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

Sushi Part 2, Valuation and Consolidated Q&A

1418 implied HN points • 18 Aug 21
🔮 Crypto Decentralized Finance Blockchain Technology Market Analysis Investment Strategies
  1. Valuation of the protocol and its income are key topics discussed. Understanding how much a protocol is worth and how it generates money is important.
  2. The aggressive pressure from venture capitalists appears to be easing off. This change can affect the market price positively.
  3. The price of the asset has finally moved back into the teens after some fluctuation. Tracking these price movements can help investors make informed decisions.

Exchange Risk: Coinbase

859 implied HN points • 19 May 22
🔮 Crypto Exchanges Investment Regulations Market Analysis Trends
  1. Coinbase is the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the U.S. and was the first to go public here. This means it's a big player in the crypto market.
  2. It was founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, who is still involved with the company as a board member.
  3. Exchange risk is something to think about with Coinbase, especially as new information comes out that could impact its operations. Staying informed is key.

The Governance Gap

299 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🔮 Crypto Governance Tokenomics Decentralization Investment
  1. In DeFi, there can be big differences between what token holders think and what really happens in a project. This disconnect is called the Governance Gap.
  2. Business disputes in DeFi can be tricky because the anonymity of participants and access to important tech can change the game. It's not like regular business where there's a clear chain of accountability.
  3. Legal issues in DeFi are complicated and often unclear. It's essential to work with lawyers who understand blockchain and decentralized organizations to navigate these challenges.

Crypto: Providing for Your Safety and Security in Emergencies

1019 implied HN points • 18 Feb 22
🔮 Crypto Finance Security Decentralization Technology Investment
  1. Crypto can help you feel safer during emergencies. It’s designed to protect your money when things get tough.
  2. Recent events show that having access to your funds is really important. We should pay attention to how DeFi can help in crises.
  3. Understanding the value of DeFi is essential for the long term. It’s not just about making money, but also about security and safety.

Genesis on the Chopping Block

479 implied HN points • 05 Jan 23
🔮 Crypto Trading Lending Derivatives Market Analysis
  1. Genesis Global is a big player in the crypto world, dealing with trading, lending, and custody services.
  2. They have millions in trades and provide services mainly for big clients like institutions.
  3. The current situation suggests that they might be facing some tough challenges ahead.
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How Banks (Zeros) Make Money

899 implied HN points • 12 Apr 22
💰 Finance Banking Investments Cryptocurrency Regulation Asset management Revenue streams
  1. Banks make money by accepting deposits and giving loans. They charge fees for services like managing assets and processing transactions.
  2. Decentralized finance (DeFi) is changing how finance works, allowing people to cut out banks and manage their money directly. This means banks might lose some of their income.
  3. Crypto and other digital methods are making it easier for people to manage their money and investments without needing traditional banks. This could change the banking industry a lot in the future.

Goodbye NFTs?

559 implied HN points • 05 Nov 22
🔮 Crypto NFTs Blockchain Investing Digital Assets Technology
  1. The term 'non-fungible token' is not easy for people to understand and doesn't sound appealing. This makes it harder for NFTs to become popular.
  2. Big companies often change their names to sound better and connect with customers. This shows how important branding is.
  3. Rebranding can help new ideas like NFTs to be more accepted and embraced by the public. A catchy name might make a big difference.

The DeFi Roundup (October 8, 2022)

599 implied HN points • 08 Oct 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Finance Investing Regulation Technology
  1. Celsius has revealed a huge spreadsheet with customer names and transactions as part of their bankruptcy. This move raises privacy concerns for many customers.
  2. The DeFi space is constantly evolving, and keeping up with weekly roundups helps investors stay informed. Quick updates can guide better decision-making.
  3. Being a paid subscriber can give you access to in-depth insights and analysis that is not available to free users. It can be worth it for those serious about investing.

