The Chopping Block: WBTC Drama, Decentralized AI & SEC Subpoenas - Ep. 689

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and chop it up about the latest news. This week, the gang is joined by Shuyao, cofounder of MegaETH Labs and founder of hotpot DAO.  They dive into the unfolding drama surrounding WBTC and BitGo's strategic shift towards multi-jurisdictional custody in Hong Kong. They also explore the growing buzz around decentralized AI, sparked by Haseeb’s newfound role as an “influencer” in the space, and debate whether these projects can truly succeed.  Moreover, with the SEC reportedly issuing subpoenas to crypto VCs, the discussion turns to the potential implications for token investments and regulatory scrutiny. Lastly, is this cycle lacking a zero-to-one innovation? Show highlights:  ➡️ 02:22 What MegaETH is and how hotpot DAO was born ➡️ 07:09 Reflections on the Science Blockchain Conference and its academic rebranding across major universities ➡️ 16:55 How Haseeb became an “influencer for decentralized AI” and whether decentralized AI projects will succeed ➡️ 25:45 What BitGo's move to multi-jurisdictional custody with Justin Sun-linked company BitGlobal in Hong Kong means for the future of WBTC ➡️ 40:33 What the SEC's rumored subpoenas to crypto VCs might mean for the future of token investments and underwriter laws ➡️ 48:28 How the current crypto cycle's lack of a "0 to 1" innovation reflects the industry's momentum and sentiment Hosts Haseeb Qureshi, managing partner at Dragonfly  Tom Schmidt, general partner at Dragonfly  Tarun Chitra, managing partner at Robot Ventures Guest: Shuyao, cofounder of MegaETH Labs and founder of hotpot DAO Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices