https://simplecast.com a16z crypto show The a16z crypto show explores how decentralized networks are reshaping money, ownership, and the architecture of the internet. We go beyond the hype to look at what’s actually working, what isn’t, and what comes next as crypto continues to go mainstream and blockchains become core infrastructure. Each episode features conversations with founders, engineers, economists, policymakers, and researchers building at the frontier of finance, payments, AI, and distributed systems. We cover stablecoins and global payments, the tokenization of "real-world" assets, decentralized physical infrastructure, network design and governance, and the practical tradeoffs behind decentralization — along with lessons from past technology shifts. Produced and hosted by the a16z crypto team, the show combines reporting, analysis, and first-principles thinking to explain how crypto intersects with the economy and society — and why it matters now. Learn more at a16zcrypto.com. *** Posts should not be considered investment advice or an advertisement for investment services. Reposts of third-party content are not attributable to a16z; see disclosures for more information: https://a16z.com/disclosures/. a16z crypto / Andreessen Horowitz en Fri, 3 Apr 2026 19:02:45 +0000 Fri, 3 Apr 2026 19:02:57 +0000 https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com a16z crypto show https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/3474b6a1-976c-4c75-8e63-e4ad3a3b354d/6d5e7801-f225-452e-9f3c-0df8a5e7f917/3000x3000/a16zcrypto-podcast-20-1.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com episodic The a16z crypto show explores how decentralized networks are reshaping money, ownership, and the architecture of the internet. We go beyond the hype to look at what’s actually working, what isn’t, and what comes next as crypto continues to go mainstream and blockchains become core infrastructure. Each episode features conversations with founders, engineers, economists, policymakers, and researchers building at the frontier of finance, payments, AI, and distributed systems. We cover stablecoins and global payments, the tokenization of "real-world" assets, decentralized physical infrastructure, network design and governance, and the practical tradeoffs behind decentralization — along with lessons from past technology shifts. Produced and hosted by the a16z crypto team, the show combines reporting, analysis, and first-principles thinking to explain how crypto intersects with the economy and society — and why it matters now. Learn more at a16zcrypto.com. *** Posts should not be considered investment advice or an advertisement for investment services. Reposts of third-party content are not attributable to a16z; see disclosures for more information: https://a16z.com/disclosures/. a16z crypto, Robert Hackett, Sonal Chokshi false https://feeds.simplecast.com/XPOpH7r4 art, arts, music, blockchain, open source, blockchains, computer science, computing, creator economy, crypto, web 3.0, cryptography, web3, culture, cypherpunk, decentralization, distributed computing, entertainment, gaming, innovation, internet, ownership, public goods, web 3 Andreessen Horowitz sonal@a16z.com 4011b085-326e-48e8-a8f2-c79714e0cdd4 Why Solana keeps getting faster — and what's next (ft. Jito Labs CEO Lucas Bruder) What if opening a trading account was as easy as downloading an app? 

Lucas Bruder, CEO of Jito — a Solana-based liquid staking protocol — breaks down why he thinks all of finance is moving onchain, and what his small team is doing to make that happen. 

During the 2022-2023 bear market, Jito was getting pitched constantly to jump ship to other chains. Lucas explains why they turned everything down, doubled down on Solana, and chewed a lot of glass. 

We also cover how Jito acts like a Cloudflare for Solana, why cheap transactions create surprising problems, what convinced Lucas that the Solana engineers were in it for the right reasons, and his vision for a financial system anyone can access with just a phone. 

Follow Jito: https://www.jito.network/ 

Follow Lucas: https://x.com/buffalu__ 

Highlights 

  • 0:00 — Intro 
  • 0:49 — What is Jito and why does it exist 
  • 1:11 — Why Solana transactions are less than a penny 
  • 2:00 — What attracted Lucas to Solana from Ethereum 
  • 2:39 — How Jito is like Cloudflare for blockchains 
  • 5:02 — The $1,500 Ethereum transaction fee problem 
  • 7:21 — The vision: all of finance onchain 
  • 7:46 — Onchain vs. opening a Robinhood account 
  • 8:37 — Lucas's journey from robotics to crypto 
  • 9:55 — Solana's rate of improvement and Anatoly's Law 
  • 10:44 — The pitch for people new to crypto 
  • 15:00 — Staying lean at 21 people 
  • 15:17 — Nicotine as a productivity hack 
  • 15:58 — Sleep, alcohol, and the Oura ring 
  • 16:40 — Smallest hill you'll die on: littering and shopping carts 

Follow a16z crypto for more... 

X: https://x.com/a16zcrypto 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a16zcrypto/posts/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@a16zcrypto 

Substack: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/ 

 

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 3 Apr 2026 19:02:45 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Andreessen Horowitz) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/fs25-lucas-bruder-v3-qE6haPvY What if opening a trading account was as easy as downloading an app? 

Lucas Bruder, CEO of Jito — a Solana-based liquid staking protocol — breaks down why he thinks all of finance is moving onchain, and what his small team is doing to make that happen. 

During the 2022-2023 bear market, Jito was getting pitched constantly to jump ship to other chains. Lucas explains why they turned everything down, doubled down on Solana, and chewed a lot of glass. 

We also cover how Jito acts like a Cloudflare for Solana, why cheap transactions create surprising problems, what convinced Lucas that the Solana engineers were in it for the right reasons, and his vision for a financial system anyone can access with just a phone. 

Follow Jito: https://www.jito.network/ 

Follow Lucas: https://x.com/buffalu__ 

Highlights 

  • 0:00 — Intro 
  • 0:49 — What is Jito and why does it exist 
  • 1:11 — Why Solana transactions are less than a penny 
  • 2:00 — What attracted Lucas to Solana from Ethereum 
  • 2:39 — How Jito is like Cloudflare for blockchains 
  • 5:02 — The $1,500 Ethereum transaction fee problem 
  • 7:21 — The vision: all of finance onchain 
  • 7:46 — Onchain vs. opening a Robinhood account 
  • 8:37 — Lucas's journey from robotics to crypto 
  • 9:55 — Solana's rate of improvement and Anatoly's Law 
  • 10:44 — The pitch for people new to crypto 
  • 15:00 — Staying lean at 21 people 
  • 15:17 — Nicotine as a productivity hack 
  • 15:58 — Sleep, alcohol, and the Oura ring 
  • 16:40 — Smallest hill you'll die on: littering and shopping carts 

Follow a16z crypto for more... 

X: https://x.com/a16zcrypto 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a16zcrypto/posts/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@a16zcrypto 

Substack: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/ 

 

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Why Solana keeps getting faster — and what's next (ft. Jito Labs CEO Lucas Bruder) Andreessen Horowitz 00:18:01 Lucas Bruder, CEO of Jito, joins us to talk about why he believes the future of finance is moving onchain — and how his team is helping make that possible on Solana. He explains what Jito does, why Solana’s speed and low transaction costs create both opportunity and complexity, and how Jito has become critical infrastructure for the network. Lucas also reflects on doubling down on Solana during the bear market, the company’s lean approach to building, and his broader vision for a more accessible financial system. Lucas Bruder, CEO of Jito, joins us to talk about why he believes the future of finance is moving onchain — and how his team is helping make that possible on Solana. He explains what Jito does, why Solana’s speed and low transaction costs create both opportunity and complexity, and how Jito has become critical infrastructure for the network. Lucas also reflects on doubling down on Solana during the bear market, the company’s lean approach to building, and his broader vision for a more accessible financial system. false full 110 1f66e593-03ea-4230-8d65-071791d85a23 Vitalik Buterin vs Beff Jezos: AI Acceleration Debate (E/acc vs D/acc) Should we push AI forward as fast as possible, or be more careful about how it develops? 

Two competing views are emerging: 

  • e/acc (effective accelerationism): go faster, progress is the only path forward
  • d/acc (defensive / decentralized acceleration): accelerate, but carefully, or risk losing control

In this episode of the a16z crypto show, Vitalik Buterin (Ethereum founder) and Guillaume Verdon aka "Beff Jezos" (Extropic founder & CEO,) join Eddy Lazzarin (a16z crypto CTO) and Shaw Walters (Eliza Labs founder) for a deep debate about these two perspectives and what they mean for AI, crypto, and the future. 

They discuss: 

  • Whether acceleration is something we can control
  • The biggest risks of AI, from surveillance to concentration of power
  • Why open source and decentralization may shape who benefits
  • Whether slowing down AI is realistic or even desirable
  • How humans stay relevant in a world of increasingly powerful systems
  • What the next 10, 100, and 1,000 years might look like
  • At its core, this episode asks: Can acceleration be steered, or is that beyond our control?

Highlights: 

00:00 Opening 

07:02 Thermodynamics and first principles 

16:04 Acceleration, entropy, and civilization 

28:29 The core disagreement 

32:42 Comparing and contrasting e/acc and d/acc 

36:20 Open source, open hardware, and local intelligence 

54:18 Should AI be slowed down? 

1:02:35 Autonomous agents and artificial life 

1:21:07 Crypto as the trust layer between humans and AI 

1:35:37 Closing arguments 

 

Follow a16z crypto for more... 

X: https://x.com/a16zcrypto 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a16zcrypto/posts/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@a16zcrypto 

 

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/ 

*** As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2026 22:59:52 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Andreessen Horowitz) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/e-acc-d-acc-event-jp_v_I_n Should we push AI forward as fast as possible, or be more careful about how it develops? 

Two competing views are emerging: 

  • e/acc (effective accelerationism): go faster, progress is the only path forward
  • d/acc (defensive / decentralized acceleration): accelerate, but carefully, or risk losing control

In this episode of the a16z crypto show, Vitalik Buterin (Ethereum founder) and Guillaume Verdon aka "Beff Jezos" (Extropic founder & CEO,) join Eddy Lazzarin (a16z crypto CTO) and Shaw Walters (Eliza Labs founder) for a deep debate about these two perspectives and what they mean for AI, crypto, and the future. 

They discuss: 

  • Whether acceleration is something we can control
  • The biggest risks of AI, from surveillance to concentration of power
  • Why open source and decentralization may shape who benefits
  • Whether slowing down AI is realistic or even desirable
  • How humans stay relevant in a world of increasingly powerful systems
  • What the next 10, 100, and 1,000 years might look like
  • At its core, this episode asks: Can acceleration be steered, or is that beyond our control?

Highlights: 

00:00 Opening 

07:02 Thermodynamics and first principles 

16:04 Acceleration, entropy, and civilization 

28:29 The core disagreement 

32:42 Comparing and contrasting e/acc and d/acc 

36:20 Open source, open hardware, and local intelligence 

54:18 Should AI be slowed down? 

1:02:35 Autonomous agents and artificial life 

1:21:07 Crypto as the trust layer between humans and AI 

1:35:37 Closing arguments 

 

Follow a16z crypto for more... 

X: https://x.com/a16zcrypto 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a16zcrypto/posts/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@a16zcrypto 

 

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/ 

*** As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Vitalik Buterin vs Beff Jezos: AI Acceleration Debate (E/acc vs D/acc) Andreessen Horowitz 01:37:39 In this episode, Vitalik Buterin, Guillaume Verdon (“Beff Jezos”) debate two competing visions for the future of AI: e/acc, which argues for pushing progress forward as quickly as possible, and d/acc, which calls for accelerating more carefully to avoid concentration of power and loss of control. They discuss whether acceleration can be steered, the risks and tradeoffs of increasingly powerful AI systems, the importance of open source and decentralization, and the role crypto may play as a trust layer between humans and AI. In this episode, Vitalik Buterin, Guillaume Verdon (“Beff Jezos”) debate two competing visions for the future of AI: e/acc, which argues for pushing progress forward as quickly as possible, and d/acc, which calls for accelerating more carefully to avoid concentration of power and loss of control. They discuss whether acceleration can be steered, the risks and tradeoffs of increasingly powerful AI systems, the importance of open source and decentralization, and the role crypto may play as a trust layer between humans and AI. false full 109 a650a763-2709-4b55-ad50-4fcf65d0ba3f AI Is Changing the Internet. What Does It Mean for Creators? (with Justin and Michael Blau) What does the future of the creator economy actually look like? The economics of content creation are changing, what happens to copyright in a world of abundant generated content, and why human taste, curation, and connection may matter even more going forward. 

In this episode, host Robert Hackett talks with Justin (CEO, Bond) and Michael Blau(Head of Product, Bond) about the changing relationship between creators, audiences, platforms, and technology. 

They unpack how today’s platforms shape creator behavior, why audience relationships are often trapped inside algorithms, and what a more direct creator-fan connection could look like. They also explore broader questions around crypto infrastructure, stablecoins, and whether blockchain can enable new kinds of internet-native products without needing to be the focus of the user experience. 

Along the way, Justin reflects on his path from music into crypto, Michael talks about how magic shaped the way he thinks about originality and performance, and both share thoughts on NFTs, digital ownership, productivity tools, books, and creative inspiration. 

Highlights 

  • 0:00 Intro 0:47 The biggest misconceptions about creator monetization
  • 1:04 Why creators still don’t know their audience
  • 1:34 Trading, speculation, and the limits of past creator crypto models
  • 2:31 Why creator-fan relationships could move onchain
  • 4:41 Stablecoins and global internet products
  • 6:55 Justin Michael’s journey from DJ to crypto builder
  • 8:12 What artists still don’t get from platforms
  • 10:09 Subscription models, fan support, and alternative mechanics
  • 17:57 AI, content abundance, and the future of creativity
  • 18:57 Why human curation still matters
  • 19:36 Copyright, IP, and a world shaped by AI
  • 25:00 The difference between AI and crypto products
  • 25:38 What magic teaches about creativity and originality
  • 28:23 Inspirations: John Mayer, Zedd, Brian Chesky, David Blaine
  • 35:06 Why NFTs still matter 
     

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:41:38 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Andreessen Horowitz) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/ai-is-changing-the-internet-what-does-it-mean-for-creators-with-justin-and-michael-blau-ipKZWZ1J What does the future of the creator economy actually look like? The economics of content creation are changing, what happens to copyright in a world of abundant generated content, and why human taste, curation, and connection may matter even more going forward. 

In this episode, host Robert Hackett talks with Justin (CEO, Bond) and Michael Blau(Head of Product, Bond) about the changing relationship between creators, audiences, platforms, and technology. 

They unpack how today’s platforms shape creator behavior, why audience relationships are often trapped inside algorithms, and what a more direct creator-fan connection could look like. They also explore broader questions around crypto infrastructure, stablecoins, and whether blockchain can enable new kinds of internet-native products without needing to be the focus of the user experience. 

Along the way, Justin reflects on his path from music into crypto, Michael talks about how magic shaped the way he thinks about originality and performance, and both share thoughts on NFTs, digital ownership, productivity tools, books, and creative inspiration. 

Highlights 

  • 0:00 Intro 0:47 The biggest misconceptions about creator monetization
  • 1:04 Why creators still don’t know their audience
  • 1:34 Trading, speculation, and the limits of past creator crypto models
  • 2:31 Why creator-fan relationships could move onchain
  • 4:41 Stablecoins and global internet products
  • 6:55 Justin Michael’s journey from DJ to crypto builder
  • 8:12 What artists still don’t get from platforms
  • 10:09 Subscription models, fan support, and alternative mechanics
  • 17:57 AI, content abundance, and the future of creativity
  • 18:57 Why human curation still matters
  • 19:36 Copyright, IP, and a world shaped by AI
  • 25:00 The difference between AI and crypto products
  • 25:38 What magic teaches about creativity and originality
  • 28:23 Inspirations: John Mayer, Zedd, Brian Chesky, David Blaine
  • 35:06 Why NFTs still matter 
     

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> AI Is Changing the Internet. What Does It Mean for Creators? (with Justin and Michael Blau) Andreessen Horowitz 00:37:22 Justin (CEO, Bond) and Michael Blau(Head of Product, Bond) break down why the creator economy is broken — and how crypto might fix it. They discuss Bond, a new model where fans stake money to support creators, eliminating subscriptions while preserving direct relationships. We cover the gap between creators and fans, why past crypto models failed (speculation vs. true support), how stablecoins enable global products, and what happens to creativity when AI makes content abundant. Plus: why copyright might disappear, what magic teaches about originality, and why NFTs represent true digital ownership despite the hype cycles. Justin (CEO, Bond) and Michael Blau(Head of Product, Bond) break down why the creator economy is broken — and how crypto might fix it. They discuss Bond, a new model where fans stake money to support creators, eliminating subscriptions while preserving direct relationships. We cover the gap between creators and fans, why past crypto models failed (speculation vs. true support), how stablecoins enable global products, and what happens to creativity when AI makes content abundant. Plus: why copyright might disappear, what magic teaches about originality, and why NFTs represent true digital ownership despite the hype cycles. false full 108 212d9e61-45d5-42f6-8e01-d46a08f484ab The Emmy Built on ETH: Emily Yang aka pplpleasr on the Future of Storytelling Four years ago, artist Emily Yang aka pplpleasr began a creative journey that would help break new ground at the intersection of art, technology, and community. 

In this episode, we sit down with Emily — founder of Shibuya — to talk about her evolution from illustrator to Emmy-winning storyteller. 

Emily shares how Shibuya is pioneering “permissionless creativity,” using crypto rails to fund, build, and co-create original IP with global communities. Her breakout project, White Rabbit, became the first crypto-native project to win an Emmy (Outstanding Innovation in Emerging Media), proving that grassroots storytelling can reach mainstream acclaim. We dive into: 

  • How White Rabbit crowdfunded alternate story endings 
  • What it means to turn audiences from passive viewers into active participants 
  • Why efficient capital formation is a game-changer for creatives 
  • Building outside traditional studio systems 
  • The creative tension between community input and artistic vision 

Plus, Emily's biggest inspirations (Ghost in the Shell, Miyazaki, David Lynch, and more). 

 

Follow a16z crypto for more... 

X: https://x.com/a16zcrypto

 LinkedIn:  / posts  

 YouTube:  / @a16zcrypto  

 📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: 

https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subsc...

 *** As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:06:04 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Andreessen Horowitz) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/the-emmy-built-on-eth-emily-yang-aka-pplpleasr-on-the-future-of-storytelling-zdEWzHqE Four years ago, artist Emily Yang aka pplpleasr began a creative journey that would help break new ground at the intersection of art, technology, and community. 

In this episode, we sit down with Emily — founder of Shibuya — to talk about her evolution from illustrator to Emmy-winning storyteller. 

Emily shares how Shibuya is pioneering “permissionless creativity,” using crypto rails to fund, build, and co-create original IP with global communities. Her breakout project, White Rabbit, became the first crypto-native project to win an Emmy (Outstanding Innovation in Emerging Media), proving that grassroots storytelling can reach mainstream acclaim. We dive into: 

  • How White Rabbit crowdfunded alternate story endings 
  • What it means to turn audiences from passive viewers into active participants 
  • Why efficient capital formation is a game-changer for creatives 
  • Building outside traditional studio systems 
  • The creative tension between community input and artistic vision 

Plus, Emily's biggest inspirations (Ghost in the Shell, Miyazaki, David Lynch, and more). 

 

Follow a16z crypto for more... 

X: https://x.com/a16zcrypto

 LinkedIn:  / posts  

 YouTube:  / @a16zcrypto  

 📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: 

https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subsc...

 *** As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> The Emmy Built on ETH: Emily Yang aka pplpleasr on the Future of Storytelling Andreessen Horowitz 00:11:08 Emily Yang, aka pplpleasr, joins us to talk about her evolution from artist to Emmy-winning storyteller and the vision behind Shibuya’s “permissionless creativity” model. She shares how White Rabbit became the first crypto-native project to win an Emmy, and how crypto-enabled community participation can open new possibilities for funding, building, and co-creating original IP. We also discuss interactive storytelling, the tension between audience input and artistic vision, and the inspirations that shape Emily’s creative world. Emily Yang, aka pplpleasr, joins us to talk about her evolution from artist to Emmy-winning storyteller and the vision behind Shibuya’s “permissionless creativity” model. She shares how White Rabbit became the first crypto-native project to win an Emmy, and how crypto-enabled community participation can open new possibilities for funding, building, and co-creating original IP. We also discuss interactive storytelling, the tension between audience input and artistic vision, and the inspirations that shape Emily’s creative world. false full 107 fac9c2eb-6039-4ba8-a9ba-a092f97e998d AI Just Gave You Superpowers — Now What? A hot paper — "Some Simple Economics of AGI" — has been making the rounds, so we sat down with the author, covering: 

  • Automation vs. verification: the key economic split 
  • Why AI agents now feel like coworkers - What's happening to junior roles and the “codifier’s curse” 
  • The “AI sandwich” structure for firms 
  • The value of "meaning-makers," consensus, and status economies 
  • Why crypto may become essential infrastructure for identity, provenance, and trust 
  • Two possible futures: a hollow vs. augmented economy 

Featuring Christian Catalini (founder of MIT Crypto Economics Lab) and Eddy Lazzarin (CTO of a16z crypto) in conversation with Robert Hackett, our discussion dives deep into how automation is reshaping labor markets, as well as the nature of intelligence. 

What do these changes mean for startups, the future of work, and your career? 

Highlights 

00:00 Introduction 

01:47 AGI economics optimism and playbook 

05:39 Agents as coworkers 

07:39 Software work becomes verification 

10:47 Automation versus verification 

12:03 "Unknown unknowns" and taste 

16:27 Human augmentation and intent 

17:55 The "AI Sandwich" and "Codifier's Curse" 

21:54 "Meaning-makers" and the human touch 

23:48 Crypto for identity and trust? 

27:10 Measurability: How to think about it 

33:23 Machine coordination and art after automation 

35:46 Trojan horse risks 

37:47 Liability and insurance 

41:08 Crypto and verification 

44:31 A hollow vs. augmented economy 

49:45 Career advice in the AI era 

51:26 The one-person billion-dollar startup 

57:15 Open-source as antibodies 

58:42 Blockchains for coordination 

01:01:49 Closing thoughts 

Follow a16z crypto for more... 

X: https://x.com/a16zcrypto 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a16zcrypto/posts/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@a16zcrypto 

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/ 

*** 

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 5 Mar 2026 20:37:52 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Andreessen Horowitz) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/agi-ai-agents-x-crypto-J2SvSBow A hot paper — "Some Simple Economics of AGI" — has been making the rounds, so we sat down with the author, covering: 

  • Automation vs. verification: the key economic split 
  • Why AI agents now feel like coworkers - What's happening to junior roles and the “codifier’s curse” 
  • The “AI sandwich” structure for firms 
  • The value of "meaning-makers," consensus, and status economies 
  • Why crypto may become essential infrastructure for identity, provenance, and trust 
  • Two possible futures: a hollow vs. augmented economy 

Featuring Christian Catalini (founder of MIT Crypto Economics Lab) and Eddy Lazzarin (CTO of a16z crypto) in conversation with Robert Hackett, our discussion dives deep into how automation is reshaping labor markets, as well as the nature of intelligence. 

What do these changes mean for startups, the future of work, and your career? 

Highlights 

00:00 Introduction 

01:47 AGI economics optimism and playbook 

05:39 Agents as coworkers 

07:39 Software work becomes verification 

10:47 Automation versus verification 

12:03 "Unknown unknowns" and taste 

16:27 Human augmentation and intent 

17:55 The "AI Sandwich" and "Codifier's Curse" 

21:54 "Meaning-makers" and the human touch 

23:48 Crypto for identity and trust? 

27:10 Measurability: How to think about it 

33:23 Machine coordination and art after automation 

35:46 Trojan horse risks 

37:47 Liability and insurance 

41:08 Crypto and verification 

44:31 A hollow vs. augmented economy 

49:45 Career advice in the AI era 

51:26 The one-person billion-dollar startup 

57:15 Open-source as antibodies 

58:42 Blockchains for coordination 

01:01:49 Closing thoughts 

Follow a16z crypto for more... 

X: https://x.com/a16zcrypto 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a16zcrypto/posts/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@a16zcrypto 

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/ 

*** 

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> AI Just Gave You Superpowers — Now What? Andreessen Horowitz 01:05:40 A new paper, “Some Simple Economics of AGI,” is making the rounds—so we sat down with author Christian Catalini (MIT Crypto Economics Lab) and Eddy Lazzarin (CTO of a16z crypto), in conversation with Robert Hackett, to unpack what AGI could mean for work and markets. A new paper, “Some Simple Economics of AGI,” is making the rounds—so we sat down with author Christian Catalini (MIT Crypto Economics Lab) and Eddy Lazzarin (CTO of a16z crypto), in conversation with Robert Hackett, to unpack what AGI could mean for work and markets. false full 105 e8bb6ec9-c13b-4b6d-956b-2e91a7fe42fb Why Tokenize? Fidelity on Onchain Assets and the Next Phase of Adoption What does it actually mean to bring assets onchain — and why should investors care? 

In this episode, Cynthia Lo Bessette, Head of Digital Asset Management at Fidelity Investments, breaks down Fidelity’s roadmap for digital market adoption — from Bitcoin ETPs to tokenized money market funds — and explains why tokenization is about far more than just putting assets on a blockchain. 

We cover: 

  • The three phases of digital asset adoption: Hold, Use, Build 
  • Why tokenizing an asset must start with utility 
  • How tokenized money market funds bridge payments and yield 
  • The rapid rise of real-world assets (RWAs) onchain 
  • The impact of the regional bank crisis and stablecoin depegging 
  • Staking yield inside traditional wrappers 
  • Institutional adoption of DeFi infrastructure 
  • Build vs. partner decisions inside a major asset manager 

Cynthia also shares insight into Fidelity’s early Bitcoin mining experiments, how they evaluate crypto founders, and why authenticity is the smallest hill she’ll always die on. 

If you're interested in tokenization, real-world assets, crypto ETFs, DeFi infrastructure, or the future of asset management — this conversation is for you.


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]]> Wed, 4 Mar 2026 23:03:21 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Andreessen Horowitz) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/why-tokenize-fidelity-on-onchain-assets-and-the-next-phase-of-adoption-Mf6CO0rI What does it actually mean to bring assets onchain — and why should investors care? 

In this episode, Cynthia Lo Bessette, Head of Digital Asset Management at Fidelity Investments, breaks down Fidelity’s roadmap for digital market adoption — from Bitcoin ETPs to tokenized money market funds — and explains why tokenization is about far more than just putting assets on a blockchain. 

We cover: 

  • The three phases of digital asset adoption: Hold, Use, Build 
  • Why tokenizing an asset must start with utility 
  • How tokenized money market funds bridge payments and yield 
  • The rapid rise of real-world assets (RWAs) onchain 
  • The impact of the regional bank crisis and stablecoin depegging 
  • Staking yield inside traditional wrappers 
  • Institutional adoption of DeFi infrastructure 
  • Build vs. partner decisions inside a major asset manager 

Cynthia also shares insight into Fidelity’s early Bitcoin mining experiments, how they evaluate crypto founders, and why authenticity is the smallest hill she’ll always die on. 

If you're interested in tokenization, real-world assets, crypto ETFs, DeFi infrastructure, or the future of asset management — this conversation is for you.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Why Tokenize? Fidelity on Onchain Assets and the Next Phase of Adoption Andreessen Horowitz 00:16:04 Cynthia Lo Bessette, Head of Digital Asset Management at Fidelity Investments, explains what it really means to bring assets onchain, and why tokenization matters to investors beyond the hype. She walks through Fidelity’s framework for digital asset adoption (Hold, Use, Build), how tokenized money market funds can combine payments and yield, and why real-world assets are accelerating onchain. Cynthia Lo Bessette, Head of Digital Asset Management at Fidelity Investments, explains what it really means to bring assets onchain, and why tokenization matters to investors beyond the hype. She walks through Fidelity’s framework for digital asset adoption (Hold, Use, Build), how tokenized money market funds can combine payments and yield, and why real-world assets are accelerating onchain. false full 106 449c2ad8-371f-4213-bad5-41d75b749bb8 When Bots Have Bank Accounts: The Rise of the Agent Economy (With Sean Neville, Catena Labs) What happens when AI becomes the primary economic actor? 

In this conversation, Sean Neville (cofounder of Circle, architect of USDC, and now cofounder of Catena Labs) shares his vision for the next phase of the internet: an agent-native economy powered by programmable dollars and AI banks. 

As stablecoins put dollars on internet rails, a new question emerges: what happens when AI agents start earning, spending, lending, investing — and even managing our assets — on our behalf? 

From KYA (“Know Your Agent”) to programmable spending policies to secure agent communication standards, this conversation explores the foundational layers that must be built before AI can safely participate in the global economy. 

Sean breaks down: 

  • Why he believes AI agents could become the dominant economic participants
  • What an “AI-native bank” actually is (and why we’ll need one)
  • The missing infrastructure required for safe agent-to-agent payments
  • How cryptography can encode trust directly into software
  • Why current financial risk systems are designed to block bots — and what needs to change
  • The fragmented race to define standards for agent identity, payments, and communication-
  • Lessons from building Circle and launching USDC
  • Why he doesn’t love the term “stablecoin”

Follow a16z crypto for more... 

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As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> Tue, 3 Mar 2026 19:30:08 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Andreessen Horowitz) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/when-bots-have-bank-accounts-the-rise-of-the-agent-economy-with-sean-neville-catena-labs-8Fo_aMLw What happens when AI becomes the primary economic actor? 

In this conversation, Sean Neville (cofounder of Circle, architect of USDC, and now cofounder of Catena Labs) shares his vision for the next phase of the internet: an agent-native economy powered by programmable dollars and AI banks. 

As stablecoins put dollars on internet rails, a new question emerges: what happens when AI agents start earning, spending, lending, investing — and even managing our assets — on our behalf? 

From KYA (“Know Your Agent”) to programmable spending policies to secure agent communication standards, this conversation explores the foundational layers that must be built before AI can safely participate in the global economy. 

Sean breaks down: 

  • Why he believes AI agents could become the dominant economic participants
  • What an “AI-native bank” actually is (and why we’ll need one)
  • The missing infrastructure required for safe agent-to-agent payments
  • How cryptography can encode trust directly into software
  • Why current financial risk systems are designed to block bots — and what needs to change
  • The fragmented race to define standards for agent identity, payments, and communication-
  • Lessons from building Circle and launching USDC
  • Why he doesn’t love the term “stablecoin”

Follow a16z crypto for more... 

X: https://x.com/a16zcrypto

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a16zcrypto/posts/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@a16zcrypto

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/

*** 

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> When Bots Have Bank Accounts: The Rise of the Agent Economy (With Sean Neville, Catena Labs) Andreessen Horowitz 00:20:42 When AI agents start earning, spending, lending, and investing, the internet’s money layer needs to evolve fast. Sean Neville—cofounder of Circle, architect of USDC, and now cofounder of Catena Labs—lays out his thesis for an agent-native economy built on programmable dollars and “AI-native banks.” When AI agents start earning, spending, lending, and investing, the internet’s money layer needs to evolve fast. Sean Neville—cofounder of Circle, architect of USDC, and now cofounder of Catena Labs—lays out his thesis for an agent-native economy built on programmable dollars and “AI-native banks.” false full 104 62bcdac0-a76d-4022-b470-3ca486688a9c From Eater to Blackbird: Ben Leventhal on Restaurants, Loyalty, and Rebuilding Payments Restaurants generated more than a trillion dollars in sales last year — but they don’t control the payment rails those dollars flow through.

In this episode, Ben Leventhal (founder of Eater, Resy, and now Blackbird) joins Robert Hackett to explain why that’s a problem, how loyalty and payments have failed independent restaurants, and where crypto fits into fixing it.

Ben breaks down:

  • Why most restaurant tech misses the point
  • How Blackbird uses crypto without making restaurants think about crypto
  • What “restaurant-first” really means in payments and loyalty
  • Why decentralization only makes sense at scale
  • Lessons from building multiple companies in hospitality
  • Why we’re living in the golden age of restaurants
  • Plus: favorite NYC spots, founder productivity hacks, and the smallest hill he’ll die on.

This is a grounded conversation about technology, ownership, and the future of restaurants — from someone who’s been building in the space for over a decade.

 

Follow a16z crypto for more...

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/

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***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Robert Hackett, Ben Leventhal) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/eater-blackbird-ben-leventhal-restaurants-loyalty-payments-c161HK6w Restaurants generated more than a trillion dollars in sales last year — but they don’t control the payment rails those dollars flow through.

In this episode, Ben Leventhal (founder of Eater, Resy, and now Blackbird) joins Robert Hackett to explain why that’s a problem, how loyalty and payments have failed independent restaurants, and where crypto fits into fixing it.

Ben breaks down:

  • Why most restaurant tech misses the point
  • How Blackbird uses crypto without making restaurants think about crypto
  • What “restaurant-first” really means in payments and loyalty
  • Why decentralization only makes sense at scale
  • Lessons from building multiple companies in hospitality
  • Why we’re living in the golden age of restaurants
  • Plus: favorite NYC spots, founder productivity hacks, and the smallest hill he’ll die on.

This is a grounded conversation about technology, ownership, and the future of restaurants — from someone who’s been building in the space for over a decade.

 

Follow a16z crypto for more...

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> From Eater to Blackbird: Ben Leventhal on Restaurants, Loyalty, and Rebuilding Payments Robert Hackett, Ben Leventhal 00:15:49 From Eater to Blackbird, Ben Leventhal reflects on building companies for restaurants and the lessons he’s applying to loyalty, payments, and scale. From Eater to Blackbird, Ben Leventhal reflects on building companies for restaurants and the lessons he’s applying to loyalty, payments, and scale. crypto, loyalty, decentralization, blockchain, payments, restaurants false full 103 8c7c1600-7d34-471c-aceb-164913f03887 Bridge CEO Zach Abrams: Stablecoins Are The Next Platform for Money with @zcabrams @rhackett

What happens when money moves 10x — or 100x — faster than it does today?

In this episode, Zach Abrams, cofounder and CEO of Bridge (now part of Stripe), lays out a bold vision for the future of money: a world where stablecoins become the dominant payment rail, most transactions happen between non-human agents, and entirely new financial infrastructure is required to keep up.

Zach explains why stablecoins are the next evolution of fintech, much like credit cards were decades ago — and why we’re still in the very early innings. We dig into agentic payments, AI-to-AI commerce, micro-transactions on the open internet, and what Stripe is building by assembling stablecoin infrastructure across the stack.

Along the way, we cover:

  • Why cards succeeded — and what stablecoins must learn from them
  • How AI agents could drive the majority of future payments
  • What breaks when the velocity of money increases 10x
  • Stripe’s long-term strategy behind Bridge, Privy, and Tempo
  • The case for open, decentralized payment infrastructure
  • Zach’s unconventional views on management, productivity, and product-market fit

If you’re curious about the future of payments, fintech, crypto, AI agents, or the economic foundations of the next internet, this conversation offers a look several steps ahead.

Highlights:

00:00 Introduction
00:36 Stablecoins: The next platform for money
01:38 Credit cards had a moral panic too
03:29 What stablecoin infrastructure still needs to be built
05:22 The use cases no one predicted
11:11 Why Stripe is building with crypto
13:08 Why payments infrastructure must stay open
15:12 Lightning round: Bad advice, great books, and deep work

Follow a16z crypto for more...

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/

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***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Mon, 2 Feb 2026 20:50:32 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Robert Hackett, Zach Abrams) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/stablecoins-stripe-bridge-zach-abrams-VP8kP1xC with @zcabrams @rhackett

What happens when money moves 10x — or 100x — faster than it does today?

In this episode, Zach Abrams, cofounder and CEO of Bridge (now part of Stripe), lays out a bold vision for the future of money: a world where stablecoins become the dominant payment rail, most transactions happen between non-human agents, and entirely new financial infrastructure is required to keep up.

Zach explains why stablecoins are the next evolution of fintech, much like credit cards were decades ago — and why we’re still in the very early innings. We dig into agentic payments, AI-to-AI commerce, micro-transactions on the open internet, and what Stripe is building by assembling stablecoin infrastructure across the stack.

Along the way, we cover:

  • Why cards succeeded — and what stablecoins must learn from them
  • How AI agents could drive the majority of future payments
  • What breaks when the velocity of money increases 10x
  • Stripe’s long-term strategy behind Bridge, Privy, and Tempo
  • The case for open, decentralized payment infrastructure
  • Zach’s unconventional views on management, productivity, and product-market fit

If you’re curious about the future of payments, fintech, crypto, AI agents, or the economic foundations of the next internet, this conversation offers a look several steps ahead.

Highlights:

00:00 Introduction
00:36 Stablecoins: The next platform for money
01:38 Credit cards had a moral panic too
03:29 What stablecoin infrastructure still needs to be built
05:22 The use cases no one predicted
11:11 Why Stripe is building with crypto
13:08 Why payments infrastructure must stay open
15:12 Lightning round: Bad advice, great books, and deep work

Follow a16z crypto for more...

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Bridge CEO Zach Abrams: Stablecoins Are The Next Platform for Money Robert Hackett, Zach Abrams 00:19:45 Bridge Cofounder and CEO Zach Abrams argues that stablecoins are the next evolution of financial infrastructure — and that the future of payments will be dominated by AI agents, not humans. We explore what breaks when money moves 10x faster, what Stripe is building, and why open payment networks matter. Bridge Cofounder and CEO Zach Abrams argues that stablecoins are the next evolution of financial infrastructure — and that the future of payments will be dominated by AI agents, not humans. We explore what breaks when money moves 10x faster, what Stripe is building, and why open payment networks matter. bridge, stablecoins, ai agents, blockchain, payments, stripe, fintech false full 102 bb3e7f83-d164-4855-b1b0-f615c39e948c Why Privacy Will Be the Biggest Moat in Crypto with @alive_eth @rhackett

a16z crypto General Partner Ali Yahya explains why privacy — not performance — will determine the long-term winners in crypto, and how it creates powerful network effects. 

In conversation with a16z crypto show host Robert Hackett, Ali lays out how privacy creates lock-in and winner-take-most dynamics — without sacrificing decentralization. They also dive into the technologies making privacy possible today, from zero-knowledge proofs to trusted execution environments, and why financial use cases will drive mainstream adoption first.

They cover:

  • Why blockspace is becoming a commodity
  • Why users tolerate surveillance in social media—but not in finance
  • How anonymity sets work and why secrets are hard to migrate
  • The real trade-offs between privacy, composability, and decentralization
  • The four privacy technologies shaping the next generation of blockchains

Highlights:

00:00 — Introduction
01:41 — Blockspace is becoming commoditized
03:11 — Privacy as lock-in: why secrets are harder to move than assets
06:01 — Do people actually care about privacy?
08:51 — Beyond finance: social, gaming, and private onchain apps
11:55 — Privacy zones, anonymity sets, and network effects
18:46 — Winner-take-most dynamics, explained
20:22 — What it means for crypto’s decentralization ethos
23:06 — Is privacy lock-in different from web2 lock-in?
28:31 — The privacy tech stack: ZK, MPC, TEEs, and FHE
32:13 — What this means for builders and investors
33:18 — Future considerations: Quantum computing and AI

Follow a16z crypto for more...

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 30 Jan 2026 17:21:09 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Ali Yahya, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/privacy-moat-crypto-Wd1RCeKV with @alive_eth @rhackett

a16z crypto General Partner Ali Yahya explains why privacy — not performance — will determine the long-term winners in crypto, and how it creates powerful network effects. 

In conversation with a16z crypto show host Robert Hackett, Ali lays out how privacy creates lock-in and winner-take-most dynamics — without sacrificing decentralization. They also dive into the technologies making privacy possible today, from zero-knowledge proofs to trusted execution environments, and why financial use cases will drive mainstream adoption first.

They cover:

  • Why blockspace is becoming a commodity
  • Why users tolerate surveillance in social media—but not in finance
  • How anonymity sets work and why secrets are hard to migrate
  • The real trade-offs between privacy, composability, and decentralization
  • The four privacy technologies shaping the next generation of blockchains

Highlights:

00:00 — Introduction
01:41 — Blockspace is becoming commoditized
03:11 — Privacy as lock-in: why secrets are harder to move than assets
06:01 — Do people actually care about privacy?
08:51 — Beyond finance: social, gaming, and private onchain apps
11:55 — Privacy zones, anonymity sets, and network effects
18:46 — Winner-take-most dynamics, explained
20:22 — What it means for crypto’s decentralization ethos
23:06 — Is privacy lock-in different from web2 lock-in?
28:31 — The privacy tech stack: ZK, MPC, TEEs, and FHE
32:13 — What this means for builders and investors
33:18 — Future considerations: Quantum computing and AI

Follow a16z crypto for more...

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Why Privacy Will Be the Biggest Moat in Crypto Ali Yahya, Robert Hackett 00:36:20 Most blockchains are starting to look the same. So what actually creates defensibility in crypto? Most blockchains are starting to look the same. So what actually creates defensibility in crypto? crypto, privacy, investing, defi, blockchain, onchain, vc false full 101 225876d0-0a17-4ed8-9d9f-f99152e7237d From Oculus to Anduril: Palmer Luckey on Power, Technology, and the Future with @PalmerLuckey @cdixon

In this special episode — our 100th on the a16z crypto show! — Chris Dixon interviews Palmer Luckey (founder of Anduril; founder of Oculus VR and designer of the Oculus Rift) to talk about the future of technology, belief, and building.

What does it take to build hardware at scale? Where are many of today’s tech bottlenecks? And what's the case for optimism about the future despite growing geopolitical turmoil, regulatory constraints, and other blockers to innovation? The candid, wide-ranging conversation covers crypto, banking, and stablecoins, as well as modern warfare, the U.S.–China technology race, AI and manufacturing, and much more. 

Dixon also digs into company building in good times and bad with Luckey; the conversation was recorded live at our Founders Summit. 

Highlights:
0:00 — Introduction
2:08 — Early Oculus: Why VR was hard
8:02 — Bitcoin & early crypto days
9:49 — The Facebook acquisition
13:36 — How successful was VR, really?
18:59 — Starting Anduril
20:01 — Hiring for mission ("Don't Work at Anduril")
23:59 — How Anduril works (product dev, org design)
27:47 — How Palmer stays ahead of the curve
33:00 — The US-China technology race
34:40 — What Putin understood early about AI
39:45 — Stablecoins & banking risk
45:00 — Politics as bottleneck
47:00 — Future of technology: AI, fusion, quantum
50:23 — Automation, abundance, and optimism
53:23 — Ukraine, drones, and the reality of war

Follow a16z crypto for more...

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Chris Dixon, Palmer Luckey) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/palmer-luckey-anduril-oculus-vr-TrfuS76c with @PalmerLuckey @cdixon

In this special episode — our 100th on the a16z crypto show! — Chris Dixon interviews Palmer Luckey (founder of Anduril; founder of Oculus VR and designer of the Oculus Rift) to talk about the future of technology, belief, and building.

What does it take to build hardware at scale? Where are many of today’s tech bottlenecks? And what's the case for optimism about the future despite growing geopolitical turmoil, regulatory constraints, and other blockers to innovation? The candid, wide-ranging conversation covers crypto, banking, and stablecoins, as well as modern warfare, the U.S.–China technology race, AI and manufacturing, and much more. 

Dixon also digs into company building in good times and bad with Luckey; the conversation was recorded live at our Founders Summit. 

Highlights:
0:00 — Introduction
2:08 — Early Oculus: Why VR was hard
8:02 — Bitcoin & early crypto days
9:49 — The Facebook acquisition
13:36 — How successful was VR, really?
18:59 — Starting Anduril
20:01 — Hiring for mission ("Don't Work at Anduril")
23:59 — How Anduril works (product dev, org design)
27:47 — How Palmer stays ahead of the curve
33:00 — The US-China technology race
34:40 — What Putin understood early about AI
39:45 — Stablecoins & banking risk
45:00 — Politics as bottleneck
47:00 — Future of technology: AI, fusion, quantum
50:23 — Automation, abundance, and optimism
53:23 — Ukraine, drones, and the reality of war

Follow a16z crypto for more...

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> From Oculus to Anduril: Palmer Luckey on Power, Technology, and the Future Chris Dixon, Palmer Luckey 01:02:01 Chris Dixon and Palmer Luckey talk about the future of technology, geopolitics and AI, crypto and banking, and much more — marking our 100th episode. Chris Dixon and Palmer Luckey talk about the future of technology, geopolitics and AI, crypto and banking, and much more — marking our 100th episode. crypto, oculus, drones, u.s., china, ai, startups, anduril, geopolitics, techology, bitcoin false full 100 522498d8-3d27-4587-8662-f6221f40a5a6 Nobody's Gonna Trust Your Corp Chain with @ccatalini @rhackett

Today we’re talking about who — if anyone — should own the rails of global money.

Our guest is Christian Catalini, cofounder and chief strategy officer of the global payments startup Lightspark, and a former architect of Meta’s shuttered Libra project — one of the most ambitious attempts to create a corporate-backed digital currency.

In this episode, we talk about…

  • why Bitcoin is more than “digital gold,” 
  • what Christian learned from his time at Facebook, and 
  • why he believes openness — not corporate control — will ultimately win

Christian also wrote a feature for us expanding on his argument, which you can read by subscribing to a16z crypto on Substack. Check it out and let us know what you think.

This episode is part of a special series of interviews we recorded live at our Founders Summit in October. 

Follow a16z crypto for more...

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Christian Catalini, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/lightspark-christian-catalini-8Hu9tJBC with @ccatalini @rhackett

Today we’re talking about who — if anyone — should own the rails of global money.

Our guest is Christian Catalini, cofounder and chief strategy officer of the global payments startup Lightspark, and a former architect of Meta’s shuttered Libra project — one of the most ambitious attempts to create a corporate-backed digital currency.

In this episode, we talk about…

  • why Bitcoin is more than “digital gold,” 
  • what Christian learned from his time at Facebook, and 
  • why he believes openness — not corporate control — will ultimately win

Christian also wrote a feature for us expanding on his argument, which you can read by subscribing to a16z crypto on Substack. Check it out and let us know what you think.

This episode is part of a special series of interviews we recorded live at our Founders Summit in October. 

Follow a16z crypto for more...

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/

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***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> Nobody's Gonna Trust Your Corp Chain Christian Catalini, Robert Hackett 00:17:27 After working on one of the most ambitious corporate-backed digital currency projects at Facebook, Christian Catalini has strong views on how money should move. In this episode, we explore Bitcoin as infrastructure, lessons from building blockchains at a tech giant, and the case for open financial networks. After working on one of the most ambitious corporate-backed digital currency projects at Facebook, Christian Catalini has strong views on how money should move. In this episode, we explore Bitcoin as infrastructure, lessons from building blockchains at a tech giant, and the case for open financial networks. crypto, blockchain, onchain, cryptonetworks, payments, open source, bitcoin false full 99 056a9665-369b-4d94-a42e-5ecdc8a1b1a6 The Obsession That Destroys Startups (with LayerZero CEO) with @PrimordialAA @rhackett

In this episode, host Robert Hackett sits down with Bryan Pellegrino, cofounder and CEO of LayerZero, one of the core infrastructure projects that enables blockchains to talk to one another. We talk about why crypto went multichain, what it means for crypto to compete with legacy financial systems, and a lesson Bryan took firsthand from Elon Musk. We also get into Bryan’s background as a professional poker player, and how that has shaped his views on competition, conviction, and focus.

We go deep on founder psychology:
– When founders must replace early leadership — and why no one talks about it
– Why conviction matters more than advice
– And why the hardest decisions are the ones no playbook prepares you for

Highlights
0:00 – Introduction
0:47 – The need for interoperability
1:04 – How crypto went multichain
2:51 – The institutional adoption of crypto
6:56 – Focus and conviction
13:19 – The nature of competition
14:43 – Elon Musk's game-changing advice
18:48 – The importance of self-disruption
20:08 – Lightning round
22:56 – Challenges in scaling a company
26:46 – Book recommendations and productivity hacks
28:19 – Core principles and company culture

This episode is part of a special series of interviews we recorded live at our Founders Summit in October. 

Follow a16z crypto for more...

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Wed, 7 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Bryan Pellegrino, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/layerzero-ceo-bryan-pellegrino-Nd4kEar8 with @PrimordialAA @rhackett

In this episode, host Robert Hackett sits down with Bryan Pellegrino, cofounder and CEO of LayerZero, one of the core infrastructure projects that enables blockchains to talk to one another. We talk about why crypto went multichain, what it means for crypto to compete with legacy financial systems, and a lesson Bryan took firsthand from Elon Musk. We also get into Bryan’s background as a professional poker player, and how that has shaped his views on competition, conviction, and focus.

We go deep on founder psychology:
– When founders must replace early leadership — and why no one talks about it
– Why conviction matters more than advice
– And why the hardest decisions are the ones no playbook prepares you for

Highlights
0:00 – Introduction
0:47 – The need for interoperability
1:04 – How crypto went multichain
2:51 – The institutional adoption of crypto
6:56 – Focus and conviction
13:19 – The nature of competition
14:43 – Elon Musk's game-changing advice
18:48 – The importance of self-disruption
20:08 – Lightning round
22:56 – Challenges in scaling a company
26:46 – Book recommendations and productivity hacks
28:19 – Core principles and company culture

This episode is part of a special series of interviews we recorded live at our Founders Summit in October. 

