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Digital Currents

Morgan Creek Capital Management, LLC

Digital Currents brings listeners engaging content from the venture capital industry with an emphasis on blockchain, artificial intelligence and big data. In each episode Morgan Creek Digital General Partners and co-hosts Mark Yusko, Xavier Segura and Sachin Jaitly explore the exciting areas of the digital ecosystem accompanied by expert guests from Morgan Creek's expansive global network.

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20 episodes
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Avg 59 min
English

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Friday · 1 hr 1 min
Rates Rise, Buffet Steps Down, and the AI Threat Debate Continues
This week on Digital Currents, we discuss the implications of rising interest rates, examine the failure of the CLARITY Act and what it means for the future of digital asset regulation, and reflect on the end of an era as Warren Buffett steps away from leadership at Berkshire Hathaway. We also explore NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang's call for a light regulatory touch on artificial intelligence and how it breaks with industry calls for more regulation amid safety concerns. Finally, we examine the Misery Index, which combines inflation and unemployment data. What does it suggest about the current economic backdrop and consumer sentiment? Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a team member or sign up for additional content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation for the sale of any security, advisory, or other service. Investments related to the themes and ideas discussed may be owned by funds managed by the host and podcast guests. Any conflicts mentioned by the host are subject to change. Listeners should consult their personal financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
September 11 · 1 hr 1 min
AI Kill Switches, Apple's New Foldable iPhone, & Interest Rates
This episode covers growing congressional attention to potential AI-related risks following reports involving an Anthropic whistleblower, including whether concerns about advanced AI systems could inform future policy discussions on safeguards such as AI "kill switches." The episode also looks at Apple's newly unveiled $1,999 foldable iPhone and initial impressions of the device. On the macroeconomic front, the conversation explores higher oil prices and the European Central Bank's recent rate decision; elevated private-market technology valuations, including recent financing activity involving Ayar Labs, Cognition, Harvey, and Positron; and what these transactions may indicate about investor appetite for advanced computing. Finally, we conclude with the decline in AI token prices alongside changes in power consumption in this week's chart. Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a team member or sign up for additional content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation for the sale of any security, advisory, or other service. Investments related to the themes and ideas discussed may be owned by funds managed by the host and podcast guests. Any conflicts mentioned by the host are subject to change. Listeners should consult their personal financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
September 4 · 1 hr 4 min
Bitcoin's Movement, Quantum's Latest Risk & The Coming AI Energy Reckoning
This episode examines Bitcoin's strong monthly performance, the potential long-term implications of quantum computing for digital assets, and emerging proposals aimed at strengthening Bitcoin's security. We also discuss Morgan Creek Digital portfolio company Pasqal's public-market debut and OpenAI's latest AI developments. The conversation then turns to macroeconomic conditions, including shifting expectations for inflation, economic growth, and the Federal Reserve's future rate path. Finally, we explore the growing tension between rapid AI data center expansion and available power infrastructure, including recent developments in Texas and what increasing electricity demand could mean for the AI industry and broader energy markets. Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a team member or sign up for additional content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation for the sale of any security, advisory, or other service. Investments related to the themes and ideas discussed may be owned by funds managed by the host and podcast guests. Any conflicts mentioned by the host are subject to change. Listeners should consult their personal financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
August 28 · 53 min
Meta Settles, NVIDIA Takes Aim, and BTC Tops $80k
This episode of Digital Currents covers Bitcoin's move above $80,000, Meta's reported $18 billion settlement, NVIDIA's agreement to acquire AI platform Hugging Face for $12.9 billion, and OpenAI's launch of a second startup fund backed by its own balance sheet. Further, the discussion explores what these developments may signal for markets and the accelerating competition for capital and technology across the digital economy. Chart of the Week: Bitcoin Hits $80k Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a team member or sign up for additional content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation for the sale of any security, advisory, or other service. Investments related to the themes and ideas discussed may be owned by funds managed by the host and podcast guests. Any conflicts mentioned by the host are subject to change. Listeners should consult their personal financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
August 20 · 55 min
Bitcoin Bounces Back and AI's Reality Check
In this episode, we discuss Bitcoin's summer movement, continued institutional demand, and its evolving role as a macro asset. We also examine the SEC's proposed crypto regulatory framework and what greater "clarity" could mean for issuers, exchanges, stablecoins, and digital asset investors. Plus, we examine Stripe's reported $7.5 billion acquisition of OpenRouter and what the deal may signal for the strategic value of AI distribution and developer access. Chart of the Week: Growing concerns over AI adoption and whether the technology's progress is translating into meaningful real-world value and acceptance. Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a team member or sign up for additional content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation for the sale of any security, advisory, or other service. Investments related to the themes and ideas discussed may be owned by funds managed by the host and podcast guests. Any conflicts mentioned by the host are subject to change. Listeners should consult their personal financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
August 14 · 59 min
Who's Underwriting the AI Factory? Nvidia Builds Compute War Chest While Startups Price the Upside
This episode examines evolving U.S. crypto regulation, bitcoin market developments, and the growing capital requirements behind AI infrastructure buildouts. Topics include reported SEC plans to address aspects of the regulatory framework following the delayed CLARITY Act vote, Strategy's stated intention to purchase additional bitcoin before year-end, and bitcoin's muted reaction to a reported decline in inflation. The discussion also covers CoreWeave's latest earnings, potential fundraising by Databricks and Cognition, Tether's reported completion of its first full audit, and Nvidia's reported efforts to support large-scale AI infrastructure financing. The episode closes with a look at the IMF's perspective on Europe's fragmented financial markets and the potential implications for capital allocation. Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a team member or sign up for additional content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation for the sale of any security, advisory, or other service. Investments related to the themes and ideas discussed may be owned by funds managed by the host and podcast guests. Any conflicts mentioned by the host are subject to change. Listeners should consult their personal financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
August 7 · 52 min
From Bitcoin to Bandwidth: The Next Phase of Digital Asset Regulation and AI Infrastructure.
