War Stories From a Crypto Founder | Kain Warwick
War Stories From a Crypto Founder | Kain Warwick
187 days agoEmpireBlockworks
Podcast1 hr 12 min
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Note: AI-generated summary based on third-party content. Not financial advice. Read more.
Quick Insights

The founder of Synthetix has taken a large, leveraged long position in SNX, signaling extreme personal conviction in the project's future. Consider a long-term position in Uniswap (UNI), as a potential governance change to activate a "fee switch" could significantly increase token value. Prepare for the upcoming Infinex token launch, expected within the next two to three months, which will feature token buybacks and user incentives. Investors should also monitor Polymarket for a potential future token launch or IPO, given its significant private market success. These opportunities are part of a broader investment theme in decentralized exchanges (DEXs) aiming to take market share from centralized platforms.

Detailed Analysis

Synthetix (SNX)

  • The founder, Kain Warwick, is personally "super bullish" on SNX.
  • He revealed that he built a "very, very large SNX long" position using perpetual contracts. He did this because his family office felt he already had enough exposure and wouldn't let him buy more spot SNX.
  • This action shows an extremely high level of conviction from the project's founder, as he is using his own capital with leverage to increase his position.
  • The strategic goal for Synthetix is not just to compete with other decentralized exchanges (DEXs), but to directly challenge centralized giants like Binance.

Takeaways

  • A founder taking on a large, leveraged personal position in their own project's token is a very strong bullish signal.
  • Investors who believe in the long-term trend of decentralized finance taking market share from centralized platforms may view SNX as a key asset in that movement.
  • While the founder's conviction suggests high potential upside, the use of leverage also highlights the high-risk, high-reward nature of such a bet.

Uniswap (UNI)

  • Kain Warwick mentioned he holds a "bag of UNI" that he has been "holding for dear life."
  • He believes there is "definitely momentum for governance change" within the Uniswap ecosystem.
  • He expressed that past governance models in DeFi were often used as a "shield to protect from regulatory overreach" rather than for optimizing the protocol and creating value for token holders.
  • The subtext is that a future change in governance, such as activating the "fee switch," could unlock significant value for UNI token holders.

Takeaways

  • UNI could be considered a long-term hold for patient investors who anticipate a future governance overhaul.
  • A potential "fee switch," which would direct a portion of trading fees to UNI holders, remains a major potential catalyst for the token's value. Keep an eye on governance proposals related to this topic.

Polymarket

  • Kain is a seed investor in Polymarket and described his position as a "multi 100X bagger."
  • Despite having the opportunity to sell some of his shares in a tender offer, he is holding on, stating, "I'm not ready to get off this ride."
  • He speculates that Polymarket might pursue a "wild" strategy in the future, such as offering "tokenized equity" or pursuing an IPO.
  • The company, which is reportedly valued at $15 billion on the private equity side, is also planning to launch a token, creating an interesting dynamic for how value will be captured.

Takeaways

  • While Polymarket equity is not available to the public, investors should watch for a potential token launch or IPO. Given its success, any public offering would be a major event in the crypto space.
  • The platform itself can serve as a useful tool for gauging market sentiment on crypto-specific events, like the timing of a project's token launch or the outcome of a governance vote.

Investment Theme: Decentralized Perpetual Exchanges (DEXs)

  • A central theme of the discussion is the long-term mission to "take down the centralized exchanges" like Binance.
  • The speaker is convinced that the future of finance is "permissionless" and "non-custodial," meaning users will control their own funds without relying on a central intermediary.
  • Hyperliquid, a fast-growing decentralized exchange, was highlighted for having "reinvigorated this decentralized platforms can win thesis."
  • The core argument is that while centralized exchanges were crucial for crypto's early growth, the technology is now mature enough for decentralized alternatives to offer a superior and more secure user experience.

