a16z crypto show
a16z crypto, Robert Hackett, Sonal Chokshi
The a16z crypto show explores how decentralized networks are reshaping money, ownership, and the architecture of the internet. We go beyond the hype to look at what’s actually working, what isn’t, and what comes next as crypto continues to go mainstream and blockchains become core infrastructure.
Each episode features conversations with founders, engineers, economists, policymakers, and researchers building at the frontier of finance, payments, AI, and distributed systems. We cover stablecoins and global payments, the tokenization of "real-world" assets, decentralized physical infrastructure, network design and governance, and the practical tradeoffs behind decentralization — along with lessons from past technology shifts.
Produced and hosted by the a16z crypto team, the show combines reporting, analysis, and first-principles thinking to explain how crypto intersects with the economy and society — and why it matters now.
Learn more at a16zcrypto.com.
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Posts should not be considered investment advice or an advertisement for investment services. Reposts of third-party content are not attributable to a16z; see disclosures for more information: https://a16z.com/disclosures/.
Each episode features conversations with founders, engineers, economists, policymakers, and researchers building at the frontier of finance, payments, AI, and distributed systems. We cover stablecoins and global payments, the tokenization of "real-world" assets, decentralized physical infrastructure, network design and governance, and the practical tradeoffs behind decentralization — along with lessons from past technology shifts.
Produced and hosted by the a16z crypto team, the show combines reporting, analysis, and first-principles thinking to explain how crypto intersects with the economy and society — and why it matters now.
Learn more at a16zcrypto.com.
***
Posts should not be considered investment advice or an advertisement for investment services. Reposts of third-party content are not attributable to a16z; see disclosures for more information: https://a16z.com/disclosures/.
Episodes
Mentioned books
33 snips
Nov 1, 2025 • 38min
The Data Behind Crypto's Breakout Year
Daren Matsuoka, Head of Data and Fund Strategy at a16z Crypto, shares insights from the 2025 State of Crypto report, exploring market shifts, institutional adoption, and the evolving role of stablecoins. Eddy Lazzarin, a16z Crypto's CTO, offers technical perspectives during a Q&A session. They discuss the convergence of crypto and AI, the growing demand for privacy technologies, and the future of tokenization in bridging traditional finance. The conversation highlights the maturation of the crypto space and strategies for developers in the upcoming bull market.
122 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 37min
State of Crypto 2025: The Latest Data, Trends, and Themes Revealed
Daren Matsuoka, Head of Data and Fund Strategy at a16z Crypto, and Eddy Lazzarin, Chief Technology Officer at a16z Crypto, dive into the evolution of crypto highlighted in the 2025 State of Crypto report. They discuss why stablecoins are surging, how major financial institutions are adopting crypto, and the implications of Bitcoin's resurgence. The conversation explores trends like AI's effect on talent flow, the tokenization of real-world assets, and the demand for privacy in transactions. Insights on the changing regulatory landscape and predictions for crypto turning 18 wrap up the discussion.
140 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 43min
Prediction Markets -- Everything You Need to Know
In this insightful discussion, economist Alex Tabarrok, known for his work on information aggregation, teams up with Scott Kominers, a market design expert from Harvard Business School. Together, they dive into prediction markets, explaining how they aggregate knowledge more effectively than polls and the mechanics behind market prices reflecting collective insights. They explore the impact of AI and blockchain on these markets, along with their potential for guiding real-world events, while also addressing challenges like manipulation and the need for robust participant incentives.
56 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 49min
Surviving Market Cycles & Startup Lessons for Founders
Arianna Simpson, General Partner at a16z crypto, shares her decade-long investment journey in the volatile world of crypto. She discusses vital lessons from previous market cycles and highlights what founders must know to navigate the ups and downs. Key topics include the rise of stablecoins, the intersection of AI and crypto, and the challenges founders face, like co-founder disputes and dealing with copycat competitors. With a wealth of insight, Arianna offers practical advice on scaling, fundraising, and maintaining commitment in an ever-changing landscape.
40 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 21min
After the Foundation Era: Tokens, Policy, and Startup Structures
Miles Jennings, head of policy at a16z crypto, Eddy Lazzarin, a16z crypto's CTO, and Jason Yanowitz, cofounder of Blockworks, dive into the evolving world of decentralized networks. They discuss the end of the foundation era and introduce concepts like DUNAs and BORGs. The trio explores the difference between network and company tokens, emphasizing their implications for investors and builders. They also touch on when protocols should activate revenue models, common pitfalls founders face, and the critical need for clear regulatory frameworks in the crypto landscape.
42 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 35min
The antimemetics (and memetics) of making ideas happen -- in crypto and beyond
Nadia Asparouhova, a researcher and author renowned for her insights on open-source software and antimemetics, dives into the fascinating dynamics of idea propagation. She discusses how certain ideas resist spreading while others thrive, emphasizing the role of group chats and small communities in this process. The conversation also covers the balance of public and private discourse, the impact of social networks on idea refinement, and the importance of context in shaping perceptions. Asparouhova's expertise sheds light on what it truly takes to turn concepts into action.
24 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 24min
GENIUS Becomes Law: What It Took to Pass the First Rules for Stablecoins in the U.S.
Miles Jennings, the General Counsel and Head of Policy at a16z crypto, and Michael Reed, a Government Affairs Partner at a16z, dive into the landmark GENIUS Act, which sets clear regulations for U.S. stablecoins. They discuss the intense bipartisan efforts that led to its passage and the implications for the crypto market. Tension over Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) also surfaces, alongside insights on the transformative CLARITY Act. Together, they analyze the evolving landscape of stablecoins and the political dynamics shaping crypto legislation.
62 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 2min
11 Ideas for AI x Crypto
Join Sam Broner, Investment Partner at a16z crypto; Scott Kominers, Research Partner; Carra Wu, Investment Partner; Matt Gleason, Security Engineer; and Liz Harkavy, Investment Partner, as they explore the intersection of AI and crypto. Sam argues for universal identities for AI agents, while Scott explains how crypto enriches AI's understanding. Carra discusses the next-gen of web crawlers, and Matt reveals how blockchain can revolutionize advertising. Liz dives into AI monetization models, shedding light on new economic strategies in this evolving tech landscape.
13 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 20min
What We're Reading & Technology Changing Reading
Steph Zinn and Tim Sullivan, both editorial team members at a16z crypto, dive into their diverse reading tastes, celebrating everything from historical fiction to poetry. They explore how technology, including AI, is reshaping the way we read and consume literature. The duo tackles the complexities of nonfiction versus fiction, with an emphasis on the emotional impact of storytelling. They reflect on the nostalgia of childhood reads, adaptations of classic works, and the timeless relevance of Mark Twain in understanding truth in literature.
10 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 29min
5 Charts That Explain Crypto Right Now
Daren Matsuoka, the resident data weatherman for a16zcrypto.com, shares insights on cryptocurrency adoption metrics. He discusses the impressive rise in mobile wallet users, emphasizing their significance for market demand. Daren dives into stablecoin growth, highlighting key market dynamics and regulatory impacts. He also analyzes transaction fee trends, noting a drop and its implications for blockchain accessibility. Lastly, he explores the current crypto landscape, expressing concern about revenue generation among tokens and the potential influence of institutional involvement.
