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
Nov 2, 2024 • 57min
Government... By Lottery?
Bailey Flanigan, a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard heading to MIT, and Andrew Hall, a Stanford political science professor, explore the revival of sortition—selecting representatives by lottery. They discuss its ancient roots in Athenian democracy and its relevance today, especially for governance in technology and crypto. The conversation dives into improving democratic legitimacy, balancing expert authority with citizen input, and the role of technology in decision-making. With a touch of humor, they also highlight the balance between accountability and participant anonymity.
5 snips
Oct 26, 2024 • 38min
AI Bots & Memecoins
Dive into the wild world of AI bots and memecoins. Discover how a custom language model sparked the meteoric rise of a new memecoin. Explore the struggles of creativity under tech restrictions and meet the rebels pushing boundaries. Unravel the evolution of an AI bot that believes in its Bitcoin wallet. Examine the stark contrast between utility tokens and meme coins amid regulatory scrutiny. The future of crypto is intriguing, playful, yet fraught with risks—where community engagement and innovation collide.
Oct 18, 2024 • 53min
State of Crypto 2024: Builder Energy, U.S. Election, Stablecoins, AI, More
Daren Matsuoka, lead data scientist, and Eddy Lazzarin, CTO, share insights from the State of Crypto Report 2024. They delve into crypto user estimations and the intriguing gap between global ownership and active participants. With the U.S. election approaching, they discuss rising interest in crypto in swing states. The duo also covers advancements in stablecoins and decentralized infrastructure, highlighting the impact of blockchain technology on everyday transactions. Expect a fresh look at the dynamic relationship between crypto, politics, and emerging technologies.
Sep 28, 2024 • 42min
Bridges: Out of the Mess, Into the Meshnet (with LayerZero)
Bryan Pellegrino, cofounder and CEO of LayerZero Labs, dives into the complex world of blockchain bridges, revealing their critical role in cross-chain connectivity. He discusses the tumultuous history of these technologies, marked by hacks and vulnerabilities. Bryan explains the evolution from centralized services to decentralized systems, emphasizing Layer 0's importance in interoperability. He also shares his journey from poker to crypto, highlighting the constant balancing act between user convenience and security in this rapidly evolving space.
Sep 13, 2024 • 36min
Games as Reality (with EVE Online)
Hilmar Pétursson, CEO of CCP Games and mastermind behind EVE Online, shares his visionary game-making philosophy and dives into the intersection of gaming and technology. He discusses how shared challenges in gaming foster community bonds and draws parallels between virtual economies and real-life values. The conversation also explores EVE Frontier, a new blockchain-based overhaul, and innovative strategies for fair play through resource management. Eddy Lazzarin joins, adding insights as a fellow gaming enthusiast.
7 snips
Sep 9, 2024 • 1h 17min
How Blockchain Tech Advances Benefit Other Industries
In a thought-provoking discussion, Dan Boneh, a cryptography expert and Stanford professor, teams up with Tim Roughgarden, a Columbia professor specializing in cryptoeconomics. They dive into how blockchain technology spurs advances in various industries, revealing groundbreaking topics like zero-knowledge proofs for privacy, automated market makers, and revolutionary governance through DAOs. Their insights highlight how these innovations could transform not just crypto, but society at large, echoing the historical impact of technology in improving human welfare.
Aug 15, 2024 • 1h 2min
Governance Attack!?
In this discussion, governance experts Andrew Hall, Eddy Lazzarin, 0xShuel, and smc90 delve into the nuances of governance attacks, focusing on a recent incident involving Compound. They tackle the fine line between legitimate and malicious voting in decentralized networks. The conversation also explores strategies to prevent governance manipulation, emphasizing the differences between on-chain and traditional political systems. They propose innovative solutions to enhance participation and decision-making within decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), fostering both transparency and community trust.
30 snips
Aug 8, 2024 • 57min
Token Do's and Don'ts
Eddy Lazzarin, the CTO at a16z crypto, and Miles Jennings, the general counsel and decentralization head at a16z crypto, dive into the world of tokens. They discuss the unique role tokens play in decentralized protocols and the importance of design considerations. The duo highlights common pitfalls in achieving product-market fit and navigates the balance between legal compliance and innovation. With insights into incentive mechanisms, they emphasize the need for thoughtful token governance and address the complexities of navigating the cryptocurrency landscape.
7 snips
Jul 31, 2024 • 45min
Where Innovation Happens
Matthew Clifford, co-founder of Entrepreneur First and Chair of the UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency, shares insights on regional innovation and economic growth. He discusses what makes certain locations thrive as innovation hubs, emphasizing the significance of entrepreneurial talent and ambition. The conversation touches on fostering startup ecosystems outside Silicon Valley, navigating research funding complexities, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Matthew also highlights the evolving landscape in London, especially in the crypto sector, and the crucial role of community support for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Jul 21, 2024 • 1h 30min
What, How, and Why We're Reading
Join Sonal Chokshi, Robert Hackett, Tim Sullivan, and Stephanie Zinn for a lively discussion on their favorite books, the debate on audiobooks vs. reading, the impact of technology on reading habits, and the reasons why we read. From fantasy genres to reading strategies, this episode is a love letter to all things books and reading.
