In this episode, we discuss Google's breakthrough quantum chip, Willow, and its potential implications for scalable quantum computing. We also examine Riot Platforms’ $525M Bitcoin strategy, Microsoft's rejection of a Bitcoin reserve proposal, and Tether's approval in Abu Dhabi's financial ecosystem. Finally, don’t miss our Chart of the Week, which analyzes the CEX-DEX volume dynamics. Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-dig...
Dec 12, 2024•54 min
This episode explores the transformative forces shaping global technology and geopolitics. We discuss Bitcoin's historic surge to $100K, driven by U.S. demand and optimism around crypto-friendly policies, alongside MicroStrategy's continued BTC accumulation. Shifting to AI, we examine the rise of Chinese open-source models, their remarkable performance in complex tasks like coding and reasoning, and the controversies surrounding censorship and geopolitical implications. Additionally, we highligh...
Dec 06, 2024•58 min
In this special re-wrapped episode of Digital Currents, Xavier sat down with UAE Investor and Influencer Mohamed Hafiz to discuss opportunities and key drivers in the venture space surrounding Web 3.0. From topics like the future presidential agenda with Blockchain to how the UAE is enacting innovation regulation, you won't want to miss these insights from our time overseas! Remember To Stay Current! Hafiz Knows - hafizknows | Instagram, TikTok | Linktree To learn more, visit us on the web at ht...
Nov 27, 2024•41 min
This week, we discuss BTC's continuing march to $100k and the impact of leverage on price. We also take a deep dive into what has made MicroStrategy one of the best-performing stocks since 2020. In addition, we chat about the latest $50 billion valuation of Elon Musk’s xAI, achieved in just 16 months. Lastly, we cover Mastercard and JPMorgan's integration of payment networks using blockchain and spotlight the top ten crypto movers post-election in the chart of the week. Remember To Stay Current!...
Nov 22, 2024•54 min
In this ABCD Roundup, we explore the crypto industry's optimism following a new U.S. government administration, Red Hat’s acquisition of Neural Magic for hybrid AI optimization. Lastly, we analyze the BITCOIN Act proposing a U.S. Bitcoin reserve, highlighting its potential economic impact and the financial complexities surrounding its implementation. Remember To Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital . To speak to a team member or ...
Nov 15, 2024•55 min
In this special episode of Digital Currents, Mark and Xavier discuss their recent travels to Asia and the Middle East, providing insights on how these regions plan to expand their footprint in the digital ecosystem. They talk about trends such as Saudi Arabia’s 2030 plan, updated regulations, and the increased importance of developing local talent in these areas. Join us as we dissect these exciting topics. Remember To Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekca...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr
In this week's ABCD Roundup, we unpack the 2024 US election's impact on crypto and AI with a strategic bitcoin reserve, crypto council and US mining investments all being proposed. We also shed light on how big tech is beginning to respond. In addition, we delve into Google’s newest AI center in Saudi Arabia, Coatue Management’s $1 billion fund for AI, and Anthropic’s partnership with Palantir and AWS to use Claude AI in secure government environments— underscoring AI’s potential role in nationa...
Nov 08, 2024•52 min
In this episode, we explored Outlier Ventures’ impact on the Web3 ecosystem, joined by their founder Jamie Burke, and our shared vision for a decentralized internet. Since 2014, Outlier Ventures has supported over 300 startups, raising hundreds of millions through their Base Camp accelerators and partnerships with leading Web3 protocols like Aptos, Filecoin, and Polygon. We also dive into the LATAM Base Camp, a collaboration of Morgan Creek Digital and Outlier Ventures to empower Latin American ...
Nov 07, 2024•1 hr
his week’s ABCD Roundup covers the largest crypto acquisition in history with Stripe reported to acquire Bridge for $1.1 Billion. Meta and Microsoft’s advancing AI infrastructure objectives amid investor caution, KKR and Energy Capital Partners funding data centers to meet AI's energy demands, and Abu Dhabi firms launching a tokenized U.S. Treasuries fund. Further, we discuss Galaxy Digital’s Q3 crypto report highlighting venture investment. Remember To Stay Current ! To learn more, visit us on ...
Nov 01, 2024•59 min
Bitcoin mining has long been criticized for its energy consumption and carbon footprint. With growing concerns about the environmental impact of the Proof of Work process, the digital asset community has seen a heightened focus on finding ways for Bitcoin to align with the global sustainability goals of investors, corporations, and governments. The Sustainable Bitcoin Protocol (SBP) is an initiative that seeks to make Bitcoin mining more environmentally responsible by verifying and incentivizing...
