Lightspeed

Blockworks
Lightspeed Podcast

Lightspeed is a podcast for those interested in how crypto can solve real problems and create products users love. It's a callback to the garage days of Silicon Valley, where builders pushed the limits of hardware and software to build world-changing products. We interview the projects and founders that will make this same impact today.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    How Ephemeral Rollups Impact Solana Gaming | Andrea, MagicBlock

    Gm! In this episode, we’re joined by Andrea Fortunio, Co-founder of MagicBlock! We discussed the current state of the Solana gaming industry, AAA vs Mobile gaming, and the benefits of Ephemeral Rollups. Additionally, we dove into the security implications of utilizing optimistic rollups in onchain gaming. We ended the episode with coverage of MagicBlock’s current timelines, and their experience in the A16z accelerator. Enjoy! Resources MagicBlock Engine footage: https://x.com/magicblock/status/1802717656102978040 – Follow MagicBlock: https://x.com/magicblock Follow Andrea: https://x.com/supermarioblock Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknave Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq Subscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed Utilize the Solana Dashboard by Blockworks Research: http://solana.blockworksresearch.com/ -- DragonSwap is the DeFi Hub on Sei’s Layer 1, allowing users to swap, provide liquidity, and farm! Built on Sei’s sub-second execution environment, DragonSwap is transforming the DEX landscape by building an “onchain CEX” that leverages chain-abstracted AVSs, enabling users to buy any asset on any chain.  With tons of incentives already available, September will bring even more to Sei users with partners like Stargate and Frax! Start farming on Sei today by visiting https://dragonswap.app/ -- Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/43o3Syk Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3OhiXgV Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OkF7PD Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- (00:00) Introduction (05:07) Why Run Games Fully Onchain? (11:42) The Solana Gaming Industry (15:47) AAA Games vs Mobile Gaming (18:05) Sei Ad (18:31) The Benefits of Ephemeral Rollups (36:41) Security Implications of Optimistic Rollups for Onchain Gaming (40:10) Why Not Build A L2? (46:16) MagicBlock Timelines (50:55) A16z Accelerator & Crypto Gaming Sentiment -- Disclaimers: Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation. Nothing said on Lightspeed 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. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

    1h 3m
  2. 4 DAYS AGO

    Can Seeker Unlock Solana’s True Potential? | Ian Unsworth

    Gm! In this episode, Jack and Ian Unsworth from Kairos Research discuss Solana Mobile’s latest device, Seeker, and its potential impact on Solana’s growth. Additionally, they dive into the value proposition for Non-Bitcoin ETFs, and Trump’s upcoming DeFi project. They close out by asking - will Solana restaking be successful? Enjoy! Resources Helius Funding Announcement: https://x.com/0xMert_/status/1836578165977915858 Drift Funding Announcement: https://x.com/DriftProtocol/status/1836752136614658325 The Next Chapter of Solana Mobile: https://x.com/solanamobile/status/1836614409613119632 Cypherpunk Holdings Rebrands: https://blockworks.co/news/lightspeed-newsletter-sol-strategies-rebrand -- Follow Ian: https://x.com/Ian_Unsworth Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknave Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq Subscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed Utilize the Solana Dashboard by Blockworks Research: http://solana.blockworksresearch.com/ -- DragonSwap is the DeFi Hub on Sei’s Layer 1, allowing users to swap, provide liquidity, and farm! Built on Sei’s sub-second execution environment, DragonSwap is transforming the DEX landscape by building an “onchain CEX” that leverages chain-abstracted AVSs, enabling users to buy any asset on any chain.  With tons of incentives already available, September will bring even more to Sei users with partners like Stargate and Frax! Start farming on Sei today by visiting https://dragonswap.app/ -- Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/43o3Syk Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3OhiXgV Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OkF7PD Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- (00:00) Introduction (02:07) Drift & Helius Announce Funding Rounds (03:37) The Solana Seeker (20:16) Seeker's Impact On Crypto Gaming (28:12) Sei Protocol Ad (28:38) Cypherpunk Holdings Rebrands to Sol Strategies (35:16) The Value Proposition For Non-Bitcoin ETFs (41:27) Trump Buys Burgers With Bitcoin (44:01) Trump's DeFi Project (47:49) Will Solana Restaking Be Successful? -- Disclaimers: Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation. Nothing said on Lightspeed 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. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

    1h 7m
  3. 17 SEPT

    The State of Solana DeFi | MacBrennan, MarginFi

    Gm! In this episode, MacBrennan, Co-founder of MarginFi, joined us to discuss the state of Solana DeFi, crypto founder exhaustion, and crypto’s image problem. We also asked ourselves, where are the new users? Finally, told us how MarginFi has navigated 2024, and what he is optimistic about in crypto today. Enjoy! Resources MacBrennan’s Take on Founder Exhaustion: https://x.com/macbrennan_cc/status/1824203471656194259 -- Follow MacBrennan: https://x.com/macbrennan_cc Follow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_ Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknave Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq Subscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed Utilize the Solana Dashboard by Blockworks Research: http://solana.blockworksresearch.com/ -- DragonSwap is the DeFi Hub on Sei’s Layer 1, allowing users to swap, provide liquidity, and farm! Built on Sei’s sub-second execution environment, DragonSwap is transforming the DEX landscape by building an “onchain CEX” that leverages chain-abstracted AVSs, enabling users to buy any asset on any chain.  With tons of incentives already available, September will bring even more to Sei users with partners like Stargate and Frax! Start farming on Sei today by visiting https://dragonswap.app/ -- Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/43o3Syk Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3OhiXgV Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OkF7PD Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- (00:00) Introduction (02:45) The State of Solana DeFi (07:28) Are Crypto Founders Exhausted? (16:46) Sei Ad (17:13) Where Are the New Users? (28:39) Crypto's Image Problem (38:09) MarginFi Today (48:45) Optimism in Crypto -- Disclaimers: Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation. Nothing said on Lightspeed 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. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

    54 min
  4. 13 SEPT

    The Lack of Bold Bets in Crypto | Weekly Roundup

    Gm! In this episode, Jack and Mert discuss the state of SocialFi, the lack of bold bets in crypto, and what it means for crypto to succeed. They also dove into how Proof of Stake systems should work, and how sandwich attacks can be reduced onchain. Finally, they covered new DePIN projects coming to market. Enjoy! -- Follow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_ Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknave Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq Subscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed -- DragonSwap is the DeFi Hub on Sei’s Layer 1, allowing users to swap, provide liquidity, and farm! Built on Sei’s sub-second execution environment, DragonSwap is transforming the DEX landscape by building an “onchain CEX” that leverages chain-abstracted AVSs, enabling users to buy any asset on any chain.  With tons of incentives already available, September will bring even more to Sei users with partners like Stargate and Frax! Start farming on Sei today by visiting https://dragonswap.app/ -- Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/43o3Syk Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3OhiXgV Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OkF7PD Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- (00:00) Introduction (04:08) Is SocialFi Dead? (17:20) The Lack of Bold Bets in Crypto (26:44) What Does It Mean For Crypto to Succeed? (32:27) Sei Ad (32:53) How Should A Proof of Stake System Work? (47:41) Reducing Sandwich Attacks (53:31) New DePIN Projects Coming to Market -- Disclaimers: Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation. Nothing said on Lightspeed 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. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

