Lightspeed

4.5 (22)
INVESTING
UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

15 HR. AGO

The Bull Case For Solana In 2025 | Ryan Watkins

Gm! This week, we're joined by Ryan Watkins to discuss the bull case for Solana in 2025. We deep dive into how Ryan's Solana thesis has developed over time, the rise of AI agents, the state of applications in crypto what to expect in 2025 & more. Enjoy! -- Follow Ryan: https://x.com/RyanWatkins_ 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/ -- Renaud Partners has built the most elite network of native crypto marketers globally. They create custom, expert teams to support founders with transformative strategy work. Trusted by some of the best founders, VC firms, and ecosystem leaders in the business, helping their teams expedite their marketing success and catalyze their growth. If you’re a founder or a VC looking for support for your teams, I highly recommend connecting with them at RenaudPartners.com -- 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 Solana Thesis (08:48) App Fees & Revenue (12:22) Renaud Partners Ad (13:23) Crypto Infra: Speculation vs Utility (17:29) AI Agents (25:20) The Syncracy Thesis (28:58) L1 Competition (36:29) Bitcoin & The Rise Of L2’s (45:31) Hyperliquid (51:56) Does Decentralization Matter? -- 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.

56 min
4 DAYS AGO

Crypto’s Annoying MEV Problem | Weekly Roundup

Gm! In this episode, we’re joined by Dan Smith to discuss avoiding noise in crypto data, the issue with FDV, and stablecoin supply across chains. Finally, we end the podcast by diving into the concept of conditional liquidity, MEV, and Solana’s sandwich attack problem. Enjoy! Resources Solana MEV Landscape From Helius Labs: https://x.com/__lostin__/status/1877444749298381156 Dan’s Post on the Wash Trading Bot: https://x.com/smyyguy/status/1873461466541486096 Top 10 Chains by Stablecoins: https://x.com/smyyguy/status/1875613474774249724 -- Follow Dan: https://x.com/smyyguy 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/ -- Ledger, the global leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors the Lightspeed podcast. As Ledger celebrates 10 years of securing 20% of global crypto, it remains the top choice for securing your Solana assets. Buy a LEDGER™ device now and build confidently, knowing your SOL are safe. Buy now on https://shop.ledger.com/?r=1da180a5de00. -- Renaud Partners has built the most elite network of native crypto marketers globally. They create custom, expert teams to support founders with transformative strategy work. Trusted by some of the best founders, VC firms, and ecosystem leaders in the business, helping their teams expedite their marketing success and catalyze their growth. If you’re a founder or a VC looking for support for your teams, I highly recommend connecting with them at RenaudPartners.com -- 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 (03:01) Analyzing a Wash Trading Bot (09:15) Avoiding Noise in Crypto Data (16:18) Ledger Ad (17:18) Renaud Partners Ad (18:06) The Issue with FDV (30:43) Stablecoin Supply Across Chains (42:29) Thoughts on Conditional Liquidity and MEV (50:21) Solana's Sandwiching Problem -- 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
JAN 6

Breaking Down The Hyperliquid Hype | Weekly Roundup

Gm! This week, we discuss Hyperliquid and decentralization, the potential for Solana and crypto ETFs, and Mert’s developer thesis. We also delve into whether AI agents are being overhyped, some of the biggest problems with crypto & more. 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 Utilize the Solana Dashboard by Blockworks Research: http://solana.blockworksresearch.com/ -- Lightspeed Audience Survey: https://lightspeed-4bed7b.beehiiv.com/forms/8c6edcb5-f0e8-4d08-957f-2bfc3a41686c -- Ledger, the global leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors the Lightspeed podcast. As Ledger celebrates 10 years of securing 20% of global crypto, it remains the top choice for securing your Solana assets. Buy a LEDGER™ device now and build confidently, knowing your SOL are safe. Buy now on https://shop.ledger.com/?r=1da180a5de00. -- Renaud Partners has built the most elite network of native crypto marketers globally. They create custom, expert teams to support founders with transformative strategy work. Trusted by some of the best founders, VC firms, and ecosystem leaders in the business, helping their teams expedite their marketing success and catalyze their growth. If you’re a founder or a VC looking for support for your teams, I highly recommend connecting with them at RenaudPartners.com -- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- 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 (02:21) The Power Of Writing (04:48) Hyperliquid & Decentralization (16:47) Decentralization & L2s (21:36) Renaud Partners Ad (22:37) Ledger Ad (23:25) Solana & Crypto ETFs (30:33) AI Agents (36:45) Crypto's Biggest Problem (40:21) Developer Thesis For 2025 (51:44) Crypto Charity Fundraising -- 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.

