Digital Currents-logo

Digital Currents

Business & Economics Podcasts

Digital Currents brings listeners engaging content from the venture capital industry with an emphasis on blockchain, artificial intelligence and big data. In each episode Morgan Creek Digital General Partners and co-hosts Mark Yusko, Xavier Segura and Sachin Jaitly explore the exciting areas of the digital ecosystem accompanied by expert guests from Morgan Creek’s expansive global network.

Location:

United States

Description:

Digital Currents brings listeners engaging content from the venture capital industry with an emphasis on blockchain, artificial intelligence and big data. In each episode Morgan Creek Digital General Partners and co-hosts Mark Yusko, Xavier Segura and Sachin Jaitly explore the exciting areas of the digital ecosystem accompanied by expert guests from Morgan Creek’s expansive global network.

Language:

English


Episodes
Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

05.10.2024 ABCD Roundup: The AI Apex, Regulatory Rumbles, and Semiconductor Shifts

5/10/2024
Explore the latest developments in Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Computing Infrastructure and Data in this week’s ABCD Roundup. In this episode, we discuss Mistral AI's ambitious funding round that is poised to reach a $6 billion valuation, regulatory scrutiny looming over Robinhood's crypto token listings, forecasts predicting a tripling of U.S. semiconductor manufacturing by 2032, and more. Tune in and remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com

Duration:00:43:38

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

From Shakespeare to Satoshi: It's All About Storytelling | Tony Edward's Insights into Crypto

5/6/2024
In this episode, Tony shares his journey from growing up in Guyana to immersing himself in the technology scene of New York, leading to his fascination with crypto and Blockchain, and eventually founding his podcast in 2016. Reflecting on the changing landscape of the industry, Tony discusses the increased mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrency and the evolving strategies that are driving awareness and education. The conversation delves into insights from his book (Re)Thinking Crypto, covering a range of topics like the rise of safer digital assets post-FTX crash, the regulatory clarity needed, and trends such as the tokenization of real-world assets shaping the future of the market. Throughout, Tony emphasizes the importance of education, distinguishes bad actors from the underlying technology, and draws parallels between historical financial crises and crypto’s challenges. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com

Duration:00:53:13

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

05.03.24 ABCD Roundup: The Tech Nexus— Where AI, Blockchain, and Computing Converge

5/3/2024
Today we discuss Bitcoin’s post halving dip and Anthropic's competitor to ChatGPT, Claude. Further, we dive into Microsoft's $1.7 billion investment in Indonesia's AI and cloud infrastructure. We also discuss Coinbase's integration of the Lightning Network for faster payment rails, and the potential for US stablecoin legislation. In addition, we chat about Texas Instruments' revenue forecasts, Samsung’s operating profit performance and Intel’s launch of the largest-ever AI neuromorphic computer' mimicking the human brain. Lastly, we discuss the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ recently released labor report. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com

Duration:00:48:23

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

04.26.24 ABCD News Roundup: AI, Blockchain, Computing and Data Headlines

4/26/2024
In this episode, we delve into the latest headlines shaping the realms of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and computing infrastructure. We explore Meta's release of its Llama 3 AI model, Rubrik’s IPO and Perplexity’s recent fundraising. Further, we analyze whether M&A activity is rebounding with NVIDIA’s latest acquisition of Run.AI. Last, we discuss Bitcoin in the chart of the week and what it may signal for the coming post halving cycle. Join us as we navigate through the intersections of technology, investment, and global trends shaping our digital future. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com

Duration:00:41:25

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

From Cypherpunk to CEO: Adam Back’s Trailblazing Path in Cryptography

4/24/2024
Join us in a discussion with Adam Back, a trailblazer in the world of cryptography and the evolution of blockchain technology. In this episode of Digital Currents, Adam delves into his early days of creating Hashcash, his interaction with Bitcoin's mysterious founder(s), under the pseudonym of Satoshi Nakamoto, and the inception of his brainchild, Blockstream. We explore the transformation of Hashcash from an anti-spam tool to a key aspect of cryptocurrency mining and discuss the future of Bitcoin and blockchain against the backdrop of emerging technologies like quantum computing. Adam also shares his insights on the vital role of sidechains, the potential of the Liquid Network, and his vision for securing digital freedom and privacy in an increasingly connected world. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com

Duration:01:18:22

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

ABCD Roundup: The Halving is Here! What Does it Mean for Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond?

4/19/2024
In this week's roundup, we are hours away from the Bitcoin having, and Mark and Xavier discuss whether “this time is different” relative to prior Bitcoin having events. They speak about the impact of reaching Bitcoin’s all-time high ahead of its halving cycle, inflation, global ETF approvals in the US and Hong Kong, geopolitical events and even Google search results all coinciding with one of the most anticipated halvings since Bitcoin’s inception. They also comment on the latest Microsoft AI generated videos and discuss the U.S. Commerce Department’s investment in Micron. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com

Duration:00:51:19

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

04.18.2024 Count down to the Bitcoin Halving: An Update on the Digital Asset Ecosystem

4/18/2024
In the latest version of Digital Currents, Mark, Xavier and Sachin take a closer look at how this weekend's bitcoin halving may affect the digital asset ecosystem. From the Miners to the Trad-Fi giants, HODLers and Traders, this halving has many wondering where the next four-year cycle will take us. Join the MCD team as they discuss topics such as how this event could influence other blockchains, the impact of the BTC ETFs, and the inscription layers budding on the bitcoin blockchain. Remember to Stay Current To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com.

