In this episode of Empire, Arianna Simpson and Ali Yahya join to discuss a16z's crypto thesis. We start with Ali's network flywheel framework, the future of interoperability and protocol value capture. Do protocols have moats? Is the L1 trade over? Will applications accrue an outsized share of crypto's value?
We then discuss DAO governance, music NFTs, zero-knowledge proofs and crypto's open design space. This is one of those can't-miss episodes!
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Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(01:14) Crypto's Network Flywheel
(08:40) Is The L1 Trade Over?
(20:52) a16z’s Value Accrual Framework
(28:03) Circle ad
(29:45) Infrastructure Unlocks
(37:55) a16z’s Governance & DAO Philosophy
(44:33) Evolution of Web3 Gaming
(49:19) Music NFTs
(55:22) ZK Proofs & Building Privacy Into Blockchains
(1:00:33) What Feels Obvious That Others Are Missing?
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Follow Arianna https://twitter.com/AriannaSimpson
Follow Ali: https://twitter.com/alive_eth
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Circle’s USDC has quickly become one of the most trusted and widely used stablecoins because of its composability, stability and reserve transparency. As a seamless, trusted digital currency, USDC is a zero-to-one opportunity for the global financial system. Check out their Transparency Hub at http://empirepodcast.link/circle that outlines everything from links to USDC weekly reserve reports, monthly attestations, and blog posts written by their executive team highlighting how and why USDC was built the way it is.
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Resources
Ali's network flywheel tweet thread
https://twitter.com/alive_eth/status/1296831069065375749
Computers That Can Make Commitments (Chris Dixon)
https://a16z.com/2020/01/27/computers-that-make-commitments/

The Fat Protocol Thesis
https://www.usv.com/writing/2016/08/fat-protocols/

The Internet Economy
https://cdixon.org/2016/03/13/the-internet-economy

Commoditize Your Complements
https://www.joelonsoftware.com/2002/06/12/strategy-letter-v/
The Myth of The Infrastructure Phase
https://www.usv.com/writing/2018/10/the-myth-of-the-infrastructure-phase/

1000 True Fans
https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/

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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.
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