Empire

In today's episode Kuzco founder Sam Hogan explores AI's major infrastructure shift, explaining why inference computing is set to dominate 99% of AI compute within five years. He details how Kuzco is building a global marketplace for idle GPU power, leveraging crypto for payments and verification. The conversation evolves from technical infrastructure to the emergence of AI agents, their potential impacts, and concludes with insights on preserving human value and authentic connections in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Resources

https://kuzco.xyz/

https://x.com/kuzco_xyz

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Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis.

Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts

Follow Sam: https://x.com/0xSamHogan

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:26) AI Inference Marketplace

(05:10) Training vs Inference

(09:37) Why Found Kuzco

(13:26) Why Crypto

(23:47) Grand Product Vision

(27:17) Ai Agent Explosion

(38:39) Human vs AI Interaction

(51:43) Evolution of Human Skillsets

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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.

In today's episode Alex Botte and Alexander Pack from Hack VC break down Ethereum's controversial shift from monolithic to modular. Starting with ETH's foundational decision to embrace L2s, they analyze the four key impacts on price, token value distribution, market share, and future adaptability. The discussion explores parallels with AWS, debates "ETH as money," and examines Solana's coming challenges with modularity. They close with predictions on which L1s and L2s will dominate in 2025, offering insights into crypto's evolving infrastructure landscape. Thanks for tuning in!

Resources

https://blog.hack.vc/was-modular-a-mistake-a-data-driven-take-on-ethereums-grand-strategy/

- -

Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis.

Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts

Follow Alex: https://x.com/alpackaP

Follow Alex: https://x.com/Alex__Botte

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Follow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel

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Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j

Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7

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Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/

- -

Explore the SKALE Ecosystem at skale.space/ecosystem and stay up to date with the gas-free blockchain on X at @skalenetwork

- -

Magic Eden is getting into token trading and their vision is to become onchain Binance and then much more as the entire world ends up moving on chain

- -

The self-custody wallet that's built for swapping. Created for a multi-chain world by the most trusted team in DeFi.

Available on Chrome, iOS, and Android.

https://blckwrks.co/UniswapWallet

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:47) Ethereum's Modular Decision

(09:14) Has Modularity Hurt ETH Price

(16:45) Amazon vs Ethereum

(24:59) 4 Impacts of Modularity

(35:53) Skale Ad

(36:32) Magic Eden Ad

(37:16) Uniswap Ad

(37:49) How to Fix ETH

(43:15) ETH as Money is Dead

(47:17) Ethereum Bull Case

(57:12) Solana's Position

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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.

Gm! This week, we discuss the market dump, the Fed, a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, how to approach dip buying, Hyperliquid, AI agents, and much more! Enjoy

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Follow Avi: https://twitter.com/AviFelman

Follow Jonah: https://twitter.com/jvb_xyz

Follow 1000x: https://twitter.com/1000xPod

Join the 1000x Telegram: https://t.me/+fz-2f0cwC6o0MWNh

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Definitive is a multichain trading platform used by top funds, DAOs and pro traders.

Get the best trade execution for every token on every chain, with your order routed to every liquidity pool. Maximize your gains with automated TWAPs and Limit orders.

For our 1000x listeners - get no fees on your first $100K in trading volume:

blockworks.definitive.fi

--

Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/

--

Timestamps:

(0:00) The Market Dump

(9:44) The Fed

(14:53) Definitive Ad

(15:46) Bitcoin Strategic Reserve

(22:56) Bitcoin Price

(28:05) Figuring Out What To Buy

(32:15) Volatility & Dip Buying

(39:25) Trading On-Chain

(41:37) Hyperliquid & Decentralized Exchanges

(50:03) AI Agents

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Disclaimer: Nothing said on 1000x is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Avi, Jonah and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed

In today's episode Mike Dudas and Carl Vogel of 6th Man Ventures join Jason to unpack their fund's strategy heading into 2025. They dive deep into their investment thesis across various sectors including DePin, AI, and consumer applications. The discussion explores the evolving landscape of token economies, the future of crypto venture capital, and their controversial takes on industry giants like Coinbase. They close out by highlighting the growing intersection of social media with financial applications. Thanks for tuning in!

