The State Of Crypto & AI | Illia Polosukhin & Bowen Wang

Gm! This week we're joined by Illia Polosukhin & Bowen Wang to discuss the current state of crypto, AI & what's next for NEAR. We deep dive into NEAR's approach to scaling, L1 value accrual, how to unlock cross chain liquidity, Ethereum's alignment problem & more. Enjoy! -- Follow Illia: https://x.com/ilblackdragon Follow Bowen: https://x.com/BowenWang18 Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknave Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq Subscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed -- Use Code LIGHTSPEED10 for 10% off tickets to Digital Asset Summit 2025: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2025-new-york -- Just for Lightspeed listeners, visit https://bonkbets.io/ and connect your wallet to get 10% back on any losses to bet again. For a limited time, make two $10 bets on any game before March 1 2025 to get a free third $10 bet. -- Accurate Crypto Taxes. No Guesswork. Say goodbye to tax season headaches with Crypto Tax Calculator: https://cryptotaxcalculator.io/us/?coupon=BW2025&utm_source=blockworks&utm_medium=referral+&utm_campaign=lightspeedpodcast Generate accurate, CPA-endorsed tax reports fully compliant with IRS rules. Seamlessly integrate with 3000+ wallets, exchanges, and on-chain platforms. Import reports directly into TurboTax or H&R Block, or securely share them with your accountant. Exclusive Offer: Use the code BW2025 to enjoy 30% off all paid plans. Don’t miss out - offer expires 15 April 2025! -- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- (00:00) Introduction (00:51) The NEAR Thesis (04:19) NEAR’s Approach To Scaling (11:21) Bonk Bets Ad (11:53) NEAR’s On Chain Demand (19:24) L1 Value Accrual (23:06) OmniBridge: Unlocking Cross-Chain Liquidity (25:44) The State Of Crypto & AI (33:15) Crypto Tax Calculator Ad (33:47) Bonk Bets Ad (34:19) What Are Shade Agents? (40:11) Trusted Execution On NEAR (42:51) Blockchain For AI (45:03) The State Of Crypto (48:42) Ethereum’s Alignment Problem (50:28) What’s Next For NEAR? -- Disclaimers: Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation. Nothing said on Lightspeed 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. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.