DeFi Education

DeFi Education covers decentralized finance (DeFi), explaining essential concepts, risks, and opportunities. It provides terminology glossaries, valuation methods, security best practices, and market insights. Content includes project-specific analyses, general DeFi strategies, Q&A sessions, and market updates, aiming to inform and guide new and experienced investors.

DeFi Basics Investment Strategies Crypto Projects Market Insights Security Practices Community Engagement

The hottest Substack posts of DeFi Education

And their main takeaways

Real World Assets: Growing Pains

359 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Finance Assets Technology Investment
  1. Real World Assets (RWAs) aim to integrate physical items like homes and cars into blockchain technology for easy transaction documentation. This can make buying or selling things more transparent and straightforward.
  2. The concept of RWAs is part of a larger vision for a future where all assets can be managed using digital systems. This could revolutionize how we handle ownership and exchanges.
  3. There are challenges in making RWAs a reality, indicating that while the idea is promising, there are still many hurdles to overcome before it can be widely adopted.

Tokenomics Primer Part 2

639 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🔮 Crypto Tokenomics Blockchain Investment Decentralization Cryptocurrencies
  1. Tokenomics is an important concept in cryptocurrency that helps understand how tokens work and are valued. It can guide investors in making informed decisions.
  2. Chainlink's LINK token was the most requested topic for analysis, indicating a strong interest in its performance and utility. People want to know more about this specific cryptocurrency.
  3. The content is aimed at paid subscribers, suggesting that in-depth analysis is available for those who are willing to invest in understanding tokenomics better. It's a specialized resource for committed learners.

Crypto VC Landscape

739 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🔮 Crypto Investing Startups Venture Capital DeFi Market Trends
  1. Venture capital funds invest in startups at different stages, from early ideas to companies preparing for IPOs. Most startups, especially in crypto, face high failure rates, so VCs take big risks with their investments.
  2. Crypto VCs can get returns faster than traditional VCs because they can exit investments within about a year after a startup issues tokens. This liquidity aspect makes crypto investments different and often more attractive.
  3. In 2022, despite a tough market, crypto and blockchain startups still received significant funding. However, VCs shifted towards later-stage deals, showing a cautious approach in these challenging times.

Why Crypto Options Matter Now

299 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
🔮 Crypto Trading Market Trends Options Derivatives Investment
  1. Crypto options markets are growing even when other areas of trading are down. This is important to note because it might indicate future recovery in the industry.
  2. Deribit is the largest exchange for crypto options, and their trading volumes are increasing.
  3. Investors should pay attention to the growth in crypto options, as it may signal potential opportunities in a recovering market.

Overview of Portfolio Construction and Risk Management, Part 2

699 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
💰 Finance Investing Risk management Behavioral Finance Market Trends
  1. Human emotions like greed and fear can affect investing decisions. People often buy high when they're greedy and ignore good opportunities when they're scared.
  2. Even experienced money managers can make mistakes by following trends instead of sticking to their strategies. They sometimes buy at the peak instead of the bottom.
  3. Understanding these emotional swings can help in better portfolio management. It's important to recognize how emotions can lead to poor financial choices.
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TradFi to DeFi: Personal Update

1638 implied HN points • 17 Mar 22
🔮 Crypto DeFi Finance Blockchain Investing
  1. The journey from traditional finance (TradFi) to decentralized finance (DeFi) can be exciting and transformative. Many people are exploring new financial systems and opportunities.
  2. Having a strong interest in markets and businesses can spark a desire to learn more about finance. This curiosity often begins early, like during high school.
  3. Engaging with DeFi offers a chance to be part of a growing and innovative financial landscape. It's important to stay updated and informed as this area rapidly evolves.

MakerDAO Update

439 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi Governance Stablecoins AI
  1. MakerDAO is undergoing a major governance change to improve its system. This will help make it more user-friendly and efficient.
  2. They are planning to integrate AI and invest more in real-world assets. This could open up new opportunities for growth.
  3. MakerDAO aims to be a reliable decentralized stablecoin provider with competitive interest rates. This is important for attracting more users and trust.