55 min
12/31/2024

Maximizing Your Privacy With Zcash | Zooko & Sean

Gm! This week, we’re joined by Zooko, Sean Bowe, and Anatoly to discuss Zcash! We covered scaling Zcash, how it works and whether or not it can function as money, and how Zcash fits into your privacy stack. Enjoy! -- Follow Zooko: https://x.com/zooko Follow Sean: https://x.com/ebfull Follow Anatoly: https://x.com/aeyakovenko 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/ -- Lightspeed Audience Survey: https://lightspeed-4bed7b.beehiiv.com/forms/8c6edcb5-f0e8-4d08-957f-2bfc3a41686c -- Chaos Labs, the leading onchain risk management firm, recently launched its new flagship oracle product, Edge, which delivers integrated, high precision risk and price data for any onchain application with a market. Edge emerged from stealth after 2 months securing Jupiter, the top trading platform on Solana, already securing $30B in volume and more than 60% of all Solana perps volume. https://chaoslabs.xyz/ -- Ledger, the global leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors the Lightspeed podcast. As Ledger celebrates 10 years of securing 20% of global crypto, it remains the top choice for securing your Solana assets. Buy a LEDGER™ device now and build confidently, knowing your SOL are safe. Buy now on https://shop.ledger.com/?r=1da180a5de00. -- Renaud Partners has built the most elite network of native crypto marketers globally. They create custom, expert teams to support founders with transformative strategy work. Trusted by some of the best founders, VC firms, and ecosystem leaders in the business, helping their teams expedite their marketing success and catalyze their growth. If you’re a founder or a VC looking for support for your teams, I highly recommend connecting with them at RenaudPartners.com -- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- 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 (01:58) What is Zcash? (04:49) Scaling Zcash (20:35) Chaos Labs Ad (21:34) Renaud Partners Ad (22:37) Ledger Ad (23:23) Can Zcash Function as Money? (27:16) How Does Zcash Work? (42:50) Transitioning Away From Proof of Work (52:55) Zcash as Part of Your Privacy Stack -- 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.

58 min
12/27/2024

Solana's 2024 Year In Review | Weekly Roundup

Gm! This week, we're back with the final roundup of 2024. We reflect on 2024, by discussing what went well vs what can be improved for Solana. We deep dive into Solana's liveness issues, transactions problems, the rise of meme coins & their impact on the network before finally discussing what to expect in 2025. 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 Utilize the Solana Dashboard by Blockworks Research: http://solana.blockworksresearch.com/ -- Lightspeed Audience Survey: https://lightspeed-4bed7b.beehiiv.com/forms/8c6edcb5-f0e8-4d08-957f-2bfc3a41686c -- Chaos Labs, the leading onchain risk management firm, recently launched its new flagship oracle product, Edge, which delivers integrated, high precision risk and price data for any onchain application with a market. Edge emerged from stealth after 2 months securing Jupiter, the top trading platform on Solana, already securing $30B in volume and more than 60% of all Solana perps volume. https://chaoslabs.xyz/ -- Ledger, the global leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors the Lightspeed podcast. As Ledger celebrates 10 years of securing 20% of global crypto, it remains the top choice for securing your Solana assets. Buy a LEDGER™ device now and build confidently, knowing your SOL are safe. Buy now on https://shop.ledger.com/?r=1da180a5de00. -- Renaud Partners has built the most elite network of native crypto marketers globally. They create custom, expert teams to support founders with transformative strategy work. Trusted bysome of the best founders, VC firms, and ecosystem leaders in the business, helping their teams expedite their marketing success and catalyze their growth. If you’re a founder or a VC looking for support for your teams, I highly recommend connecting with them at RenaudPartners.com -- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- (00:00) Introduction (04:17) Solana Year In Review (09:38) Chaos Labs Ad (10:38) Renaud Partners Ad (11:38) Ledger Ad (12:26) Solana’s Liveness Issues In 2024 (19:19) Solana’s Transaction Problems (28:28) Solana’s New All Time High (33:50) Meme Coins (43:25) Stablecoins (51:53) What To Expect In 2025? -- 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 4m
12/24/2024