    1h 3m
  5. 10 SEPT

    Unpacking Solana’s Total Economic Value | Dan Smith

    Gm! In this episode, Dan Smith from Blockworks Research joined us to discuss L2 MEV extraction, Blockworks Research’s Solana Dashboard, and Total Economic Value on Solana! Additionally, we discussed how validators earn revenue from MEV, and supporting small validators. Finally, we unpacked Sanctum's recent LST partnerships, and speculated on whether or not NFTs will ever make a comeback. Enjoy! Resources Blockworks Research Solana Dashboard: https://solana.blockworksresearch.com/ Dan Checks the Chain Part 1: https://x.com/smyyguy/status/1831761080252539182 Dan Checks the Chain Part 2: https://x.com/smyyguy/status/1831803935549747563 -- Follow Dan: https://x.com/smyyguy Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknave Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq Subscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed -- Access is the new way to support and consume content from your favorite creators. Over 140 subscriptions to select from, spanning from large crypto media to a long tail of talented independent researchers and artists. No paying for subscriptions. Simply stake, consume, and get rewarded. Claim your free subscription through this link. But be quick there is a limited number available! https://tiplink.io/f/2195-aOAlZYc4ARht#Lhr8-0rBdVrxL94ZjOHwVtwxI2OSal2xw6Sz51lYuzU – Step into MyPrize—the online multiplayer crypto casino that lets you battle your friends and play alongside creators. On MyPrize, you're invited to get rowdy and share every victory and defeat with your pals. Because we know the only thing more fun than beating the house is beating your friends. Get started now with a 150% deposit or purchase bonus: https://myprize.com/invite/Lightspeed -- Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/43o3Syk Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3OhiXgV Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OkF7PD Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- (00:00) Introduction (03:23) Is MEV Being Extracted on L2s? (15:57) Diving Into the Blockworks Solana Dashboard (24:34) Access Protocol Ad (25:16) MyPrize Ad (25:46) How Do Validators Earn Revenue From MEV? (28:57) Where Should TEV Be Going? (33:44) Supporting Small Validators (42:40) Are Stakers Entitled to a Large Share of TEV? (48:08) Sanctum's LST Partnerships (55:39) Are NFTs Coming Back? -- Disclaimers: Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation. Nothing said on Lightspeed 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. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

    1h 8m
  6. 5 SEPT

    Incubating Solana’s Next Unicorns | Emon Motamedi

    Gm! In this episode, we’re joined by Emon Motamedi, the Head of Solana Incubator! We discussed Solana Incubator’s selection process, the first cohort of projects, and synergies with Solana Mobile. We also dove into the stories behind Sanctum and Meme Royale! Finally, Emon gave his thoughts on evaluating startups on Solana. Enjoy! Grow your company alongside Solana Labs: https://incubator.solanalabs.com/ -- Follow Emon: https://x.com/EmonMotamedi Follow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_ Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknave Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq Subscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed -- Access is the new way to support and consume content from your favorite creators. Over 140 subscriptions to select from, spanning from large crypto media to a long tail of talented independent researchers and artists. No paying for subscriptions. Simply stake, consume, and get rewarded. Claim your free subscription through this link. But be quick there is a limited number available! https://tiplink.io/f/2195-aOAlZYc4ARht#Lhr8-0rBdVrxL94ZjOHwVtwxI2OSal2xw6Sz51lYuzU – Step into MyPrize—the online multiplayer crypto casino that lets you battle your friends and play alongside creators. On MyPrize, you're invited to get rowdy and share every victory and defeat with your pals. Because we know the only thing more fun than beating the house is beating your friends. Get started now with a 150% deposit or purchase bonus: https://myprize.com/invite/Lightspeed -- Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/43o3Syk Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3OhiXgV Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OkF7PD Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- (00:00) Introduction (01:48) Are Incubators Worth It? (10:27) Solana Incubator's Selection Process (14:58) The First Cohort (22:18) Access Protocol Ad (22:59) MyPrize Ad (23:30) Sanctum's Time In The Incubator (31:59) Which Teams From Cohort One Are Underrated? (36:31) Meme Royale's Story (40:42) Synergies With Solana Mobile (44:12) Emon's Shifting Roles (47:15) Evaluating Startups On Solana -- Disclaimers: Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation. Nothing said on Lightspeed 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. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

