Hello web3, it's me, Talking Tokens

Let me be the first to share a HUGE welcome to each of you from Talking Tokens.

We’re building the perfect place for quick crypto insights, news and in-depth interviews with the best leaders, startups, market players and up-and-coming founders that are changing the industry.

If you haven’t already, subscribe here.

Here’s what you’ll get delivered to your inbox every Tuesday and Thursday:

• Original, quick reporting on top crypto news and market moves.

• Podcast episodes interviewing the best crypto leaders, startups, market players and up-and-coming founders that are changing the industry.

• Updates on high-profile career changes and funding in the ecosystem.

• Analysis on tokens everyone is talking about.

Why listen to me?

Well, for the past few years I led crypto coverage at TechCrunch as a senior crypto reporter. I broke news, covered many exclusives and stayed on top of the pulse of the space — while making strong professional connections along the way.

I also hosted an award-nominated, Top 50 Tech podcast focused on crypto. So, it’s safe to say I know a thing or two about covering this industry in an easy-to-understand way.

Earlier this month, I also joined forces with long-time entrepreneur Anthony Pompliano to start Token Relations, a firm focused on connecting blockchains, crypto projects and token issuers with their communities by diving into top metrics, product releases and insights. All in one place.

I’m bringing a fresh perspective to the crypto space as a journalist-turned-entrepreneur to better explain what matters and why you should pay attention.

So, let’s go on this journey together, shall we?

Check out the next section below for more details and the first Talking Tokens episode.

The latest Talking Tokens podcast 🎙️

For this week’s Tuesday episode, I sat down with Anthony Pompliano, a long-time entrepreneur and investor — and my co-founder. Listen to the podcast here on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

For the flagship Talking Tokens episode, I thought it would make the most sense to really dive into why we created Token Relations, how the business fits into the industry and what blockchains and crypto projects can do to shift their focus and better engage their ecosystems. Hope you all enjoy it.

Keep an eye out for Talking Tokens’ second episode airing on Thursday with Magic Eden co-founder Zhuoxun Yin.

Talking Tokens airs at 6 AM EST on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and at 12 PM EST on YouTube. Make sure to subscribe to keep up with the latest episodes. Please feel free to leave a review and tell us your thoughts!

Monitoring blockchains

Looking at some of the biggest developments onchain.

• Aptos has 311 weekly active contracts, the highest level since it launched in Fall 2022

• Over $1.3M in TVL has been deposited into the Avalanche-based Memecoin Rush

• Base has the second most bridged USDC, after Ethereum, at $2.4B, Jesse Pollak, the creator of Base shared on X on Thursday.

  • Fast forward a couple days, and it still rings true as the Coinbase-created layer-2 blockchain Base brings in tons of volume and onchain activity, beating out Solana for total USDC. (Note: This includes bridged USDC.)

Taking on the tokens 

The total crypto market cap decreased 2.6% in the past 24-hours to $2.24 trillion. It is down 7.8% over a 7-day period.

As for the largest coins by market cap…

These metrics are accurate as of 8:30 AM EST.

Other numbers we’re eyeing…

• Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy bought $7.8M of BTC in April, bringing its total holdings to 214.4K bitcoin.

  • The firm’s reported in its Q1 earnings a net operating loss of $53.1M, after taking impairment losses on “digital assets” of $191.6M during that time frame.

Money and people moves

Latest updates on crypto startups that secured funding and industry players who are starting something new.

1. Stablecoin Issuer Tether Invests $200 Million in Brain-Computer Interface Company (Bloomberg)

2. BlackRock's $IBIT adds Moonpay Chief Legal Officer Lindsey Haswell to fund's board (The Block)

3. Polygon Labs COO Michael Blank to step down as the company axes the exec role (DL News)

4. Anchorage Digital Appoints Aaron Schnarch, Former CEO of Coinbase Custody, as Chief Operating Officer (Anchorage)

5. ‘Lost’ Yuga Labs restructures again, with layoffs, new executive (Cointelegraph)

Talking points for the road 

Here’s some headlines and topics that you can talk about at your next dinner party, crypto event or on a first date to look smart (results may vary.) 

1. Consensys alleges SEC was considering over a year ago that ether may be a security (The Block)

2. New mix of bitcoin buyers bode well for ecosystem: Franklin Templeton exec (Blockworks)

3. ZachXBT claims North Korea’s Lazarus Group laundered $200 million from crypto to fiat (The Block)

4. Bitcoin Falls to One-Week Low as the 2024 Crypto Revival Stalls (Bloomberg)

5. Binance's CZ Will Spend Less Than a Year in Prison, Polymarket Traders Bet (CoinDesk)

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This product was built by Token Relations. 

Please note that this content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Any views shared should not be considered financial advice, nor should it be used to make investment decisions. Cryptocurrencies are high risk and you should consult a financial professional before making any financial decisions. Make sure you do your own research. We may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this newsletter.