Lightspeed
Podcast

Lightspeed

by Blockworks

98 episodes

Lightspeed is a podcast for those interested in how crypto can solve real problems and create products users love. It's a callback to the garage days of Silicon Valley, where builders pushed the limits of hardware and software to build world-changing products. We interview the projects and founders that will make this same impact today.
Investment Summary
Updated 2 days ago
Summary of insights from content in the last 30 days

Solana Ecosystem Evolution

Solana is transitioning into an institutional-grade on-chain NASDAQ, driven by infrastructure upgrades like Alpenglow and MCP that target deterministic execution speeds.

  • Solana (SOL): High-conviction play as SIMD 547 fee changes could slash net inflation to 2-2.5%.
  • Jito (JTO): Top pick pivoting to high-revenue trading via JTX; watch for entries on pullbacks.
  • SpaceX (SPACE): Emerging leader in the tokenized real-world asset (RWA) trend on Solana.
  • Kamino (KMNO): Essential DeFi collateral layer for new regulated equity tokens and interest rate hedging.

Yield & Tokenized Finance

Institutional yield layers are maturing, offering delta-neutral strategies and fixed-rate swaps that decouple returns from volatile crypto price action.

  • Solstice (SLX): New institutional yield layer; stake for STSLX to enable instant capital redemptions.
  • EUSX & USX: EUSX offers 13-14% IRR via arbitrage, while USX tranches provide up to 29% APY.
  • Ondo Finance (ONDO): Key provider for diversifying into tokenized treasuries with uncorrelated market yields.
  • MicroStrategy (MSTR): New tokenized tranches allow targeted exposure to BTC proxy yields.

Regulated Derivatives & Perps

The regulatory shift toward onshoring crypto perpetuals in the US is creating a massive revenue catalyst for established fintech platforms.

  • Coinbase (COIN) & Robinhood (HOOD): Primary beneficiaries as regulated BTC perps launch for US retail users.
  • Bitcoin (BTC): Central to the new regulated perp narrative; ETH and SOL listings expected to follow.
  • Flash Trade: High-performance perp alternative; FLP1 pool (SOL/BTC/ETH) outperforming buy-and-hold by 45%.

AI-generated summary. Not investment advice. Learn more.

Ask about LightspeedAnswers are grounded in this source's posts from the last 30 days.

Recent Posts

98 posts
Future-Proof Money on Solana | Hardhat Chad

Investors should monitor Ore Protocol (ORE) as it transitions to its V4 "Grid Mining" model, which replaces traditional power-intensive mining with a system requiring SOL deposits. The protocol features a hard supply cap of 3 million ORE and a deflationary mechanism where 100% of protocol revenue is used for buybacks and burns. To participate in this ecosystem, maintain a position in SOL, as it serves as the essential capital required for miners to earn rewards. Be cautious of the broader Proof of Useful Work (PoUW) and AI-mining sectors, as these projects often introduce unnecessary token complexity that may not provide long-term value. For those seeking a "Store of Value" play on Solana, ORE offers reduced counterparty risk through immutable smart contracts that protect the supply cap from developer interference.

From Memecoins to Markets: Solana’s Next Trade

Investors should prioritize Solana (SOL) as it evolves into an "on-chain NASDAQ," specifically focusing on the emerging trend of tokenized real-world assets like SpaceX. To gain exposure to this shift, monitor Backpack as a leading platform for trading fungible, regulated equity tokens that can eventually be used as collateral in DeFi protocols like Kamino. Jito (JTO) represents a high-conviction play as it pivots from infrastructure to a high-revenue trading frontend (JTX), with analysts projecting potential annual revenue growth from $5M to over $50M. While JTO has strong long-term fundamentals, investors should look for entry points on pullbacks following its recent 3x price surge. For broader market participation, prediction markets like Polymarket are the primary vehicles for capturing global volume in sports and event-based betting.

Flash Trade Is Reinventing Perps on Solana | Anas Khader

Investors can earn passive income by providing liquidity to the Flash Trade FLP1 pool (SOL, BTC, and ETH), which has historically outperformed a simple buy-and-hold strategy by 45% through fee accumulation. For active traders, Flash Trade offers a high-performance alternative to traditional brokers with fees as low as 0.02% and up to 500x leverage on major crypto assets. You can now diversify your crypto wallet into traditional markets by trading S&P 500 (SPY), Gold (XAUT), and Silver perpetual contracts 24/7 with no KYC requirements. Solana (SOL) remains a high-conviction infrastructure play as upcoming upgrades like Alpenglow and "coprocessor" technology move the network toward Nasdaq-level execution speeds. While these tools offer institutional-grade power, retail investors must exercise extreme caution with high leverage, as a price move of just 0.2% can result in a total loss of capital.

Blockworks Acquires Messari

Blockworks Acquires Messari

11 days agoLightspeedBlockworks
Podcast29 min 10 sec

Investors should prioritize exposure to Real World Assets (RWAs) and Stablecoins, as tokenizing traditional assets like Treasuries and commodities is identified as the primary growth driver for this cycle. Focus on core infrastructure plays like Ethereum and Solana, which serve as the primary public blockchain rails for institutional giants like BlackRock, Stripe, and Robinhood. Exercise extreme caution with "high growth" tokens; avoid assets that lack transparent disclosures or rely on temporary incentive campaigns, as the industry shifts toward standardized reporting and legal accountability. Look for "winner-take-all" data platforms like the newly merged Blockworks and Messari that provide the essential quantitative APIs required by institutional underwriters and regulators. Position for the 2025-2026 timeframe by identifying projects providing "AI-ready" data, as AI agents are becoming the fastest-growing consumer segment for automated on-chain trading and diligence.

Solving Sol Value Accrual

Solving Sol Value Accrual

12 days agoLightspeedBlockworks
Podcast57 min 40 sec

Investors should monitor the progress of Solana (SOL) proposal SIMD 553, which could burn up to 9,000 SOL daily and significantly offset annual issuance, though implementation may be 18 months away. For Bitcoin (BTC), the "realized price" of $53,000 serves as a critical historical floor for long-term entries, especially as institutional ETF outflows signal a cooling period. Avoid high-leverage positions in the current volatile environment and instead favor "A-tier" DeFi protocols like Aave or Uniswap, which are better positioned to survive AI-assisted security exploits. Consider shifting capital toward Real World Assets (RWA) and yield-generating tokens like Ethena (ENA) as the market moves away from speculative "governance" tokens toward assets with sustainable cash flows. While MicroStrategy (MSTR) remains a primary driver of market sentiment, be aware that its aggressive BTC acquisition strategy creates a "flow-based" market that is highly sensitive to Michael Saylor's buying activity.

The Era of Tokenized Yield Strategies | Ben Nadareski

Investors should consider the Solstice (SLX) token following its recent launch to gain exposure to an institutional-grade yield layer on Solana with over $500 million in assets. For consistent returns, the EUSX token offers a liquid, delta-neutral strategy that has historically delivered a 13-14% net IRR by rotating between market arbitrage and tokenized Treasuries. High-conviction investors can target the upcoming MicroStrategy (STRC USX) tranches, choosing between a stable 8% yield in the Senior tranche or an aggressive 29% APY in the Junior tranche. Staking SLX for STSLX is a priority for active users, as it provides additional yield and enables instant redemptions of capital, bypassing standard 7-day lockups. Keep a close watch on mid-2026 for the launch of AI GPU financing products and regulatory-compliant yield tokens specifically designed for the US market.