How to Navigate Your First 21 Days in DeFi

959 implied HN points • 08 Mar 22
🔮 Crypto DeFi Trading Security Investment Community
  1. The first step in DeFi is setting up your accounts and wallets. Make sure to use a secure wallet like Metamask and protect your privacy with a VPN.
  2. You can start using DeFi by making simple transactions like lending tokens for interest or swapping them. Using networks with lower fees, like Fantom, can help you learn without risking too much.
  3. Participating in DeFi communities can lead to surprises, like airdrops or early access to token sales. Being active and helpful in these communities can reward you with tokens and good investment opportunities.

Update on Valuations and The State of DeFi

819 implied HN points • 25 May 22
🔮 Crypto DeFi Blockchain Investing Market Trends Tokenomics
  1. DeFi has changed a lot in the last year. Many new ideas have appeared, but not all have lasted, and lending has dropped due to less interest.
  2. Trading on decentralized exchanges is still strong, showing that people keep trading even in a down market. Innovations in exchange technology are also happening.
  3. The overall value in DeFi is up, but many tokens have dropped in price. Investors need to be careful and are looking for undervalued options as the market evolves.

Why The World Needs Web3

719 implied HN points • 22 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Web3 Blockchain Decentralization Crypto Internet
  1. Web3 aims to create a more secure internet by reducing reliance on centralized platforms, which often expose users to risks like hacking and censorship. This means our online interactions can be safer and more private.
  2. In the future, people could earn money for content creation on decentralized platforms, unlike current social media that makes money from our content without sharing revenues. This can create fairer opportunities for creators.
  3. Web3 may lead to a new economy where crypto can be used for everyday purchases, making it easier for people to use digital currencies in their daily lives. This shift could change how we think about money and transactions.

The DeFi Roundup (September 17, 2022)

619 implied HN points • 17 Sep 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Digital Assets Ethereum Market Trends
  1. Ethereum has successfully merged, which many people have been waiting for a long time. This is a big step for the future of this cryptocurrency.
  2. The weekly roundups help subscribers stay updated on major events in the DeFi sector quickly. It’s a good way to catch up on important news in just five minutes.
  3. The White House has released a framework for the responsible development of digital assets. This could impact how cryptocurrencies and digital assets are regulated in the future.

The DeFi Roundup (September 10, 2022)

619 implied HN points • 11 Sep 22
🔮 Crypto DeFi Trading Blockchain Market Analysis Cryptocurrency
  1. This week focuses on the Merge and how it affects trading options for any potential forks. Understanding these changes is important for making smart trading decisions.
  2. The re-allocation of GPU hashpower has positively impacted some other blockchain networks. This shift shows how interconnected different chains can be.
  3. The roundup provides key insights quickly, making it easy for users to stay informed about the DeFi market. It's a convenient way to catch up on important events.

The DeFi Roundup (December 3, 2022)

499 implied HN points • 04 Dec 22
🔮 Crypto DeFi Blockchain Investing Finance Technology
  1. The DeFi Roundup keeps you updated on important events and trends in decentralized finance. It's a great way to stay informed while others focus on major news.
  2. This report offers actionable insights and fun topics that can help you explore opportunities in DeFi. It's more about excitement than the usual heavy news.
  3. Instead of diving deep into negative stories, the roundup focuses on cooler and engaging content in the DeFi space that you might find useful.

How to Earn Higher Interest Than Banks with Fantom DeFi - Hint Banks Are Zeros.

1019 implied HN points • 12 Jan 22
🔮 Crypto DeFi Investing Yield Farming Stablecoins Blockchain
  1. Using Fantom DeFi, you can earn higher interest on your savings compared to traditional banks. Depositing stablecoins, like USDC, can give you returns up to 13% a year.
  2. Fantom’s blockchain allows for very low transaction fees and fast transactions, making it user-friendly. It's compatible with popular wallets like Metamask and platforms like Curve and Yearn.
  3. While the yield farming options are good now, they may not last forever. The DeFi space is competitive, and it’s beneficial to start early to make the most of these high yields.

