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
May 1, 2024 • 1h 15min
Theory to Code: Building the Breakthrough zkVM Jolt
Learn about the breakthrough zkVM Jolt and the use of SNARKs in verifiable computing. Discover the evolution of the field, similarities to computer chip architecture, and the challenges of turning theory into practical engineering. Explore the efficiency and security benefits of SNARKs and ZKVMs, and the potential applications in blockchain security, processing capabilities, and decentralized social algorithms. Dive into the optimization of cryptographic protocols for efficiency gains and the future of decentralized app stores.
25 snips
Apr 13, 2024 • 1h 17min
Let's Get Digi-Physical: From 'Tap' Chips to Taylor Swift
Chris Lee, Cofounder of IYK, and Michael Blau explore merging physical and digital worlds through NFC tech. They discuss new consumer experiences, high tech fashion, open standards, bot challenges, and 'phygital' terminology debates.
4 snips
Apr 2, 2024 • 1h 6min
The Art of Technology, The Technology of Art
The podcast discusses the evolution of art with technology, debates on inventing vs. remixing, generative art on blockchains, NFTs, artists adapting to new technology platforms like Instagram, and the intersection of art, technology, and business. It also explores the fusion of art and technology in the crypto art world, NFT art on blockchain networks, expressive possibilities of blockchains, and challenges at the intersection of legacy and digital art worlds.
Mar 28, 2024 • 37min
Leading through uncertainty (with Coinbase CEO)
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong discusses navigating entrepreneurship challenges, building a resilient mindset, and the evolution of a popular exchange platform. Topics include citizen advocacy for crypto policy influence, engaging with elected officials, and balancing core business with disruptive innovation.
4 snips
Mar 28, 2024 • 44min
Snowboards, software, and scaling (with Shopify CEO)
Shopify CEO Tobias Lütke and A16Z co-founder discuss building startups, retail evolution, workplace dynamics, AI, crypto, handling activism, and embracing negativity in business. They explore Lütke's snowboarding background, management style, software evolution, AI-assistants, change management, company values, decentralization in crypto, and technology advancements.
41 snips
Mar 2, 2024 • 1h 33min
Money, power, politics, and the internet's next battleground
Discussions on Internet's corporate takeover, blockchains inheriting open source ethos, AI's role, next global political battleground. Exploring economic moats, network effects, AI communism, and the importance of DAOs in reshaping business.
20 snips
Feb 11, 2024 • 51min
The story of the internet, emergent networks, and their effects
Steven Johnson, a prolific author of books about technology and innovation, and Chris Dixon, founding partner of a16z crypto, discuss the history of their shared interests, emergent properties of decentralized networks, and the past, present, and future of the internet. They explore blockchain's potential in AI and content distribution, challenges of publishing, blockchain's impact on the music industry, and the transition to proof of stake and token implementation.
56 snips
Jan 30, 2024 • 1h 19min
Read Write Own: A new era
The podcast explores the power of blockchains to reshape the Internet and covers intersecting technologies. They discuss the challenges of writing a book and the value of books as a technology. The process of distilling complex ideas into catchy taglines and the importance of networks. They talk about books as a tool for the network and frustrations in the blockchain space. Strategies for optimizing reading habits and the progression of the Internet and its impact on tech work. The significance of receiving positive feedback and closing the gap.
Dec 23, 2023 • 15min
On the decentralized web, truth, and human rights: 'Hacking authenticity'
Jonathan Dotan, tech founder and Emmy-nominated producer, discusses using cryptographic technologies in conflict zones, the history of open source regulation, and establishing authenticity in chaotic environments with Robert Hackett on web3 with a16z crypto.
26 snips
Oct 7, 2023 • 59min
Communicating in Crypto, and Beyond
Explore the importance of effective communication in the crypto and technical industries. Learn strategies for preparing to be spontaneous, effective communication in strategic planning, using the STAR method for communication, the value of storytelling, tips for hybrid meetings, handling confrontations, and modeling and communicating with weights.