Making Bonds in DeFi

439 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi Blockchain Investments Regulation Assets
  1. DeFi often feels disconnected from the real world because it primarily uses digital tokens within its own systems. To bridge this gap, there's a push to connect real-world assets to DeFi, called RWAs.
  2. New funds like SuperState aim to provide stable, low-risk investments linked to U.S. government securities, making it easier for crypto users to access traditional financial products.
  3. Regulatory issues and market trust are key challenges for DeFi and RWAs. For DeFi to grow, there needs to be better cooperation with existing legal systems and traditional finance to foster a true merge of both worlds.

DeFi Education Q&A (October 2023)

299 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Investing Finance Technology
  1. Monthly Q&A sessions help provide answers to questions about DeFi topics. It's a great way to get insights and learn more each month.
  2. The community is encouraged to suggest deep dive topics for future discussions. This gives everyone a chance to focus on what they find most interesting.
  3. Participation in these sessions is for paid subscribers, highlighting the value of exclusive content in this education space. Subscribers can access more detailed information and learning opportunities.

DeFi Education Q&A (July 2023)

419 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Finance Technology Trading Regulation
  1. XRP had a significant legal win against the SEC, which is a big deal for the crypto community. This victory shows some positive movement for cryptocurrency regulations.
  2. However, the judge also found that XRP sold to institutional investors broke securities laws. This part of the ruling highlights ongoing legal challenges for XRP.
  3. Overall, this case reflects the complicated nature of crypto regulation and the need for clear guidelines moving forward. It's important for investors to stay informed about these legal issues.

Celsius Simplified

299 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🔮 Crypto Cryptocurrency Blockchain Market Analysis Finance DeFi
  1. Crypto bankruptcies can cause big market shifts as assets might be sold. This could affect how people invest and manage their money.
  2. It's important to remember that these bankruptcies can actually help some people. They can get money back that they lost and might reinvest it in the market.
  3. The recovery process from these bankruptcies involves a lot of people. Many investors might return to the crypto space after getting their funds back.

The Future Monetary System (From: Regulators)

439 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
💰 Finance Monetary Policy Payment Systems Cryptocurrency Banking Regulation
  1. The Federal Reserve's new service called FedNow will start on July 1st. It will allow people to send and receive money instantly, anytime, day or night.
  2. This real-time payment system is much faster than traditional banking, which can take days for transactions to clear.
  3. With FedNow, transferring money will take only seconds, making it easier for everyone to manage their finances.

Defy the Banks and Ponzis. Also, is Jim Cramer Wrong Again?

739 implied HN points • 24 Jan 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi Market Analysis Investment Blockchain Financial Systems
  1. DeFi shows potential even after setbacks in the market. It's important to look at strong projects that survived tough times rather than getting caught up in hype.
  2. Smart contracts in DeFi can reduce reliance on traditional banks. This helps eliminate certain risks and allows for faster transactions between parties.
  3. It's crucial to focus on the real-world problems that DeFi aims to solve. Understanding these fundamentals may help in deciding whether to trust and invest in this technology.

The Dark Art of Short Selling (+ how to find shorts)

619 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
💰 Finance Investing Short selling Risk management Market Strategies
  1. Short selling lets you profit from a decrease in asset prices, but it comes with high risks. If prices rise instead of fall, you could lose a lot of money.
  2. You can short sell through different platforms and strategies, including centralized exchanges, which might be safer but also have their own risks. It's important to manage your risk and not invest more than you can afford to lose.
  3. Knowing how short selling works can help you make better decisions in the market, even if you don't plan to short yourself. It can guide you in recognizing when to hold or sell your investments.

DeFi Security: Best Practices + Security Q&A

1558 implied HN points • 12 Mar 22
🔮 Crypto Security Transactions Identity Technology Education
  1. Keep your devices secure to protect your digital assets. Always use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
  2. Be careful with transactions and double-check before sending money or sharing information. Mistakes can be costly in the DeFi space.
  3. Protect your identity online to avoid scams. Use unique details and strong security practices to stay safe.

