The Rollup

Jon Charbonneau, co-founder of DBA, dives deep into the complex world of blockchain architecture. He questions the reliability of Proof-of-Stake as the default consensus mechanism and introduces Proof-of-Governance as a potential alternative. The discussion touches on security risks for Layer 1s amid token inflation, the implications of Celestia's data availability fees, and Ethereum’s ambitious plan to reduce slot times. Jon champions a rethink of fundamental blockchain design assumptions for future viability.

Michael Sonnenshein, COO at Securitize, discusses the impact of a dormant Bitcoin whale offloading billions and the tokenization of real-world assets. Karel Kubat, Founder of Union, shares insights on Bitcoin's future and innovations in the ZK space. Cooper Turley, known for building SongCoins, dives into how blockchain can revolutionize music, enabling fans to invest in their favorite artists. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of crypto legislation and the exciting potential of integrating decentralized finance into everyday life.

Anand Iyer, an AI crypto investor entrenched in both industries, discusses the nascent world of decentralized AI. He tackles the stark contrast in funding—$300 billion for centralized AI versus just $1 billion for decentralized options—highlighting a massive opportunity for innovation. Anand predicts the next big project could emerge from just one developer on-chain. The conversation also dives into the ethical implications of AI in personal relationships and how blockchain can enhance privacy in this evolving tech landscape.

The intellectual property market is a staggering $62 trillion, but defining ownership in the age of AI is a puzzle. S.Y. Lee discusses the possibilities of programmable IP and challenges traditional notions of digital ownership. There’s also a major fund aimed at supporting blockchain innovations in creative fields. The potential of music royalties and interactive content generated through AI are explored. Finally, the conversation delves into how cryptocurrency can empower creators and secure funding for their innovative ideas.

Eli Ben Sasson, co-founder of StarkWare, envisions Starknet as Bitcoin's execution layer by 2025. He discusses the revolutionary potential of ZK technology and how it can reshape decentralization and self-ownership. Eli delves into the importance of privacy in financial transactions and highlights the innovative projects emerging on StarkNet. He also explores Bitcoin's role in DeFi and its utility in generating yields, positioning it as a key asset for future stablecoins and institutional investments.

Diego Fernandez, former Secretary of Innovation for Buenos Aires and founder of Quark ID, joins RJ from Lambda Class to discuss Argentina's groundbreaking use of Ethereum for digital identity. They reveal how 700,000 citizens now store government documents in crypto wallets. The conversation highlights why Ethereum is favored over private blockchains and the global scalability of the 'Trust Stack.' Listeners will learn valuable insights for other governments aiming for modern solutions to boost trust and efficiency.

Santiago Santos, founder of Inversion and expert in stablecoins and decentralized infrastructure, dives into the future of finance. He argues that stablecoins will revolutionize banking by merging traditional accounts into a programmable solution. Santos discusses how DePIN networks can replace outdated banks at lower costs, while exploring tokenomics and its challenges. The conversation also touches on investment strategies in Latin America and the profound impact of AI on business, urging a shift in how we perceive cryptocurrency.

Marcel Fohrmann, a half Turkish, half German innovator based in Switzerland, is building SQD, a decentralized data network. He discusses the vital role of decentralized infrastructure in supporting AI agents and the shortcomings of traditional data giants. Marcel highlights the analogy of hotel chains versus Airbnb to illustrate centralized versus decentralized data control. The conversation also dives into evolving blockchain business models and the importance of equitable data distribution to avoid monopolistic tech influences, paving the way for a fairer AI economy.

Tarun Chitra, Founder and CEO of Robot Ventures, brings deep expertise in crypto and AI to the conversation. He reveals how AI models like O3, Claude, and Gemini each excel in different tasks, emphasizing the need for specialized tools in a fracturing AI landscape. Tarun explores the challenges and exciting opportunities of merging AI with cryptocurrency, including edge computing and innovative projects. He also shares insights on staking trends and the future of DeFi, highlighting a cautious yet optimistic outlook for investors.

Hasseb Qureshi, Managing Partner at Dragonfly Capital, dives deep into the nuances of the crypto market. He explores the complex relationship between nominal yields and inflation, advocating for stablecoin investments. Hasseb discusses the integration of stablecoins into traditional payment systems and how this shift could revolutionize finance. He also highlights the intersection of AI and crypto, emphasizing patience amidst market fluctuations. His insights reveal exciting investment trends and the importance of sustainable growth over quick profits.