Follow a16z crypto for more...

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> The Obsession That Destroys Startups (with LayerZero CEO) Bryan Pellegrino, Robert Hackett 00:30:28 This episode covers a destructive mental trap founders can fall into — and how to avoid it. We also explore why crypto went multichain, how it is competing with legacy financial systems, and an important lesson from Elon Musk. This episode covers a destructive mental trap founders can fall into — and how to avoid it. We also explore why crypto went multichain, how it is competing with legacy financial systems, and an important lesson from Elon Musk. crypto, competition, multichain, interoperability, startups, founder stories, blockchains, layerzero false full 98 e1500f0a-4d60-4e54-ab28-30eba0fd7186 How Elite Athletes Perform Under Extreme Pressure with @LairdLife @GabbyReece @AriannaSimpson

Today's episode features two people who’ve spent their careers performing at the highest levels in sport and business: big-wave surfing pioneer Laird Hamilton and former pro volleyball star Gabby Reece. 

They join a16z crypto General Partner Arianna Simpson for a conversation that explores what it takes to endure and excel over decades — how to get back up after setbacks, when to push versus change course, and how to build resilience and adaptability. They also get into stress, burnout, intuition, and why experience and self-care matter as much as data.

It’s a fitting conversation as we head into the New Year: a moment to reflect on habits, goals, and the kind of people we wish to become.

They cover:
– How extreme environments teach resilience
– When to keep pushing forward (and when to walk away)
– Why adaptability matters more than strength or intelligence
– How data confirms intuition
– What it takes to sustain performance across decades

Highlights:
(0:00) Opening on ambition, discomfort, and pushing beyond limits
(0:55) A near-fatal big-wave wipeout and the decision to return
(2:57) Learning how to recover after fear, injury, and loss
(3:55) When to keep going and when to stop
(6:10) Are you attracting the right people?
(6:39) Adaptability as the core skill for uncertain environments
(8:22) Sustaining energy over decades
(10:42) Approaching work with a beginner’s mindset
(11:58) Working together under pressure
(15:00) Taking a company public
(16:37) Breaking bad habits and forming good ones
(18:20) Science & data confirming instinct
(20:58) Daily practices that matter
(24:06) Personal scars and the early experiences that shape resilience
(26:32) Choosing the right people
(28:30) Practical ways to de-stress and regain focus

Follow a16z crypto on...

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: 

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show.

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Mon, 29 Dec 2025 20:59:08 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Laird Hamilton, Gabby Reece, Arianna Simpson) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/athlete-perform-pressure-laird-hamilton-gabby-reece-wlYcKTEC with @LairdLife @GabbyReece @AriannaSimpson

Today's episode features two people who’ve spent their careers performing at the highest levels in sport and business: big-wave surfing pioneer Laird Hamilton and former pro volleyball star Gabby Reece. 

They join a16z crypto General Partner Arianna Simpson for a conversation that explores what it takes to endure and excel over decades — how to get back up after setbacks, when to push versus change course, and how to build resilience and adaptability. They also get into stress, burnout, intuition, and why experience and self-care matter as much as data.

It’s a fitting conversation as we head into the New Year: a moment to reflect on habits, goals, and the kind of people we wish to become.

They cover:
– How extreme environments teach resilience
– When to keep pushing forward (and when to walk away)
– Why adaptability matters more than strength or intelligence
– How data confirms intuition
– What it takes to sustain performance across decades

Highlights:
(0:00) Opening on ambition, discomfort, and pushing beyond limits
(0:55) A near-fatal big-wave wipeout and the decision to return
(2:57) Learning how to recover after fear, injury, and loss
(3:55) When to keep going and when to stop
(6:10) Are you attracting the right people?
(6:39) Adaptability as the core skill for uncertain environments
(8:22) Sustaining energy over decades
(10:42) Approaching work with a beginner’s mindset
(11:58) Working together under pressure
(15:00) Taking a company public
(16:37) Breaking bad habits and forming good ones
(18:20) Science & data confirming instinct
(20:58) Daily practices that matter
(24:06) Personal scars and the early experiences that shape resilience
(26:32) Choosing the right people
(28:30) Practical ways to de-stress and regain focus

Follow a16z crypto on...

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: 

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show.

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> How Elite Athletes Perform Under Extreme Pressure Laird Hamilton, Gabby Reece, Arianna Simpson 00:31:48 How do you achieve peak performance while avoiding burnout? Big-wave surfing pioneer Laird Hamilton and former pro volleyball star Gabby Reece join a16z crypto General Partner Arianna Simpson to talk about what it takes. How do you achieve peak performance while avoiding burnout? Big-wave surfing pioneer Laird Hamilton and former pro volleyball star Gabby Reece join a16z crypto General Partner Arianna Simpson to talk about what it takes. sports, business, burnout, performance, surfing false full 97 c6b64721-f3b2-47aa-9a7c-3a58662ba16e What, How & Why We're Reading with @smc90 @rhackett @stephbzinn @Tim_Org

In a now-annual tradition, the a16z crypto editorial team discuss themes (and picks) from a16z crypto's latest reading lists, as well as books we keep re-reading, childhood favorites, classics, adaptations on adaptations — in book and movie form! — and much more.

We cover:

  • What genres are we reading now, how, and why?
  • How is technology — from AI and ChatGPT to the internet and audio — changing reading?
  • Why are certain themes in the zeitgeist right now?
  • Is all non-fiction just fiction now (and should we lean into this for education)?
  • Are the kids alright?

From irony, truth, and why context matters, to Machiavelli, Formula 1, and nautical non-fiction this episode has it all... check out our "what we're reading" lists, podcasts, and more here:
https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/tags/what-were-reading

Highlights
(0:00) Overview of the summer reading list
(0:33) The list goes beyond tech and business books
(2:02) Formula One, optimization, and recurring reading themes
(3:12) Favorite picks: ASML, semiconductors, and industrial history
(4:50) Memoirs, grief, and reading for emotional understanding
(6:40) Why nonfiction feels broken — and what replaces it
(8:20) Adventure, boats, and narrative nonfiction
(11:39) Letters, primary sources, and Renaissance writing
(17:30) Antimimetics, ideas that resist spreading, and fresh nonfiction
(19:00) Mark Twain, irony, influence, and unreliable narrators
(24:16) Podcasts/the internet as book discovery engines
(26:10) The internet replaces nonfiction?
(27:31) Anne of Green Gables and its effects
(30:21) The role of the author in fiction vs. nonfiction
(32:00) Historical fiction, context, and why it still matters
(38:12) Machiavelli and interpreting texts across time
(45:43) Gothic fiction, Dracula, and modern adaptations
(51:00) Film adaptations and creative ownership
(55:16) Audiobooks, narration, and reading styles
(1:00:54) Reading aloud, poetry, and rhythm
(1:06:44) Childhood books that shape worldview
(1:15:24) Young adult books worth revisiting
(1:18:29) Closing reflections and where to find the full list

***

Follow a16z crypto on...

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: 

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show.

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Tue, 23 Dec 2025 19:07:27 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Steph Zinn, Tim Sullivan, Sonal Chokshi, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/what-were-reading-2025-zjyXwchR with @smc90 @rhackett @stephbzinn @Tim_Org

In a now-annual tradition, the a16z crypto editorial team discuss themes (and picks) from a16z crypto's latest reading lists, as well as books we keep re-reading, childhood favorites, classics, adaptations on adaptations — in book and movie form! — and much more.

We cover:

  • What genres are we reading now, how, and why?
  • How is technology — from AI and ChatGPT to the internet and audio — changing reading?
  • Why are certain themes in the zeitgeist right now?
  • Is all non-fiction just fiction now (and should we lean into this for education)?
  • Are the kids alright?

From irony, truth, and why context matters, to Machiavelli, Formula 1, and nautical non-fiction this episode has it all... check out our "what we're reading" lists, podcasts, and more here:
https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/tags/what-were-reading

Highlights
(0:00) Overview of the summer reading list
(0:33) The list goes beyond tech and business books
(2:02) Formula One, optimization, and recurring reading themes
(3:12) Favorite picks: ASML, semiconductors, and industrial history
(4:50) Memoirs, grief, and reading for emotional understanding
(6:40) Why nonfiction feels broken — and what replaces it
(8:20) Adventure, boats, and narrative nonfiction
(11:39) Letters, primary sources, and Renaissance writing
(17:30) Antimimetics, ideas that resist spreading, and fresh nonfiction
(19:00) Mark Twain, irony, influence, and unreliable narrators
(24:16) Podcasts/the internet as book discovery engines
(26:10) The internet replaces nonfiction?
(27:31) Anne of Green Gables and its effects
(30:21) The role of the author in fiction vs. nonfiction
(32:00) Historical fiction, context, and why it still matters
(38:12) Machiavelli and interpreting texts across time
(45:43) Gothic fiction, Dracula, and modern adaptations
(51:00) Film adaptations and creative ownership
(55:16) Audiobooks, narration, and reading styles
(1:00:54) Reading aloud, poetry, and rhythm
(1:06:44) Childhood books that shape worldview
(1:15:24) Young adult books worth revisiting
(1:18:29) Closing reflections and where to find the full list

***

Follow a16z crypto on...

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: 

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show.

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> What, How & Why We're Reading Steph Zinn, Tim Sullivan, Sonal Chokshi, Robert Hackett 01:19:50 In a now-annual tradition, the a16z crypto editorial team discuss themes (and picks) from a16z crypto's latest reading lists, as well as books we keep re-reading, childhood favorites, classics, adaptations on adaptations — in book and movie form! — and much more. In a now-annual tradition, the a16z crypto editorial team discuss themes (and picks) from a16z crypto's latest reading lists, as well as books we keep re-reading, childhood favorites, classics, adaptations on adaptations — in book and movie form! — and much more. new books, book podcasts, reading, audiobooks, books false full 96 91f7c619-a237-4629-b0f1-bf15215ac0a1 From Wallets to Super Apps: The Internet's New Interface (with Phantom CEO) with @BChillman @jay_drainjr @rhackett

Crypto wallets are no longer just wallets. They’re the front door to a decentralized internet.

In this episode, Phantom CEO Brandon Millman joins a16z crypto Investment Partner Jay Drain and host Robert Hackett to unpack how crypto wallets are evolving into full-blown consumer finance platforms — and why they may be the most credible candidates to become the internet's next super apps.

We explore Phantom’s journey from a Solana-first wallet to a multi-chain platform, why wallets are uniquely positioned to win trust around money, and how features like onchain trading, perps, social feeds, prediction markets, and payments are reshaping what people expect from a consumer finance app.

The conversation also dives into:

  • Why starting with finance may be a better path to a super app than starting with social
  • How Phantom thinks about UX, trust, and security in crypto
  • The rise of perpetual futures (perps) and prediction markets
  • What the FTX collapse meant for Solana — and the counterintuitive silver lining
  • Whether AI agents could one day replace apps and browsers

If you’re curious about where crypto, fintech, and consumer apps are headed next — and why wallets may become the most important interface on the internet — this episode is for you.

Highlights
01:32 – The evolution and role of crypto wallets
2:42 – Wallets vs. browsers: the right mental model
12:03 – Phantom’s origin story and the Solana bet
19:05 – Perps, trading, and product-market fit
26:08 – UX, trust, and consumer finance
30:52 – Social feeds, discovery, and network effects
35:21 – Crypto as "black hole" absorbing finance
37:09 – AI agents and the future of wallets

Follow a16z crypto on...

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: 

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show.

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 19 Dec 2025 17:41:36 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Brandon Millman, Jay Drain, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/crypto-wallet-super-app-phantom-ceo-brandon-millman-pgsq9kze with @BChillman @jay_drainjr @rhackett

Crypto wallets are no longer just wallets. They’re the front door to a decentralized internet.

In this episode, Phantom CEO Brandon Millman joins a16z crypto Investment Partner Jay Drain and host Robert Hackett to unpack how crypto wallets are evolving into full-blown consumer finance platforms — and why they may be the most credible candidates to become the internet's next super apps.

We explore Phantom’s journey from a Solana-first wallet to a multi-chain platform, why wallets are uniquely positioned to win trust around money, and how features like onchain trading, perps, social feeds, prediction markets, and payments are reshaping what people expect from a consumer finance app.

The conversation also dives into:

  • Why starting with finance may be a better path to a super app than starting with social
  • How Phantom thinks about UX, trust, and security in crypto
  • The rise of perpetual futures (perps) and prediction markets
  • What the FTX collapse meant for Solana — and the counterintuitive silver lining
  • Whether AI agents could one day replace apps and browsers

If you’re curious about where crypto, fintech, and consumer apps are headed next — and why wallets may become the most important interface on the internet — this episode is for you.

Highlights
01:32 – The evolution and role of crypto wallets
2:42 – Wallets vs. browsers: the right mental model
12:03 – Phantom’s origin story and the Solana bet
19:05 – Perps, trading, and product-market fit
26:08 – UX, trust, and consumer finance
30:52 – Social feeds, discovery, and network effects
35:21 – Crypto as "black hole" absorbing finance
37:09 – AI agents and the future of wallets

Follow a16z crypto on...

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: 

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show.

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> From Wallets to Super Apps: The Internet's New Interface (with Phantom CEO) Brandon Millman, Jay Drain, Robert Hackett 00:41:15 Crypto wallets are no longer just places to store assets — they’re becoming full-fledged consumer finance platforms. In this episode, Phantom CEO Brandon Millman and a16z crypto Investment Partner Jay Drain join host Robert Hackett to discuss why wallets may be the most credible path to the internet's next super app. Crypto wallets are no longer just places to store assets — they’re becoming full-fledged consumer finance platforms. In this episode, Phantom CEO Brandon Millman and a16z crypto Investment Partner Jay Drain join host Robert Hackett to discuss why wallets may be the most credible path to the internet's next super app. crypto, finance, blockchain, perps, tokenization, crypto wallets, wallets, super apps, fintech false full 95 bc36014e-0b0d-4275-9f8e-772ba835cc4f Crypto's Killer App? with @zcabrams @psneville @rhackett

In this episode, Robert Hackett sits down with Sean Neville, cofounder of Circle and co-creator of the USDC stablecoin, and Zach Abrams, founder of Bridge (now part of Stripe), for a deep dive into the real story behind stablecoins, finding product-market fit, and the future of payments infrastructure.

They explore the earliest days of USDC — when stablecoins were far from obvious and regulatory frameworks didn’t exist. Sean shares how his conviction in “money running at internet speed” helped shape a multibillion-dollar asset. Zach recounts Bridge’s pivot from NFTs to stablecoin infrastructure — and how his business has changed since joining Stripe.

Together, they break down:

  • Why stablecoins are having their moment now
  • What counts as product-market fit (and why founders rarely “feel” it)
  • The challenges of building crypto and AI products within heavily regulated environments
  • Why new base-layer chains like Arc, Tempo, and others may be needed
  • How decentralization, liquidity moats, and interoperability will define the next decade of blockchain adoption
  • What the future of programmable money and AI-driven financial workflows looks like

Whether you’re a founder, a crypto-curious builder, or someone trying to understand where global payments are headed, this conversation — originally recorded live at our recent a16z crypto Founders Summit — offers insights from two operators at the center of an industry-defining transformation.

Guests:
• Sean Neville — Cofounder, Circle; CEO and cofounder, Catena
• Zach Abrams — Founder and CEO, Bridge (acquired by Stripe)

Highlights:

01:26 — Origins of USDC

02:44 — Why stablecoins are having their moment now

04:14 — Circle’s early product experiments

06:19— Surviving crypto cycles

07:35 — Bridge: From NFT payments to stablecoins

08:58 — What product-market fit actually feels like

20:02 — Inevitability and the founder vs. employer mindset

20:58 — Why Bridge joined Stripe

26:18 — How AI changes company building

29:38 — What students should study now

30:27 — Why new payment chains (Tempo & Arc)?

35:55 — Decentralization as imperative

Follow a16z crypto on...

  • X: https://x.com/a16zcrypto
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a16zcrypto/posts/
  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pMZvsNXEnb0CYcPiDQywE
  • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/web3-with-a16z-crypto/id1622312549
  • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@a16zcrypto

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/ 

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/ 

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:41:56 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Sean Neville, Zach Abrams, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/cryptos-killer-app-ek_nx85j with @zcabrams @psneville @rhackett

In this episode, Robert Hackett sits down with Sean Neville, cofounder of Circle and co-creator of the USDC stablecoin, and Zach Abrams, founder of Bridge (now part of Stripe), for a deep dive into the real story behind stablecoins, finding product-market fit, and the future of payments infrastructure.

They explore the earliest days of USDC — when stablecoins were far from obvious and regulatory frameworks didn’t exist. Sean shares how his conviction in “money running at internet speed” helped shape a multibillion-dollar asset. Zach recounts Bridge’s pivot from NFTs to stablecoin infrastructure — and how his business has changed since joining Stripe.

Together, they break down:

  • Why stablecoins are having their moment now
  • What counts as product-market fit (and why founders rarely “feel” it)
  • The challenges of building crypto and AI products within heavily regulated environments
  • Why new base-layer chains like Arc, Tempo, and others may be needed
  • How decentralization, liquidity moats, and interoperability will define the next decade of blockchain adoption
  • What the future of programmable money and AI-driven financial workflows looks like

Whether you’re a founder, a crypto-curious builder, or someone trying to understand where global payments are headed, this conversation — originally recorded live at our recent a16z crypto Founders Summit — offers insights from two operators at the center of an industry-defining transformation.

Guests:
• Sean Neville — Cofounder, Circle; CEO and cofounder, Catena
• Zach Abrams — Founder and CEO, Bridge (acquired by Stripe)

Highlights:

01:26 — Origins of USDC

02:44 — Why stablecoins are having their moment now

04:14 — Circle’s early product experiments

06:19— Surviving crypto cycles

07:35 — Bridge: From NFT payments to stablecoins

08:58 — What product-market fit actually feels like

20:02 — Inevitability and the founder vs. employer mindset

20:58 — Why Bridge joined Stripe

26:18 — How AI changes company building

29:38 — What students should study now

30:27 — Why new payment chains (Tempo & Arc)?

35:55 — Decentralization as imperative

Follow a16z crypto on...

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***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> Crypto's Killer App? Sean Neville, Zach Abrams, Robert Hackett 00:37:35 Sean Neville (cofounder of Circle and co-creator of USDC) and Zach Abrams (founder of Bridge, now part of Stripe) unpack the real story behind stablecoins and the future of internet-native money. They share lessons on finding product-market fit, surviving early chaos, and building financial infrastructure at planetary scale. Sean Neville (cofounder of Circle and co-creator of USDC) and Zach Abrams (founder of Bridge, now part of Stripe) unpack the real story behind stablecoins and the future of internet-native money. They share lessons on finding product-market fit, surviving early chaos, and building financial infrastructure at planetary scale. crypto, bridge, stablecoins, usdc, company building, founders, circle, founder stories, stripe false full 94 b767a4d9-9dc8-4bfb-b29c-04c134264743 TradFi’s Tipping Point: Fidelity CEO Abigail Johnson on Stablecoins, Bitcoin, and Innovation Bets Every traditional financial institution faces the same dilemma: evolve or fall behind, build or buy. But when safety, predictability, and trust is paramount, how do traditional finance companies innovate? How do they place their innovation bets, and decide what to explore and not to explore? 

Fidelity Chairman and CEO Abigail P. Johnson shares an inside look into Fidelity’s decade of crypto experimentation -- from early Bitcoin mining to building foundational custody infrastructure to stablecoins and much more. Johnson shares how Fidelity explored dozens of crypto use cases; why only one initially mattered, and how a single foothold shaped a long-term institutional strategy. 

This episode is for anyone interested in exploring how innovation happens inside companies, how startups can partner with big institutions, how TradFi is approaching crypto in this "Year of Institutional Adoption"... and what the next decade of financial infrastructure might look like.

We originally recorded it at our Founders Summit event in October 2025, in conversation with a16z crypto COO Anthony Albanese, who was the Chief Regulatory Officer of the New York Stock Exchange before joining a16z; and was previously acting superintendent of the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS), where he signed and issued New York’s first-ever BitLicense.

As a reminder, none of the following is investment, business, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more information. 


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]]> Thu, 4 Dec 2025 21:30:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Abigail Johnson, Anthony Albanese) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/abigail-johnson-fidelity-traditional-finance-blockchains-crypto-innovation-wdJ6hjhT Every traditional financial institution faces the same dilemma: evolve or fall behind, build or buy. But when safety, predictability, and trust is paramount, how do traditional finance companies innovate? How do they place their innovation bets, and decide what to explore and not to explore? 

Fidelity Chairman and CEO Abigail P. Johnson shares an inside look into Fidelity’s decade of crypto experimentation -- from early Bitcoin mining to building foundational custody infrastructure to stablecoins and much more. Johnson shares how Fidelity explored dozens of crypto use cases; why only one initially mattered, and how a single foothold shaped a long-term institutional strategy. 

This episode is for anyone interested in exploring how innovation happens inside companies, how startups can partner with big institutions, how TradFi is approaching crypto in this "Year of Institutional Adoption"... and what the next decade of financial infrastructure might look like.

We originally recorded it at our Founders Summit event in October 2025, in conversation with a16z crypto COO Anthony Albanese, who was the Chief Regulatory Officer of the New York Stock Exchange before joining a16z; and was previously acting superintendent of the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS), where he signed and issued New York’s first-ever BitLicense.

As a reminder, none of the following is investment, business, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more information. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> TradFi’s Tipping Point: Fidelity CEO Abigail Johnson on Stablecoins, Bitcoin, and Innovation Bets Abigail Johnson, Anthony Albanese 00:42:17 Fidelity CEO Abigail Johnson shares an inside look into Fidelity’s decade of crypto experimentation -- from early Bitcoin mining to building foundational custody infrastructure to stablecoins and much more. How Fidelity explored dozens of crypto use cases; why only one initially mattered, and how a single foothold shaped a long-term institutional strategy. Fidelity CEO Abigail Johnson shares an inside look into Fidelity’s decade of crypto experimentation -- from early Bitcoin mining to building foundational custody infrastructure to stablecoins and much more. How Fidelity explored dozens of crypto use cases; why only one initially mattered, and how a single foothold shaped a long-term institutional strategy. institutions, tradfi, go to market, corporate innovation, build vs buy, stablecoins, finance, startups false full 93 e28ab248-35a6-4cc8-a7ed-ebed1c204a13 AI, Networks, and What Makes Consumer Products Win with @cdixon @illscience

Welcome to web3 with a16z crypto. Today’s episode digs into the forces shaping the next generation of consumer software — from AI-driven tools to the new economics of apps.

Joining is Chris Dixon, a16z crypto founder and managing partner and one of the firm’s original consumer investors. He sits down with a16z General Partner Anish Acharya to explore how exponential forces — like Moore’s Law, composability, and network effects — help determine which products ultimately win.

They talk about what it takes to build enduring consumer apps, how tools evolve into networks, and why niche communities like early crypto and open source movements can trigger massive technological shifts.

Topics covered:
- What exponential forces define tech progress
- Moore’s Law, composability, and network effects
- How tools evolve into networks
- The new economics of paid consumer software
- Investing in “movements” — from 3D printing to crypto
- What makes niche communities powerful
- AI as a platform shift and the “idea maze”
- Native vs skeuomorphic tech — and what’s next for AI interfaces
- The future of open-source AI and decentralization

Follow a16z crypto on...

  • X: https://x.com/a16zcrypto
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a16zcrypto/posts/
  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pMZvsNXEnb0CYcPiDQywE
  • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/web3-with-a16z-crypto/id1622312549
  • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@a16zcrypto

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/ 

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/ 

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:22:33 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Anish Acharya, Chris Dixon) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/chris-dixon-ai-networks-consumer-products-KojB0cp9 with @cdixon @illscience

Welcome to web3 with a16z crypto. Today’s episode digs into the forces shaping the next generation of consumer software — from AI-driven tools to the new economics of apps.

Joining is Chris Dixon, a16z crypto founder and managing partner and one of the firm’s original consumer investors. He sits down with a16z General Partner Anish Acharya to explore how exponential forces — like Moore’s Law, composability, and network effects — help determine which products ultimately win.

They talk about what it takes to build enduring consumer apps, how tools evolve into networks, and why niche communities like early crypto and open source movements can trigger massive technological shifts.

Topics covered:
- What exponential forces define tech progress
- Moore’s Law, composability, and network effects
- How tools evolve into networks
- The new economics of paid consumer software
- Investing in “movements” — from 3D printing to crypto
- What makes niche communities powerful
- AI as a platform shift and the “idea maze”
- Native vs skeuomorphic tech — and what’s next for AI interfaces
- The future of open-source AI and decentralization

Follow a16z crypto on...

  • X: https://x.com/a16zcrypto
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a16zcrypto/posts/
  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pMZvsNXEnb0CYcPiDQywE
  • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/web3-with-a16z-crypto/id1622312549
  • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@a16zcrypto

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/ 

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/ 

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> AI, Networks, and What Makes Consumer Products Win Anish Acharya, Chris Dixon 00:43:32 a16z's Chris Dixon and Anish Acharya explain how composability, network effects, and the new economics of AI are changing the game for consumer startups. Plus, what crypto and open source movements teach us about where the next big ideas come from. a16z's Chris Dixon and Anish Acharya explain how composability, network effects, and the new economics of AI are changing the game for consumer startups. Plus, what crypto and open source movements teach us about where the next big ideas come from. crypto, consumer tech, tech investing, ai, apps, network effects, vc, tech, bitcoin, consumer false full 92 12bd80f0-d586-47ab-8d39-0af7f9c81176 Pricing the Future (with Kalshi CEO) with @mansourtarek_ @rhackett

In this episode of web3 with a16z crypto, host Robert Hackett talks with Kalshi Cofounder and CEO Tarek Mansour about how prediction markets are enabling people to trade directly on real-world events — from elections to inflation — and what this means for the future of finance and forecasting.

Tarek explains why prediction markets aren’t gambling, how regulation has been central to Kalshi’s success, and why the company is embracing crypto and stablecoins as key components of its international strategy. He also discusses lessons learned about policy, product design, and staying compliant while innovating at the frontier.

Topics include:

  • How prediction markets make society "smarter"
  • The role of regulation in fintech innovation
  • Why Kalshi started with crypto payments
  • Lessons from FTX and the importance of compliance
  • Building consumer trust and network effects
  • Tarek’s take on productivity, leadership, and even… kombucha

This episode kicks off a special series of interviews recorded live at our recent Founders Summit. Subscribe to web3 with a16z crypto for more conversations with founders and builders shaping the decentralized future.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: What are prediction markets, and why now?

01:04 – Kalshi’s mission: making forecasting tradable

01:52 – Why crypto fits into Kalshi’s long-term strategy

03:19 – Going global with stablecoins

05:55 – The long road to regulation and why it mattered

7:51 – Coinbase and Robinhood as role models

08:17 – The Trump trade: direct vs. indirect exposure to events

10:51 – Lessons from FTX and why compliance is a moat

12:06 – How Kalshi monitors markets and prevents manipulation 

15:00 – Momentum after the presidential election

16:48 – How policy in DC really works

17:56 – The hidden advantage of being regulated

18:52 – Lightning round: worst advice, productivity habits, and more

21:00 – The importance of process and patience (“The Score Takes Care of Itself”)

22:30 – The smallest hill Tarek will die on

Follow a16z crypto on...

  • X: https://x.com/a16zcrypto
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a16zcrypto/posts/
  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pMZvsNXEnb0CYcPiDQywE
  • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/web3-with-a16z-crypto/id1622312549
  • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@a16zcrypto

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/ 

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/ 

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Tarek Mansour, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/kalshi-prediction-market-ceo-tarek-mansour-8eaVCVQ6 with @mansourtarek_ @rhackett

In this episode of web3 with a16z crypto, host Robert Hackett talks with Kalshi Cofounder and CEO Tarek Mansour about how prediction markets are enabling people to trade directly on real-world events — from elections to inflation — and what this means for the future of finance and forecasting.

Tarek explains why prediction markets aren’t gambling, how regulation has been central to Kalshi’s success, and why the company is embracing crypto and stablecoins as key components of its international strategy. He also discusses lessons learned about policy, product design, and staying compliant while innovating at the frontier.

Topics include:

  • How prediction markets make society "smarter"
  • The role of regulation in fintech innovation
  • Why Kalshi started with crypto payments
  • Lessons from FTX and the importance of compliance
  • Building consumer trust and network effects
  • Tarek’s take on productivity, leadership, and even… kombucha

This episode kicks off a special series of interviews recorded live at our recent Founders Summit. Subscribe to web3 with a16z crypto for more conversations with founders and builders shaping the decentralized future.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: What are prediction markets, and why now?

01:04 – Kalshi’s mission: making forecasting tradable

01:52 – Why crypto fits into Kalshi’s long-term strategy

03:19 – Going global with stablecoins

05:55 – The long road to regulation and why it mattered

7:51 – Coinbase and Robinhood as role models

08:17 – The Trump trade: direct vs. indirect exposure to events

10:51 – Lessons from FTX and why compliance is a moat

12:06 – How Kalshi monitors markets and prevents manipulation 

15:00 – Momentum after the presidential election

16:48 – How policy in DC really works

17:56 – The hidden advantage of being regulated

18:52 – Lightning round: worst advice, productivity habits, and more

21:00 – The importance of process and patience (“The Score Takes Care of Itself”)

22:30 – The smallest hill Tarek will die on

Follow a16z crypto on...

  • X: https://x.com/a16zcrypto
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a16zcrypto/posts/
  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pMZvsNXEnb0CYcPiDQywE
  • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/web3-with-a16z-crypto/id1622312549
  • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@a16zcrypto

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/ 

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/ 

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Pricing the Future (with Kalshi CEO) Tarek Mansour, Robert Hackett 00:23:29 Prediction markets are blurring the line between finance and forecasting. Host Robert Hackett talks with Kalshi Cofounder and CEO Tarek Mansour about how this innovation is creating a new way to price the future. Prediction markets are blurring the line between finance and forecasting. Host Robert Hackett talks with Kalshi Cofounder and CEO Tarek Mansour about how this innovation is creating a new way to price the future. crypto, stablecoins, finance, kalshi, prediction markets, markets false full 91 bc418010-6cef-44fc-ad9d-96c17969e517 Trump's Tech Czar on Crypto, AI, and American Innovation with @DavidSacks @pmarca @bhorowitz @eriktorenberg

Today’s episode features David Sacks, the Trump administration’s “AI and crypto czar," in conversation with a16z cofounders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, and General Partner Erik Torenberg.

They dig into:

  • how the U.S. is approaching AI and crypto policy,
  • the fight over open source software,
  • the status of tech regulation and legislation (like the CLARITY Act for crypto),
  • what’s at stake in the geopolitical race with China, and more

This episode is a special crossover with the a16z podcast, which you can follow for more conversations like this.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:16 David Sacks on Crypto and AI Policy

02:34 Trump's Vision for Crypto

06:16 The Crypto Crackdown and Debanking Years

08:58 AI Regulatory Capture and Gatekeeping

11:30 How Permissionless Innovation Built Silicon Valley

16:21 "Woke" vs. Orwellian AI

21:48 When AGI?

24:29 Polytheistic AI and "End-to-End" Humans

31:07 The Future of AI: Controlled or Decentralized?

37:13 Open Source and Global Competition

41:53 The AI Race: US vs China

46:32 Amping Up Energy and Infrastructure

47:17 Cultural Divides Over the American Tech Stack

55:01 The European approach and Doomerism

01:06:14 Crypto and the Legislative Process (GENIUS, CLARITY)

01:11:13 The Future of the Democratic Party

01:14:12 San Francisco Politics

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resourcesfrom a16z crypto: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/ 

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/ 

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Wed, 5 Nov 2025 18:32:07 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Ben Horowitz, Erik Torenberg, Marc Andreessen, David Sacks) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/trump-ai-crypto-czar-david-sacks-Q0f3Hwxy with @DavidSacks @pmarca @bhorowitz @eriktorenberg

Today’s episode features David Sacks, the Trump administration’s “AI and crypto czar," in conversation with a16z cofounders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, and General Partner Erik Torenberg.

They dig into:

  • how the U.S. is approaching AI and crypto policy,
  • the fight over open source software,
  • the status of tech regulation and legislation (like the CLARITY Act for crypto),
  • what’s at stake in the geopolitical race with China, and more

This episode is a special crossover with the a16z podcast, which you can follow for more conversations like this.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:16 David Sacks on Crypto and AI Policy

02:34 Trump's Vision for Crypto

06:16 The Crypto Crackdown and Debanking Years

08:58 AI Regulatory Capture and Gatekeeping

11:30 How Permissionless Innovation Built Silicon Valley

16:21 "Woke" vs. Orwellian AI

21:48 When AGI?

24:29 Polytheistic AI and "End-to-End" Humans

31:07 The Future of AI: Controlled or Decentralized?

37:13 Open Source and Global Competition

41:53 The AI Race: US vs China

46:32 Amping Up Energy and Infrastructure

47:17 Cultural Divides Over the American Tech Stack

55:01 The European approach and Doomerism

01:06:14 Crypto and the Legislative Process (GENIUS, CLARITY)

01:11:13 The Future of the Democratic Party

01:14:12 San Francisco Politics

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resourcesfrom a16z crypto: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/ 

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/ 

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Trump's Tech Czar on Crypto, AI, and American Innovation Ben Horowitz, Erik Torenberg, Marc Andreessen, David Sacks 01:18:02 false full 90 122a9269-d405-43c4-8ad3-000fc3de4edc The Data Behind Crypto's Breakout Year with @DarenMatsuoka @eddylazzarin

Today, we’re bringing you something special: a presentation from our 2025 Founders Summit, which we just wrapped last week in beautiful Carlsbad, Calif. You’ll hear from Daren Matsuoka, our Head of Data and Fund Strategy, as he walks through the insights from this year’s State of Crypto report — our deep-dive into the data, themes, and signals shaping the industry right now.

Stay through to the end for audience Q&A featuring our founders and to hear a16z crypto CTO Eddy Lazzarin share his takes on this year’s findings. To watch the full video — and explore more deep dives, explainers, and interviews — visit the a16z crypto Youtube channel. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to stay updated.

Oh, and if you haven’t already, be sure to check out the full State of Crypto report at a16zcrypto.com/stateofcrypto, and also to listen to the episode just before this one — a conversation between Daren, Eddy, and me where we unpack the numbers and trends, explain what they mean, and why they matter.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:56 Crypto Market Developments in 2025 

07:19 Institutional Adoption and Market Trends

09:05 Stablecoins: The First Killer Use Case 

12:08 The Evolution of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) 

13:18 DePIN and Physical Infrastructure Networks 

15:12 Blockchain Scaling and Infrastructure 

17:24 Privacy, ZK Technology, and Quantum Computing 

18:53 Crypto and AI: Converging Technologies 

21:08 Regulatory Clarity and Legislative Progress

23:27 Looking Ahead 

24:04 Q&A Session

📊 Download the full State of Crypto 2025 report and explore our interactive dashboard to track the industry’s key metrics.

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources.from a16z crypto: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/ 

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/ 

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Sat, 1 Nov 2025 00:17:03 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Eddy Lazzarin, Daren Matsuoka) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/state-of-crypto-2025-data-guide-iCG5wv5r with @DarenMatsuoka @eddylazzarin

Today, we’re bringing you something special: a presentation from our 2025 Founders Summit, which we just wrapped last week in beautiful Carlsbad, Calif. You’ll hear from Daren Matsuoka, our Head of Data and Fund Strategy, as he walks through the insights from this year’s State of Crypto report — our deep-dive into the data, themes, and signals shaping the industry right now.

Stay through to the end for audience Q&A featuring our founders and to hear a16z crypto CTO Eddy Lazzarin share his takes on this year’s findings. To watch the full video — and explore more deep dives, explainers, and interviews — visit the a16z crypto Youtube channel. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to stay updated.

Oh, and if you haven’t already, be sure to check out the full State of Crypto report at a16zcrypto.com/stateofcrypto, and also to listen to the episode just before this one — a conversation between Daren, Eddy, and me where we unpack the numbers and trends, explain what they mean, and why they matter.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:56 Crypto Market Developments in 2025 

07:19 Institutional Adoption and Market Trends

09:05 Stablecoins: The First Killer Use Case 

12:08 The Evolution of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) 

13:18 DePIN and Physical Infrastructure Networks 

15:12 Blockchain Scaling and Infrastructure 

17:24 Privacy, ZK Technology, and Quantum Computing 

18:53 Crypto and AI: Converging Technologies 

21:08 Regulatory Clarity and Legislative Progress

23:27 Looking Ahead 

24:04 Q&A Session

📊 Download the full State of Crypto 2025 report and explore our interactive dashboard to track the industry’s key metrics.

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources.from a16z crypto: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/ 

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/ 

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> The Data Behind Crypto's Breakout Year Eddy Lazzarin, Daren Matsuoka 00:37:40 An overview of the insights from this year’s State of Crypto report: our deep-dive into the data, themes, and signals shaping the industry right now. An overview of the insights from this year’s State of Crypto report: our deep-dive into the data, themes, and signals shaping the industry right now. crypto, crypto data, stablecoins, a16z crypto, state of crypto, blockchains false full 89 926c900c-32d6-4f49-b2a6-9c4944a8692e State of Crypto 2025: The Latest Data, Trends, and Themes Revealed with @DarenMatsuoka @eddylazzarin @rhhackett

Each year, the State of Crypto report analyzes the data — cutting through the noise — to track crypto’s evolution across markets, technology, policy, culture, and more. Now in its fourth edition, the 2025 State of Crypto report reveals how this once-fringe technology has hit recent all-time highs and gone mainstream — from stablecoins and tokenized assets to rapid adoption by major financial institutions.

In this episode, we dig into the findings and themes from this year’s report with lead author Daren Matsuoka, a16z crypto’s head of data and fund strategy; and Eddy Lazzarin, a16z crypto’s chief technology officer. We talk about what’s changed since last year, why stablecoins are “suddenly” taking over, and how institutions — from fintechs to legacy banks — are embracing crypto technologies.

We also look ahead at trends like: 

  • AI and crypto (and where the jobs are moving);
  • why stablecoins have gone mainstream
  • institutional adoption — from Stripe and Visa to BlackRock and Robinhood
  • privacy on public blockchains
  • tokenization of real world assets
  • bitcoin’s resurgence and the rise of "digital gold"
  • where developer energy is going
  • what’s really happening with memecoins, perps, and prediction markets
  • the changing regulatory environment in the U.S.
  • and what the next phase of crypto’s “adulthood” might look like — what happens next year when crypto turns 18

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

02:39 Overview of the 2025 State of Crypto Report

05:04 The Evolution and Mainstreaming of Crypto

08:27 Crypto’s Market Cycles and All-Time Highs

12:08 The Price-Innovation Cycle (and Its Dislocation)

15:40 Memecoins, Stablecoins, and Entrepreneurs

17:25 AI and Attracting Tech Talent

21:18 Crypto Adoption and User Metrics

26:58 Airdrops, Farming, and Changing Metas

31:24 Bitcoin’s Resurgence and Store of Value

42:09 Institutional Adoption and Market Dynamics

50:08 The Evolution of Stablecoins

54:20 The Growing Role of Stablecoins in the Global Economy

01:00:54 The Importance of Privacy in Crypto

01:08:46 Tokenization of ‘Real World Assets’

01:20:46 Perpetual Futures and Prediction Markets

01:29:41 Outlook for the Future

📊 Download the full State of Crypto 2025 report and explore our interactive dashboard to track the industry’s key metrics.

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources.from a16z crypto: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/ 

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/ 

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Wed, 22 Oct 2025 15:36:03 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Eddy Lazzarin, Robert Hackett, Daren Matsuoka) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/state-of-crypto-2025-data-trends-themes-KYP1SkMZ with @DarenMatsuoka @eddylazzarin @rhhackett

Each year, the State of Crypto report analyzes the data — cutting through the noise — to track crypto’s evolution across markets, technology, policy, culture, and more. Now in its fourth edition, the 2025 State of Crypto report reveals how this once-fringe technology has hit recent all-time highs and gone mainstream — from stablecoins and tokenized assets to rapid adoption by major financial institutions.

In this episode, we dig into the findings and themes from this year’s report with lead author Daren Matsuoka, a16z crypto’s head of data and fund strategy; and Eddy Lazzarin, a16z crypto’s chief technology officer. We talk about what’s changed since last year, why stablecoins are “suddenly” taking over, and how institutions — from fintechs to legacy banks — are embracing crypto technologies.

We also look ahead at trends like: 

  • AI and crypto (and where the jobs are moving);
  • why stablecoins have gone mainstream
  • institutional adoption — from Stripe and Visa to BlackRock and Robinhood
  • privacy on public blockchains
  • tokenization of real world assets
  • bitcoin’s resurgence and the rise of "digital gold"
  • where developer energy is going
  • what’s really happening with memecoins, perps, and prediction markets
  • the changing regulatory environment in the U.S.
  • and what the next phase of crypto’s “adulthood” might look like — what happens next year when crypto turns 18

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

02:39 Overview of the 2025 State of Crypto Report

05:04 The Evolution and Mainstreaming of Crypto

08:27 Crypto’s Market Cycles and All-Time Highs

12:08 The Price-Innovation Cycle (and Its Dislocation)

15:40 Memecoins, Stablecoins, and Entrepreneurs

17:25 AI and Attracting Tech Talent

21:18 Crypto Adoption and User Metrics

26:58 Airdrops, Farming, and Changing Metas

31:24 Bitcoin’s Resurgence and Store of Value

42:09 Institutional Adoption and Market Dynamics

50:08 The Evolution of Stablecoins

54:20 The Growing Role of Stablecoins in the Global Economy

01:00:54 The Importance of Privacy in Crypto

01:08:46 Tokenization of ‘Real World Assets’

01:20:46 Perpetual Futures and Prediction Markets

01:29:41 Outlook for the Future

📊 Download the full State of Crypto 2025 report and explore our interactive dashboard to track the industry’s key metrics.

📩 Subscribe for more industry reports, trend updates, news analysis, builder guides, and other resources.from a16z crypto: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/ 

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/ 

***

As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> State of Crypto 2025: The Latest Data, Trends, and Themes Revealed Eddy Lazzarin, Robert Hackett, Daren Matsuoka 01:37:15 Revealing the findings from the 2025 State of Crypto report, a16z crypto's annual deep dive into the data, trends, and themes that define this year in the crypto industry. Revealing the findings from the 2025 State of Crypto report, a16z crypto's annual deep dive into the data, trends, and themes that define this year in the crypto industry. crypto, industry data, metrics, crypto data, stablecoins, finance, ai, blockchains, data false full 88 dcd63be6-7397-4abf-ad3e-84f535b1d437 Prediction Markets -- Everything You Need to Know Prediction markets are a hot topic again — even cartoon characters are talking about them (South Park). But beyond the buzz, what is a prediction market, exactly? How do they work, how are they designed, and what makes them work?

We answer all these questions and more in this deep-dive featuring experts Alex Tabarrok (professor of economics at George Mason University) and Scott Kominers (a16z crypto research partner and Harvard Business School professor), in conversation with Sonal Chokshi.

While we originally covered this topic during last year’s election, the discussion is more relevant than ever today, as we go into the claims people make about prediction markets — what they’re good for (and not); how they fit in with other trends like AI, futarchy, and the crisis in scientific publishing; and where blockchains and crypto come in.

This is your definitive explainer on the topic.

for transcript, links, and more: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/prediction-markets-explained/ 

As a reminder: None of the following should be taken as business, investment, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 26 Sep 2025 01:53:22 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Scott Duke Kominers, Alex Tabarrok, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/prediction-markets-explained-GioWQnRC Prediction markets are a hot topic again — even cartoon characters are talking about them (South Park). But beyond the buzz, what is a prediction market, exactly? How do they work, how are they designed, and what makes them work?

We answer all these questions and more in this deep-dive featuring experts Alex Tabarrok (professor of economics at George Mason University) and Scott Kominers (a16z crypto research partner and Harvard Business School professor), in conversation with Sonal Chokshi.

While we originally covered this topic during last year’s election, the discussion is more relevant than ever today, as we go into the claims people make about prediction markets — what they’re good for (and not); how they fit in with other trends like AI, futarchy, and the crisis in scientific publishing; and where blockchains and crypto come in.

This is your definitive explainer on the topic.

for transcript, links, and more: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/prediction-markets-explained/ 

As a reminder: None of the following should be taken as business, investment, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Prediction Markets -- Everything You Need to Know Scott Duke Kominers, Alex Tabarrok, Sonal Chokshi 01:42:34 Prediction markets are a hot topic again. But beyond the buzz, what is a prediction market, exactly? How do they work, how are they designed, and what makes them work? This is your definitive explainer on the topic. Prediction markets are a hot topic again. But beyond the buzz, what is a prediction market, exactly? How do they work, how are they designed, and what makes them work? This is your definitive explainer on the topic. crowdsourcing, marketplaces, economics, prediction markets, blockchains false full 87 3ec48d5e-e655-4274-8f5b-0efbc05c31c4 Surviving Market Cycles & Startup Lessons for Founders with @AriannaSimpson @jacqmelinek

Crypto is known for its high and low market cycles: What must founders know — and what can they do — to survive the swings?

In this episode, we unpack the lessons of past crypto cycles and how they shape the current wave of building — from stablecoins to AI x crypto. We also dive into the founder journey: from raising money and staying committed in 2025, to handling copycat competitors, cofounder disputes, growing too fast (or slowly), and more.

You'll hear from a16z crypto General Partner Arianna Simpson, who has spent over a decade investing in crypto. She joins Jacquelyn Melinek, cofounder & CEO of Token Relations and host of the Talking Tokens podcast, where this conversation first aired, and which we’re excited to share with you here. 

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction

1:19 Arianna Simpson's Crypto Origin Story

3:23 Market Cycles & Investing Priorities

5:52 Interrogating the Stablecoin Trend

13:25 Intersection of AI x Crypto

17:49 The Role of Blockchains for Authenticity and Verification

23:07 Future of AI Agents and Monetization Models

27:23 Traits of Successful Crypto Founders

30:05 Challenges and Changes in Fundraising

33:57 Current State of the Market

37:33 Advice for Founders:

  • Pivoting when PMF is missing
  • Raising capital after bootstrapping
  • Competing with copycats
  • Cofounder disputes and breakups
  • Growing too fast & scaling pains

47:52 Conclusion

***

📩 Subscribe for more from a16z crypto: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/ 

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/

***

As always, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2025 21:55:46 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Jacquelyn Melinek, Arianna Simpson) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/surviving-crypto-cycles-startup-lessons-for-founders-PP_iGEjL with @AriannaSimpson @jacqmelinek

Crypto is known for its high and low market cycles: What must founders know — and what can they do — to survive the swings?

In this episode, we unpack the lessons of past crypto cycles and how they shape the current wave of building — from stablecoins to AI x crypto. We also dive into the founder journey: from raising money and staying committed in 2025, to handling copycat competitors, cofounder disputes, growing too fast (or slowly), and more.

You'll hear from a16z crypto General Partner Arianna Simpson, who has spent over a decade investing in crypto. She joins Jacquelyn Melinek, cofounder & CEO of Token Relations and host of the Talking Tokens podcast, where this conversation first aired, and which we’re excited to share with you here. 

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction

1:19 Arianna Simpson's Crypto Origin Story

3:23 Market Cycles & Investing Priorities

5:52 Interrogating the Stablecoin Trend

13:25 Intersection of AI x Crypto

17:49 The Role of Blockchains for Authenticity and Verification

23:07 Future of AI Agents and Monetization Models

27:23 Traits of Successful Crypto Founders

30:05 Challenges and Changes in Fundraising

33:57 Current State of the Market

37:33 Advice for Founders:

  • Pivoting when PMF is missing
  • Raising capital after bootstrapping
  • Competing with copycats
  • Cofounder disputes and breakups
  • Growing too fast & scaling pains

47:52 Conclusion

***

📩 Subscribe for more from a16z crypto: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/ 

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/

***

As always, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Surviving Market Cycles & Startup Lessons for Founders Jacquelyn Melinek, Arianna Simpson 00:48:59 Surviving the market's ups and downs, founder advice, and what it takes to build a lasting company. Surviving the market's ups and downs, founder advice, and what it takes to build a lasting company. crypto, crypto market, founder advice, stablecoins, market cycles, blockchains false full 86 242bf13e-f4e1-4c0f-ac56-10cde897abd7 After the Foundation Era: Tokens, Policy, and Startup Structures with @eddylazzarin @milesjennings @JasonYanowitz

Welcome to web3 with a16z crypto. Today’s episode is on a super timely topic: How to design, govern, and grow decentralized networks in today’s changing policy landscape. It covers:

  • Why the “foundation era” of crypto is ending — and what comes next with DUNAs and BORGs
  • How U.S. policy shifts are creating real rules of the road
  • The difference between network tokens vs. company tokens (and why it matters for investors, builders, and other participants)
  • When protocols should flip the fee switch and start generating revenue
  • Common mistakes founders make when launching tokens and structuring projects

To unpack it all, you’ll hear from Miles Jennings, head of policy and general counsel at a16z crypto, and Eddy Lazzarin, a16z crypto’s CTO, in conversation with Jason Yanowitz, cofounder of Blockworks and host of the Empire podcast (where this conversation first aired) ... and which we’re excited to bring to you here.