In this episode, we examine the latest on the Clarity Act and what the remaining legislative paths could mean for U.S. digital asset regulation, recap broader bitcoin market news, including Michael Saylor's latest bitcoin sale, and explore how the AI infrastructure race continues to accelerate. We also discuss Anthropic's expanding compute strategy through major infrastructure investments and custom AI chip development, the emergence of High Bandwidth Flash (HBF) as a potential solution to the AI memory bottleneck, and Microsoft's historic earnings-driven rally that produced the largest single-day market capitalization gain in history. Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a team member or sign up for additional content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation for the sale of any security, advisory, or other service. Investments related to the themes and ideas discussed may be owned by funds managed by the host and podcast guests. Any conflicts mentioned by the host are subject to change. Listeners should consult their personal financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
July 30 · 54 min
Rates Hold, AI Bets Rise, and the Machines Start Fighting Back
In this episode, we discuss the Federal Reserve's latest interest rate decision, Microsoft's quarterly results and what they might reveal about the evolving AI investment landscape, the Hugging Face autonomous AI security incident, IBM's sale of its blockchain patent portfolio, and its broader focus on quantum computing. For the chart of the week, we cover Gartner's updated forecast, highlighting continued acceleration in global AI infrastructure and enterprise IT spending. Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a team member or sign up for additional content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation for the sale of any security, advisory, or other service. Investments related to the themes and ideas discussed may be owned by funds managed by the host and podcast guests. Any conflicts mentioned by the host are subject to change. Listeners should consult their personal financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
July 17 · 59 min
Crypto Roars Back as Nous Ignites the Next AI Wave
In this episode, we break down how crypto markets are showing renewed strength as Bitcoin and Ethereum erase most of June's losses, and crypto ETFs snap their longest losing streak on record. Around the globe, momentum continues to build as Japan, the UK, and Bolivia advance initiatives that could further accelerate digital asset adoption. We also explore how Cantor Fitzgerald and Securitize are bringing IPOs onchain, highlighting the growing convergence of traditional finance and blockchain technology. Finally, we dive into Nous Research's reported $75 million fundraising round at a $1.5 billion valuation and what its expanding Hermes AI agent platform could mean for the next wave of artificial intelligence innovation. Chart of the week: The IMF's July 2026 World Economic Outlook Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a team member or sign up for additional content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation for the sale of any security, advisory, or other service. Investments related to the themes and ideas discussed may be owned by funds managed by the host and podcast guests. Any conflicts mentioned by the host are subject to change. Listeners should consult their personal financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
July 10 · 1 hr 3 min
Boldly Going: AI, Aerospace, and Defense with Fatema Hamdani, CEO of KHA
In this episode, we sit down with Fatema Hamdani, Co-Founder and CEO of Kraus Hamdani Aerospace, to explore her journey building a leading aerospace and defense technology company. The discussion includes topics such as KHA's autonomous aircraft, resilient communications systems, the growing role of AI in national security, and how governments and militaries are adopting AI-powered technologies while ensuring humans remain in the decision-making loop. The conversation also covers the future of aerospace innovation, autonomy, and why technologies that once felt like science fiction are becoming reality. Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a team member or sign up for additional content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation for the sale of any security, advisory, or other service. Investments related to the themes and ideas discussed may be owned by funds managed by the host and podcast guests. Any conflicts mentioned by the host are subject to change. Listeners should consult their personal financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
June 26 · 56 min
The Memory Bottleneck and SpaceX's Post-IPO Reality Check
In this episode, we discuss the recent moves in Bitcoin and Strategy and look at the challenges SpaceX may be facing. We cover reports that Groq has secured $650M and examine what some are calling a memory squeeze, which we believe may be influencing parts of the tech sector and the broader AI market. We also touch on reports of Reflection AI's agreement, described as a deal worth up to $6.3B, intended to scale open models, as well as OpenAI's debut of "Jalapeño," reported to be its first custom inference chip. Finally, we review the dips in gold, silver, and Bitcoin, and the potential unwinding of the "debasement trade." Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a team member or sign up for additional content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation for the sale of any security, advisory, or other service. Investments related to the themes and ideas discussed may be owned by funds managed by the host and podcast guests. Any conflicts mentioned by the host are subject to change. Listeners should consult their personal financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
June 18 · 1 hr
The Next Digital Frontier: AI, Space, and Money on the Move
In this episode, we unpack the Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady, SpaceX's IPO and the dramatic post-listing run, and the company's completed acquisition of AI coding startup Cursor. We also dig into the unprecedented government directive that forced Anthropic to pull its most powerful AI models offline, and what that episode may signal about the growing tension between frontier AI development and national security policy, and Moody's move to bring its credit ratings on-chain to the Solana network. Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a team member or sign up for additional content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation for the sale of any security, advisory, or other service. Investments related to the themes and ideas discussed may be owned by funds managed by the host and podcast guests. Any conflicts mentioned by the host are subject to change. Listeners should consult their personal financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
June 12 · 56 min
AI's Trillion-Dollar Moment
This episode of ABCD Roundup features a conversation about the approaching SpaceX IPO and reported surge in investor demand, the potential for quantum computing to address energy and compute constraints, and how the US AI boom may be affecting China. The discussion also touches on recent AI model releases, noting Anthropic's launch of Claude Fable 5, described by the company as a "Mythos-class" model adapted for general use, as well as reports that SoftBank sought to borrow $6 billion against its OpenAI stake before its shares declined roughly 9.7%. The episode's "Chart of the Week" segment focuses on Pre-IPO Preparations Volume. Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a team member or sign up for additional content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation for the sale of any security, advisory, or other service. Investments related to the themes and ideas discussed may be owned by funds managed by the host and podcast guests. Any conflicts mentioned by the host are subject to change. Listeners should consult their personal financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
June 5 · 1 hr 3 min
Evaluating the SpaceX Premium
In this episode, we examine several developments that may be shaping technology and capital markets. We first discuss recent price action in bitcoin and explore potential factors behind the latest market decline, including futures market positioning and the implications of Strategy's recent decision to sell a small portion of its bitcoin holdings. We turn to SpaceX, reviewing Morningstar's recent valuation analysis, its financial position, and discussions of its potential path toward S&P 500 inclusion following its anticipated IPO. The conversation also covers Ramp's latest $750 million funding round at a reported $44 billion valuation and what it may signal about investor appetite for fintech and enterprise software. Finally, we discuss OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's new game show initiative and its intersection with AI, media, and consumer engagement. Chart of the week: Morning Star's SpaceX Valuation Analysis and Compute Capacity Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a team member or sign up for additional content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation for the sale of any security, advisory, or other service. Investments related to the themes and ideas discussed may be owned by funds managed by the host and podcast guests. Any conflicts mentioned by the host are subject to change. Listeners should consult their personal financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
May 29 · 47 min
From AGI to RSI: Bitcoin Slides While the AI Markets Rise
In this episode, we unpack bitcoin's pullback toward $73K while AI-related capital formation and infrastructure investment continue to accelerate. The discussion covers Anthropic's latest raise, now at $965 billion post-money valuation, market commentary tied to Michael Burry's recent predictions, and the growing conversation around AGI versus the emergence of "RSI" (Recursive Self-Improvement), and what that could mean for markets, labor, and global competition. Finally, we explore the future of financial products tied to AI ecosystems, including the potential for AI token futures and new forms of market exposure as the sector matures. Chart of the week: Q1 M&A heats up as multiples rise Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a team member or sign up for additional content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation for the sale of any security, advisory, or other service. Investments related to the themes and ideas discussed may be owned by funds managed by the host and podcast guests. Any conflicts mentioned by the host are subject to change. Listeners should consult their personal financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
May 22 · 1 hr 4 min
OpenAI vs. Anthropic, Bitcoin's Retreat & Quantum Nationalism
In this episode, we break down reports that OpenAI generated approximately $5.7 billion in Q1 revenue while its rival, Anthropic, targets nearly $11 billion in Q2 revenue and potential cash flow profitability, perhaps signaling a shift to operational scale in generative AI. The discussion also examines recent weakness following bitcoin's rally in May, including reports that Mark Cuban reduced his BTC exposure even as firms like Bitmine continue to accumulate. We also unpack SpaceX aborting its latest space launch while focused on its much-anticipated IPO. Finally, we cover the U.S. government's push into quantum computing through a new $2 billion CHIPS Act and how legacy Web2 leaders are evolving their core products and platform strategies amid growing pressure from AI-driven consumer behavior and evolving internet discovery models. Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a team member or sign up for additional content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation for the sale of any security, advisory, or other service. Investments related to the themes and ideas discussed may be owned by funds managed by the host and podcast guests. Any conflicts mentioned by the host are subject to change. Listeners should consult their personal financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
