On today's episode of Empire Haseeb and Avichal return to Empire to discuss crypto in 2024. They debate whether we're entering a bull market and analyze key indicators like retail engagement, institutional flows, and blockchain development activity. The majority of the conversation focuses on a debate of the EVM versus alternative chains like Solana, Monad, or other virtual machines. They also touch on the sustainability of meme coins, and whether major consumer apps will emerge this cycle. They close out by discussing crypto's scalability trilemma, the prospect of regional fragmentation, and whether financialization detracts from user experience in areas like gaming. Stay tuned for all of this and much more!

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Join us at DAS (Digital Asset Summit) in London this March! DAS is the #1 institutional conference in crypto, hosted by Blockworks.

Use the link below to learn more, and use EMPIRE10 to get 10% off your ticket! Sign up now because the price goes up every month. See you there!

Learn more + get your ticket here: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2024-london/home

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Timestamps:

(01:48) Where are we in the cycle

(07:28) Allocation Decisions and Mindset

(11:30) Sentiment Outstripping Fundamentals

(20:23) Developer Report & Performant Chains Exposure

(29:49) Market Structure of Virtual Machine Adoption

(42:21) EVM Landscape Prediction

(56:26) Arbitrum Ad

(57:13) Harpie Ad

(58:28) Can Solana Overtake Ethereum?

(01:09:00) The Big Consumer App

(01:25:28) Speculation vs Social Experiences

(01:31:15) Meme Coin Perspective

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Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.