cdtv
Leaked Slides Show How Chainalysis Flags Crypto Suspects for Cops
In the battle to link real-world criminals to their anonymous bitcoin troves, the industry's largest blockchain tracing firm Chainalysis has found a "meaningful" edge: a block explorer website it secretly operates called walletexplorer.com that scrapes visitors' internet protocol (IP) addresses, which has reportedly provided law enforcement with "meaningful leads." "The Hash" squad discusses Chainalysis' strategy in tracking illicit crypto for law enforcement partners and what it illuminates about the crypto ecosystem.
Dapper Labs Said to Reach $7.6B Valuation in $250M Funding Round
The company behind NBA Top Shot and the Flow blockchain, Dapper Labs, has closed a $250 million funding round to an estimated $7.6 billion valuation. Coatue led the raise, including Andreessen Horowitz, Google’s GV (formerly Google Ventures), and Version One Ventures.
Why SEC Chair Gary Gensler Doesn't See Cryptocurrencies Lasting Long
In an interview with the Washington Post Tuesday, SEC Chair Gary Gensler said many cryptocurrencies won't last long, among a range of other comments. CoinDesk's Nikhilesh De discusses his reactions and analysis to Gensler's remarks. Plus, insights into the U.S. government's ongoing fight against ransomware following its sanctions against Russia-based cryptocurrency exchange Suex.io on allegations its transactions are associated with malicious actors, including ransomware proceeds.
Recur Raises $50M, Largest Series A Round in NFT Space
Recur, a platform that lets users buy, collect, and resell NFTs, has raised $50 million to a total valuation of $333 million after a Series A funding round led by Digital, a metaverse investment platform backed by billionaire Steve Cohen’s family office. Co-founders and co-CEOs Zach Bruch and Trevor George discuss how they secured the funds and what they will use them for, including launching a new NFT college sports platform, NFTU. Plus, insights into NFT investment risks amid the booming NFT market.
Valkyrie Investments CIO on BTC, Evergrande, Fed Tapering
Steven McClurg, CIO of alternative asset management firm Valkyrie Investments, discusses his analysis of bitcoin's price swings this week as it faces resistance at the $40,000 level, citing the rising Evergrande crisis in China. Plus, his take on crypto regulation, Fed tapering, Valkyrie's bitcoin futures ETFs, and more.
Could China’s Evergrande Default Risk Trigger Domino Effect in Global Financial Markets?
Ming Zhao, an entrepreneur and former analyst at Point72, discusses her outlook for bitcoin as the wider crypto and traditional markets have potentially been impacted by a rising liquidity crisis out of Chinese property developer Evergrande. Could its default risk trigger a domino effect across the global economy? Plus, Zhao's take on the possible impact of China's regulatory storm on crypto, including stablecoins.
Compass Mining CEO on the Launch of ‘At-Home’ Mining
Whit Gibbs, CEO of bitcoin mining firm Compass Mining, shares insights into the launch of the “At-Home” mining program. He also addresses increasing mining difficulty, saying, “we likely will see this continuation of difficulty in hashrate increases for the foreseeable future.”
SEC Subpoena Swirls at Mainnet 2021 as Regulatory Scrutiny Grows
Someone served an event speaker a subpoena by the SEC before going on stage at the Mainnet 2021 conference in New York. “The Hash” panel discusses what to make of the wave of speculation swirling in the crypto markets as regulatory scrutiny grows from U.S. lawmakers.
European Football NFT Platform Sorare Raises $680M Series B
European fantasy soccer and digital collectible platform Sorare announced a $680 million Series B raise Tuesday, the largest ever in the non-fungible token (NFT) space, valuing the company at $4.3 billion. “The Hash” crew discusses the evolving NFT market as it continues to collide with global sports and the lucrative European soccer space.
Nader Al-Naji aka 'Diamondhands' Reveals Long-Term Plan for Bitclout Blockchain
Nader Al-Naji, aka “Diamondhands,” announced the DeSo blockchain, short for “decentralized social,” which has raised $200 million from major venture capital firms including a16z. The pseudonymous founder of the controversial social media site BitClout has confirmed his identity and revealed some of the thinking behind the platform’s chaotic rollout. "The Hash" squad discusses what's next for BitClout, exploring whether DeSo could be the backbone for the future of decentralized social media.