Duration:01:11:34

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Bitcoin's 2024 Halving, Economic Implications, and Market Dynamics

4/12/2024
Dive into Digital Currents’ ABCD roundup, covering the developments that are shaping the landscape of technology and innovation. In this episode we explore the strategic partnership between the US and Japan in AI research and Google's new Axion processor. Plus, our central themes of the episode are centered around Bitcoin's 2024 halving, the economic intricacies of lower miner rewards, supply-side changes, and shifts in market-dynamics. This week’s chart is the March US Report of the Consumer Price Index, CPI. Remember to Stay Current To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com Top of Form

Duration:00:50:01

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Ethereum's Evolution: Dan Heyman's Role in Shaping the Future of Finance

4/5/2024
Digital Currents hosts, Mark and Xavier, connect with Dan Heyman, Chief Strategy Officer at Candy Digital and a veteran in the blockchain industry. Dan shares insights into his journey from co-founding PegaSys to his current roles at Candy Digital and Board Member of Enterprise Ethereum Alliance. With a rich background in developing enterprise-grade blockchain protocols and a deep understanding of Ethereum, Dan discusses the significance of NFTs, the transition to Ethereum 2.0, and the implications of recent Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) like proto-danksharding (EIP-4844) as part of the Dencun Upgrade. He also explores the potential of ETH scalability and addresses concerns regarding centralization risks. Listen to Dan’s vision for the future of blockchain technology. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com

Duration:00:51:38

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

ABCDs Weekly RoundUp: Decoding Tech and Finance Trends

3/29/2024
Join Mark and Xavier for this week’s ABCDs Roundup, as they delve into the latest news topics in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Chips and Data. Listen to the discussion of bitcoin and the potential impact of the halving, Microsoft and Adobe teaming up in AI, and BlackRock's collaboration with Securitize for real-world asset tokenization. Further, the “chip wars” continue as China moves to phase out foreign tech giants. Plus, do not miss the chart of the week: Is the U.S. IPO Market Coming Back to Life. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com.

Duration:00:39:32

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Greening the Future with NFTs: Aaron Bumgarner & Outsyde's Conservation Revolution

3/22/2024
In this episode, our hosts Mark and Xavier unravel the visionary journey of Aaron Bumgarner, a seasoned entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of Outsyde, a trailblazing venture integrating conservation with blockchain and digital assets. With a mission to redefine land preservation, Outsyde combines forest management and blockchain to seek to maximize environmental and financial value. Listen as Aaron discusses the pitfalls of traditional carbon credits and the need to leverage NFTs to protect vital ecosystems with valuable resources, while offering community engagement and investment opportunities. The episode concludes with Aaron tackling questions on ESG, fractionalization, and the intersection of conservation and blockchain. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com

Duration:00:50:09

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Your ABCD News Roundup, March 15th, 2024

3/15/2024
Welcome to ABCD News Roundup, your source for the latest in tech and innovation. Hosts Mark and Xavier cover a range of topics, starting with Bitcoin's resurgence and the chart of the week, The Surprising After-Hours Price action of BTC. The hosts also examine the groundbreaking AI Act passed by European lawmakers, setting new standards for AI regulation. They continue the conversation about the sovereign nation chip battle, highlighting the UK's participation in the European Union's Chips Joint Undertaking where they contributed to a $1.4 billion semiconductor research pool. Stay Current with us as we delve deeper into these topics and more on today's ABCD News Roundup To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com.

Duration:00:32:54

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Your ABCD News Roundup, March 8, 2024

3/8/2024
In this episode, Mark and Xavier discuss the latest news topics in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Chips and Big Data (ABCD). Listen as they explore the resurgence of Clippy, Microsoft's infamous animated paper clip assistant from the '90s, and Databricks opting for self-reporting. Additionally, the duo discusses the upcoming Dencun upgrade in the Ethereum ecosystem and Bitcoin approaching a new record high. Further, learn of the complexities of licensing AI chips tailored for China amid US-China trade restrictions. Last, they discuss the “chart of the week” rainbow chart, showing the historical effect of the halving cycles on BTC. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com.

Duration:00:37:51

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Your ABCD News Roundup

3/1/2024
In this episode, Mark and Xavier discuss the latest news topics in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Chips and Big Data (ABCD). Listen as they talk about Silicon Valley's AI and Robotics developments, Gemini’s good news, Bitcoin ETFs’ record assets, and India’s $15 billion investment in chips. They also respond to a question on how to take practical action on tech news and insights. And as a bonus feature, the “chart of the week” details the rise of the Magnificent 7. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com.

