In today's episode, we discuss how Metaplex, Solana's leading NFT infrastructure provider, surprised the community by announcing usage fees, causing a heated debate on public goods funding and protocol business models. We also explore the intersection of AI and crypto, the dangers of restaking, if crypto has PMF and Ledger's PR nightmare!

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:57) Nvidia and AI Take Center Stage

(14:20) Metaplex: Public Goods and Protocol Funding

(31:26) “Valora Ad”

(32:24) Should ETH Embrace Restaking?

(38:28) Ledger’s PR Nightmare

(49:32) Does Crypto Have PMF?

(58:01) Fred Wilson: “When They Want to Shut Down, Double Down”

(1:04:41) What We’re Watching and Blockworks’ New Podcast

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This episode is brought to you by Valora. Valora is a self-custody, mobile-first wallet and the easiest way to send, swap, collect and purchase digital goods on the Celo blockchain.

Try out Masa Prosperity Passport in Valora to claim your free 5+ character .celo domain and get additional rewards from Celo ecosystem partners. Download the app and start exploring today at valoraapp.com/empire."

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Resources:

EigenLayer episode (Empire)

https://spoti.fi/45yUdr6

Shared Sequencer episode (Empire)

https://spoti.fi/3MSIw7n

Vitalik's new article on restaking

https://vitalik.ca/general/2023/05/21/dont_overload.html

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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. Mike, Jason, Michael, Vance and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.