Supply, demand and durability: A framework for surviving cycles episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 25, 2026 · 1H 8M

Supply, demand and durability: A framework for surviving cycles

from Layer One · host The Block

In Episode 8 of Layer One, The Block’s Kelvin Sparks and Hypha founder Steven Gates were joined by Santiago R. Santos of Inversion Capital. He explains why many crypto token valuations are structurally flawed and outlines his framework for investing in durable, cash-flow-supported adoption, with a focus on B2B stablecoin use cases.The group debates how to value crypto beyond tribal narratives, arguing that many token prices overpay for a future that still requires regulatory clarity and real demand for blockspace. OUTLINE00:00 - Intro00:00:27 - Scope and disclaimer00:01:41 - FDV and investor framing00:04:02 - Valuation bias00:12:23 - Investing through cycles00:21:44 - Choosing Avalanche infrastructure00:28:29 - Retrofitting real businesses00:35:46 - Who’s building this model00:41:52 - Writing, thinking, first principles00:50:16 - Fieldwork beats theory00:52:53 - Asking the right questions01:00:23 - TGE and FDV reality01:07:30 - Final takeawaysHost/Guest links:Santiago R Santos - twitter.com/santiagoroelInversion Capital - twitter.com/inversion_capSteven Gates - ⁠⁠⁠twitter.com/stvngts⁠⁠⁠Kelvin Sparks - ⁠⁠⁠twitter.com/imyoungsparks⁠⁠⁠ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters!🚨 Breaking News👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis📈 Market InsightsSubscribe now 👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠⁠--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hiring in crypto?🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block!✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus

In Episode 8 of Layer One, The Block’s Kelvin Sparks and Hypha founder Steven Gates were joined by Santiago R. Santos of Inversion Capital. He explains why many crypto token valuations are structurally flawed and outlines his framework for investing in durable, cash-flow-supported adoption, with a focus on B2B stablecoin use cases.The group debates how to value crypto beyond tribal narratives, arguing that many token prices overpay for a future that still requires regulatory clarity and real demand for blockspace. OUTLINE00:00 - Intro00:00:27 - Scope and disclaimer00:01:41 - FDV and investor framing00:04:02 - Valuation bias00:12:23 - Investing through cycles00:21:44 - Choosing Avalanche infrastructure00:28:29 - Retrofitting real businesses00:35:46 - Who’s building this model00:41:52 - Writing, thinking, first principles00:50:16 - Fieldwork beats theory00:52:53 - Asking the right questions01:00:23 - TGE and FDV reality01:07:30 - Final takeawaysHost/Guest links:Santiago R Santos - twitter.com/santiagoroelInversion Capital - twitter.com/inversion_capSteven Gates - ⁠⁠⁠twitter.com/stvngts⁠⁠⁠Kelvin Sparks - ⁠⁠⁠twitter.com/imyoungsparks⁠⁠⁠ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters!🚨 Breaking News👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis📈 Market InsightsSubscribe now 👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠⁠--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hiring in crypto?🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block!✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus

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Supply, demand and durability: A framework for surviving cycles

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This episode was published on February 25, 2026.

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In Episode 8 of Layer One, The Block’s Kelvin Sparks and Hypha founder Steven Gates were joined by Santiago R. Santos of Inversion Capital. He explains why many crypto token valuations are structurally flawed and outlines his framework for investing...

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