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Gm! This week Robin A. Nordnes joins the show to discuss Raiku's most recent $13.5m raise. We deep dive into what is Raiku, transaction landing on Solana, why Robin moved from the Ethereum ecosystem to Solana & more. Enjoy!
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Follow Robin: https://x.com/degenroot
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
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Crypto’s premiere institutional conference returns to London in October 2025. Use code LIGHT100 for 100 off at checkout: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2025-london
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Katana directs chain revenue back to DeFi users for consistently higher yields.
It starts with VaultBridge, which turns bridged assets into yield streams that back a perpetually funded real yield, boosting rewards for DeFi users. Katana is pioneering Productive TVL, assets actually being used in DeFi and reinforces this with Chain-owned Liquidity, permanent liquidity the chain controls. Stop sleeping on your bags: https://app.katana.network/?utm_source=BW-Pod
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Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/
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(00:00) Introduction
(05:34) Moving From Ethereum To Solana
(13:00) Katana Ad
(14:03) What Is Raiku?
(18:20) How Are Pre Confirmations Decided?
(24:05) Validator Economic Incentives
(28:34) Validator Revenue
(36:17) Will Raiku Launch A Token?
(37:52) Katana Ad
(38:55) Transaction Landing On Solana
(46:38) Local Fee Markets
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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.
Gm! This week Henri Stern joins the show to discuss why Stripe acquired the wallet infrastructure company Privy. We deep dive into Stripe's crypto strategy, crypto payments, Henri's Solana thesis, what does crypto need to improve & more. Enjoy!
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Follow Henri: https://x.com/henri_stern
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
--
Crypto’s premiere institutional conference returns to London in October 2025. Use code LIGHT100 for 100 off at checkout: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2025-london
--
Katana directs chain revenue back to DeFi users for consistently higher yields.
It starts with VaultBridge, which turns bridged assets into yield streams that back a perpetually funded real yield, boosting rewards for DeFi users. Katana is pioneering Productive TVL, assets actually being used in DeFi and reinforces this with Chain-owned Liquidity, permanent liquidity the chain controls. Stop sleeping on your bags: https://app.katana.network/?utm_source=BW-Pod
--
Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/
--
(00:00) Introduction
(03:03) Why Did Stripe Acquire Privy?
(11:22) Katana Ad
(12:24) Behind Stripe’s Crypto Strategy
(19:07) Are Crypto Payment Rails Actually Better?
(25:55) The Solana Thesis
(38:08) Katana Ad
(39:11) The Business Behind Crypto Wallets
(47:38) What Does Crypto Need To Improve?
(57:36) Agentic Payments
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Disclaimers: 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. Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