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction

3:14 Regulatory Progress and Optimism in DC

9:34 The Problem with Offshore Foundations

13:58 The End of the Foundation Era

27:29 DUNAs and BORGs: New Legal Structures

38:42 Understanding Network Tokens

43:42 Network Tokens: Beyond L1 and L2

48:37 Company Tokens: Evolution and Challenges

51:09 The Legal Landscape of Token Offerings

1:04:25 Turning on the Fee Switch: When and Why

1:12:47 Balancing Portfolio Needs and Regulatory Clarity

1:15:36 Common Questions from Founders

1:20:17 Conclusion
 

📩 Subscribe for more from a16z crypto: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/ 

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/ 

***

As always, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 22 Aug 2025 01:00:16 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Jason Yanowitz, Eddy Lazzarin, Miles Jennings) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/foundation-era-token-policy-startup-structures-aezUEhRn with @eddylazzarin @milesjennings @JasonYanowitz

Welcome to web3 with a16z crypto. Today’s episode is on a super timely topic: How to design, govern, and grow decentralized networks in today’s changing policy landscape. It covers:

  • Why the “foundation era” of crypto is ending — and what comes next with DUNAs and BORGs
  • How U.S. policy shifts are creating real rules of the road
  • The difference between network tokens vs. company tokens (and why it matters for investors, builders, and other participants)
  • When protocols should flip the fee switch and start generating revenue
  • Common mistakes founders make when launching tokens and structuring projects

To unpack it all, you’ll hear from Miles Jennings, head of policy and general counsel at a16z crypto, and Eddy Lazzarin, a16z crypto’s CTO, in conversation with Jason Yanowitz, cofounder of Blockworks and host of the Empire podcast (where this conversation first aired) ... and which we’re excited to bring to you here.

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction

3:14 Regulatory Progress and Optimism in DC

9:34 The Problem with Offshore Foundations

13:58 The End of the Foundation Era

27:29 DUNAs and BORGs: New Legal Structures

38:42 Understanding Network Tokens

43:42 Network Tokens: Beyond L1 and L2

48:37 Company Tokens: Evolution and Challenges

51:09 The Legal Landscape of Token Offerings

1:04:25 Turning on the Fee Switch: When and Why

1:12:47 Balancing Portfolio Needs and Regulatory Clarity

1:15:36 Common Questions from Founders

1:20:17 Conclusion
 

📩 Subscribe for more from a16z crypto: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/subscribe/ 

🎙️ Like, subscribe, comment, share the show: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/ 

***

As always, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> After the Foundation Era: Tokens, Policy, and Startup Structures Jason Yanowitz, Eddy Lazzarin, Miles Jennings 01:20:59 How to design, govern, and grow decentralized networks in today’s changing policy landscape. How to design, govern, and grow decentralized networks in today’s changing policy landscape. crypto, tokens, blockchains false full 85 68045e99-544a-4a5a-bc3b-a7262a4149f9 The antimemetics (and memetics) of making ideas happen -- in crypto and beyond with @nayafia and @smc90 

Ideas, memes, and vibes are some of the most important drivers of modern technology adoption, marketing, and much more -- and have been much-covered by everyone from Darwin to Dawkins to Girard to many others. Yet the topic of antimemetics -- self-censoring (vs. self-propagating) ideas -- whether something fringe, forgotten, or forbidden -- haven't been studied as much, especially in the context of modern networks. 

So in this special book-launch episode, we cover the important concept of antimemetics (and memetics) -- focusing on: 

  • where and how ideas take off in groups, whether in online chats or other high-shared context communities; 
  • how ideas not just spread but are contained, or mutate in strange ways; 
  • why packaging ideas matters; and 
  • what we can all do to move ideas to action. 

Where do bureacracy, institutions, and protocols come in? What about tacit knowledge that lies in these communities, how (or do) we make it explicit? What roles -- from truth tellers to champions to individual nodes in networks -- can and do people play in making something go from mere commentary to reality? After all, ideas -- or ideas as viruses -- are how movements happen, how innovation happens, how things change... or don't ever change despite being discussed all the time.  

Our expert guest in this special book episode (following in our long tradition of sharing what we're reading) is Nadia Asparouhova, the author of the new book, Antimemetics: Why Some Ideas Resist Spreading; she is also the author of the book Working in Public: The Making and Maintenance of Open Source Software. a16z crypto's Sonal Chokshi -- who previously hosted Nadia's book-launch episode for the a16z Podcast and almost a decade before that on the changing culture of open source -- interviews Nadia on these themes, how they connect, and why they matter for the crypto industry and beyond. We also dig into some critiques -- and opportunities for builders -- too, including what happens to the public commons; network propagation including across networks; reality distortion fields; hidden knowledge; and cultural stagnation vs. cultural abundance. All this and more in this episode of web3 with a16z! 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 7 Aug 2025 01:10:41 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Nadia Asparouhova, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/antimemetics-memes-ideas-spread-community-crypto-beyond-CNgJEnab with @nayafia and @smc90 

Ideas, memes, and vibes are some of the most important drivers of modern technology adoption, marketing, and much more -- and have been much-covered by everyone from Darwin to Dawkins to Girard to many others. Yet the topic of antimemetics -- self-censoring (vs. self-propagating) ideas -- whether something fringe, forgotten, or forbidden -- haven't been studied as much, especially in the context of modern networks. 

So in this special book-launch episode, we cover the important concept of antimemetics (and memetics) -- focusing on: 

  • where and how ideas take off in groups, whether in online chats or other high-shared context communities; 
  • how ideas not just spread but are contained, or mutate in strange ways; 
  • why packaging ideas matters; and 
  • what we can all do to move ideas to action. 

Where do bureacracy, institutions, and protocols come in? What about tacit knowledge that lies in these communities, how (or do) we make it explicit? What roles -- from truth tellers to champions to individual nodes in networks -- can and do people play in making something go from mere commentary to reality? After all, ideas -- or ideas as viruses -- are how movements happen, how innovation happens, how things change... or don't ever change despite being discussed all the time.  

Our expert guest in this special book episode (following in our long tradition of sharing what we're reading) is Nadia Asparouhova, the author of the new book, Antimemetics: Why Some Ideas Resist Spreading; she is also the author of the book Working in Public: The Making and Maintenance of Open Source Software. a16z crypto's Sonal Chokshi -- who previously hosted Nadia's book-launch episode for the a16z Podcast and almost a decade before that on the changing culture of open source -- interviews Nadia on these themes, how they connect, and why they matter for the crypto industry and beyond. We also dig into some critiques -- and opportunities for builders -- too, including what happens to the public commons; network propagation including across networks; reality distortion fields; hidden knowledge; and cultural stagnation vs. cultural abundance. All this and more in this episode of web3 with a16z! 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> The antimemetics (and memetics) of making ideas happen -- in crypto and beyond Nadia Asparouhova, Sonal Chokshi 01:35:10 We cover the important concept of antimemetics (and memetics) -- focusing on: where and how ideas take off in groups, whether in online chats or other high-shared context communities; how ideas not just spread but are contained, or mutate like viruses; why packaging ideas matters; and what we can all do to move ideas to action. Where do bureacracy, institutions, and protocols come in? What about tacit knowledge that lies in these communities, how (or do) we make it explicit? What roles -- from truth tellers to champions to individual nodes in networks -- can and do people play in making something go from mere commentary to reality? After all, ideas -- or ideas as viruses -- are how movements happen, how innovation happens, how things change... or don't ever change despite being discussed all the time. We cover the important concept of antimemetics (and memetics) -- focusing on: where and how ideas take off in groups, whether in online chats or other high-shared context communities; how ideas not just spread but are contained, or mutate like viruses; why packaging ideas matters; and what we can all do to move ideas to action. Where do bureacracy, institutions, and protocols come in? What about tacit knowledge that lies in these communities, how (or do) we make it explicit? What roles -- from truth tellers to champions to individual nodes in networks -- can and do people play in making something go from mere commentary to reality? After all, ideas -- or ideas as viruses -- are how movements happen, how innovation happens, how things change... or don't ever change despite being discussed all the time. vibes, community, crypto, memetics, tacit vs explicit, maintenance, bureaucracy, book, memes, ideas, culture, contagion, communities, antimemetics, blockchains, open source, innovation, books false full 84 8e0f7b7c-c82c-4e91-9503-62a552ee1b80 GENIUS Becomes Law: What It Took to Pass the First Rules for Stablecoins in the U.S. with @rhhackett @milesjennings @BenNapier & Michael Reed

Today we're talking about the passage of the GENIUS Act — that's the "Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act" — which provides clear rules of the road for stablecoins in the U.S. We cover the law's implications, the recent high-stakes vote in the House of Representatives, and the bipartisan efforts to pass this groundbreaking bill.

We also touch on the CLARITY Act — a major new “market structure” bill that would establish a clear regulatory framework for digital asset markets — which the House also passed with bipartisan support and which is now headed to the Senate.

Here to separate the signal from the noise are members of the a16z crypto team who had a front-row seat to the action. We've got Miles Jennings, a16z crypto's General Counsel and Head of Policy, plus a16z Government Affairs Partners Ben Napier and Michael Reed, who are responsible for liaising with House Republicans and House Democrats, respectively. They share the inside scoop.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:01) Understanding the GENIUS Act

(3:56) News Summary: What Happened in the House

(5:45) Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Contention

(7:01) House Vote Drama: Republicans

(9:31) House Vote Drama: Democrats

(14:28) Winners and Losers

(16:01) Decentralized Stablecoins and SEC Involvement

(17:49) CLARITY Act and Future Legislation

(21:47) Looking Ahead

Resources:

***

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:30:53 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Ben Napier, Michael Reed, Miles Jennings, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/stablecoin-genius-law-house-vote-news-4v4PG_V0 with @rhhackett @milesjennings @BenNapier & Michael Reed

Today we're talking about the passage of the GENIUS Act — that's the "Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act" — which provides clear rules of the road for stablecoins in the U.S. We cover the law's implications, the recent high-stakes vote in the House of Representatives, and the bipartisan efforts to pass this groundbreaking bill.

We also touch on the CLARITY Act — a major new “market structure” bill that would establish a clear regulatory framework for digital asset markets — which the House also passed with bipartisan support and which is now headed to the Senate.

Here to separate the signal from the noise are members of the a16z crypto team who had a front-row seat to the action. We've got Miles Jennings, a16z crypto's General Counsel and Head of Policy, plus a16z Government Affairs Partners Ben Napier and Michael Reed, who are responsible for liaising with House Republicans and House Democrats, respectively. They share the inside scoop.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:01) Understanding the GENIUS Act

(3:56) News Summary: What Happened in the House

(5:45) Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Contention

(7:01) House Vote Drama: Republicans

(9:31) House Vote Drama: Democrats

(14:28) Winners and Losers

(16:01) Decentralized Stablecoins and SEC Involvement

(17:49) CLARITY Act and Future Legislation

(21:47) Looking Ahead

Resources:

***

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> GENIUS Becomes Law: What It Took to Pass the First Rules for Stablecoins in the U.S. Ben Napier, Michael Reed, Miles Jennings, Robert Hackett 00:23:58 The GENIUS Act was just signed into law... What is it? How did it pass? And why does it matter? The GENIUS Act was just signed into law... What is it? How did it pass? And why does it matter? crypto, white house, congress, stablecoins, house, genius law, stablecoin law, genius act, law false full 83 453f27e9-9e9c-474f-8cf9-ee6ce01c986c 11 Ideas for AI x Crypto with @rhhackett @SamBroner @skominers @liz_harkavy @CarraWu @jay_drainjr @mg_486662

Today's episode is a special one. It's a round table on some of the most compelling ideas at the intersection of AI and crypto, sourced from members of the a16z crypto team. You're going to hear from builders, researchers, and deal makers who are all wrestling with the big question: How will these two powerful technologies collide, and what happens when they do?

First, Investment Partner Sam Broner makes the case for giving AI agents universal identities. Then Research Partner Scott Kominers presents how crypto can provide AI with levels and layers of rich context. You'll also hear from Investment Partners Liz Harkavy on AI monetization models; Carra Wu on the next evolution of web crawlers; Jay Drain on proving personhood online; and finally, Security Engineer Matt Gleason on how crypto turns internet advertising on its head.

This is a tour of big, fresh ideas that hint at what an internet of the near future could look like. For the full list of ideas, check out our recent AI x crypto crossovers package, which you can find at a16zcrypto.com.

Timestamps

(0:00) Introduction

(1:44) Universal Identity for AI Agents

(5:25) Why Crypto Makes a Difference

(10:07) Context in AI: Memory and Interoperability

(15:00) Vibe Coding Applications

(19:32) Registries with Global Context

(21:47) Honkaku Mystery Novels

(24:13) Monetization Models for AI x Crypto

(28:36) Overcoming Technical Challenges

(31:34) AI Agents and the Rise of Web Crawlers

(36:05) Collapse of the Social Contract

(39:21) AI Bots and Blockchain Solutions

(44:31) Proof of Personhood: Ensuring Human-ness

(50:41) Future of Personalized Advertising

(1:01:54) Final Thoughts

***

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:28:32 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Liz Harkavy, Carra Wu, Jay Drain, Matt Gleason, Scott Kominers, Robert Hackett, Sam Broner) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/ai-crypto-11-ideas-HQibi19t with @rhhackett @SamBroner @skominers @liz_harkavy @CarraWu @jay_drainjr @mg_486662

Today's episode is a special one. It's a round table on some of the most compelling ideas at the intersection of AI and crypto, sourced from members of the a16z crypto team. You're going to hear from builders, researchers, and deal makers who are all wrestling with the big question: How will these two powerful technologies collide, and what happens when they do?

First, Investment Partner Sam Broner makes the case for giving AI agents universal identities. Then Research Partner Scott Kominers presents how crypto can provide AI with levels and layers of rich context. You'll also hear from Investment Partners Liz Harkavy on AI monetization models; Carra Wu on the next evolution of web crawlers; Jay Drain on proving personhood online; and finally, Security Engineer Matt Gleason on how crypto turns internet advertising on its head.

This is a tour of big, fresh ideas that hint at what an internet of the near future could look like. For the full list of ideas, check out our recent AI x crypto crossovers package, which you can find at a16zcrypto.com.

Timestamps

(0:00) Introduction

(1:44) Universal Identity for AI Agents

(5:25) Why Crypto Makes a Difference

(10:07) Context in AI: Memory and Interoperability

(15:00) Vibe Coding Applications

(19:32) Registries with Global Context

(21:47) Honkaku Mystery Novels

(24:13) Monetization Models for AI x Crypto

(28:36) Overcoming Technical Challenges

(31:34) AI Agents and the Rise of Web Crawlers

(36:05) Collapse of the Social Contract

(39:21) AI Bots and Blockchain Solutions

(44:31) Proof of Personhood: Ensuring Human-ness

(50:41) Future of Personalized Advertising

(1:01:54) Final Thoughts

***

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> 11 Ideas for AI x Crypto Liz Harkavy, Carra Wu, Jay Drain, Matt Gleason, Scott Kominers, Robert Hackett, Sam Broner 01:02:17 AI and crypto... How will these two powerful technologies collide, and what happens when they do? AI and crypto... How will these two powerful technologies collide, and what happens when they do? crypto, advertising, artificial intelligence, ai agents, monetization, internet, ai, ai x crypto, future of internet, blockchains false full 82 37403292-d3f6-451f-a3c1-59587e0b521b What We're Reading & Technology Changing Reading with @rhhackett @smc90 @stephbzinn @tim_org

In a now-annual tradition, the a16z crypto editorial team discuss themes (and picks) from a16z crypto's latest reading list, as well as books we keep re-reading, childhood favorites, classics, adaptations on adaptations -- in book and movie form! -- and much more.

What genres are we reading now, how, and why? How is technology -- from AI and ChatGPT to the internet and audio -- changing reading? And why are certain themes in the zeitgeist right now? Is all non-fiction just fiction now, and should we lean in to this for education? Are the kids alright?

From irony, truth, and why context matters, to Machiavelli to Formula 1 to nautical non-fiction to memoirs, this episode has it all...

check out our "what we're reading" lists, podcasts, and more here:
https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/tags/what-were-reading





 


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]]> Wed, 2 Jul 2025 07:55:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Stephanie Zinn, Tim Sullivan, Robert Hackett, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/what-were-reading-summer-technology-changing-reading-axEZIK6S with @rhhackett @smc90 @stephbzinn @tim_org

In a now-annual tradition, the a16z crypto editorial team discuss themes (and picks) from a16z crypto's latest reading list, as well as books we keep re-reading, childhood favorites, classics, adaptations on adaptations -- in book and movie form! -- and much more.

What genres are we reading now, how, and why? How is technology -- from AI and ChatGPT to the internet and audio -- changing reading? And why are certain themes in the zeitgeist right now? Is all non-fiction just fiction now, and should we lean in to this for education? Are the kids alright?

From irony, truth, and why context matters, to Machiavelli to Formula 1 to nautical non-fiction to memoirs, this episode has it all...

check out our "what we're reading" lists, podcasts, and more here:
https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/tags/what-were-reading





 


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]]> What We're Reading & Technology Changing Reading Stephanie Zinn, Tim Sullivan, Robert Hackett, Sonal Chokshi 01:19:52 What are the books, classics, adaptations, genres, and themes we keep reading? How is technology -- from AI and ChatGPT to the internet and audio -- changing reading? Why are certain themes in the zeitgeist right now? ...and much more! What are the books, classics, adaptations, genres, and themes we keep reading? How is technology -- from AI and ChatGPT to the internet and audio -- changing reading? Why are certain themes in the zeitgeist right now? ...and much more! fiction, genre, memoir, movies, history, irony, internet, ai, adaptations, reading, audiobooks, nonfiction false full 81 5a7f317b-c151-4f35-842f-a073267dc184 5 Charts That Explain Crypto Right Now with @DarenMatsuoka @rhhackett

Today we've got a midyear market update and news episode for you. 

At the end of last year, our guest — and resident data weatherman — Daren Matsuoka put out a post on "5 metrics to watch in 2025." Most of the metrics that Daren picked measure how crypto's adoption: from mobile wallet usage and onchain transaction fees to volume across stablecoins, decentralized exchanges (or DEXs), and exchange traded-products. Now that we're about midway through 2025, it's a great time for an update. 

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(2:27) Chart 1: Monthly Mobile Wallet Users

(6:16) Chart 2: Adjusted Stablecoin Transaction Volume

(10:01) Chart 3: ETF Net Flows for Bitcoin and Ethereum

(13:30) Chart 4: Decentralized vs Centralized Exchange Volume

(15:50) Chart 5: Total Transaction Fees

(21:46) Emerging Metrics and Industry Insights

(25:07) Recent Industry News and Developments

(27:13) Conclusion

Relevant news:

  • Circle, issuer of the USDC stablecoin, went public on the New York Stock Exchange exchange on June 5 and there was extremely strong demand for the company's offering.
  • Stripe announced on June 11 that it would be acquiring a crypto company, Privy, which helps companies create crypto wallets — adding to Stripe's earlier acquisition of Bridge, which helps companies work with stablecoins.
  • Shopify partnered with Stripe and Coinbase to enable merchants to accept USDC payments.
  • Coinbase has a new credit card in partnership with American Express, which gives you Bitcoin rewards.
  • The French bank Société Générale announced plans for a dollar-backed stablecoin that will run on Ethereum and Solana with BNY Mellon acting as custodian for the reserves.
  • JPMorgan Chase plans to launch a U.S. dollar “deposit token” called JPMD on Coinbase's Base network.

If you enjoyed this episode, stay tuned for our annual big State of Crypto Report, which we'll drop in the fall. If you want more from Daren, you can follow him @DarenMatsuoka on X or visit a16zcrypto.com to read his posts, including the one we talked about today.

***

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 20 Jun 2025 07:46:36 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Daren Matsuoka, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/5-charts-explain-crypto-OXvbNqPZ with @DarenMatsuoka @rhhackett

Today we've got a midyear market update and news episode for you. 

At the end of last year, our guest — and resident data weatherman — Daren Matsuoka put out a post on "5 metrics to watch in 2025." Most of the metrics that Daren picked measure how crypto's adoption: from mobile wallet usage and onchain transaction fees to volume across stablecoins, decentralized exchanges (or DEXs), and exchange traded-products. Now that we're about midway through 2025, it's a great time for an update. 

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(2:27) Chart 1: Monthly Mobile Wallet Users

(6:16) Chart 2: Adjusted Stablecoin Transaction Volume

(10:01) Chart 3: ETF Net Flows for Bitcoin and Ethereum

(13:30) Chart 4: Decentralized vs Centralized Exchange Volume

(15:50) Chart 5: Total Transaction Fees

(21:46) Emerging Metrics and Industry Insights

(25:07) Recent Industry News and Developments

(27:13) Conclusion

Relevant news:

  • Circle, issuer of the USDC stablecoin, went public on the New York Stock Exchange exchange on June 5 and there was extremely strong demand for the company's offering.
  • Stripe announced on June 11 that it would be acquiring a crypto company, Privy, which helps companies create crypto wallets — adding to Stripe's earlier acquisition of Bridge, which helps companies work with stablecoins.
  • Shopify partnered with Stripe and Coinbase to enable merchants to accept USDC payments.
  • Coinbase has a new credit card in partnership with American Express, which gives you Bitcoin rewards.
  • The French bank Société Générale announced plans for a dollar-backed stablecoin that will run on Ethereum and Solana with BNY Mellon acting as custodian for the reserves.
  • JPMorgan Chase plans to launch a U.S. dollar “deposit token” called JPMD on Coinbase's Base network.

If you enjoyed this episode, stay tuned for our annual big State of Crypto Report, which we'll drop in the fall. If you want more from Daren, you can follow him @DarenMatsuoka on X or visit a16zcrypto.com to read his posts, including the one we talked about today.

***

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> 5 Charts That Explain Crypto Right Now Daren Matsuoka, Robert Hackett 00:28:47 As the crypto industry matures, what are the most telling signals of real growth and adoption? We dig into 5 metrics we use to track the market. As the crypto industry matures, what are the most telling signals of real growth and adoption? We dig into 5 metrics we use to track the market. web3, crypto market, stablecoins, blockchains, charts, data false full 80 3187caeb-b71a-4904-ac8e-cf8e2b0fc477 Wait — The Bank Froze Your Life Savings? with @MinarikLaw @EMinSF @rhhackett

Imagine waking up one day to find your bank account frozen. No warning. No explanation. No recourse.

This is not a thought experiment. It’s a real situation. And it’s happened not just to crypto companies and their founders, but to ordinary people who are just trying to live their lives. That includes our guest today, who learned firsthand what it means to be “debanked.”

In this episode, we talk about the unseen algorithms that monitor people’s accounts, the ramifications of the Bank Secrecy Act, and how crypto and decentralized finance may offer a much-needed check — and safety net — against the opaque systems of traditional finance.

Joining us are:

  • Uniswap Labs’s Chief Legal Officer Katherine Minarik, who shares her personal story of being debanked and what it taught her.
  • a16z crypto Finance and Operations Partner Em Westerhold, who helps founders navigate these issues, and who has tracked dozens of instances of debanking across our own portfolio.

A big thank you to Katherine for trusting us to share her story, which you can read a first-hand account of in an op-ed she contributed to a16zcrypto.com earlier this year. Find that and more below.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(2:03) The Problem of Debanking

(5:58) Debanking: A Personal Story

(7:33) Understanding the Bank Secrecy Act

(11:53) The Information Vacuum

(16:55) The Impact on Crypto Companies

(20:07) Addressing Skeptics

(22:07) Banks: Good vs. Bad

(27:35) The Scariest Moment

(36:17) "Operation Chokepoint 2.0"

(38:08) History of the Bank Secrecy Act

(44:04) Security Theater

(45:31) What Would You Change?

(48:45) The Impact of Financial Consolidation

(49:30) Crypto as Banking Solution

(53:02) Is Debanking Still Happening?

(58:35) Unresolved Mysteries

(1:01:47) One More Debanking Story

(1:08:07) Conspiracy or Coincidence?

(1:09:39) It Shouldn't Be This Hard

(1:11:18) Out From Under the SEC's Cloud

(1:14:23) The Urgent Need for Legislation

(1:17:26) Possible Tech Futures

(1:19:33) Advice for Founders

(1:22:04) Final Thoughts

Resources:

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:31:37 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Katherine Minarik, Em Westerhold, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/debanking-exposed-F0mwwUcZ with @MinarikLaw @EMinSF @rhhackett

Imagine waking up one day to find your bank account frozen. No warning. No explanation. No recourse.

This is not a thought experiment. It’s a real situation. And it’s happened not just to crypto companies and their founders, but to ordinary people who are just trying to live their lives. That includes our guest today, who learned firsthand what it means to be “debanked.”

In this episode, we talk about the unseen algorithms that monitor people’s accounts, the ramifications of the Bank Secrecy Act, and how crypto and decentralized finance may offer a much-needed check — and safety net — against the opaque systems of traditional finance.

Joining us are:

  • Uniswap Labs’s Chief Legal Officer Katherine Minarik, who shares her personal story of being debanked and what it taught her.
  • a16z crypto Finance and Operations Partner Em Westerhold, who helps founders navigate these issues, and who has tracked dozens of instances of debanking across our own portfolio.

A big thank you to Katherine for trusting us to share her story, which you can read a first-hand account of in an op-ed she contributed to a16zcrypto.com earlier this year. Find that and more below.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(2:03) The Problem of Debanking

(5:58) Debanking: A Personal Story

(7:33) Understanding the Bank Secrecy Act

(11:53) The Information Vacuum

(16:55) The Impact on Crypto Companies

(20:07) Addressing Skeptics

(22:07) Banks: Good vs. Bad

(27:35) The Scariest Moment

(36:17) "Operation Chokepoint 2.0"

(38:08) History of the Bank Secrecy Act

(44:04) Security Theater

(45:31) What Would You Change?

(48:45) The Impact of Financial Consolidation

(49:30) Crypto as Banking Solution

(53:02) Is Debanking Still Happening?

(58:35) Unresolved Mysteries

(1:01:47) One More Debanking Story

(1:08:07) Conspiracy or Coincidence?

(1:09:39) It Shouldn't Be This Hard

(1:11:18) Out From Under the SEC's Cloud

(1:14:23) The Urgent Need for Legislation

(1:17:26) Possible Tech Futures

(1:19:33) Advice for Founders

(1:22:04) Final Thoughts

Resources:

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Wait — The Bank Froze Your Life Savings? Katherine Minarik, Em Westerhold, Robert Hackett 01:25:17 What do you do when the bank suddenly freezes access to your accounts? "Debanking" has affected many people and companies, including our guest Katherine Minarik, legal chief for Uniswap. We share her story and others like it. What do you do when the bank suddenly freezes access to your accounts? "Debanking" has affected many people and companies, including our guest Katherine Minarik, legal chief for Uniswap. We share her story and others like it. crypto, financial surveillance, banks, finance, bank secrecy act, defi, blockchain, financial system, banking system, debanking false full 79 9662a8a1-7f92-4dd7-a6c5-e9cd631817c8 Inside the Solana Story: Near-Death Brushes and a Need for Speed (with Solana) with @aeyakovenko @alive_eth

Today’s episode features Solana cofounder Anatoly Yakovenko in conversation with a16z General Partner Ali Yahya, recorded live at our CSX Crypto Startup Accelerator program earlier this year.

Anatoly shares the origin story of Solana — from a late-night eureka moment to thousands of investor meetings and several near-death startup experiences. He talks about what it took to get the network off the ground, how his engineering background at Qualcomm shaped its design, and why a need for speed gave Solana its edge.

They also get into developer culture, engineering trade-offs, and what differentiates Solana’s approach to building — including its willingness to ship, iterate, and rethink everything: including, most recently, its consensus algorithm.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(2:54) Early Career and Move to SF

(3:57) Discovering Crypto and Solana's Beginnings

(8:28) Challenges and Fundraising

(12:12) Building Solana and Overcoming Obstacles

(13:41) Solana's Vision and Market Strategy

(17:23) Navigating Crises and Team Resilience

(22:37) Solana's Unique Approach and Future Plans

(24:57) Solana's Unique Approach to Software Development

(26:35) Redesigning Solana: Lessons Learned

(30:22) The Importance of Hackathons and Community

(32:32) Technical Choices and Implications

(34:16) Prioritizing User Experience Over Developer Comfort

(36:40) Competitive Landscape of Layer 1 Chains

(38:49) Building a Loyal Developer Community

(42:36) Future of Blockchains and Solana's Vision

(47:29) Long-Term View and Goals

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> Thu, 5 Jun 2025 02:13:43 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Ali Yahya, Anatoly Yakovenko) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/solana-anatoly-yakovenko-r1nbDk5H with @aeyakovenko @alive_eth

Today’s episode features Solana cofounder Anatoly Yakovenko in conversation with a16z General Partner Ali Yahya, recorded live at our CSX Crypto Startup Accelerator program earlier this year.

Anatoly shares the origin story of Solana — from a late-night eureka moment to thousands of investor meetings and several near-death startup experiences. He talks about what it took to get the network off the ground, how his engineering background at Qualcomm shaped its design, and why a need for speed gave Solana its edge.

They also get into developer culture, engineering trade-offs, and what differentiates Solana’s approach to building — including its willingness to ship, iterate, and rethink everything: including, most recently, its consensus algorithm.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(2:54) Early Career and Move to SF

(3:57) Discovering Crypto and Solana's Beginnings

(8:28) Challenges and Fundraising

(12:12) Building Solana and Overcoming Obstacles

(13:41) Solana's Vision and Market Strategy

(17:23) Navigating Crises and Team Resilience

(22:37) Solana's Unique Approach and Future Plans

(24:57) Solana's Unique Approach to Software Development

(26:35) Redesigning Solana: Lessons Learned

(30:22) The Importance of Hackathons and Community

(32:32) Technical Choices and Implications

(34:16) Prioritizing User Experience Over Developer Comfort

(36:40) Competitive Landscape of Layer 1 Chains

(38:49) Building a Loyal Developer Community

(42:36) Future of Blockchains and Solana's Vision

(47:29) Long-Term View and Goals

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Inside the Solana Story: Near-Death Brushes and a Need for Speed (with Solana) Ali Yahya, Anatoly Yakovenko 00:49:37 Solana cofounder Anatoly Yakovenko shares the origin and evolution of Solana; what sets the chain's culture, values, and tech apart; how it has gotten to where it is today (despite several near-death brushes); and much else in conversation with a16z General Partner Ali Yahya. Solana cofounder Anatoly Yakovenko shares the origin and evolution of Solana; what sets the chain's culture, values, and tech apart; how it has gotten to where it is today (despite several near-death brushes); and much else in conversation with a16z General Partner Ali Yahya. crypto, csx, solana, blockchain, culture, founder stories, engineering false full 78 23081f0e-eaf6-4008-aa4d-a41edccdb868 With AI, Anyone Can Be a Coder (with Github CEO) In this special episode from TED Tech, hear from GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke on how AI is breaking the barrier to entry for coding. Who could a coder look like if you could code just by talking out loud? Learn how, thanks to AI, creating software is becoming as simple (and joyful) as building LEGO. In a live demo, he introduces Copilot Workspace: an AI assistant that helps you create code when you speak to it, in any language.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(0:28) Personal Journey into Coding

(2:31) The Evolution of Programming Languages

(4:02) The Birth of GitHub Copilot

(6:14) Live Demo: Building with Copilot

(9:58) The Future of Software Development

(13:04) Q&A: The Role of Humans in AI-Driven Development

(14:32) Conclusion

About TED Tech:

From the construction of virtual realities to the internet of things — technology is changing our world every day. But how can we make sure that the quickly-evolving role that tech plays in our lives is one that builds, empowers, and connects us? Host Sherrell Dorsey guides you through the latest ideas from TED Speakers, uncovering the riveting questions that sit at the intersection of technology, society, science, design, business, and innovation. Listen in every Friday.

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.
 


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]]> Mon, 2 Jun 2025 23:06:36 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Thomas Dohmke) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/ai-coder-github-ceo-k43YQO4E In this special episode from TED Tech, hear from GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke on how AI is breaking the barrier to entry for coding. Who could a coder look like if you could code just by talking out loud? Learn how, thanks to AI, creating software is becoming as simple (and joyful) as building LEGO. In a live demo, he introduces Copilot Workspace: an AI assistant that helps you create code when you speak to it, in any language.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(0:28) Personal Journey into Coding

(2:31) The Evolution of Programming Languages

(4:02) The Birth of GitHub Copilot

(6:14) Live Demo: Building with Copilot

(9:58) The Future of Software Development

(13:04) Q&A: The Role of Humans in AI-Driven Development

(14:32) Conclusion

About TED Tech:

From the construction of virtual realities to the internet of things — technology is changing our world every day. But how can we make sure that the quickly-evolving role that tech plays in our lives is one that builds, empowers, and connects us? Host Sherrell Dorsey guides you through the latest ideas from TED Speakers, uncovering the riveting questions that sit at the intersection of technology, society, science, design, business, and innovation. Listen in every Friday.

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.
 


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]]> With AI, Anyone Can Be a Coder (with Github CEO) Thomas Dohmke 00:15:12 Today, we’re sharing a special episode of the TED Tech podcast that features GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke. This talk explores how AI tools — like Github Copilot and others — are changing the landscape of coding and making it more accessible and transparent. Today, we’re sharing a special episode of the TED Tech podcast that features GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke. This talk explores how AI tools — like Github Copilot and others — are changing the landscape of coding and making it more accessible and transparent. coding, copilot, computer science, ai, cs, github, code false full 77 7729f913-b8cf-488b-abc7-b170f93012ed AI vs. ID: Proof of human in a world of agents, bots, deep fakes, more with @eddylazzarin @adrian_ludwig @remco @smc90

Hi everyone, welcome to this week’s episode of web3 with a16z podcast, I’m Sonal, and today we’re talking about a hot topic which is also very evergreen because we’re entering a world where AI – including AI agents, bots, deep fakes, and so on -- are changing the internet, very drastically. And so we will need proof of who’s human, or not, online – aka “proof of human” (as Tools for Humanity and World app call it). 

The theme is actually represented on the latest cover of Time magazine, which features the Tools for Humanity orb: a ball-like hardware device that maps your eye’s iris code to an app on your phone to verify you’re human. (It’s actually only the fifth time in the past decade that hardware tech’s been on the cover; the other times are the iphone, Oculus, consumer drones, and SpaceX.) 

Since the technology -- and network -- story here draws on both existing and new tech to help solve what’s actually a *very* difficult problem -- and in a way where privacy is by default -- we begin with the why it matters, then go into some common questions, and finally how it all works under the hood. Our expert guests are: 

  • Eddy Lazzarin, CTO at a16zcrypto;
  • Adrian Ludwig, Chief Architect and CISO at Tools for Humanity; and
  • Remco Bloemen, Head of Protocol at World.

As a reminder: None of the following is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information including link to a list of our investments. 


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]]> Fri, 30 May 2025 07:20:46 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Adrian Ludwig, Remco Bloemen, Sonal Chokshi, Eddy Lazzarin) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/proof-of-human-privacy-ai-agents-bots-deepfakes-world-orb-Zzh8z4Yy with @eddylazzarin @adrian_ludwig @remco @smc90

Hi everyone, welcome to this week’s episode of web3 with a16z podcast, I’m Sonal, and today we’re talking about a hot topic which is also very evergreen because we’re entering a world where AI – including AI agents, bots, deep fakes, and so on -- are changing the internet, very drastically. And so we will need proof of who’s human, or not, online – aka “proof of human” (as Tools for Humanity and World app call it). 

The theme is actually represented on the latest cover of Time magazine, which features the Tools for Humanity orb: a ball-like hardware device that maps your eye’s iris code to an app on your phone to verify you’re human. (It’s actually only the fifth time in the past decade that hardware tech’s been on the cover; the other times are the iphone, Oculus, consumer drones, and SpaceX.) 

Since the technology -- and network -- story here draws on both existing and new tech to help solve what’s actually a *very* difficult problem -- and in a way where privacy is by default -- we begin with the why it matters, then go into some common questions, and finally how it all works under the hood. Our expert guests are: 

  • Eddy Lazzarin, CTO at a16zcrypto;
  • Adrian Ludwig, Chief Architect and CISO at Tools for Humanity; and
  • Remco Bloemen, Head of Protocol at World.

As a reminder: None of the following is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information including link to a list of our investments. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> AI vs. ID: Proof of human in a world of agents, bots, deep fakes, more Adrian Ludwig, Remco Bloemen, Sonal Chokshi, Eddy Lazzarin 02:04:31 We’re entering a world where AI – including AI agents, bots, deep fakes, and so on -- are changing the internet, very drastically. And so we will need proof of who’s human, or not, online – aka “proof of human". (This theme is also represented on the latest cover of Time magazine). Since the technology -- and network -- story here draws on both existing and new tech to help solve what’s actually a *very* difficult problem, we cover why it matters, go into some common questions, and finally how it all works under the hood. We’re entering a world where AI – including AI agents, bots, deep fakes, and so on -- are changing the internet, very drastically. And so we will need proof of who’s human, or not, online – aka “proof of human". (This theme is also represented on the latest cover of Time magazine). Since the technology -- and network -- story here draws on both existing and new tech to help solve what’s actually a *very* difficult problem, we cover why it matters, go into some common questions, and finally how it all works under the hood. privacy, networks, identity, agents, biometrics, artificial intelligence, bots, security, tools for humanity, deep fakes, internet, ai, orb, mini apps, world, proof of personhood false full 76 56f10181-ca6e-42ee-9593-a147d7a092dc Marketing 101 for Startups: Token Launches, Memes, Reaching Devs & More with @kimbatronic @amandatylerj @clairekart

Welcome to web3 with a16z. Since our show covers both tech trends and company building, today’s topic is all about marketing — including differences between marketing in crypto and traditional tech.

The conversation shares a candid look at what works — and what doesn’t — when it comes to building reputation and community, attracting developers, hiring teams and agencies, launching tokens, raising founder profiles, and more.

Our experts are:

... Amanda Tyler, who was most recently Head of Marketing at the Optimism Foundation (and was formerly at Polygon, Coinbase, and Google);

... Claire Kart, Chief Marketing Officer at Aztec (who previously was at Risc Zero and SoFi);

... in conversation with Kim Milosevich, CMO at a16z crypto (who was formerly VP of Comms at Coinbase, and who has spent decades in tech at a16z, Skype, Yahoo, and elsewhere).

Timestamps

(0:00) Introduction
(1:41) The Role of Marketers
(4:52) Tech Marketing vs. Crypto Marketing
(6:34) Understanding the Core Audience
(10:56) Marketing for Ethereum and Layer 2 Projects
(16:09) The Role of Community Managers and Developer Relations
(25:21) Token Launch Strategies
(34:42) Building Founders' Profiles (Without Being Cringe)
(38:53) How to Support Founders
(40:55) When to Hire 
(43:05) Consultants vs. Agencies
(46:08) Structuring a Marketing Team
(48:27) Finding and Hiring Talent
(50:36) Building an Editorial Content Operation
(53:39) International Marketing Strategies
(56:41) The Role of Events
(1:01:48) Memes and Crypto Culture 
(1:04:57) Conclusion

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 22 May 2025 00:01:19 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Kim Milosevich, Amanda Tyler, Claire Kart) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/marketing-101-token-launches-memes-devs-MU4YO_8_ with @kimbatronic @amandatylerj @clairekart

Welcome to web3 with a16z. Since our show covers both tech trends and company building, today’s topic is all about marketing — including differences between marketing in crypto and traditional tech.

The conversation shares a candid look at what works — and what doesn’t — when it comes to building reputation and community, attracting developers, hiring teams and agencies, launching tokens, raising founder profiles, and more.

Our experts are:

... Amanda Tyler, who was most recently Head of Marketing at the Optimism Foundation (and was formerly at Polygon, Coinbase, and Google);

... Claire Kart, Chief Marketing Officer at Aztec (who previously was at Risc Zero and SoFi);

... in conversation with Kim Milosevich, CMO at a16z crypto (who was formerly VP of Comms at Coinbase, and who has spent decades in tech at a16z, Skype, Yahoo, and elsewhere).

Timestamps

(0:00) Introduction
(1:41) The Role of Marketers
(4:52) Tech Marketing vs. Crypto Marketing
(6:34) Understanding the Core Audience
(10:56) Marketing for Ethereum and Layer 2 Projects
(16:09) The Role of Community Managers and Developer Relations
(25:21) Token Launch Strategies
(34:42) Building Founders' Profiles (Without Being Cringe)
(38:53) How to Support Founders
(40:55) When to Hire 
(43:05) Consultants vs. Agencies
(46:08) Structuring a Marketing Team
(48:27) Finding and Hiring Talent
(50:36) Building an Editorial Content Operation
(53:39) International Marketing Strategies
(56:41) The Role of Events
(1:01:48) Memes and Crypto Culture 
(1:04:57) Conclusion

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Marketing 101 for Startups: Token Launches, Memes, Reaching Devs & More Kim Milosevich, Amanda Tyler, Claire Kart 01:05:15 A candid look at what works — and what doesn’t — when it comes to building reputation and community, attracting developers, hiring teams and agencies, launching tokens, raising founder profiles, and more with marketing leaders from Aztec, Optimism and a16z crypto. A candid look at what works — and what doesn’t — when it comes to building reputation and community, attracting developers, hiring teams and agencies, launching tokens, raising founder profiles, and more with marketing leaders from Aztec, Optimism and a16z crypto. crypto, token launch, devrel, web3, blockchain, tokens, marketing false full 75 73c58f68-5481-4442-827b-2a88a1abe048 Everything Stablecoins: Big Picture, Deep Dive with @cdixon @SamBroner @rhhackett

Stablecoins are quietly transforming how money moves — faster, cheaper, and more globally than ever before. 

In this episode, we take a deep look at why stablecoins have emerged as one of the most promising applications in crypto today — and how they could reshape global payments.

I’m joined by Chris Dixon, founder and managing partner of a16z crypto and author of the New York Times-bestselling book Read Write Own, and Sam Broner, a deal partner at a16z crypto who focuses on stablecoins. 

Together, we unpack the technical and regulatory foundations of stablecoins, explore the cracks in the current payments system, and look ahead to what becomes possible once digital dollars go mainstream. We also dig into the current state of regulation — and why the future of money might end up looking a lot more like email or the web than a bank.

Check out the show notes for links and resources that we reference throughout this episode. Also be sure to listen to the episode we dropped just before this one where we analyze all the recent stablecoin news.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:45) Payments, Finance, and the Internet

(4:03) The Promise and Potential of Stablecoins

(9:02) Global Financial System and Its Shortcomings

(11:29) The WhatsApp Analogy

(15:38) The Read Write Own Thesis

(19:15) The Power of Blockchains

(21:06) Venmo's Business Model

(23:17) Stripe's Opportunity

(25:11) Backwards Compatibility (Like Skype)

(28:13) The Role of Stablecoin Regulation

(34:36) Political Realities (vs. Big Banks)

(38:11) The Business Implications of Stablecoins

(40:31) The Stablecoin Investment Paradox

(47:07) Why Blockchains?

(51:11) Tech Marketing: Words vs. Products

(54:28) What Happens Next

(57:26) Global Demand for Stablecoins

(59:37) Learning from the Past

(1:05:06) Conclusion

Links to related resources:

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 15 May 2025 18:00:12 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Sam Broner, Robert Hackett, Chris Dixon) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/stablecoins-bRsL8ynj with @cdixon @SamBroner @rhhackett

Stablecoins are quietly transforming how money moves — faster, cheaper, and more globally than ever before. 

In this episode, we take a deep look at why stablecoins have emerged as one of the most promising applications in crypto today — and how they could reshape global payments.

I’m joined by Chris Dixon, founder and managing partner of a16z crypto and author of the New York Times-bestselling book Read Write Own, and Sam Broner, a deal partner at a16z crypto who focuses on stablecoins. 

Together, we unpack the technical and regulatory foundations of stablecoins, explore the cracks in the current payments system, and look ahead to what becomes possible once digital dollars go mainstream. We also dig into the current state of regulation — and why the future of money might end up looking a lot more like email or the web than a bank.

Check out the show notes for links and resources that we reference throughout this episode. Also be sure to listen to the episode we dropped just before this one where we analyze all the recent stablecoin news.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:45) Payments, Finance, and the Internet

(4:03) The Promise and Potential of Stablecoins

(9:02) Global Financial System and Its Shortcomings

(11:29) The WhatsApp Analogy

(15:38) The Read Write Own Thesis

(19:15) The Power of Blockchains

(21:06) Venmo's Business Model

(23:17) Stripe's Opportunity

(25:11) Backwards Compatibility (Like Skype)

(28:13) The Role of Stablecoin Regulation

(34:36) Political Realities (vs. Big Banks)

(38:11) The Business Implications of Stablecoins

(40:31) The Stablecoin Investment Paradox

(47:07) Why Blockchains?

(51:11) Tech Marketing: Words vs. Products

(54:28) What Happens Next

(57:26) Global Demand for Stablecoins

(59:37) Learning from the Past

(1:05:06) Conclusion

Links to related resources:

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Everything Stablecoins: Big Picture, Deep Dive Sam Broner, Robert Hackett, Chris Dixon 01:08:58 A deep look at why stablecoins have emerged as one of the most promising applications in crypto today — and how they could reshape global payments. We're joined by a16z crypto Founder Chris Dixon and Deal Partner Sam Broner. A deep look at why stablecoins have emerged as one of the most promising applications in crypto today — and how they could reshape global payments. We're joined by a16z crypto Founder Chris Dixon and Deal Partner Sam Broner. crypto, stablecoins, finance, blockchain, stablecoin, payments, fintech startups, fintech false full 74 db681163-650c-4b08-a14d-a71b4a3e55a4 All the Stablecoin News: Stripe, Visa, Coinbase, Circle, More with @rhhackett @smc90 @DarenMatsuoka @SamBroner

Welcome to web3 with a16z, a show about the next generation of the internet. I'm Robert Hackett.

There has been a flurry of stablecoin news lately, so we're doing a special bonus episode to cover everything that's been going on. Sonal and I are joined by a16z crypto’s Data Science lead Daren Matsuoka who shares the actual data behind the stablecoin trend. Then we have Sam Broner — who is a Deal Partner here and our frequent author on stablecoins — to analyze the news, and help highlight the signal versus the noise.

Here's a selection of the news:

We also have one of our regular episodes covering the broader stablecoins trend and big picture, dropping separately in the feed, also with Sam and a16z crypto Founder Chris Dixon, so be sure to check that out next.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:30) Stablecoin Data Overview

(3:55) Stablecoin Adoption and Infrastructure

(4:24) Market Share of Issuers and Blockchains

(6:10) Stablecoin Growth vs. Crypto Market Cycles

(7:45) Stablecoin News and Developments

(9:44) Fintech Embraces Stablecoins

(12:44) Legacy Payment Systems vs. Stablecoins

(17:04) The Future of Stablecoins and Open Networks

(22:11) Conclusion

Links to related resources:

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 15 May 2025 01:22:04 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Robert Hackett, Sonal Chokshi, Daren Matsuoka, Sam Broner) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/stablecoin-news-stripe-visa-coinbase-circle-F7PlgCgL with @rhhackett @smc90 @DarenMatsuoka @SamBroner

Welcome to web3 with a16z, a show about the next generation of the internet. I'm Robert Hackett.

There has been a flurry of stablecoin news lately, so we're doing a special bonus episode to cover everything that's been going on. Sonal and I are joined by a16z crypto’s Data Science lead Daren Matsuoka who shares the actual data behind the stablecoin trend. Then we have Sam Broner — who is a Deal Partner here and our frequent author on stablecoins — to analyze the news, and help highlight the signal versus the noise.

