In this special conference edition of Level Up, David and Sean broadcast live from Medici LA 25, diving into conversations with top voices in digital asset journalism, institutional allocators, venture fund managers, and blockchain innovators. Guests include Charlie Gasparino from Fox Business Network, Eleanor Terrett from Crypto in America, Ben Jacobs from Scenius Capital, Joe Marenda from Cambridge Associates, Paul Veradittakit of Pantera Capital, Alex Pack of HackVC, Smokey from Berachain, and Chris Johnson of Virtuals Protocol. Topics range from regulation and market structure to tokenized AI and fund allocation strategies.
View the Full Level Up Podcast Disclaimer Here
Key Points From This Episode:
[00:00:00] Intro
[00:02:31] Eleanor Terrett and Charlie Gasparino on their journalistic journey into crypto
[00:07:18] Covering the Ripple case and evolving crypto regulation under Gary Gensler
[00:10:52] Institutional perceptions of crypto and mainstream investment trends
[00:13:36] Comparing Medici LA with Milken Conference and shifting political representation
[00:18:11] Status of stablecoin and market structure bills in Congress
[00:21:03] Allocator insights with Joe Marenda and Ben Jacobs on crypto GP-LP dynamics
[00:24:18] Communicating blockchain business models to traditional allocators
[00:27:23] Cambridge’s development of digital asset benchmarks and venture returns
[00:29:57] Framing crypto allocation in a volatile macro environment
[00:32:08] Comparing crypto hedge fund vs. venture capital structures and returns
[00:35:01] The evolving VC landscape and token launch trends
[00:37:50] Market structure clarity as a driver for institutional capital inflow
[00:38:30] Liquid vs. venture performance expectations over the next 3–5 years
[00:43:38] Fund gating and capital call strategies to mitigate buy-high/sell-low behavior
[00:45:09] Paul Veradittakit of Pantera on investment focus areas including AI and tokenization
[00:47:27] Medici as a platform for reconnecting, allocator education, and portfolio visibility
[00:48:56] Shift in institutional comfort and optimism around digital assets
[00:50:23] Alex Pack and Smokey discuss Berachain, community, and protocol value alignment
[00:56:34] Emphasizing network effects, proof of liquidity, and dApp incentives on Berachain
[00:59:17] Chris Johnson introduces Virtuals Protocol and tokenized AI agents
[01:00:23] First-time experience at Medici and community validation of agent projects
[01:02:51] Billy Betts: a tokenized autonomous sports betting AI on-chain
Links:
The Medici Network
Co-Hosts
David Grider, Finality Capital
Sean Farrell, Fundstrat Global Advisors
Guests
Charlie Gasparino, Fox Business Network
Eleanor Terrett, Crypto In America
Joe Marenda, Cambridge Associates
Paul Veradittakit, Pantera Capital
Chris Johnson, Virtuals Protocol
Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant
Disclaimer
This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Medici Network, Fundstrat Global Advisors LLC, Finality CP Management, LLC, or any of their affiliates. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial or investment decisions.
Some protocol guests featured on this podcast may be annual paid members of The Medici Network. This membership does not imply endorsement by The Medici Network. This podcast does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities or tokens.