US Crypto Perps Arrive, Solana Rethinks Fees

Investors should consider Coinbase (COIN) and Robinhood (HOOD) as primary beneficiaries of the regulatory shift toward "onshoring" crypto perpetual futures in the US. The approval of Bitcoin (BTC) perps for platforms like Kalshi signals a massive revenue opportunity as these exchanges begin offering regulated derivatives to a massive US retail and institutional user base. For Solana (SOL), the proposed SIMD 547 fee structure could significantly increase the token burn rate, potentially reducing net inflation to 2-2.5% and creating a long-term price tailwind. While the Collector Crypt (CARDS) platform is generating record revenue from on-chain trading cards, the token carries high risk due to its reliance on physical inventory and speculative "crypto casino" behavior. Monitor the expansion of regulated perp listings for Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL), as these are expected to follow the initial BTC approval shortly.

Building the Onchain Brokerage: Glider's Vision for Investing | Brian Huang

Investors should prioritize Tokenized Real-World Assets (RWAs) through institutional-grade platforms like Ondo Finance to access stable, US-market-backed liquidity. You can enhance returns by moving beyond simple price appreciation and utilizing on-chain lending to earn "real yield" on blue-chip stocks like Nvidia (NVDA). Transition from manual trading to rules-based automation by using platforms like Autopilot to copy-trade political disclosures or execute deterministic "intent-based" strategies. Focus on "Chain Abstraction" tools that consolidate assets across Solana and Ethereum into a single interface, eliminating the complexity and risk of manual bridging. To protect your capital, favor non-custodial, segregated accounts over large pooled vaults and target sustainable yields in the 7-10% range rather than high-risk, triple-digit APRs.

Why Crypto Needs Interest Rate Swaps | Thomas Lefort

Investors should monitor the launch of Exponent V2 on Solana this summer to access the first on-chain limit order book for interest rate swaps. You can use the platform to lock in fixed yields on JitoSOL or hedge borrowing costs on Kamino and MarginFi to protect against volatile interest rate spikes. For a more passive approach, look for the rollout of Strategy Vaults in late May and June, which offer one-click access to complex yield strategies managed by professionals like WorkawayX. Diversify your portfolio by utilizing these vaults to gain exposure to Real World Assets (RWAs) and tokenized treasuries from providers like Ondo Finance, which offer yields uncorrelated to crypto market swings. Always remain cautious of "looping" risks and smart contract vulnerabilities by utilizing Exponent’s new principal protection features when available.

Raiku’s Vision for Solana Markets | Robin

Investors should maintain a bullish long-term outlook on Solana (SOL) as the network transitions toward institutional-grade architecture through upcoming upgrades like MCP and Constellation. To capitalize on the migration of traditional finance to DeFi, focus on "Middleware Infrastructure" projects that provide deterministic execution and fixed transaction costs for large-scale capital. Keep a close watch on Raikou Labs, which is set to launch its Blackline enterprise data product within the next three months and a strategy Terminal in early 2025. Monitor the "Block Building Wars" and validator revenue shifts, as the ability to read and write data faster than the public market remains the primary edge for professional asset managers. Be aware of centralization risks, specifically noting that infrastructure provider Double Zero currently influences over 50% of the network stake.

The Institutional Era of Crypto Has Arrived | Christopher Perkins

Investors should prioritize Bitcoin (BTC) as a superior "digital gold" alternative, especially as nation-states begin decoupling from US Treasuries in favor of assets with easier storage and verification. Focus on Ethereum (ETH) and altcoins that demonstrate clear fundamental value accrual and utility, rather than speculative narratives, as the market shifts toward institutional valuation models. Monitor the passage of US legislative milestones like the FIT21/Clarity Act, which will serve as a primary catalyst for institutional capital to enter the market. Seek exposure to the Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization theme through initiatives by firms like BlackRock and Franklin Templeton, which leverage 24/7 global liquidity. High-growth opportunities are emerging at the intersection of AI and Crypto, specifically within DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure) and on-chain identity verification protocols.