Here's a selection of the news:

We also have one of our regular episodes covering the broader stablecoins trend and big picture, dropping separately in the feed, also with Sam and a16z crypto Founder Chris Dixon, so be sure to check that out next.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:30) Stablecoin Data Overview

(3:55) Stablecoin Adoption and Infrastructure

(4:24) Market Share of Issuers and Blockchains

(6:10) Stablecoin Growth vs. Crypto Market Cycles

(7:45) Stablecoin News and Developments

(9:44) Fintech Embraces Stablecoins

(12:44) Legacy Payment Systems vs. Stablecoins

(17:04) The Future of Stablecoins and Open Networks

(22:11) Conclusion

Links to related resources:

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> All the Stablecoin News: Stripe, Visa, Coinbase, Circle, More Robert Hackett, Sonal Chokshi, Daren Matsuoka, Sam Broner 00:24:24 There has been a flurry of stablecoin news lately — from Visa, Mastercard, Stripe, Coinbase, Circle, and more — so we're doing a special bonus episode to cover everything that's been going on. Our experts highlight the signal versus the noise. There has been a flurry of stablecoin news lately — from Visa, Mastercard, Stripe, Coinbase, Circle, and more — so we're doing a special bonus episode to cover everything that's been going on. Our experts highlight the signal versus the noise. crypto, moneygram, stablecoins, finance, blockchain, visa, payments, stripe, coinbase, mastercard, fintech false full 73 5eb75d50-4774-4281-9e43-c1e7fdc3844d Quantum Computing: What, When, Where, How with @danboneh @succinctJT @smc90

This episode is all about quantum computing -- what it is, how it works, what's hype vs. reality, and how to prepare for it/ what builders should do.

Specifically, we cover:

  • What quantum computing is and isn't, and what people are really talking about when they worry about a quantum computer that can break cryptographic systems that are not secure against quantum attacks.
  • When is it happening/ what are the "timelines" for quantum computing becoming a reality -- or rather, when could we have a cryptographically relevant quantum computer -- how many years away are we? and when are the U.S. government's deadlines/ NIST standards for post-quantum cryptography?
  • How will different types of cryptography be affected, or not? What are different approaches and tradeoffs?
  • Where does quantum computing and post-quantum crypto apply to blockchains -- which by and large rely on signatures, not encryption, so may be more quantum-resistant in many ways (and not in others)...

As always, we tease apart the signal vs. the noise in recent "science-by-press release" corporate quantum-computing milestone announcements. We also help answer questions on when do builders need to plan their switch to a post-quantum crypto world, what pitfalls to avoid there (hint: bugs! software upgrades!). Finally, we briefly cover different approaches to post-quantum crypto; and also dig deeper on zero-knowledge/ succinct-proof systems and how they relate to post-quantum crypto.

Our expert guests, in conversation with Sonal Chokshi, are:

  • Dan Boneh, Stanford University professor and applied cryptography expert and pioneer; also Senior Research Advisor to a16z crypto;
  • Justin Thaler, research partner at a16z, professor at Georgetown, and longtime expert and pioneer in interactive and ZK proof systems.

SEE ALSO: Post-quantum blockchains by Valeria Nikolaenko

more resources + papers on topics mentioned:

As a reminder, none of this is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information including a link to our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 8 May 2025 22:21:20 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Sonal Chokshi, Dan Boneh, Justin Thaler) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/quantum-computing-fact-vs-fiction-what-when-where-how-Y4bmDUVl with @danboneh @succinctJT @smc90

This episode is all about quantum computing -- what it is, how it works, what's hype vs. reality, and how to prepare for it/ what builders should do.

Specifically, we cover:

  • What quantum computing is and isn't, and what people are really talking about when they worry about a quantum computer that can break cryptographic systems that are not secure against quantum attacks.
  • When is it happening/ what are the "timelines" for quantum computing becoming a reality -- or rather, when could we have a cryptographically relevant quantum computer -- how many years away are we? and when are the U.S. government's deadlines/ NIST standards for post-quantum cryptography?
  • How will different types of cryptography be affected, or not? What are different approaches and tradeoffs?
  • Where does quantum computing and post-quantum crypto apply to blockchains -- which by and large rely on signatures, not encryption, so may be more quantum-resistant in many ways (and not in others)...

As always, we tease apart the signal vs. the noise in recent "science-by-press release" corporate quantum-computing milestone announcements. We also help answer questions on when do builders need to plan their switch to a post-quantum crypto world, what pitfalls to avoid there (hint: bugs! software upgrades!). Finally, we briefly cover different approaches to post-quantum crypto; and also dig deeper on zero-knowledge/ succinct-proof systems and how they relate to post-quantum crypto.

Our expert guests, in conversation with Sonal Chokshi, are:

  • Dan Boneh, Stanford University professor and applied cryptography expert and pioneer; also Senior Research Advisor to a16z crypto;
  • Justin Thaler, research partner at a16z, professor at Georgetown, and longtime expert and pioneer in interactive and ZK proof systems.

SEE ALSO: Post-quantum blockchains by Valeria Nikolaenko

more resources + papers on topics mentioned:

As a reminder, none of this is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information including a link to our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Quantum Computing: What, When, Where, How Sonal Chokshi, Dan Boneh, Justin Thaler 01:15:13 This episode is all about quantum computing -- explaining what it is, how it works, what's hype vs. reality, and how to prepare for it/ what builders should do -- with cryptography and proof system experts. This episode is all about quantum computing -- explaining what it is, how it works, what's hype vs. reality, and how to prepare for it/ what builders should do -- with cryptography and proof system experts. privacy, blockchain, quantum computing, security, quantum supremacy, government, cryptography, zero knowledge, blockchains, nist, quantum computer false full 72 89216568-70de-43c1-8646-cc368fec71ee Your Guide to Tokens: Types, Design, Uses, More with @eddylazzarin @skominers @milesjennings @rhhackett

Today we're diving deep into *the* defining concept in crypto: tokens. 

We're moving beyond conventional categories — like “governance tokens” or “utility tokens” or even “memecoins” — to present a full taxonomy that details what tokens are, what they aren’t, and what they're capable of becoming.

Questions we'll explore include: What is a token? Is it a form of money? A piece of data? Something else? How many types of tokens are there — and who is in control of each? And how should we think about their actual economic, legal, and technical characteristics? We'll also dig into different token designs and their uses; where tokens derive value from; how they jibe with securities laws; and much more.

In this conversation, you’ll hear from several experts on the a16z crypto team who have developed a new 7-part framework for classifying tokens, which you can find linked below. Joining us are the coauthors: Chief Technology Officer Eddy Lazzarin, General Counsel and Head of Policy Miles Jennings, and Research Partner Scott Kominers, who is also a Professor at Harvard Business School where he teaches courses on market design and entrepreneurship. 

Check out the resources below for a flowchart that we’ll also be referencing throughout this episode and that will be helpful as we wend our way through the token idea maze.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(3:28) The Evolution of Token Terminology

(6:19) Classifying Tokens: Economic, Legal, and Technical Dimensions

(8:37) Moving Beyond “Governance Tokens”

(12:05) Inherent Value: The Memecoin Debate

(15:35) Company-Controlled Tokens: Risks and Realities

(31:33) Arcade Tokens: Stability and Utility

(46:00) The Power of Blockchain Interoperability

(49:34) Shared Rewards and Loyalty Programs

(59:19) Asset-Backed Tokens and Their Mechanisms

(1:08:23) Collectible Tokens and Their Uniqueness

(1:14:31) Network Tokens: The Future of Decentralized Marketplaces

(1:31:03) Regulatory Challenges and "Lawyer Tokens" 

(1:36:57) Final Thoughts and Future Prospects

Resources referenced in this episode:

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 25 Apr 2025 00:52:17 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Eddy Lazzarin, Scott Kominers, Miles Jennings, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/token-guide-crypto-JUFDm_Sn with @eddylazzarin @skominers @milesjennings @rhhackett

Today we're diving deep into *the* defining concept in crypto: tokens. 

We're moving beyond conventional categories — like “governance tokens” or “utility tokens” or even “memecoins” — to present a full taxonomy that details what tokens are, what they aren’t, and what they're capable of becoming.

Questions we'll explore include: What is a token? Is it a form of money? A piece of data? Something else? How many types of tokens are there — and who is in control of each? And how should we think about their actual economic, legal, and technical characteristics? We'll also dig into different token designs and their uses; where tokens derive value from; how they jibe with securities laws; and much more.

In this conversation, you’ll hear from several experts on the a16z crypto team who have developed a new 7-part framework for classifying tokens, which you can find linked below. Joining us are the coauthors: Chief Technology Officer Eddy Lazzarin, General Counsel and Head of Policy Miles Jennings, and Research Partner Scott Kominers, who is also a Professor at Harvard Business School where he teaches courses on market design and entrepreneurship. 

Check out the resources below for a flowchart that we’ll also be referencing throughout this episode and that will be helpful as we wend our way through the token idea maze.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(3:28) The Evolution of Token Terminology

(6:19) Classifying Tokens: Economic, Legal, and Technical Dimensions

(8:37) Moving Beyond “Governance Tokens”

(12:05) Inherent Value: The Memecoin Debate

(15:35) Company-Controlled Tokens: Risks and Realities

(31:33) Arcade Tokens: Stability and Utility

(46:00) The Power of Blockchain Interoperability

(49:34) Shared Rewards and Loyalty Programs

(59:19) Asset-Backed Tokens and Their Mechanisms

(1:08:23) Collectible Tokens and Their Uniqueness

(1:14:31) Network Tokens: The Future of Decentralized Marketplaces

(1:31:03) Regulatory Challenges and "Lawyer Tokens" 

(1:36:57) Final Thoughts and Future Prospects

Resources referenced in this episode:

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Your Guide to Tokens: Types, Design, Uses, More Eddy Lazzarin, Scott Kominers, Miles Jennings, Robert Hackett 01:41:36 Forget what you think you know about tokens. We present a new framework that could change the way you view crypto. Forget what you think you know about tokens. We present a new framework that could change the way you view crypto. crypto, cryptocurrency, coins, crypto tokens, memes, blockchain, tokens, memecoins, network tokens false full 71 304c8726-08cf-431a-b5f3-770913b28080 AI and the End of Apps (with NEAR) with @ilblackdragon @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z. I’m your host, Robert Hackett.

In this episode, we're diving deep into one of the most intriguing intersections in tech today: AI and crypto.

To help us unpack it, we're joined by Illia Polosukhin — co-founder of the crypto protocol NEAR and co-author of the groundbreaking 2017 "transformers" paper that kicked off the current AI boom. Ilia has been early to some of the biggest recent tech trends, and today he brings us a rare, panoramic view of the tech industry’s cutting edge.

Together we explore what the phrase “user-owned AI” really means; why the so-called agentic internet — that is, a world where your AI assistant talks directly to services on your behalf — might replace the very notion of websites and apps as we know them; and much more.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction
(3:40) Centralization and Challenges of AI
(6:17) "User-Owned" AI
(12:14) Confidential Computing and AI
(17:51) The Birth of Transformers
(22:33) NEAR AI and Crowdsourcing
(27:56) AI Agents and Future Applications
(31:04) The End of Websites and Applications
(34:08) Dead Internet Theory & Distinguishing Humans
(41:49) Open Source vs. Open Weight Models
(43:48) Geopolitical Implications of AI
(46:55) NEAR Protocol and Blockchain Scaling
(59:29) The Role of Humans in an AI World

Resources:

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:11:52 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Illia Polosukhin, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/ai-apps-end-near-bdpP4Qdt with @ilblackdragon @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z. I’m your host, Robert Hackett.

In this episode, we're diving deep into one of the most intriguing intersections in tech today: AI and crypto.

To help us unpack it, we're joined by Illia Polosukhin — co-founder of the crypto protocol NEAR and co-author of the groundbreaking 2017 "transformers" paper that kicked off the current AI boom. Ilia has been early to some of the biggest recent tech trends, and today he brings us a rare, panoramic view of the tech industry’s cutting edge.

Together we explore what the phrase “user-owned AI” really means; why the so-called agentic internet — that is, a world where your AI assistant talks directly to services on your behalf — might replace the very notion of websites and apps as we know them; and much more.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction
(3:40) Centralization and Challenges of AI
(6:17) "User-Owned" AI
(12:14) Confidential Computing and AI
(17:51) The Birth of Transformers
(22:33) NEAR AI and Crowdsourcing
(27:56) AI Agents and Future Applications
(31:04) The End of Websites and Applications
(34:08) Dead Internet Theory & Distinguishing Humans
(41:49) Open Source vs. Open Weight Models
(43:48) Geopolitical Implications of AI
(46:55) NEAR Protocol and Blockchain Scaling
(59:29) The Role of Humans in an AI World

Resources:

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> AI and the End of Apps (with NEAR) Illia Polosukhin, Robert Hackett 01:02:18 Our guest Illia Polosukhin designed and implemented the first-ever "transformer" models that kicked off the current AI boom. He joins the show to share his vision for an internet overrun by trillions of "user-owned" AI agents, replacing websites and apps. Our guest Illia Polosukhin designed and implemented the first-ever "transformer" models that kicked off the current AI boom. He joins the show to share his vision for an internet overrun by trillions of "user-owned" AI agents, replacing websites and apps. crypto, near ai, agents, near protocol, agentic internet, ai agents, blockchain, ai, ai x crypto, crypto x ai false full 70 1e6d2eb2-7ba1-43d0-a4e2-8434e7d8d58c All About Airdrops with @eddylazzarin @DarenMatsuoka @ahall_research @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z. I’m Robert Hackett.

Today we’re talking about one of the most familiar — and most misunderstood — mechanics in crypto: the airdrop.

We’ll explore the history of airdrops in and outside crypto, the challenges of incentive design, and learnings from airdrops to date. We’ll also answer questions like how do you avoid Sybil attacks and professional airdrop farming? Should your drop be big or small, one-time or ongoing? And what happens when AI agents enter the mix? 

To break it all down, we’re joined by:

  • a16z crypto’s Chief Technology Officer Eddy Lazzarin;
  • a16z crypto Data Science Partner Daren Matsuoka; and
  • a16z crypto Research Consultant Andrew Hall, who is also a Professor of Political Economics at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business.

Whether you're planning a token launch, looking for token rewards, or just curious why airdrops have become such a powerful mechanism in crypto — this episode is for you. 

Timestamps:

(0:00) introduction

(1:42) what is an airdrop?

(6:27) tokens vs traditional equity

(8:49) incentive design challenges

(15:18) origins from credit cards to crypto

(17:14) Optimism airdrop case study

(23:09) NFT market learnings

(28:32) Sybil resistance and verifying humanity

(33:04) Uniswap airdrop and beyond

(36:35) AI agents and the future of airdrops

(40:33) connection to performance reviews

(45:30) token vesting and volatility

(49:08) experimentation vs. best practices

(59:20) Batesian mimicry

Resources:

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Mon, 7 Apr 2025 21:50:20 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Eddy Lazzarin, Daren Matsuoka, Andy Hall, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/airdrops-krRe8HMX with @eddylazzarin @DarenMatsuoka @ahall_research @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z. I’m Robert Hackett.

Today we’re talking about one of the most familiar — and most misunderstood — mechanics in crypto: the airdrop.

We’ll explore the history of airdrops in and outside crypto, the challenges of incentive design, and learnings from airdrops to date. We’ll also answer questions like how do you avoid Sybil attacks and professional airdrop farming? Should your drop be big or small, one-time or ongoing? And what happens when AI agents enter the mix? 

To break it all down, we’re joined by:

  • a16z crypto’s Chief Technology Officer Eddy Lazzarin;
  • a16z crypto Data Science Partner Daren Matsuoka; and
  • a16z crypto Research Consultant Andrew Hall, who is also a Professor of Political Economics at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business.

Whether you're planning a token launch, looking for token rewards, or just curious why airdrops have become such a powerful mechanism in crypto — this episode is for you. 

Timestamps:

(0:00) introduction

(1:42) what is an airdrop?

(6:27) tokens vs traditional equity

(8:49) incentive design challenges

(15:18) origins from credit cards to crypto

(17:14) Optimism airdrop case study

(23:09) NFT market learnings

(28:32) Sybil resistance and verifying humanity

(33:04) Uniswap airdrop and beyond

(36:35) AI agents and the future of airdrops

(40:33) connection to performance reviews

(45:30) token vesting and volatility

(49:08) experimentation vs. best practices

(59:20) Batesian mimicry

Resources:

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> All About Airdrops Eddy Lazzarin, Daren Matsuoka, Andy Hall, Robert Hackett 01:02:00 We cover everything you need to know about one of the most familiar — and most misunderstood — mechanics in crypto: the airdrop. We cover everything you need to know about one of the most familiar — and most misunderstood — mechanics in crypto: the airdrop. crypto, token launch, web3, airdrops, tokens, blockchains false full 69 296f756a-a367-431f-b6bd-3829c12ee617 Congestion Pricing? Economics, Theory, Reality with @mostrovs @skominers @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z. I’m your host Robert Hackett, and today we’re talking about congestion pricing — an area of mechanism design that’s aimed at alleviating something everyone hates: traffic.

Now you may have heard this term recently since New York adopted its own version of congestion pricing at the beginning of the year. This is the first program of its kind in the U.S. — and it’s got supporters and detractors. We’ll talk about that, and we’re also going to talk about much more. 

In the first part of today’s episode we’ll trace the history of the economic ideas that got us here. In the middle, we’ll dig deeper into the details of putting congestion pricing into practice, plus technological alternatives. And in the final part, we’ll explore parallels to — and implications for — crypto networks.

Our guests are Michael Ostrovsky, a Stanford Economics Professor who specializes in this area and who has done research on congestion pricing in New York. We’re also joined by a16z crypto Research Partner Scott Kominers, who is a Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School where he teaches market design and entrepreneurship.

Timestamps:

(0:00) introduction

(1:51) NYC proposal history

(3:38) economic theory of congestion pricing

(9:15) implementation: challenges and solutions

(26:00) technological alternatives and drones

(29:49) overnight delivery and other possibilities

(35:20) carpooling and how to encourage it

(39:34) congestion pricing and crypto

(47:59) lessons for blockchains

Resources:

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as tax, business, legal, or investment advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> Sat, 29 Mar 2025 13:42:28 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Michael Ostrovsky, Scott Duke Kominers, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/congestion-pricing-economics-new-york-city-6h_wymJk with @mostrovs @skominers @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z. I’m your host Robert Hackett, and today we’re talking about congestion pricing — an area of mechanism design that’s aimed at alleviating something everyone hates: traffic.

Now you may have heard this term recently since New York adopted its own version of congestion pricing at the beginning of the year. This is the first program of its kind in the U.S. — and it’s got supporters and detractors. We’ll talk about that, and we’re also going to talk about much more. 

In the first part of today’s episode we’ll trace the history of the economic ideas that got us here. In the middle, we’ll dig deeper into the details of putting congestion pricing into practice, plus technological alternatives. And in the final part, we’ll explore parallels to — and implications for — crypto networks.

Our guests are Michael Ostrovsky, a Stanford Economics Professor who specializes in this area and who has done research on congestion pricing in New York. We’re also joined by a16z crypto Research Partner Scott Kominers, who is a Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School where he teaches market design and entrepreneurship.

Timestamps:

(0:00) introduction

(1:51) NYC proposal history

(3:38) economic theory of congestion pricing

(9:15) implementation: challenges and solutions

(26:00) technological alternatives and drones

(29:49) overnight delivery and other possibilities

(35:20) carpooling and how to encourage it

(39:34) congestion pricing and crypto

(47:59) lessons for blockchains

Resources:

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as tax, business, legal, or investment advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Congestion Pricing? Economics, Theory, Reality Michael Ostrovsky, Scott Duke Kominers, Robert Hackett 00:57:31 Everyone hates traffic. One way to reduce it is through congestion pricing, which New York City implemented at the start of the year — a first of its kind for the U.S. We spoke to two economists about the history of this approach, the challenges of putting it into practice, and the implications — which extend from city blocks to, yes, blockchains. Everyone hates traffic. One way to reduce it is through congestion pricing, which New York City implemented at the start of the year — a first of its kind for the U.S. We spoke to two economists about the history of this approach, the challenges of putting it into practice, and the implications — which extend from city blocks to, yes, blockchains. crypto, traffic, mechanism design, new york city, congestion pricing, blockchain, nyc, manhattan, economics, new york false full 68 390e9b62-0ffb-40c7-8f46-994c7901dd02 You Better Have a 30-Year Goal (with Eigen Labs) Welcome to web3 with a16z. Today we’re talking about a founder’s journey from academia to the tech startup world — and the many lessons he’s learned along the way. 

We dig into big ideas, like what people mean when they call blockchains "truth machines." We also share practical advice and insights, like how to go about deciding on your life’s work; what you can do to keep increasing — and compounding — your leverage; plus, how a bungled interview question can change your life.

Today’s episode features a conversation between Eigen Labs Founder Sreeram Kannan, formerly an associate professor at the University of Washington where he led its Blockchain Lab, and a16z crypto General Partner Ali Yahya. 

This conversation originally took place in the fall at our CSX crypto startup accelerator in New York. If you like what you hear, subscribe to the a16z crypto YouTube channel for this video and many others like it.

Timestamps:

(0:00) introduction

(1:25) open innovation

(4:08) evolution of blockchain technologies

(12:34) journey from academia

(16:00) one of the best life lessons

(19:40) impact of network information theory

(24:31) activation energy and moving earth

(29:13) building a trust network

(36:20) blockchains as commitment engines

(45:17) Q&A

(45:57) the power of narrative

(52:19) restaking and the memetic sphere

(56:01) two approaches to problem solving

(59:53) startup focus and exponential games

(1:04:56) professor coins

(1:09:03) win-win or no deal

(01:13:59) conclusion

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as tax, business, legal, or investment advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Tue, 25 Mar 2025 17:03:46 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Sreeram Kannan, Ali Yahya) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/eigenlayer-sreeram-kannan-PF8LRMiO Welcome to web3 with a16z. Today we’re talking about a founder’s journey from academia to the tech startup world — and the many lessons he’s learned along the way. 

We dig into big ideas, like what people mean when they call blockchains "truth machines." We also share practical advice and insights, like how to go about deciding on your life’s work; what you can do to keep increasing — and compounding — your leverage; plus, how a bungled interview question can change your life.

Today’s episode features a conversation between Eigen Labs Founder Sreeram Kannan, formerly an associate professor at the University of Washington where he led its Blockchain Lab, and a16z crypto General Partner Ali Yahya. 

This conversation originally took place in the fall at our CSX crypto startup accelerator in New York. If you like what you hear, subscribe to the a16z crypto YouTube channel for this video and many others like it.

Timestamps:

(0:00) introduction

(1:25) open innovation

(4:08) evolution of blockchain technologies

(12:34) journey from academia

(16:00) one of the best life lessons

(19:40) impact of network information theory

(24:31) activation energy and moving earth

(29:13) building a trust network

(36:20) blockchains as commitment engines

(45:17) Q&A

(45:57) the power of narrative

(52:19) restaking and the memetic sphere

(56:01) two approaches to problem solving

(59:53) startup focus and exponential games

(1:04:56) professor coins

(1:09:03) win-win or no deal

(01:13:59) conclusion

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as tax, business, legal, or investment advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> You Better Have a 30-Year Goal (with Eigen Labs) Sreeram Kannan, Ali Yahya 01:15:09 From computational genomics research to building "humanity's coordination engine," Eigen Labs founder Sreeram Kannan shares his path — and lessons learned along the way — in conversation with a16z crypto General Partner Ali Yahya. From computational genomics research to building "humanity's coordination engine," Eigen Labs founder Sreeram Kannan shares his path — and lessons learned along the way — in conversation with a16z crypto General Partner Ali Yahya. crypto, eigenlayer, blockchain, eigen labs, startups, research false full 67 1b6b00be-ca38-4434-86c1-57c2abca6f26 Blockchain Performance, Demystified with @SashaSpiegelman @Tim_Roughgarden @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z. Today we’re talking about the ins and outs of blockchain performance. 

How does the “speed” of one chain compare to another? What are the tricky ways that people talk about important metrics like throughput and latency? And how do design choices across things like consensus and execution result in performance tradeoffs? 

Our guest today is Aptos Labs’ Head of Research Sasha Spiegelman, who is helping build out and develop technologies he originally co-created at Meta. We’re also joined by a16z crypto Head of Research and Columbia University professor Tim Roughgarden, who specializes in the intersection of computer science and economics, which is fitting as we dig into technical details throughout.

Timestamps:

(0:00) introduction

(2:48) understanding blockchain metrics

(7:59) consensus protocols: PBFT and beyond

(14:56) innovations from Meta’s Novi to Aptos

(20:51) optimizing blockchain execution (with BlockSTM)

(25:23) tech debate: dynamic vs. static parallelism

(27:55) open source and the prisoner’s dilemma

(29:15) conclusion

***

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as tax, business, legal, or investment advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 14 Mar 2025 18:23:49 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Sasha Spiegelman, Tim Roughgarden, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/blockchain-performance-aptos-tlbQWlX3 with @SashaSpiegelman @Tim_Roughgarden @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z. Today we’re talking about the ins and outs of blockchain performance. 

How does the “speed” of one chain compare to another? What are the tricky ways that people talk about important metrics like throughput and latency? And how do design choices across things like consensus and execution result in performance tradeoffs? 

Our guest today is Aptos Labs’ Head of Research Sasha Spiegelman, who is helping build out and develop technologies he originally co-created at Meta. We’re also joined by a16z crypto Head of Research and Columbia University professor Tim Roughgarden, who specializes in the intersection of computer science and economics, which is fitting as we dig into technical details throughout.

Timestamps:

(0:00) introduction

(2:48) understanding blockchain metrics

(7:59) consensus protocols: PBFT and beyond

(14:56) innovations from Meta’s Novi to Aptos

(20:51) optimizing blockchain execution (with BlockSTM)

(25:23) tech debate: dynamic vs. static parallelism

(27:55) open source and the prisoner’s dilemma

(29:15) conclusion

***

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as tax, business, legal, or investment advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Blockchain Performance, Demystified Sasha Spiegelman, Tim Roughgarden, Robert Hackett 00:30:18 What do people really mean when they talk about blockchain performance? Aptos Labs' Head of Research Sasha Spiegelman joins a16z crypto Head of Research Tim Roughgarden and show host Robert Hackett to discuss ways technologists are trying to maximize throughput and minimize latency for blockchains. What do people really mean when they talk about blockchain performance? Aptos Labs' Head of Research Sasha Spiegelman joins a16z crypto Head of Research Tim Roughgarden and show host Robert Hackett to discuss ways technologists are trying to maximize throughput and minimize latency for blockchains. aptos, consensus, execution, blockchain research, transactions per second, blockchains, blockchain performance, finality false full 66 b07a2b1a-423a-41f9-90dc-8b2ae1949047 Inside the Biggest Heist with @mg_486662 and @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z. I’m Robert Hackett and today we’re talking about what is potentially the biggest heist of all time — a hack of the Dubai-based crypto exchange ByBit which took place last month for a total of $1.5 billion and which the Federal Bureau of Investigation has attributed to a North Korean state-sponsored hacking group.

In this episode, we cover details of how the attack went down, the state of crypto security across different types of wallets and organizations, and what you can do to help protect yourself from similar attacks.

We’re joined by Matt Gleason, a security expert at a16z crypto, whose excellent write-up of the incident you can find below. We’ve also included an FBI PSA about the hack and other useful links as well.

Resources:

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Sat, 8 Mar 2025 12:49:40 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Matt Gleason, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/bybit-hack-security-b30f_mQK with @mg_486662 and @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z. I’m Robert Hackett and today we’re talking about what is potentially the biggest heist of all time — a hack of the Dubai-based crypto exchange ByBit which took place last month for a total of $1.5 billion and which the Federal Bureau of Investigation has attributed to a North Korean state-sponsored hacking group.

In this episode, we cover details of how the attack went down, the state of crypto security across different types of wallets and organizations, and what you can do to help protect yourself from similar attacks.

We’re joined by Matt Gleason, a security expert at a16z crypto, whose excellent write-up of the incident you can find below. We’ve also included an FBI PSA about the hack and other useful links as well.

Resources:

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Inside the Biggest Heist Matt Gleason, Robert Hackett 00:44:12 Crypto exchange ByBit got hacked for $1.5 billion — making it potentially the biggest heist of all time. a16z crypto security expert Matt Gleason joins host Robert Hackett to discuss how the attack went down, the state of crypto security, and what you can do to help protect yourself from similar attacks. Crypto exchange ByBit got hacked for $1.5 billion — making it potentially the biggest heist of all time. a16z crypto security expert Matt Gleason joins host Robert Hackett to discuss how the attack went down, the state of crypto security, and what you can do to help protect yourself from similar attacks. crypto, hack, bybit, north korea, infosec, crypto exchange, heist, hacking, cybersecurity false full 65 c01c3fc2-36ca-4f01-87e8-de159652e230 Creativity Across Industries, with Uniswap & KidSuper with @haydenzadams @kidsuper @smc90

This episode involves a special mix of guests:

  • Hayden Adams, founder and CEO of Uniswap Labs, and inventor of the Uniswap Protocol a leader in decentralized finance (DeFi); they recently announced Unichain; and
  • Colm Dillane, the multimedia artist behind fashion brand KidSuper, CFDA award winner who has his own Warhol Factory-like creative studio and space; Dillane started out selling t-shirts in his highschool cafeteria, and then went on to present his collection at Paris Fashion week — and has also done creative campaigns for iconic brands from Louis Vuitton and Mercedes Benz to Puma and Converse

...in conversation with editor in chief Sonal Chokshi. The conversation originally took place at our Founder Summit (October 2024) but is more relevant than ever as the crypto industry focuses on mainstream applications and users. It covers:

  • industry jargon, to making technology not just more broadly available but more culturally and socially understood
  • the power of naming, including the origin story behind the unicorn and Unisocks and more
  • the difference between marketing vs. spectacle
  • the power of early community and what it means to expand to new users vs "sell out”
  • drops -- “airdrops” in crypto; drops in fashion (a la Supreme), and just product launches in general

We also touch on some questions and issues around open source, including forking and copying -- good or bad? -- and whether a collective can actually do good design. 

The theme throughout is about innovating vs. stagnating -- learning from different industries and places; trying (unexpected) new things, even when there may not be a clear business case up front, and much more. 

As a reminder: None of the following should be taken as business, investment, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Sat, 1 Mar 2025 07:55:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Hayden Adams, Colm Dillane, KidSuper, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/creativity-crypto-fashion-uniswap-kidsuper-drops-naming-more-moA9NIRx with @haydenzadams @kidsuper @smc90

This episode involves a special mix of guests:

  • Hayden Adams, founder and CEO of Uniswap Labs, and inventor of the Uniswap Protocol a leader in decentralized finance (DeFi); they recently announced Unichain; and
  • Colm Dillane, the multimedia artist behind fashion brand KidSuper, CFDA award winner who has his own Warhol Factory-like creative studio and space; Dillane started out selling t-shirts in his highschool cafeteria, and then went on to present his collection at Paris Fashion week — and has also done creative campaigns for iconic brands from Louis Vuitton and Mercedes Benz to Puma and Converse

...in conversation with editor in chief Sonal Chokshi. The conversation originally took place at our Founder Summit (October 2024) but is more relevant than ever as the crypto industry focuses on mainstream applications and users. It covers:

  • industry jargon, to making technology not just more broadly available but more culturally and socially understood
  • the power of naming, including the origin story behind the unicorn and Unisocks and more
  • the difference between marketing vs. spectacle
  • the power of early community and what it means to expand to new users vs "sell out”
  • drops -- “airdrops” in crypto; drops in fashion (a la Supreme), and just product launches in general

We also touch on some questions and issues around open source, including forking and copying -- good or bad? -- and whether a collective can actually do good design. 

The theme throughout is about innovating vs. stagnating -- learning from different industries and places; trying (unexpected) new things, even when there may not be a clear business case up front, and much more. 

As a reminder: None of the following should be taken as business, investment, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Creativity Across Industries, with Uniswap & KidSuper Hayden Adams, Colm Dillane, KidSuper, Sonal Chokshi 00:35:22 A special guest combo -- Hayden Adams of Uniswap and Colm Dillane of KidSuper -- on the topics of: industry jargon, the power of naming (and origin stories), marketing vs. spectacle; the power of early community and "selling out"; drops as in “airdrops” in crypto to drops in fashion (a la Supreme); open source copying, forking, and design (in both tech and fashion)... and the power of innovating vs. stagnating A special guest combo -- Hayden Adams of Uniswap and Colm Dillane of KidSuper -- on the topics of: industry jargon, the power of naming (and origin stories), marketing vs. spectacle; the power of early community and "selling out"; drops as in “airdrops” in crypto to drops in fashion (a la Supreme); open source copying, forking, and design (in both tech and fashion)... and the power of innovating vs. stagnating community, brand, drops, naming, airdrops, technology, fashion, open source, marketing, design false full 64 2aff7e55-0bd6-4005-80b6-bb137ab9eb09 Where AI x Crypto Converge Welcome to web3 with a16z, today we’re running a special episode about the intersection of AI and crypto.

Our guests are a16z crypto Founder and Managing Partner Chris Dixon & a16z Growth General Partner David George. They discuss the broken economics of the internet, new models for creative people, how to think through the first-, second- and third-order effects of big platform shifts, and more. 

Today’s episode is a crossover from a16z’s AI Revolution conversation series — and it’s especially timely as the paperback edition of Chris Dixon’s bestselling book Read Write Own goes to print. Check out the show notes for links to those and more.

  • Watch the video here
  • Read the transcript here
  • See more from the AI Revolution conversation series here
  • Check out Chris Dixon's book Read Write Own here

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:55:28 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Chris Dixon, David George) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/ai-crypto-chris-dixon-BYgHBPAk Welcome to web3 with a16z, today we’re running a special episode about the intersection of AI and crypto.

Our guests are a16z crypto Founder and Managing Partner Chris Dixon & a16z Growth General Partner David George. They discuss the broken economics of the internet, new models for creative people, how to think through the first-, second- and third-order effects of big platform shifts, and more. 

Today’s episode is a crossover from a16z’s AI Revolution conversation series — and it’s especially timely as the paperback edition of Chris Dixon’s bestselling book Read Write Own goes to print. Check out the show notes for links to those and more.

  • Watch the video here
  • Read the transcript here
  • See more from the AI Revolution conversation series here
  • Check out Chris Dixon's book Read Write Own here

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Where AI x Crypto Converge Chris Dixon, David George 00:40:50 AI has broken the economic covenant of the internet. a16z crypto Founder and Managing Partner Chris Dixon has a vision to restore it. AI has broken the economic covenant of the internet. a16z crypto Founder and Managing Partner Chris Dixon has a vision to restore it. crypto, creator economy, blockchain, internet, ai, creators, tech false full 63 778d12a5-fc1a-44eb-b06f-810c79af3e92 Why blockchains need privacy with @1HowardWu @SuccinctJT @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z. Today’s show is all about privacy, why it matters, and how to achieve it technically onchain.

It's fair to say that many blockchains today are quite… revealing. But that openness and transparency doesn’t work for everything — who would want anyone to have full-on X-Ray vision into your finances? That’s one reason why there’s been a growing appreciation for — and trend toward — more blockchain privacy. 

Our guest today argues that there are many other reasons you might want some secrecy too, including a whole host of onchain applications and uses that only become feasible when you have a notion of privacy. That guest is Provable Cofounder and CEO Howard Wu who helped invent the protocols behind and build Aleo, a privacy-focused blockchain network. Wu joins a16z crypto Research Partner Justin Thaler, who is also a computer scientist at Georgetown University (as well as the brains behind the cutting-edge, open source zkVM Jolt), plus me, your host, Robert Hackett.

The first voice you’ll hear is mine, then Howard’s, then Justin’s. 

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Sat, 1 Feb 2025 15:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (howard wu, justin thaler, robert hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/blockchain-privacy-aleo-NhweqUr3 with @1HowardWu @SuccinctJT @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z. Today’s show is all about privacy, why it matters, and how to achieve it technically onchain.

It's fair to say that many blockchains today are quite… revealing. But that openness and transparency doesn’t work for everything — who would want anyone to have full-on X-Ray vision into your finances? That’s one reason why there’s been a growing appreciation for — and trend toward — more blockchain privacy. 

Our guest today argues that there are many other reasons you might want some secrecy too, including a whole host of onchain applications and uses that only become feasible when you have a notion of privacy. That guest is Provable Cofounder and CEO Howard Wu who helped invent the protocols behind and build Aleo, a privacy-focused blockchain network. Wu joins a16z crypto Research Partner Justin Thaler, who is also a computer scientist at Georgetown University (as well as the brains behind the cutting-edge, open source zkVM Jolt), plus me, your host, Robert Hackett.

The first voice you’ll hear is mine, then Howard’s, then Justin’s. 

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Why blockchains need privacy howard wu, justin thaler, robert hackett 00:40:54 Blockchain privacy is about more than payments — it's about enabling all new types of apps. We discuss the set of onchain privacy-enabling technologies, why they matter, and more with Provable Cofounder and CEO Howard Wu, the brains behind Aleo, a privacy-focused blockchain network, plus a16z crypto Research Partner Justin Thaler. Blockchain privacy is about more than payments — it's about enabling all new types of apps. We discuss the set of onchain privacy-enabling technologies, why they matter, and more with Provable Cofounder and CEO Howard Wu, the brains behind Aleo, a privacy-focused blockchain network, plus a16z crypto Research Partner Justin Thaler. crypto, privacy, web3, zk proofs, onchain, aleo, zero knowledge, blockchains false full 62 5acb1a88-e457-44d5-b943-ce7d0e43ffca How This Foodie Founder Is Revamping Restaurants with @benleventhal @AriannaSimpson

Welcome to web3 with a16z. How many of you are regulars at a favorite cafe, bar, or dinner spot? Probably a lot of you — but if you’re not, well, our guest today aims to make you one. 

This episode features Ben Leventhal — the founder and CEO of BlackBird, and formerly the founder of Resy and Eater. In it, he shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur in conversation with a16z crypto General Partner Arianna Simpson.

Ben shares hard-won lessons learned in company-building, including navigating in wartime; the difference between measuring vs feeling when it comes to defining success; and more. 

Today’s conversation originally took place in the fall at our CSX Crypto Startup Accelerator in New York. We're currently accepting applications for our next cohort in the spring in San Francisco. Visit a16zcrypto.com/csx for more information and to apply.

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 24 Jan 2025 22:29:25 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Ben Leventhal, Arianna Simpson) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/blackbird-ceo-ben-leventhal-csx-2024-OOU_9qmX with @benleventhal @AriannaSimpson

Welcome to web3 with a16z. How many of you are regulars at a favorite cafe, bar, or dinner spot? Probably a lot of you — but if you’re not, well, our guest today aims to make you one. 

This episode features Ben Leventhal — the founder and CEO of BlackBird, and formerly the founder of Resy and Eater. In it, he shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur in conversation with a16z crypto General Partner Arianna Simpson.

Ben shares hard-won lessons learned in company-building, including navigating in wartime; the difference between measuring vs feeling when it comes to defining success; and more. 

Today’s conversation originally took place in the fall at our CSX Crypto Startup Accelerator in New York. We're currently accepting applications for our next cohort in the spring in San Francisco. Visit a16zcrypto.com/csx for more information and to apply.

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> How This Foodie Founder Is Revamping Restaurants Ben Leventhal, Arianna Simpson 01:00:03 Ben Leventhal, the founder and CEO of BlackBird, and formerly the founder of Resy and Eater, is revamping the restaurant industry... with crypto. He shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur — including hard-won lessons learned in company-building — in conversation with a16z crypto General Partner Arianna Simpson. Ben Leventhal, the founder and CEO of BlackBird, and formerly the founder of Resy and Eater, is revamping the restaurant industry... with crypto. He shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur — including hard-won lessons learned in company-building — in conversation with a16z crypto General Partner Arianna Simpson. future of food, blackbird, company building, restaurants false full 61 cfa8342a-298d-4c2e-8be8-7360ceff2d2d Social Media Secrets: How to Build Your Presence with @0xgaut @ishverduzco @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z. Today we’re talking about how to make social media work for you, rather than overwhelming you.

Whether you’re a startup founder, creator, avid doomscroller, or longtime lurker, this show has tips and tactics you can use to attract attention, build a following, and level up your online presence.

In this episode, we cover what to do and what not to do, how much of your authentic self to bring to the table vs. merely playing to the algorithms, turning your interests and obsessions into viral hits, and what standup comedy has to do with the art of posting.

Our guest today is Gauthier Le Meur, aka Gaut, a meme-maker with a cult following who also happens to be the cofounder and chief operating officer of Alongside, a DeFi project that creates investible crypto market indices. Joining him is the man behind our handles, a16z crypto Social Lead Ish Verduzco, as well as me, your host, Robert Hackett.

Resources

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Mon, 13 Jan 2025 15:37:20 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Gauthier Le Meur, Ish Verduzco, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/social-media-how-to-build-your-presence-hKSSSTig with @0xgaut @ishverduzco @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z. Today we’re talking about how to make social media work for you, rather than overwhelming you.

Whether you’re a startup founder, creator, avid doomscroller, or longtime lurker, this show has tips and tactics you can use to attract attention, build a following, and level up your online presence.

In this episode, we cover what to do and what not to do, how much of your authentic self to bring to the table vs. merely playing to the algorithms, turning your interests and obsessions into viral hits, and what standup comedy has to do with the art of posting.

Our guest today is Gauthier Le Meur, aka Gaut, a meme-maker with a cult following who also happens to be the cofounder and chief operating officer of Alongside, a DeFi project that creates investible crypto market indices. Joining him is the man behind our handles, a16z crypto Social Lead Ish Verduzco, as well as me, your host, Robert Hackett.

Resources

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Social Media Secrets: How to Build Your Presence Gauthier Le Meur, Ish Verduzco, Robert Hackett 00:41:20 Looking to level up your online presence? Here's how to make social media work for you, rather than overwhelming you. Our guests are masters of the art of posting, and they have tips and tactics you can use to boost your profile, attract attention, and build a following of your own. Looking to level up your online presence? Here's how to make social media work for you, rather than overwhelming you. Our guests are masters of the art of posting, and they have tips and tactics you can use to boost your profile, attract attention, and build a following of your own. x, followers, twitter, building a brand, audience, social media false full 60 4b304c2b-5be5-478e-8cb6-01ca34172302 Designing Beloved Brands Welcome to web3 with a16z. Today's episode is all about design, creativity, and taste-making. 

Our special guest is Jason Mayden, the chief design officer of Jordan Brand at Nike — that's Jordan as in former NBA superstar Michael Jordan. In his role, Mayden is responsible for the look and feel of iconic products, like Air Jordan sneakers and related apparel. 

In this episode, Mayden speaks with Chris Lyons, a16z crypto's president of web3 media, about the interdisciplinary nature of industrial design, the role of humans in an AI world, what makes fashion and food alike, and how to build a brand, whether you’re in crypto, sportswear, or another field.

This conversation originally took place at a16z crypto's Founders Summit in the fall of 2024. Be sure to subscribe to the a16z crypto Youtube channel where you can listen to more from that event, plus many more thought-provoking talks and other resources. 

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Mon, 30 Dec 2024 17:54:44 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Jason Mayden, Chris Lyons) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/design-jordan-brand-nike-sRXzu2XZ Welcome to web3 with a16z. Today's episode is all about design, creativity, and taste-making. 

Our special guest is Jason Mayden, the chief design officer of Jordan Brand at Nike — that's Jordan as in former NBA superstar Michael Jordan. In his role, Mayden is responsible for the look and feel of iconic products, like Air Jordan sneakers and related apparel. 

In this episode, Mayden speaks with Chris Lyons, a16z crypto's president of web3 media, about the interdisciplinary nature of industrial design, the role of humans in an AI world, what makes fashion and food alike, and how to build a brand, whether you’re in crypto, sportswear, or another field.

This conversation originally took place at a16z crypto's Founders Summit in the fall of 2024. Be sure to subscribe to the a16z crypto Youtube channel where you can listen to more from that event, plus many more thought-provoking talks and other resources. 

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Designing Beloved Brands Jason Mayden, Chris Lyons 00:36:46 Jason Mayden is the chief design officer of Jordan Brand at Nike — that's Jordan as in former NBA superstar Michael Jordan. He discusses with a16z crypto's Chris Lyons how to build a brand, whether you’re in crypto, sportswear, or another field; plus much more. Jason Mayden is the chief design officer of Jordan Brand at Nike — that's Jordan as in former NBA superstar Michael Jordan. He discusses with a16z crypto's Chris Lyons how to build a brand, whether you’re in crypto, sportswear, or another field; plus much more. air jordan, nike, design false full 59 ede07d87-272a-4479-bcad-38f58a8eaf95 Trends for 2025 (part 2): AI x Crypto - From Agents in Games & DePIN to Proof of Personhood and More with @carrawu @eddylazzarin @0xkarmacoma and @smc90 @rhhackett

Welcome to our special end-of-year episodes -- which also look ahead to 2025 --  covering our annual Big Ideas lists, where various a16z crypto team members share what they are personally excited about. (You can see the firmwide list, also including all the trends of the crypto team,  here.)

This episode is part 2 of 2 -- but you don't have to listen to them in any particular order -- covering the intersection of crypto & AI:

  • agents that have their own crypto wallets -- and also AI agents in games; DePin/ decentralized physical infrastructure, like energy grids; and more;
  • proof of personhood, and why having a unique ID matters in a world of deepfakes, bots, scams and more is needed with proliferating AI;
  • decentralized, truly autonomous, chatbots (using TEEs or trusted execution environment).

 Covering each of these -- and coming from the investing, engineering, and other teams -- are:  Carra Wu, Eddy Lazzarin, and Karma (aka Daniel Reynaud); in conversation with hosts Sonal Chokshi and Robert Hackett, who also share some commentary at the top.

These are just a few of the 14 trends we shared; you can check out the full list at a16zcrypto.com/bigideas. 

Also be sure to check out part 1, which covers the trends of stablecoins, app stores, infrastructure, and user experience. 

As a reminder, none of the content is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information -- including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Sat, 21 Dec 2024 05:24:31 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Andreessen Horowitz) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/trends-2025-ai-crypto-agents-proof-of-personhood-decentralized-autonomous-chatbots-ZRIF8fya with @carrawu @eddylazzarin @0xkarmacoma and @smc90 @rhhackett

Welcome to our special end-of-year episodes -- which also look ahead to 2025 --  covering our annual Big Ideas lists, where various a16z crypto team members share what they are personally excited about. (You can see the firmwide list, also including all the trends of the crypto team,  here.)

This episode is part 2 of 2 -- but you don't have to listen to them in any particular order -- covering the intersection of crypto & AI:

  • agents that have their own crypto wallets -- and also AI agents in games; DePin/ decentralized physical infrastructure, like energy grids; and more;
  • proof of personhood, and why having a unique ID matters in a world of deepfakes, bots, scams and more is needed with proliferating AI;
  • decentralized, truly autonomous, chatbots (using TEEs or trusted execution environment).

 Covering each of these -- and coming from the investing, engineering, and other teams -- are:  Carra Wu, Eddy Lazzarin, and Karma (aka Daniel Reynaud); in conversation with hosts Sonal Chokshi and Robert Hackett, who also share some commentary at the top.

These are just a few of the 14 trends we shared; you can check out the full list at a16zcrypto.com/bigideas. 

Also be sure to check out part 1, which covers the trends of stablecoins, app stores, infrastructure, and user experience. 

As a reminder, none of the content is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information -- including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Trends for 2025 (part 2): AI x Crypto - From Agents in Games & DePIN to Proof of Personhood and More Andreessen Horowitz 00:40:05 We cover some of our big ideas for 2025 -- all focused on AI x crypto -- in this episode, spanning the trends of agents, DePIN, proof of unique personhood, decentralized autonomous chatbots, and more. Check out part 1 for more trends: stablecoins, app stores, infrastructure and UX, and others. We cover some of our big ideas for 2025 -- all focused on AI x crypto -- in this episode, spanning the trends of agents, DePIN, proof of unique personhood, decentralized autonomous chatbots, and more. Check out part 1 for more trends: stablecoins, app stores, infrastructure and UX, and others. false full 58 e334356d-0151-4adc-b7c4-c68fc7cfd20e Trends for 2025 (part 1): Stablecoins, App Stores, UX, and More with @sambroner @meigga @darenmatsuoka @jneu_net @chrislyons and @rhhackett @smc90

Welcome to our special end-of-year episodes -- which also look ahead to 2025 --  covering our annual Big Ideas lists, where various a16z crypto team members share what they are personally excited about. (You can see the firmwide list, also including all the trends of the crypto team,  here.)

This episode is part 1 of 2 -- but you don't have to listen to them in any particular order -- covering the trends and themes of:

  • stablecoins, payments, and where the early adopters will come from;
  • app store distribution, curation, and discovery;
  • where the next crypto users will come from, turning passive holders into active users;
  • how builders improve, and better choose, infrastructure; and
  • simplifying user experience.

 Covering each of these -- and coming from the investing, go-to-market, data science, research, and media teams are:  Sam Broner, Maggie Hsu, Daren Matsuoka, Joachim Neu, and Chris Lyons; in conversation with hosts Sonal Chokshi and Robert Hackett. (Stay tuned until the end for some of our meta-commentary.) 

These are just 5 of the 14 trends we shared; you can check out the full list at a16zcrypto.com/bigideas.

Also be sure to check out part 2, which covers all the trends at the intersection of crypto and AI. 

