Live from LA 26 with Barry Silbert, Founder of Digital Currency Group

Live from LA 26 with Barry Silbert, Founder of Digital Currency Group

Recorded live at Medici LA 26 and released as a special episode, David and Sean sit down with Barry Silbert, founder and CEO of Digital Currency Group (DCG), to discuss his journey from discovering Bitcoin in 2011 to building one of the most influential companies in digital assets. Barry reflects on the early days of Bitcoin, the creation of Grayscale and GBTC, the maturation of institutional digital asset investing, and the regulatory milestones that helped pave the way for Bitcoin ETFs. The conversation also explores the future of tokenization, the convergence of public and private markets, Bitcoin mining economics, financial privacy through Zcash, and why Barry believes decentralized AI networks like Bittensor represent the next major frontier for crypto innovation.  View the Full Level Up Podcast Disclaimer Here: https://level-up-podcast-disclaimer.super.site/ [https://level-up-podcast-disclaimer.super.site/]  Key Points From This Episode: [00:00:00] Barry’s vision for a blockchain-based financial system [00:01:27] Discovering Bitcoin in 2011 and meeting early pioneers [00:03:22] Buying Bitcoin under $10 and investing in blockchain infrastructure [00:04:50] The origins of GBTC, Grayscale, and Digital Currency Group [00:06:58] Institutional adoption and the evolution of crypto investing [00:08:08] Why Bitcoin is becoming a permanent asset class [00:09:30] Barry’s perspective on quantum computing risks for Bitcoin [00:10:56] Grayscale’s legal battle with the SEC and Bitcoin ETFs [00:11:28] Capital formation, tokenization, and regulatory progress [00:13:00] Why public and private markets may eventually merge [00:14:09] Foundry, Bitcoin mining, and the impact of AI infrastructure demand [00:15:03] The changing economics of Bitcoin mining [00:16:03] Why DCG is investing in Zcash mining through Fortitude [00:17:46] Barry’s investment thesis for Zcash and financial privacy [00:20:58] Comparing Zcash and Monero [00:24:21] Zcash adoption, market opportunity, and long-term outlook [00:26:41] Introduction to Bittensor (TAO) and decentralized AI networks [00:27:33] How Bittensor’s subnet ecosystem creates incentives for innovation [00:29:14] Privacy infrastructure, regulation, and institutional adoption [00:31:17] How DCG evaluates investment opportunities and emerging trends [00:32:25] Why financial privacy and blockchain-AI convergence matter [00:33:35] Investing across the Bittensor ecosystem [00:34:46] Building DCG with a long-term investment horizon Links:  The Medici Network: https://www.medici.network/ [https://www.medici.network/]   Podcast Site: https://levelup.medici.network/ [https://levelup.medici.network/]   Digital Currency Group (DCG): https://dcg.co/ [https://dcg.co/]   Interested in being a Guest? Connect with Elmira on X: https://x.com/elmira_yilham [https://x.com/elmira_yilham]     Co-Hosts  David Grider, Finality Capital - https://x.com/David_Grid [https://x.com/David_Grid]  Sean Farrell, Fundstrat Global Advisors - https://x.com/SeanMFarrell [https://x.com/SeanMFarrell]    Guest  Barry Silbert, DCG LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrysilbert/ X - https://x.com/BarrySilbert [https://x.com/BarrySilbert] Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant  - https://thepodcastconsultant.com [https://thepodcastconsultant.com/]

