Lightspeed

Gm! This week we're joined by Carlos Gonzalez Campo to discuss the current state of the Solana network. We deep dive into SIMD 96 & 228, why Pump.fun is launching its own AMM, REV declines in February, stablecoin growth & more. Enjoy!--Follow Carlos: https://x.com/0xcarlosgFollow Jack: https://x.com/whosknaveFollow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/LightspeedpodhqSubscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeedJoin the Lightspeed Manlets Collective Telegram: https://t.me/+QUl_ZOj2nMJlZTEx--Use Code LIGHTSPEED10 for 10% off tickets to Digital Asset Summit 2025: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2025-new-york--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.--Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/--(00:00) Introduction (01:23) Takeaway’s From SIMD 96 (06:47) Staking On Solana (10:04) Solana Data Deep Dive (13:05) Ledger Ad (13:55) REV On Solana (16:56) Why Pump.fun Is Launching An AMM (21:13) Solana’s DEX War (26:23) REV Declines Post LIBRA (30:11) Ledger Ad (30:59) Stablecoin Growth On Solana (36:40) SIMD 228 (42:06) Nominal vs Real Yields --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.

Gm! This week we're back with another roundup episode to discuss SIMD 228 & it's impact on Solana's inflation. We deep dive into, what is SIMD 228, is Solana overpaying for security, crypto's data problem & Trump's strategic crypto reserve announcement. Enjoy!--Follow Dan: https://x.com/smyyguyFollow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknaveFollow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/LightspeedpodhqSubscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeedJoin the Lightspeed Manlets Collective Telegram: https://t.me/+QUl_ZOj2nMJlZTEx--Use Code LIGHTSPEED10 for 10% off tickets to Digital Asset Summit 2025: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2025-new-york--Just for Lightspeed listeners, visit https://bonkbets.io/ and connect your wallet to get 10% back on any losses to bet again. For a limited time, make two $10 bets on any game before March 1 2025 to get a free third $10 bet.--Accurate Crypto Taxes. No Guesswork. Say goodbye to tax season headaches with Crypto Tax Calculator: https://cryptotaxcalculator.io/us/?coupon=BW2025Generate accurate, CPA-endorsed tax reports fully compliant with IRS rules. Seamlessly integrate with 3000+ wallets, exchanges, and on-chain platforms.Import reports directly into TurboTax or H&R Block, or securely share them with your accountant. Exclusive Offer: Use the code BW2025 to enjoy 30% off all paid plans. Don’t miss out - offer expires 15 April 2025!--Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/--(00:00) Introduction (01:06) What Is SIMD 228? (07:41) Bonk Bets Ad (08:20) Is Solana Overpaying For Security? (19:23) Solana’s Inflation Rate (25:14) SIMD 228’s Impact On Solana’s Decentralization (35:44) Crypto Tax Calculator Ad (36:17) Bonk Bets Ad (36:48) Crypto’s Data Problem (41:29) Validators On Solana (51:18) The U.S Strategic Crypto Reserve (57:20) Flashblocks On Base --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.

Ben Leventhal, co-founder of Blackbird and former co-founder of Resi, joins Jesse Walden, a partner at Variant, to discuss how Blackbird is transforming restaurant loyalty with cryptocurrency. They share insights on the challenges in the restaurant industry, emphasizing the need for direct customer engagement without middlemen. The duo explores the subtle integration of crypto in consumer apps and the innovative dual-token system of Blackbird. Personal anecdotes highlight their journeys and the potential of blockchain in revolutionizing loyalty programs.

Illia Polosukhin, co-founder of NEAR Protocol and a pioneer in AI research, joins Bowen Wang, a key contributor to NEAR's scaling efforts. They dive into how NEAR is revolutionizing blockchain with AI and improving scalability through sharding innovations. The duo discusses unlocking cross-chain liquidity and the challenges and opportunities in decentralized systems. They also explore the fascinating intersection of smart contracts and AI, predicting an exciting future for user experience in the crypto space.

Rebecca Rettig, Chief Legal Officer at Gito Labs and former legal lead at Polygon Labs, dives into the shifting landscape of cryptocurrency regulations. She discusses her recent entrance into Gito and the evolving relationship with the SEC, especially concerning Solana's classification and staking policies. The conversation highlights the need for updated regulatory frameworks to foster innovation while protecting consumers. Rebecca also addresses the complexities of maximal extractable value (MEV) and the push for transparency within the crypto industry.

Dan Smith, a crypto analyst and expert, dives into the controversial launch of the LIBRA token and its fallout, sparked by Argentine President Javier Milei. He discusses allegations of insider trading and the public's frustration towards repeated scams in the crypto space. The conversation highlights how meme coins like LIBRA impact established projects such as Solana, examining potential market manipulations and the need for ethical standards. Finally, they weigh the merits of long-term projects against the rising trend of meme coins.

Santiago Santos, Founder of Inversion Capital and co-host of the Blockworks podcast Empire, dives into the crucial moment for crypto adoption. He shares insights on his evolving Solana thesis and the future of meme coins and user retention. The conversation highlights the importance of financial education and programmable money in reshaping finance. Santiago also addresses the complexities of risk management in crypto investing, emphasizing caution in volatile markets while calling for innovative strategies to ensure long-term success.

Armani Ferrante, the founder and CEO of Backpack, shares his insights on the future of crypto wallets and exchanges. He explores the clash between centralized and decentralized exchanges, weighing their market impacts. Armani critiques current wallet designs, highlighting user-friendly innovations needed to prevent lost funds. He also reflects on lessons from the FTX fallout and discusses the unique features of new crypto models like 'Mad Lads,' providing a fresh perspective for aspiring entrepreneurs in the rapidly evolving space.

Ilja Moisejevs and Richard Wu, co-founders of Tensor and Vector, discuss their innovative pivot from NFTs to Vector, a social meme coin trading app. They explore the rise of social trading, blending aspects of platforms like Twitter and Robinhood. The duo delves into the unique challenges of trading volatile micro-cap assets and the importance of user retention through community engagement. They also emphasize the integration of Tensor's token within Vector, focusing on decentralization and the evolving dynamics of tokenomics in the crypto landscape.

This week, crypto data expert Dan Smith joins the discussion. He dives into the recent weekend liquidation event and highlights Solana's biggest opportunity in 2025. Dan shares insights on market dynamics, including reactions to regulatory changes and the rise of meme coins. They also debate the impacts of the Trump token launch on stablecoins. The conversation rounds out with thoughts on crypto gaming and SocialFi, emphasizing the importance of community and governance in enhancing the Solana ecosystem.