As a reminder, none of the content is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information -- including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 20 Dec 2024 18:33:46 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Andreessen Horowitz) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/trends-2025-stablecoins-app-stores-distribution-discovery-user-experience-design-6TayK_wM with @sambroner @meigga @darenmatsuoka @jneu_net @chrislyons and @rhhackett @smc90

Welcome to our special end-of-year episodes -- which also look ahead to 2025 --  covering our annual Big Ideas lists, where various a16z crypto team members share what they are personally excited about. (You can see the firmwide list, also including all the trends of the crypto team,  here.)

This episode is part 1 of 2 -- but you don't have to listen to them in any particular order -- covering the trends and themes of:

  • stablecoins, payments, and where the early adopters will come from;
  • app store distribution, curation, and discovery;
  • where the next crypto users will come from, turning passive holders into active users;
  • how builders improve, and better choose, infrastructure; and
  • simplifying user experience.

 Covering each of these -- and coming from the investing, go-to-market, data science, research, and media teams are:  Sam Broner, Maggie Hsu, Daren Matsuoka, Joachim Neu, and Chris Lyons; in conversation with hosts Sonal Chokshi and Robert Hackett. (Stay tuned until the end for some of our meta-commentary.) 

These are just 5 of the 14 trends we shared; you can check out the full list at a16zcrypto.com/bigideas.

Also be sure to check out part 2, which covers all the trends at the intersection of crypto and AI. 

As a reminder, none of the content is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information -- including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Trends for 2025 (part 1): Stablecoins, App Stores, UX, and More Andreessen Horowitz 00:33:52 We cover some of our big ideas for 2025 in this episode, spanning the trends of stablecoins, app stores, infrastructure and UX, and more. Check out part 2 for more trends at the intersection of crypto and AI. We cover some of our big ideas for 2025 in this episode, spanning the trends of stablecoins, app stores, infrastructure and UX, and more. Check out part 2 for more trends at the intersection of crypto and AI. false full 57 e094af50-52d6-4e0c-9da2-7a3e6abb9a87 Prediction Markets and Beyond with @atabarrok @skominers @smc90

We've heard a lot about the premise and the promise of prediction markets for a long time, but they finally hit the main stage with the most recent election. So what worked (and didn't) this time? Are they better than pollsters, journalists, domain experts, superforecasters?

So in this conversation, we tease apart the hype from the reality of prediction markets, from the recent election to market foundations... going more deeply into the how, why, and where these markets work. We also discuss the design challenges and opportunities, including implications for builders throughout. And we also cover other information aggregation mechanisms -- from peer prediction to others -- given that prediction markets are part of a broader category of information-elicitation and information-aggregation mechanisms.

Where do (and don't) blockchain and crypto technologies come in -- and what specific features (decentralization, transparency, real-time, open source, etc.) matter most, and in what contexts? Finally, we discuss applications for prediction and decision markets -- things we could do right away to in the near-to distant future -- touching on everything from corporate decisions and scientific replication to trends like AI, DeSci, futarchy/ governance, and more?

Our special expert guests are Alex Tabarrok, professor of economics at George Mason University and Chair in Economics at the Mercatus Center; and Scott Duke Kominers, research partner at a16z crypto, and professor at Harvard Business School  -- both in conversation with Sonal Chokshi.

RESOURCES
(from links to research mentioned to more on the topics discussed)


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]]> Fri, 22 Nov 2024 07:56:08 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Alex Tabarrok, Sonal Chokshi, Scott Duke Kominers) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/prediction-markets-information-aggregation-mechanisms-PK_CcZWM with @atabarrok @skominers @smc90

We've heard a lot about the premise and the promise of prediction markets for a long time, but they finally hit the main stage with the most recent election. So what worked (and didn't) this time? Are they better than pollsters, journalists, domain experts, superforecasters?

So in this conversation, we tease apart the hype from the reality of prediction markets, from the recent election to market foundations... going more deeply into the how, why, and where these markets work. We also discuss the design challenges and opportunities, including implications for builders throughout. And we also cover other information aggregation mechanisms -- from peer prediction to others -- given that prediction markets are part of a broader category of information-elicitation and information-aggregation mechanisms.

Where do (and don't) blockchain and crypto technologies come in -- and what specific features (decentralization, transparency, real-time, open source, etc.) matter most, and in what contexts? Finally, we discuss applications for prediction and decision markets -- things we could do right away to in the near-to distant future -- touching on everything from corporate decisions and scientific replication to trends like AI, DeSci, futarchy/ governance, and more?

Our special expert guests are Alex Tabarrok, professor of economics at George Mason University and Chair in Economics at the Mercatus Center; and Scott Duke Kominers, research partner at a16z crypto, and professor at Harvard Business School  -- both in conversation with Sonal Chokshi.

RESOURCES
(from links to research mentioned to more on the topics discussed)


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Prediction Markets and Beyond Alex Tabarrok, Sonal Chokshi, Scott Duke Kominers 01:48:05 On the premise and the promise of prediction markets, which hit the main stage with the most recent election -- what worked (and didn't) this time? We tease apart the hype from the reality of prediction markets, but also go more deeply into the how, why, and where these markets work; the design challenges and opportunities (including implications for builders) of these and other information aggregation mechanisms; and more. Where do (and don't) blockchain and crypto technologies come in? What are some of the most interesting applications, both immediate -- like for corporate decisions or scientific replication -- and in the near to distant future, across trends like AI, DeSci, futarchy/ governance, and more? On the premise and the promise of prediction markets, which hit the main stage with the most recent election -- what worked (and didn't) this time? We tease apart the hype from the reality of prediction markets, but also go more deeply into the how, why, and where these markets work; the design challenges and opportunities (including implications for builders) of these and other information aggregation mechanisms; and more. Where do (and don't) blockchain and crypto technologies come in? What are some of the most interesting applications, both immediate -- like for corporate decisions or scientific replication -- and in the near to distant future, across trends like AI, DeSci, futarchy/ governance, and more? information aggregation, governance, price discovery, elections, auctions, superforecasters, decision markets, desci, ai, wisdom of the crowds, prediction markets, futarchy false full 56 5c9b8354-bd45-4afa-91bd-ddff1ab0cbba Government... By Lottery? with @baileyflan @ahall_research @rhhackett

Today we’re dusting off an ancient practice that has become trendy once again: the old-but-new idea of “sortition,” or selecting representatives by lottery.

Sortition was used in ancient Athenian democracy to elect public officials. It’s also been lately revived by tech companies like Meta and AI startups like OpenAI and Anthropic to tackle some of their thorniest policymaking challenges.

Our guests today are experts on sortition, including Bailey Flanigan, a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard who is joining MIT as an assistant professor next year, and who has helped develop selection algorithms for sortition that are in use today. Also joining is Andrew Hall, Stanford University poli sci professor, advisor to Meta, and consultant to a16z crypto research.

In this episode, we discuss why not to rely exclusively on expert authority, how the process of deliberation changes people’s minds, and how sortition can apply everywhere from the governance of countries to the governance of crypto projects, and more.

Related resources:

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Sat, 2 Nov 2024 13:49:40 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Bailey Flanigan, Andrew Hall, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/sortition-governance-decisions-hl0z2RWq with @baileyflan @ahall_research @rhhackett

Today we’re dusting off an ancient practice that has become trendy once again: the old-but-new idea of “sortition,” or selecting representatives by lottery.

Sortition was used in ancient Athenian democracy to elect public officials. It’s also been lately revived by tech companies like Meta and AI startups like OpenAI and Anthropic to tackle some of their thorniest policymaking challenges.

Our guests today are experts on sortition, including Bailey Flanigan, a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard who is joining MIT as an assistant professor next year, and who has helped develop selection algorithms for sortition that are in use today. Also joining is Andrew Hall, Stanford University poli sci professor, advisor to Meta, and consultant to a16z crypto research.

In this episode, we discuss why not to rely exclusively on expert authority, how the process of deliberation changes people’s minds, and how sortition can apply everywhere from the governance of countries to the governance of crypto projects, and more.

Related resources:

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> Government... By Lottery? Bailey Flanigan, Andrew Hall, Robert Hackett 00:57:24 What can you do when experts can't be trusted? Draw lots. This episode examines the ancient practice of "sortition," which delegates decision-making power to random members of the public. Sometimes called "government by lottery," sortition is undergoing a revival today as tech companies (like Meta) and AI startups (like OpenAI and Anthropic) use the method to shape policies. We're joined by political scientists Bailey Flanigan (Harvard now, MIT next year) and Andrew Hall (Stanford). What can you do when experts can't be trusted? Draw lots. This episode examines the ancient practice of "sortition," which delegates decision-making power to random members of the public. Sometimes called "government by lottery," sortition is undergoing a revival today as tech companies (like Meta) and AI startups (like OpenAI and Anthropic) use the method to shape policies. We're joined by political scientists Bailey Flanigan (Harvard now, MIT next year) and Andrew Hall (Stanford). crypto, governance, web3, sortition, blockchain, citizens assemblies false full 55 2de7b7fb-956e-4576-8cbd-36a905e0c752 AI Bots & Memecoins with @pmarca @bhorowitz

Today we’re running a special episode featuring a16z cofounders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz talking about AI bots and crypto. They discuss what happens when you mix postmodern theories and internet memes in an LLM. They also get into the sudden rise of a strange memecoin, the state of crypto regulation in the U.S., and more.

This episode is a crossover from the Ben & Marc Show, which you can follow on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

See the original episode:

As always, none of the content should be taken as tax, business, legal or investment advice. See a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> Sat, 26 Oct 2024 17:59:24 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Marc Andreessen, Ben Horowitz) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/ai-bots-memecoins-urpUQPE0 with @pmarca @bhorowitz

Today we’re running a special episode featuring a16z cofounders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz talking about AI bots and crypto. They discuss what happens when you mix postmodern theories and internet memes in an LLM. They also get into the sudden rise of a strange memecoin, the state of crypto regulation in the U.S., and more.

This episode is a crossover from the Ben & Marc Show, which you can follow on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

See the original episode:

As always, none of the content should be taken as tax, business, legal or investment advice. See a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> AI Bots & Memecoins Marc Andreessen, Ben Horowitz 00:38:02 a16z cofounders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz explore an unusual intersection of AI and crypto: the sudden rise of a strange memecoin bolstered by a meme-loving, bitcoin-wielding LLM. a16z cofounders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz explore an unusual intersection of AI and crypto: the sudden rise of a strange memecoin bolstered by a meme-loving, bitcoin-wielding LLM. crypto, artificial intelligence, memes, bots, ai, memecoins, crypto x ai false full 54 82bb40a9-44ce-4440-ab9e-96e7af4a132e State of Crypto 2024: Builder Energy, U.S. Election, Stablecoins, AI, More with @DarenMatsuoka @eddylazzarin @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z. Today we're taking you behind the scenes of our newly released, annual State of Crypto Report — a16z crypto's analysis of the latest data and trends that have defined the industry in 2024.

This year's report features some brand new insights, from estimating the number of real crypto users globally, to understanding how much interest in crypto swing states may have ahead of the U.S. election. We also dig into infrastructure improvements to blockchains and key applications — including stablecoins, AI, and so-called DePIN. Be sure to visit a16zcrypto.com for all this and more including a new “Builder Energy” dashboard, which we’ll discuss on the show.

Joining me to talk about the findings are lead data scientist and report author Daren Matsuoka and CTO Eddy Lazzarin. The first voice you'll hear after mine is Daren's, then Eddy's.

a16z crypto resources:

As always, none of the content should be taken as tax, business, legal or investment advice. See a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> Fri, 18 Oct 2024 16:27:45 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Daren Matsuoka, Eddy Lazzarin, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/state-of-crypto-2024-stablecoins-ai-election-TXrZlc1i with @DarenMatsuoka @eddylazzarin @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z. Today we're taking you behind the scenes of our newly released, annual State of Crypto Report — a16z crypto's analysis of the latest data and trends that have defined the industry in 2024.

This year's report features some brand new insights, from estimating the number of real crypto users globally, to understanding how much interest in crypto swing states may have ahead of the U.S. election. We also dig into infrastructure improvements to blockchains and key applications — including stablecoins, AI, and so-called DePIN. Be sure to visit a16zcrypto.com for all this and more including a new “Builder Energy” dashboard, which we’ll discuss on the show.

Joining me to talk about the findings are lead data scientist and report author Daren Matsuoka and CTO Eddy Lazzarin. The first voice you'll hear after mine is Daren's, then Eddy's.

a16z crypto resources:

As always, none of the content should be taken as tax, business, legal or investment advice. See a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> State of Crypto 2024: Builder Energy, U.S. Election, Stablecoins, AI, More Daren Matsuoka, Eddy Lazzarin, Robert Hackett 00:53:24 We take you behind the scenes of our newly released, annual State of Crypto Report — a16z crypto's analysis of the latest data and trends that have defined the industry in 2024. We take you behind the scenes of our newly released, annual State of Crypto Report — a16z crypto's analysis of the latest data and trends that have defined the industry in 2024. crypto, web3, election, stablecoins, builder energy, ai, apps, state of crypto, blockchains, crypto x ai false full 53 942f69d8-acc4-48e5-9c37-44e2748ccf01 Bridges: Out of the Mess, Into the Meshnet (with LayerZero) Welcome to web3 with a16z. Today we explore the messy secrets of blockchain bridges. These cross-chain connectors are the go-betweens in today's multichain world, but their short history has been a checkered one, with prominent projects succumbing to major hacks and other hijinks.

So we've brought on one of the builders who knows this world best to help disentangle the messiness. That’s Bryan Pellegrino, cofounder and CEO of LayerZero Labs, maker of a popular blockchain interoperability protocol. In this episode, Bryan delivers a crash course on the evolution of bridges, including the ups and downs of various approaches. You'll also learn about the technology's inner workings, its applications, and how it fits in with ongoing efforts to scale blockchains.

Joining is a16z crypto general partner Ali Yahya, who is also an expert in this area; plus me, your cohost, Robert Hackett. The first voice you'll hear after mine is Bryan's, then Ali's. 

As always, none of the content should be taken as tax, business, legal or investment advice. See a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> Sat, 28 Sep 2024 19:05:52 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Bryan Pellegrino, Robert Hackett, Ali Yahya) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/blockchain-bridges-layerzero-bryan-pellegrino-iGKTPso4 Welcome to web3 with a16z. Today we explore the messy secrets of blockchain bridges. These cross-chain connectors are the go-betweens in today's multichain world, but their short history has been a checkered one, with prominent projects succumbing to major hacks and other hijinks.

So we've brought on one of the builders who knows this world best to help disentangle the messiness. That’s Bryan Pellegrino, cofounder and CEO of LayerZero Labs, maker of a popular blockchain interoperability protocol. In this episode, Bryan delivers a crash course on the evolution of bridges, including the ups and downs of various approaches. You'll also learn about the technology's inner workings, its applications, and how it fits in with ongoing efforts to scale blockchains.

Joining is a16z crypto general partner Ali Yahya, who is also an expert in this area; plus me, your cohost, Robert Hackett. The first voice you'll hear after mine is Bryan's, then Ali's. 

As always, none of the content should be taken as tax, business, legal or investment advice. See a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> Bridges: Out of the Mess, Into the Meshnet (with LayerZero) Bryan Pellegrino, Robert Hackett, Ali Yahya 00:41:43 Blockchain bridges are essential tools for moving cross-chain, but they have a history of succumbing to big hacks. Why? One of the builders who knows this world best helps disentangle the mess. LayerZero Labs CEO and Cofounder Bryan Pellegrino joins a16z crypto General Partner Ali Yahya and show cohost Robert Hackett for a tour of what goes on between chains. Blockchain bridges are essential tools for moving cross-chain, but they have a history of succumbing to big hacks. Why? One of the builders who knows this world best helps disentangle the mess. LayerZero Labs CEO and Cofounder Bryan Pellegrino joins a16z crypto General Partner Ali Yahya and show cohost Robert Hackett for a tour of what goes on between chains. crypto, web3, defi bridges, blockchain bridges, bridges, blockchains false full 52 eb1ac454-cc99-491b-a2a1-9487cd2971bf Games as Reality (with EVE Online) with @HilmarVeigar @eddylazzarin

Our featured guest today is Hilmar Pétursson, the CEO of CCP Games, maker of EVE Online, a massive multiplayer online role playing game. In this episode, Pétursson shares his unique world view and game-making philosophy, as well as a deep dive into the technology and economic design of his sci-fi simulation. He also touches on how niche cults can break into mainstream culture, how slow databases can make for fun gameplay, and what to expect from EVE Frontier, a new blockchain-based overhaul of the space survival game that is now inviting people to apply as playtesters.

The other voice you'll hear is that of Eddy Lazzarin, a16z crypto’s Chief Technology Officer and an avid gamer himself. This conversation originally took place earlier this year at a16z crypto's CSX startup accelerator program in London, videos of which are posted on the a16z crypto YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations and other insightful content.

Related links:

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> Fri, 13 Sep 2024 16:39:17 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Hilmar Pétursson, Eddy Lazzarin, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/eve-frontier-game-hilmar-petursson-_nonCY9Q with @HilmarVeigar @eddylazzarin

Our featured guest today is Hilmar Pétursson, the CEO of CCP Games, maker of EVE Online, a massive multiplayer online role playing game. In this episode, Pétursson shares his unique world view and game-making philosophy, as well as a deep dive into the technology and economic design of his sci-fi simulation. He also touches on how niche cults can break into mainstream culture, how slow databases can make for fun gameplay, and what to expect from EVE Frontier, a new blockchain-based overhaul of the space survival game that is now inviting people to apply as playtesters.

The other voice you'll hear is that of Eddy Lazzarin, a16z crypto’s Chief Technology Officer and an avid gamer himself. This conversation originally took place earlier this year at a16z crypto's CSX startup accelerator program in London, videos of which are posted on the a16z crypto YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations and other insightful content.

Related links:

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> Games as Reality (with EVE Online) Hilmar Pétursson, Eddy Lazzarin, Robert Hackett 00:35:59 When does virtual reality cease being virtual... and start to become reality? This episode digs deep into game design, philosophy, and mechanics with the maker of one of the world's most iconic massive multiplayer online role playing games: EVE Online. Listen also as our guest, Hilmar Pétursson, CEO of CCP Games, shares more about his studio's next act: EVE Frontier, a blockchain-based overhaul of the sci-fi game that is now inviting people to apply as playtesters. When does virtual reality cease being virtual... and start to become reality? This episode digs deep into game design, philosophy, and mechanics with the maker of one of the world's most iconic massive multiplayer online role playing games: EVE Online. Listen also as our guest, Hilmar Pétursson, CEO of CCP Games, shares more about his studio's next act: EVE Frontier, a blockchain-based overhaul of the sci-fi game that is now inviting people to apply as playtesters. crypto, eve frontier, web3, eve online, blockchain, video games, games, databases false full 51 602837fb-34aa-4312-82f1-bb5668c4ee4b How Blockchain Tech Advances Benefit Other Industries with Dan Boneh @tim_roughgarden @smc90

In this special 50th episode of the web3 with a16z podcast, we discuss how work in the blockchains/ crypto space has led to advances in several important technologies — which can be (and are being) used by many other industries beyond crypto.

Tim Roughgarden (a16z crypto Head of Research and professor at Columbia University) and Dan Boneh (a16z crypto Senior Research Advisor and professor at Stanford University) discuss these advances in conversation with Sonal Chokshi. 

Topics covered include automated market makers; credible auctions, collusion, and mechanism design not possible before; as well as zero knowledge; trusted execution environments (TEEs) and fully homomorphic encryption (FHE); and much more. We also discuss the recurring theme of how web3 provides a laboratory not only for experiments in governance, but for macroeconomics and more. The two also offer many useful explanations for anyone new to these technologies or seeking to understand why they matter in the big picture. 

It’s an innovation story we’ve seen over and over again, from the space program to other massive invention efforts: Technologies developed for one purpose often lead to benefits for humanity overall.

Pieces mentioned in this episode and other resources:

As a reminder, none of the following is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information including a link to a list of our investments. 

 


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]]> Mon, 9 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Dan Boneh, Sonal Chokshi, Tim Roughgarden) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/blockchain-tech-advances-benefit-other-industries-humanity-innovation-DAs_IPtf with Dan Boneh @tim_roughgarden @smc90

In this special 50th episode of the web3 with a16z podcast, we discuss how work in the blockchains/ crypto space has led to advances in several important technologies — which can be (and are being) used by many other industries beyond crypto.

Tim Roughgarden (a16z crypto Head of Research and professor at Columbia University) and Dan Boneh (a16z crypto Senior Research Advisor and professor at Stanford University) discuss these advances in conversation with Sonal Chokshi. 

Topics covered include automated market makers; credible auctions, collusion, and mechanism design not possible before; as well as zero knowledge; trusted execution environments (TEEs) and fully homomorphic encryption (FHE); and much more. We also discuss the recurring theme of how web3 provides a laboratory not only for experiments in governance, but for macroeconomics and more. The two also offer many useful explanations for anyone new to these technologies or seeking to understand why they matter in the big picture. 

It’s an innovation story we’ve seen over and over again, from the space program to other massive invention efforts: Technologies developed for one purpose often lead to benefits for humanity overall.

Pieces mentioned in this episode and other resources:

As a reminder, none of the following is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information including a link to a list of our investments. 

 


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]]> How Blockchain Tech Advances Benefit Other Industries Dan Boneh, Sonal Chokshi, Tim Roughgarden 01:16:54 In this special 50th episode, we discuss how work in the blockchains/ crypto space has led to advances in several important technologies — which can be used by many other industries well beyond crypto. We cover everything from AMMs to credible auctions to DAOs, to macroeconomic experiments and FHE to TEEs to zero knowledge and much more -- offering useful explanations along the way. In this special 50th episode, we discuss how work in the blockchains/ crypto space has led to advances in several important technologies — which can be used by many other industries well beyond crypto. We cover everything from AMMs to credible auctions to DAOs, to macroeconomic experiments and FHE to TEEs to zero knowledge and much more -- offering useful explanations along the way. crypto, deep fakes, macroeconomics, ai, economics, digital signatures, auction design, cryptography, blockchains, innovation, trusted execution environments false full 50 f7b3442d-0725-4a38-9b2d-056788290323 Governance Attack!? with @ahall_research @eddylazzarin @0xShuel  @smc90

In this episode, we cover both recent events + evergreen governance questions in political systems: Specifically, we breakdown the recent Compound “governance attack”... as well as the broader topic of DAO governance and voting in general. We also discuss how to avoid, prevent, and respond to such governance attacks -- highlighting key differences between on-chain/ token-based/ digital voting systems vs. physical-world political systems around the world. 

What happens when you have activity from actors that the majority doesn’t necessarily agree with? How do you distinguish between good-faith and bad-faith activity, especially on-chain? And other such tricky questions?? Our experts answering these questions (in conversation with Sonal Chokshi) include: 

- a16z crypto CTO Eddy Lazzarin;
- head of network operations Ross Shuel;
- and a16z crypto research collaborator, and Stanford professor of political science, Andrew Hall.

The episode begins by quickly recapping the exact sequence of a recent Compound governance “attack” event a few weeks ago -- including discussing whether “governance attack” is the right label for it or not; how it’s different from other attacks; and the broader trend of online vs offline governance attacks in general -- before then going into specific solutions. The team also shares some behind-scenes tick tock on what happened, how people figure out motives behind actions on-chain (especially given the "indistinguishability problem"), and much more. 

Pieces mentioned in this episode and other resources:


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]]> Thu, 15 Aug 2024 01:01:05 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Ross Shuel, Sonal Chokshi, hacks, Andrew Hall, Eddy Lazzarin) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/dao-governance-voting-attacks-onchain-vs-political-systems-hfB2hWWq with @ahall_research @eddylazzarin @0xShuel  @smc90

In this episode, we cover both recent events + evergreen governance questions in political systems: Specifically, we breakdown the recent Compound “governance attack”... as well as the broader topic of DAO governance and voting in general. We also discuss how to avoid, prevent, and respond to such governance attacks -- highlighting key differences between on-chain/ token-based/ digital voting systems vs. physical-world political systems around the world. 

What happens when you have activity from actors that the majority doesn’t necessarily agree with? How do you distinguish between good-faith and bad-faith activity, especially on-chain? And other such tricky questions?? Our experts answering these questions (in conversation with Sonal Chokshi) include: 

- a16z crypto CTO Eddy Lazzarin;
- head of network operations Ross Shuel;
- and a16z crypto research collaborator, and Stanford professor of political science, Andrew Hall.

The episode begins by quickly recapping the exact sequence of a recent Compound governance “attack” event a few weeks ago -- including discussing whether “governance attack” is the right label for it or not; how it’s different from other attacks; and the broader trend of online vs offline governance attacks in general -- before then going into specific solutions. The team also shares some behind-scenes tick tock on what happened, how people figure out motives behind actions on-chain (especially given the "indistinguishability problem"), and much more. 

Pieces mentioned in this episode and other resources:


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Governance Attack!? Ross Shuel, Sonal Chokshi, hacks, Andrew Hall, Eddy Lazzarin 01:02:17 We breakdown the recent Compound “governance attack”, including discussing whether “governance attack” is the right label for it or not; how it’s different from other attacks; and the broader trend of online vs offline governance attacks in general. We also discuss how to avoid, prevent, and respond to such governance attacks -- highlighting key differences between on-chain/ token-based/ digital voting systems vs. physical-world political systems around the world. What happens when you have activity from actors that the majority doesn’t necessarily agree with? How do you distinguish between good-faith and bad-faith activity, especially on-chain? And other such tricky questions? We breakdown the recent Compound “governance attack”, including discussing whether “governance attack” is the right label for it or not; how it’s different from other attacks; and the broader trend of online vs offline governance attacks in general. We also discuss how to avoid, prevent, and respond to such governance attacks -- highlighting key differences between on-chain/ token-based/ digital voting systems vs. physical-world political systems around the world. What happens when you have activity from actors that the majority doesn’t necessarily agree with? How do you distinguish between good-faith and bad-faith activity, especially on-chain? And other such tricky questions? governance, dao, decentralization, treasury, political systems, daos, voting, politics, vote buying false full 49 083bd4e9-7ef3-4dd1-8c17-8ec29ccb7792 Token Do's and Don'ts with @eddylazzarin @milesjennings @rhhackett

Today’s episode covers all things tokens — that includes what tokens have to do with decentralized protocols, understanding the different types of tokens, and, of course, the Do's and Don'ts of designing and launching a token.

Our guests are a16z crypto chief technology officer Eddy Lazzarin, as well as a16z crypto general counsel and head of decentralization Miles Jennings, the two of whom have advised many scores of projects on protocol design and tokencraft. They discuss what sets web3 apart from earlier technology eras; avoiding common pitfalls in the search for product market fit; how to reason about various designs and strategies, as well as their risk and reward tradeoffs; and more. 

Related resources:

The token launch playbook (part 1)

The token launch playbook (part 2)

As a reminder: None of the content should be taken as investment, legal, business, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. 


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]]> Thu, 8 Aug 2024 12:45:03 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Eddy Lazzarin, Miles Jennings, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/token-launch-design-dos-donts-X9V5b2_s with @eddylazzarin @milesjennings @rhhackett

Today’s episode covers all things tokens — that includes what tokens have to do with decentralized protocols, understanding the different types of tokens, and, of course, the Do's and Don'ts of designing and launching a token.

Our guests are a16z crypto chief technology officer Eddy Lazzarin, as well as a16z crypto general counsel and head of decentralization Miles Jennings, the two of whom have advised many scores of projects on protocol design and tokencraft. They discuss what sets web3 apart from earlier technology eras; avoiding common pitfalls in the search for product market fit; how to reason about various designs and strategies, as well as their risk and reward tradeoffs; and more. 

Related resources:

The token launch playbook (part 1)

The token launch playbook (part 2)

As a reminder: None of the content should be taken as investment, legal, business, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Token Do's and Don'ts Eddy Lazzarin, Miles Jennings, Robert Hackett 00:57:20 All about tokens — from protocol design to token launch. Our expert guests discuss how to reason about the risk and reward tradeoffs of various protocol designs and launch strategies, and they detail the Do's and Don'ts. a16z crypto chief technology officer Eddy Lazzarin joins general counsel and head of decentralization Miles Jennings for a conversation with editor Robert Hackett on the art of tokencraft. All about tokens — from protocol design to token launch. Our expert guests discuss how to reason about the risk and reward tradeoffs of various protocol designs and launch strategies, and they detail the Do's and Don'ts. a16z crypto chief technology officer Eddy Lazzarin joins general counsel and head of decentralization Miles Jennings for a conversation with editor Robert Hackett on the art of tokencraft. crypto, token, product market fit, web3, web3 protocols, tokencraft, tokens, protocol design, decentralized protocols, tokenomics, token launches false full 48 c7c9c694-2fac-4828-a03c-1694171aa0d3 Where Innovation Happens with @matthewclifford @smc90

This special episode is all about regional innovation — at both a systems and people level.

We cover what does and doesn’t work in making certain places become hubs of innovation and economic growth (aka “innovation ecosystems”). But we also discuss — going back and forth between the structural and individual — when to intervene for entrepreneurial talent; the nature of ambition, yearning, and finding one’s path; and more broadly, mindsets for navigating risk/reward and dynamism in different regions including London and Europe. We also discuss new ways of funding breakthrough R&D at a national level, tech trends of interest including crypto, and much more.

Our special guest — in conversation with editor in chief Sonal Chokshi, who also brought him to the a16z Podcast over 8 years ago in its first-ever UK roadshow in December 2015 — is Matt Clifford, who’s played an important role in the London entrepreneurial and tech ecosystem since 2011. Matt is the Chair of Entrepreneur First (which he co-founded with Alice Bentinck over a decade ago); and is also the Chair of the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA). [Before this episode was recorded, Matt was also the Prime Minister’s representative for the AI Safety Summit — which he helped organize at Bletchley Park (the historic home of computing in the UK); after this episode was recorded, Matt was appointed by the UK secretary of science to deliver an “AI Opportunities Action Plan” to the UK government, which was just announced last week.]

Fittingly, this episode was recorded live from Andreessen Horowitz’s first international office, in London; for more on our efforts there, and other content from there, please visit a16zcrypto.com/uk.

As a reminder: None of the following should be taken as investment, legal, business, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information -- including a link to a list of our investments. 


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]]> Wed, 31 Jul 2024 07:55:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Matt Clifford, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/innovation-ecosystems-talent-ambition-uk-global-wFyWm2eU with @matthewclifford @smc90

This special episode is all about regional innovation — at both a systems and people level.

We cover what does and doesn’t work in making certain places become hubs of innovation and economic growth (aka “innovation ecosystems”). But we also discuss — going back and forth between the structural and individual — when to intervene for entrepreneurial talent; the nature of ambition, yearning, and finding one’s path; and more broadly, mindsets for navigating risk/reward and dynamism in different regions including London and Europe. We also discuss new ways of funding breakthrough R&D at a national level, tech trends of interest including crypto, and much more.

Our special guest — in conversation with editor in chief Sonal Chokshi, who also brought him to the a16z Podcast over 8 years ago in its first-ever UK roadshow in December 2015 — is Matt Clifford, who’s played an important role in the London entrepreneurial and tech ecosystem since 2011. Matt is the Chair of Entrepreneur First (which he co-founded with Alice Bentinck over a decade ago); and is also the Chair of the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA). [Before this episode was recorded, Matt was also the Prime Minister’s representative for the AI Safety Summit — which he helped organize at Bletchley Park (the historic home of computing in the UK); after this episode was recorded, Matt was appointed by the UK secretary of science to deliver an “AI Opportunities Action Plan” to the UK government, which was just announced last week.]

Fittingly, this episode was recorded live from Andreessen Horowitz’s first international office, in London; for more on our efforts there, and other content from there, please visit a16zcrypto.com/uk.

As a reminder: None of the following should be taken as investment, legal, business, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information -- including a link to a list of our investments. 


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]]> Where Innovation Happens Matt Clifford, Sonal Chokshi 00:44:45 All about innovation around the world -- at both an ecosystem and individual talent level -- from what does and doesn't work; how certain places become hubs of startup activity and economic growth; what makes entrepreneurial talent; the nature of ambition, yearning, and finding your path; and more broadly, mindsets for navigating risk/ reward and dynamism in different regions, including London and Europe. We also discuss new ways of funding breakthrough R&D, tech trends of interest including crypto, and more. All about innovation around the world -- at both an ecosystem and individual talent level -- from what does and doesn't work; how certain places become hubs of startup activity and economic growth; what makes entrepreneurial talent; the nature of ambition, yearning, and finding your path; and more broadly, mindsets for navigating risk/ reward and dynamism in different regions, including London and Europe. We also discuss new ways of funding breakthrough R&D, tech trends of interest including crypto, and more. talent, growth, global innovation, entrepreneurs, regional innovation, ecosystem, entrepreneurial, uk, startups, hubs, economy, innovation false full 47 42a1ede2-168d-4213-97b8-b62dd7f153ed What, How, and Why We're Reading with @rhhackett @smc90 @stephbzinn @tim_org

In this fun hallway-style conversation, a16z crypto's Sonal Chokshi, Robert Hackett, Tim Sullivan, and Stephanie Zinn discusses picks from our latest annual summer reading list, as well as evergreen/ Lindy picks that show up on our what-we're-reading lists again and again. We also share our top picks of all time. 

Throughout, we also discuss HOW we read — whether audiobooks count as reading or listening, graphic novels, read-alouds; on multiple modes of reading; and technologies for reading and how they have changed us over time. Which books are better as movies and TV shows, and games too? Also, are collaboratively-filtered recommendations via family or friends really that great? What other heuristics — and anti-heuristics! — do we use to read? 

Finally, WHY do we read?? Is mythology and fantasy filling a hole left by religion? Wherefore nonfiction vs. fiction... or seemingly new genres such as "infotainment," "romantasy," and others?  From Shakespeare to Prince Harry to erstwhile seafarers to modern mermaids, this episode is a rollicking ride — and love letter — to all things books, and reading, from the a16z crypto editorial team and Andreessen Horowitz.  Curiosity is magic, after all!


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]]> Sun, 21 Jul 2024 22:59:43 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Sonal Chokshi, Robert Hackett, Stephanie Zinn, Tim Sullivan) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/what-were-reading-how-were-reading-why-were-reading-recommendations-K4yTjr7u with @rhhackett @smc90 @stephbzinn @tim_org

In this fun hallway-style conversation, a16z crypto's Sonal Chokshi, Robert Hackett, Tim Sullivan, and Stephanie Zinn discusses picks from our latest annual summer reading list, as well as evergreen/ Lindy picks that show up on our what-we're-reading lists again and again. We also share our top picks of all time. 

Throughout, we also discuss HOW we read — whether audiobooks count as reading or listening, graphic novels, read-alouds; on multiple modes of reading; and technologies for reading and how they have changed us over time. Which books are better as movies and TV shows, and games too? Also, are collaboratively-filtered recommendations via family or friends really that great? What other heuristics — and anti-heuristics! — do we use to read? 

Finally, WHY do we read?? Is mythology and fantasy filling a hole left by religion? Wherefore nonfiction vs. fiction... or seemingly new genres such as "infotainment," "romantasy," and others?  From Shakespeare to Prince Harry to erstwhile seafarers to modern mermaids, this episode is a rollicking ride — and love letter — to all things books, and reading, from the a16z crypto editorial team and Andreessen Horowitz.  Curiosity is magic, after all!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> What, How, and Why We're Reading Sonal Chokshi, Robert Hackett, Stephanie Zinn, Tim Sullivan 01:30:10 What we're reading -- including picks from our latest summer reading list and evergreen recommendations as well -- as well as how we read, and why we read (religion, mythology, fantasy, infotainment, fiction vs nonfiction, and more). What we're reading -- including picks from our latest summer reading list and evergreen recommendations as well -- as well as how we read, and why we read (religion, mythology, fantasy, infotainment, fiction vs nonfiction, and more). best of lists, audible, movies, lists, tv shows, recommendations, reading, audiobooks, books false full 46 7c6b08ea-e480-4be8-a849-7efd059df5db On Finding Product Market Fit — and Meaning with @jasonrosenthal @benrbn

Welcome to web3 with a16z, a show about building the next generation of the internet.

Our featured guest today is serial entrepreneur Ben Rubin, who previously built the viral livestreaming app Meerkat, and then the group video chat app Houseparty — acquired by Epic Games in 2019 — and who is now CEO and cofounder of Here Not There Labs, which is building a decentralized messaging protocol.

Rubin spoke with Jason Rosenthal, head of a16z crypto's CSX startup accelerator program, about paths to product market fit, given his journey in building breakout apps; they also discuss his unique perspective on creating company culture and more.

This conversation first took place at our recent CSX program, which just concluded in London. (Watch the video interview on Youtube here.)

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> Tue, 25 Jun 2024 20:30:03 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Ben Rubin, Jason Rosenthal) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/product-market-fit-meerkat-houseparty-ben-rubin-csx-D8pWSw0K with @jasonrosenthal @benrbn

Welcome to web3 with a16z, a show about building the next generation of the internet.

Our featured guest today is serial entrepreneur Ben Rubin, who previously built the viral livestreaming app Meerkat, and then the group video chat app Houseparty — acquired by Epic Games in 2019 — and who is now CEO and cofounder of Here Not There Labs, which is building a decentralized messaging protocol.

Rubin spoke with Jason Rosenthal, head of a16z crypto's CSX startup accelerator program, about paths to product market fit, given his journey in building breakout apps; they also discuss his unique perspective on creating company culture and more.

This conversation first took place at our recent CSX program, which just concluded in London. (Watch the video interview on Youtube here.)

As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> On Finding Product Market Fit — and Meaning Ben Rubin, Jason Rosenthal 01:05:51 Finding product market fit is a trial every founder must face. Serial entrepreneur Ben Rubin, who built the breakout social apps Meerkat, then Houseparty (acquired by Epic Games in 2019), and who is now building a decentralized messaging protocol as CEO and cofounder of Here Not There Labs, shares his journey — and search for meaning — with Jason Rosenthal, head of a16z crypto's CSX startup accelerator program. Finding product market fit is a trial every founder must face. Serial entrepreneur Ben Rubin, who built the breakout social apps Meerkat, then Houseparty (acquired by Epic Games in 2019), and who is now building a decentralized messaging protocol as CEO and cofounder of Here Not There Labs, shares his journey — and search for meaning — with Jason Rosenthal, head of a16z crypto's CSX startup accelerator program. crypto, product market fit, social, csx, web3, meerkat, blockchain, houseparty, startups, product design, founder false full 45 0ea07067-c8a4-4105-b22d-6b8d27dc9021 Governing democracy, the internet, and boardrooms with @NoahRFeldman, @ahall_research, @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z. I'm Robert Hackett and today we have a special episode about governance in many forms — from nation states to corporate boards to internet services and beyond.

Our special guests are Noah Feldman, constitutional law scholar at Harvard who also architected the Meta oversight board (among many other things); he is also the author of several books. And our other special guest is Andy Hall, professor of political science at Stanford who is an advisor of a16z crypto research — and who also co-authored several papers and posts about web3 as a laboratory for designing and testing new political systems, including new work we'll link to in the shownotes.

Our hallway style conversation covers technologies and approaches to governance, from constitutions to crypto/ blockchains and DAOs. As such we also discuss content moderation and community standards; best practices for citizens assemblies; courts vs. legislatures; and much more where governance comes up. 

Throughout, we reference the history and evolution of democracy — from Ancient Greece to the present day — as well as examples of governance from big companies like Meta, to startups like Anthropic.

Resources for references in this episode:

A selection of recent posts and papers by Andrew Hall:

As a reminder: none of the following should be taken as tax, business, legal, or investment advice. See a16zcrypto.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:34:13 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Noah Feldman, Andrew Hall, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/governing-democracy-internet-boardrooms-noah-feldman-Xg2HJAlo with @NoahRFeldman, @ahall_research, @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z. I'm Robert Hackett and today we have a special episode about governance in many forms — from nation states to corporate boards to internet services and beyond.

Our special guests are Noah Feldman, constitutional law scholar at Harvard who also architected the Meta oversight board (among many other things); he is also the author of several books. And our other special guest is Andy Hall, professor of political science at Stanford who is an advisor of a16z crypto research — and who also co-authored several papers and posts about web3 as a laboratory for designing and testing new political systems, including new work we'll link to in the shownotes.

Our hallway style conversation covers technologies and approaches to governance, from constitutions to crypto/ blockchains and DAOs. As such we also discuss content moderation and community standards; best practices for citizens assemblies; courts vs. legislatures; and much more where governance comes up. 

Throughout, we reference the history and evolution of democracy — from Ancient Greece to the present day — as well as examples of governance from big companies like Meta, to startups like Anthropic.

Resources for references in this episode:

A selection of recent posts and papers by Andrew Hall:

As a reminder: none of the following should be taken as tax, business, legal, or investment advice. See a16zcrypto.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Governing democracy, the internet, and boardrooms Noah Feldman, Andrew Hall, Robert Hackett 01:35:40 Who gets to decide what, for whom? Governance is one of the trickiest challenges people have faced, from ancient city-states to AI startups. Experts Noah Feldman, constitutional law scholar at Harvard who architected the Meta oversight board and has written multiple books, and Andrew Hall, professor of political science at Stanford and consultant to a16z crypto research, join a16z crypto editor Robert Hackett for a hallway-style conversation touring the field’s big ideas, lessons learned in practice, and the most exciting experiments happening today. They discuss everything from the history of democracy, to the dynamics (and dysfunctions) of corporate and university boards, to the hopes for blockchain-based DAOs and beyond, as well as examples of governance from big companies like Meta to startups like Anthropic, and much more. Who gets to decide what, for whom? Governance is one of the trickiest challenges people have faced, from ancient city-states to AI startups. Experts Noah Feldman, constitutional law scholar at Harvard who architected the Meta oversight board and has written multiple books, and Andrew Hall, professor of political science at Stanford and consultant to a16z crypto research, join a16z crypto editor Robert Hackett for a hallway-style conversation touring the field’s big ideas, lessons learned in practice, and the most exciting experiments happening today. They discuss everything from the history of democracy, to the dynamics (and dysfunctions) of corporate and university boards, to the hopes for blockchain-based DAOs and beyond, as well as examples of governance from big companies like Meta to startups like Anthropic, and much more. crypto, governance, web3, meta, anthropic, blockchain, democracy, openai, boards, politics false full 44 81c40c25-10ce-43e4-b5eb-066473e02383 Pricing Strategy with @jasonrosenthal @skominers @meigga @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z, I’m Robert Hackett and today, we discuss pricing strategy for startups — from traditional businesses to web2 to web3.

Topics we cover include:

  • unit economics
  • understanding consumer psychology
  • using onchain data to inform pricing decisions
  • Common mistakes and how to avoid them
  • How to navigate a pricing pivot
  • And lessons from real world pricing case studies, including Tesla, Nvidia, and others

Our experts include a16z crypto's Maggie Hsu, head of our go-to-market team; research partner and Harvard Business School professor of economics Scott Kominers; and head of our CSX startup accelerator Jason Rosenthal, who is a tech veteran having spent the last 25 years at various internet companies — the three combine all their different expertise around the theme of this episode.

Resources for references in this episode:

As a reminder none of the following should be taken as tax, business, legal, or investment advice. See a16zcrypto.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Sat, 1 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Jason Rosenthal, Scott Duke Kominers, Maggie Hsu, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/pricing-strategy-6j1V5tE3 with @jasonrosenthal @skominers @meigga @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z, I’m Robert Hackett and today, we discuss pricing strategy for startups — from traditional businesses to web2 to web3.

Topics we cover include:

  • unit economics
  • understanding consumer psychology
  • using onchain data to inform pricing decisions
  • Common mistakes and how to avoid them
  • How to navigate a pricing pivot
  • And lessons from real world pricing case studies, including Tesla, Nvidia, and others

Our experts include a16z crypto's Maggie Hsu, head of our go-to-market team; research partner and Harvard Business School professor of economics Scott Kominers; and head of our CSX startup accelerator Jason Rosenthal, who is a tech veteran having spent the last 25 years at various internet companies — the three combine all their different expertise around the theme of this episode.

Resources for references in this episode:

As a reminder none of the following should be taken as tax, business, legal, or investment advice. See a16zcrypto.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Pricing Strategy Jason Rosenthal, Scott Duke Kominers, Maggie Hsu, Robert Hackett 01:11:18 This episode is all about pricing strategy. We dive into insights from traditional and web2 businesses and apply them — plus brand new approaches — to startups using crypto and blockchains. Topics of discussion include the importance of understanding consumer psychology, how to navigate pivots and avoid common mistakes, and what can be learned from real-world case studies, including Tesla, Nvidia, and others. Our experts include a16z crypto's Maggie Hsu, head of our go-to-market team; research partner and Harvard Business School professor of economics Scott Kominers; and tech veteran and head of our CSX startup accelerator Jason Rosenthal — the three of whom combine their different expertise around the theme of this episode to help you master pricing strategy. This episode is all about pricing strategy. We dive into insights from traditional and web2 businesses and apply them — plus brand new approaches — to startups using crypto and blockchains. Topics of discussion include the importance of understanding consumer psychology, how to navigate pivots and avoid common mistakes, and what can be learned from real-world case studies, including Tesla, Nvidia, and others. Our experts include a16z crypto's Maggie Hsu, head of our go-to-market team; research partner and Harvard Business School professor of economics Scott Kominers; and tech veteran and head of our CSX startup accelerator Jason Rosenthal — the three of whom combine their different expertise around the theme of this episode to help you master pricing strategy. crypto, business models, pricing, web3, economics, startups, business strategy, blockchains false full 43 2e0f7920-b8e0-433c-979e-16dd3896a2e6 Open Sourcing the Superchain (with Optimism) with @jinglejamOP @eddylazzarin @rhhackett

Hello and welcome to web3 with a16z, a show about building the next era of the internet by the team at a16z crypto, that includes me, host Robert Hackett.

Today’s episode features Jing Wang, CEO and executive director of the Optimism Foundation, along with a16z crypto CTO Eddy Lazzarin. We discuss the peculiarities of open source software — including the incentives that bind contributors together, tradeoffs between the freedom to customize versus sticking to standards, and the challenges in setting up and running a foundation

We also cover the nuances of governance and accountability, the importance of vibes, the indispensability of shipping products (versus debating roadmaps), and, the vision behind the so-called “superchain”.

As head of the Optimism Foundation, Wang helps stewards the Optimism collective — a band of decentralized companies, communities, contributors, and others who are using a suite of open source software – called the OP Stack — to scale the Ethereum blockchain network. The OP Stack also powers a number of popular "layer two" rollups — including Base, which we covered in last week's episode with its creator and lead, Coinbase’s head of protocols Jesse Pollak.

Be sure also to check out the a16z crypto YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, as well as talks from our recent startup accelerator programs CSX featuring Jing, Optimism co-founder Karl Floersch, and more.

Resources for references in this episode:

As a reminder none of the following should be taken as tax, business, legal, or investment advice. See a16zcrypto.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 23 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Jing Wang, Eddy Lazzarin, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/optimism-open-source-superchain-jing-wang-71BTDzO7 with @jinglejamOP @eddylazzarin @rhhackett

Hello and welcome to web3 with a16z, a show about building the next era of the internet by the team at a16z crypto, that includes me, host Robert Hackett.

Today’s episode features Jing Wang, CEO and executive director of the Optimism Foundation, along with a16z crypto CTO Eddy Lazzarin. We discuss the peculiarities of open source software — including the incentives that bind contributors together, tradeoffs between the freedom to customize versus sticking to standards, and the challenges in setting up and running a foundation

We also cover the nuances of governance and accountability, the importance of vibes, the indispensability of shipping products (versus debating roadmaps), and, the vision behind the so-called “superchain”.

As head of the Optimism Foundation, Wang helps stewards the Optimism collective — a band of decentralized companies, communities, contributors, and others who are using a suite of open source software – called the OP Stack — to scale the Ethereum blockchain network. The OP Stack also powers a number of popular "layer two" rollups — including Base, which we covered in last week's episode with its creator and lead, Coinbase’s head of protocols Jesse Pollak.

Be sure also to check out the a16z crypto YouTube channel for video podcast episodes, as well as talks from our recent startup accelerator programs CSX featuring Jing, Optimism co-founder Karl Floersch, and more.

