Because of Bitcoin

Ledn
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Bitcoin groundbreakers share personal stories of how Bitcoin is changing lives for the better. Host Mauricio Di Bartolomeo, co-founder and CSO of Ledn, speaks with leading Bitcoin voices, entrepreneurs, and human rights advocates to hear their unique journey and practical real-world examples of how Bitcoin has made a positive impact in their lives. Brought to you by Ledn, a leading financial services company built for Bitcoin & digital assets. Ledn offers a suite of lending, saving and trading products. Learn more at ledn.io © 2022, Ledn Inc. All Rights Reserved Disclaimers can be found at ledn.io/legal/en/disclaimers

  1. APR 24

    Building LatAm's Largest Bitcoin Treasury Company with Sam Callahan

    In this episode, Mauricio sits down with Sam Callahan, Director of Bitcoin Strategy & Research at Oranje BTC, to discuss his upbringing in a middle-class American family where his father — a self-described gold bug — instilled in him a deep distrust of central banks, a respect for Austrian economics, and the importance of managing your own money, laying the ideological groundwork for what would become a full-time career in Bitcoin. Sam explains what drew him to the space: the rare alignment between asymmetric financial upside and genuine humanitarian impact, drawing on the work of Alex Gladstein and the reality that billions of people suffer from the second-order effects of fiat currency debasement. He then breaks down the current Bitcoin treasury company landscape, cautioning against treating all treasury companies as interchangeable. He argues that the bear market is separating the wheat from the chaff — with well-capitalized, low-leverage companies like Oranje BTC continuing to trade above NAV while overleveraged competitors face existential pressure. Sam walks through the key differences between treasury company archetypes: pure Bitcoin credit distilleries like Strategy and Strive, operator-hybrid models, and companies simply adopting Bitcoin as a debasement hedge — arguing that every corporation will eventually fall into one of these buckets. He then traces the evolution of treasury financing models, from zero-coupon convertible debt — which attracted volatility-harvesting hedge funds misaligned with the long-term thesis — to perpetual preferred equity like STRC, which Saylor has structured to eliminate maturity risk, refinancing risk, and restrictive covenants while creating permanent capital that matches Bitcoin's long-duration nature and is accessible to retail investors. Finally, Sam makes the case for Oranje BTC as a compelling opportunity for international investors. He points to Brazil's outsized crypto adoption, its abundance of natural resources, the ongoing macro rotation toward emerging markets under a weaker dollar regime, the relative lack of competition in the region's public Bitcoin vehicle market, and Oranje BTC's early traction with the largest financial institutions in Latin America.

    1h 1m

  2. MAR 27

    The world's first investment-grade Bitcoin ABS bond, with Adam Reeds

    In this episode, Mauricio sits down with Adam Reeds, co-founder and CEO of Ledn, to discuss his upbringing in Canada in a family shaped by his father's work in agricultural banking and his mother's career in education — a stable, functional financial backdrop that would later contrast sharply with Mauricio's Venezuelan experience and ultimately inspire the founding of Ledn. Adam breaks down Ledn's landmark $188 million Bitcoin-backed loan ABS (Asset-Backed Securities) bond — the first of its kind in history. He explains how the structure mirrors traditional finance vehicles used for auto loans, mortgages, and credit card debt, and why fitting Bitcoin-backed loans into that framework unlocks access to the $3 trillion US ABS market. He details why Ledn was uniquely positioned to pull this off after eight years of operating with zero client or loan losses. He also explains how that track record was essential for S&P Global to issue the first-ever investment grade rating on a Bitcoin product. Adam walks through the rigorous year-long process with S&P, including stress tests around Bitcoin volatility, liquidation thresholds, and systemic risk scenarios — many of which played out live as Bitcoin's price dropped from the 80s to the 60s during the deal's marketing period, ultimately validating Ledn's automated and non-discretionary processes in real time. Led by Jefferies as structuring agent, the deal attracted 15 institutional participants across 50 meetings, including a major reinsurance company, traditional credit funds, and hedge funds. It closed more than two times oversubscribed on the senior tranche and three times on the mezzanine. Adam explains how the bond's structure — with Fidelity as custodian and a blended rate of 7.2% — brings unprecedented transparency to Ledn's operations, allowing clients to see exactly where their Bitcoin sits and how the funding side of the business works. He also discusses how this model removes the arbitrary jurisdictional barriers of traditional lending by treating Bitcoin collateral from borrowers around the world as equal, regardless of geography. Looking ahead, Adam previews lower rates for borrowers, expansion into more US states, better functionality for business accounts at Ledn, and the rollout of Ledn's mobile app.

