Trump's Win, Portfolio Positioning, and Crypto's Return to the US | Roundup

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 in identifying quality investments throughout the crypto space.  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, Tommy, and Zach may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed. - - Follow Tommy: https://twitter.com/Shaughnessy119 Follow Ryan: https://twitter.com/kukulabanze Follow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7 Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/  - - Planning to grant token awards for your team? Toku makes implementing global token compensation and incentive awards simple. With Toku, you get unmatched legal and tax support to grant and administer your global team’s tokens. Toku navigates it across the lifecycle — from easy to use token grant award templates through tracking vesting to managing tax withholdings.    Make it simple today, at https://www.toku.com/empire - - Timestamps: (00:00) What is Overlooked? (14:46) Managing Portfolios After FTX (20:08) Attractiveness of Alt L1 Investments (31:45) Toku Ad (33:00) What Needs to be Decentralized? (45:22) Recovering From Valuation Crashes (50:22) Treasury Funds and VC Activism (54:33) VCs Selecting Jurisdictions (01:02:54) Future of Capital Formation (01:07:45) Rapid Fire Questions - - 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, Tommy, and Zach may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

17 Loka 20231h 10min

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 with reflections on declining ACT scores, their love for David Beckham's documentary, and what it'd take for Jason to shave his head. - - MetaMask Portfolio is your one-stop shop for all things web3. Instead of connecting to multiple exchanges, dapps, and tools, you just need to connect to one simple dapp to track and manage all your assets across different networks and accounts. MetaMask Portfolio provides a secure and convenient way to perform common tasks such as Buy, Sell, Swap, Bridge, and Stake.  Try MetaMask Portfolio at https://blckwrks.co/MetaMaskEmpire - - Chronicle Protocol is a novel Oracle solution that has exclusively secured over $10B in assets for MakerDAO and its ecosystem since 2017. With a history of innovation, including the invention of the first Oracle on Ethereum, Chronicle Protocol continues to redefine Oracles. A blockchain-agnostic protocol, Chronicle overcomes the current limitations of transferring data on-chain by developing the first truly scalable, cost-efficient, decentralized, and verifiable Oracles, rewriting the rulebook on data transparency and accessibility.   Learn more about Chronicle Protocol: https://chroniclelabs.org/ Join the Chronicle Labs team: https://chroniclelabs.org/careers#open_roles - - Follow Santi: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7 Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ --  Timestamps: 00:00 Israel Based Start-up Support 05:30 SBF Trial Updates 17:00 BlackRock - Barclays Trade on JPMorgan Chain 21:16 Crypto Layoffs 25:00 Chronicle ad 26:15 Metamask ad 27:00 USDR Stablecoin Depeg 33:38 What We're Reading and Watching — Resources Israel Start-up Support https://twitter.com/ShalvaGozland/status/1711938126111768852 SBF Trial Updates https://blockworks.co/news/caroline-ellison-cross-examination BlackRock-Barclays Trade https://blockworks.co/news/blackrock-barclays-jpmorgan-chase-dapp-tcn USDR Stablecoin Depeg https://blockworks.co/news/tangible-real-usd-illiquid-stablecoin-real-world-assets - - 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.

13 Loka 202344min

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 catalyst that will bring the greatest returns for both traders & investors, but to hear that, you'll have to tune in! -- Follow Avi: https://twitter.com/AviFelman Follow Jonah: https://twitter.com/jvb_xyz Follow 1000x: https://twitter.com/1000xPod Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:45) Markets During Geopolitical Events (04:32) We're In A Shaky Environment For Risk Asset's (10:38) Surging Yield's, Geopolitical Conflict & Rising Oil (12:51) Stars Arena (15:22) FTX Hack (16:36) Ethereum Faces L2 Scaling Headwinds, But The Pendulum Will Swing (24:10) Stablecoins (30:15) Are L1's In Trouble? -- Referenced In The Show: Iran Helped Plot Attack on Israel Over Several Weeks: https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/iran-israel-hamas-strike-planning-bbe07b25 New report shows ‘chaos’ during FTX hack last November: Wired: https://blockworks.co/news/ftx-hack-wired-bankruptcy-chaos -- Disclaimer: Nothing said on 1000x 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. Avi, Jonah and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

12 Loka 202339min

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 needed to drive stablecoin growth. To close things out the team covers the endgame for stablecoins and the vectors for mass adoption.  - - Follow Nic: https://twitter.com/nic__carter Follow Martin: https://twitter.com/mcarrica Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7 Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/  - - Planning to grant token awards for your team? Toku makes implementing global token compensation and incentive awards simple. With Toku, you get unmatched legal and tax support to grant and administer your global team’s tokens. Toku navigates it across the lifecycle — from easy to use token grant award templates through tracking vesting to managing tax withholdings. Make it simple today, at https://www.toku.com/empire - - Bumper is an innovative DeFi protocol that protects the value of the crypto you hold from the downside & simultaneously preserves gains when the price climbs.  - A superior alternative to crypto options for traders  - 30% cheaper and more efficient than traditional tools - Liquidity providers earn 3-18% real yield on USDC - Get a share in $250,000 of BUMP rewards for Early Adopters Visit bumper.fi for more info! - - Timestamps: (00:00) Stablecoins Today (10:25) Efficiencies of Stablecoins (15:36) Emerging Markets & USDT on Tron (25:53) Time Horizon for Stablecoin Standard (30:42) Mobile Money Apps Powered by Stables (36:20) Bumper Ad (37:23) Toku Ad  (38:36) Market Structure of Stables (41:32) Algorithmic Stablecoin Design (46:28) Peg Designs and Risks (50:20) Acceptance of US Dollars (56:40) SigNet Design and Fiat Speed Limits (01:03:28) Economic Outlook of US Dollar  (01:15:04) Growth Catalysts for Stablecoins  - - Resources Nic Carter Token2049 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD2Au5JwhZ0 Mountain usdm https://mountainprotocol.com/ Articles Shared by Jason https://www.lanacion.com.ar/  https://twitter.com/BowTiedMara/statu... - - 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.