Medici Level Up with Jack Platts, Co-Founder of Hypersphere

In this episode of Level Up, David Grider and Sean Farrell sit down with Jack Platts, Founder, CEO, and CIO of Hypersphere, to discuss how digital asset investing has evolved over the last market cycle. Jack shares lessons from launching funds during the 2020 bull market, adapting investment strategies after the 2022 downturn, and expanding beyond crypto into broader technology themes like AI, rare earths, and brain-computer interfaces. The conversation also examines portfolio construction, concentrated investing, crypto AI opportunities, Bitcoin’s evolving macro role, and how institutional appetite for digital assets is changing.     View the Full Level Up Podcast Disclaimer Here: https://level-up-podcast-disclaimer.super.site/ [https://level-up-podcast-disclaimer.super.site/]     Key Points From This Episode:  [00:00:00] Introduction to Jack Platts and Hypersphere  [00:02:32] Jack’s early crypto background and launching Hypersphere  [00:03:16] Evolution of Hypersphere’s investment strategies since 2020  [00:06:45] Breakdown of Hypersphere’s fund structures and liquid strategies  [00:08:33] Identifying thematic opportunities and developing investment edge  [00:09:34] Research process, information gathering, and idea generation  [00:10:41] Team structure and incorporating LLMs into portfolio analysis  [00:13:04] Portfolio construction through concentration and conviction  [00:15:56] Risk management and continuously re-underwriting positions  [00:18:30] Balancing liquid and illiquid investments across technology sectors  [00:20:18] Investments in SpaceX, Neuralink, and rare earth supply chains  [00:22:24] Expanding beyond crypto while maintaining dedicated crypto exposure  [00:25:17] Comparing crypto performance to broader technology markets  [00:27:18] Historical fund performance and managing through the 2022 downturn  [00:28:47] Recognizing changing market conditions and reducing exposure in 2021  [00:31:20] Macro market outlook and Bitcoin’s geopolitical relevance  [00:33:44] Crypto sectors with potential upside including lending and exchanges  [00:36:02] Crypto AI opportunities and key projects under evaluation  [00:37:49] How LP appetite for crypto funds has evolved since 2021  [00:41:02] Why investors should remain engaged with the crypto asset class  Links:   The Medici Network:  [https://www.medici.network/]https://www.medici.network/ [https://www.medici.network/]    Podcast Site:  [https://levelup.medici.network/]https://levelup.medici.network/ [https://levelup.medici.network/]    Hypersphere: https://www.hypersphere.capital/     Interested in being a Guest? Connect with Elmira on X:  [https://x.com/elmira_yilham]https://x.com/elmira_yilham [https://x.com/elmira_yilham]       Co-Hosts   David Grider, Finality Capital -  [https://x.com/David_Grid]https://x.com/David_Grid [https://x.com/David_Grid]   Sean Farrell, Fundstrat Global Advisors -  [https://x.com/SeanMFarrell]https://x.com/SeanMFarrell [https://x.com/SeanMFarrell]      Guests   Jack Platts, Hypersphere  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-platts-b0407360 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-platts-b0407360]  X - https://x.com/jackbplatts [https://x.com/jackbplatts?lang=en]    Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant  -  [https://thepodcastconsultant.com/]https://thepodcastconsultant.com/ [https://thepodcastconsultant.com/]

Medici Level Up with Illia Polosukhin, Co-Founder of NEAR Protocol

In this episode of Level Up, David and Sean sit down with Illia Polosukhin, co-founder of NEAR Protocol and co-author of the Transformer model. Illia shares his journey from AI research at Google to building NEAR, a blockchain designed to integrate artificial intelligence with financial infrastructure. The conversation covers NEAR’s architecture, Intents, chain abstraction, and the role of AI agents in commerce. Illia also addresses security risks, token dynamics, and how NEAR is positioning itself as a full-stack platform for coordinating digital and real-world resources.  View the Full Level Up Podcast Disclaimer Here: https://level-up-podcast-disclaimer.super.site/ [https://level-up-podcast-disclaimer.super.site/]     Key Points From This Episode:  [00:00:00] Illia on the growing security risks in software and AI-driven vulnerabilities  [00:00:53] Introduction to NEAR Protocol and overview of the episode  [00:01:21] NEAR's token fundamentals, market positioning, and AI-focused thesis  [00:02:33] NEAR’s product stack including AI, Intents, and blockchain infrastructure  [00:03:29] Network metrics, fees, and value capture mechanisms  [00:05:21] Token supply dynamics and comparison to other layer one ecosystems  [00:07:01] Market performance and AI-driven narrative around NEAR  [00:08:46] Illia’s background in AI and role in developing the Transformer model  [00:12:16] NEAR’s vertically integrated vision: AI front end and blockchain back end  [00:14:43] Technical architecture: sharding, accounts, and chain abstraction  [00:20:58] Key applications including payments, trading, and financial infrastructure  [00:23:37] Traction in cross-chain trading and growth of Intents  [00:25:41] DeFi use cases including lending, borrowing, and yield aggregation  [00:27:44] Rethinking “native” activity in a chain-abstracted environment  [00:29:32] Fee structure and how Intents drive value to the NEAR token  [00:31:14] AI agents as primary users of blockchain infrastructure  [00:35:17] Competitive landscape across blockchain and AI ecosystems  [00:39:50] AI-driven cybersecurity risks and the rise of automated exploits  [00:42:56] Formal verification and mitigating smart contract vulnerabilities  [00:45:12] Separating real vs. speculative AI + crypto use cases  [00:50:18] Token supply, inflation reduction, and distribution maturity  [00:52:08] Path toward deflation through Intents and ecosystem growth  [00:54:15] Governance structure including House of Stake and validators  [00:57:52] Validator economics and impact of reduced inflation  [01:00:37] Key risks including cybersecurity, market dependence, and AI adoption  [01:03:28] Final thoughts on privacy, confidential transactions, and user adoption      Links:   The Medici Network:  [https://www.medici.network/]https://www.medici.network/ [https://www.medici.network/]    Podcast Site:  [https://levelup.medici.network/]https://levelup.medici.network/ [https://levelup.medici.network/]    NEAR Protocol: https://www.near.org/     Interested in being a Guest? Connect with Elmira on X:  [https://x.com/elmira_yilham]https://x.com/elmira_yilham [https://x.com/elmira_yilham]       Co-Hosts   David Grider, Finality Capital -  [https://x.com/David_Grid]https://x.com/David_Grid [https://x.com/David_Grid]   Sean Farrell, Fundstrat Global Advisors -  [https://x.com/SeanMFarrell]https://x.com/SeanMFarrell [https://x.com/SeanMFarrell]      Guests   Illia Polosukhin, NEAR Protocol   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/illia-polosukhin-77b6538/  X - https://x.com/ilblackdragon [https://x.com/ilblackdragon]    Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant  -  [https://thepodcastconsultant.com/]https://thepodcastconsultant.com/ [https://thepodcastconsultant.com/]

