The Rollup

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 Santos discusses how DePIN networks can replace outdated banks at lower costs, while exploring tokenomics and its challenges.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.

In this engaging discussion, Avi Patel, founder of Kled, tackles controversy around AI tools and token economics. Will Clemente shares macro insights affecting cryptocurrencies, while Brian Crain highlights early-stage ventures in crypto AI. Nick White delves into high throughput blockchain innovations at Celestia Labs, and Douglas Colkitt discusses his L1 chain, FOGO. Sean Li elaborates on token launches from the Newton Foundation. The conversation also covers Bitcoin reserves in Texas, CLOB infrastructure debates, and the evolving landscape of decentralized finance.

Sid Powell, CEO and Co-Founder of Maple, shares insights into the future of decentralized finance. He discusses the evolving stablecoin landscape and how institutional capital is shaping its growth. The conversation uncovers the blurred lines between centralized and decentralized finance and the impact of strategic partnerships on innovation in DeFi. Sid also offers advice for navigating the crypto ecosystem during bear markets and highlights the importance of strong business models over mere token valuation.

Josh Benaron, CEO of Irys, dives into the transformative world of decentralized data storage. He explains how data chains are evolving beyond S3 and discusses the importance of an ecosystem that adds value to stored data. Josh shares insights on what will make a successful token launch in 2025, emphasizing community over hype. He also reveals his top three controversial token picks, all linked to the accelerating significance of data in the AI-driven future. This conversation connects cutting-edge blockchain technology with the booming value of data.

Join Sid Powell, CEO of Maple Finance, Regan Bozman of Lattice Capital, Bobby Ghoshal from Dupe, and Jake Ostrovski of Wintermute for an enlightening discussion on the crypto landscape. They delve into the explosive growth of stablecoins and their potential to reshape payments globally. Cybersecurity issues like the a16z Twitter hack highlight the industry's vulnerabilities. The experts also analyze market trends, the impacts of AI on commerce, and the evolution of decentralized finance, offering valuable insights into future trading strategies.

TraderMayne weighs in on the changing landscape of liquid crypto markets as we edge toward 2025. He spills the tea on who truly influences market movements and how to distinguish skill from sheer luck in trading. The conversation takes unexpected turns with takes on quirky tokens like Fartcoin and highlights the dispersion in altcoin performance. TraderMayne shares fascinating anecdotes from his prop firm, Breakout, and his ambition to nurture new traders, making for a lively and thought-provoking discussion.

Bobby Beniers from CoinFund, a prolific panel moderator, joins the discussion on the intersections of crypto and military sponsorship, specifically the backlash against Coinbase's collaboration with the U.S. Army. They delve into the rise of Hyperliquid and innovations like Eigenlayer, alongside market analysis influenced by geopolitical tensions. The duo explores AI's impact on content creation, shifting public sentiments, and the emergence of decentralized exchanges while sharing insights on monetizing crypto ventures and evolving trading strategies.