Deep Dive: Maple Finance

499 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
🔮 Crypto DeFi Fintech Blockchain Investments Finance
  1. DeFi stands for decentralized finance, which means financial services that operate without central authorities or intermediaries. It's like banking without a bank, where everybody can access services freely.
  2. Maple Finance is a platform that combines finance technology with decentralized finance. It offers users a chance to lend and borrow funds in a decentralized way.
  3. The goal of DeFi is to create an open finance system accessible to anyone. It aims to improve transparency and inclusivity in financial transactions.

Deep Dive: Arweave (Part 1)

739 implied HN points • 15 Jun 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Decentralization Web3 Storage Technology
  1. Arweave is a decentralized storage project. It aims to change how we save and share data online in the future.
  2. The focus on projects like Arweave helps us understand what the decentralized web could look like. It encourages exploration of innovative technologies and their potential impact.
  3. The analysis of Arweave is part of a broader interest in decentralized technology. This trend shows that many people are looking for better and more secure ways to manage data.

TradFi 2.0

699 implied HN points • 05 Jul 22
🔮 Crypto DeFi Protocols Investing Blockchain Financial Models
  1. TradFi 2.0 refers to a next-level iteration of traditional finance that mixes with new innovations. This means using technology to improve and change how financial systems work.
  2. Decentralized finance (DeFi) aims to provide financial services without central authorities. It represents a shift towards transparency and independence in finance.
  3. Critiques are common within DeFi spaces to ensure that protocols are held accountable. It's important to recognize mistakes and learn from them for better future decisions.

Railgun: Hide Your DeFi Private Parts

939 implied HN points • 10 Feb 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Privacy Transactions Finance
  1. DeFi transactions are public, which can expose your entire financial history. This means it's easy for anyone to see what you've been doing financially.
  2. Using the same device for different tasks can link your real identity to your DeFi activities, even if you think you're being anonymous.
  3. Railgun is a tool designed to help protect your privacy in DeFi, allowing you to manage your transactions more discreetly.

The DeFi Roundup (July 16, 2022)

679 implied HN points • 16 Jul 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Investing Market Trends Technology
  1. There is always something happening in the crypto world, even when prices are stable. This shows that the industry is active and dynamic.
  2. The roundups are designed to help paid subscribers catch up on important market events quickly. They can stay informed in just a few minutes.
  3. The content aims to keep readers engaged and provide updates on the latest happenings in DeFi, which is important for anyone interested in cryptocurrency.

Digital Asset Industry Standards

539 implied HN points • 20 Oct 22
🔮 Crypto Regulation Smart Contracts Decentralization
  1. Regulating DeFi should avoid censorship of the blockchain. The foundation of blockchain technology is about freedom and allowing anyone to use it without restrictions.
  2. Decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols need to ensure transparency and honesty in marketing just like traditional finance, but regulation shouldn't stifle innovation.
  3. Bug bounties for hackers who find vulnerabilities are important. Both the community and protocol should share the responsibility for keeping systems secure and incentivize good behavior.

Introduction to Decentralized File Storage

739 implied HN points • 06 Jun 22
🕹 Technology Blockchain Decentralization Web3
  1. Many NFTs that people think are unique are actually not stored on the blockchain, but on regular web servers. This means the images could disappear at any time.
  2. Decentralized storage is better than using traditional cloud services, and solutions like IPFS allow for more secure and reliable data storage.
  3. Pinning files on networks like IPFS is necessary to keep them available, and services like Filecoin help pay for that storage to ensure data persists over time.

Straight Outta DeFi - R.W.A

839 implied HN points • 05 Apr 22
🔮 Crypto DeFi Blockchain Investing Lending Market Analysis
  1. Real World Assets (RWAs) have a huge potential market, which could greatly impact both crypto and traditional finance. It's a new area where the value of physical things can be brought onto the blockchain.
  2. DeFi protocols are strongly influenced by speculative behavior in crypto markets. When prices go up, there's more trading and borrowing, but when the market cools down, activity drops significantly.
  3. Challenges like legal issues and the need for standardized processes exist in the RWA space. However, if solved, RWAs could provide stable investment opportunities even during crypto market downturns.