    57 min
  7. 31 AUG

    Solana's Next Narrative | Weekly Roundup

    Gm! In this episode, Jack and Mert discuss the recent arrest of Pavel Durov, and its repercussions. They also ask themselves, who does the responsibility of content moderation fall on? Additionally, they unpack the internal debate heating up within the Ethereum Community. Finally, they talk about how they view narratives, and what Solana’s next narrative might be. Enjoy! -- Follow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_ Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknave Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq Subscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed -- Access is the new way to support and consume content from your favorite creators. Over 140 subscriptions to select from, spanning from large crypto media to a long tail of talented independent researchers and artists. No paying for subscriptions. Simply stake, consume, and get rewarded. Claim your free subscription through this link. But be quick there is a limited number available! https://tiplink.io/f/2195-aOAlZYc4ARht#Lhr8-0rBdVrxL94ZjOHwVtwxI2OSal2xw6Sz51lYuzU – Step into MyPrize—the online multiplayer crypto casino that lets you battle your friends and play alongside creators. On MyPrize, you're invited to get rowdy and share every victory and defeat with your pals. Because we know the only thing more fun than beating the house is beating your friends. Get started now with a 150% deposit or purchase bonus: https://myprize.com/invite/Lightspeed -- Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/43o3Syk Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3OhiXgV Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OkF7PD Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- (00:00) Introduction (05:01) Pavel Durov Arrested (19:55) Who Does the Responsibility of Content Moderation Fall On? (25:20) Access Protocol Ad (26:01) MyPrize Ad (26:31) Internal Debate Within the Ethereum Community (40:16) DeFi Needs to Be Downstream of a Productive Economy (51:19) What Is Solana's Next Narrative? -- Disclaimers: Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation. Nothing said on Lightspeed 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. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

    1h 7m
  8. 29 AUG

    Will Prediction Markets Survive? | Kyle & Nigel

    Gm! In this episode, Kyle, the CEO of Hedgehog Markets, and Nigel, the CEO of BetHog, joined us to discuss a burning question: will prediction markets survive? We covered the UI improvements prediction markets have made, how these markets are useful for surveying public opinion, and solutions for resolving gray area outcomes. Additionally, we talked about Hedgehog Markets usage of Blinks for prediction markets. Finally, Kyle told us what success looks like for Hedgehog Markets. Enjoy! Resources Nigel’s Post on Prediction Markets: https://x.com/nigeleccles/status/1828133312306552854 -- Follow Kyle: https://x.com/kdipep Follow Nigel: https://x.com/nigeleccles Follow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_ Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknave Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq Subscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed -- Access is the new way to support and consume content from your favorite creators. Over 140 subscriptions to select from, spanning from large crypto media to a long tail of talented independent researchers and artists. No paying for subscriptions. Simply stake, consume, and get rewarded. Claim your free subscription through this link. But be quick there is a limited number available! https://tiplink.io/f/2195-aOAlZYc4ARht#Lhr8-0rBdVrxL94ZjOHwVtwxI2OSal2xw6Sz51lYuzU – Step into MyPrize—the online multiplayer crypto casino that lets you battle your friends and play alongside creators. On MyPrize, you're invited to get rowdy and share every victory and defeat with your pals. Because we know the only thing more fun than beating the house is beating your friends. Get started now with a 150% deposit or purchase bonus: https://myprize.com/invite/Lightspeed -- Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/43o3Syk Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3OhiXgV Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OkF7PD Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- (00:00) Introduction (03:17) Prediction Markets vs Betting Platforms (08:28) Will Prediction Markets Survive After the US Election? (20:06) Improving the UI of Prediction Markets (24:08) Surveying Public Opinion With Prediction Markets (26:53) Resolving Gray Area Outcomes (34:10) Access Protocol Ad (34:52) MyPrize Ad (35:24) Using Blinks For Prediction Markets (38:34) Benefits of Betting and Prediction Markets Onchain (50:52) Why Do Sportsbooks Ban Sharp Users? (56:29) Futarchy: A New Form of Governance (1:08:14) What Does Success Look Like For Hedgehog? -- Disclaimers: Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation. Nothing said on Lightspeed 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. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

    1h 11m

About

Lightspeed is a podcast for those interested in how crypto can solve real problems and create products users love. It's a callback to the garage days of Silicon Valley, where builders pushed the limits of hardware and software to build world-changing products. We interview the projects and founders that will make this same impact today.

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