Medici Level Up with Mark Wendland & Mark Toomey of Canton Strategic Holdings

In this episode of Level Up, hosts David and Sean speak with Mark Wendland, CEO, and Mark Toomey, President of Canton Strategic Holdings. They break down the Canton Network’s focus on institutional blockchain adoption, including tokenized real-world assets, intraday repo markets, and privacy-enabled infrastructure. The conversation covers Canton Network's architecture, tokenomics, and governance model, as well as how Canton Strategic Holdings is building a differentiated DAT model through validator operations, ecosystem investing, and app development. The Marks also discuss how major financial institutions are already building on Canton and what that shift means for the future of market infrastructure.  View the Full Level Up Podcast Disclaimer Here: https://level-up-podcast-disclaimer.super.site/ [https://level-up-podcast-disclaimer.super.site/]     Key Points From This Episode:  [00:00:00] Scale of tokenized assets and repo activity on Canton Network  [00:00:19] Introduction to Level Up and Canton Strategic Holdings  [00:01:27] Overview of Canton Strategic Holdings and the CC token  [00:03:27] Institutional-focused blockchain: configurable privacy, tokenomics, and governance  [00:06:22] Revenue opportunities through validators and network participation  [00:07:19] Real-world use case: repo transactions on-chain  [00:08:59] Tokenomics model and burn-mint equilibrium  [00:10:04] Emissions schedule and valuation considerations  [00:12:48] Market performance of CSH vs other digital asset companies  [00:14:15] Mark Wendland’s background in treasury and operations  [00:14:55] Mark Toomey’s background and transition into blockchain  [00:16:57] Canton’s core investment thesis and institutional focus  [00:20:08] What defines a digital asset treasury company  [00:21:35] Strategy beyond token accumulation: validators and app development  [00:23:15] Expanding ecosystem through lending, options, and apps  [00:25:43] Super validator role and expected yield  [00:27:24] Evolution from private to public blockchain  [00:29:34] Key KPIs: institutional usage and transaction volume  [00:31:37] Deep dive into intraday repo use cases  [00:35:46] How apps, transactions, and rewards interact on Canton  [00:37:21] Economic flow of transactions and token incentives  [00:40:35] Validator vs super validator roles  [00:41:41] Growth of applications and institutional integrations  [00:44:52] Measuring success for Canton Strategic Holdings  [00:46:11] Company strategy: capital markets, validators, and ecosystem investment  [00:49:56] Capital structure and funding strategy  [00:51:15] Competitive landscape and institutional adoption  [00:54:57] Differentiation through privacy and financial market focus  [00:57:33] Public vs private blockchain adoption by banks  [01:00:31] Governance structure and foundation participation  [01:04:40] Token distribution and decentralization considerations  [01:06:32] Key risks: timing, regulation, and execution  [01:09:49] Final thoughts on early-stage growth and execution      Links:   The Medici Network:  [https://www.medici.network/]https://www.medici.network/ [https://www.medici.network/]    Podcast Site:  [https://levelup.medici.network/]https://levelup.medici.network/ [https://levelup.medici.network/]    Canton Strategic Holdings: https://www.cantonstrategic.com/ [https://www.cantonstrategic.com/]     Interested in being a Guest? Connect with Elmira on X:  [https://x.com/elmira_yilham]https://x.com/elmira_yilham [https://x.com/elmira_yilham]       Co-Hosts   David Grider, Finality Capital -  [https://x.com/David_Grid]https://x.com/David_Grid [https://x.com/David_Grid]   Sean Farrell, Fundstrat Global Advisors -  [https://x.com/SeanMFarrell]https://x.com/SeanMFarrell [https://x.com/SeanMFarrell]      Guests   Mark Wendland, CEO of Canton Strategic Holdings -   https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wendland-1b2a0515 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wendland-1b2a0515]    Mark Toomey, President of Canton Strategic Holdings -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-toomey-34196b [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-toomey-34196b]     Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant  -  [https://thepodcastconsultant.com/]https://thepodcastconsultant.com/ [https://thepodcastconsultant.com/]