- -

Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis.

Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts

Follow Mike: https://x.com/mdudas

Follow Carl: https://x.com/carlkvogel

Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz

Follow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel

Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod

Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j

Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7

Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw

Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/

- -

Explore the SKALE Ecosystem at skale.space/ecosystem and stay up to date with the gas-free blockchain on X at @skalenetwork

- -

Magic Eden is getting into token trading and their vision is to become onchain Binance and then much more as the entire world ends up moving on chain

- -

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:37  Are VCs Founders

06:37 Evolution of Fund Raising

12:07 Origins of 6th Man Ventures

18:24 Finding Top Founders & Companies

23:18 2025 Investing Landscape

38:03 Skale Ad

38:42 Magic Eden Ad

39:26 DePin Opportunity

50:44 Crypto & AI Venture

54:22 Explosion of Tokens

58:25 L1s vs L2s

01:02:55 Coinbase Hot Takes

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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.

In this week's roundup we are joined buy Pudgy Penguins founder Luca Netz to unpack the recent Pengu token launch. He shares the journey from surviving the bear market with just $500k in the bank to becoming a global brand in Walmart, and explains why Pudgy Penguins is positioned to become crypto's first consumer conglomerate. The conversation delves into the challenges of fundraising for IP projects, strategic decisions around launching on Solana versus Abstract L2, and how the project aims to transcend traditional memecoins to become a cultural phenomenon. Thanks for tuning in!

- -

Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis.

Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts

Follow Luca: https://x.com/lucanetz

Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz

Follow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel

Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod

Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j

Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7ww

Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw

Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/

- -

Explore the SKALE Ecosystem at skale.space/ecosystem and stay up to date with the gas-free blockchain on X at @skalenetwork

- -

It's time for an on chain Binance to emerge.

Magic Eden is getting into token trading and their vision is to become on chain Binance and then much more as the entire world ends up moving on chain

- -

The self-custody wallet that's built for swapping. Created for a multi-chain world by the most trusted team in DeFi.

Available on Chrome, iOS, and Android.

https://blckwrks.co/UniswapWallet

- -

$cmETH, a Mantle native liquid restaking token, will launch together with Season 2: Methamorphosis, allowing users to easily participate in restaking, and earn $COOK rewards in addition to other yields.

$COOK, the governance token of mETH Protocol, will allow holders to play a pivotal role in directing the strategic future of mETH Protocol.

Learn more: https://x.com/mETHProtocol

- -

Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors Empire podcast. Celebrating 10 years of protecting over 20% of the world’s crypto, Ledger ensures the security of your assets. For the best self-custody solution in the space, buy a LEDGER™ device and secure your crypto today.

Buy now at Ledger.com

- -

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:51) Pudgy Airdrop Review

(12:16) Why launch a coin

(24:56) Solana, zkSync, L2 Decision Making

(30:53) Skale Ad

(31:32) Magic Eden Ad

(32:16) Uniswap Ad

(32:48) Mantle Ad

(33:43) Ledger Ad

(34:30) Walmart Deal making

(51:48) Difficulty of Raising

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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.

The Hivemind team dives into crypto's hottest narratives heading into 2025. They kick off with their expectations of Bitcoin heading into January and debate the odds of Trump's strategic reserve move. The team then unpacks the emerging AI agent ecosystem, debating whether platform tokens like Virtuals will outperform individual agents, before concluding an analysis of the merits of early-stage investing through platforms like Echo and Legion versus staying liquid in the current market cycle. Thanks for tuning in!

Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis.

Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts

Follow Ceteris: https://twitter.com/ceterispar1bus

Follow Jose: https://x.com/ZeMariaMacedo

Follow Yan: https://x.com/YanLiberman

Follow Jason: https://x.com/3xliquidated

Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod

Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j

Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7

Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw

Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/

- -

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(2:22) Crypto's EOY Outlook

(19:27) Solana's Outlook & Competing App Chains

(28:51) 2025 Markets Report

(37:58) The Return of Fundamentals

(40:28) AI Agent Meta

(54:38) What's Next for AI Agents?

(1:02:30) Liquid vs Venture

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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.

Gm! This week, after a week off, we discuss Bitcoin breaking $100k! We deep dive into crypto’s 2025 cycle top, the Michael Saylor BTC bid, the rise of AI agents, the rotation to alt’s & what to expect in 2025. Enjoy!

--

Follow Avi: https://twitter.com/AviFelman

Follow Jonah: https://twitter.com/jvb_xyz

Follow 1000x: https://twitter.com/1000xPod

Join the 1000x Telegram: https://t.me/+fz-2f0cwC6o0MWNh

--

Definitive is a multichain trading platform used by top funds, DAOs and pro traders.

Get the best trade execution for every token on every chain, with your order routed to every liquidity pool. Maximize your gains with automated TWAPs and Limit orders.

For our 1000x listeners - get no fees on your first $100K in trading volume:

blockworks.definitive.fi

--

Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/

--

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(2:12) Bitcoin Breaks $100k

(6:03) The Michael Saylor BTC Bid

(11:31) Definitive Ad

(12:24) Bitcoin Dominance & The Alt Rotation

(14:01) Picking Winners This Cycle

(22:19) Memes

(26:06) AI Agents

(44:03) Crypto's Cycle Top

(55:26) Bullish Human Innovation

(1:02:49) How To Trade This Market

--

Disclaimer: Nothing said on 1000x is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Avi, Jonah and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed

In today's episode Dan from CMS and Ro from Hack join us to explore what's truly different about this crypto cycle and what patterns are destined to repeat. We examined the notable absence of credit markets compared to previous cycles and investigated why leverage hasn't built up in the system this time around. We unpacked the evolving L1 landscape, debated token distribution models, and analyzed the return of "hot money" flowing through various sectors from memecoins to NFTs. We closed out by diving into institutional perspectives on market structure and potential risks, providing listeners with a comprehensive framework for building their crypto portfolio strategy for 2025. Thanks for tuning in!

- -

Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis.

Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts

Follow Ro: https://x.com/roshunpatel

Follow Dan: https://x.com/cmsholdings

Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz

Follow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel

Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod

Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j

Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7ww

Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw

Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/

- -

Explore the SKALE Ecosystem at skale.space/ecosystem and stay up to date with the gas-free blockchain on X at @skalenetwork

- -

It's time for an on chain Binance to emerge.

Magic Eden is getting into token trading and their vision is to become on chain Binance and then much more as the entire world ends up moving on chain

- -

Toku simplifies every part of global token compensation — everything from paying full time employees in stablecoins, issuing token grants to your team and investors, all in 100 countries on one platform.

Talk to Toku today at: https://www.toku.com/

- -

Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors Empire podcast. Celebrating 10 years of protecting over 20% of the world’s crypto, Ledger ensures the security of your assets. For the best self-custody solution in the space, buy a LEDGER™ device and secure your crypto today.

Buy now at Ledger.com

- -

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:57  Tungsten Cube & Pepe Mural Stor

04:47  Is this Cycle different?

15:20  Biggest Risks in Crypt

22:24  Eth/Btc & Sol/Eth Chart

25:26  New Altcoin

30:28 The L1 Trade

37:25 Skale Ad

38:05 Magic Eden Ad

38:49 Toku Ad

39:39 Ledger Ad

40:24  Death of Crypto Venture

55:14  Crypto's IPO Craze

58:34  A16z/s Monopol

01:05:08  Do Dino Coins Run

01:08:14 Chasing the hot ball

01:10:13  When you Retire

- -

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.