The Rise Of AI Agents | Jeffy Yu & Yash Agarwal

Gm! This week, we're joined by Jeffy Yu & Yash Agarwal to discuss the rise of AI agents. We deep dive into launching Solana's first AI hackathon, what can the rise of AI agents unlock, are agents here to stay & much more. Enjoy! – Follow Yash: https://x.com/yashhsm Follow Jeffy: https://x.com/jyu_eth 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/ -- Lightspeed Audience Survey: https://lightspeed-4bed7b.beehiiv.com/forms/8c6edcb5-f0e8-4d08-957f-2bfc3a41686c -- Chaos Labs, the leading onchain risk management firm, recently launched its new flagship oracle product, Edge, which delivers integrated, high precision risk and price data for any onchain application with a market. Edge emerged from stealth after 2 months securing Jupiter, the top trading platform on Solana, already securing $30B in volume and more than 60% of all Solana perps volume. https://chaoslabs.xyz/ -- Ledger, the global leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors the Lightspeed podcast. As Ledger celebrates 10 years of securing 20% of global crypto, it remains the top choice for securing your Solana assets. Buy a LEDGER™ device now and build confidently, knowing your SOL are safe. Buy now on https://shop.ledger.com/?r=1da180a5de00. -- Renaud Partners has built the most elite network of native crypto marketers globally. They create custom, expert teams to support founders with transformative strategy work. Trusted bysome of the best founders, VC firms, and ecosystem leaders in the business, helping their teams expedite their marketing success and catalyze their growth. If you’re a founder or a VC looking for support for your teams, I highly recommend connecting with them at RenaudPartners.com -- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- (00:00) Introduction (01:52) Launching Solana’s First AI Hackathon (04:28) The Rise Of AI Agents (06:59) AI Agent Saturation (10:45) Chaos Labs Ad (11:44) Renaud Partners Ad (12:45) Ledger Ad (13:33) Are AI Agents Here To Stay? (19:56) AI Trading (23:38) What Are Swarms? (26:09) Agents On Telegram (30:15) Crypto’s AI Moment (39:39) Solana’s AI Ecosystem (45:29) What Needs To Improve With AI Agents? -- 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.