Jupiter’s Push Beyond Crypto Trading | Kash Dhanda

Accumulate Jupiter (JUP) as it transitions into a "DeFi Super App," leveraging its 90%+ market share on Solana to capture the massive savings and remittance markets. Investors can access high-yield "looping" strategies by utilizing the $200 million liquidity injection from Ethena (USDE) now integrated into Jupiter Lend. Consider holding tokenized equities like NVDA, TSLA, and SPY on-chain via X-Stocks to borrow capital at rates as low as 40 basis points. Monitor the upcoming launch of OfferBook and the Jupiter Spend debit card as key catalysts for mainstream adoption and increased platform utility. The partnership with Bitwise provides a critical institutional-grade layer, making JUP a primary play for those betting on the convergence of traditional finance and decentralized infrastructure.

Inside JTX: Jito’s New Trading Platform | Lucas Bruder

Investors should monitor Jito (JTO) as it pivots from infrastructure to a vertically integrated trading powerhouse with the launch of its JTX platform. JTX aims to capture high-volume retail and institutional flow by offering Spot, Perpetuals, and Prediction Markets with execution speeds that rival centralized exchanges. You can capitalize on the ecosystem's growth by participating in the JTX referral program, which offers a permanent 20% share of referred users' trading fees. Solana (SOL) remains the primary layer-1 play for this cycle, as it matures into a dominant hub for Real World Assets (RWAs) and high-frequency trading. Look for Jito’s BAM infrastructure to introduce "private trades," a feature that protects large investors from front-running and could drive significant "smart money" migration to the network.

Agentic Finance for Everyday Users | Chris

Investors should look to Solana (SOL) as the primary ecosystem for "invisible crypto," where the integration of passkeys and smart accounts is set to onboard non-crypto users by automating complex manual tasks. Consider gaining exposure to Kamino Finance (KMNO), as new "agentic finance" platforms like Loyal are launching automated yield-routing tools in June to capture APY spreads that are manually difficult to track. For automated income, freelancers and stablecoin holders should utilize Loyal’s upcoming "auto-swap" features to automatically sweep balances over 500 USDC into high-yield pools. Avoid high-risk AI "trading agents" and instead focus on "utility agents" that manage portfolio rebalancing and liquidation protection through secure, non-custodial smart accounts. Monitor MetaDAO (META) as a high-conviction platform for discovering early-stage projects, as its "futarchy" model is becoming a preferred, market-driven alternative to traditional venture capital.

Inside Jito’s New Solana Plugin Strategy | Eric & Hayden

Accumulate JTO as the protocol rolls out its BAM architecture and Maker Prioritization Plugin, which incentivizes validators and deepens network liquidity. Monitor SOL for long-term growth as it transitions from bug fixes to high-frequency trading optimization, aiming for NASDAQ-level determinism. Look for investment opportunities in Real World Assets (RWAs), specifically platforms offering "Pre-stocks" like SpaceX or OpenAI to retail investors. Keep an eye on the upcoming JTX product launch from the Jito team, which is expected to provide a high-performance user interface for retail traders. Watch for the expansion of 50ms price updates to Perpetual DEXs like Phoenix, which will significantly improve execution and reduce liquidation risks for active traders.

Solana Was Too Late to Perps

Solana Was Too Late to Perps

54 days agoLightspeedBlockworks
Podcast55 min 21 sec

Investors should prioritize Solana (SOL) as it transitions into a leader for Real World Assets (RWA) and tokenized equities, moving beyond its reputation as a meme coin hub. To capitalize on Solana’s infrastructure upgrades, monitor Jito (JTO) and the emerging protocol Bulk, which offers validators a 12.5% fee share to solve current trading latency issues. While Jupiter (JUP) remains a dominant player in Solana's perpetual futures, Hyperliquid is currently the high-conviction "gold standard" for decentralized perps and continues to capture significant retail volume. Avoid Pump.fun (POMP) for now, as the token trades at a steep discount due to transparency concerns despite its new programmatic buyback-and-burn model. Look for "Asset Conversion to Equity" models, like those seen in Pumpcade (ACE), which allow retail investors to convert tokens into company equity to ensure long-term value accrual.