Resources for references in this episode:

As a reminder none of the following should be taken as tax, business, legal, or investment advice. See a16zcrypto.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Open Sourcing the Superchain (with Optimism) Jing Wang, Eddy Lazzarin, Robert Hackett 01:25:59 Open source software powers much technology today, from web servers to phones. But what does it take to get an open source project going from scratch? Optimism Foundation CEO and executive director Jing Wang joins a16z crypto CTO Eddy Lazzarin and editor Robert Hackett to talk about the peculiarities of open source stewardship, from thinking through contributor incentives and business models to establishing a foundation and planning roadmaps — including Optimism's own vision for a blockchain-scaling "superchain." Open source software powers much technology today, from web servers to phones. But what does it take to get an open source project going from scratch? Optimism Foundation CEO and executive director Jing Wang joins a16z crypto CTO Eddy Lazzarin and editor Robert Hackett to talk about the peculiarities of open source stewardship, from thinking through contributor incentives and business models to establishing a foundation and planning roadmaps — including Optimism's own vision for a blockchain-scaling "superchain." crypto, web3, superchain, optimism, blockchains, open source, foundations false full 42 1852ac8f-5bcf-46f4-af3c-972a100073cd Layer 2, Rollups, and Building Onchain (with Base) with @jessepollak @NoahCitron @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z, a show about building the next era of the internet by the team at a16z crypto, that includes me, host Robert Hackett. 

Today’s episode covers the bustling area of “layer 2” rollups, a technology for scaling “layer 1” blockchains such as Ethereum. Joining us is Jesse Pollak, who previously led engineering for Coinbase’s retail side and who now is the company’s head of protocols where he founded and leads the popular layer 2 rollup Base.

We’re also joined by Noah Citron, an engineer at a16z crypto who works on many open source projects and protocols, and who closely tracks developments in this area.

Our conversation digs into the shifting history and future of Ethereum, the arrival of upgrades like EIP-4844, experiments in futarchy, and the difference between leading — and innovating — inside companies versus within decentralized communities. We also discuss the challenges of winning developer mindshare, how to refine business metrics and measures, understanding the tangled interactions between rollups and bridges, and whether you should ever hyphenate the word “onchain.”

Resources for references in this episode:

As a reminder none of the following should be taken as tax, business, legal, or investment advice. See a16zcrypto.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Sat, 11 May 2024 12:40:42 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Jesse Pollak, Noah Citron, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/base-jesse-pollak-layer-two-rollup-onchain-u544pI94 with @jessepollak @NoahCitron @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z, a show about building the next era of the internet by the team at a16z crypto, that includes me, host Robert Hackett. 

Today’s episode covers the bustling area of “layer 2” rollups, a technology for scaling “layer 1” blockchains such as Ethereum. Joining us is Jesse Pollak, who previously led engineering for Coinbase’s retail side and who now is the company’s head of protocols where he founded and leads the popular layer 2 rollup Base.

We’re also joined by Noah Citron, an engineer at a16z crypto who works on many open source projects and protocols, and who closely tracks developments in this area.

Our conversation digs into the shifting history and future of Ethereum, the arrival of upgrades like EIP-4844, experiments in futarchy, and the difference between leading — and innovating — inside companies versus within decentralized communities. We also discuss the challenges of winning developer mindshare, how to refine business metrics and measures, understanding the tangled interactions between rollups and bridges, and whether you should ever hyphenate the word “onchain.”

Resources for references in this episode:

As a reminder none of the following should be taken as tax, business, legal, or investment advice. See a16zcrypto.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Layer 2, Rollups, and Building Onchain (with Base) Jesse Pollak, Noah Citron, Robert Hackett 01:02:33 "Layer 2” rollups are computer networks that are designed to help scale “layer 1” blockchains such as Ethereum — and they've been bustling with activity recently, especially since Ethereum implemented its scaling-related EIP-4844 ("Dencun") upgrade in March. Jesse Pollak, who is Coinbase's head of protocols and who founded and leads the popular layer 2 rollup Base, joins a16z crypto engineer Noah Citron and host Robert Hackett to discuss bottom-up vs. top-down innovation, models of leadership, software development roadmaps, and building the onchain economy. "Layer 2” rollups are computer networks that are designed to help scale “layer 1” blockchains such as Ethereum — and they've been bustling with activity recently, especially since Ethereum implemented its scaling-related EIP-4844 ("Dencun") upgrade in March. Jesse Pollak, who is Coinbase's head of protocols and who founded and leads the popular layer 2 rollup Base, joins a16z crypto engineer Noah Citron and host Robert Hackett to discuss bottom-up vs. top-down innovation, models of leadership, software development roadmaps, and building the onchain economy. crypto, eip-4844, layer two, base, rollups, coinbase, blockchains, futarchy, blockchain scaling, jesse pollak, layer 2 false full 41 095c32cc-8f07-4d8e-a4c1-4b1ebd07b501 Theory to Code: Building the Breakthrough zkVM Jolt with @SuccinctJT @samrags_ @moodlezoup @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z, a show about building the next era of the internet by the team at a16z crypto. That includes me, host Robert Hackett.  Today's all new episode covers a very important and now fast developing area of technology that can help scale blockchains, but that also has many uses beyond blockchains as well.

That category of technology is verifiable computing, and specifically, SNARKs.  So today we dig into zkVMs, or "zero knowledge virtual machines," which use SNARKs, and we discuss a new design for them that the guests on this episode helped develop — work that resulted in Jolt, the most performant, easy-for-developers-to-use zkVM to date.

The conversation that follows covers the history and evolution of the field, the surprising similarities between SNARK design and computer chip architecture,  the tensions between general purpose versus application specific programming, and the challenges of turning abstract research theory into concrete engineering practice.

Our guests include Justin Thaler, research partner at a16z crypto and associate professor of computer science at Georgetown University, who came up with the insights underpinning Jolt, along with collaborators from Microsoft Research, Carnegie Mellon, and New York Universities.  His is the first voice you'll hear after mine,  followed by Sam Ragsdale, investment engineer at a16z crypto, and Michael Zhu, research engineer at a16Z crypto, both of whom brought Jolt from concept  to code.

Resources for references in this episode:

As a reminder, none of the following should be taken as tax, business, legal, or investment advice. See a16zcrypto.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Wed, 1 May 2024 19:02:31 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Justin Thaler, Sam Ragsdale, Michael Zhu, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/zkvm-jolt-snark-breakthrough-WO8ZdjM1 with @SuccinctJT @samrags_ @moodlezoup @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z, a show about building the next era of the internet by the team at a16z crypto. That includes me, host Robert Hackett.  Today's all new episode covers a very important and now fast developing area of technology that can help scale blockchains, but that also has many uses beyond blockchains as well.

That category of technology is verifiable computing, and specifically, SNARKs.  So today we dig into zkVMs, or "zero knowledge virtual machines," which use SNARKs, and we discuss a new design for them that the guests on this episode helped develop — work that resulted in Jolt, the most performant, easy-for-developers-to-use zkVM to date.

The conversation that follows covers the history and evolution of the field, the surprising similarities between SNARK design and computer chip architecture,  the tensions between general purpose versus application specific programming, and the challenges of turning abstract research theory into concrete engineering practice.

Our guests include Justin Thaler, research partner at a16z crypto and associate professor of computer science at Georgetown University, who came up with the insights underpinning Jolt, along with collaborators from Microsoft Research, Carnegie Mellon, and New York Universities.  His is the first voice you'll hear after mine,  followed by Sam Ragsdale, investment engineer at a16z crypto, and Michael Zhu, research engineer at a16Z crypto, both of whom brought Jolt from concept  to code.

Resources for references in this episode:

As a reminder, none of the following should be taken as tax, business, legal, or investment advice. See a16zcrypto.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> Theory to Code: Building the Breakthrough zkVM Jolt Justin Thaler, Sam Ragsdale, Michael Zhu, Robert Hackett 01:15:09 Verifiable computing is a method for trustlessly outsourcing computation — and it’s a fast-developing area of technology that could help scale blockchains and, more broadly, decentralize the internet. We explore this world through the lens of zkVMs — or zero-knowledge virtual machines — tools that enable computers to prove that they ran programs correctly, as well as the SNARKs that enable them to work their magic. In this episode, members of the a16z crypto research and engineering teams discuss their year-long close collaboration to develop the simplest, most performant zkVM to date: Jolt. Verifiable computing is a method for trustlessly outsourcing computation — and it’s a fast-developing area of technology that could help scale blockchains and, more broadly, decentralize the internet. We explore this world through the lens of zkVMs — or zero-knowledge virtual machines — tools that enable computers to prove that they ran programs correctly, as well as the SNARKs that enable them to work their magic. In this episode, members of the a16z crypto research and engineering teams discuss their year-long close collaboration to develop the simplest, most performant zkVM to date: Jolt. crypto, snarks, jolt, zkvm, blockchain, zero knowledge virtual machines, zero knowledge, blockchains, zkvms, snark, blockchain scaling false full 40 1a4a8e58-dd60-400b-9f29-e22fca03a48b Let's Get Digi-Physical: From 'Tap' Chips to Taylor Swift with @creeefs @blauyourmind @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z, a show about building the next generation of the internet from the team at a16z crypto — that includes me, Robert Hackett, your cohost and an editor here. Today's episode explores the merging of the physical and digital worlds, as well as what that means for the future of our interactions and identities.

Our guests today are Chris Lee, cofounder of IYK, a startup that's bringing the physical closer together to the digital through NFC chips, and joining us is Michael Blau, a deal partner at a16z crypto who creates generative art in his spare time.

In the conversation ahead, we cover new consumer experiences in everything from concert-going to commerce, the intersection of high tech and high fashion, and differences between building in web2 versus web3. We also dig into the power of open standards, the challenges of posed by bots and counterfeiting, and debates over terminology, including whether 'phygital' should be a thing.

Resources for references in this episode:

As a reminder none of the following should be taken as business, legal, tax, or investment advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Sat, 13 Apr 2024 14:16:45 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Chris Lee, Michael Blau, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/digi-physical-chips-taylor-swift-iyk-PNQR9wvT with @creeefs @blauyourmind @rhhackett

Welcome to web3 with a16z, a show about building the next generation of the internet from the team at a16z crypto — that includes me, Robert Hackett, your cohost and an editor here. Today's episode explores the merging of the physical and digital worlds, as well as what that means for the future of our interactions and identities.

Our guests today are Chris Lee, cofounder of IYK, a startup that's bringing the physical closer together to the digital through NFC chips, and joining us is Michael Blau, a deal partner at a16z crypto who creates generative art in his spare time.

In the conversation ahead, we cover new consumer experiences in everything from concert-going to commerce, the intersection of high tech and high fashion, and differences between building in web2 versus web3. We also dig into the power of open standards, the challenges of posed by bots and counterfeiting, and debates over terminology, including whether 'phygital' should be a thing.

Resources for references in this episode:

As a reminder none of the following should be taken as business, legal, tax, or investment advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Let's Get Digi-Physical: From 'Tap' Chips to Taylor Swift Chris Lee, Michael Blau, Robert Hackett 01:16:43 Chris Lee is cofounder of IYK, a startup that makes digital experiences tangible through NFC chips. Michael Blau is a deal partner at a16z crypto and part-time generative artist. And Robert Hackett is an editor at a16z crypto. They discuss the merging of the digital and physical, new consumer experiences enabled by chipped goods, the challenge of counterfeits and bots, and more. Chris Lee is cofounder of IYK, a startup that makes digital experiences tangible through NFC chips. Michael Blau is a deal partner at a16z crypto and part-time generative artist. And Robert Hackett is an editor at a16z crypto. They discuss the merging of the digital and physical, new consumer experiences enabled by chipped goods, the challenge of counterfeits and bots, and more. digital physical, eras tour, web3, digital art, digi-physical, iyk, digi fizzy, chipped goods, bots, blockchain, nfts, chips, fashion, merch, generative art false full 39 fe79d2e1-2858-4a54-b914-f7cf15777001 The Art of Technology, The Technology of Art with @dennnnnnnnny @smc90

We know that technology has changed art, and that artists have evolved with every new technology — it’s a tale as old as humanity, moving from cave paintings to computers. Underlying these movements are endless debates around inventing versus remixing; between commercialism and art; between mainstream canon and fringe art; whether we’re living in an artistic monoculture now (the answer may surprise you); and much much more. 

So in this new episode featuring Berlin-based contemporary artist Simon Denny -- in conversation with a16z crypto editor in chief Sonal Chokshi -- we discuss all of the above debates. We also cover how artists experimented with the emergence of new technology platforms like the web browser, the iPhone, Instagram and social media; to how generative art found its “native” medium on blockchains, why NFTs; and other art movements. 

Denny also thinks of entrepreneurial ideas -- from Peter Thiel's to Chris Dixon's Read Write Own -- as an "aesthetic"; and thinks of technology artifacts (like NSA sketches!) as art -- reflecting all of these in his works across various mediums and contexts. How has technology changed art, and more importantly, how have artists changed with technology? How does art change our place in the world, or span beyond space? It's about optimism, and seeing things anew... all this and more in this episode.

As a reminder: none of this is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. 

SHOW NOTES:

 


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]]> Tue, 2 Apr 2024 06:30:38 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Simon Denny, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/art-technology-internet-mobile-social-ai-blockchains-PJR88GRH with @dennnnnnnnny @smc90

We know that technology has changed art, and that artists have evolved with every new technology — it’s a tale as old as humanity, moving from cave paintings to computers. Underlying these movements are endless debates around inventing versus remixing; between commercialism and art; between mainstream canon and fringe art; whether we’re living in an artistic monoculture now (the answer may surprise you); and much much more. 

So in this new episode featuring Berlin-based contemporary artist Simon Denny -- in conversation with a16z crypto editor in chief Sonal Chokshi -- we discuss all of the above debates. We also cover how artists experimented with the emergence of new technology platforms like the web browser, the iPhone, Instagram and social media; to how generative art found its “native” medium on blockchains, why NFTs; and other art movements. 

Denny also thinks of entrepreneurial ideas -- from Peter Thiel's to Chris Dixon's Read Write Own -- as an "aesthetic"; and thinks of technology artifacts (like NSA sketches!) as art -- reflecting all of these in his works across various mediums and contexts. How has technology changed art, and more importantly, how have artists changed with technology? How does art change our place in the world, or span beyond space? It's about optimism, and seeing things anew... all this and more in this episode.

As a reminder: none of this is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. 

SHOW NOTES:

 


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]]> The Art of Technology, The Technology of Art Simon Denny, Sonal Chokshi 01:06:17 All about how technology has changed art, and how artists change with technology – from the emergence of the browser, the iPhone, and social media; to generative AI art and blockchains to NFTs. We (with guest Simon Denny) also discuss debates that seem to come up in every art x tech shift -- including inventing vs. remixing; between commercialism and art; between mainstream canon and fringe art; whether we’re living in an artistic monoculture now (the answer may surprise you); and much more. All about how technology has changed art, and how artists change with technology – from the emergence of the browser, the iPhone, and social media; to generative AI art and blockchains to NFTs. We (with guest Simon Denny) also discuss debates that seem to come up in every art x tech shift -- including inventing vs. remixing; between commercialism and art; between mainstream canon and fringe art; whether we’re living in an artistic monoculture now (the answer may surprise you); and much more. generative ai, social media art, technology, nfts, art, blockchain art false full 38 465c8dd0-73cc-4c0e-a50f-1af424e31df3 Leading through uncertainty (with Coinbase CEO) with @brian_armstrong @cdixon

Welcome to web3 with a16z, a show about building the next generation of the internet from the team at a16z crypto. This episode features Brian Armstrong, CEO and cofounder of Coinbase, in conversation with a16z crypto founder and managing partner Chris Dixon.

The conversation was originally recorded at our Founders Summit in November. It covers the aftermath of FTX and the rise of crypto in politics — but it also goes into company building at scale, lessons for directing product development, how to balance core business with disruptive innovation, and more.

As a reminder none of the following should be taken as business, legal, tax, or investment advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 28 Mar 2024 01:45:30 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Brian Armstrong, Chris Dixon) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-company-building-155b4WIA with @brian_armstrong @cdixon

Welcome to web3 with a16z, a show about building the next generation of the internet from the team at a16z crypto. This episode features Brian Armstrong, CEO and cofounder of Coinbase, in conversation with a16z crypto founder and managing partner Chris Dixon.

The conversation was originally recorded at our Founders Summit in November. It covers the aftermath of FTX and the rise of crypto in politics — but it also goes into company building at scale, lessons for directing product development, how to balance core business with disruptive innovation, and more.

As a reminder none of the following should be taken as business, legal, tax, or investment advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Leading through uncertainty (with Coinbase CEO) Brian Armstrong, Chris Dixon 00:36:30 Brian Armstrong is CEO and cofounder of Coinbase. Chris Dixon is founder and managing partner of a16z crypto. They discuss Coinbase's early days, the fallout from FTX, crypto in politics, company building, product development, and more. Brian Armstrong is CEO and cofounder of Coinbase. Chris Dixon is founder and managing partner of a16z crypto. They discuss Coinbase's early days, the fallout from FTX, crypto in politics, company building, product development, and more. crypto, leadership, company building, coinbase, politics, ftx, innovation false full 37 fe6648ad-aab4-44bb-80ca-fac25531d6cd Snowboards, software, and scaling (with Shopify CEO) with @tobi  @bhorowitz

Welcome to the web3 with a16z podcast. Today's episode features a conversation between Tobias Lütke, CEO and cofounder of the ecommerce platform Shopify, and Ben Horowitz, cofounder of a16z, which took place at our second annual Founders Summit in November. They discuss what it takes to build a breakout startup in a crowded category; the changing face of retail; how to effect change in the workplace; and how to handle individual emotions and corporate culture — including dealing with calls for activism as well as the value of embracing negativity. They also touch on the moral imperative behind creating quality software, the symbiosis between AI and crypto, and more.

As a reminder, none of the following should be taken as business, legal, tax, or investment advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Thu, 28 Mar 2024 01:43:15 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Tobias Lütke, Ben Horowitz) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/shopify-ceo-tobias-lutke-scaling-startups-dW_UMOZM with @tobi  @bhorowitz

Welcome to the web3 with a16z podcast. Today's episode features a conversation between Tobias Lütke, CEO and cofounder of the ecommerce platform Shopify, and Ben Horowitz, cofounder of a16z, which took place at our second annual Founders Summit in November. They discuss what it takes to build a breakout startup in a crowded category; the changing face of retail; how to effect change in the workplace; and how to handle individual emotions and corporate culture — including dealing with calls for activism as well as the value of embracing negativity. They also touch on the moral imperative behind creating quality software, the symbiosis between AI and crypto, and more.

As a reminder, none of the following should be taken as business, legal, tax, or investment advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Snowboards, software, and scaling (with Shopify CEO) Tobias Lütke, Ben Horowitz 00:44:18 Tobias Lütke is the CEO and cofounder of the ecommerce platform Shopify. Ben Horowitz is the cofounder of a16z. They discuss scaling startups; leadership strategies; how to handle emotions, corporate culture, and activism; and more. Tobias Lütke is the CEO and cofounder of the ecommerce platform Shopify. Ben Horowitz is the cofounder of a16z. They discuss scaling startups; leadership strategies; how to handle emotions, corporate culture, and activism; and more. tobi lutke, ecommerce, shopify, leadership, tobias lutke, scaling startups, startups false full 36 94245c19-bfeb-413f-9f87-2f1ac626b995 Money, power, politics, and the internet's next battleground with @cdixon @pmarca @bhorowitz @rhhackett

Welcome to the web3 with a16z podcast. Today's episode is the final installment in our limited series on Read Write Own, the new book by a16z crypto founding partner Chris Dixon. Today's episode features Dixon in conversation with a16z cofounders Ben Horowitz and Marc Andreessen. Their discussion covers the internet’s corporate takeover and how that affects startups, creativity, and innovation; blockchains as inheritors of the open source ethos; where AI comes in; and the next battleground in global politics. This episode is a crossover from the Ben & Marc Show, which you can find and follow on the a16z YouTube channel or wherever you get your podcasts.

Resources for references in this episode:


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]]> Sat, 2 Mar 2024 20:01:44 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Ben Horowitz, Robert Hackett, Chris Dixon, marc andreessen) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/money-power-politics-and-the-internets-next-battleground-3ywpZaTd with @cdixon @pmarca @bhorowitz @rhhackett

Welcome to the web3 with a16z podcast. Today's episode is the final installment in our limited series on Read Write Own, the new book by a16z crypto founding partner Chris Dixon. Today's episode features Dixon in conversation with a16z cofounders Ben Horowitz and Marc Andreessen. Their discussion covers the internet’s corporate takeover and how that affects startups, creativity, and innovation; blockchains as inheritors of the open source ethos; where AI comes in; and the next battleground in global politics. This episode is a crossover from the Ben & Marc Show, which you can find and follow on the a16z YouTube channel or wherever you get your podcasts.

Resources for references in this episode:


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Money, power, politics, and the internet's next battleground Ben Horowitz, Robert Hackett, Chris Dixon, marc andreessen 01:33:04 Chris Dixon is the author of the bestselling book Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet, and he is the founder and managing partner of a16z crypto. Ben Horowitz and Marc Andreessen are the cofounders of Andreessen Horowitz. They discuss the corporate takeover of the internet, the intersections of crypto and AI, the political ramifications of blockchains and other technologies, and much more Chris Dixon is the author of the bestselling book Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet, and he is the founder and managing partner of a16z crypto. Ben Horowitz and Marc Andreessen are the cofounders of Andreessen Horowitz. They discuss the corporate takeover of the internet, the intersections of crypto and AI, the political ramifications of blockchains and other technologies, and much more crypto, internet history, artificial intelligence, internet, ai, politics, future of internet, read write own false full 35 daf0a5e2-13df-482b-ae71-7ac24d3c1a4b The story of the internet, emergent networks, and their effects with @stevenbjohnson @cdixon @rhhackett

Welcome to the web3 with a16z crypto podcast. Today's episode features a conversation between Steven Johnson, a prolific author of books about technology and innovation who is also, as editorial director at Google Labs, helping to develop AI writing tools such as NotebookLM, and Chris Dixon, founding partner of a16z crypto and author of the new book Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet. The two discuss the history of their shared interests, they explore the emergent properties of decentralized networks, and they dig into the past, present, and future of the internet.

Resources for references in this episode:


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]]> Sun, 11 Feb 2024 13:50:16 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Steven Johnson, Robert Hackett, Chris Dixon) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/steven-johnson-chris-dixon-read-write-own-7rZZTwTz with @stevenbjohnson @cdixon @rhhackett

Welcome to the web3 with a16z crypto podcast. Today's episode features a conversation between Steven Johnson, a prolific author of books about technology and innovation who is also, as editorial director at Google Labs, helping to develop AI writing tools such as NotebookLM, and Chris Dixon, founding partner of a16z crypto and author of the new book Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet. The two discuss the history of their shared interests, they explore the emergent properties of decentralized networks, and they dig into the past, present, and future of the internet.

Resources for references in this episode:


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> The story of the internet, emergent networks, and their effects Steven Johnson, Robert Hackett, Chris Dixon 00:51:02 Steven Johnson is a prolific author of books about technology and innovation, such as Where Good Ideas Come From and How We Got To Now, and he is editorial director at Google Labs. Chris Dixon is the founder and managing partner of a16z crypto and author of the new book Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet. The two discuss their writing, they explore the emergent properties of decentralized networks, and they dig into how the internet has changed from its origins up to today. Steven Johnson is a prolific author of books about technology and innovation, such as Where Good Ideas Come From and How We Got To Now, and he is editorial director at Google Labs. Chris Dixon is the founder and managing partner of a16z crypto and author of the new book Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet. The two discuss their writing, they explore the emergent properties of decentralized networks, and they dig into how the internet has changed from its origins up to today. crypto, networks, internet history, blockchain, technology, internet, future of internet false full 34 e86e0cac-12a0-4886-a142-63406cdac1c7 Read Write Own: A new era with @cdixon @rhhackett

Welcome to the web3 with a16z crypto podcast. I'm Robert Hackett, an editor here at a16z crypto, and I'm here with Chris Dixon, founding partner of a16z crypto and author of the new book Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet.  I had the privilege of editing Chris throughout the book writing process, and I'm thrilled now to talk to you about what went on behind the scenes, the big themes of the book, the challenges, and also about the crypto industry at large as well as what we can expect from it in the future.

Learn more at https://readwriteown.com/.

Resources for references in this episode:

As a reminder, none of the following should be taken as business, legal, tax, or investment advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Tue, 30 Jan 2024 17:30:25 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Chris Dixon, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/read-write-own-book-chris-dixon-X4OE5Fvn with @cdixon @rhhackett

Welcome to the web3 with a16z crypto podcast. I'm Robert Hackett, an editor here at a16z crypto, and I'm here with Chris Dixon, founding partner of a16z crypto and author of the new book Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet.  I had the privilege of editing Chris throughout the book writing process, and I'm thrilled now to talk to you about what went on behind the scenes, the big themes of the book, the challenges, and also about the crypto industry at large as well as what we can expect from it in the future.

Learn more at https://readwriteown.com/.

Resources for references in this episode:

As a reminder, none of the following should be taken as business, legal, tax, or investment advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Read Write Own: A new era Chris Dixon, Robert Hackett 01:18:37 Chris Dixon is the founder and managing partner of a16z crypto and author of the new book Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet. Robert Hackett is an editor at a16z crypto who worked closely with him on the book as an editing and thought partner. They discuss the writing process, the book's themes, and what could follow the internet's read-write-own era. Chris Dixon is the founder and managing partner of a16z crypto and author of the new book Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet. Robert Hackett is an editor at a16z crypto who worked closely with him on the book as an editing and thought partner. They discuss the writing process, the book's themes, and what could follow the internet's read-write-own era. crypto, new books, internet history, book podcast, blockchain false full 33 2bf0a58f-7977-4cd2-b5a2-19211d6509ab On the decentralized web, truth, and human rights: 'Hacking authenticity' Welcome back to web3 with a16z -- a show about building the next generation of the internet, from the team at a16z crypto. This show is for anyone -- whether company leader or other entrepreneur, creator or developer, media or policymaker -- seeking to understand, and go deeper on all things blockchains, crypto, and web3. We’re back with all new episodes this season, beginning with some conversations that took place at our recent Founders Summit. 

Today's guest is Jonathan Dotan, tech founder, Emmy-nominated producer, and writer who spent six seasons on HBO's show Silicon Valley. He is also the founding director of The Starling Lab for Data Integrity at Stanford & USC -- which prototypes tools and principles to bring historians, legal experts, and journalists into the new era of web3 -- and where he leads applied research on the decentralized web and human rights.  

This episode is based on a conversation that took place at our recent second annual Founders Summit -- with a16z crypto's Robert Hackett (also former senior writer at Fortune) -- in which they discuss how cryptographic technologies can help establish "ground truth" in conflict zones; the history of open source regulation; and more. 

Dotan is also a fellow at Stanford’s Center for Blockchain Research and a lecturer at Stanford’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Graduate School of Business. This talk was preceded by a short presentation from Dotan on the "enduring promise of web3" delivered at our second annual a16z crypto Founder Summit in November 2023, which you can watch on YouTube. 
 

As a reminder, none of the following should be taken as business, legal, tax, or investment advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Sat, 23 Dec 2023 04:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Jonathan Dotan, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/blockchains-ground-truth-decentralized-web-human-rights-starling-jonathan-dotan-9L3ZjUYZ Welcome back to web3 with a16z -- a show about building the next generation of the internet, from the team at a16z crypto. This show is for anyone -- whether company leader or other entrepreneur, creator or developer, media or policymaker -- seeking to understand, and go deeper on all things blockchains, crypto, and web3. We’re back with all new episodes this season, beginning with some conversations that took place at our recent Founders Summit. 

Today's guest is Jonathan Dotan, tech founder, Emmy-nominated producer, and writer who spent six seasons on HBO's show Silicon Valley. He is also the founding director of The Starling Lab for Data Integrity at Stanford & USC -- which prototypes tools and principles to bring historians, legal experts, and journalists into the new era of web3 -- and where he leads applied research on the decentralized web and human rights.  

This episode is based on a conversation that took place at our recent second annual Founders Summit -- with a16z crypto's Robert Hackett (also former senior writer at Fortune) -- in which they discuss how cryptographic technologies can help establish "ground truth" in conflict zones; the history of open source regulation; and more. 

Dotan is also a fellow at Stanford’s Center for Blockchain Research and a lecturer at Stanford’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Graduate School of Business. This talk was preceded by a short presentation from Dotan on the "enduring promise of web3" delivered at our second annual a16z crypto Founder Summit in November 2023, which you can watch on YouTube. 
 

As a reminder, none of the following should be taken as business, legal, tax, or investment advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> On the decentralized web, truth, and human rights: 'Hacking authenticity' Jonathan Dotan, Robert Hackett 00:15:03 We discuss human rights including recent crises in various regions around the world -- and the role of technology, such as the decentralized web for establishing "ground truth" -- with Jonathan Dotan, Emmy-winning producer and former writer on HBO's Silicon Valley and founding director of The Starling Lab for Data Integrity at Stanford (which prototypes tools and principles to bring historians, legal experts, and journalists into the new era of web3). We discuss human rights including recent crises in various regions around the world -- and the role of technology, such as the decentralized web for establishing "ground truth" -- with Jonathan Dotan, Emmy-winning producer and former writer on HBO's Silicon Valley and founding director of The Starling Lab for Data Integrity at Stanford (which prototypes tools and principles to bring historians, legal experts, and journalists into the new era of web3). decentralized web, fake news, human rights, blockchains, open source, data integrity, news false full 32 8b102392-a6f7-4cb7-b357-6f6e6bc15de9 Communicating in Crypto, and Beyond with @smc90 @stanfordgsb 

How does one *communicate* well -- especially in crypto, but also in other technical industries or open source communities? Or in distributed, decentralized organizations, where you may have participants that are both remote and in person, or a mix of regulars and newcomers/ strangers.  (Take for instance a community call to discuss technical or governance changes.) 

How do you present information to different types of stakeholders; speak spontaneously; or resolve and recover from conflicts on the spot? So in this special book-launch episode of web3 with a16z, we invited  Matt Abrahams -- author of the new, just-released book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot (he also hosts a popular podcast by a similar name, “Think Fast Talk Smart”, which you should also subscribe to!). Matt is not only a lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, but he works with lots of companies and leaders on strategic communication, persuasive communication, interpersonal communication, and much more.

In this episode, Matt covers --  in conversation with host Sonal Chokshi -- specific templates, tactics, and tools that anyone can use; but we begin the first 15 minutes setting some foundational context, including the difference between informal vs. formal communication; why structure matters and how it relates to "spontaneity";  the art of listening with pace, space, and grace (for listening to oneself, too). We then cover several types of structures that anyone -- whether leader or individual contributor, engineer, marketing, sales -- can use in many types of communication. 

Ultimately, crypto isn't just about technology and code -- but about open source, decentralization, collaboration -- people coordinating with each other at unprecedented scale: a very human thing. That's why finding the "common" in communication is essential, and represents the future of work, now. 

resources referenced in this episode:

None of the following should be taken as investment, legal, business, or tax advice. Please also see a16z.com/disclosures for important information -- including a link to a list of our investments -- since we are investors in some of the companies mentioned in this episode.
 


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]]> Sat, 7 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Matt Abrahams, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/communication-technical-open-source-hybrid-spontaneous-impromptu-improv-think-faster-talk-smarter-SJkIOAb_ with @smc90 @stanfordgsb 

How does one *communicate* well -- especially in crypto, but also in other technical industries or open source communities? Or in distributed, decentralized organizations, where you may have participants that are both remote and in person, or a mix of regulars and newcomers/ strangers.  (Take for instance a community call to discuss technical or governance changes.) 

How do you present information to different types of stakeholders; speak spontaneously; or resolve and recover from conflicts on the spot? So in this special book-launch episode of web3 with a16z, we invited  Matt Abrahams -- author of the new, just-released book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot (he also hosts a popular podcast by a similar name, “Think Fast Talk Smart”, which you should also subscribe to!). Matt is not only a lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, but he works with lots of companies and leaders on strategic communication, persuasive communication, interpersonal communication, and much more.

In this episode, Matt covers --  in conversation with host Sonal Chokshi -- specific templates, tactics, and tools that anyone can use; but we begin the first 15 minutes setting some foundational context, including the difference between informal vs. formal communication; why structure matters and how it relates to "spontaneity";  the art of listening with pace, space, and grace (for listening to oneself, too). We then cover several types of structures that anyone -- whether leader or individual contributor, engineer, marketing, sales -- can use in many types of communication. 

Ultimately, crypto isn't just about technology and code -- but about open source, decentralization, collaboration -- people coordinating with each other at unprecedented scale: a very human thing. That's why finding the "common" in communication is essential, and represents the future of work, now. 

resources referenced in this episode:

None of the following should be taken as investment, legal, business, or tax advice. Please also see a16z.com/disclosures for important information -- including a link to a list of our investments -- since we are investors in some of the companies mentioned in this episode.
 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Communicating in Crypto, and Beyond Matt Abrahams, Sonal Chokshi 00:58:33 How does one *communicate* well -- especially in crypto, but also in other technical industries, open source communities; or in distributed, decentralized organizations, where you may have participants that are both remote and in person, or a mix of regulars and newcomers/ strangers? This episode covers specific templates, tactics, and tools that anyone can use (whether leader of individual contributor, technical or other role) especially for informal vs. formal communication. How does one *communicate* well -- especially in crypto, but also in other technical industries, open source communities; or in distributed, decentralized organizations, where you may have participants that are both remote and in person, or a mix of regulars and newcomers/ strangers? This episode covers specific templates, tactics, and tools that anyone can use (whether leader of individual contributor, technical or other role) especially for informal vs. formal communication. remote, meetings, workplace, hybrid, coaching, decentralization, leadership, facilitation, future of work, communication, open source, improv, collaboration, books false full 31 7ad1db7f-0a7a-47d2-9b21-4df464c2b5c4 Chain Choices: Or, How to Decide What Blockchain to Build On with @guywuolletjr @eddylazzarin @smc90

"Which blockchain should I build in?" Is a very top of mind question for builders in web3, including  for people coming into the space for the first time -- but also relevant to anyone interested in tech innovation, tech stacks, and the evolution of infrastructure. So how does one decide among all the chain choices out there, particularly given how fast-moving the crypto and web3 space is? Things are constantly changing, things are still being built, and there's no one size fits all answer...

So in this episode, we -- a16z crypto’s Guy Wuollet, and CTO Eddy Lazzarin, in conversation with host Sonal Chokshi -- tease apart all the tangled threads and nuances of the topic. In the first third of the discussion, we sketch out the overall landscape, why it matters, quick definitions. Then, we focus on common/ frequently asked questions, specific tradeoffs, and a framework for deciding which chain -- including discussing different technical specs, as well as other dimensions such as: community, marketing & ecosystem support, security, custody, programming languages, and much, much more.
 

resources related to or mentioned in this episode:

None of the following should be taken as investment, legal, business, or tax advice. Please also see a16z.com/disclosures for important information -- including a link to a list of our investments -- since we are investors in some of the companies mentioned in this episode.
 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 23:30:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Sonal Chokshi, Eddy Lazzarin, Guy Wuollet) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/choosing-deciding-blockchains-tradeoffs-factors-framework-_Rh0ICjX with @guywuolletjr @eddylazzarin @smc90

"Which blockchain should I build in?" Is a very top of mind question for builders in web3, including  for people coming into the space for the first time -- but also relevant to anyone interested in tech innovation, tech stacks, and the evolution of infrastructure. So how does one decide among all the chain choices out there, particularly given how fast-moving the crypto and web3 space is? Things are constantly changing, things are still being built, and there's no one size fits all answer...

So in this episode, we -- a16z crypto’s Guy Wuollet, and CTO Eddy Lazzarin, in conversation with host Sonal Chokshi -- tease apart all the tangled threads and nuances of the topic. In the first third of the discussion, we sketch out the overall landscape, why it matters, quick definitions. Then, we focus on common/ frequently asked questions, specific tradeoffs, and a framework for deciding which chain -- including discussing different technical specs, as well as other dimensions such as: community, marketing & ecosystem support, security, custody, programming languages, and much, much more.
 

resources related to or mentioned in this episode:

None of the following should be taken as investment, legal, business, or tax advice. Please also see a16z.com/disclosures for important information -- including a link to a list of our investments -- since we are investors in some of the companies mentioned in this episode.
 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Chain Choices: Or, How to Decide What Blockchain to Build On Sonal Chokshi, Eddy Lazzarin, Guy Wuollet 01:01:14 with @guywuolletjr @eddylazzarin @smc90 "Which blockchain should I build in?" Is a very top of mind question for builders in web3, but also relevant to anyone interested in tech innovation and the evolution of infrastructure. So how does one decide among all the chain choices out there, particularly given how fast-moving the crypto and web3 space is? We sketch out the landscape, why it matters, tradeoffs; and then address common questions, a framework for deciding, different technical specs, and other factors such as community, marketing & ecosystem support, security, custody, programming languages, and more. with @guywuolletjr @eddylazzarin @smc90 "Which blockchain should I build in?" Is a very top of mind question for builders in web3, but also relevant to anyone interested in tech innovation and the evolution of infrastructure. So how does one decide among all the chain choices out there, particularly given how fast-moving the crypto and web3 space is? We sketch out the landscape, why it matters, tradeoffs; and then address common questions, a framework for deciding, different technical specs, and other factors such as community, marketing & ecosystem support, security, custody, programming languages, and more. community, crypto, general purpose, programming languages, evolution of technology, web3, chains, application specific, tech stack, builders, developers, infrastructure, blockchains, innovation false full 30 76dc93f1-6cdb-4433-9613-fdaa38d2af53 Debating Blockchain Architectures (with Solana) with @aeyakovenko @alive_eth @guywuolletjr @smc90

This all-new deep-dive, hallway-style chat features a16z crypto general partner Ali Yahya and deal team partner Guy Wuollet, in conversation with Solana co-founder and Solana Labs CEO Anatoly Yakovenko --  who also worked at Qualcomm for over a decade, where he was a senior engineer and engineering manager among other things. 

The first half of the episode is a discussion/ debate blockchain architectures -- including of course Solana & Ethereum, the themes of monolithic vs. modular, et cetera -- but really is about what are the tradeoffs, and what should one optimize for (or not!), depending on what you’re building, and to make crypto happen at scale (now and in the future). 

The second half of the episode covers company-, community-, and ecosystem-building -- including discussing the nuances of leadership in open source; and wherefore messiahs/ prophets?! -- as well as touching on engineering hiring, devrel (developer relations), governance; the Solana phone, and some of the Solana backstory as well. 

What are the differences between hardware and software innovation? And how does innovation play out, in theory versus practice? These are the throughlines of this episode... 

For more on some of the topics discussed, see also: 

As a reminder: none of this should be taken as investment, legal, business, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information -- including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> Tue, 5 Sep 2023 20:20:48 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Guy Wuollet, Anatoly Yakovenko, Ali Yahya, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/blockchain-architectures-modular-monolithic-solana-innovation-hardware-software-Mq81AsMI with @aeyakovenko @alive_eth @guywuolletjr @smc90

This all-new deep-dive, hallway-style chat features a16z crypto general partner Ali Yahya and deal team partner Guy Wuollet, in conversation with Solana co-founder and Solana Labs CEO Anatoly Yakovenko --  who also worked at Qualcomm for over a decade, where he was a senior engineer and engineering manager among other things. 

The first half of the episode is a discussion/ debate blockchain architectures -- including of course Solana & Ethereum, the themes of monolithic vs. modular, et cetera -- but really is about what are the tradeoffs, and what should one optimize for (or not!), depending on what you’re building, and to make crypto happen at scale (now and in the future). 

The second half of the episode covers company-, community-, and ecosystem-building -- including discussing the nuances of leadership in open source; and wherefore messiahs/ prophets?! -- as well as touching on engineering hiring, devrel (developer relations), governance; the Solana phone, and some of the Solana backstory as well. 

What are the differences between hardware and software innovation? And how does innovation play out, in theory versus practice? These are the throughlines of this episode... 

For more on some of the topics discussed, see also: 

As a reminder: none of this should be taken as investment, legal, business, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information -- including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Debating Blockchain Architectures (with Solana) Guy Wuollet, Anatoly Yakovenko, Ali Yahya, Sonal Chokshi 01:23:42 This all-new deep-dive, hallway-style chat features Solana co-founder and Solana Labs CEO Anatoly Yakovenko. The first half of the episode is a discussion/ debate blockchain architectures -- including of course Solana & Ethereum, the themes of monolithic vs. modular, et cetera -- but really is about what are the tradeoffs, and what should one optimize for (or not!), depending on what you’re building, and to make crypto happen at scale (now and in the future). The second half of the episode covers company-, community-, and ecosystem-building -- including discussing the nuances of leadership in open source; and wherefore messiahs/ prophets?! -- as well as touching on engineering hiring, devrel (developer relations), governance; the Solana phone, and some of the Solana backstory as well. What are the differences between hardware and software innovation? And how does innovation play out, in theory versus practice? This all-new deep-dive, hallway-style chat features Solana co-founder and Solana Labs CEO Anatoly Yakovenko. The first half of the episode is a discussion/ debate blockchain architectures -- including of course Solana & Ethereum, the themes of monolithic vs. modular, et cetera -- but really is about what are the tradeoffs, and what should one optimize for (or not!), depending on what you’re building, and to make crypto happen at scale (now and in the future). The second half of the episode covers company-, community-, and ecosystem-building -- including discussing the nuances of leadership in open source; and wherefore messiahs/ prophets?! -- as well as touching on engineering hiring, devrel (developer relations), governance; the Solana phone, and some of the Solana backstory as well. What are the differences between hardware and software innovation? And how does innovation play out, in theory versus practice? mobile, networks, qualcomm, hiring, ethereum, modular vs monolithic, settlement, solana, modular, startups, payments, hardware, monolithic, open source, innovation, modular v monolithic, software, global finance, engineering false full 29 03b7a6cd-5189-4b5a-b401-04cef29dd0b2 Financial Freedom, Company Building, More with @davidmarcus @smc90

This wide-ranging conversation covers company building, big to small -- including what cadence and when is the right "time" to ship; the relationship between centralization, decentralization, platforms, and financial freedom; moving from web2 to web3 in both crypto AND payments... as well as why bitcoin, views on remote work, and much much more. 

Our guest is David Marcus, CEO and co-founder of Lightspark; Marcus was also a co-creator of Diem (aka Libra and Novi, the cryptocurrency project initiated by Facebook). Before that, he was vice president of messaging products there, where he ran the Facebook Messenger unit; and prior to joining Facebook, Marcus was the former president of PayPal (which had acquired his previous startup).  

This episode begins with an interview just to help kick things off and then features a rich set of questions from the audience -- as this originally took place live on stage at our Crypto Startup School 2023. 

As a reminder: none of this should be taken as investment, legal, business, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information -- including a link to a list of our investments.

related readings:


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]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 03:22:48 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (David Marcus, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/payments-bitcoin-crypto-decentralization-platforms-lOZe1jXR with @davidmarcus @smc90

This wide-ranging conversation covers company building, big to small -- including what cadence and when is the right "time" to ship; the relationship between centralization, decentralization, platforms, and financial freedom; moving from web2 to web3 in both crypto AND payments... as well as why bitcoin, views on remote work, and much much more. 

Our guest is David Marcus, CEO and co-founder of Lightspark; Marcus was also a co-creator of Diem (aka Libra and Novi, the cryptocurrency project initiated by Facebook). Before that, he was vice president of messaging products there, where he ran the Facebook Messenger unit; and prior to joining Facebook, Marcus was the former president of PayPal (which had acquired his previous startup).  

This episode begins with an interview just to help kick things off and then features a rich set of questions from the audience -- as this originally took place live on stage at our Crypto Startup School 2023. 

As a reminder: none of this should be taken as investment, legal, business, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information -- including a link to a list of our investments.

related readings:


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]]> Financial Freedom, Company Building, More David Marcus, Sonal Chokshi 00:46:23 with @davidmarcus @smc90 A wide-ranging conversation on company building, big to small (including what cadence and when is the right "time" to ship); the relationship between centralization, decentralization, platforms, and financial freedom; moving from web2 to web3 in both crypto AND payments; why bitcoin, views on remote work, and much much more. with @davidmarcus @smc90 A wide-ranging conversation on company building, big to small (including what cadence and when is the right "time" to ship); the relationship between centralization, decentralization, platforms, and financial freedom; moving from web2 to web3 in both crypto AND payments; why bitcoin, views on remote work, and much much more. facebook, paypal, company bulding, startups, deplatforming, messaging, lightning network, big companies, network effects, payments, messenger, money, innovation, product, bitcoin false full 28 1a15c092-e632-4fb4-8ad1-bdcbcd78bcaa AI & Crypto with @alive_eth @danboneh @smc90

This week's all-new episode covers the convergence of two important, very top-of-mind trends: AI (artificial intelligence) & blockchains/ crypto. These domains together have major implications for how we all live our lives everyday; so this episode is for anyone just curious about, or already building in the space. 

The conversation covers topics ranging from deep fakes, bots, and the need for proof-of-humanity in a world of AI; to big data, large language models like ChatGPT, user control, governance, privacy and security, zero knowledge and zkML; to MEV, media, art, and much more. Our expert guests (in conversation with host Sonal Chokshi) include: 

  • Dan Boneh, Stanford Professor (and Senior Research Advisor at a16z crypto), a cryptographer who’s been working on blockchains for over a decade and who specializes in cryptography, computer security, and machine learning -- all of which intersect in this episode;
  • Ali Yahya, general partner at a16z crypto, who also previously worked at Google -- where he not only worked on a distributed system for a fleet of robots (a sort of "collective reinforcement learning") but also worked on Google Brain, where he was one of the core contributors to the machine learning library TensorFlow built at Google.

The first half of the hallway-style conversation between Ali & Dan (who go back together as student and professor at Stanford) is all about how AI could benefit from crypto, and the second half on how crypto could benefit from AI... the thread throughout is the tension between centralization vs. decentralization.  So we also discuss where the intersection of crypto and AI can bring about things that aren't possible by either one of them alone...

pieces referenced in this episode/ related reading:

As a reminder: none of the following should be taken as investment, legal, business, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information -- including to a link to a list of our investments – especially since we are investors in companies mentioned in this episode.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Sat, 12 Aug 2023 17:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Chat GPT, Dan Boneh, Ali Yahya, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/ai-crypto-centralization-decentralization-omlXZtTe with @alive_eth @danboneh @smc90

This week's all-new episode covers the convergence of two important, very top-of-mind trends: AI (artificial intelligence) & blockchains/ crypto. These domains together have major implications for how we all live our lives everyday; so this episode is for anyone just curious about, or already building in the space. 

The conversation covers topics ranging from deep fakes, bots, and the need for proof-of-humanity in a world of AI; to big data, large language models like ChatGPT, user control, governance, privacy and security, zero knowledge and zkML; to MEV, media, art, and much more. Our expert guests (in conversation with host Sonal Chokshi) include: 

  • Dan Boneh, Stanford Professor (and Senior Research Advisor at a16z crypto), a cryptographer who’s been working on blockchains for over a decade and who specializes in cryptography, computer security, and machine learning -- all of which intersect in this episode;
  • Ali Yahya, general partner at a16z crypto, who also previously worked at Google -- where he not only worked on a distributed system for a fleet of robots (a sort of "collective reinforcement learning") but also worked on Google Brain, where he was one of the core contributors to the machine learning library TensorFlow built at Google.

The first half of the hallway-style conversation between Ali & Dan (who go back together as student and professor at Stanford) is all about how AI could benefit from crypto, and the second half on how crypto could benefit from AI... the thread throughout is the tension between centralization vs. decentralization.  So we also discuss where the intersection of crypto and AI can bring about things that aren't possible by either one of them alone...

pieces referenced in this episode/ related reading:

As a reminder: none of the following should be taken as investment, legal, business, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information -- including to a link to a list of our investments – especially since we are investors in companies mentioned in this episode.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> AI & Crypto Chat GPT, Dan Boneh, Ali Yahya, Sonal Chokshi 01:02:42 with @alive_eth @danboneh @smc90 The convergence of two important, very top-of-mind trends: artificial intelligence & blockchains/ crypto. The conversation covers everything from deep fakes and bots and proof-of-humanity in a world of AI, to big data, LLMs like ChatGPT, user control, governance, privacy and security, zero-knowledge machine learning, MEV, media and generative art, and and much, much more. with @alive_eth @danboneh @smc90 The convergence of two important, very top-of-mind trends: artificial intelligence & blockchains/ crypto. The conversation covers everything from deep fakes and bots and proof-of-humanity in a world of AI, to big data, LLMs like ChatGPT, user control, governance, privacy and security, zero-knowledge machine learning, MEV, media and generative art, and and much, much more. crypto, ml, media, privacy, governance, big data, zk, llms, artificial intelligence, security, deep fakes, ai, machine learning, chat-gpt, c2pa, generative art, cryptography, zero knowledge, blockchains, mev false full 27 b0f14450-df2b-4b4a-887c-b3ff094d7394 Strategy & Operations for web3 (with Uniswap COO) with @mclader @smc90 

In this wide-ranging conversation, Uniswap Labs COO Mary Catherine (aka MC) Lader discusses the challenges -- and opportunities -- of decentralized finance (DeFi); business strategy (& competition) in a world of open source; product vs. protocol innovation... as well as organizational structure & collaboration, hiring, metrics, community engagement, app store policies, decentralization, and much, much more. 