How to Read Smart Contracts Part 1

859 implied HN points • 23 Mar 22
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts DeFi Blockchain Cryptocurrency Finance
  1. This post gives an overview of how to read smart contracts, focusing on Uniswap v2's structure. It's meant for those interested in understanding the basics of smart contracts.
  2. The author introduces key terminologies related to smart contracts, which will help readers grasp the concepts better.
  3. In the next part, the author will break down the code line by line, making it easier to understand what each part does.

The Disruptive Potential of On-chain Reputations (Part 2)

299 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Decentralization Digital Identity Smart Contracts
  1. On-chain reputation systems could create a new standard for assessing credibility, similar to credit scores in finance. If one system becomes widely adopted, it could make life easier for everyone involved.
  2. Different uses and needs could lead to multiple reputation systems thriving at the same time. Some might focus on specific skills or experiences, while others could center on financial history.
  3. Interoperability among systems can help share reputation data across platforms. However, not having just one dominant system might actually allow for more competition and innovation in the space.

Q&A + Survey!

499 implied HN points • 15 Nov 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Investing Market Trends Decentralization Trading
  1. Exchange order books are very thin right now, meaning there aren't many buy or sell orders available. This could affect trading activity significantly.
  2. Alameda Research has stopped making markets, which indicates that some big players are stepping back due to risk concerns. This might impact market stability.
  3. There are worries about stolen tokens from FTX being sold off, causing fear among traders to manage their risks carefully.

DeFi Education Core Principles

639 implied HN points • 04 Aug 22
🔮 Crypto DeFi Blockchain Tokenomics Security Regulation
  1. DeFi projects should focus on long-term growth and sustainability, moving away from relying solely on token incentives. It's important for apps to build a future without depending on constant rewards.
  2. User-friendliness is key. DeFi projects should create easy-to-use interfaces that average people can navigate, not just designed for tech experts.
  3. Strong technical quality matters. Experienced developers are essential for creating secure and reliable software, and protocols should regularly invest in improving their systems.

Why P/E Ratios Are Broken In Crypto

699 implied HN points • 22 Jun 22
🔮 Crypto Finance Investment Tokenomics Market Analysis DeFi
  1. P/E ratios aren't very useful in crypto because they rely on earnings that can fluctuate wildly. DeFi protocols often make money one month and lose it the next, making it hard to predict overall earnings.
  2. Crypto tokens have different roles than stocks and aren't just about cash flow. They can be used for voting or earning more tokens, which makes comparing them using P/E ratios tricky.
  3. It's better to focus on cash flows rather than P/E when analyzing crypto. Ignoring token issuance costs and looking at other measures like Price to Sales (P/S) can give a clearer picture of value.

NFTs and the Future of Subscription Businesses

459 implied HN points • 09 Dec 22
💼 Business Economics Finance Marketing Entrepreneurship Strategy
  1. Businesses like subscriptions because they provide steady income and build customer loyalty. This makes business planning easier.
  2. NFTs can change how subscriptions work by offering unique ownership and access. This could make subscriptions more attractive to consumers.
  3. Traditional views on NFTs and subscriptions might be missing the bigger picture. There are new opportunities to explore that could benefit both businesses and customers.

Six Easy Ways to Save Money in DeFi

799 implied HN points • 14 Apr 22
🔮 Crypto DeFi Investing Blockchain Cryptocurrency Finance
  1. Ethereum transaction fees can be very high, sometimes between $10-$30. This makes it hard for many people to use the network.
  2. DeFi can help save money, allowing users to navigate their financial needs without excessive costs.
  3. Finding efficient ways to conduct transactions in DeFi is important for maximizing savings and accessibility.