What We're Doing in Crypto Right Now

1438 implied HN points • 16 Apr 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Investments Market Trends Technology Decentralization
  1. The crypto market is very volatile, with prices going up and down a lot. Many people get emotional and make quick buying or selling decisions.
  2. Taking a longer-term view on crypto investments can be more beneficial. Staying calm and not reacting to daily price changes helps maintain strategy.
  3. It's important not to panic during market drops. Keeping a steady approach can lead to better outcomes in the long run.

DeFi Education Q&A (September 2023)

299 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi Finance Education Investments Technology
  1. The Q&A sessions provide expert insights from experienced professionals in finance and technology. It's a good way to learn from people who really know their stuff.
  2. These sessions are designed to help both new and existing subscribers understand complex ideas in DeFi easier. They make learning accessible and engaging.
  3. As a paid subscriber, you can access these valuable discussions and ask your own questions. It's a way to connect with knowledgeable folks and get direct answers.

New Stablecoin Challenger - GHO

399 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
🔮 Crypto Stablecoins DeFi Lending Finance Blockchain
  1. GHO is a new stablecoin by Aave, aimed at competing with existing stablecoins like DAI. It will charge a lower borrowing fee of 1.5% compared to MakerDAO's 3.5%.
  2. Aave needs to create demand for GHO to be successful. Without incentives or market makers, people might not want to hold or use GHO.
  3. The security of GHO has issues, as some audits pointed out potential problems in the code. This raises concerns about how reliable it will be for users.

Bitcoin Clogged

499 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🔮 Crypto Bitcoin Ethereum DeFi Blockchain Cryptocurrency
  1. Bitcoin enthusiasts often resist change, seeing its stability as a positive aspect.
  2. Ethereum supporters sometimes get labeled negatively, but they embrace innovation and flexibility.
  3. The ongoing debate between Bitcoin and Ethereum reflects different priorities in the crypto community.

Exit Strategies, Fundamentals and Cleaning House

1358 implied HN points • 26 Apr 22
🔮 Crypto DeFi Investing Market Analysis Regulations
  1. Exit strategies in crypto include buying, holding, and selling, with the focus on liquidity as a key factor for investors. It's important to sell when the market recognizes your investment's value for better gains.
  2. Understanding the fundamentals of crypto is essential, but they differ from traditional assets. Factors like project purpose, team strength, and market competition are crucial to consider.
  3. Regularly review your portfolio to ensure each investment has a solid reason for holding. Cut losses on projects with weak teams or bad token supply dynamics to make smarter choices.

Opportunity, Risks and Going Down the Rabbit Hole

2298 implied HN points • 27 Jun 21
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Investing Decentralization Finance Regulations
  1. The decentralized finance (DeFi) market has a huge opportunity for growth, involving trillions of dollars in alternative assets and investment funds. This growth can be driven by lower costs and continuous fiat money printing.
  2. There are significant risks in DeFi that investors should be aware of. Many projects could fail, due to scams, hacks, or market volatility, and it’s essential to keep learning and stay informed about the changes.
  3. Understanding terms like Impermanent Loss is crucial for anyone getting into DeFi. If the prices of paired tokens don't move together, you could lose money, which shows why timing and smart investing are important.

Is DeFi Safe? That's Up To You!

599 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi Security Investing Blockchain Financial Systems
  1. DeFi is a new way to handle finance without banks, but it comes with risks like hacks and scams. Users need to be aware and do their research to stay safe.
  2. Keeping your own private keys safe is crucial. The saying 'your keys, your Bitcoin' highlights that if you lose access to your private keys, you could lose your crypto forever.
  3. Using hardware wallets and trusted protocols can help protect your funds. It's important to only use tested platforms and to follow good security practices to avoid losses.

DeFi Debt Crisis: The Great Curve Loan

419 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🔮 Crypto DeFi Loans Ecosystem Finance
  1. Michael Egorov, the founder of Curve Finance, is facing potential liquidation due to $100 million in DeFi loans. This situation has raised concerns in the financial community.
  2. DeFi involves borrowing and lending through decentralized platforms, and understanding these mechanisms is key to navigating the market.
  3. The outcomes of this situation could significantly impact the overall DeFi ecosystem, especially regarding investor confidence and market stability.