The conversation -- based on an interview with host Sonal Chokshi and founder Q&A live from a16z crypto Startup School earlier this year -- also covers how to make decisions on what to innovate on or not; how to move from  idea and vision to business; and the transition overall from traditional finance/ tradfi. Before joining Uniswap Labs (which contributes to Uniswap, a protocol for trading and automated liquidity provision on Ethereum) -- Lader was a managing director at BlackRock (and chief operating officer of the firm’s digital wealth business and head of its climate tech business); was formerly a fintech entrepreneur; and began her career as an investment analyst at Goldman Sachs. 

---

As a reminder: none of the following should be taken as investment, legal, business, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information -- including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> Mon, 31 Jul 2023 06:10:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (MC Lader, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/strategy-operations-organization-uniswap-mc-lader-lkR7JQVg with @mclader @smc90 

In this wide-ranging conversation, Uniswap Labs COO Mary Catherine (aka MC) Lader discusses the challenges -- and opportunities -- of decentralized finance (DeFi); business strategy (& competition) in a world of open source; product vs. protocol innovation... as well as organizational structure & collaboration, hiring, metrics, community engagement, app store policies, decentralization, and much, much more. 

The conversation -- based on an interview with host Sonal Chokshi and founder Q&A live from a16z crypto Startup School earlier this year -- also covers how to make decisions on what to innovate on or not; how to move from  idea and vision to business; and the transition overall from traditional finance/ tradfi. Before joining Uniswap Labs (which contributes to Uniswap, a protocol for trading and automated liquidity provision on Ethereum) -- Lader was a managing director at BlackRock (and chief operating officer of the firm’s digital wealth business and head of its climate tech business); was formerly a fintech entrepreneur; and began her career as an investment analyst at Goldman Sachs. 

---

As a reminder: none of the following should be taken as investment, legal, business, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information -- including a link to a list of our investments.


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]]> Strategy & Operations for web3 (with Uniswap COO) MC Lader, Sonal Chokshi 00:56:51 with @mclader @smc90 On how to think about business strategy (& competition) in a world of open source and decentralized finance; product vs. protocol innovation; talent from hiring to organizational structure & collaboration; metrics, community engagement, app store policies, and much much more with Uniswap Labs COO MC Lader. with @mclader @smc90 On how to think about business strategy (& competition) in a world of open source and decentralized finance; product vs. protocol innovation; talent from hiring to organizational structure & collaboration; metrics, community engagement, app store policies, and much much more with Uniswap Labs COO MC Lader. uniswap, metrics, hiring, decentralization, finance, dex, defi, open source, innovation, protocol, product, fintech false full 26 fe78c312-7f2a-4e57-8c2f-605262d4200c Network Effects, Moats, & the Business of web3 with @skominers @smc90

In this deep dive and tour through key business concepts, from theory to practice, we cover the topics of strategy, competitive advantage,  network effects, moats, and more -- covering both both basic foundations, as well as the tricky nuances in a new world of open source, including web3.  In the first half of this discussion, we cover foundational business concepts and questions -- such as the nature of competition, and how it *really* changes in web3; as well as how network effects really work -- and then, in the second half (in case you want to skip ahead), we cover mindsets and general guidance for builders…

Our expert guest -- in conversation with editor in chief and host Sonal Chokshi -- is a16z crypto research partner Scott Duke Kominers, who is also a professor at Harvard Business School; a faculty affiliate in Harvard’s Department of Economics; and advises several companies on marketplace development, incentive design, and more; as well as advises, and is directly involved, in several NFT communities. 

Scott also teaches on these topics -- both at Harvard and also recently at our Crypto Startup School -- so be sure to subscribe to our playlist for those talks on the a16z crypto YouTube channel to get the latest updates as we release more videos from the 2023 cohort.  

related links // see also:

---

As a reminder: none of the following is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information -- including a link to a list of our investments. 

  •  

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]]> Tue, 16 May 2023 01:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Scott Kominers, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/network-effects-moats-competitive-advantage-business-strategy-web3-HCf2OKfX with @skominers @smc90

In this deep dive and tour through key business concepts, from theory to practice, we cover the topics of strategy, competitive advantage,  network effects, moats, and more -- covering both both basic foundations, as well as the tricky nuances in a new world of open source, including web3.  In the first half of this discussion, we cover foundational business concepts and questions -- such as the nature of competition, and how it *really* changes in web3; as well as how network effects really work -- and then, in the second half (in case you want to skip ahead), we cover mindsets and general guidance for builders…

Our expert guest -- in conversation with editor in chief and host Sonal Chokshi -- is a16z crypto research partner Scott Duke Kominers, who is also a professor at Harvard Business School; a faculty affiliate in Harvard’s Department of Economics; and advises several companies on marketplace development, incentive design, and more; as well as advises, and is directly involved, in several NFT communities. 

Scott also teaches on these topics -- both at Harvard and also recently at our Crypto Startup School -- so be sure to subscribe to our playlist for those talks on the a16z crypto YouTube channel to get the latest updates as we release more videos from the 2023 cohort.  

related links // see also:

---

As a reminder: none of the following is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information -- including a link to a list of our investments. 

  •  

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]]> Network Effects, Moats, & the Business of web3 Scott Kominers, Sonal Chokshi 01:15:50 with @skominers @smc90 A deep dive and tour through key business concepts -- from competitive advantage and Porter's Five Forces, to network effects and moats -- as builders of all kinds navigate business strategy in open source, and especially web3. How does one compete when you're building (and competing) in the open? with @skominers @smc90 A deep dive and tour through key business concepts -- from competitive advantage and Porter's Five Forces, to network effects and moats -- as builders of all kinds navigate business strategy in open source, and especially web3. How does one compete when you're building (and competing) in the open? crypto, practice, theory, competition, web3, marketplaces, competitive advantage, business, platforms, porter's five forces, network effects, business strategy, blockchains, moats, business school false full 25 fe6b5363-0fdf-4a99-878c-03d0b04af5a4 Of Data Availability & Danksharding with @lera_banda @danboneh @rhhackett

This episode introduces concepts behind -- and applications of -- data availability sampling (DAS), a key piece of the puzzle that could help blockchains like Ethereum achieve full scaling. A low-overhead technique that uses random sampling of data to ensure that all necessary blockchain data has been made available to nodes without straining the network, DAS features heavily in a series of planned Ethereum upgrades called "Danksharding" [named to reference Ethereum Foundation researcher Dankrad Feist]. The next Danksharding milestone for Ethereum is an upgrade called EIP-4844, known as "Protodanksharding" [also named to reference Ethereum researcher Protolambda, now at OP Labs] -- which is planned for later this year.

Our expert guests include:

  • Valeria Nikolaenko, a16z crypto research partner
  • Dan Boneh, Stanford cryptography professor and a16z crypto senior research advisor

...who discuss their recent piece on data availability sampling and Danksharding -- including a proposal they put forward to the improve current plans for upgrading Ethereum -- with Robert Hackett (a16z crypto features editor and head of special projects), based on a live conversation that took place recently on Twitter Spaces.

links to pieces/ topics referenced in this episode:

---
None of this is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information – including a link to a list of our investments. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 5 May 2023 21:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Valeria Nikolaenko, Dan Boneh, Robert Hackett) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/data-availability-sampling-and-danksharding-Q_pXH_VF with @lera_banda @danboneh @rhhackett

This episode introduces concepts behind -- and applications of -- data availability sampling (DAS), a key piece of the puzzle that could help blockchains like Ethereum achieve full scaling. A low-overhead technique that uses random sampling of data to ensure that all necessary blockchain data has been made available to nodes without straining the network, DAS features heavily in a series of planned Ethereum upgrades called "Danksharding" [named to reference Ethereum Foundation researcher Dankrad Feist]. The next Danksharding milestone for Ethereum is an upgrade called EIP-4844, known as "Protodanksharding" [also named to reference Ethereum researcher Protolambda, now at OP Labs] -- which is planned for later this year.

Our expert guests include:

  • Valeria Nikolaenko, a16z crypto research partner
  • Dan Boneh, Stanford cryptography professor and a16z crypto senior research advisor

...who discuss their recent piece on data availability sampling and Danksharding -- including a proposal they put forward to the improve current plans for upgrading Ethereum -- with Robert Hackett (a16z crypto features editor and head of special projects), based on a live conversation that took place recently on Twitter Spaces.

links to pieces/ topics referenced in this episode:

---
None of this is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information – including a link to a list of our investments. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Of Data Availability & Danksharding Valeria Nikolaenko, Dan Boneh, Robert Hackett 00:39:43 with @lera_banda @danboneh @rhhackett Data Availability Sampling and Danksharding is relevant to blockchain scaling, as well as to paving the way for more advanced blockchain networks and user applications. While much of the research-based discussion is especially applicable to Ethereum, some of the concepts we cover are also relevant to advances in computing and networking. with @lera_banda @danboneh @rhhackett Data Availability Sampling and Danksharding is relevant to blockchain scaling, as well as to paving the way for more advanced blockchain networks and user applications. While much of the research-based discussion is especially applicable to Ethereum, some of the concepts we cover are also relevant to advances in computing and networking. das, eip-4844, data availability, ethereum, computer science, danksharding, protodanksharding, cryptography, data availability sampling, networking, blockchain scaling, data false full 24 994c7e4e-291a-4caf-a46c-efa91519aa7f State of Crypto: Trends, Data, More with @cdixon @eddylazzarin @DarenMatsuoka @rhhackett

An in-depth overview of web3 trends and tech progress toward building the next internet, this conversation covers themes from the 2023 State of Crypto Report. 

The first half of the discussion (from our recent Twitter Spaces), delves into data points and analyses: what’s behind the recent uptick in NFT activity and experimentation; the curious relationship between gaming (including on-chain gaming) and innovation; as well as challenges, and opportunities, in blockchain scaling. We also discuss the pace of advances in the field of zero knowledge cryptography, plus what new applications and products are now possible... including beyond web3. 

The second half (based on a separate discussion) delves deeper into the report’s methodology, especially behind the interactive State of Crypto Index data tool… finally zooming out on the big picture.

Guests include Chris Dixon, founding general partner at a16z crypto; Eddy Lazzarin, chief technology officer; and Daren Matsuoka, lead data scientist -- in conversation with guest host Robert Hackett, a16z crypto features editor and head of special projects. 

links to pieces or topics referenced in this episode:

None of the content is investment, business, legal, or tax advice. See a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. Also, please note that any charts, data, or projections discussed here are subject to change without notice, may differ from opinions expressed by others, and are for informational purposes only – they should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. The content speaks only as of the date indicated, and a16z has not independently verified third party sources nor makes representations about the enduring accuracy of the information. 


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]]> Sun, 16 Apr 2023 23:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Daren Matsuoka, Robert Hackett, Eddy Lazzarin, Chris Dixon) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/state-of-crypto-trends-data-index-2023-Eix_CyEL with @cdixon @eddylazzarin @DarenMatsuoka @rhhackett

An in-depth overview of web3 trends and tech progress toward building the next internet, this conversation covers themes from the 2023 State of Crypto Report. 

The first half of the discussion (from our recent Twitter Spaces), delves into data points and analyses: what’s behind the recent uptick in NFT activity and experimentation; the curious relationship between gaming (including on-chain gaming) and innovation; as well as challenges, and opportunities, in blockchain scaling. We also discuss the pace of advances in the field of zero knowledge cryptography, plus what new applications and products are now possible... including beyond web3. 

The second half (based on a separate discussion) delves deeper into the report’s methodology, especially behind the interactive State of Crypto Index data tool… finally zooming out on the big picture.

Guests include Chris Dixon, founding general partner at a16z crypto; Eddy Lazzarin, chief technology officer; and Daren Matsuoka, lead data scientist -- in conversation with guest host Robert Hackett, a16z crypto features editor and head of special projects. 

links to pieces or topics referenced in this episode:

None of the content is investment, business, legal, or tax advice. See a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. Also, please note that any charts, data, or projections discussed here are subject to change without notice, may differ from opinions expressed by others, and are for informational purposes only – they should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. The content speaks only as of the date indicated, and a16z has not independently verified third party sources nor makes representations about the enduring accuracy of the information. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> State of Crypto: Trends, Data, More Daren Matsuoka, Robert Hackett, Eddy Lazzarin, Chris Dixon 01:10:15 with @cdixon @eddylazzarin @DarenMatsuoka @rhhackett Key takeaways from the 2023 State of Crypto -- including data, methods, and trends; as well as discussion of trends such as infrastructure, NFTs, gaming, creator economy, energy, zero knowledge, and others. An in-depth overview of web3 trends and tech progress toward building the next internet. with @cdixon @eddylazzarin @DarenMatsuoka @rhhackett Key takeaways from the 2023 State of Crypto -- including data, methods, and trends; as well as discussion of trends such as infrastructure, NFTs, gaming, creator economy, energy, zero knowledge, and others. An in-depth overview of web3 trends and tech progress toward building the next internet. data tools, 2023 state of crypto, web3 trends, state of crypto, crypto trends, innovation, infographics, data, infographic false full 23 0417fb40-1e98-4570-9589-2c583cb20116 Marketing web3: Audience, Community, More with @amandacassatt @kimbatronic @smc90

All about marketing, and web3 -- not just for marketers already in or seeking to enter web3, but also anyone doing community marketing/ community management, devrel (developer relations); or simply doing marketing in web2 or classic growth marketing, seeking to understand the latest trends and tactics.

With the  author of the new book, Web3 Marketing: A Handbook for the Next Internet Revolution, Amanda Cassatt (who was also the first CMO at ConsenSys, helping bring Ethereum to market; and also founded and leads the pioneering, native web3-marketing agency Serotonin). Also joining this episode to share insights on marketing web3 -- in conversation with host and editor in chief Sonal Chokshi -- is Kim Milosevich, CMO at a16z crypto, where she oversees brand, marketing, events, and communications (and before that was VP of communications at Coinbase, where she took the company through its direct listing while leading internal, policy, product, and corporate communications internationally). 

The episode also covers key top of mind questions for web3 builders and others, including how to do community marketing, manage "profiles" in decentralized and open source, and finding your audience... including feedback for product-market fit. And much. much more! 


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]]> Thu, 6 Apr 2023 07:30:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Amanda Cassatt, Sonal Chokshi, Kim Milosevich) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/marketing-comms-community-marketing-devrel-audience-growth-mindsets-tactics-lz3KsEUs with @amandacassatt @kimbatronic @smc90

All about marketing, and web3 -- not just for marketers already in or seeking to enter web3, but also anyone doing community marketing/ community management, devrel (developer relations); or simply doing marketing in web2 or classic growth marketing, seeking to understand the latest trends and tactics.

With the  author of the new book, Web3 Marketing: A Handbook for the Next Internet Revolution, Amanda Cassatt (who was also the first CMO at ConsenSys, helping bring Ethereum to market; and also founded and leads the pioneering, native web3-marketing agency Serotonin). Also joining this episode to share insights on marketing web3 -- in conversation with host and editor in chief Sonal Chokshi -- is Kim Milosevich, CMO at a16z crypto, where she oversees brand, marketing, events, and communications (and before that was VP of communications at Coinbase, where she took the company through its direct listing while leading internal, policy, product, and corporate communications internationally). 

The episode also covers key top of mind questions for web3 builders and others, including how to do community marketing, manage "profiles" in decentralized and open source, and finding your audience... including feedback for product-market fit. And much. much more! 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Marketing web3: Audience, Community, More Amanda Cassatt, Sonal Chokshi, Kim Milosevich 01:14:07 with @amandacassatt @kimbatronic @smc90 All about marketing, and web3 -- not just for marketers already in or seeking to enter web3, but also anyone doing community marketing/ community management, devrel (developer relations); or simply doing marketing in web2 or classic growth marketing, seeking to understand the latest trends and tactics. with @amandacassatt @kimbatronic @smc90 All about marketing, and web3 -- not just for marketers already in or seeking to enter web3, but also anyone doing community marketing/ community management, devrel (developer relations); or simply doing marketing in web2 or classic growth marketing, seeking to understand the latest trends and tactics. community, crypto, developer relations, devrel, brand, web3, growth marketing, web2, growth hacking, ethereum, computing, defi, nfts, infrastructure, open source, marketing, community marketing false full 22 670686a0-e585-4a48-a744-e748e158ecac Web3 Gaming & On-chain Games with @ariannasimpson @eddylazzarin @smc90

This episode provides an overview of web3 gaming, as enabled by crypto & blockchains -- including what ownership and decentralization really means for gamers and others; degrees of on-chain games; and a pulse-check on what’s working so far, what's more or less ready, and where the most exciting design spaces are for all kinds of builders. 

The conversation -- between a16z crypto general partner Arianna Simpson and CTO Eddy Lazzarin, in discussion with editor-in-chief Sonal Chokshi --  also covers specific trends such as "play-to-earn" (P2E), metaverse, autonomous worlds, and other forms of worldbuilding -- and also touches on  key themes such as design, user onboarding, open source, and frameworks for technology innovation. 

shownotes // links referenced in this episode:

None of this is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information -- including a link to a list of our investments. 


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]]> Wed, 29 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Andreessen Horowitz) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/web3-crypto-gaming-on-chain-games-gaming-design-users-more-OzmoC2Ke with @ariannasimpson @eddylazzarin @smc90

This episode provides an overview of web3 gaming, as enabled by crypto & blockchains -- including what ownership and decentralization really means for gamers and others; degrees of on-chain games; and a pulse-check on what’s working so far, what's more or less ready, and where the most exciting design spaces are for all kinds of builders. 

The conversation -- between a16z crypto general partner Arianna Simpson and CTO Eddy Lazzarin, in discussion with editor-in-chief Sonal Chokshi --  also covers specific trends such as "play-to-earn" (P2E), metaverse, autonomous worlds, and other forms of worldbuilding -- and also touches on  key themes such as design, user onboarding, open source, and frameworks for technology innovation. 

shownotes // links referenced in this episode:

None of this is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information -- including a link to a list of our investments. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Web3 Gaming & On-chain Games Andreessen Horowitz 01:07:54 with @ariannasimpson @eddylazzarin @smc90 An overview of web3 gaming as enabled by crypto & blockchains -- including pulse-checks on what’s working so far, what's more or less ready, and where the most exciting design spaces are for all kinds of builders. The discussion also covers play-to-earn, metaverse, autonomous worlds, and other worldbuilding, as well as design, user onboarding, open source, and frameworks for technology innovation.  with @ariannasimpson @eddylazzarin @smc90 An overview of web3 gaming as enabled by crypto & blockchains -- including pulse-checks on what’s working so far, what's more or less ready, and where the most exciting design spaces are for all kinds of builders. The discussion also covers play-to-earn, metaverse, autonomous worlds, and other worldbuilding, as well as design, user onboarding, open source, and frameworks for technology innovation.  false full 21 434486cb-2a6f-4301-b689-b3b42e6c2df5 Crypto Policy & Regulation: What's Going On? with @milesjennings @brianquintenz @colinmccune @smc90

We provide an overview of policy and regulation in the crypto industry right now -- from a lay of the land to pulse checks on sentiment -- as well as share helpful frameworks for policymakers, and quick guidance on how things work (and how to navigate and participate) for builders.  

We also dig into the mindsets, myths, debates, nuances; and quickly discuss what to expect for regulation in a few specific domains -- from DeFi to DAOs, to briefly touching on CEX vs DEX, stablecoins, banks custodying crypto, unhosted wallets, etc.

Our expert guests include: 

  • Miles Jennings, general counsel at a16z crypto; he was also previously at Latham & Watkins, where he co-chaired its global blockchain and cryptocurrency task force -- Jennings has written a lot for us here, including developing frameworks for regulating crypto while preserving both innovation and protecting consumers; developing and evolving legal frameworks for DAOs; releasing "can't be evil" licensing for NFTs; and sharing detailed guides to decentralization for builders.
  • Brian Quintenz, now head of policy at a16z crypto; previously, he was a commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), where he had led the agency’s Technology Advisory Committee -- during his service, the CFTC oversaw the listing of the first U.S. regulated Bitcoin and Ether futures contracts on derivatives exchanges, and the rapid expansion of DeFi.
  • Collin McCune, who joined as head of government affairs at a16z crypto a few months ago; he has spent a decade on Capitol Hill, and most recently was Deputy Staff Director of the House Financial Services Committee. I asked McCune to jump in on this episode for where we cover navigating Congress and the legislative process.
  • ...all in conversation with editor in chief Sonal Chokshi.

To stay up to date on our ongoing efforts, regular regulatory recaps, and other resources or educational materials that you can use or point others to, please also subscribe to our newsletter for the latest dispatches.

As a reminder: none of the discussion is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information -- including a link to a list of our investments. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2023 02:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Brian Quintenz, Collin McCune, Miles Jennings, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/policy-crypto-regulation-overview-pulse-check-mindsets-myths-frameworks-domains-RbsLZrvm with @milesjennings @brianquintenz @colinmccune @smc90

We provide an overview of policy and regulation in the crypto industry right now -- from a lay of the land to pulse checks on sentiment -- as well as share helpful frameworks for policymakers, and quick guidance on how things work (and how to navigate and participate) for builders.  

We also dig into the mindsets, myths, debates, nuances; and quickly discuss what to expect for regulation in a few specific domains -- from DeFi to DAOs, to briefly touching on CEX vs DEX, stablecoins, banks custodying crypto, unhosted wallets, etc.

Our expert guests include: 

  • Miles Jennings, general counsel at a16z crypto; he was also previously at Latham & Watkins, where he co-chaired its global blockchain and cryptocurrency task force -- Jennings has written a lot for us here, including developing frameworks for regulating crypto while preserving both innovation and protecting consumers; developing and evolving legal frameworks for DAOs; releasing "can't be evil" licensing for NFTs; and sharing detailed guides to decentralization for builders.
  • Brian Quintenz, now head of policy at a16z crypto; previously, he was a commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), where he had led the agency’s Technology Advisory Committee -- during his service, the CFTC oversaw the listing of the first U.S. regulated Bitcoin and Ether futures contracts on derivatives exchanges, and the rapid expansion of DeFi.
  • Collin McCune, who joined as head of government affairs at a16z crypto a few months ago; he has spent a decade on Capitol Hill, and most recently was Deputy Staff Director of the House Financial Services Committee. I asked McCune to jump in on this episode for where we cover navigating Congress and the legislative process.
  • ...all in conversation with editor in chief Sonal Chokshi.

To stay up to date on our ongoing efforts, regular regulatory recaps, and other resources or educational materials that you can use or point others to, please also subscribe to our newsletter for the latest dispatches.

As a reminder: none of the discussion is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information -- including a link to a list of our investments. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Crypto Policy & Regulation: What's Going On? Brian Quintenz, Collin McCune, Miles Jennings, Sonal Chokshi 01:15:09 with @milesjennings @brianquintenz @colinmccune @smc90 We provide an overview of policy and regulation in the crypto industry right now -- from a lay of the land to pulse checks on sentiment; share frameworks for policymakers, and quick guidance on how things work (and how to navigate and participate) for builders; and dig into the mindsets, myths, debates, nuances around the topic. We also quickly discuss what to expect for regulation in a few specific domains -- from DeFi to DAOs, to briefly touching on: CEX vs DEX, stablecoins, banks custodying crypto, unhosted wallets, more. with @milesjennings @brianquintenz @colinmccune @smc90 We provide an overview of policy and regulation in the crypto industry right now -- from a lay of the land to pulse checks on sentiment; share frameworks for policymakers, and quick guidance on how things work (and how to navigate and participate) for builders; and dig into the mindsets, myths, debates, nuances around the topic. We also quickly discuss what to expect for regulation in a few specific domains -- from DeFi to DAOs, to briefly touching on: CEX vs DEX, stablecoins, banks custodying crypto, unhosted wallets, more. congress, banks, legislation, defi, permissionless innovation, financial services, regulation, policy false full 20 3821de3c-3836-45c6-9e11-3c0d3e733530 Programming Languages & Crypto with @b1ackd0g @noahcitron @eddylazzarin @smc90

This episode is all about programming languages and crypto -- and it’s for both existing blockchain & smart contract programmers, and also other non-web3 developers seeking to enter the space... and, for anyone who is just curious about how programming languages evolve and come into existence (as well as interested in the intersection of language, code, and expression!)

It's a fun and fascinating ride, because we cover everything from differences (and similarities) in conventional programming languages vs. smart contract programming; discuss and debate the unique constraints (and opportunities) of blockchains; and also touch on topics such as formal verification, governance & community, tooling, cross-platform adaptation, and much much more... But we also dig into with the history, ebbs, and flows of traditional programming to today. 

Our guests in this episode, in conversation with Sonal Chokshi, include: 

  • Sam Blackshear -- co-founder and CTO of Mysten Labs (which is building foundations for the decentralized future of web3); Sam has a long history in programming languages from his PhD to working at Facebook (and Libra/Diem) to creating and being one of the authors of Move, an open-source programming language for building smart contracts;
  • Noah Citron, smart contract & research engineer here at a16z crypto (who also recently authored a light client for Ethereum called Helios, and, won a challenging gas-optimization challenge with another partner here); and
  • Eddy Lazzarin, head of engineering for a16z crypto; before that, Eddy was in software engineering at Netflix, as well as data engineering and data science at Facebook.

As a reminder, none of this is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information – including, a link to a list of our investments. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Mon, 30 Jan 2023 07:30:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Sam Blackshear, Noah Citron, Eddy Lazzarin, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/programming-languages-smart-contract-programming-evolutions-LonugOS1 with @b1ackd0g @noahcitron @eddylazzarin @smc90

This episode is all about programming languages and crypto -- and it’s for both existing blockchain & smart contract programmers, and also other non-web3 developers seeking to enter the space... and, for anyone who is just curious about how programming languages evolve and come into existence (as well as interested in the intersection of language, code, and expression!)

It's a fun and fascinating ride, because we cover everything from differences (and similarities) in conventional programming languages vs. smart contract programming; discuss and debate the unique constraints (and opportunities) of blockchains; and also touch on topics such as formal verification, governance & community, tooling, cross-platform adaptation, and much much more... But we also dig into with the history, ebbs, and flows of traditional programming to today. 

Our guests in this episode, in conversation with Sonal Chokshi, include: 

  • Sam Blackshear -- co-founder and CTO of Mysten Labs (which is building foundations for the decentralized future of web3); Sam has a long history in programming languages from his PhD to working at Facebook (and Libra/Diem) to creating and being one of the authors of Move, an open-source programming language for building smart contracts;
  • Noah Citron, smart contract & research engineer here at a16z crypto (who also recently authored a light client for Ethereum called Helios, and, won a challenging gas-optimization challenge with another partner here); and
  • Eddy Lazzarin, head of engineering for a16z crypto; before that, Eddy was in software engineering at Netflix, as well as data engineering and data science at Facebook.

As a reminder, none of this is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information – including, a link to a list of our investments. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Programming Languages & Crypto Sam Blackshear, Noah Citron, Eddy Lazzarin, Sonal Chokshi 01:17:38 with @b1ackd0g @noahcitron @eddylazzarin @smc90 A wide-ranging conversation all about programming languages and crypto -- for both existing blockchain & smart contract programmers, other non-web3 developers seeking to enter the space, and anyone interested in how programming languages evolve and come into existence (as well as in the intersection of language, code, and expression). The discussion covers differences (and similarities) in conventional programming languages vs. smart contract programming; debates the unique constraints (and opportunities) of blockchains; and also touches on topics such as formal verification, governance & community, tooling, cross-platform adaptation, and much much more... but also the history, ebbs, and flows of traditional programming to today. with @b1ackd0g @noahcitron @eddylazzarin @smc90 A wide-ranging conversation all about programming languages and crypto -- for both existing blockchain & smart contract programmers, other non-web3 developers seeking to enter the space, and anyone interested in how programming languages evolve and come into existence (as well as in the intersection of language, code, and expression). The discussion covers differences (and similarities) in conventional programming languages vs. smart contract programming; debates the unique constraints (and opportunities) of blockchains; and also touches on topics such as formal verification, governance & community, tooling, cross-platform adaptation, and much much more... but also the history, ebbs, and flows of traditional programming to today. ruby, programming languages, coding, smart contracts, go, haskell, computer science, move, solidity, programming, developers, language, blockchains, code, rust, python, developer influencers false full 19 8b98423d-e9df-4c9f-a870-d908200d816d Creators, Creativity, and Technology with Bob Iger with @robertiger @cdixon @smc90

In this intimate chat with Bob Iger (now-again CEO of Disney, although this conversation was recorded a few months ago), a16z crypto host Sonal Chokshi and  founding general partner Chris Dixon discuss the interplay between technology, content, and distribution... Bob shares his journey (as captured in his book The Ride of a Lifetime and beyond) -- and the journey of various creators! -- especially as the industry has evolved from TV and cable to the advent of the internet/ web 1.0; to web 2.0 and distribution models like streaming, to business models like advertising; to web3 and emerging technologies like VR and AR. 

We also touch briefly on related top of mind topics like IP, decentralization, remote work, and more. As well as other themes top of mind for company (and community) builders of all sizes -- from the innovator's dilemma and whether to build vs. buy, to managing creatives and much more. 

---

As a reminder, none of the discussion should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a list of our investments.


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]]> Tue, 20 Dec 2022 05:30:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Bob Iger, Chris Dixon, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/bob-iger-creator-content-technology-distribution-brand-disney-web1-web2-web3-_467QkTr with @robertiger @cdixon @smc90

In this intimate chat with Bob Iger (now-again CEO of Disney, although this conversation was recorded a few months ago), a16z crypto host Sonal Chokshi and  founding general partner Chris Dixon discuss the interplay between technology, content, and distribution... Bob shares his journey (as captured in his book The Ride of a Lifetime and beyond) -- and the journey of various creators! -- especially as the industry has evolved from TV and cable to the advent of the internet/ web 1.0; to web 2.0 and distribution models like streaming, to business models like advertising; to web3 and emerging technologies like VR and AR. 

We also touch briefly on related top of mind topics like IP, decentralization, remote work, and more. As well as other themes top of mind for company (and community) builders of all sizes -- from the innovator's dilemma and whether to build vs. buy, to managing creatives and much more. 

---

As a reminder, none of the discussion should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a list of our investments.


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]]> Creators, Creativity, and Technology with Bob Iger Bob Iger, Chris Dixon, Sonal Chokshi 01:19:53 with @robertiger @cdixon @smc90 A wide-ranging conversation with Bob Iger on the interplay between technology, content, and distribution; as well as Bob’s journey -- and that of various creators! -- especially as the industry evolved from TV and cable to the advent of the internet/ web 1.0 to 2.0 to briefly touching on web3 and other emerging technologies. As well as topics top of mind for all company and community builders: from build vs. buy and the innovator's dilemma, to managing creativity, decentralization, remote work, and much more. with @robertiger @cdixon @smc90 A wide-ranging conversation with Bob Iger on the interplay between technology, content, and distribution; as well as Bob’s journey -- and that of various creators! -- especially as the industry evolved from TV and cable to the advent of the internet/ web 1.0 to 2.0 to briefly touching on web3 and other emerging technologies. As well as topics top of mind for all company and community builders: from build vs. buy and the innovator's dilemma, to managing creativity, decentralization, remote work, and much more. disruption, media, advertising, disney, web3, innovator's dilemma, entertainment, message, movies, leadership, technology, subscriber, medium, tv, vr, ar, web 2.0, distribution, streaming, content false full 18 ec0db60e-32f0-4aa4-90ea-f4877f343d20 Building and Overcoming the Hard Things with @brian_armstrong @bhorowitz

An all-new, guest-hosted episode based on a chat that took place just this week between: 

  • CEO and co-founder of Coinbase Brian Armstrong;
  • interviewed by a16z co-founder Ben Horowitz, who authored the bestselling business books The Hard Things About the Hard Things and What You Do is Who You Are on how to create your business culture.

Their conversation — which took place just this week (November 29, 2022) at our inaugural a16z crypto Founder Summit — goes into management, company culture, and much more on building and overcoming the hard things while innovating…  as well as commentary on recent events and news (FTX etc.) in the crypto industry and beyond. 

You can also watch this on our YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/_YqQGs4QxDM

---

As a reminder, none of the discussion should be taken as business, legal, tax, or investment advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.

 


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]]> Fri, 2 Dec 2022 20:30:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Brian Armstrong, Ben Horowitz) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/management-company-culture-overcoming-hard-things-building-BnRheU_c with @brian_armstrong @bhorowitz

An all-new, guest-hosted episode based on a chat that took place just this week between: 

  • CEO and co-founder of Coinbase Brian Armstrong;
  • interviewed by a16z co-founder Ben Horowitz, who authored the bestselling business books The Hard Things About the Hard Things and What You Do is Who You Are on how to create your business culture.

Their conversation — which took place just this week (November 29, 2022) at our inaugural a16z crypto Founder Summit — goes into management, company culture, and much more on building and overcoming the hard things while innovating…  as well as commentary on recent events and news (FTX etc.) in the crypto industry and beyond. 

You can also watch this on our YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/_YqQGs4QxDM

---

As a reminder, none of the discussion should be taken as business, legal, tax, or investment advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.

 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Building and Overcoming the Hard Things Brian Armstrong, Ben Horowitz 00:42:30 with @brian_armstrong @bhorowitz A conversation on management, company culture, and much more on building and overcoming the hard things… beginning with what’s top of mind for so many in the crypto industry and in the news right now (FTX etc.). with @brian_armstrong @bhorowitz A conversation on management, company culture, and much more on building and overcoming the hard things… beginning with what’s top of mind for so many in the crypto industry and in the news right now (FTX etc.). crypto, decentralization, leadership, organizations, culture, management false full 17 0e5db9aa-db01-4c4a-9467-05d4c2f28626 Mental Models for Navigating Crypto Markets & Cycles A  hallway-style conversation between a16z crypto's Chris Dixon, Eddy Lazzarin, and Sonal Chokshi about market conditions, cycles of innovation, and mental models for navigating crypto and web3 -- as well as the longer arc and evolution of technology; methods & metrics for measuring price-innovation cycle ebbs and flows; some key trends; and more. 

This episode originally ran in May 2022, as episode #1 in our new show 'web3 with a16z'. The 2022 State of Crypto report referenced can be found at a16zcrypto.com/stateofcrypto -- please sign up for our newsletter to be notified about the next report and other resources + updates: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/

As a reminder, none of this discussion should be taken as business, legal, tax, or investment advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Mon, 21 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Sonal Chokshi, Chris Dixon, Eddy Lazzarin) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/markets-cycles-ebbs-flows-mental-models-navigating-crypto-BrtYtMbj A  hallway-style conversation between a16z crypto's Chris Dixon, Eddy Lazzarin, and Sonal Chokshi about market conditions, cycles of innovation, and mental models for navigating crypto and web3 -- as well as the longer arc and evolution of technology; methods & metrics for measuring price-innovation cycle ebbs and flows; some key trends; and more. 

This episode originally ran in May 2022, as episode #1 in our new show 'web3 with a16z'. The 2022 State of Crypto report referenced can be found at a16zcrypto.com/stateofcrypto -- please sign up for our newsletter to be notified about the next report and other resources + updates: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/

As a reminder, none of this discussion should be taken as business, legal, tax, or investment advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Mental Models for Navigating Crypto Markets & Cycles Sonal Chokshi, Chris Dixon, Eddy Lazzarin 01:05:10 A (rerun but perhaps more relevant than ever) hallway-style conversation about market conditions, cycles of innovation, and mental models for navigating crypto and web3. A (rerun but perhaps more relevant than ever) hallway-style conversation about market conditions, cycles of innovation, and mental models for navigating crypto and web3. crypto, s-curves, market, markets, cycles, technology adoption, innovation false full 16 d27206c0-a699-46c6-870a-80b3e82be93c Mainstreaming NFTs: Use Cases, Art, More with @punk6529 @cdixon @smc90

Chris Dixon and Sonal Chokshi chat with Punk6529 about NFT use cases; NFT art (and generative art!); VR, AR, metaverse; more. As well as about regulatory mindsets, moves, and news -- such as Apple's in-app purchasing guidelines for NFTs, and Reddit NFTs. 

links:

https://twitter.com/punk6529
https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/metaverse-crypto-vr-games-virtual-society
https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/web2-to-web3-nfts-art-ai-hot-topics-trends-cycles-in-computing-u_kA5xPh
https://future.com/podcasts/crypto-creators-art-galleries-tokenized-collectibles/
https://cdixon.org/2019/01/08/strong-and-weak-technologies
https://tylerxhobbs.com/essays/2021/the-rise-of-long-form-generative-art

---
web3 with a16z is a show about building the next generation of the internet, from the team at a16z crypto. As a reminder, none of the content is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 4 Nov 2022 03:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Punk6529, Chris Dixon, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/nfts-use-cases-art-tech-adoption-mainstreaming-kWvgrvhO with @punk6529 @cdixon @smc90

Chris Dixon and Sonal Chokshi chat with Punk6529 about NFT use cases; NFT art (and generative art!); VR, AR, metaverse; more. As well as about regulatory mindsets, moves, and news -- such as Apple's in-app purchasing guidelines for NFTs, and Reddit NFTs. 

links:

https://twitter.com/punk6529
https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/metaverse-crypto-vr-games-virtual-society
https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/web2-to-web3-nfts-art-ai-hot-topics-trends-cycles-in-computing-u_kA5xPh
https://future.com/podcasts/crypto-creators-art-galleries-tokenized-collectibles/
https://cdixon.org/2019/01/08/strong-and-weak-technologies
https://tylerxhobbs.com/essays/2021/the-rise-of-long-form-generative-art

---
web3 with a16z is a show about building the next generation of the internet, from the team at a16z crypto. As a reminder, none of the content is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Mainstreaming NFTs: Use Cases, Art, More Punk6529, Chris Dixon, Sonal Chokshi 01:30:40 with @punk6529 @cdixon @smc90 Chris Dixon and Sonal Chokshi chat with Punk6529 about NFT use cases; NFT art (and generative art!); VR, AR, metaverse; more. As well as about regulatory mindsets, moves, and news -- such as Apple's in-app purchasing guidelines for NFTs, and Reddit NFTs. with @punk6529 @cdixon @smc90 Chris Dixon and Sonal Chokshi chat with Punk6529 about NFT use cases; NFT art (and generative art!); VR, AR, metaverse; more. As well as about regulatory mindsets, moves, and news -- such as Apple's in-app purchasing guidelines for NFTs, and Reddit NFTs. facebook, digital assets, collectibles, irl, nft, metaverse, nfts, tokens, reddit, regulation, policy, fashion, non fungible, generative art, art, apple false full 15 b15612b2-7526-45c3-b7eb-29cf039c0e67 The Metaverse, Crypto, Virtual Society This episode is a deep dive on all things metaverse, defining what the metaverse is, and what it isn’t; covering frequent misconceptions (and nuances) around how VR or virtual reality, videogames, and other applications relate (and don't relate) to the metaverse; and discussing how communities, fashion, sports, and more play here.  

We also go into where crypto comes in -- including discussing trends in on-chain gaming, DAOs; themes like interoperability, composability; etc.  But we also go well beyond technology -- and into science fiction, the arts, low-fidelity design, narrative, and much, much more -- in this wide-ranging, hallway-style conversation between:

  • Herman Narula, author of the new book Virtual Society: The Metaverse and the New Frontiers of Human Experience; Narula is also the CEO and co-founder of Improbable;
  • Elena Burger, deal partner on a16z crypto (where she focuses on games, NFTs, web3 media, infrastructure, and more); Berger also wrote a thoughtful review of Narula’s book;
  • ...and host Sonal Chokshi (who also shares writings on topics such as "narrative collapse" and more as well as past episodes of the a16z Podcast with Narula on distributed systems at scale, gaming, and more).

For more on metaverse from the a16z crypto, please see this piece.
To order Narula's book, please select from here.

---

web3 with a16z is a show about building the next generation of the internet, from the team at a16z crypto. As a reminder, none of the content is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 21 Oct 2022 07:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Elena Burger, Herman Narula, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/metaverse-crypto-vr-games-virtual-society-_5dM4nrU This episode is a deep dive on all things metaverse, defining what the metaverse is, and what it isn’t; covering frequent misconceptions (and nuances) around how VR or virtual reality, videogames, and other applications relate (and don't relate) to the metaverse; and discussing how communities, fashion, sports, and more play here.  

We also go into where crypto comes in -- including discussing trends in on-chain gaming, DAOs; themes like interoperability, composability; etc.  But we also go well beyond technology -- and into science fiction, the arts, low-fidelity design, narrative, and much, much more -- in this wide-ranging, hallway-style conversation between:

  • Herman Narula, author of the new book Virtual Society: The Metaverse and the New Frontiers of Human Experience; Narula is also the CEO and co-founder of Improbable;
  • Elena Burger, deal partner on a16z crypto (where she focuses on games, NFTs, web3 media, infrastructure, and more); Berger also wrote a thoughtful review of Narula’s book;
  • ...and host Sonal Chokshi (who also shares writings on topics such as "narrative collapse" and more as well as past episodes of the a16z Podcast with Narula on distributed systems at scale, gaming, and more).

For more on metaverse from the a16z crypto, please see this piece.
To order Narula's book, please select from here.

---

web3 with a16z is a show about building the next generation of the internet, from the team at a16z crypto. As a reminder, none of the content is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> The Metaverse, Crypto, Virtual Society Elena Burger, Herman Narula, Sonal Chokshi 01:21:55 with @hermannarula @virtualelena @smc90 A deep dive on all things metaverse -- what it is, what it isn’t; how VR, videogames, sports, fashion, communities play here; where crypto comes in, including trends in DAOs, on-chain gaming, etc. We also go well beyond technology, into science fiction, the arts, narratives, and more in this wide-ranging conversation. with @hermannarula @virtualelena @smc90 A deep dive on all things metaverse -- what it is, what it isn’t; how VR, videogames, sports, fashion, communities play here; where crypto comes in, including trends in DAOs, on-chain gaming, etc. We also go well beyond technology, into science fiction, the arts, narratives, and more in this wide-ranging conversation. sports, virtual reality, composability, interoperability, virtual worlds, virtual society, metaverse, videogames, the metaverse, communities, vr, gaming, fashion false full 14 b223ed42-6e29-40d5-b77f-957ca476ce7c Age of Wonders: NFTs, Art, AI, Cycles of Computing with @kevinrose @cdixon 

This wide-ranging discussion is a tour through tech trends and hot topics both within and beyond crypto – including art, AI, the evolution of mediums including blockchains; a deep dive on NFTs, artists, communities; debates around cc0, modding and copying on the internet, royalties; plus role of brands, DAOs, wisdom of crowds; and much more. 

The hallway-style conversation took place this week between Chris Dixon (founding general partner of a16z crypto, former entrepreneur) and Kevin Rose (co-founder of Proof Collective, Digg, more). Their discussion is not just a journey through time (long cycles of computing, web2 to web3) and place (LA, SF, NYC), but into "the age of wonders". Are we at the end of (computing) history, or the beginning? You decide... but only after listening to this conversation. 

As a reminder, NONE of this is investment, business, legal, or tax advice -- nor is it directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund – also, please note that any a16z investments and portfolio companies mentioned are not representative of all a16z investments; you can see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Sun, 9 Oct 2022 05:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Kevin Rose, Chris Dixon) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/web2-to-web3-nfts-art-ai-hot-topics-trends-cycles-in-computing-u_kA5xPh with @kevinrose @cdixon 

This wide-ranging discussion is a tour through tech trends and hot topics both within and beyond crypto – including art, AI, the evolution of mediums including blockchains; a deep dive on NFTs, artists, communities; debates around cc0, modding and copying on the internet, royalties; plus role of brands, DAOs, wisdom of crowds; and much more. 

The hallway-style conversation took place this week between Chris Dixon (founding general partner of a16z crypto, former entrepreneur) and Kevin Rose (co-founder of Proof Collective, Digg, more). Their discussion is not just a journey through time (long cycles of computing, web2 to web3) and place (LA, SF, NYC), but into "the age of wonders". Are we at the end of (computing) history, or the beginning? You decide... but only after listening to this conversation. 

As a reminder, NONE of this is investment, business, legal, or tax advice -- nor is it directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund – also, please note that any a16z investments and portfolio companies mentioned are not representative of all a16z investments; you can see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Age of Wonders: NFTs, Art, AI, Cycles of Computing Kevin Rose, Chris Dixon 01:05:43 with @kevinrose @cdixon A tour through hot topics both within and beyond crypto – including art, AI, the evolution of mediums including blockchains; a deep dive on NFTs, artists, communities; debates around cc0, modding and copying, royalties; plus role of brands, DAOs, creation by crowds; and much more... including building in web2 to web3, from two veterans of both movements. with @kevinrose @cdixon A tour through hot topics both within and beyond crypto – including art, AI, the evolution of mediums including blockchains; a deep dive on NFTs, artists, communities; debates around cc0, modding and copying, royalties; plus role of brands, DAOs, creation by crowds; and much more... including building in web2 to web3, from two veterans of both movements. community, web3, artists, web2, artificial intelligence, memes, cc0, nft, computing, quantum computing, building, nfts, internet, ai, communities, stable diffusion, generative art, art, innovation, dall-e false full 13 8470f279-c4f1-477a-ac26-db6d77823a40 Ethereum, Merge and Beyond with @timbeiko @tim_roughgarden @alive_eth @smc90

A deep dive on all things Ethereum, which this week makes the big move to Proof of Stake in The Merge. So in this long and wide-ranging conversation with Tim Beiko -- who runs the core devs calls and Protocol Support for Ethereum Foundation -- a16z crypto head of research (Tim Roughgarden), general partner (Ali Yahya), and editor in chief (Sonal Chokshi) cover:

  • how Ethereum got here today -- and the co-evolution of the protocol and the community;
  • what went into The Merge -- both technical and the social processes behind the outcomes;  what changes, what doesn't;
  • top of mind tech trends such as rollups, data availability, EVMs, and more (as well as hot topics including proposer-builder separation and others);
  • views on token governance
  • the nature of distributed collaboration especially between R&D

...but it's really a conversation about how innovation happens, in a decentralized way.  And what does that mean for community involvement, who participates, and how more people can participate in web3? 

In case you missed it, check out last week's episode for an overview of proof of stake blockchains.

As a reminder, none of the following is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. 

"web3 with a16z" is a show about building the next generation of the internet from the team at a16z crypto; this show is for anyone seeking to understand, and go deeper, on all things crypto and web3. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Mon, 12 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Tim Beiko, Tim Roughgarden, Ali Yahya, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/ethereum-the-merge-pos-security-decentralization-process-community-people-jO6W5XRm with @timbeiko @tim_roughgarden @alive_eth @smc90

A deep dive on all things Ethereum, which this week makes the big move to Proof of Stake in The Merge. So in this long and wide-ranging conversation with Tim Beiko -- who runs the core devs calls and Protocol Support for Ethereum Foundation -- a16z crypto head of research (Tim Roughgarden), general partner (Ali Yahya), and editor in chief (Sonal Chokshi) cover:

  • how Ethereum got here today -- and the co-evolution of the protocol and the community;
  • what went into The Merge -- both technical and the social processes behind the outcomes;  what changes, what doesn't;
  • top of mind tech trends such as rollups, data availability, EVMs, and more (as well as hot topics including proposer-builder separation and others);
  • views on token governance
  • the nature of distributed collaboration especially between R&D

...but it's really a conversation about how innovation happens, in a decentralized way.  And what does that mean for community involvement, who participates, and how more people can participate in web3? 

In case you missed it, check out last week's episode for an overview of proof of stake blockchains.

As a reminder, none of the following is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. 

"web3 with a16z" is a show about building the next generation of the internet from the team at a16z crypto; this show is for anyone seeking to understand, and go deeper, on all things crypto and web3. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Ethereum, Merge and Beyond Tim Beiko, Tim Roughgarden, Ali Yahya, Sonal Chokshi 01:40:08 with @timbeiko @tim_roughgarden @alive_eth @smc90 A deep dive on all things Ethereum, which this week makes the big move to proof of stake in The Merge. But our conversation, which certainly goes into The Merge and shares lots of in-depth and behind-scene details and bottomline on what changes, what doesn’t -- also goes well beyond the Merge, into an overview of what comes next, what’s top of mind, and more. with @timbeiko @tim_roughgarden @alive_eth @smc90 A deep dive on all things Ethereum, which this week makes the big move to proof of stake in The Merge. But our conversation, which certainly goes into The Merge and shares lots of in-depth and behind-scene details and bottomline on what changes, what doesn’t -- also goes well beyond the Merge, into an overview of what comes next, what’s top of mind, and more. zk, data availability, ethereum, decentralization, proof of stake, zk-rollups, blockchain, security, consensus, evm, community management, rollups, optimistic rollups, l2s, scalability, the merge, l1s, blockchains, l3s, open source, protocol, algorithms, proof of work false full 12 447f6fa6-77a1-4df1-9b5e-3c8512afe920 PoS Blockchains - Designs, Consensus, Attacks with @lera_banda @tim_roughgarden @smc90

We share an overview of proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchains -- from quick background on how blockchains work, differences between PoS & PoW (including the energy question), and approaches to improving both; to digging deeper into Sybill attacks and Sybill resistance... and much more on the design (and some debates) of PoS blockchains overall. 