Medici Level Up with Xiao-Xiao J. Zhu, President of Jupiter

In this episode of Level Up, David and Sean sit down with Xiao-Xiao J. Zhu, President of Jupiter, to discuss the evolution of Jupiter from a DEX aggregator into a full-scale DeFi super app on Solana. Xiao Xiao shares his background from KKR to crypto and outlines Jupiter’s product suite, including trading, lending, mobile, and more. The conversation covers growth metrics, token design, competition, and the long-term vision for on-chain finance, including omni-chain infrastructure and expanding real-world asset integration.    View the Full Level Up Podcast Disclaimer Here: https://level-up-podcast-disclaimer.super.site/ [https://level-up-podcast-disclaimer.super.site/]     Key Points From This Episode:  [00:00:00] Jupiter’s role as an application layer driving adoption on Solana  [00:00:24] Podcast introduction and overview of Jupiter’s business model  [00:01:03] Breakdown of Jupiter’s revenue, products, and market position  [00:05:03] Growth in users, volumes, and product expansion  [00:07:18] Product roadmap including mobile, prediction markets, and stablecoins  [00:10:30] Omni-chain vision and JupNet introduction  [00:13:27] Xiao Xiao’s background and transition from KKR to Jupiter  [00:16:00] Shift from centralized exchanges to on-chain finance  [00:20:10] Jupiter’s evolution into a DeFi super app and token thesis  [00:25:59] Product suite breakdown: spot, perps, lending, and launchpad  [00:29:30] Scale of trading volumes, wallet growth, and infrastructure  [00:33:18] Key KPIs: active wallets, volume, TVL, and revenue  [00:34:06] Financial performance and revenue composition  [00:39:35] Major growth drivers: mobile, lending, payments, and JupNet  [00:43:43] Architecture and positioning of JupNet  [00:45:20] Mobile adoption and user behavior trends  [00:49:21] Tokenized real-world assets and institutional integration  [00:53:08] Expansion plans for perps and new trading models  [00:55:09] Competitive landscape across DeFi and centralized platforms  [01:00:12] Competition with Hyperliquid and centralized exchanges  [01:02:40] Moats in DeFi: distribution, product velocity, and brand  [01:04:31] Governance structure and DAO participation  [01:09:36] Token supply, burn mechanics, and buyback strategy  [01:14:30] Strategic investment from ParaFi and token positioning  [01:17:00] Future token utility and integration into the product ecosystem    Links:   The Medici Network:  [https://www.medici.network/]https://www.medici.network/ [https://www.medici.network/]    Podcast Site:  [https://levelup.medici.network/]https://levelup.medici.network/ [https://levelup.medici.network/]    Jupiter Site: https://jup.ag/ [https://jup.ag/]   Jupiter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jupiter-onchain/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/jupiter-onchain/]      Interested in being a Guest? Connect with Elmira on X:  [https://x.com/elmira_yilham]https://x.com/elmira_yilham [https://x.com/elmira_yilham]       Co-Hosts   David Grider, Finality Capital -  [https://x.com/David_Grid]https://x.com/David_Grid [https://x.com/David_Grid]   Sean Farrell, Fundstrat Global Advisors -  [https://x.com/SeanMFarrell]https://x.com/SeanMFarrell [https://x.com/SeanMFarrell]      Guest   Xiao-Xiao J. Zhu, Jupiter   X - h [https://x.com/xxjzhu]ttps://x.com/xxjzhu [https://x.com/xxjzhu]   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiao-xiao-j-zhu-12078730/     Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant  -  [https://thepodcastconsultant.com/]https://thepodcastconsultant.com/ [https://thepodcastconsultant.com/]