10 Loka 20231h 21min

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 insights into the sentiment in the courtroom. She also discusses potential witness testimony over the next few weeks which may shed more light on Bankman-Fried's knowledge and actions leading up to FTX's collapse. - - Planning to grant token awards for your team? Toku makes implementing global token compensation and incentive awards simple. With Toku, you get unmatched legal and tax support to grant and administer your global team’s tokens. Toku navigates it across the lifecycle — from easy to use token grant award templates through tracking vesting to managing tax withholdings. Make it simple today, at https://www.toku.com/empire - - Chronicle Protocol is a novel Oracle solution that has exclusively secured over $10B in assets for MakerDAO and its ecosystem since 2017. With a history of innovation, including the invention of the first Oracle on Ethereum, Chronicle Protocol continues to redefine Oracles. A blockchain-agnostic protocol, Chronicle overcomes the current limitations of transferring data on-chain by developing the first truly scalable, cost-efficient, decentralized, and verifiable Oracles, rewriting the rulebook on data transparency and accessibility. Learn more about Chronicle Protocol: https://chroniclelabs.org/ Join the Chronicle Labs team: https://chroniclelabs.org/careers#open_roles - - Follow Santi: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7 Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- Timestamps: (00:00) Southern District of New York Court Coverage (15:44) Prosecution Strategy (25:00) Will Sam Testify? (30:34) Chronicle Ad (31:50) TOKU ad (33:00) Witnesses (41:25) Sam's Best Friend Testifies (51:00) Prosecution and Defense Teams (54:47) How is SBF? (58:55) Courtroom Sentiment -- Resources SBF Trial Live Updates https://blockworks.co/news/sbf-trial-day-1 — 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.

6 Loka 20231h 10min

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 projects, and existing discounts in later stage start-ups.  - - Follow Aleks: https://twitter.com/_alekslarsen Follow Spencer: https://twitter.com/CremeDeLaCrypto Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7 Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/  - - Get 5% off your business insurance today with Vouch, the leading insurer of crypto startups. With over 4000 clients, Vouch offers exclusive coverages with crypto enhancements including Directors & Officers with digital asset regulatory defense and Cyber that includes smart contract vulnerabilities.  Get started today at https://vouch.us/web3/blockworks - - Bumper is an innovative DeFi protocol that protects the value of the crypto you hold from the downside & simultaneously preserves gains when the price climbs.  - A superior alternative to crypto options for traders  - 30% cheaper and more efficient than traditional tools - Liquidity providers earn 3-18% real yield on USDC - Get a share in $250,000 of BUMP rewards for Early Adopters Visit bumper.fi for more info! - - Timestamps: (00:00) $580M Fund Raise (08:00) Fund Performance and Power Dynamics (16:45) Time Horizon for Mass Adoption (22:04) Allocating Capital in U.S. (29:58) Exciting Innovation (38:30) Bumper Ad (39:34) Vouch ad (40:42) Balancing Portfolio Competition (44:50) Investment Stage Discount (47:18) What's Misunderstood about WorldCoin (51:01) Potential of AI & Crypto (54:09) Lessons Learned from Previous Cycles (58:56) Revisiting Old Ideas - - Resources: Blockchain Capital https://www.blockchaincapital.com/blog/doubling-up-while-doubling-down-announcing-our-latest-funds - - 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 Loka 20231h 10min

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 Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7 Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ - - Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (06:31) Fund Returns in Crypto (19:26) Founders Pivoting on Investor Money (23:02) Token Treasury Management (27:07) Binance Rumors & Speculation (41:26) Investing in a Bear (52:09) Evaluating Token Cash-flows  (55:20) Advancements of zk Tech - - 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.

2 Loka 20231h 10min

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 space. Thanks for tuning in! - - Planning to grant token awards for your team? Toku makes implementing global token compensation and incentive awards simple. With Toku, you get unmatched legal and tax support to grant and administer your global team’s tokens. Toku navigates it across the lifecycle — from easy to use token grant award templates through tracking vesting to managing tax withholdings. Make it simple today, at https://www.toku.com/empire - - Chronicle Protocol is a novel Oracle solution that has exclusively secured over $10B in assets for MakerDAO and its ecosystem since 2017. With a history of innovation, including the invention of the first Oracle on Ethereum, Chronicle Protocol continues to redefine Oracles. A blockchain-agnostic protocol, Chronicle overcomes the current limitations of transferring data on-chain by developing the first truly scalable, cost-efficient, decentralized, and verifiable Oracles, rewriting the rulebook on data transparency and accessibility.   Learn more about Chronicle Protocol: https://chroniclelabs.org/ Join the Chronicle Labs team: https://chroniclelabs.org/careers#open_roles - - Follow Santi: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7 Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ --  Timestamps: (00:00) Discovering Apples & Marathons (08:35) Global Crypto Climate (14:32) Pudgy Penguins in Walmart (21:00) Coinbase Perps Trading (33:38) Chronicle ad (34:54) TOKU  (36:07) Gensler Congressional Hearing (39:14) AI Valuations (50:13) Locked Token Deals (56:32) Upcoming Pods — 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.

29 Syys 20231h 1min