We therefore also go into different consensus approaches for PoS blockchains, from Nakamoto to BFT-style consensus and beyond; touch briefly on the question/ debate of centralization vs. decentralization in practice when it comes to PoS blockchains; and cover costless simulation and long-range attacks... plus briefly discuss topics like slashing and more, when issues are "escalated" to the social vs. protocol layer. [We don’t go into too much detail on Ethereum or the Merge i this episode, since we cover that in an upcoming episode.]

Our expert guests in this episode (in conversation with host Sonal Chokshi) are:

  • Valeria (Lera) Nikolaenko, a16z crypto research partner -- who was previously on Novi at Meta (formerly Facebook), where she was a research scientist and cryptographer for the Diem blockchain; Lera specializes in modern cryptography, post-quantum cryptography, proof-of-stake blockchain design, and more.
  • Tim Roughgarden, a16z crypto Head of Research -- who, among many other things, is also a computer science professor at Columbia, and before that Stanford (and who joins as co-host in this episode).

Be sure to also subscribe to our YouTube channel  for several introductory and deep-dive videos -- including the exact topics discussed in this episode, on an overview of PoS Blockchains & on long-range attacks on PoS blockchains, as presented by Lera -- just search for 'a16z crypto research'.  See also Tim Roughgarden's YouTube channel with several lectures on foundations of blockchains, including on topics mentioned in this episode (Tendermint protocol, longest-range consensus, random leader selection, more). 

Finally, if you’d also like a more high-level survey of research in web3 -- and a quick tour through tech topics like VDFs, rollups, and more -- be sure to check out episode 8 in this feed, which was also a hallway-style jam with the research team...

As a reminder, none of the following investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Mon, 29 Aug 2022 16:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Valeria Nikolaenko, Sonal Chokshi, Tim Roughgarden) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/proof-of-stake-blockchain-design-consensus-sybil-long-range-attacks-more-oliVkGOW with @lera_banda @tim_roughgarden @smc90

We share an overview of proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchains -- from quick background on how blockchains work, differences between PoS & PoW (including the energy question), and approaches to improving both; to digging deeper into Sybill attacks and Sybill resistance... and much more on the design (and some debates) of PoS blockchains overall. 

We therefore also go into different consensus approaches for PoS blockchains, from Nakamoto to BFT-style consensus and beyond; touch briefly on the question/ debate of centralization vs. decentralization in practice when it comes to PoS blockchains; and cover costless simulation and long-range attacks... plus briefly discuss topics like slashing and more, when issues are "escalated" to the social vs. protocol layer. [We don’t go into too much detail on Ethereum or the Merge i this episode, since we cover that in an upcoming episode.]

Our expert guests in this episode (in conversation with host Sonal Chokshi) are:

  • Valeria (Lera) Nikolaenko, a16z crypto research partner -- who was previously on Novi at Meta (formerly Facebook), where she was a research scientist and cryptographer for the Diem blockchain; Lera specializes in modern cryptography, post-quantum cryptography, proof-of-stake blockchain design, and more.
  • Tim Roughgarden, a16z crypto Head of Research -- who, among many other things, is also a computer science professor at Columbia, and before that Stanford (and who joins as co-host in this episode).

Be sure to also subscribe to our YouTube channel  for several introductory and deep-dive videos -- including the exact topics discussed in this episode, on an overview of PoS Blockchains & on long-range attacks on PoS blockchains, as presented by Lera -- just search for 'a16z crypto research'.  See also Tim Roughgarden's YouTube channel with several lectures on foundations of blockchains, including on topics mentioned in this episode (Tendermint protocol, longest-range consensus, random leader selection, more). 

Finally, if you’d also like a more high-level survey of research in web3 -- and a quick tour through tech topics like VDFs, rollups, and more -- be sure to check out episode 8 in this feed, which was also a hallway-style jam with the research team...

As a reminder, none of the following investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> PoS Blockchains - Designs, Consensus, Attacks Valeria Nikolaenko, Sonal Chokshi, Tim Roughgarden 00:49:38 with @lera_banda @tim_roughgarden @smc90 An overview of proof-of-stake blockchains -- from quick background on how blockchains work, difference between PoS & PoW, and approaches to improving both; to digging deeper into Sybill attacks and Sybill resistance; and much more on the design (and some debates) of PoS blockchains overall. with @lera_banda @tim_roughgarden @smc90 An overview of proof-of-stake blockchains -- from quick background on how blockchains work, difference between PoS & PoW, and approaches to improving both; to digging deeper into Sybill attacks and Sybill resistance; and much more on the design (and some debates) of PoS blockchains overall. protocols, web3, pow, pos, a16z crypto, proof-of-stake, crypto research, computer science, security, consensus, proof-of-work, sybil attacks, research, blockchains, design false full 11 d03d5a4b-4f8c-4c02-b4ce-240b44203c38 Crypto Regulations, Illicit Finance, Privacy and Beyond with @michelekorver @jai_ramaswamy @smc90

We tease apart the facts vs buzz around recent news -- that the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Tornado Cash for allegedly laundering proceeds of cybercrimes, and then later the Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service stated that they arrested a suspected developer of Tornado Cash  Tornado Cash  -- including what's novel and what's not here, as well as the broader regulatory and compliance backdrop.  

But we also share an evergreen explainer that goes well beyond recent events, to help crypto founders and others navigate various regulatory and compliance requirements for builders... while still ensuring innovation.  

  • The first third covers a ton of analysis beyond the news around Tornado Cash -- from broader backdrop to specifics to players to what's novel or not in recent actions; as well as going into the differences between sanctions and national securities laws, to civil enforcement actions, criminal liability and money laundering, and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and anti-money laundering (AML) program compliance requirements.
  • We then do a brief interlude on the difference between obfuscating vs privacy preserving technologies, and why that matters in the big picture.
  • And then the SECOND half of the episode dives deep into understanding and navigating compliance and legal for builders, covering: different frameworks, principles, common myths & misconceptions; when and how to resource (tooling to hiring);  a lightning-round primer on the alphabet soup of governmentt entities relevant to this space; advice for BOTH entrepreneurs & government agencies on engaging with each other
  • and much, much more… that’s all in the second half of the episode.

Our expert guests (in conversation with Sonal Chokshi) are: 

  • Michele Korver, head of regulatory at a16z crypto, former federal prosecutor who was also at the Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network as their chief digital currency advisor; she also spent time in the U.S. Departmentt of Justice, where she was the first dedicated subject matter expert in cryptocurrency-related prosecutions and forfeitures; and
  • Jai Ramaswamy, chief legal officer at Andreessen Horowitz, where he oversees legal and compliance; he was also formerly chief risk and compliance officer at cLabs, which launched the decentralized protocol Celo; Jai also headed (or advised) on AML compliance & risk management at major banks (Capital One, Bank of America); and previously spent over a decade in government including significant time in the U.S. Department of Justice criminal division, where he focused on cybercrime, asset forfeiture, and money laundering.
     

As a reminder: None of the following is legal, business, investment, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. 


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]]> Fri, 19 Aug 2022 02:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Michele Korver, Jai Ramaswamy, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/crypto-regulations-sanctions-compliance-aml-ofac-news-explained-zYxe3PZ1 with @michelekorver @jai_ramaswamy @smc90

We tease apart the facts vs buzz around recent news -- that the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Tornado Cash for allegedly laundering proceeds of cybercrimes, and then later the Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service stated that they arrested a suspected developer of Tornado Cash  Tornado Cash  -- including what's novel and what's not here, as well as the broader regulatory and compliance backdrop.  

But we also share an evergreen explainer that goes well beyond recent events, to help crypto founders and others navigate various regulatory and compliance requirements for builders... while still ensuring innovation.  

  • The first third covers a ton of analysis beyond the news around Tornado Cash -- from broader backdrop to specifics to players to what's novel or not in recent actions; as well as going into the differences between sanctions and national securities laws, to civil enforcement actions, criminal liability and money laundering, and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and anti-money laundering (AML) program compliance requirements.
  • We then do a brief interlude on the difference between obfuscating vs privacy preserving technologies, and why that matters in the big picture.
  • And then the SECOND half of the episode dives deep into understanding and navigating compliance and legal for builders, covering: different frameworks, principles, common myths & misconceptions; when and how to resource (tooling to hiring);  a lightning-round primer on the alphabet soup of governmentt entities relevant to this space; advice for BOTH entrepreneurs & government agencies on engaging with each other
  • and much, much more… that’s all in the second half of the episode.

Our expert guests (in conversation with Sonal Chokshi) are: 

  • Michele Korver, head of regulatory at a16z crypto, former federal prosecutor who was also at the Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network as their chief digital currency advisor; she also spent time in the U.S. Departmentt of Justice, where she was the first dedicated subject matter expert in cryptocurrency-related prosecutions and forfeitures; and
  • Jai Ramaswamy, chief legal officer at Andreessen Horowitz, where he oversees legal and compliance; he was also formerly chief risk and compliance officer at cLabs, which launched the decentralized protocol Celo; Jai also headed (or advised) on AML compliance & risk management at major banks (Capital One, Bank of America); and previously spent over a decade in government including significant time in the U.S. Department of Justice criminal division, where he focused on cybercrime, asset forfeiture, and money laundering.
     

As a reminder: None of the following is legal, business, investment, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Crypto Regulations, Illicit Finance, Privacy and Beyond Michele Korver, Jai Ramaswamy, Sonal Chokshi 01:13:47 with @michelekorver @jai_ramaswamy @smc90 We tease apart the facts vs buzz around recent news -- Tornado Cash sanctions, and arrest of a suspected developer -- including what's novel and what's not, as well as broader backdrop. But we also share an evergreen explainer that goes well beyond recent events, to help crypto founders and others navigate various regulatory and compliance requirements... while ensuring innovation. with @michelekorver @jai_ramaswamy @smc90 We tease apart the facts vs buzz around recent news -- Tornado Cash sanctions, and arrest of a suspected developer -- including what's novel and what's not, as well as broader backdrop. But we also share an evergreen explainer that goes well beyond recent events, to help crypto founders and others navigate various regulatory and compliance requirements... while ensuring innovation. crypto, tornado cash, compliance, privacy, fincen, regulatory, virtual currency, asset forfeiture, privacy-preserving technologies, banks, mixers, regulatory bodies, legal, finance, financial crimes, aml, kyc, ofac, department of justice, best practices, agencies, government, illicit finance, regulations, money laundering, criminal, civil, decentralized, national security, law, code, wallets, sanctions false full 10 a2a317dc-fc85-4247-b5d9-78b52fd92bff Bridge Hack, Wallet Hack with @mg_486662 @riyazdf @nassyweazy and @smc90

This week’s all-new episode digs into recent high-profile hacks that took place in the crypto space over the last week -- we not only dig into what happened, including a more technical breakdown of the how and how we know -- but also cover the categories and issues specific to (and not specific to!) web3 security; as well as solutions and advice for builders.

We also touch on related trends and topics such as the role of open source; communications around hacks, as well as social media status signaling; and much more. Throughout, we try to help tease apart what’s hype/ what’s real, as well as the signal vs. the noise, in the narratives out there...  

Joining host Sonal Chokshi this week are experts from the a16z crypto security team, including: security engineer Matt Gleason; CTO Riyaz Faizullabhoy; and CISO Nassim Eddequiouaq -- both of whom previously worked at Facebook, Anchorage, and Docker [Nass also appeared on an earlier episode of this show, on evolving NFTs & security, available here].

But for this episode, just to quickly recap for your context, the hacks we’re specifically covering are:

  • The hack of the Nomad bridge -- which connects several different blockchains including Avalanche, Ethereum, Evmos, Moonbeam, and others – with reported range of between $185-$190M stolen; 
  • The hack of the Slope wallet -- a non-custodial, browser-based wallet that was reported to affect nearly 8000 users on Solana as well as other ecosystems -- with reported range of between $4.5-8M stolen. It occurred a week ago and Slope just posted their latest update today confirming some of the details in this episode (which was recorded a few days earlier).

As a reminder: None of the following is investment, business, tax, or legal advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fri, 12 Aug 2022 01:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Matt Gleason, Riyaz Faizullabhoy, Nassim Eddequiouaq, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/crypto-web3-security-bridge-hacks-wallet-hacks-nomad-slope-MomCe42_ with @mg_486662 @riyazdf @nassyweazy and @smc90

This week’s all-new episode digs into recent high-profile hacks that took place in the crypto space over the last week -- we not only dig into what happened, including a more technical breakdown of the how and how we know -- but also cover the categories and issues specific to (and not specific to!) web3 security; as well as solutions and advice for builders.

We also touch on related trends and topics such as the role of open source; communications around hacks, as well as social media status signaling; and much more. Throughout, we try to help tease apart what’s hype/ what’s real, as well as the signal vs. the noise, in the narratives out there...  

Joining host Sonal Chokshi this week are experts from the a16z crypto security team, including: security engineer Matt Gleason; CTO Riyaz Faizullabhoy; and CISO Nassim Eddequiouaq -- both of whom previously worked at Facebook, Anchorage, and Docker [Nass also appeared on an earlier episode of this show, on evolving NFTs & security, available here].

But for this episode, just to quickly recap for your context, the hacks we’re specifically covering are:

  • The hack of the Nomad bridge -- which connects several different blockchains including Avalanche, Ethereum, Evmos, Moonbeam, and others – with reported range of between $185-$190M stolen; 
  • The hack of the Slope wallet -- a non-custodial, browser-based wallet that was reported to affect nearly 8000 users on Solana as well as other ecosystems -- with reported range of between $4.5-8M stolen. It occurred a week ago and Slope just posted their latest update today confirming some of the details in this episode (which was recorded a few days earlier).

As a reminder: None of the following is investment, business, tax, or legal advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Bridge Hack, Wallet Hack Matt Gleason, Riyaz Faizullabhoy, Nassim Eddequiouaq, Sonal Chokshi 00:52:16 with @mg_486662 @riyazdf @nassyweazy and @smc90 We cover two of the most recent, high-profile hacks in the crypto space -- the Nomad bridge hack, and the Slope wallet hack (which affected several users on Solana) -- including a technical breakdown of the what, the how, and how we know. But we also discuss the broader categories, issues related (and not related) to web3 security, as well as open source solutions and advice for builders. Throughout, we try to tease apart what’s hype/ what’s real, and what's signal vs. noise, in the narratives out there. with @mg_486662 @riyazdf @nassyweazy and @smc90 We cover two of the most recent, high-profile hacks in the crypto space -- the Nomad bridge hack, and the Slope wallet hack (which affected several users on Solana) -- including a technical breakdown of the what, the how, and how we know. But we also discuss the broader categories, issues related (and not related) to web3 security, as well as open source solutions and advice for builders. Throughout, we try to tease apart what’s hype/ what’s real, and what's signal vs. noise, in the narratives out there. crypto, privacy, darknet diaries, hacks, crisis communications, protocols, web3, hacked, attribution, defi, security, defi bridges, decentralized finance, wallet interfaces, bridges, open source, wallets false full 9 cbddc620-49b9-4b59-ac47-db30396397a7 Top Tech Topics, Explained @tim_roughgarden @josephbonneau @skominers with @alive_eth @cdixon

A tour through top-of-mind blockchain & crypto tech topics, explained by several a16z crypto researchers, including VDFs (verifiable delay functions); zk-rollups, SNARKs, and zero knowledge in general; and others. We quickly zip up and down the stack, and across themes -- such as scalability; data availability; reputation and the creator economy, also discussing applications for NFTs and more. 

It is based on a conversation that took place a few months ago (on the heels of our a16z crypto research lab announcement), live on Twitter with:

  • Tim Roughgarden, Head of Research at a16z crypto and professor in the computer science department at Columbia University;
  • Joseph Bonneau, research partner at a16z crypto, who also wrote the textbook on cryptocurrency technologies, pioneered VDFs, and has taught cryptocurrency courses at several top universities;  and
  • Scott Duke Kominers,  research partner at a16z crypto and professor of business administration at Harvard Business School, and a faculty affiliate of the Harvard Department of Economics, who also advises a variety of marketplace businesses, startups, and crypto projects, and serves as an expert on NFT-related matters.
  • ...with moderators and general partners Chris Dixon and Ali Yahya.

Be sure to also subscribe to our YouTube channel -- as well as our newsletter at a16zcrypto.substack.com -- for more related content, and videos from researchers, going deeper on the topics discussed in this episode and beyond... 

---

Welcome to web3 with a16z, a show about building the next generation of the internet, from the team at a16z crypto -- this show is for anyone (whether researcher, developer, engineer, artist, company leader, community manager, entrepreneur or other builder) -- seeking to understand, and go deeper on all things crypto and web3:  towards a decentralized, community-owned, and creator-owned internet.  


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]]> Sat, 6 Aug 2022 18:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Joseph Bonneau, Scott Kominers, Sonal Chokshi, Chris Dixon, Ali Yahya, Tim Roughgarden) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/hot-research-summer-blockchain-crypto-tech-topics-explainers-overviews-seminar-videos-zBXBqeye @tim_roughgarden @josephbonneau @skominers with @alive_eth @cdixon

A tour through top-of-mind blockchain & crypto tech topics, explained by several a16z crypto researchers, including VDFs (verifiable delay functions); zk-rollups, SNARKs, and zero knowledge in general; and others. We quickly zip up and down the stack, and across themes -- such as scalability; data availability; reputation and the creator economy, also discussing applications for NFTs and more. 

It is based on a conversation that took place a few months ago (on the heels of our a16z crypto research lab announcement), live on Twitter with:

  • Tim Roughgarden, Head of Research at a16z crypto and professor in the computer science department at Columbia University;
  • Joseph Bonneau, research partner at a16z crypto, who also wrote the textbook on cryptocurrency technologies, pioneered VDFs, and has taught cryptocurrency courses at several top universities;  and
  • Scott Duke Kominers,  research partner at a16z crypto and professor of business administration at Harvard Business School, and a faculty affiliate of the Harvard Department of Economics, who also advises a variety of marketplace businesses, startups, and crypto projects, and serves as an expert on NFT-related matters.
  • ...with moderators and general partners Chris Dixon and Ali Yahya.

Be sure to also subscribe to our YouTube channel -- as well as our newsletter at a16zcrypto.substack.com -- for more related content, and videos from researchers, going deeper on the topics discussed in this episode and beyond... 

---

Welcome to web3 with a16z, a show about building the next generation of the internet, from the team at a16z crypto -- this show is for anyone (whether researcher, developer, engineer, artist, company leader, community manager, entrepreneur or other builder) -- seeking to understand, and go deeper on all things crypto and web3:  towards a decentralized, community-owned, and creator-owned internet.  


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Top Tech Topics, Explained Joseph Bonneau, Scott Kominers, Sonal Chokshi, Chris Dixon, Ali Yahya, Tim Roughgarden 00:45:21 @tim_roughgarden @josephbonneau @skominers with @alive_eth @cdixon A tour through top-of-mind blockchain & crypto tech topics, explained by several a16z crypto researchers, including VDFs (verifiable delay functions); zk-rollups, SNARKs, and zero knowledge in general; and others. We quickly zip up and down the stack, and across themes -- such as scalability; data availability; reputation and the creator economy, also discussing applications for NFTs and more. Be sure to also subscribe to our YouTube channel -- search for 'a16z crypto research' -- as well as our newsletter at a16z crypto Substack for more content, and videos from researchers, with overviews of the topics discussed in this episode and beyond. @tim_roughgarden @josephbonneau @skominers with @alive_eth @cdixon A tour through top-of-mind blockchain & crypto tech topics, explained by several a16z crypto researchers, including VDFs (verifiable delay functions); zk-rollups, SNARKs, and zero knowledge in general; and others. We quickly zip up and down the stack, and across themes -- such as scalability; data availability; reputation and the creator economy, also discussing applications for NFTs and more. Be sure to also subscribe to our YouTube channel -- search for 'a16z crypto research' -- as well as our newsletter at a16z crypto Substack for more content, and videos from researchers, with overviews of the topics discussed in this episode and beyond. crypto, snarks, zkp, web3, zk proofs, data availability, ethereum, vdfs, zk-rollups, nft, creator economy, blockchain, nfts, scalability, vdf, zero knowledge, blockchains, snark, zk rollups false full 8 387b055c-3686-4a00-a548-3b7b4247b53e Policy Principles @jakeauch @cdixon @milesjennings

A quick overview of principles for thinking about policy, briefly covering topics and recent moves that are top of mind in U.S. crypto regulation -- from stablecoins to NFTs to DAOs to more. It is based (only lightly edited for this medium) on a live conversation that took place a couple weeks ago on Twitter with:

  • Congressman Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts, also Vice-Chair of the Financial Services Committee (he also formerly led product development at both a Fortune 100 insurance company and a cybersecurity startup);
  • Miles Jennings, general counsel and head of decentralization at a16z crypto who has advanced and published several frameworks for both builders and industry on topics such as decentralization in practice, legal frameworks for DAOs, and more;
  • Chris Dixon, a16z crypto founding general and managing partner who also moderates this conversation.

Welcome to web3 with a16z, a show about building the next generation of the internet from the team at a16z crypto. This show is for anyone -- whether developer, artist, community leader; startup entrepreneur or other builder, policymakers, company leaders, others – anyone seeking to understand, and go deeper on all things crypto and web3: towards a decentralized, community-owned, and creator-owned internet. 

As a reminder: None of the following is investment, business, tax, or legal advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Sat, 23 Jul 2022 18:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Miles Jennings, Jake Auchincloss, Chris Dixon) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/crypto-policy-principles-moves-news-auchincloss-dixon-jennings-uta1SzIq @jakeauch @cdixon @milesjennings

A quick overview of principles for thinking about policy, briefly covering topics and recent moves that are top of mind in U.S. crypto regulation -- from stablecoins to NFTs to DAOs to more. It is based (only lightly edited for this medium) on a live conversation that took place a couple weeks ago on Twitter with:

  • Congressman Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts, also Vice-Chair of the Financial Services Committee (he also formerly led product development at both a Fortune 100 insurance company and a cybersecurity startup);
  • Miles Jennings, general counsel and head of decentralization at a16z crypto who has advanced and published several frameworks for both builders and industry on topics such as decentralization in practice, legal frameworks for DAOs, and more;
  • Chris Dixon, a16z crypto founding general and managing partner who also moderates this conversation.

Welcome to web3 with a16z, a show about building the next generation of the internet from the team at a16z crypto. This show is for anyone -- whether developer, artist, community leader; startup entrepreneur or other builder, policymakers, company leaders, others – anyone seeking to understand, and go deeper on all things crypto and web3: towards a decentralized, community-owned, and creator-owned internet. 

As a reminder: None of the following is investment, business, tax, or legal advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Policy Principles Miles Jennings, Jake Auchincloss, Chris Dixon 00:26:24 @jakeauch @cdixon @milesjennings A quick overview of principles for thinking about policy, briefly covering topics and recent moves that are top of mind in U.S. crypto regulation -- from stablecoins to NFTs to DAOs more. @jakeauch @cdixon @milesjennings A quick overview of principles for thinking about policy, briefly covering topics and recent moves that are top of mind in U.S. crypto regulation -- from stablecoins to NFTs to DAOs more. crypto, web3, algorithmic stablecoins, dao, stablecoins, us dollar, nft, nfts, stablecoin, regulation, daos, currency, policy, innovation false full 7 0e1b950f-4cb6-4284-827d-936d09fe2082 Securing and Evolving NFTs with @x0rart / @blauyourmind, @nassyweazy, @smc90

Building “usable” security will be critical as NFTs scale across applications and mediums — including “dynamic NFTs” for art, identity, experiences (token access, more). In the latest episode of our podcast ‘web3 with a16z’, expert guests discuss security best practices for builders, experiments, and trends now and ahead — also addressing common myths and misconceptions along the way (artist royalties in smart contracts? immutability?... well…)
 

As a reminder: None of the following is investment, business, tax, or legal advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Mon, 18 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Michael Blau, Nassim Eddequiouaq, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/nfts-security-metadata-myths-dynamic-nfts-token-gated-experiences-0eWR1F5D with @x0rart / @blauyourmind, @nassyweazy, @smc90

Building “usable” security will be critical as NFTs scale across applications and mediums — including “dynamic NFTs” for art, identity, experiences (token access, more). In the latest episode of our podcast ‘web3 with a16z’, expert guests discuss security best practices for builders, experiments, and trends now and ahead — also addressing common myths and misconceptions along the way (artist royalties in smart contracts? immutability?... well…)
 

As a reminder: None of the following is investment, business, tax, or legal advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Securing and Evolving NFTs Michael Blau, Nassim Eddequiouaq, Sonal Chokshi 01:08:28 with @x0rart / @blauyourmind, @nassyweazy, @smc90 We cover the security and evolution of NFTs across applications and mediums -- including dynamic NFTs for art to identity to experiences; address common myths and misconceptions along the way (artist royalties in smart contracts? immutability?); and discuss experiments, trends, and applications of interest now and ahead. with @x0rart / @blauyourmind, @nassyweazy, @smc90 We cover the security and evolution of NFTs across applications and mediums -- including dynamic NFTs for art to identity to experiences; address common myths and misconceptions along the way (artist royalties in smart contracts? immutability?); and discuss experiments, trends, and applications of interest now and ahead. privacy, dynamic nfts, artists, smart contracts, minting, cross-chain nfts, bots, nft, security, metaverse, nfts, browsers, non fungible tokens, gaming, generative art, art, usability, social networks, interfaces, wallets false full 6 dcc77c80-5c78-4413-8633-3a8c49198b35 Puzzles (& Crypto) with @enigmida @skominers @smc90

A special bonus holiday episode (during our brief summer vacation) based on a hallway-style conversation we did linking two seemingly unrelated things: puzzle design, and crypto. 

What's the connection? Our experts  riff on all things puzzle design, from types of puzzles and mediums to mindsets -- as well as the parallels between the general principles of incentive design, engagement, accessibility, and more to NFTs, escape rooms, games, and other experience design -- drawing on their deep experience and passion from both inside puzzle communities and from work they've done for different crypto projects. 

Hosted by Sonal Chokshi, our guests in this episode are: Scott Kominers (a16z crypto research partner and professor at Harvard Business School), who also wrote Bloomberg’s puzzle column for a couple years; and Matthew Stein (former software engineer at Google and now full-time puzzle designer), who specializes in narrative puzzle hunts, as well as in designing alternate reality games for NFT communities, movies, musicians, companies, individuals, and others. Stein also designs puzzles for Art of Play's art journal; and is a reviewer for Room Escape Artist, the largest escape room website in North America, where he also writes about various topics in immersive gaming.
 

As a reminder, none of this is investment, legal, business, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Tue, 5 Jul 2022 18:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Matthew Stein, Scott Kominers, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/puzzle-design-experience-design-crypto-games-bonus-holiday-episode-aiRd_3on with @enigmida @skominers @smc90

A special bonus holiday episode (during our brief summer vacation) based on a hallway-style conversation we did linking two seemingly unrelated things: puzzle design, and crypto. 

What's the connection? Our experts  riff on all things puzzle design, from types of puzzles and mediums to mindsets -- as well as the parallels between the general principles of incentive design, engagement, accessibility, and more to NFTs, escape rooms, games, and other experience design -- drawing on their deep experience and passion from both inside puzzle communities and from work they've done for different crypto projects. 

Hosted by Sonal Chokshi, our guests in this episode are: Scott Kominers (a16z crypto research partner and professor at Harvard Business School), who also wrote Bloomberg’s puzzle column for a couple years; and Matthew Stein (former software engineer at Google and now full-time puzzle designer), who specializes in narrative puzzle hunts, as well as in designing alternate reality games for NFT communities, movies, musicians, companies, individuals, and others. Stein also designs puzzles for Art of Play's art journal; and is a reviewer for Room Escape Artist, the largest escape room website in North America, where he also writes about various topics in immersive gaming.
 

As a reminder, none of this is investment, legal, business, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Puzzles (& Crypto) Matthew Stein, Scott Kominers, Sonal Chokshi 01:07:25 with @enigmida @skominers @smc90 A special bonus holiday episode based on a hallway-style riff linking two seemingly unrelated things: puzzle design, and crypto -- covering types of puzzles, from mediums to mindsets; experience design and incentive design principles; NFTs, games, and much more. with @enigmida @skominers @smc90 A special bonus holiday episode based on a hallway-style riff linking two seemingly unrelated things: puzzle design, and crypto -- covering types of puzzles, from mediums to mindsets; experience design and incentive design principles; NFTs, games, and much more. crypto, puzzle hunts, game design, experience design, escape room, web3, puzzles, immersive, nfts, interaction design, args, arg, escape rooms, design, alternate reality games, mit mystery hunt false full 5 f090ba14-1419-4a6f-9339-271358a13fa5 Decentralized Creativity & Collaboration with @RMcElhenney @cdixon @smc90

This first live taping of 'web3 with a16z' took place an event hosted by a16z crypto & Adim during NFT NYC June 20, 2022 -- with special guest Rob McElhenney* in conversation with Chris Dixon and Sonal Chokshi. Given the theme of "decentralized media"/ "decentralized content creation", the conversation covers decentralized creativity and collaboration; community, creator access; IP and evolution of the internet; and where NFTs and web3 specifically comes in... do we really need web3 for this? 

We also touch on topics such as the metaverse, storytelling across mediums, managing writer’s rooms, favorite TV shows, nostalgia, and much more.

*Rob McElhenney is the creative force behind It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the critically-acclaimed FXX comedy series in which he co-stars and serves as executive producer and writer; the fifteenth season premiered in December 2021, breaking the record as the longest-running live-action television sitcom in history.  He  is also the creator, executive producer, and star of Mythic Quest, the acclaimed comedy series that debuted on Apple TV+ (co-created by Megan Ganz and Charlie Day, and a co-production of Ubisoft and Lionsgate Television); it was recognized as one of the best new series of 2020. McElhenney is the co-founder and co-chairperson of Adim, which brings web3 technology to creative development to build a new model and value network for creators and collaborators to have a stake in the success and evolution of what they create -- initially through a scaled network of writer's rooms and through a platform for a broad character ecosystem. 

**As a reminder, none of this is investment, legal, business, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. 


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]]> Mon, 27 Jun 2022 05:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Rob McElhenney, Chris Dixon, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/decentralized-media-creativity-collaboration-community-characters-nostalgia-2Swx_7yy with @RMcElhenney @cdixon @smc90

This first live taping of 'web3 with a16z' took place an event hosted by a16z crypto & Adim during NFT NYC June 20, 2022 -- with special guest Rob McElhenney* in conversation with Chris Dixon and Sonal Chokshi. Given the theme of "decentralized media"/ "decentralized content creation", the conversation covers decentralized creativity and collaboration; community, creator access; IP and evolution of the internet; and where NFTs and web3 specifically comes in... do we really need web3 for this? 

We also touch on topics such as the metaverse, storytelling across mediums, managing writer’s rooms, favorite TV shows, nostalgia, and much more.

*Rob McElhenney is the creative force behind It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the critically-acclaimed FXX comedy series in which he co-stars and serves as executive producer and writer; the fifteenth season premiered in December 2021, breaking the record as the longest-running live-action television sitcom in history.  He  is also the creator, executive producer, and star of Mythic Quest, the acclaimed comedy series that debuted on Apple TV+ (co-created by Megan Ganz and Charlie Day, and a co-production of Ubisoft and Lionsgate Television); it was recognized as one of the best new series of 2020. McElhenney is the co-founder and co-chairperson of Adim, which brings web3 technology to creative development to build a new model and value network for creators and collaborators to have a stake in the success and evolution of what they create -- initially through a scaled network of writer's rooms and through a platform for a broad character ecosystem. 

**As a reminder, none of this is investment, legal, business, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Decentralized Creativity & Collaboration Rob McElhenney, Chris Dixon, Sonal Chokshi 00:56:08 with @RMcElhenney @cdixon @smc90 Based on a live conversation that took place earlier this week at NFT NYC between special guest Rob McElhenney (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Mythic Quest; Adim); Chris Dixon, and Sonal Chokshi, this episode is all about the theme of decentralized media/ decentralized content creation. We cover creative collaboration and community; creator access; IP and evolution of the internet; and where NFTs and web3 specifically comes in -- do we really need web3 for this? The conversation also touches on topics such as the metaverse, storytelling across mediums, managing writer’s rooms, favorite TV shows, nostalgia, and much more. with @RMcElhenney @cdixon @smc90 Based on a live conversation that took place earlier this week at NFT NYC between special guest Rob McElhenney (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Mythic Quest; Adim); Chris Dixon, and Sonal Chokshi, this episode is all about the theme of decentralized media/ decentralized content creation. We cover creative collaboration and community; creator access; IP and evolution of the internet; and where NFTs and web3 specifically comes in -- do we really need web3 for this? The conversation also touches on topics such as the metaverse, storytelling across mediums, managing writer’s rooms, favorite TV shows, nostalgia, and much more. community, crypto, writer's rooms, creative collaboration, web3, hollywood, mythic quest, decentralized content, entertainment, decentralized media, it's always sunny in philadelphia, creator economy, nostalgia, metaverse, nfts, games, tv, the always sunny podcast, gaming, decentralized content creation, open source true full 4 da916ae7-b3c6-454a-b8d3-8b03b63b299a Auction Design for web3 with @skominers @tim_roughgarden @smc90

In this episode, we go into all things auctions – which, broadly defined, are simply ways of selling and allocating scarce things – and which applies in web3 contexts to everything from NFT mints, to blockchains themselves. (Which we also go into in this episode, including an overview of the technical challenges specific to mechanism design in a permissionless context. We also briefly cover EIP 1559). 

We provide a quick overview of auction types, and incentive design, and how it works in both theory and practice -- including the nuances of market-clearing prices, gas wars, and more… sharing tradeoffs, choices, and principles for builders designing these systems throughout. 

Our expert guests in conversation with host Sonal Chokshi are Scott Kominers, a16z crypto research partner and professor at Harvard Business School who specializes in market, marketplace, and incentive design; and Tim Roughgarden, head of research at a16zcrypto and professor at Columbia, who led the development of the field of algorithmic game theory -- which brings together computer science and economics to solve real-world computing problems. 

 

This conversation includes a brief mention of lotteries, which are sometimes used in conjunction with auctions, and which we kept for educational purposes only. Note there are some questions about the legality of such mechanisms like “sweepstakes” that narrow participants by requiring them to do something to enter -- so builders should NOT use these without consulting a lawyer. As a reminder, NONE of the following is legal, business, tax, or investment advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information. 

 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2022 05:00:00 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Scott Kominers, Sonal Chokshi, Tim Roughgarden) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/auction-design-mechanisms-incentives-choices-tradeoffs-d0EaHHIQ with @skominers @tim_roughgarden @smc90

In this episode, we go into all things auctions – which, broadly defined, are simply ways of selling and allocating scarce things – and which applies in web3 contexts to everything from NFT mints, to blockchains themselves. (Which we also go into in this episode, including an overview of the technical challenges specific to mechanism design in a permissionless context. We also briefly cover EIP 1559). 

We provide a quick overview of auction types, and incentive design, and how it works in both theory and practice -- including the nuances of market-clearing prices, gas wars, and more… sharing tradeoffs, choices, and principles for builders designing these systems throughout. 

Our expert guests in conversation with host Sonal Chokshi are Scott Kominers, a16z crypto research partner and professor at Harvard Business School who specializes in market, marketplace, and incentive design; and Tim Roughgarden, head of research at a16zcrypto and professor at Columbia, who led the development of the field of algorithmic game theory -- which brings together computer science and economics to solve real-world computing problems. 

 

This conversation includes a brief mention of lotteries, which are sometimes used in conjunction with auctions, and which we kept for educational purposes only. Note there are some questions about the legality of such mechanisms like “sweepstakes” that narrow participants by requiring them to do something to enter -- so builders should NOT use these without consulting a lawyer. As a reminder, NONE of the following is legal, business, tax, or investment advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information. 

 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Auction Design for web3 Scott Kominers, Sonal Chokshi, Tim Roughgarden 01:06:32 with @skominers @tim_roughgarden @smc90 All things auctions -- which applies in web3 contexts to everything from NFT mints to blockchains themselves. We provide an overview of auction types and incentive design, and how it works in both theory and practice -- including the nuances of market-clearing prices, gas wars, and more… sharing tradeoffs, choices, and principles for builders designing these systems throughout. with @skominers @tim_roughgarden @smc90 All things auctions -- which applies in web3 contexts to everything from NFT mints to blockchains themselves. We provide an overview of auction types and incentive design, and how it works in both theory and practice -- including the nuances of market-clearing prices, gas wars, and more… sharing tradeoffs, choices, and principles for builders designing these systems throughout. crypto, auction, eip 1559, web3, marketplaces, market design, education, mechanism design, ethereum, nfts, economics, auction theory, blockchains, tokenomics false full 3 8c7bfa89-033f-4538-84a3-ba2dc1bb3d4d Blockchains / Crypto / web3 with @cdixon @alive_eth @tim_roughgarden @smc90

We set some context, quickly, into the connection between blockchains, crypto, and web3 – and offer some useful analogies, and more mental models, for thinking about a blossoming area of computer science in both theory and practice. 
 

web3 with a16z is a new podcast for anyone seeking to understand and go deeper on blockchains, crypto, and web3. It is about how users and builders -- whether artists, coders, creators, developers, companies, organizations, or communities -- now have the ability to not just "read" (web1) + "write" (web2) but "own" (web3) and build with pieces of the internet, unlocking a new wave of creativity and entrepreneurship.

Brought to you by the team at a16z crypto (and the original team behind the a16z Podcast), this show features hallway conversations, discussions, interviews, oral essays, and more on the latest and leading trends in the space, including sharing research, occasional data readouts, and insights from the top scientists, and makers, in the space. It is hosted by Sonal Chokshi, longtime showrunner (2014-2022) and host of the popular a16z Podcast and network, now editor in chief at a16z crypto; as well as a rotating cast of characters from our team who appear in and occasionally co-host episodes as well.

In the initial episodes, we start by setting some quick context, before we dive deep the rest of the season on topics ranging from auction design and mechanics, NFTs, security, zero knowledge, gaming, decentralized media, tokenomics, history, infrastructure, roadmaps, and much more -- in the form of everything from hallway conversations to interviews to oral essays; but as always, as is a signature of our other shows, with high density insights and respect for our listeners' time and attention.

You can find show notes with links to resources, books, or papers discussed; transcripts; and more at a16zcrypto.com. 

This episode was produced, and edited by Sonal Chokshi. The episode was technically edited by our audio editor Justin Golden, with thanks to longtime sound engineer Seven Morris. Credit also to Moonshot Design for the art. And special acknowledgments to Chris Dixon, founder and managing partner; CMO Kim Milosevich; and several others on our team here for their support.

To follow more of our work and get updates, resources from us, and from others – be sure to subscribe to our newsletter web3 weekly; you can find it on our website at a16zcrypto.com. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Tue, 31 May 2022 21:14:18 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Chris Dixon, Ali Yahya, Tim Roughgarden, Sonal Chokshi) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/blockchains-crypto-web3-movement-models-0gtz69rv with @cdixon @alive_eth @tim_roughgarden @smc90

We set some context, quickly, into the connection between blockchains, crypto, and web3 – and offer some useful analogies, and more mental models, for thinking about a blossoming area of computer science in both theory and practice. 
 

web3 with a16z is a new podcast for anyone seeking to understand and go deeper on blockchains, crypto, and web3. It is about how users and builders -- whether artists, coders, creators, developers, companies, organizations, or communities -- now have the ability to not just "read" (web1) + "write" (web2) but "own" (web3) and build with pieces of the internet, unlocking a new wave of creativity and entrepreneurship.

Brought to you by the team at a16z crypto (and the original team behind the a16z Podcast), this show features hallway conversations, discussions, interviews, oral essays, and more on the latest and leading trends in the space, including sharing research, occasional data readouts, and insights from the top scientists, and makers, in the space. It is hosted by Sonal Chokshi, longtime showrunner (2014-2022) and host of the popular a16z Podcast and network, now editor in chief at a16z crypto; as well as a rotating cast of characters from our team who appear in and occasionally co-host episodes as well.

In the initial episodes, we start by setting some quick context, before we dive deep the rest of the season on topics ranging from auction design and mechanics, NFTs, security, zero knowledge, gaming, decentralized media, tokenomics, history, infrastructure, roadmaps, and much more -- in the form of everything from hallway conversations to interviews to oral essays; but as always, as is a signature of our other shows, with high density insights and respect for our listeners' time and attention.

You can find show notes with links to resources, books, or papers discussed; transcripts; and more at a16zcrypto.com. 

This episode was produced, and edited by Sonal Chokshi. The episode was technically edited by our audio editor Justin Golden, with thanks to longtime sound engineer Seven Morris. Credit also to Moonshot Design for the art. And special acknowledgments to Chris Dixon, founder and managing partner; CMO Kim Milosevich; and several others on our team here for their support.

To follow more of our work and get updates, resources from us, and from others – be sure to subscribe to our newsletter web3 weekly; you can find it on our website at a16zcrypto.com. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Blockchains / Crypto / web3 Chris Dixon, Ali Yahya, Tim Roughgarden, Sonal Chokshi 00:36:09 with @cdixon @alive_eth @tim_roughgarden @smc90 We set some context, quickly, into the connection between blockchains, crypto, and web3 – and offer some useful analogies, and more mental models, for thinking about a blossoming area of computer science in both theory and practice. with @cdixon @alive_eth @tim_roughgarden @smc90 We set some context, quickly, into the connection between blockchains, crypto, and web3 – and offer some useful analogies, and more mental models, for thinking about a blossoming area of computer science in both theory and practice. crypto, analogies, web3, history, internet, future, mental models, blockchains, innovation false full 2 01f154d4-b5d3-4392-9e4f-de1bd1f49d63 Methods to the Madness with @cdixon @eddylazzarin @smc90

A conversation about the markets and how recent events affect crypto and web3; mental models for thinking about crypto and web3, and the longer arc and evolution of technology history, open source, etc.; and methods & metrics for measuring price-innovation cycle ebbs and flows, creators in web2 vs web3, and much more -- as well as key trends that are top of mind.
 

web3 with a16z is a new podcast for anyone seeking to understand and go deeper on blockchains, crypto, and web3. It is about how users and builders -- whether artists, coders, creators, developers, companies, organizations, or communities -- now have the ability to not just "read" (web1) + "write" (web2) but "own" (web3) and build with pieces of the internet, unlocking a new wave of creativity and entrepreneurship.

Brought to you by the team at a16z crypto (and the original team behind the a16z Podcast), this show features hallway conversations, discussions, interviews, oral essays, and more on the latest and leading trends in the space, including sharing research, occasional data readouts, and insights from the top scientists, and makers, in the space. It is hosted by Sonal Chokshi, longtime showrunner (2014-2022) and host of the popular a16z Podcast and network, now editor in chief at a16z crypto; as well as a rotating cast of characters from our team who appear in and occasionally co-host episodes as well.

In the initial episodes, we start by setting some quick context, before we dive deep the rest of the season on topics ranging from auction design and mechanics, NFTs, security, zero knowledge, gaming, decentralized media, tokenomics, history, infrastructure, roadmaps, and much more -- in the form of everything from hallway conversations to interviews to oral essays; but as always, as is a signature of our other shows, with high density insights and respect for our listeners' time and attention.

You can find show notes with links to resources, books, or papers discussed; transcripts; and more at a16zcrypto.com. 

This episode was produced, and edited by Sonal Chokshi. The episode was technically edited by our audio editor Justin Golden, with thanks to longtime sound engineer Seven Morris. Credit also to Moonshot Design for the art. And special acknowledgments to Chris Dixon, founder and managing partner; CMO Kim Milosevich; and several others on our team here for their support.

To follow more of our work and get updates, resources from us, and from others – be sure to subscribe to our newsletter web3 weekly; you can find it on our website at a16zcrypto.com. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Tue, 31 May 2022 21:13:53 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Sonal Chokshi, Chris Dixon, Eddy Lazzarin) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/methods-madness-markets-mental-models-crypto-web3-xQwltoHQ with @cdixon @eddylazzarin @smc90

A conversation about the markets and how recent events affect crypto and web3; mental models for thinking about crypto and web3, and the longer arc and evolution of technology history, open source, etc.; and methods & metrics for measuring price-innovation cycle ebbs and flows, creators in web2 vs web3, and much more -- as well as key trends that are top of mind.
 

web3 with a16z is a new podcast for anyone seeking to understand and go deeper on blockchains, crypto, and web3. It is about how users and builders -- whether artists, coders, creators, developers, companies, organizations, or communities -- now have the ability to not just "read" (web1) + "write" (web2) but "own" (web3) and build with pieces of the internet, unlocking a new wave of creativity and entrepreneurship.

Brought to you by the team at a16z crypto (and the original team behind the a16z Podcast), this show features hallway conversations, discussions, interviews, oral essays, and more on the latest and leading trends in the space, including sharing research, occasional data readouts, and insights from the top scientists, and makers, in the space. It is hosted by Sonal Chokshi, longtime showrunner (2014-2022) and host of the popular a16z Podcast and network, now editor in chief at a16z crypto; as well as a rotating cast of characters from our team who appear in and occasionally co-host episodes as well.

In the initial episodes, we start by setting some quick context, before we dive deep the rest of the season on topics ranging from auction design and mechanics, NFTs, security, zero knowledge, gaming, decentralized media, tokenomics, history, infrastructure, roadmaps, and much more -- in the form of everything from hallway conversations to interviews to oral essays; but as always, as is a signature of our other shows, with high density insights and respect for our listeners' time and attention.

You can find show notes with links to resources, books, or papers discussed; transcripts; and more at a16zcrypto.com. 

This episode was produced, and edited by Sonal Chokshi. The episode was technically edited by our audio editor Justin Golden, with thanks to longtime sound engineer Seven Morris. Credit also to Moonshot Design for the art. And special acknowledgments to Chris Dixon, founder and managing partner; CMO Kim Milosevich; and several others on our team here for their support.

To follow more of our work and get updates, resources from us, and from others – be sure to subscribe to our newsletter web3 weekly; you can find it on our website at a16zcrypto.com. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Methods to the Madness Sonal Chokshi, Chris Dixon, Eddy Lazzarin 01:04:46 with @cdixon @eddylazzarin @smc90 A conversation about the markets and how recent events affect crypto and web3; mental models for thinking about crypto and web3, and the longer arc and evolution of technology history, open source, etc.; and methods & metrics for measuring price-innovation cycle ebbs and flows, creators in web2 vs web3, and much more -- as well as key trends that are top of mind. with @cdixon @eddylazzarin @smc90 A conversation about the markets and how recent events affect crypto and web3; mental models for thinking about crypto and web3, and the longer arc and evolution of technology history, open source, etc.; and methods & metrics for measuring price-innovation cycle ebbs and flows, creators in web2 vs web3, and much more -- as well as key trends that are top of mind. crypto, web3, innovation cycles, cycles of innovation, history, internet, mental models, blockchains, innovation false full 1 6a0d92e2-87b7-4feb-95d0-3eed216a2b4a web3 with a16z, a show about the next internet Fri, 20 May 2022 23:43:24 +0000 sonal@a16z.com (Andreessen Horowitz) https://web3-with-a16z.simplecast.com/episodes/web3-with-a16z-a-show-about-the-next-internet-RBVtMkwX web3 with a16z, a show about the next internet Andreessen Horowitz 00:02:02 "web3 with a16z" is a show about the next generation of the internet, and about how builders and users -- whether artists, coders, creators, developers, companies, organizations, or communities -- now have the ability to not just "read" (web1) + "write" (web2) but "own" (web3) pieces of the internet, unlocking a new wave of creativity and entrepreneurship. Brought to you by a16z crypto, this show is the definitive resource for understanding and going deeper on all things crypto and web3. From discussing the latest and leading trends to sharing research, data readouts, and insights from top scientists and makers in the space, this is a variety show with a variety of formats and topics listeners can pick and choose from. It is hosted by the longtime showrunner of (and original team behind) the popular a16z Podcast. Learn more at a16zcrypto.com. "web3 with a16z" is a show about the next generation of the internet, and about how builders and users -- whether artists, coders, creators, developers, companies, organizations, or communities -- now have the ability to not just "read" (web1) + "write" (web2) but "own" (web3) pieces of the internet, unlocking a new wave of creativity and entrepreneurship. Brought to you by a16z crypto, this show is the definitive resource for understanding and going deeper on all things crypto and web3. From discussing the latest and leading trends to sharing research, data readouts, and insights from top scientists and makers in the space, this is a variety show with a variety of formats and topics listeners can pick and choose from. It is hosted by the longtime showrunner of (and original team behind) the popular a16z Podcast. Learn more at a16zcrypto.com. false trailer