    40 min

  3. MAR 13

    War, AI, Midterms & Bitcoin with Andreas Steno Larsen

    In this episode, Mauricio sits down with Andreas Steno Larsen to discuss his upbringing in a family influenced by macroeconomics and markets, shaped by his father's role as a chief economist. Andreas explains his liquidity-centric global macro framework, emphasizing how global liquidity—driven by central banks, treasuries, and commercial banks—serves as the primary force behind asset prices, operating in extended cycles likely peaking around Q3 or Q4 of 2026 amid midterm elections. He explores the interplay of politics, low interest rates, and abundant liquidity leading to potential inflation in 2027, while addressing Bitcoin's resilient yet dislocated price action amid geopolitical tensions and AI disruptions, viewing it as infrastructure rather than mere software. Andreas rebuts doomsday AI theses by invoking the Jevons paradox, predicting productivity gains and increased demand rather than mass unemployment, and highlights catalysts like stablecoin adoption for an agentic economy. The conversation also covers geopolitical hedges, with oil, natural gas, and gold outperforming silver, and touches on central banks' potential Bitcoin adoption.

    49 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    How to Invest in Bitcoin Companies with Nico Lechuga

    In this episode, Mauricio sits down with Nico as he shares his personal journey from his early upbringing to becoming a successful entrepreneur and investor in the Bitcoin space. He discusses his early experiences with money, the concept of 'broken money' in emerging markets, and how these experiences shaped his understanding of financial systems. Nico also delves into his transition to Bitcoin, the founding of Ego Death Capital, and the importance of investing in Bitcoin companies. He emphasizes the need for innovative financial products that leverage Bitcoin's potential, particularly in the context of mortgages and other significant purchases.

    1h 3m

  5. 12/02/2025

    Inside a Bitcoin Treasury Company with Steve Lubka

    In this episode, Mauricio sits down with Steven Lubka — formerly Head of Private Wealth at Swan Bitcoin and now VP of Investor Relations at Nakamoto — to unpack the rise of Bitcoin treasury companies, the mechanics behind “Paper Bitcoin Summer,” and how public markets are becoming a major force in global Bitcoin adoption. Steven shares his personal journey from a non-financial upbringing to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in Bitcoin, and he explains how understanding investing changed his life. They discuss how Bitcoin treasury companies differ from ETFs, why they’re resonating with global capital markets, and the role Nakamoto aims to play by creating first-mover treasury companies in international markets.

    57 min

  6. 11/18/2025

    Breaking down Tether's Strategic Investment into Ledn

    In this episode of Because of Bitcoin, Mauricio Di Bartolomeo sits down with Paolo Ardoino, Chief Executive Officer of Tether, to break down Tether’s recent strategic investment into Ledn, the synergies between the 2 companies, Tether’s approach to growth and strategic investments, and where he sees the industry going in the years ahead. Paolo shares his vision for Tether products providing stability and resilience in times of chaos and volatility, why he believes international distribution and transparency are so important for companies in the digital asset industry, and how to build “unbeatable” products.   If you’re curious about how the largest company in the digital asset space and the creators of the world’s largest stablecoin see the future of the industry, you can’t miss this conversation.  Key topics covered: Background on Tether and Ledn's institutional relationshipThe synergies between Tether products and Ledn servicesTether's approach to investments and growing its distribution networkWhy international distribution is so important for digital asset companiesPaolo’s vision for Tether Gold (XAUT), their fastest growing assetThe strategic importance of proof of reserves in the digital asset ecosystem, both for companies and clientsThe future of the digital asset lending ecosystem Follow Paolo Ardoino on Twitter Learn More About Tether Explore Bitcoin-Backed Loans at Ledn Thank You for Listening! Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review and subscribe to Because of Bitcoin on your favorite podcast platform. Stay informed with our weekly newsletter at ledn.io.