LPing Is Trading: Rethinking DeFi Strategies | Dann & Miir

Investors should consider Meteora (MET) as a strategic infrastructure play to capture high-velocity trading fees across the Solana ecosystem, particularly from launchpads like Pump.fun. Instead of passive holding, adopt the "Buy → LP → Sell" playbook by providing liquidity in DLMM pools to earn sustainable USDC fees during market volatility. For range-bound assets like SOL, utilize concentrated liquidity positions to "print fees" and effectively dollar-cost average into or out of positions. Monitor the "long-tail" asset market, including AI tokens and Pre-Stocks, where lower initial liquidity creates high-yield fee opportunities for early liquidity providers. Be aware that active liquidity provision requires monitoring price ranges to mitigate the risk of being "sold out" of winning assets during sharp directional breakouts.

Tokenizing Private Markets: Inside the Rise of PreStocks | Xavier Ekkel

Retail investors can now gain direct exposure to high-growth "unicorns" like SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic by trading tokenized private shares on the Solana (SOL) blockchain via the PreStocks platform. These assets allow you to capture the wealth creation phase of companies staying private longer, with SpaceX identified as a high-conviction "anchor" asset ahead of a potential 2026–2027 IPO. For those seeking AI exposure, monitoring the price gap between "stale" official funding valuations and real-time on-chain tokens for Anthropic offers a unique arbitrage opportunity. Investors should utilize decentralized exchanges like Meteora or Raydium for smaller trades, but must remain cautious of "premiums" over private valuations caused by low liquidity. While these tokens offer an exit strategy post-IPO, be mindful of the typical six-month lockup period before tokens convert into public stock equivalents.

The KelpDAO Hack and DeFi’s Stress Test | Ian Unsworth

Investors should exercise extreme caution with rsETH (KelpDAO) due to recent security breaches, prioritizing safer liquid restaking alternatives or direct ETH holdings. Aave (AAVE) has proven its resilience after surviving record outflows, making it a high-conviction play for those seeking a stable, core DeFi lending protocol. Consider diversifying stablecoin exposure into USDE (Ethena), which is strengthening its peg by integrating tokenized gold and T-Bills to provide more sustainable yields. Double Zero (00) offers a unique "picks and shovels" opportunity in the Solana ecosystem, utilizing a structural token buyback model funded by high-frequency trading revenue. Finally, look for growth in decentralized platforms like Hyperliquid that are successfully bridging traditional commodities like Gold and Oil into on-chain perpetual trading.

Top assets covered by Lightspeed

The 12 most-discussed assets across Lightspeed’s content on Kazuha (out of 193 total).

Lightspeed’s sentiment — last 30 days

Aggregate of all sentiment-scored insights from Lightspeed in the last 30 days.

Strongly bullish
avg +0.42
28 bullish4 neutral2 bearish

Frequently asked about Lightspeed

What does Lightspeed talk about on Kazuha?

Kazuha indexes 98 posts from Lightspeed, with AI-extracted insights covering 193 distinct assets (stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and other investable assets).

Which assets does Lightspeed cover the most?

Lightspeed's most-discussed assets on Kazuha are SOL, ETH, BTC, JTO, JUP. See the "Top assets covered" section above for the full breakdown with sentiment.

Is Lightspeed bullish or bearish right now?

Mostly bullish. In the last 30 days, Lightspeed had 28 bullish, 2 bearish, and 4 neutral takes across all assets they discussed (per AI-extracted sentiment scoring on Kazuha).

Where does Kazuha get Lightspeed's insights?

Lightspeed's publicly available content (podcast episodes, YouTube videos, or X/Twitter posts) is transcribed and analyzed by an LLM that extracts the assets discussed and the speaker's sentiment toward each one. Each insight links back to the original source.