In today's episode of Empire Santi and Jason unpack the biggest debates in crypto including integrated vs. modular blockchains and whether Solana can flip Ethereum. The conversation also explores the dynamics of hardware requirements, blockchain execution environments, parallel execution, network consensus, and how these factors shape the development and adoption of networks. To lighten the mood the duo chat about Spotify Wrapped, NFT collecting mindset, and their personal favorite songs. Thanks...
Dec 01, 2023•1 hr 6 min
In today's episode of Empire we explore the current state and future of modular blockchains. With special guests Avery Ching, Rushi Mache, and Nick White, the discussion revolves around the pros and cons of Modular and Monolithic Blockchain Architecture, aptness of execution environments, the importance of scalability, and the standardization and consolidation in the blockchain space. The conversation further dives into the performance and potential of Move Virtual Machine, the struggles of the ...
Nov 30, 2023•1 hr 4 min
In today's episode of Empire, Olaf Carlson, the founder of Polychain and first Coinbase employee, shares why he believes crypto is going to be the greatest wealth redistribution of the modern era. The conversation covers the impact of the leverage cycle, the viability of restaking, and the importance of privacy. They also touch on the L2 and Appchain thesis, embedding financial markets into social platforms, and the potential of wearables. Olaf breaks down why crypto is a one-way street and why ...
Nov 28, 2023•1 hr 1 min
In today's episode of Empire Santi and Jason discuss the bombshell news of Binance pleading guilty and paying over $4 billion in fines related to money laundering violations. They analyze the implications for Coinbase, DeFi, and institutional adoption. They then shift gears to the controversial launch of L2 platform Blast and its native yield offerings. This takes the duo into a deep discussion of why should more L2s exist and what are vital heuristics for valuing these scaling solutions. We hop...
Nov 24, 2023•1 hr 24 min
Follow 1000x On Spotify: https://spoti.fi/45htDli Follow 1000x On Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Kz0Bpw Follow 1000x On YouTube: https://bit.ly/3DNc5C6 -- Happy thanksgiving! On today's episode of 1000x, Ansem joins the show for a discussion on trading crypto cycles. We deep dive into Ansem's introduction to crypto, the Solana thesis & where we are in the cycle right now. To hear all this & more, you'll have to tune in! -- Follow Ansem: https://twitter.com/blknoiz06 Follow Avi: https:...
Nov 23, 2023•1 hr 12 min
In today's episode of Empire, Kane Warwick returns to unpack Synthetix V3, the design thinking behind Infinex, and the challenges of decentralized governance. We explore funding rates, arbitrage opportunities, and what it will take to bring the DeFi trading experience to parity with centralized exchanges. Kane also provides his philosophical views on building in public, the societal benefits of open source crypto, and the pressures of "decentralization theater." We hope you enjoy! - - Follow Kai...
Nov 21, 2023•1 hr 23 min
In today's episode of Empire Santi and Jason discuss the current crypto market conditions, reflecting on whether the recent rally signals the start of a new bull market or just a temporary surge. The duo reveals the indicators they pay attention to like Bitcoin stability, altcoin movement, and stablecoin inflows to assess the health of the market. Sharing personal experiences, Santi shares his portfolio strategy, stressing probabilistic thinking and controlling emotions like FOMO. To close out t...
Nov 17, 2023•1 hr 28 min
In this episode of Empire, Joe McCann, founder of Asymmetric, shares why he believes Solana offers unique technical architecture that enables new types of web3 applications not possible on Ethereum. He explains why he thinks Solana's scalability offers a better developer experience compared to building on Ethereum L2s. McCann dives into macro trends, analyzing market flows to evaluate if the recent market move has legs. To close out he evaluates risks to his Solana thesis. We hope you enjoy! - -...
Nov 15, 2023•1 hr 26 min
In this week's roundup, the Michael power duo from the Bell Curve podcast team dive into the recent market rally and explore its implications in crypto including debt proceedings and VC appetite. They explore the Ethereum ETF approval potentially becoming a reality and the controversy surrounding Wintermute’s CEO Evgeny Gaevoy and the Near Foundation. To close out they discuss the future developments to look out for in the crypto, including the potential rise of alternative L1s and newer narrati...
Nov 10, 2023•59 min
Follow 1000x On Spotify: https://spoti.fi/45htDli Follow 1000x On Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Kz0Bpw Follow 1000x On YouTube: https://bit.ly/3DNc5C6 -- In today's episode of 1000x Jonah and Avi discuss the return of the crypto bull market as positive sentiment about a Bitcoin ETF spurs a massive rally in Solana. We also debrief on the episode with Anatoly, walk through how to find the best opportunities as a trader & how to navigate technical trades vs a fundamental investment thesis. ...