50 min
12/20/2024

What Solana Needs To Fix | Max Resnick

Gm! This week, we're joined by Max Resnick to discuss why he left the Ethereum ecosystem to focus on Solana. We deep dive into joining Anza, what Solana needs to fix to be successful, will Solana or Ethereum ever be considered money, the firedancer impact & more. Enjoy! – Follow Max: https://x.com/MaxResnick1 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/ -- Lightspeed Audience Survey: https://lightspeed-4bed7b.beehiiv.com/forms/8c6edcb5-f0e8-4d08-957f-2bfc3a41686c -- Chaos Labs, the leading onchain risk management firm, recently launched its new flagship oracle product, Edge, which delivers integrated, high precision risk and price data for any onchain application with a market. Edge emerged from stealth after 2 months securing Jupiter, the top trading platform on Solana, already securing $30B in volume and more than 60% of all Solana perps volume. https://chaoslabs.xyz/ -- Ledger, the global leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors the Lightspeed podcast. As Ledger celebrates 10 years of securing 20% of global crypto, it remains the top choice for securing your Solana assets. Buy a LEDGER™ device now and build confidently, knowing your SOL are safe. Buy now on https://shop.ledger.com/?r=1da180a5de00. -- Renaud Partners has built the most elite network of native crypto marketers globally. They create custom, expert teams to support founders with transformative strategy work. Trusted bysome of the best founders, VC firms, and ecosystem leaders in the business, helping their teams expedite their marketing success and catalyze their growth. If you’re a founder or a VC looking for support for your teams, I highly recommend connecting with them at RenaudPartners.com -- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- (00:00) Introduction (02:08) Leaving Ethereum For Solana (07:00) The L1 vs L2 Debate (09:38) The End Game For Solana (12:21) Chaos Labs Ad (13:20) Renaud Partners Ad (14:20) Ledger Ad (15:14) Joining Anza (17:11) Solana’s Issuance Schedule (22:14) Will Ethereum & Solana Ever Be Money? (24:28) MEV On Solana (27:56) Solana Fee Markets (32:33) Slashing On Solana (34:41) Max’s Vision For Solana (41:03) Firedancer (44:27) Attracting Developers To 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.

48 min
12/17/2024

Ethereum's North Star Problem With Jon Charbonneau

Gm! This week, we're joined by Jon Charbonneau for a discussion on his most recent piece "Ethereum’s North Star". We deep dive into the state of L1s, does Ethereum need a north star, what to expect in 2025 & much more. Enjoy! – Follow Jon: https://x.com/jon_charb 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/ -- Read Jon's Ethereum’s North Star Piece: https://dba.xyz/ethereums-north-star/ -- Lightspeed Audience Survey: https://lightspeed-4bed7b.beehiiv.com/forms/8c6edcb5-f0e8-4d08-957f-2bfc3a41686c -- Chaos Labs, the leading onchain risk management firm, recently launched its new flagship oracle product, Edge, which delivers integrated, high precision risk and price data for any onchain application with a market. Edge emerged from stealth after 2 months securing Jupiter, the top trading platform on Solana, already securing $30B in volume and more than 60% of all Solana perps volume. https://chaoslabs.xyz/ -- Ledger, the global leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors the Lightspeed podcast. As Ledger celebrates 10 years of securing 20% of global crypto, it remains the top choice for securing your Solana assets. Buy a LEDGER™ device now and build confidently, knowing your SOL are safe. Buy now on https://shop.ledger.com/?r=1da180a5de00. -- Renaud Partners has built the most elite network of native crypto marketers globally. They create custom, expert teams to support founders with transformative strategy work. Trusted bysome of the best founders, VC firms, and ecosystem leaders in the business, helping their teams expedite their marketing success and catalyze their growth. If you’re a founder or a VC looking for support for your teams, I highly recommend connecting with them at RenaudPartners.com -- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- (00:00) Introduction (01:23) Ethereum’s North Star (05:49) Solana’s North Star vs Alt L1’s (09:59) Chaos Labs Ad (10:59) Ledger Ad (11:53) Renaud Partners Ad (12:53) Creating A North Star (19:03) Feedback On Jon’s Piece (28:18) Memetics vs Fundamentals (31:34) Main Concerns For Solana (39:35) The Jito Mempool (45:01) Real Economic Value (50:20) What To Expect In 2025 (55:44) Crypto’s Unsolved Problems -- 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 2m

See All (150)

4.5

out of 5

22 Ratings

Excellent Podcast!!

04/29/2024

Its F1 not McGlovin

Have been loving the selection of people and different projects you’ve had on the podcast! Great discussions covering such interesting topics and I’ve learned quite a bit! I know the podcast game can be a grind but Keep up the great work!!