a16z's Crypto Thesis With Ali Yahya

Gm! This week we're joined by Ali Yahya to discuss the state of crypto in 2025. We deep dive into crypto venture in 2025, the Solana thesis, stablecoins, funding apps vs infra & more. Enjoy! -- Follow Ali: https://x.com/alive_eth Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknave Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq Subscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed Join the Lightspeed Telegram: https://t.me/+QUl_ZOj2nMJlZTEx -- Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and high yield. No empty emissions, just real yield and sequencer fees routed back to DeFi users. Pre-deposit now: Earn high APRs with Turtle Club [https://app.turtle.club/campaigns/katana] or spin the wheel with Katana Krates [https://app.katana.network/krates] -- Grab your tickets to Permissionless IV. Use code LIGHTSPEED10 for 10% off: https://blockworks.co/event/permissionless-iv -- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- (00:00) Introduction (06:44) a16z’s Crypto Thesis (14:23) Katana Ad (15:23) The State Of Crypto VC (20:20) Investing On Short vs Long Term Timeframes (27:55) The Solana Thesis (32:03) Katana Ad (33:02) Stablecoins (39:20) Worldcoin (44:33) Investing In Apps vs Infra -- isclaimers: 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.