Nov 09, 2023•42 min
In this episode of Empire, Li Jin from Variant Fund and Ben Leventhal from Blackbird and co-founder of Resy, cover the intersection of the consumer market and crypto. They delve into the history of consumer startups, the limitations of traditional businesses in the dining industry, and the potential of crypto to transform ownership. Ben discusses Blackbird and how it addresses issues in the restaurant industry by establishing better connection and understanding between restaurants and customers....
Nov 07, 2023•56 min
In today's episode of Empire, we take an in-depth look at the controversies surrounding DCG (Digital Currency Group) with our special guest, Ram Ahluwalia. Ram sheds light on the complex DCG saga involving Barry Silbert, 3 Arrows Capital, and the 'Widow Maker' trade that entangled several entities, including Gemini and Grayscale. The team discusses the case and the roles played by various figures and corporations, challenging decisions made along the way, and contemplating what could have been d...
Nov 03, 2023•1 hr 1 min
In this episode of Empire Debates Santi, Tommy, and Ryan kick off with the anticipated approval of a Bitcoin ETF and its potential to usher institutional money into crypto. They then pivot to Ethereum's ascension as an asset and Solana's ability to attract developers and discuss if Solana will be the ultimate ETH killer. The conversation further explores the ramifications of institutional players entering the crypto space and examines the unique distribution strategy underpinning Telegram and Tr...
Nov 02, 2023•1 hr
In today's episode of Empire Jason is joined by Jan van Eck, CEO of VanEck, a firm overseeing $76.4 billion in assets, and Martin Leinweber, a digital asset strategist at Market Vector Indexes. They dive into conversation ranging from the macroeconomic climate to the prospects of a Bitcoin ETF approval. They dissect how MarketVector aims to capture crypto native value through Ethereum staking rewards and other on-chain metrics, the demand for these products from institutions, and how MarketVecto...
Oct 31, 2023•58 min
In the latest episode of the Empire Policy Series, Santi hosts Rebecca Rettig and Jake Chervinsky to delve into recent allegations of Hamas leveraging cryptocurrency for terrorism funding, FinCEN's upcoming rules concerning crypto mixers, and the IRS's evolving crypto tax regulations. The trio also dissect the the forthcoming 3-6 months of crypto regulation and discuss recent bipartisan legislative triumphs in the stablecoin domain. To close out both Rebecca and Jake highlight the need for indus...
Oct 30, 2023•59 min
In today's episode of Empire Santi is joined by Jason Kam, Founder of Folius Ventures,and Ben Forman, Mananging Partner of ParaFi Capital, to find out if the bear market really is over. They dive into the recent crypto price action and whether an Ethereum ETF could be a catalyst for DeFi. They then look to the future and discuss how gaming and prediction markets could drive adoption, the opportunities in tokenizing real world assets, and why this environment rhymes with late 2019 when fundamenta...
Oct 27, 2023•1 hr 45 min
Follow 1000x On Spotify: https://spoti.fi/45htDli Follow 1000x On Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Kz0Bpw Follow 1000x On YouTube: https://bit.ly/3DNc5C6 -- In today's episode of 1000x Jonah and Avi welcome Anatoly Yakovenko to the show for a discussion on Solana's end game. After a tweet from Jonah questioning the future of Solana, we thought why not invite Anatoly himself to the show to explain Solana's ultimate vision. We deep dive into finding crypto's perfect use case, disrupting legacy fi...
Oct 26, 2023•59 min
In today's episode of Empire Jason and Santi are joined by Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley and CIO Matt Hougan to dive into the world of ETFs. They discuss the early skepticism and misconceptions around ETFs, why a Bitcoin ETF approval could be transformative for crypto adoption and maturity, the layers of security and regulation with ETFs, and the potential timeline and sequence for crypto ETF products. They close out by exploring how an ETF could boost crypto's credibility and accessibility for tra...
Oct 24, 2023•1 hr 9 min
In today's episode of Empire the Jason and Santi are back, diving into In this week's Empire Roundup, Jason and Santi welcome Blockworks' Senior Reporter, Casey Wagner, for an in-depth look into the unfolding Sam Bankman-Fried trial in the Southern District of New York. Casey shares firsthand observations, including compelling witness accounts from Caroline Ellison and Nishad Singh that implicate SBF. The trio delve into the prosecution's tactics, jury sentiment, and anticipates the defense's fo...
Oct 20, 2023•1 hr 9 min
In today's Empire Debates episode Santi, Tommy, and Ryan discuss overlooked aspects in this bear market including the importance of nuance in analyzing projects, the potential for decentralized storage despite current low demand, and how poor regulation and lack of clarity opened the door for bad actors like FTX. They then cover why jurisdictional competition will shape the future of crypto and capital formation. Despite crypto Twitter sentiment seeming very negative, the team remains optimistic...