Back to Basics: Market Cap and FDV

939 implied HN points • 20 Jan 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Tokens DeFi Investing Market Analysis
  1. Market Cap shows how much a token is currently valued in the market based on its circulating supply and price. It's important to recognize that this value can change constantly with trades.
  2. Fully Diluted Valuation (FDV) estimates what the token's total market cap could be if all tokens were available. Understanding FDV helps you avoid tokens that may be overvalued at first glance.
  3. Investors should be mindful of token unlock schedules and how much supply is available. A low percentage of circulating supply can lead to future price drops if many new tokens flood the market.

Farming Risks, Fees and Crypto Information Sources

1298 implied HN points • 11 Jul 21
🔮 Crypto DeFi Investing Security Data Analysis Market Trends
  1. There are major risks in DeFi farming like smart contract failures and rug pulls. It's important to be aware of these risks before investing.
  2. Fees can add up quickly when using DeFi projects, so timing your transactions wisely can help save money.
  3. Finding reliable data about DeFi projects is hard, and many sources might not give accurate information. It's crucial to do your own research before investing.

Regulatory update: self-custody

819 implied HN points • 01 Apr 22
🔮 Crypto Regulations DeFi Exchanges Risks
  1. It's important to keep your own cryptocurrency keys because if you don't have them, you don't really own the coins.
  2. Both centralized exchanges and self-custody have their own risks, so it's good to know the difference and make informed choices.
  3. Upcoming regulations might change how you should manage your digital assets, so it's wise to prepare before those rules take effect.

AAVE Part 2 - Valuation Methodology and Q&A Is Open!

1278 implied HN points • 19 Jul 21
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Investing Valuation Income
  1. AAVE earns most of its money by charging interest on loans, much like a traditional bank. This means that understanding interest rates is key to their success.
  2. Valuing AAVE involves analyzing its potential for growth and how well it can generate income in the future. This is important for investors to know before putting money in.
  3. There is an opportunity for discussion and questions about AAVE's valuation, indicating that community engagement is encouraged. People are invited to join in and share their thoughts.

The DeFi Roundup (November 19, 2022)

479 implied HN points • 19 Nov 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Finance Investing DeFi Technologies
  1. DeFi has been very active this week with important developments. Many people are talking about its potential and future.
  2. The post will discuss the long-term benefits of DeFi. It's important to understand how it can grow and change the financial landscape.
  3. Recent market trends in DeFi are highlighted. These trends give insights into where the market might be headed next.

DeFi for Passive Investors

1039 implied HN points • 20 Nov 21
🔮 Crypto DeFi Investing Finance Portfolio Risk management
  1. Passive investing in DeFi can be a way for less active investors to earn returns. It allows them to participate in the market without needing to constantly manage their assets.
  2. Managing a DeFi portfolio still requires some understanding of risk management. Even passive investors should be aware of potential pitfalls and rewards.
  3. DeFi is becoming a major player in finance, and it can be beneficial for investors to explore these opportunities, even without active involvement.

The DeFi Roundup (September 3, 2022)

579 implied HN points • 03 Sep 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Tokenomics Digital Assets Market Analysis
  1. Coingecko has added a new section for 'Tokenomics', but it's still a work in progress. Currently, only some tokens have this information available.
  2. The DeFi Roundup shares interesting updates and events in the crypto space regularly. It's a good resource for those wanting to stay informed.
  3. Subscribers receive detailed analysis and insights in the Roundup, making it valuable for anyone interested in decentralized finance.

The DeFi Roundup (July 30, 2022)

619 implied HN points • 30 Jul 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Tokens Market Trends Investment
  1. Synapse launched an Ethereum Optimistic Rollup, which helps users transfer tokens across different blockchains smoothly. It's popular for its efficiency and has facilitated a lot of transactions.
  2. Weekly roundups help subscribers stay updated on important events in the DeFi market quickly. They can catch up on everything in just five minutes.
  3. The DeFi sector continues to advance with new technologies and protocols, making it important for users to stay informed about these developments. Keeping up-to-date can lead to better investment decisions.