How Zora is Redefining the Creator Economy | Jacob Horne

In this episode, we’re joined by Jacob Horne, Co-founder and CEO of Zora, to unpack the platform’s journey thus far. We explore tokenized media, royalty models, and how crypto enables a new internet economy where content, attention, and value converge. We also dive into Zora’s design, and features they’re looking to add next. Thanks for tuning in! -- Resources The Evolution of Crypto Exchanges: https://apple.co/4aZcHnJ The PumpFun Episode: https://apple.co/4gvRjHU Jacob’s Writings: https://jacob.energy/ -- Aries Markets is the largest lending protocol on Aptos by TVL, and among the top 10 lending protocols across all blockchains! Since launch, Aries has expanded its product suite to become a fully integrated DeFi hub combining lending, borrowing, and more to its community of 738,000+ unique users.  To learn more about why Aries Markets deployed on Aptos, visit ariesmarkets.xyz -- Ledger, the global leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors Bell Curve! As Ledger celebrates 10 years of securing 20% of global crypto, it remains the top choice for securing your assets. Buy a LEDGER™ device now, and build confidently, knowing your BTC, ETH, SOL, and more are safe. Buy now on https://shop.ledger.com/?r=1da180a5de00. — Traders, AI enthusiasts, and degens—listen up! The game is changing, and DESK is leading the charge. Welcome to the next generation of perpetual trading—where cutting-edge technology meets AI-driven automation. Trade today at https://desk.exchange/?register-channel=BWpodcast and follow @TradeOnDESK on X! -- Morpho is a permissionless lending platform that allows anyone to earn yield and borrow assets on your terms. Its flexible, trustless infrastructure also empowers developers and businesses to build and tailor their own financial products. Whether you're an individual, fund, fintech, or institution, Morpho is for you. Try Morpho today: https://app.morpho.org/?network=mainnet&spdl=99nsk9 -- Missed DAS? Join us from June 24th-June 26th at Permissionless IV! Use Code BELL10 at checkout for 10% off! Tickets: https://blockworks.co/event/permissionless-iv -- Follow Zora: https://x.com/zora Follow Jacob: https://x.com/js_horne Follow Mike: https://x.com/MikeIppolito_ Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9 Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmD Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3cpKZXH Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ Join the Bell Curve Telegram group: https://t.me/+nzyxAvQ0Xxc3YTEx -- Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (1:04) Zora's History (5:13) Fractionalizing Assets (10:35) Ads (Aptos & Ledger) (11:07) The Royalty Debate (15:27) Capital Formation Around NFTs & Attention Markets (21:51) Ads (Aptos & Ledger) (22:58) Categories of Coins (29:47) Creator Monetization (36:17) What Does Zora Look Like Today? (40:14) Ads (Desk & Morpho) (41:09) Retail Speculation Over Time (44:41) Why Build on Top of Uniswap? (48:29) Future Features (52:45) A New Class of Market Makers (56:30) NFTs Are Not Dead -- Disclaimer: Nothing said on Bell Curve 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. Mike, Jason, Michael, Vance and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.