Takeaways

  • The decentralized perpetuals exchange sector is presented as a major long-term growth area. These platforms aim to capture a piece of the massive trading volumes currently dominated by centralized players.
  • Investors interested in this theme could consider a basket of leading DEX tokens as a way to bet on this trend.
  • A key metric to follow is the market share of DEXs versus centralized exchanges in terms of trading volume and open interest. A steady increase would validate this investment thesis.

Upcoming Opportunity: Infinex Token Launch

  • Infinex is Kain Warwick's new venture, a "super app" aiming to simplify the on-chain experience and replace tools like MetaMask and Phantom.
  • A TGE (Token Generation Event) is planned for the near future, with a target of "late December" or within the "next two to three months."
  • The token's design will focus on capturing platform value through token buybacks funded by revenue generated on the platform.
  • The initial launch campaign will heavily incentivize new users to import their existing crypto wallets into the Infinex platform.

Takeaways

  • Keep an eye out for the official announcement of the Infinex TGE. This is a highly anticipated launch from a well-known and successful founder in the DeFi space.
  • The initial incentive program could provide an opportunity for early adopters to earn tokens by being among the first to use the platform for their on-chain activities.
  • Interested users can create an Infinex account now to familiarize themselves with the platform before the main launch and incentive campaigns begin.

Other Mentioned Assets & Insights

  • The Graph (GRT): Mentioned as a successful early venture investment for Kain's fund. This serves as a historical example of a successful long-term hold in the crypto space.
  • Monad & MegaETH: These two projects were contrasted for their token launch strategies.
    • Monad's airdrop was described as creating some user frustration due to "complexity without clarity."
    • MegaETH's model of letting users buy tokens at a cheap price instead of airdropping them for free was viewed more favorably, as it may attract a more committed and aligned community.

Takeaways

  • The analysis of Monad and MegaETH offers a valuable framework for evaluating future airdrops and token launches.
  • Investors may find more success with campaigns that have clear, transparent rules. Opaque mechanics can lead to disappointment.
  • Projects that require a small financial commitment from users (like buying into an early sale) may filter out bots and attract higher-quality participants than "free money" airdrops, which are often sold immediately.
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Episode Description
This week, Kain Warwick joins the show to discuss building Infinex and the march towards TGE. We deep dive into Kain's experience building in crypto, the next stage for Infinex, taking down CEXs, running a startup, dealing with drug addiction & more. Enjoy! -- Follow Kain: https://x.com/kaiynne Follow Jason: ⁠https://x.com/JasonYanowitz⁠ Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod -- Join the Empire Telegram: https://t.me/+CaCYvTOB4Eg1OWJh -- Zcash is encrypted Bitcoin. Your digital bill of rights securing your freedom for the 21st century. Buy, store and spend ZEC privately using Zashi Wallet download today: https://electriccoin.co/zashi/ -- 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] -- GEODNET is the world’s largest RTK network, delivering real-time, centimeter-level precision for drones, robots, farmers, and first responders. Recognized by the U.S. Congress, this blockchain-powered network supports mission-critical applications across a wide range of industries. Discover how GEODNET is changing the world: [https://geodnet.com] -- (00:00) Intro (05:36) Investing vs Building In Crypto (13:11) The Opportunity For Prediction Markets (17:51) Ads (Zcash, Katana) (18:48) What's Next For Infinex? (21:39) Taking Down Centralized Exchanges (30:52) Why Infinex Is Launching A Token (38:38) Ads (Zcash, Katana) (39:50) The Problem with Airdrops (52:10) Most Influential Accounts on CT (56:42) Ads (Goednet) (57:27) Surviving in Crypto (01:00:50) Dealing with Drug Addiction (01:07:10) Running A Startup (01:08:57) Where Are We in The Cycle? -- 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.
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Empire features interviews with top crypto founders to get the real stories that aren’t shared elsewhere. Empire is your look behind the curtain of the crypto industry. We release two episodes per week: guest interviews on Monday and a weekly roundup on Friday.