The Worst Event in History of Crypto

819 implied HN points • 13 Nov 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Investment Regulation Economics Market Trends
  1. The FTX collapse is considered one of the biggest failures in crypto history. It involved issues with the exchange, the trading firm Alameda, and its founder, Sam Bankman-Fried.
  2. Bankruptcy and a major hack followed the collapse, causing significant losses for many investors. This situation raised concerns about the safety of funds in the crypto space.
  3. There are lessons to be learned from these events about risk management and the importance of due diligence when investing in cryptocurrencies. It's essential to be cautious and informed.

Overview of Portfolio Construction and Risk Management, Part 2 of 2

579 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
💰 Finance Investment Risk management Portfolio Management Financial planning Market Analysis
  1. Portfolio construction requires understanding different frameworks and methods to organize investments effectively. It's important to choose a strategy that fits your financial goals.
  2. Using leverage can be useful in certain situations, but it also increases risk. It's essential to know when it's appropriate to leverage your investments.
  3. Controlling risk with position sizing is crucial for managing your portfolio. By adjusting the size of your investments, you can better protect yourself against losses.

Yearn Finance (Part 1 of 2) - Yes There is That Much to Cover!

2098 implied HN points • 02 Jul 21
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Investing Finance Cryptocurrency
  1. Yearn Finance is a major project in the DeFi space that offers various opportunities for earning returns. It's essential to understand its features and risks before investing.
  2. The evaluation of Yearn Finance will help you make informed decisions about potential investments. You'll learn to weigh the risk versus reward for your own financial choices.
  3. This post focuses specifically on Yearn Finance, excluding discussions about other similar projects to keep the information organized and clear.

Risk-On Indicators

659 implied HN points • 12 Jan 23
🔮 Crypto Bitcoin Ethereum Trading DeFi Market Analysis
  1. Bitcoin and Ethereum prices are showing positive signs, with Bitcoin around $19K and Ethereum over $1,400. This indicates some upward momentum in the market.
  2. The author started buying major cryptocurrencies on November 29, 2022, and noticed a lot of people beginning to follow suit. This reflects a growing confidence among investors.
  3. There's a focus on how the bottom of the market is performing today, rather than just trying to predict when it will bottom out. This perspective might help investors make smarter decisions.

Understanding How Economic Models Break Down (and a Highly Profitable Trading Strategy!)

759 implied HN points • 22 Nov 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Trading Economics Investing Protocols
  1. Crypto market relies on capital flow. Without enough users investing and using protocols, they can't function well.
  2. Supply and demand are key. If there's not enough capital to meet the demand, economic models can break down.
  3. Some protocols like algorithmic stablecoins can fail fundamentally. They need constant user trust and large investments, or else their value collapses.

A 5 Step Process to Improve Your Investment Acumen With Zero Risk

919 implied HN points • 07 Sep 22
💰 Finance Investment Trading Market Analysis Risk management Data Analysis
  1. To get better at investing, you need to practice regularly and learn from different situations. The more you engage with investments, the better you'll become.
  2. Gather data from various sources to form a complete understanding of an investment. Don't just look at numbers; think about what they mean and how they relate to the market.
  3. After creating your investment plan, it's key to track how your decisions pan out. Reflect on what you did right or wrong to keep improving your skills over time.

Deal or No Deal

279 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Regulation Investment Markets
  1. A new deal has been reached between DCG and Genesis, but it's not the first one; there was a similar agreement made earlier this year.
  2. The situation is complicated, with many details yet to be worked out between the parties involved.
  3. It's important to keep track of these developments, as they affect clients and the overall outcome.

