheds light on the future of Solana and the importance of continuous improvement in blockchain technology.

May 30, 2025 • 60min
The Solana Incubator: Finding Crypto's Next Breakthrough App | Emon Motamedi
Emon Motamedi, Head of Solana Incubator, shares insights on fostering innovation in the crypto space. He discusses how to discover breakthrough ideas and emphasizes the significance of product-market fit in crypto startups. Emon provides valuable advice for founders navigating the evolving landscape, including the balance between launching tokens and achieving sustainable models. The conversation also highlights real-world applications of blockchain technology and the importance of community collaboration in launching impactful projects.

14 snips
May 27, 2025 • 42min
The State Of Solana DeFi With Kyle Samani & Chris Heaney
Kyle Samani, Managing Partner at Multicoin Capital, and Chris Heaney, Co-founder of Drift, dive into the vibrant world of Solana DeFi. They discuss the competitive landscape and innovative dynamics reshaping the ecosystem. Topics include advancements in consensus models, market making strategies, and the potential of Bitcoin integration for yield generation. They'll explore the significance of projects like Axiom and Drift, alongside concerns about quantum computing's impact on Bitcoin security. Tune in for insights on the future of decentralized finance!

6 snips
May 23, 2025 • 53min
Crypto's Next DePIN Catalyst With David Rhodus, Pipe Network
David Rhodus, Founder and CEO of Pipe Network and Permissionless Labs, dives into the exciting world of decentralized solutions for content delivery networks. He explains the complexities of CDNs and how Pipe Network aims to disrupt traditional infrastructure. The conversation highlights achieving ultra-low latency, the significance of decentralized node operations, and innovations like zero-knowledge proofs for verifying nodes. Rhodus also shares insights on navigating regulatory challenges and the potential of integrating AI to enhance decentralized infrastructure.

32 snips
May 20, 2025 • 1h 4min
The Microstrategy Of Solana Playbook With Dan Kang
Dan Kang, Head of Investor Relations at DeFi Development Corp, shares insights on their innovative Solana playbook. He discusses why crypto treasury companies often trade above NAV, highlighting the volatility flywheel's impact on investor interest. Dan elaborates on the importance of narrative in cryptocurrency, his long-term thesis for Solana, and the strategy of efficiently accumulating SOL. Listeners will also enjoy his personal anecdotes and reflections on the evolving crypto landscape, from market volatility to community engagement.

8 snips
May 16, 2025 • 43min
The Solana Token Launchpad Coming for Venture Capital | Ryan Connor
Ryan Connor, Head of Research at Blockworks, dives deep into the Believe app, a fresh approach designed for indie developers to secure funding through tokenization. He discusses the memeification of capital markets and its impact on investor behavior. Connor critiques Zora's token launchpad model while highlighting the unique strategies that Believe employs. They also tackle sniping issues during crypto launches and explore how these trends shape the volatile landscape of meme coins, suggesting a new era for venture capital and community engagement in the crypto space.


