Podcast: Predictions with Qiao Wang| DeFi, Layer 1 Wars & the Supercycle

Qiao Wang discusses the past, present and future innovations of DeFi and DeFi Alliance as he discusses hype cycles, DAOs, and more.

by Brianna Beckford /
article-image
share

In the latest episode of Blockworks’ podcast “Empire,” Jason Yanowitz, co-founder of Blockworks, is joined by Qiao Wang, contributor to DeFi Alliance.

As a former quant trader & now busy funding projects in the DeFi & Web 3.0 ecosystem, Qiao has a unique understanding of crypto’s past and what new innovations lay in store for the crypto economy at large. While looking at the timeline of DeFi, they touch on the Layer 1 wars, DAOs, the 10 year supercycle and more.

They also discuss:

  • Hype cycles in Crypto
  • Health and longevity

Check out what they had to say in the video below. 👇

On “Empire,” once a week, Jason interviews individuals that have built the crypto industry to talk about their struggles, bold moves and tough decisions. For any NPR or Guy Raz fans out there, you can think of “Empire” like a “How I Built This” for the bitcoin and crypto industry.

Episodes are released every Thursday morning. 

Subscribe to Empire today on Apple or Spotify. Watch episodes on YouTube.

Are you a UK or EU reader that can’t get enough investor-focused content on digital assets?Join us in London on November 15th and 16th for the Digital Asset Summit (DAS) London. Use code ARTICLE for £75 off your ticket. Buy it now.

Tags

Decoding crypto and the markets. Daily, with Byron Gilliam.

Upcoming Events

Javits Center North | 445 11th Ave

Tues - Thurs, March 24 - 26, 2026

Blockworks’ Digital Asset Summit (DAS) will feature conversations between the builders, allocators, and legislators who will shape the trajectory of the digital asset ecosystem in the US and abroad.

recent research

Unlocked by Template.png

Research

The march toward an interoperable and onchain-by-default internet depends on reliable messaging and value transfer across heterogeneous domains. Crosschain protocols now process >$1.3T in combined annual transfer volume and secure tens of millions of user interactions, yet no single design dominates.

article-image

CME Group logged $900B in crypto derivatives volume in Q3 2025

by Blockworks /
article-image

Protocol says a USD synthetic is coming, rounding out DEX and lending

by Blockworks /
article-image

Move positions Kraken to launch fully regulated U.S. derivatives markets under CFTC oversight, expanding its onshore reach.

by Blockworks /
article-image

Stablecoins are blockchain’s “ChatGPT moment” says Citi analyst Sophia Bantanidis at DAS London

article-image

New OCC rules on crypto custody lower barriers for billionaire-backed banks like Erebor

by Blockworks /
article-image

The new investment lifts CoinDCX’s valuation above its 2022 funding round as Coinbase deepens its presence in Asia’s crypto markets

by Blockworks /