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
DAS Takeaways, Crypto’s Largest Liquidation Ever & Have We Peaked? | Weekly Roundup
This week we discuss the fallout after crypto's largest ever liquidation event. We deep dive into the problem with crypto's market structure, has the DAT bubble burst, Binance's listing process, takeaways from DAS & 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 -- 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] -- (00:00) Introduction (01:17) DAS Takeaways (05:36) Crypto’s Largest Liquidation Ever (13:50) Ads (Blockdaemon, Peaq) (15:00) Perps, Crypto Liquidity & Market Structure (27:28) Ads (Blockdaemon, Peaq) (28:39) Binance’s Listing Process (43:56) Ads (Katana) (44:42) The DAT Bubble Has Burst (57:13) Has This Cycle Peaked? (01:05:33) Deals 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.
17 Loka 20251h 7min
Hivemind: Record Liquidations, Auto-Deleveraging, & Biggest Post-Crash Winners & Losers
This week, the Hivemind team breaks down Friday’s insane crypto crash, the auto-deleveraging across exchanges, USDe’s sudden depeg, and the biggest post-crash winners and losers. -- Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire -- Follow Ceteris: https://x.com/ceterispar1bus Follow Jose: https://x.com/ZeMariaMacedo Follow Jason: https://x.com/3xliquidated Follow Flip: https://x.com/trevor_flipper 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 (1:42) Friday’s Insane Liquidations (16:45) Auto-Deleveraging (26:50) Ethena & USDe Post-Mortem (36:41) Post-Crash Winners & Losers (54:40) Still Bullish? (58:26) Exchange Tickers & Listings (1:02:15) Impact of EVM Chains -- 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.
16 Loka 20251h 5min
