Finding Alpha In Crypto, Mamdani Wins & The AI Gold Rush | Weekly Roundup
This week, Pranav Kanade joins the show to discuss the current state of markets. We deep dive into how Pranav finds alpha in crypto, Mamdani's win in NY, have we topped, are L1s overpriced, why the hot money is in AI & more. Enjoy! -- Follow Pranav: https://x.com/vaneckpk Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod -- Join the Empire Telegram: https://t.me/+CaCYvTOB4Eg1OWJh -- Zcash is encrypted Bitcoin. Your digital bill of rights securing your freedom for the 21st century. Buy, store and spend ZEC privately using Zashi Wallet download today: https://electriccoin.co/zashi/ -- Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and high yield. No empty emissions, just real yield and sequencer fees routed back to DeFi users. Pre-deposit now: Earn high APRs with Turtle Club [https://app.turtle.club/campaigns/katana] or spin the wheel with Katana Krates [https://app.katana.network/krates] -- (00:00) Intro (02:49) The Opportunity For Tokenization (10:27) Mamdani Wins In NY (27:35) Finding Alpha In Crypto (32:05) Ads (Zcash, Katana) (33:17) Are L1s Overpriced? (36:18) Can People Actually Outperform BTC? (45:32) Have We Topped? (49:47) The Hot Money Is In AI (59:08) Ads (Zcash, Katana) (01:00:21) Can Crypto Ever Get To 100m+ Active Users? (01:12:42) Content of The Week -- Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
7 Marras 20251h 14min
Quadrillions: Unlocking Quadrillions | Don Wilson & Yuval Rooz
In this kickoff episode, we draw the big picture of how TradFi is a multiplier for crypto, the barriers to TradFi adoption, and how crypto can overcome - or is already overcoming - those barriers. This is the path to quadrillions moving onchain. -- Quadrillions brings together the voices defining the next era of finance. From institutional rails to stablecoins and privacy, the series dives into how traditional markets, crypto innovation, and regulatory frameworks are converging to bring the full force of capital markets onchain. Join hosts Jason Yanowitz, Yuval Rooz, and Eric Saraniecki for deep dives with special guests Shaul Kfir, Don Wilson, Mike Belshe, Justin Peterson, Acting Chair Caroline Pham, Eli Ben-Sasson, and more. Produced by Blockworks and Canton Network. For more information, check out https://quadrillionspod.com/ -- Follow Canton: https://x.com/CantonNetwork Follow Don: https://x.com/drwconvexity Follow Yuval: https://x.com/YuvalRooz Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod -- Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (2:57) DRW's Origin Story (9:32) Digital Asset's Thesis (12:36) TradFi's Early Relationship With Crypto (15:32) Deciding to Build Canton (21:03) The Importance of Onchain Privacy (23:42) Canton's Approach to Privacy (28:28) Deciding When to Launch Canton (36:23) Canton's June 2025 Fundraise (39:59) The Scale of Tokenization (50:35) Canton's Progress Thus Far (54:54) Will AI and Crypto Converge? (58:10) Are Circuit Breakers a Good Idea? (1:02:48) Bringing Quadrillions Onchain -- Disclaimer: “Quadrillions” is a mini-series produced by Blockworks, and is sponsored by Canton Network. Nothing on this show is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. It’s for informational purposes only, and the views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice or necessarily the views of Blockworks. Our hosts, guests, and the Blockworks team may hold positions in companies, funds, or projects discussed, including those related to Canton Network.
