On this week's Empire roundup, Jason and Santi kick off by diving into DeepSeek's market impact and NVIDIA's historic selloff. They then explore Powell's comments on banks serving crypto customers and break down why tech founders – from Vine to Venmo – are suddenly rushing to launch tokens as their go-to-market strategy. Plus: Santi shares his portfolio moves, Jason explains why traditional finance will embrace tokens, and a look at Kraken's innovative approach to crypto payments. Thanks for tuning in!

- -

Help us shape the future of Empire. Fill out our audience survey and give us your thoughts: https://empire-31ed59.beehiiv.com/forms/01a0ba12-61d0-4a12-a6c6-8bbcdb3b0060

Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis.

Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts

Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz

Follow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel

Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod

Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j

Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7

Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw

Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/

- -

GEODNET’s native token, GEOD, can be easily mined with a GEODNET Satellite Miner, presenting a unique opportunity to generate passive income. By setting up a GEODNET base station, you can join this groundbreaking Web3 ecosystem that is powering the future of AI and robotics.

Join the revolution today and learn more at https://geodnet.com.

- -

Unichain is a fast, decentralized L2 that’s built to be the home for DeFi and liquidity across chains.

To stay updated on news including the upcoming launch of Unichain, visit www.Unichain.org or follow @Unichain on X.

- -

Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors Empire podcast. Celebrating 10 years of protecting over 20% of the world’s crypto, Ledger ensures the security of your assets. For the best self-custody solution in the space, buy a LEDGER device and secure your crypto today.

Buy now at www.Ledger.com

- -

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:07) DeepSeek's Market Impact

(19:33) DeepSeek's Innovation

(28:23) Geodnet Ad

(29:22) Uniswap Ad

(30:11) Santi's Portfolio Moves

(41:45) Ledger Ad

(42:29) Powell's Pro-Crypto Stance

(45:29) Tokens as a GTM

(54:40) Biggest Onchain Adopters

- -

Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire 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. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.