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 Okt 1h 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 Okt 1h 1min
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 Okt 1h 5min
Kalshi CEO’s Bold Vision For The Future of Markets | Tarek Mansour
This week, Tarek Mansour Co-founder & CEO of Kalshi joins the show to discuss the next chapter for one of the fastest growing start ups in the U.S. We deep dive into the Kalshi origin story, how media and markets are evolving, the opportunity for prediction markets, advice for founders and more. Enjoy! -- Follow Tarek: https://x.com/mansourtarek_ 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’s premiere institutional conference returns to London in October 2025. Use code EMPIRE200 for £200 off at checkout: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2025-london -- 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 (02:28) The Kalshi Origin Story (19:29) Raising Money From Sequoia (21:46) Ads (Blockdaemon, Peaq) (22:58) Why The Election Was Kalshi's Breakthrough Moment (33:37) Becoming The Fastest Growing Start Up (37:40) Ads (Blockdaemon, Peaq) (38:52) Why Prediction Markets Are The Superior Model (43:40) Integrating With Crypto (50:20) Ads (Katana, Mantle) (51:57) Partnering With Robinhood (54:39) The Future of Prediction Markets & Media (01:00:11) The Perps Opportunity (01:03:19) Competing With Polymarket (01:09:40) Advice For Founders -- 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 Okt 1h 14min
LIVE | Market Crash: What Happened and What’s Next
In this bonus live interview, Doug Colkitt joins the stream to unpack the crypto market's most severe wave of liquidations on record. We'll get into what fueled the crash, how auto-deleveraging works, and what it means for the rest of the cycle. Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://x.com/theempirepod Follow Doug: https://x.com/0xdoug -- 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& -- 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.
12 Okt 1h 1min
Polymarket's $2B Deal with ICE Changes Everything | Weekly Roundup
This week we discuss Polymarket's $2B deal with ICE and how it impacts the future of prediction markets. We then deep dive into the stablecoin duopoly, advice for founders, is it BNB season, crypto's next breakout consumer app & 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’s premiere institutional conference returns to London in October 2025. Use code EMPIRE200 for £200 off at checkout: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2025-london -- 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] -- 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) Intro (04:04) ICE Invests $2b In Polymarket (14:32) Ads (Blockdaemon, Peaq) (15:43) Advice For Founders (22:50) How Does Polymarket’s $2b Raise Impact Kalshi? (27:53) Ads (Blockdaemon, Peaq) (29:04) The Stablecoin Duopoly Is Ending (44:16) Ad (Katana Geodnet) (45:42) Is It BNB Season? (55:06) Privacy Coins (57:13) Finding The Next Breakout Consumer App (01:02:25) The Government Shutdown (01:04:31) 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.
10 Okt 1h 9min
Why This Billionaire is All In on Crypto, AI & Psychedelics | Christian Angermayer
This week Christian Angermayer joins the show to discuss the future of crypto, AI & psychedelics. We deep dive into Christian's past during the European debt crisis, why AI & robotics will completely reshape the labor force, Christian's 5 key investment themes, the controversial enhanced games & more. Enjoy! -- Follow Christian: https://x.com/C_Angermayer 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’s premiere institutional conference returns to London in October 2025. Use code EMPIRE200 for £200 off at checkout: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2025-london -- 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'. -- (00:00) Intro (03:08) Christian's Origin Story (07:10) The European Sovereign Debt Crisis (12:15) Why The U.S Will Continue To Dominate (20:54) Ads (Blockdaemon, Peaq) (22:06) Christian's AI & Robotics Thesis (39:36) Ads (Blockdaemon, Peaq) (40:48) Why Christian Is All In On Psychedelics (58:00) Ads (Katana, Mantle) (59:37) Christian's 5 Key Investing Themes (01:15:19) Why Life Expectancy Will Increase (01:18:48) The Enhanced Games (01:33:55) Building Friendships & Partnerships -- 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 Okt 1h 38min
