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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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Yesterday · 1 hr
Borrowing the Future: AI's Off-Balance-Sheet Boom
This week, we look at JPMorgan's latest crypto report and Sam Altman's World, which is rolling out World IDs to banks and financial firms. Altman describes its proof-of-human technology as essential infrastructure for the AI era. We also cover Mike Cagney's launch of Navra and the $45 billion compute deal announced by Anthropic and Nscale. We then turn to the episode's main theme: how special purpose vehicles are being used to fund AI infrastructure outside of corporate balance sheets, and the considerations this may raise for investors. Our Chart of the Week examines global private debt assets under management. 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.
October 16 · 47 min
Macro Shocks, Hot Wallets & Smart Homes
This episode explores recent macroeconomic developments affecting bitcoin and technology stocks, including inflation concerns and newly reported economic data. We examine White House crypto adviser Patrick Witt's departure, Cerebras AI's potential role in the home, Apple's reported plans for a new home device, and Ledger's anticipated smartphone featuring an embedded secure crypto wallet. Our chart of the week reviews International Data Corporation's latest forecast for Open Compute Project (OCP) infrastructure spending, which could reach $892 billion by 2030 as AI demand accelerates. 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.
October 9 · 54 min
ChatGPT Misses, Firmus Flops, and Bitcoin Shrugs
ChatGPT Misses, Firmus Flops, and Bitcoin Shrugs This week's episode includes a review of the bitcoin market before turning to the macro backdrop, where the latest Fed minutes point to the possibility of another rate increase this year, but no urgency for an October move. The conversation also covers reports that ChatGPT fell short of its revenue targets, as well as Nvidia-backed Firmus Grid's decision to shelve a planned $5 billion IPO in Australia after investors pushed back on its proposed $30 billion valuation. Together, these raise the question of whether investor appetite is starting to test the limits of the AI buildout. Also on the docket is SpaceX's agreement to acquire cellular spectrum licenses from Grain Management for roughly $8 billion. The episode closes with the Chart of the Week, which traces five waves of US innovation from personal computing to AI. 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.
October 2 · 1 hr 1 min
"Uptober" or Head Fake? BTC Steadies, Bonds Surge, and OpenAI's $1.4T Ambition
This episode examines whether September's stronger-than-usual Bitcoin performance may signal the start of an "Uptober" or a temporary head fake, alongside a broader shift in traditional markets as bonds reach multi-decade highs. The discussion explores whether falling yields and improving bond returns could revive the traditional 60/40 stock-bond portfolio, potentially reshaping asset allocation and competition for capital across public and alternative markets. The episode includes a discussion on OpenAI's reported $30 billion in fundraising at a $1.4 trillion valuation and its strategy to position ChatGPT as a new app distribution layer, potentially changing how consumers discover, access, and interact with software. The Chart of the Week highlights the potential growth of crypto industry lobbying, illustrating the sector's increasing engagement with policymakers and Washington. 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 25 · 59 min
Bitcoin's Rally Meets AI's New Cold War
This week on Digital Currents, we examine Bitcoin's continued rally despite persistent regulatory uncertainty and discuss what the market may be signaling as legislative efforts to provide digital asset clarity continue to stall. We also explore emerging risks within the AI infrastructure boom, including customer concentration concerns highlighted by Nscale'a IPO and growing resistance to large-scale data center development, most recently affecting Oracle. We review Alibaba's ambitious full-stack AI strategy spanning chips, models, cloud infrastructure, and AI agents, and consider what it reveals about the intensifying global competition for AI leadership. In the Chart of the Week, we highlight the extraordinary concentration of value creation in today's technology markets, examining how just three companies (Open AI, Anthropic and Space X) are now worth more than the cumulative value generated by approximately 45 years of tech IPOs. 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 18 · 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.

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