web3 with a16z crypto
a16z crypto, Robert Hackett, Sonal Chokshi
"web3 with a16z" is a show about the next generation of the internet, and about how builders and users -- whether artists, coders, creators, developers, companies, organizations, or communities -- now have the ability to not just "read" (web1) + "write" (web2) but "own" (web3) pieces of the internet, unlocking a new wave of creativity and entrepreneurship. Brought to you by a16z crypto, this show is the definitive resource for understanding and going deeper on all things crypto and web3.
From discussing the latest and leading trends to sharing research, data readouts, and insights from top scientists and makers in the space, this is a variety show with a variety of formats and topics listeners can pick and choose from. It is hosted by the longtime showrunner of (and original team behind) the popular a16z Podcast. Learn more at a16zcrypto.com.
From discussing the latest and leading trends to sharing research, data readouts, and insights from top scientists and makers in the space, this is a variety show with a variety of formats and topics listeners can pick and choose from. It is hosted by the longtime showrunner of (and original team behind) the popular a16z Podcast. Learn more at a16zcrypto.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
17 snips
May 22, 2025 • 1h 5min
Marketing 101 for Startups: Token Launches, Memes, Reaching Devs & More
Amanda Tyler, former Head of Marketing at the Optimism Foundation, and Claire Kart, CMO of Aztec, dive into the nuances of marketing in the crypto space. They discuss the challenges of building community and attracting developers, emphasizing the balance between visibility and personal branding. Token launch strategies and the quirky intersection of memes and crypto are highlighted, along with the importance of authentic founder branding. Their insights on effective event strategies and managing dual organizational narratives provide a roadmap for success in this evolving industry.
114 snips
May 15, 2025 • 1h 9min
Everything Stablecoins: Big Picture, Deep Dive
Chris Dixon, founder and managing partner of a16z crypto and author, teams up with Sam Broner, a deal partner focusing on stablecoins, to delve into the transformative power of stablecoins. They explore how these digital currencies are revolutionizing payment systems by making money transfers faster, cheaper, and more accessible globally. The duo discusses the regulatory landscape, the shortcomings of current financial systems, and the potential for widespread adoption as stablecoins become integral to our future economy.
24 snips
May 15, 2025 • 24min
All the Stablecoin News: Stripe, Visa, Coinbase, Circle, More
Sam Broner, a Deal Partner at a16z crypto and stablecoin expert, dives into the latest developments in the stablecoin arena. He discusses Circle's plans to go public, the innovative stablecoin features from Stripe and Coinbase, and how companies like Visa and Mastercard are embracing stablecoins. The conversation reveals important data behind the surge in stablecoin use, comparing their growth to traditional payment systems. Broner highlights the potential of stablecoins to transform global payments and penetrate everyday transactions.
82 snips
May 8, 2025 • 1h 15min
Quantum Computing: What, When, Where, How
Dan Boneh, a Stanford professor and cryptography pioneer, joins Justin Thaler, a research partner at a16z and expert in cryptographic proof systems, to explore the fascinating world of quantum computing. They dive into the implications of quantum threats on traditional cryptography and the urgent need for adaptation. With anticipated timelines for quantum advancements, they discuss the strategies organizations must employ, zero-knowledge proofs, and the potential resilience of blockchain technologies against quantum challenges while teasing apart the noise from the real advancements.
77 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 1h 42min
Your Guide to Tokens: Types, Design, Uses, More
In this discussion, guests Eddy Lazzarin, CTO at a16z crypto, Miles Jennings, General Counsel and Head of Policy, and Scott Kominers, a Harvard Business School professor, unveil a groundbreaking 7-part framework for categorizing tokens. They discuss the evolution of token terminology, exploring various types beyond traditional labels like governance or utility tokens. The conversation dives into how token value is derived from control systems versus independent networks and emphasizes blockchain's role in revolutionizing loyalty programs, enhancing consumer empowerment, and clarifying token dynamics in decentralized marketplaces.
111 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 1h 2min
AI and the End of Apps (with NEAR)
Illia Polosukhin, co-founder of NEAR and co-author of the 'transformers' paper, shares insights on the revolutionary convergence of AI and crypto. He explores the concept of user-owned AI and its potential to replace traditional apps, emphasizing decentralized control. The conversation also delves into AI's evolution, from fascination to functionality, and its balance with human interactions. Moreover, he discusses the geopolitical implications of AI sovereignty and NEAR's innovative approach to scalability in blockchain technology.
22 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 2min
All About Airdrops
Eddy Lazzarin, a blockchain expert and CTO at a16z crypto, joins fellow guests Andrew Hall, a Stanford political economics professor, and Daren Matsuoka, a data science partner. They dive into the fascinating world of airdrops, revealing their complicated history and design challenges. The trio discusses strategies to avoid Sybil attacks and optimize rewards while navigating the impacts of AI on airdrop mechanics. They also share learnings from notable cases like Uniswap and explore how airdrops influence user behaviors and project governance.
27 snips
Mar 29, 2025 • 58min
Congestion Pricing? Economics, Theory, Reality
In this engaging discussion, Michael Ostrovsky, a Stanford Economics Professor specializing in congestion pricing, and Scott Kominers, a Harvard Business School Professor and market design expert, explore the intricacies of congestion pricing and its recent implementation in New York. They delve into the historical context, the economic theories behind congestion charges, and the political challenges these initiatives face. The conversation also highlights technological alternatives and their implications for urban delivery systems and crypto networks, blending economic theory with practical realities.
32 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 15min
You Better Have a 30-Year Goal (with Eigen Labs)
Sreeram Kannan, Founder of Eigen Labs and former associate professor at the University of Washington, shares insights from his transition from academia to tech startups. He explores the concept of blockchains as 'commitment engines' that enhance human coordination, emphasizing the importance of long-term goals. Kannan discusses the necessity of compelling narratives in crypto to foster community engagement and highlights lessons learned in leveraging relationships and creating win-win investment scenarios in the fast-evolving blockchain landscape.
Mar 14, 2025 • 30min
Blockchain Performance, Demystified
Join Sasha Spiegelman, Aptos Labs’ Head of Research, and Tim Roughgarden, A16z crypto Head of Research and Columbia professor, as they dive deep into blockchain performance metrics. They tackle the complexities of throughput and latency, and discuss how design choices impact performance trade-offs. The conversation shines a light on innovative technologies like BlockSTM and the importance of open-source collaboration. Explore the balance between competition and sharing within the blockchain space as they envision the future of Web3.