U.S. Banking Fears, USDC post-mortem + March Q&A

539 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
💰 Finance Banking Investments Cryptocurrency Economics Market Trends
  1. There are concerns about the stability of U.S. banking, and this has created a sense of fear in the market. Many people are worried about what might happen next.
  2. The USDC cryptocurrency faced serious issues recently, raising questions about its reliability. Some are analyzing what went wrong and what it means for the future.
  3. In a time of crisis, quick actions and communication from venture capitalists helped to calm the situation. It shows how important leadership and support can be during financial troubles.

DeFi Education's Greatest Hits: Twitter Edition

559 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Investing Technology Regulation
  1. On-chain analysis can reveal important movements of funds, especially from high-profile wallets, and monitoring these can help with investment decisions.
  2. Institutional investors have a different approach to the market than retail investors, and understanding these differences can help avoid costly mistakes.
  3. Basic cybersecurity measures like using strong passwords and VPNs can significantly reduce the risk of getting hacked in the digital asset space.

Finance 101 for Crypto Degens, Part 1

1159 implied HN points • 17 May 22
💰 Finance Investing Corporate Finance Valuation Crypto Debt Management
  1. The time value of money means that money now is worth more than money in the future because you can invest it and earn a return. This idea explains why banks charge interest on loans.
  2. Understanding capital structure is important. It distinguishes between the types of capital a company uses, like debt (bonds, loans) and equity (ownership shares), and how these affect the company's value and risk.
  3. Discounted cash flow analysis helps evaluate the value of a business by looking at its expected future cash flows. This method shows how much future money is worth today, factoring in investment risks.

Gresham’s Law: Bad Money Drives Out Good

1159 implied HN points • 15 May 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Stablecoins Liquidity Finance
  1. Gresham's Law shows that bad money tends to push out good money from the market. When people have a choice, they'll use the less valuable currency to keep the better one for themselves.
  2. In the context of decentralized finance (DeFi), imbalances in pools can affect liquidity and price stability. For instance, if one stablecoin in a pool loses its value, it can lead to issues for the whole pool.
  3. Using AMMs (Automated Market Makers) like Curve for swapping stablecoins is crucial for providing on-chain liquidity. Efficient liquidity helps maintain fair prices and trading in the crypto market.

The Ten Crypto Commandments

1298 implied HN points • 15 Mar 22
🔮 Crypto Investing Security Market Trends Decentralization Regulations
  1. Keep your crypto holdings private. Sharing this info can lead to jealousy or danger, like kidnapping.
  2. Don't trust advice from others blindly. People often share tips to pump their own investments, so research and think for yourself.
  3. Always use proper security. Avoid sharing personal info, use a VPN for transactions, and get your coins off exchanges to stay safe.

DeFi Education Q&A (April 2023)

479 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Finance Technology Decentralization Investment
  1. The Q&A sessions feature experts in finance and software, sharing their knowledge. It's a great chance to learn from experienced professionals.
  2. New subscribers get a quick overview of what to expect during these Q&A sessions. They can understand the format and benefits right away.
  3. These sessions are aimed at engaging the community and answering questions, making them interactive and informative for everyone involved.

*Important* Academy Launch

739 implied HN points • 10 Nov 22
🔮 Crypto DeFi Education Investment Security Technology
  1. The Academy is designed to help people kickstart their careers in crypto by teaching them essential skills. It offers courses on investing, building, and trading in the cryptocurrency space.
  2. Joining the Academy now comes with a $100 discount for early sign-ups, giving you access to over 40 video lessons that cover crucial topics like fundamental analysis and market timing.
  3. The course is a good way to deepen your understanding of cryptocurrency, especially for those who want to keep their job while learning how to work with DAOs and build their brand.

Understanding Valuation Methods

1978 implied HN points • 30 Jun 21
🔮 Crypto Valuation Investing Decentralization Market Analysis Financial Metrics
  1. Having users is really important for a project's value. A company that has a lot of users is usually seen as more successful, even if it's not making money yet.
  2. Sales and profits are not the same thing. Just because a company makes a lot of sales doesn't mean it's actually earning money after paying all its costs.
  3. Quick valuation methods, like comparing sales and earnings, can help you understand a project’s worth. However, you should also consider user growth and how the project makes money.