5 Marras 20251h 4min
War Stories From a Crypto Founder | Kain Warwick
This week, Kain Warwick joins the show to discuss building Infinex and the march towards TGE. We deep dive into Kain's experience building in crypto, the next stage for Infinex, taking down CEXs, running a startup, dealing with drug addiction & more. Enjoy! -- Follow Kain: https://x.com/kaiynne Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod -- Join the Empire Telegram: https://t.me/+CaCYvTOB4Eg1OWJh -- Zcash is encrypted Bitcoin. Your digital bill of rights securing your freedom for the 21st century. Buy, store and spend ZEC privately using Zashi Wallet download today: https://electriccoin.co/zashi/ -- Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and high yield. No empty emissions, just real yield and sequencer fees routed back to DeFi users. Pre-deposit now: Earn high APRs with Turtle Club [https://app.turtle.club/campaigns/katana] or spin the wheel with Katana Krates [https://app.katana.network/krates] -- GEODNET is the world’s largest RTK network, delivering real-time, centimeter-level precision for drones, robots, farmers, and first responders. Recognized by the U.S. Congress, this blockchain-powered network supports mission-critical applications across a wide range of industries. Discover how GEODNET is changing the world: [https://geodnet.com] -- (00:00) Intro (05:36) Investing vs Building In Crypto (13:11) The Opportunity For Prediction Markets (17:51) Ads (Zcash, Katana) (18:48) What's Next For Infinex? (21:39) Taking Down Centralized Exchanges (30:52) Why Infinex Is Launching A Token (38:38) Ads (Zcash, Katana) (39:50) The Problem with Airdrops (52:10) Most Influential Accounts on CT (56:42) Ads (Goednet) (57:27) Surviving in Crypto (01:00:50) Dealing with Drug Addiction (01:07:10) Running A Startup (01:08:57) Where Are We in The Cycle? -- Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
3 Marras 20251h 12min
Crypto’s in a 20-Year Secular Bull Market | Weekly Roundup
This week, we discuss why Blockworks decided to shut down its news room. We then dive into why 2025 marks the start of a new chapter for the crypto industry, why we're still in a bull market, MegaETH's ICO, recent IPOs, M&A and more. Enjoy! -- Follow Rob: https://x.com/HadickM Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod -- Join the Empire Telegram: https://t.me/+CaCYvTOB4Eg1OWJh -- Crypto-native institutions and developers demand institutional-grade infrastructure with regulatory clarity and full asset control. Blockdaemon's Earn Stack is a non-custodial platform combining high-performance staking rewards and seamless DeFi integration with no intermediate smart contract or vaults. Programmatically access leading Ethereum & Solana staking rewards, plus DeFi opportunities across lending protocols, DEXs, and AMMs. Book a Demo! -- Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and high yield. No empty emissions, just real yield and sequencer fees routed back to DeFi users. Pre-deposit now: Earn high APRs with Turtle Club [https://app.turtle.club/campaigns/katana] or spin the wheel with Katana Krates [https://app.katana.network/krates] -- Mantle is pioneering ""Blockchain for Banking"" as a revolutionary new category that sits at the intersection of TradFi and web3. Key elements for Mantle as the ""Blockchain for Banking"": - Transactions posted to the blockchain - Compatibility with TradFi rails - Integrated DeFi features Mantle Network, the access layer — transforms Mantle Network into a purpose-built vertical platform — the blockchain for banking — that enables financial services on-chain. Mantle leads the establishment of Blockchain for Banking as the next frontier. Follow Mantle on X (@Mantle_Official) for the latest updates on Mantle as the 'Blockchain for Banking'. -- (00:00) Introduction (01:20) Why Blockworks Closed The News Division (13:27) Blockdaemon Ad (14:04) Katana Ad (14:52) The Next Chapter For Blockworks (20:48) It’s Still A Bull Market (25:12) Securitize Plans To Go Public At a $1.25B Valuation (31:16) Blockdaemon Ad (31:53) Katana Ad (32:39) Western Union Announces USDPT (51:25) Mantle Ad (52:22) Mastercard Looks To Acquire Zerohash (01:00:03) Will Stripe's Tempo Be a Success? (01:06:17) The MegaETH ICO (01:09:44) Content Of The Week -- Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
31 Loka 20251h 12min
Hivemind: Crypto's Leverage Hangover, Hyperliquid's Resurgance & What's Next for Markets?