In today's episode Rushi from Movement Labs joins us right after their token launch to discuss what actually happens behind the scenes when launching a token in today's market. They cover the realities of working with exchanges, market makers, and dealing with the immense pressure founders face. We explore Movement's vision for bringing Web2 companies into crypto, why the next four years are critical for the industry, and how to grow from 30 million to 100 million real crypto users. Thanks for tuning in!

- -

Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis.

Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts

Follow Rushi: https://x.com/rushimanche

Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz

Follow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel

Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod

Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j

Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7ww

Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw

Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/

- -

Explore the SKALE Ecosystem at skale.space/ecosystem and stay up to date with the gas-free blockchain on X at @skalenetwork

- -

It's time for an on chain Binance to emerge.

Magic Eden is getting into token trading and their vision is to become on chain Binance and then much more as the entire world ends up moving on chain

- -

Toku simplifies every part of global token compensation — everything from paying full time employees in stablecoins, issuing token grants to your team and investors, all in 100 countries on one platform.

Talk to Toku today at: https://www.toku.com/

- -

Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors Empire podcast. Celebrating 10 years of protecting over 20% of the world’s crypto, Ledger ensures the security of your assets. For the best self-custody solution in the space, buy a LEDGER™ device and secure your crypto today.

Buy now at Ledger.com

- -

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:15  Movement Token Launch

16:07  Behind the Scenes of Token Launch

29:06  Move's Narrative

38:14 Skale Ad

38:53 Magic Eden Ad

39:37 Toku Ad

40:28 Ledger Ad

41:11  How Early is Crypto

49:47 Incentivizing Apps & Ecosystem

01:02:57 Addressing CT

- -

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.

In today's episode Steve Lee and Ren break down their latest research paper on Bitcoin's consensus mechanism and power dynamics. They analyze the six key stakeholder groups that influence Bitcoin's future and discuss why covenants could trigger the next major chain split. The conversation then explores the unique powers of self-custody Bitcoin holders, the growing influence of ETFs, and why application developers might push for contentious changes in 2025. Thanks for tuning in!

https://github.com/bitcoin-cap/bcap/blob/main/bcap_v1.0.pdf

- -

Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis.

Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts

Follow Ren: https://x.com/0xren_cf

Follow Steve: https://x.com/moneyball

Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz

Follow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel

Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod

Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j

Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7ww

Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw

Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/

- -

Explore the SKALE Ecosystem at skale.space/ecosystem and stay up to date with the gas-free blockchain on X at @skalenetwork

- -

It's time for an on chain Binance to emerge.

Magic Eden is getting into token trading and their vision is to become on chain Binance and then much more as the entire world ends up moving on chain

- -

The self-custody wallet that's built for swapping. Created for a multi-chain world by the most trusted team in DeFi.

Available on Chrome, iOS, and Android.

https://blckwrks.co/UniswapWallet

- -

$cmETH, a Mantle native liquid restaking token, will launch together with Season 2: Methamorphosis, allowing users to easily participate in restaking, and earn $COOK rewards in addition to other yields.

$COOK, the governance token of mETH Protocol, will allow holders to play a pivotal role in directing the strategic future of mETH Protocol.

Learn more: https://x.com/mETHProtocol

- -

Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors Empire podcast. Celebrating 10 years of protecting over 20% of the world’s crypto, Ledger ensures the security of your assets. For the best self-custody solution in the space, buy a LEDGER™ device and secure your crypto today.

Buy now at Ledger.com

- -

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:58 Bitcoin's Block Size Wars

14:07 Bitcoin Consensus Overview

21:25 Stakeholders in Blockchains

51:24 Skale Ad

52:03 Magic Eden Ad

52:47 Uniswap Ad

53:19 Mantle Ad

54:13 Ledger Ad

54:56 Protocol vs App Devs

58:59 Who has the Power?

01:04:17 Value of Self Custody

01:09:45 Who Pushes for Changes?

- -

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.