Duration:01:04:51

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Your ABCD News Roundup

2/23/2024
In this new series Mark and Xavier discuss the latest news topics in Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Chips and Big Data (ABCD). Listen as they discuss the latest AI developments, Coinbase and NVidia earnings, Blockchain ETF approval, Intel's chip investment and more. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com

Duration:00:59:18

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Bitwise, Bitcoin Spot ETF, and Blockchain’s Evolution: A Conversation with Hunter Horsley

2/14/2024
n this podcast, Morgan Creek Digital’s General Partners, Mark Yusko and Xavier Segura, connect with Hunter Horsley, CEO of Bitwise Investments (Bitwise). The hosts discuss the fascinating diffusion of innovation and rate of adoption of blockchain technology, moving from early adopters to mass adoption. The conversation emphasizes the significance of Bitcoin and explores the parallels with gold's characteristics as a monetary asset. Further, Hunter shares the story of Bitwise, a cryptocurrency index fund provider that manages over $1.6 billion in assets. He highlights the intricacies of the recently approved Bitcoin Spot ETF, shedding light on the challenges faced, the SEC's evolving stance, and the unprecedented launch of 11 similar ETFs in a single day. Join us as we discuss the increasing integration of blockchain technology across diverse industries. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com

Duration:01:04:09

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Why Big Data is Described as the New Oil

1/12/2024
In this special episode, we share an audio copy of our “Why Big Data is Described as the New Oil” webinar presented by Morgan Creek Digital General Partners Xavier Segura and Sachin Jaitly. Data, much like oil, is a raw resource that must be extracted, refined, and utilized to reach its full potential. Similarly, artificial intelligence, analyses and insights are used in the refining process of structured and unstructured volumes of data. As oil drove the industrial revolution, we believe data drives the digital revolution. Listen as they explore the dynamic world of data and analytics, emphasizing that the “next-gen internet (Web3) will seek to combine the power of Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain Technology, and the associated Computing Infrastructure to unlock value from Big Data”. In addition, they discuss the challenges in managing big data, stressing data quality and compliance with privacy regulations. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com

Duration:00:54:02

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Digital Insights 2023: A Year-End Odyssey

12/22/2023
Embark on an illuminating year-end odyssey with "Digital Insights 2023," an episode unraveling the technological tapestry that defined the year. Explore the multifaceted dimensions of the ever-evolving digital landscape. Join our hosts, Xavier Segura and Mark Yusko, as they reflect on the success of NVIDIA, unexpected journeys of tech stocks, and the profound impact of AI in 2023. From the ChatGPT phenomenon to Microsoft's ambitious endeavors, they seek to separate hype from reality and gain valuable insights from the intricate dance between technology and society. The hosts also dissect the accumulation patterns in the crypto market, discuss the correlation puzzle between crypto markets and the macro environment, and explore responses to banking failures and the unexpected shifts in international interest rates. Xavier and Mark further discuss potential recalibration opportunities in 2024, characterized by innovation seedlings and a shift towards execution in the tech industry. Stay current, stay informed, and sail into the horizon of 2024 with insights and predictions from our hosts. Happy holidays from Digital Currents! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com

Duration:00:35:56

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Computing and the Path to Web 3: Navigating the Semiconductor (R)evolution

10/18/2023
In this podcast episode, Mark Yusko, Sachin Jaitly, and Xavier Segura explore the pivotal role of computing infrastructure, particularly chips, in today's digital age. They shed light on the dynamic intersection of computing power, software innovation, and the ever-evolving landscape of chip design and production, recognizing the evolution of semiconductors from the early days of single transistors to the current designs with billions of transistors. The hosts also discuss critical players in the global supply chain of semiconductors, like Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, China, and the United States, and their respective roles in the value chain. They further emphasize steps governments are taking to diversify the ecosystem through subsidies for new manufacturing facilities. Moreover, learn why Morgan Creek Digital anticipates a surge in specialized and advanced chips to support emerging technologies like AI, Blockchain, and data analytics, recognizing this shift as a critical component in shaping the next iteration of the internet, often referred to as "web three". This episode provides valuable insights into semiconductors, addressing their fundamental role in driving technological advancements and the global economy. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com

Duration:00:49:31

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Four Generations of Venture Capital: A Conversation with Tim Draper

9/29/2023
In this podcast, Mark Yusko and Frank Tanner from Morgan Creek’s Venture team connect with Tim Draper, a prominent venture capitalist, who shares his career journey and insights. Draper delves into his early passion for entrepreneurship and the inception of his venture capital firm. Further, he discusses the venture capital landscape in the 1980s, his investment strategies, and successes investing in emerging technology, like his early investments in Parametric Technology (computer software) and web-based email service provider Hotmail. In addition, Draper shares his unique approaches to venture capital, emphasizing curiosity, risk-taking, and a "what if it works" mindset. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com

Duration:01:06:26