May 15 · 1 hr 3 min
Cerebras IPO Makes Headlines While Digital Assets Reload
In this episode, we unpack Cerebras Systems' blockbuster IPO and how it may reignite momentum across the AI infrastructure trade. We also discuss the macro backdrop shaping risk assets, including speculation around the new Federal Reserve chair, hotter-than-expected inflation data, alongside resilient labor markets, and what it could mean for digital assets and broader growth markets. Further, we cover growing legislative momentum behind the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, the sharp rise of privacy-focused token Xcoin, and renewed venture appetite as firms including Haun Ventures and Andreessen Horowitz raise billions in fresh digital asset-focused capital. Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a team member or sign up for additional content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation for the sale of any security, advisory, or other service. Investments related to the themes and ideas discussed may be owned by funds managed by the host and podcast guests. Any conflicts mentioned by the host are subject to change. Listeners should consult their personal financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
May 15 · 1 hr 11 min
The Rise of HardFi: Tokenized Commodities, Real-World Assets, and the Next Era of DeFi with Kieren James-Lubin
In this episode, we welcome back Kieren James-Lubin to explore the evolution of blockchain infrastructure from the earliest days of Ethereum to the emerging world of "HardFi", programmable finance backed by real-world assets. The conversation also includes a special reveal from the team building the financial infrastructure backed by hard assets like gold and silver, offering listeners an early look at the launch of tokenized commodities and an on-chain collateral market. Long before institutional digital asset adoption, the team behind Strato was building Ethereum infrastructure for enterprises, governments, and global industrial organizations, helping launch one of the first Blockchain-as-a-Service offerings with Microsoft Azure and co-founding the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance. For over a decade, they have operated blockchain systems in production environments where reliability, compliance, auditability, and settlement infrastructure mattered. Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a team member or sign up for additional content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation for the sale of any security, advisory, or other service. Investments related to the themes and ideas discussed may be owned by funds managed by the host and podcast guests. Any conflicts mentioned by the host are subject to change. Listeners should consult their personal financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
May 8 · 58 min
Tech Bubble or AI Cycle? Plus Stablecoins Go Corporate
In this episode, we unpack whether today's AI-driven market may resemble the dot-com bubble of 2000 or the early innings of a multi-decade technological supercycle. Further, we explore the rise in AI infrastructure demand, including Samsung surpassing a $1 trillion valuation as hyperscalers race to secure memory and compute capacity for large-scale AI systems. The conversation then shifts to the reported July 4 target for the CLARITY Act, signaling potential momentum around U.S. digital asset regulation and how stablecoins may be evolving as AI-powered autonomous payments. Finally, we break down the rapidly shifting LLM landscape, debating the tradeoffs between speed, performance, and inference cost and why open-source models, specialized chips, and cheaper AI deployment may reshape the competitive dynamics of the next computing era. Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a team member or sign up for additional content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation for the sale of any security, advisory, or other service. Investments related to the themes and ideas discussed may be owned by funds managed by the host and podcast guests. Any conflicts mentioned by the host are subject to change. Listeners should consult their personal financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
May 1 · 55 min
C-Shaped Economy? Big Money Moves, Bitcoin Power Plays & Anthropic's Race towards $900B
In this episode, we unpack the macro and tech landscape, from Bitcoin nearing $80K amid persistent geopolitical tensions, inflation concerns, and a steady Federal Reserve, to a broader debate on whether the economy is shifting toward a "C-shaped" recovery as highlighted by Hilton's leadership. We also examine potential global market implications of the United Arab Emirates stepping away from OPEC, alongside major capital and infrastructure moves, including Tether's push to build a public Bitcoin-focused powerhouse, and stablecoin expansion efforts from Morgan Stanley and Western Union. On the AI front, we cover SoftBank's ambitious infrastructure bets and IPO aspirations, as well as Anthropic's rapid march toward a potential $900B+ valuation. We close with a discussion on the overlooked bottleneck in the $725B AI boom, not compute, but connectivity, highlighting a critical constraint shaping the next phase of AI-driven growth. Remember to Stay Current! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a team member or sign up for additional content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation for the sale of any security, advisory, or other service. Investments related to the themes and ideas discussed may be owned by funds managed by the host and podcast guests. Any conflicts mentioned by the host are subject to change. Listeners should consult their personal financial advisors before making any investment decisions.

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