Ethena's L1 Shows Fat Apps Are on the Rise. Can They Beat Fat Protocols? - Ep. 804 episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 21, 2025 · 46 MIN

Ethena's L1 Shows Fat Apps Are on the Rise. Can They Beat Fat Protocols? - Ep. 804

from Unchained · host Laura Shin

Blockchains were supposed to capture the majority of the value in crypto. But what if that’s wrong? For years, the Fat Protocols Thesis argued that blockchains would be the biggest winners. But new data suggests that apps like Uniswap, Ethena, and others are now out-earning many networks. Are we watching the rise of “Fat Apps” instead? On this episode, Ryan Watkins, Co-founder at Syncracy Capital, talks about:  Why the biggest apps are generating more revenue than many layer 1s Why Ethena is launching its own blockchain What this means for Ethereum, Solana & other L1s How blockchains can compete on value capture Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! BitKey: Use code UNCHAINED for 20% off FalconX Mantle Guest Ryan Watkins, Co-founder at Syncracy Capital Links Unchained: Ethena Labs and Securitize to Launch New EVM Blockchain for DeFi Syncracy Capital: Applications Capture Fees, Blockchains Store Value Hansolar’s tweet  Pump.fun launches its own DEX  Timestamps: 👋0:00 Intro 💰 2:12 Why apps are out-earning the blockchains they run on 🔗 5:44 Ethena’s move: why it’s launching its own chain 📈 8:33 The rise of “Fat Apps” and what it means for crypto 🚀 12:50 How today’s crypto founders think differently from past builders 🏆 15:51 The blockchain architectures that will dominate ⚖️ 22:32 Whether L1s can compete in this new environment 📊 241:27 How blockchains accrue value and why MEV isn’t the best metric 📰 31:00 News Recap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blockchains were supposed to capture the majority of the value in crypto. But what if that’s wrong? For years, the Fat Protocols Thesis argued that blockchains would be the biggest winners. But new data suggests that apps like Uniswap, Ethena, and others are now out-earning many networks. Are we watching the rise of “Fat Apps” instead? On this episode, Ryan Watkins, Co-founder at Syncracy Capital, talks about:  Why the biggest apps are generating more revenue than many layer 1s Why Ethena is launching its own blockchain What this means for Ethereum, Solana & other L1s How blockchains can compete on value capture Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! BitKey: Use code UNCHAINED for 20% off FalconX Mantle Guest Ryan Watkins, Co-founder at Syncracy Capital Links Unchained: Ethena Labs and Securitize to Launch New EVM Blockchain for DeFi Syncracy Capital: Applications Capture Fees, Blockchains Store Value Hansolar’s tweet  Pump.fun launches its own DEX  Timestamps: 👋0:00 Intro 💰 2:12 Why apps are out-earning the blockchains they run on 🔗 5:44 Ethena’s move: why it’s launching its own chain 📈 8:33 The rise of “Fat Apps” and what it means for crypto 🚀 12:50 How today’s crypto founders think differently from past builders 🏆 15:51 The blockchain architectures that will dominate ⚖️ 22:32 Whether L1s can compete in this new environment 📊 241:27 How blockchains accrue value and why MEV isn’t the best metric 📰 31:00 News Recap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Ethena's L1 Shows Fat Apps Are on the Rise. Can They Beat Fat Protocols? - Ep. 804

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Unshamed & Unchained: Carving Space For Self-Healing & Habit Transformation Danny Poelman Welcome to "Unshamed & Unchained: Carving Space For Self-Healing & Habit Transformation", the podcast where we break the chains of shame and societal expectations to create a safe space for self-healing, habit transformation, and personal growth. Hosted by a seasoned life coach, Danny Poelman DDS, with years of hands-on experience, this podcast is your guide to reclaiming your voice, embracing your story, and living life on your terms.In each episode, we dive deep into the topics that matter most to you—whether it's:-breaking free from unwanted habits like pornography-excessive people-pleasing-healing from past trauma-recovering from narcissistic abuse or religious/relational trauma-anxiety/depression-money mindset blocks-overcoming limiting beliefsWe’re not afraid to talk about the things that are often considered taboo, because we believe that through honest, unfiltered conversations, real transformation happens.You’ll hear real INDIÉ LÖVE, FÖR RÉAL EUGKEN Btw INDIE LOVE, FOR REAL is a heartfelt, genre-blending track that captures the raw, unfiltered essence of independent love—pure, intentional, and unchained by mainstream expectations. With mellow instrumentals and emotionally charged vocals, the song paints a vivid picture of love that’s authentic and uncompromising.Songwriter: Eugene MgonyaProducer: Rosco Beats Interchain.FM Chjango Unchained Interchain.FM is the Cosmos Radio Station which shines a light on the protocols that solve the hardest problems in Web3. It's a technical podcast that uncovers the vibrant world of bleeding edge technology built in the pursuit of anti-censorship, freedom, and preserving the privacy of the sovereign individual. Become an Interchain.FM🥩 staker on Osmosis, Comdex, and Umee! The Unchained Mind Alex Rudnicka Welcome to The Unchained Mind, where we dive into the power of mindset for entrepreneurs. Join us as we explore the art of creating your own reality through the limitless potential of your mind. Unshackle yourself from limiting beliefs and unlock the keys to entrepreneurial success with simple mindset strategies that help you create your reality using the power of your mind.

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This episode was published on March 21, 2025.

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Blockchains were supposed to capture the majority of the value in crypto. But what if that’s wrong? For years, the Fat Protocols Thesis argued that blockchains would be the biggest winners. But new data suggests that apps like Uniswap, Ethena, and...

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