In this episode of Licensed to Shill, the Blockcast crew dives headfirst into the industry's accelerating maturity, turbocharged by eye-popping M&A deals and the convergence of TradFi and crypto. Your host Takatoshi Shibayama is joined by Lisa J.Y. Tan (Economics Design), Nikhil Joshi (Emurgo), and Valentin Fournier (BRN) for a no-holds-barred analysis of the industry's most compelling narratives.

Topics Discussed:

• Crypto’s Billion-Dollar Shopping Spree:
  Coinbase acquires Deribit, Kraken snags NinjaTrader, Ripple and Stripe enter the fray — what's fueling this tidal wave of M&A?
• TradFi vs. Crypto: Who’s Swallowing Whom?
  The panel debates whether crypto is becoming more like TradFi — or the other way around.
• Equity vs. Tokens:
  Are token-based startups doomed to stay in the shadows of equity-heavy crypto giants?
• Bitcoin-Holding Public Companies – Hype or Hedge?
  Why are firms like 21 Capital and Nakamoto listing just to buy Bitcoin? Is this the next ETF workaround?
• Launchpads & Internet Capital Markets:
  Lisa introduces Believe, a Solana-based auto-tokenizing Launchpad. Are we democratizing early-stage funding — or reinventing pump-and-dumps?
• Retail = Exit Liquidity?
  Nikhil throws down a challenge: Are “community” and “creator economy” just euphemisms for exit liquidity?
• Valentin’s Market Breakdown:
  With BTC dominance dropping and alts pumping, are we heading into a new altseason? Plus: How inflation data and trade negotiations could turn the tide.

Links & Mentions:

• Blockhead.co – Your go-to for Web3 news.
• BRN (Blockhead Research Network) –  Daily market insights by Valentin.

🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money.
Reach us at [email protected].

In this episode, Taka sits down with Davide Menegaldo, a true crypto OG, to explore his journey from Bitcoin maximalism to building infrastructure at Neon EVM, which enables EVM-based dApps to run on Solana. 

Davide shares insights on the evolution of blockchain infrastructure, Ethereum's Layer 2 challenges, Solana’s rapid growth, and the future of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. He also discusses developer onboarding, AI integrations, DeFi composability, and how Solana Mobile might bring Web3 to the masses.

Resources Mentioned:

• Neon EVM Website
• Solana Mobile
• Blockchain Education Network (BEN)
• Project 00 (Decentralized fiber network for blockchain)

Connect with Davide Menegaldo:
 🔗 LinkedIn
🐦 Twitter

🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money.
Reach us at [email protected].

This week we have a special guest, Jeremy Tan, the independent candidate for Mountbatten SMC who garnered a surprising 36% of the vote in Singapore's general election by centering his campaign on, among other things, Bitcoin adoption. Jeremy discusses his motivations for bringing Bitcoin into the political arena, highlighting the need for Singapore to consider it as a hedge against US dollar instability, and addresses the Monetary Authority of Singapore's (MAS) cautious stance on crypto, suggesting a disconnect between the official narrative and behind-the-scenes activity.

A key focus is Tan's proposal for a Singapore Dollar-denominated Bitcoin ETF (BITS ETF) and its potential to act as a "liquidity sponge" for family offices and provide Singaporeans with a new avenue for retirement savings, moving away from the reliance on property as the primary asset. He also advocates for the inclusion of Bitcoin in Singapore's official foreign reserves, arguing that "Gold is an inferior reserve commodity to Bitcoin. We need to embrace the future or risk getting left behind."

🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money.
Reach us at [email protected].

In this episode, Takatoshi Shibayama speaks with Alex Ryvkin, founder of Rho Labs, about the launch of Rho Protocol, the first institutional-grade market for crypto interest rates. 

Alex explains the significance of "crypto-native" rates like staking yields and perp funding rates, highlighting the extreme volatility of the latter and the need for hedging tools. He explains how Rho Protocol enables traders to manage funding rate risk, enhance basis trading strategies, and potentially shape the future of crypto lending. Alex also shares insights on the market's evolution, feedback since launch, and the anticipated growth of the crypto rates market, drawing parallels with the massive traditional finance rates market.

🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money.
Reach us at [email protected].

In the latest episode of Blockcast, host Takatoshi Shibayama sits down with Hassan Ahmed, the Country Director for Coinbase Singapore, for an insightful conversation that unpacks Coinbase's ambitious plans in the Asia Pacific region and the broader evolution of the crypto industry, providing valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of digital assets. 

Ahmed's journey into crypto is as compelling as the company he now leads in Southeast Asia. Hassan shares his fascinating journey from traditional finance to the forefront of the crypto revolution, offering insights into Coinbase's multi-faceted approach, its expansion strategy in APAC, and the exciting developments within their ecosystem, including Base and stablecoins. Tune in to hear Hassan Ahmed's expert perspective on the trends shaping the industry and Coinbase's pivotal role in this transformation.

🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money.
Reach us at [email protected].

Ever wondered how Web3 will reach billions? Tune in as we chat with Sota Watanabe, CEO of ⁠Startale Group⁠ about his ambitious vision. Startale's portfolio includes Astar Network and the exciting new Ethereum Layer-2, Soneium, developed in partnership with Sony Group using Optimism's OP Stack for faster and cheaper transactions.

We unpack Soneium, their new cost-effective Ethereum Layer-2, the groundbreaking collaboration with Sony, and Sota's insights on the future of blockchain. Get ready for a deep dive into the next evolution of the internet!

🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money.
Reach us at [email protected].

Host Takatoshi Shibayama is joined by Nikhil Joshi, chief operating officer, Emurgo, and Lisa JY Tan, founder and founding economist, Economics Design, to discuss the latest news and developments in the crypto industry.

The panel addresses the current market panic, questioning Bitcoin's role as a hedge amidst Fed influence and stock-crypto divergence, the current state of Ethereum, the acquisition of Hidden Road, and the next generation of fintech. The discussion on Ethereum covers its market performance in early April 2025, trading with volatility around the $1600-$1800 range and below major EMAs, indicating continued bearish pressure according to some analyses. A key point is the upcoming Pectra upgrade scheduled for May 7th, 2025, which aims to enhance staking by increasing limits to 2,048 ETH and improve user experience through account abstraction, enabling features like batched transactions and stablecoin gas payments, alongside boosting Layer 2 scalability. 

The panelists also look at Ripple's significant $1.25 billion acquisition of Hidden Road in early April 2025, which establishes Ripple as the first crypto firm to own a global, multi-asset prime broker, clearing over $3 trillion annually and serving over 300 institutional clients across FX, digital assets, derivatives, and fixed income. Hidden Road recently secured FINRA approval as a broker-dealer, allowing expansion of its prime brokerage services. Finally, they touch on the next generation of fintech, highlighting the increasing application of AI for fraud prevention and personalized services.

🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money.
Reach us at [email protected].

Ever wondered what happens when AI, crypto, and the adult entertainment industry collide?

This week, Blockcast delves into the developing space of digital interaction with Nic Young, CEO of Oh, a platform at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency within the adult entertainment industry. Nic unpacks how Oh is building AI-powered digital companions, including realistic twins of creators, offering a personalized and uncensored experience underpinned by crypto transactions: "We felt that it was the perfect incubator... an industry that really needs crypto." 

This episode offers an exploration of how blockchain technology is set to revolutionize creator economies and user experiences in a traditionally opaque sector. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of cutting-edge tech and a significant global industry.

🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money.
Reach us at [email protected].

Jacob Phillips began his entry into crypto with an interest in finance and technology, leading him to a crypto fund in Cleveland during the 2018 boom. This experience deepened his understanding of blockchain and its long-term potential as major institutions and VCs entered the space. 

His career accelerated when he joined Polychain in 2020, working with top investors to evaluate projects and navigate the explosive growth of DeFi. He played a role in investments like BadgerDAO, which aimed to integrate Bitcoin into decentralized finance but ultimately faced structural limitations.

In 2024, he co-founded Lombard to address these gaps, focusing on Bitcoin liquidity and staking solutions. While Ethereum and Solana rapidly iterated on DeFi, Bitcoin lacked a strong developer ecosystem—but Jacob saw this changing with new projects like Babylon and EigenLayer.

In this Blockcast episode, Jacob reflects on Lombard's core mission to enable secure, permissionless Bitcoin staking and liquidity through its liquid staking token, LBTC. He highlights the challenge of trustless Bitcoin DeFi and the importance of balancing decentralization with institutional security. Lombard first onboarded DeFi-native users before expanding to institutional players, ensuring credibility and capital strength. 

🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money.
Reach us at [email protected].

Chris Yu co-founded SignalPlus in 2021 to address key gaps in the crypto options market, leveraging his experience as a trader and his insights into the market's early-stage potential.

In this Blockcast episode, Yu explains why he sees the state of crypto options resembling the FX options market around 2000 and why there is an opportunity to build infrastructure that could scale with the industry's growth.

Yu reveals how SignalPlus adopted a volume-based revenue model, details its trading tools and portfolio management, reflects on its market making infratructure, and highlights its structured products.

He also discusses the biggest challenges in challenges in crypto trading is managing a 24/7 market with traditional approaches, and how SignalPlus is addressing these issues by developing a robotic system capable of automating market making and risk management. 

Looking to the future, Yu envisions integrating AI and quantum computing into their systems to further automate trading and risk managementm and shares his advice for young professionals.

🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money.
Reach us at [email protected].