Oct 29, 2024•56 min
In this ABCD roundup, we discuss the expanded partnership between OpenAI and Bain & Co., which aims to tailor AI solutions for industries like retail and life sciences. Next, we cover Microsoft's UAE AI National Skills Initiative, a large-scale effort to upskill 100,000 government employees, supporting the UAE’s ambitions to become a global AI hub. On the blockchain front, we dive into Ethereum’s future with co-founder Vitalik Buterin’s plan to hit 100,000 TPS using Layer 2 rollups, alongsid...
Oct 25, 2024•51 min
Join us for this week’s episode of ABCD Roundup, where we dive into the latest transformative developments in AI, blockchain, chips, and data. We spotlighted the recognition of AI at the 2024 Nobel Prizes, highlighting the pivotal contributions of Geoffrey Hinton and John Hopfield in physics. We also discussed the booming interest in crypto ETFs among younger investors, Elon’s unveiling of Tesla’s RoboTaxi, and the SEC's intensified regulatory actions against firms like Cumberland DRW. Remember ...
Oct 11, 2024•52 min
In this episode, we explored OpenAI’s monumental $157 billion valuation following its $6.6 billion fundraising and the strategic implications of restructuring its governance model. We also cover Cerebras' IPO filing as the AI chipmaker prepares to challenge Nvidia's dominance in the market. On the blockchain front, we discussed the latest developments in the Bitcoin market and how short-term holders can react to global geopolitical tensions. Finally, we reviewed trends in high-performance comput...
Oct 04, 2024•50 min
This ABCD roundup explores OpenAI's restructuring to a for-profit model, including CEO Sam Altman’s new equity stake and potential AI safety concerns, as well as Salesforce's strategic AI acquisitions. We also highlight PayPal's recent expansion into cryptocurrency services for businesses, the approval of Bitcoin options, and significant Ethereum outflows. Remember To Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital . To speak to a team memb...
Sep 27, 2024•49 min
n this week's ABCD Roundup, we explore the broader market impact of the long-awaited 50 bps rate cut by the Fed, including its effect on Bitcoin and financial markets. We also discuss Blockdaemon’s plans for a 2026 IPO as the blockchain infrastructure provider expands in Asia. Join us as we explore these key intersections of technology, finance, and governance. Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital . To speak to a team...
Sep 20, 2024•52 min
Join us for an insightful conversation with Dhruv Patel, CEO of Arch Lending, as we explore how the company is focused on disrupting decentralized finance with a suite of services that include flexible crypto-backed loans, lending solutions, and risk management tools designed to unlock liquidity for digital asset holders and owners of early-stage tech startups. In this episode, Dhruv dives into the company’s vision of bridging traditional and digital finance, the firm’s commitment to providing t...
Sep 13, 2024•50 min
Join us as we explore Ilya Sutskever’s $1 billion raise for his venture, Safe Superintelligence (SSI), aimed at creating AI models that align with human values, Applied Digital’s stock movement following a $160 million funding deal with Nvidia, and Bitcoin's continued struggle amid macroeconomic uncertainties. We then delve into Nvidia’s groundbreaking GH200 chips, which are setting new performance benchmarks in European supercomputing. Finally, catch the chart of the week, highlighting the mark...
Sep 06, 2024•43 min
In this ABCD Roundup, we dive into three critical tech and finance stories shaping the global landscape: NVIDIA’s sovereign AI microservices, the legal woes of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, and the evolving dynamics of the Bitcoin ETF market. NVIDIA’s new microservices, including localized language models for Japan and Taiwan, signal a significant shift towards culturally nuanced AI that aligns with regional values and laws, challenging the one-size-fits-all approach of global AI models. Next, we ex...
Aug 30, 2024•56 min
In this ABCD Roundup episode, Xavier and Mark focus on the latest US AI regulation bill from California and OpenAI's response. Additionally, the episode explores current BTC and VC market trends. We also wish our astronauts a safe trip home as AI may be the key. Finally, we close out with an examination of Crypto SEC caseloads and what it signals for the state of regulation and the election in our chart of the week. Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morg...
Aug 23, 2024•47 min
In this ABCD Roundup, we discuss the U.S. government's recent transfer of 10,000 Bitcoin, examining its impact on market volatility and the potential broader implications for national economic strategies. We also recap recent 13F filings including filings from Goldman Sachs that reveal surprising shifts towards Bitcoin ETFs. In addition, we comment on the U.S. venture capital market during the 1st half of 2024 and conclude with BTC and stable coin trends for our chart of the week. Remember to St...
