In this episode, Galaxy's head of research Alex Thorn helps Nik unpack the evolving landscape of crypto venture capital and Bitcoin's unique position in today's market. They discuss how, despite Bitcoin's impressive price recovery, VC funding in the broader crypto space is drying up, highlighting a significant shift in investment trends. Alex explains the growing interest in Bitcoin ETFs and what this tells us about changing institutional sentiment, as major players like pension funds now have easier access to Bitcoin exposure. The conversation explores the emergence of a "barbell market" in crypto, with Bitcoin representing long-term value on one end and meme coins dominating speculative trading on the other, leaving little room for traditional VC-backed projects. Nik and Alex also touch on the importance of Satoshi's anonymity following a recent documentary, and discuss how factors like rising interest rates and stablecoin demand are reshaping the market landscape. Throughout the episode, the focus remains on Bitcoin's growing divergence from other cryptocurrencies, both in performance and investor perception. The Bitcoin Layer is a bitcoin and global macroeconomic research firm. The Bitcoin Layer is proud to be sponsored by Unchained, the leader in Bitcoin financial services. Unchained empowers you to take full control of your Bitcoin with a collaborative multisig vault, where you hold two of three keys, and benefit from a Bitcoin security partner. Purchase Bitcoin directly into your cold storage vault and eliminate exchange risks with Unchained's Trading Desk. Unchained also offers the best IRA product in the industry, allowing you to easily roll over old 401(k)s or IRAs into Bitcoin while keeping control of your keys. Don’t pay more taxes than you have to. Talk to us today. Visit https://thebitcoinlayer.com/unchained and use code TBL for $100 off when you create an account. Try Stamp Seed, a DIY kit that enables you to hammer your seed words into a durable plate of titanium using professional stamping tools. Take 15% off with code TBL. Get your Stamp Seed today! https://www.stampseed.com/shop/titanium-seed-phrase-storage-kits.html?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email Efani delivers premium mobile service with unparalleled protection against SIM swaps and privacy invasions. Use code TBL at checkout for $99 off the Efani SAFE Plan. https://www.efani.com/tbl?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email Subscribe and turn on notifications for TBL on YouTube. Subscribe to TBL’s research letter: https://thebitcoinlayer.com/subscribe Follow TBL on X: https://twitter.com/TheBitcoinLayer Subscribe to The Bitcoin Layer on your favorite podcast platform. Join the official TBL channel on Telegram: https://t.me/thebitcoinlayerofficial Use code TBLYT10 for 10% off all The Bitcoin Layer Merch at http://TheBitcoinLayer.com/merch Block Height 866257 Contribute to The Bitcoin Layer via Lightning Network: thebitcoinlayer@zbd.gg Nik Bhatia's Twitter: https://twitter.com/timevalueofbtc Creative Director Matthew Ball's Twitter: https://twitter.com/matthewrball #TheBitcoinLayer #NikBhatia #VentureCapital #ETFs #Stablecoins #Market #MemeCoins #InvestmentStrategies #SatoshisAnonymity #InstitutionalInvesting #VCFunding #Bloomberg #Analysis #Charts #Tradingview #InvestmentStrategy #MarketWatch #StockMarket #PassiveInvesting #IndexFunds #FinancialMarkets #MarketWatch #FreeMarket #FreeMarkets #Markets #USTreasury #TreasuryBills #BalanceSheet #FED #Debt #Inflation #Statistic #Rates #Interest #Asset #Bitcoin #Dollar #Sats #BTC #Gold #Market #Trading #Currency #Crypto #Analysis #Investment #News #Finance #Education #Blockchain #Mining #BitcoinMining #macro The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.Subscribe to The Bitcoin Layer on Soundwise