    20 min

  7. 03/12/2025

    Bitcoin, Institutions, and Market Structure: A Deep Dive with David Lawant

    In this episode of Because of Bitcoin, Mauricio Di Bartolomeo sits down with David Lawant, Head of Research at FalconX, to break down how institutions are engaging with Bitcoin, the role of prime brokerages, and what market structure looks like for large-scale buyers. David shares his journey from growing up in Brazil during a period of hyperinflation to working in traditional finance, discovering Austrian economics, and eventually moving into digital assets. They explore how institutions execute large trades, why Bitcoin is diverging from the rest of the crypto market, and what insights FalconX is seeing from institutional flows. If you've ever wondered how billion-dollar Bitcoin trades happen behind the scenes or what institutions are really thinking about Bitcoin, this episode is a must-listen. Key Topics Covered:David’s Background & Bitcoin Journey: From traditional finance to digital assets.How Institutions Buy Bitcoin: The role of prime brokers like FalconX.Market Structure & Liquidity: How institutions move large amounts of Bitcoin efficiently.Bitcoin vs. the Rest of Crypto: Why institutions view Bitcoin differently.Stablecoins & Market Settlement: The growing role of stablecoins in institutional finance.Who’s Buying & Who’s Selling?: Insights from FalconX’s trading desk.Bitcoin Price Projections: What institutional investors are expecting for the rest of the year.Links and Resources:Follow David Lawant on TwitterLearn More About FalconXExplore Bitcoin-Backed Loans at LednThank You for Listening!Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review and subscribe to Because of Bitcoin on your favorite podcast platform. Stay informed with our weekly newsletter at ledn.io.

    50 min

  8. 02/26/2025

    Market Cycles, Peak Sentiment, and Bitcoin's Role in Global Finance with Ram Ahluwalia

    In this episode of Because of Bitcoin, Mauricio Di Bartolomeo welcomes Ram Ahluwalia, Founder and CEO of Lumida Wealth, to discuss the psychology of markets, investment cycles, and Bitcoin's place in the broader financial system. Ram brings his deep expertise in asset management, banking, and alternative investments to unpack how investors can navigate peak sentiment, risk, and opportunity in today’s markets. From his early days studying economics and philosophy at Columbia University to his experience navigating the 2008 financial crisis, Ram shares insights into why market psychology is the key to understanding trends, how Bitcoin fits into the macroeconomic landscape, and what investors should be watching in the coming months. Key Topics Covered: Ram’s Journey: From Wall Street to wealth management and digital assets.Market Psychology & Cycles: How emotions drive asset prices, and what peak sentiment looks like.Bitcoin & Macroeconomics: Where Bitcoin fits into today’s shifting financial landscape.The Evolution of Crypto Lending: Lessons from the Genesis and Celsius collapses and the new risk-aware lending market.Investment Strategy for 2024: The biggest opportunities in equities, digital assets, and alternative investments.The Role of RIAs in Bitcoin: How Lumida Wealth serves high-net-worth investors in the digital asset space. Links and Resources: Follow Ram Ahluwalia on TwitterSubscribe to Lumida Ledger NewsletterExplore Bitcoin-Backed Loans at Ledn Thank You for Listening! Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review and subscribe to Because of Bitcoin on your favorite podcast platform. Stay informed with our weekly newsletter at ledn.io.

    42 min
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About

Bitcoin groundbreakers share personal stories of how Bitcoin is changing lives for the better. Host Mauricio Di Bartolomeo, co-founder and CSO of Ledn, speaks with leading Bitcoin voices, entrepreneurs, and human rights advocates to hear their unique journey and practical real-world examples of how Bitcoin has made a positive impact in their lives. Brought to you by Ledn, a leading financial services company built for Bitcoin & digital assets. Ledn offers a suite of lending, saving and trading products. Learn more at ledn.io © 2022, Ledn Inc. All Rights Reserved Disclaimers can be found at ledn.io/legal/en/disclaimers

Information

  • Creator
    Ledn
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 - 694593
  • Show Website
    Because of Bitcoin

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