Oct 17, 2023•1 hr 11 min
In today's episode of Empire Jason and Santi are back, diving into the latest revelations from the FTX trial, including Caroline Ellison's testimony about Sam Bankman-Fried's priorities and losses. They also cover a landmark trade between BlackRock and Barclays using JPMorgan's blockchain Onyx, showcasing blockchain power in collateral transfers. They move on to discuss crypto layoffs, the failure of real estate-backed stablecoin USDR, and the mainnet launch of crypto project Scroll. They close ...
Oct 13, 2023•44 min
Follow 1000x On Spotify: https://spoti.fi/45htDli Follow 1000x On Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Kz0Bpw Follow 1000x On YouTube: https://bit.ly/3DNc5C6 -- In today's episode of 1000x Jonah and Avi discuss market forces introducing increasing risk in the crypto markets. With a recent bond market sell-off, geopolitical tensions & rising oil prices, could these forces spill over into risk asset's, and how would that impact crypto? We then move onto discuss what is crypto's next bullish catal...
Oct 12, 2023•39 min
In today's episode of Empire Jason and Santi are joined by Crypto investor Nic Carter and Martin Carrina, founder of Mountain Protocol, to discuss the past and future of stablecoins. They compare stablecoins to the rise of Eurodollars, arguing they meet a real demand for dollar exposure and could ultimately strengthen US interests, yet also face hostility akin to offshore banking. The guests debate whether crypto yields rising above fiat rates or expanding use cases like high-yield accounts are ...
Oct 10, 2023•1 hr 22 min
In today's episode of Empire all eyes are on Sam Bankman-Fried. Santi is joined by Blockworks Senior Reporter Casey Wagner who is covering SBF's criminal trial live from the Southern District of New York court. She provides details on the jury selection process, opening statements from the prosecution and defense, and testimony so far from witnesses like Bankman-Fried's former best friend and roommate. Casey covers the nuanced strategies of the prosecution and defense while providing unique insi...
Oct 06, 2023•1 hr 10 min
In today's episode of Empire Jason and Santi interview Blockchain Capital General Partners Aleks and Spencer. Blockchain Capital recently closed two new funds, early stage and opportunity, totaling $580 million. Since its inception in 2013, Blockchain Capital has invested in more than 110 companies, protocols and crypto assets across the ecosystem. Today's discussion dives into their fund thesis and overall managing strategy, the time horizon for mass adoption, deploying capital in U.S. based pr...
Oct 03, 2023•1 hr 10 min
In today's Empire Debates episode Santi, Tommy, and Ryan dive into several spicy takes. To start things off they discuss the general climate of funds in crypto and how founders are utilizing VC money to pivot project visions. They move on to break down the Binance rumors and discuss the potential struggles the exchange giant may be facing. - - Follow Tommy: https://twitter.com/Shaughnessy119 Follow Ryan: https://twitter.com/kukulabanze Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Santi...
Oct 02, 2023•1 hr 10 min
In today's episode of Empire Jason and Santi cover the biggest news this week including Coinbase's massive approval for a non-US retail perpetuals trading and Pudgy Penguins invading 2000 Walmarts. They also dive into the market structure of crypto perps and whether Coinbase can claw marketshare. The duo also unpack the Gensler hearing and why AI valuations may be in a local top. They close out this week's RU by discussing locked token deals and how they have impacted projects throughout the spa...
Sep 29, 2023•1 hr 2 min
In today's episode of 1000x Jonah and Avi are back from a brief hiatus and ready to dive into the biggest movements in the crypto markets. The duo begin by diving into the potential opportunities that lay within crypto and oil and uniquely discuss oil & USDT use-cases for global oil transactions. Turning to crypto, the guys dive into Polygon's significant lead in zk implementations and how Asia based investors are particularly interested in this innovation. To close things out they discuss t...
Sep 28, 2023•40 min
In today's episode of Empire Jason interviews Matt Cutler, CEO & co-founder of Blocknative. They dive deep into the supply chain of blockchains, exploring the various layers of what a transaction actually means on a blockchain network. They discuss the power balances of validators, block builders, relayers, sequencers, and users when considering the supply chain of transactions. They close out the conversation by digging into MEV and how wallets are positioned to capture major value with the...
Sep 26, 2023•1 hr 21 min
In today's episode of Empire Jason and Santi are checking-in on their market sentiments. Jason explains how ad-revenue may be a helpful indicator of market sentiment. Santi explores portfolio construction, decision making, and market potential. To finish out the cover the latest news including Blockchain Capital $580M, FTX disclosures, Eclipse SVM L2 Launch, and Paypal pyUSD on Venmo. - - Bumper is an innovative DeFi protocol that protects the value of the crypto you hold from the downside &...
Sep 22, 2023•1 hr 2 min