This week, the Hivemind team breaks down the current state of the market as crypto's recovers from it's post October leverage unwind. We deep dive into what's outperforming, analogies to the dot com bubble vs today, Zcash's outperformance, max pain for altcoins & more. Enjoy! -- Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from David Canellis. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire -- Follow Ceteris: https://x.com/ceterispar1bus Follow Duncan: https://x.com/FloodCapital Follow Yan: https://x.com/YanLiberman Follow Jason: https://x.com/3xliquidated Follow Empire: https://x.com/theempirepod Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4jYEkBx Subscribe on Apple: https://bit.ly/3ECSmJ3 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4hzy9lH -- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (0:49) State of The Market (9:33) The Dot Com Bubble vs Today (13:51) Hyperliquid's Resurgence (21:00) The MegaETH ICO (25:24) Altcoins (35:15) Zcash (43:30) Pump Fun (48:34) Galaxy's $1.15B Senior Notes Offering (52:08) ETHZilla’s Share Buyback -- Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, the Hivemind team, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
30 Loka 202558min
Is the Cycle Over, Portfolio Psychology, & Prediction Market Alpha
This week, Jonah & Avi from the 1000x podcast join Jason live in the Blockworks studio to discuss whether the crypto cycle is truly over, OGs selling vs new whales entering, and how we manage our portfolios. We also dive into Robinhood’s long-term potential, our favorite crypto projects, finding edge in prediction markets and much more. Enjoy! -- Go follow the new 1000x feed to keep up to date with all new episodes! Spotify: https://bit.ly/4676Sob Apple: https://bit.ly/4etlBMd -- Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Avi: https://x.com/AviFelman Follow Jonah: https://x.com/jvb_xyz Follow 1000x: https://x.com/1000xPod Join the 1000x Telegram: https://t.me/+fz-2f0cwC6o0MWNh -- Crypto-native institutions and developers demand institutional-grade infrastructure with regulatory clarity and full asset control. Blockdaemon's Earn Stack is a non-custodial platform combining high-performance staking rewards and seamless DeFi integration with no intermediate smart contract or vaults. Programmatically access leading Ethereum & Solana staking rewards, plus DeFi opportunities across lending protocols, DEXs, and AMMs. Book a Demo! -- Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and high yield. No empty emissions, just real yield and sequencer fees routed back to DeFi users. Pre-deposit now: Earn high APRs with Turtle Club [https://app.turtle.club/campaigns/katana] or spin the wheel with Katana Krates [https://app.katana.network/krates] -- (00:00) Introduction (02:34) Is the Cycle Over? (07:57) Crypto Disrupting TradFi Rails (09:570 Ads (Blockdaemon, Katana) (11:22) OGs Selling (14:33) Easiest Trade in Crypto? (16:34) Crypto PTSD & Profit-Taking Psychology (22:40) Portfolio Management (29:19) Ads (Blockdaemon, Katana) (30:43) Most Attractive Crypto Bets (33:47) Prediction Markets & Gambling (38:17) Crypto Wash Trading -- Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
27 Loka 202540min
Was Coinbase's Echo Acquisition a Good Deal? | Weekly Roundup
This week, we break down Coinbase’s $375 million acquisition of Echo and debate whether it was a good deal or not. We also dive into other top stories, including FalconX’s acquisition of 21Shares, Tempo’s $500 million raise, the latest developments in prediction markets, and more. Enjoy! -- Follow Rob: https://x.com/HadickM Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod -- Join the Empire Telegram: https://t.me/+CaCYvTOB4Eg1OWJh Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from David Canellis. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts -- Referenced In The Show: State of Crypto 2025: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/article/state-of-crypto-report-2025/ https://www.ribbitcap.com/knowledge -- Crypto-native institutions and developers demand institutional-grade infrastructure with regulatory clarity and full asset control. Blockdaemon's Earn Stack is a non-custodial platform combining high-performance staking rewards and seamless DeFi integration with no intermediate smart contract or vaults. Programmatically access leading Ethereum & Solana staking rewards, plus DeFi opportunities across lending protocols, DEXs, and AMMs. Book a Demo! -- peaq, the Machine Economy Computer, proudly sponsors the Empire podcast. peaq is home to 60+ apps across 20+ industries and millions of devices, machines, and onchain robots. It powers the world’s first tokenized robo-farm, launching soon in Hong Kong, and has launched the Machine Economy Free Zone in Dubai as a Web3 x Robotics x AI innovation hub. For more about peaq, check out www.peaq.xyz -- GEODNET is the world’s largest RTK network, delivering real-time, centimeter-level precision for drones, robots, farmers, and first responders. Recognized by the U.S. Congress, this blockchain-powered network supports mission-critical applications across a wide range of industries. Discover how GEODNET is changing the world: [https://geodnet.com] -- Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (05:11) Coinbase Acquires Echo For $375m (24:09) FalconX Acquires 21Shares (27:25) Ads (Blockdaemon, Peaq) (28:35) Takeaways From The Fed Payments Conference (35:30) The Market Structure Bill (41:46) Ads (Blockdaemon, Peaq) (42:57) Tempo Raises $500m at a $5b Valuation (49:01) Are Banks In Trouble? (53:34) Ads (Geodnet) (54:22) Prediction Markets (01:02:51) It’s CZ’s World, We’re Just Living In It (01:06:22) Content of The Week -- Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
24 Loka 20251h 13min
Inside Coinbase’s $375m Acquisition of Echo | Shan Aggarwal
This week, we’re joined by Coinbase’s Chief Business Officer, Shan Aggarwal, to discuss their acquisition of Echo. We dive into Coinbase’s strategy to bring capital markets onchain, Echo’s role in compliant onchain fundraising, integration of acquired teams, tokenized equities, prediction markets, and Coinbase’s broader goal of becoming an all-encompassing financial platform. Enjoy! – Follow Shan: https://x.com/ShanAggarwal Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod -- Join the Empire Telegram: https://t.me/+CaCYvTOB4Eg1OWJh Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from David Canellis. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts -- Crypto-native institutions and developers demand institutional-grade infrastructure with regulatory clarity and full asset control. Blockdaemon's Earn Stack is a non-custodial platform combining high-performance staking rewards and seamless DeFi integration with no intermediate smart contract or vaults. Programmatically access leading Ethereum & Solana staking rewards, plus DeFi opportunities across lending protocols, DEXs, and AMMs. Book a Demo! -- peaq, the Machine Economy Computer, proudly sponsors the Empire podcast. peaq is home to 60+ apps across 20+ industries and millions of devices, machines, and onchain robots. It powers the world’s first tokenized robo-farm, launching soon in Hong Kong, and has launched the Machine Economy Free Zone in Dubai as a Web3 x Robotics x AI innovation hub. For more about peaq, check out www.peaq.xyz -- Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and high yield. No empty emissions, just real yield and sequencer fees routed back to DeFi users. Pre-deposit now: Earn high APRs with Turtle Club [https://app.turtle.club/campaigns/katana] or spin the wheel with Katana Krates [https://app.katana.network/krates] -- Mantle is pioneering ""Blockchain for Banking"" as a revolutionary new category that sits at the intersection of TradFi and web3. Key elements for Mantle as the ""Blockchain for Banking"": - Transactions posted to the blockchain - Compatibility with TradFi rails - Integrated DeFi features Mantle Network, the access layer — transforms Mantle Network into a purpose-built vertical platform — the blockchain for banking — that enables financial services on-chain. Mantle leads the establishment of Blockchain for Banking as the next frontier. Follow Mantle on X (@Mantle_Official) for the latest updates on Mantle as the 'Blockchain for Banking'. -- Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:18) Shan's Background (05:42) Acquiring Echo (15:49) Ads (Blockdaemon, Peaq) (17:01) Coinbase's End Goal (21:19) Coinbase Listings (25:02) Coinbase Ventures (29:30) Ads (Blockdaemon, Peaq) (30:42) Advice for Founders (33:08) The Acquisition Process (41:27) Ads (Katana, Mantle) (43:04) Thoughts on Predictions Markets (57:56) Do Cycles Still Exist? -- Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
21 Loka 20251h 1min