Aug 16, 2024•40 min
In this week's Digital Currents weekly roundup, Mark and Xavier analyze a tumultuous weekend for equities and crypto. The duo also talks about Google’s anti-trust case, Intel’s continuing woes, and the surging amount of big tech capital expenditures going to Nvidia in the Chart of the Week. Plus, what does Groq’s latest $640M round mean for AI incumbents? Join us as we discuss these topics and more. Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/mo...
Aug 08, 2024•56 min
From Code to Coverage: Zuhayr’s Journey from Algorithmic Trading to Insurtech Innovation In this episode, we dive into the transformative world of decentralized technologies with Zuhayr Rashid from Infineo. In this episode, Zuhayr recounts his journey from learning about Bitcoin in university to founding Infineo, a startup seeking to digitize life insurance by minting $9 million worth of policies on the Provenance Blockchain. We explore the implications of this innovation for the industry, the b...
Aug 07, 2024•52 min
In the latest Digital Currents weekly roundup, Mark and Xavier pull the thread on some of the recent crypto and teach headlines. They review areas such as the financial burden of the AI arms race, Bitcoin’s influence on the U.S. election, and the U.S. VC fundraising trend in the Chart of the Week. Join us as we explore these topics and more. Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital. To speak to a member of our team or sig...
Aug 02, 2024•57 min
On our latest episode of Digital Currents, hosts Mark Yusko and Xavier Segura welcome back recurring guest Mike Cagney, co-founder and CEO of Figure Technologies, to talk about the current state of the digital ecosystem. The group discusses topics such as Figure Markets, the blockchain push into the private credit market, and the future of crypto regulation worldwide. They also comment on why so many groups have identified the Middle East as a key region for Web 3 growth. Join us as we dive into...
Jul 30, 2024•1 hr 1 min
In this episode of the Digital Currents weekly roundup, Mark and Xavier return from time spent overseas to catch up on the latest headlines in the digital ecosystem. They discuss topics such as the recent slide of AI stocks, the Bitcoin 2024 Conference, and the steady rise of semiconductor usage in our Chart of the Week. Join us as we look back on the past two weeks of exciting ABCD subjects. Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-cr...
Jul 26, 2024•42 min
"Product Talk" is a podcast hosted by SC Moradi, founder and chair of Products That Count. In a captivating episode, Xavier Segura, a general partner at Morgan Creek Digital, shares insights into his career journey, from innovation as a technology operator to managing investments as an early-stage venture investor. Learn more about your Digital Currents Host and how his experience at AppNexus, a Silicon Alley company, shed light on the challenges of newcomers competing against incumbent industry...
Jul 18, 2024•39 min
In this episode of Digital Currents, host Xavier Segura chats with Calvin Shen, a managing director at Hex Trust. Calvin shares his journey from traditional finance to the forefront of Web3, the strategic decisions behind Hex Trust's international expansion to Dubai and beyond, and the importance of regulatory compliance in the digital asset space. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in the crypto sector, emphasizing the value of passion, persistence, and thorough resear...
Jul 12, 2024•1 hr 5 min
In this episode, GP Xavier Segura details an upcoming trip he and fellow GP Sachin Jaitly are taking to the Middle East and Southeast Asia. These two regions lead the charge in Web 3 innovation, specifically AI, Blockchain, Chips, and Big Data. He quickly highlights some interesting market stats, use cases, and portfolio companies that are developing in these regions. Join the team as they embark on this exciting journey. Make sure to stay tuned as we bring you more content from their travels in...
Jul 05, 2024•22 min
In this week’s edition of the ABCD Roundup, we dive into new AI benchmarks, including Anthropic's Claude 3.5 Sonnet’s outpacing of GPT-4 and Groq’s first Language Processing Unit (LPU) that is designed to provide efficiency and scalability comparable to the specialized chip designs of behemoth, Nvidia. In the world of blockchain, we cover the early impact of the Runes protocol on the Bitcoin network and the significant market impacts of the upcoming Mt. Gox repayments. Finally, we explore Europe...
Jun 28, 2024•56 min
Welcome to the ABCD Weekly Roundup, your podcast for the latest insights and analyses on AI, Blockchain, Chips, and Data. This week we explore Perplexity AI's quest to rival Google amid scrutiny over its business practices and the integration of AI into mobile phones and telecom networks with the goal of enhanced efficiency. We also discuss Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire's prediction that stablecoins could comprise 10% of global economic money in the next decade (illustrated by our Chart of the Week ...
Jun 21, 2024•55 min
