The hottest DeFi Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Crypto Topics
The Fintech Blueprint 196 implied HN points 08 Feb 24
  1. Jupiter airdropped $700MM in JUP tokens to Solana users, making it a top 10 largest airdrop of all time.
  2. Despite Solana's growth, it faced a significant downtime issue recently, highlighting the need for decentralization.
  3. Jupiter's tokenomics strategy of distributing tokens evenly and focusing on community growth has been successful in fostering user engagement.
DeFi Education 459 implied HN points 16 Aug 23
  1. The Q&A sessions provide expert insights from professionals in finance and software. It's a chance to learn from people who know a lot about these topics.
  2. These sessions are held monthly, giving subscribers the opportunity to ask questions and get answers regularly.
  3. Participation requires a paid subscription, which ensures that the information shared is valuable and exclusive.
DeFi Education 919 implied HN points 17 Jan 23
  1. Liquid Staking Derivatives (LSDs) allow users to trade tokens that represent staked ETH, giving them easier access to their funds without waiting for upgrades.
  2. Staking directly as a validator helps keep Ethereum decentralized and users can earn yield, but it requires technical skills and a minimum of 32 ETH.
  3. Using a staking service adds risks, so it's safer to stake directly if possible, but many users may choose LSDs for convenience.
DeFi Education 599 implied HN points 26 May 23
  1. In times of panic or excitement, people often follow the crowd instead of thinking independently. This can lead to poor investment decisions.
  2. A group called Fahrenheit has plans to manage the assets of bankrupt company Celsius and even seeks to take it public. They will focus on funding operations and investing in cryptocurrency loans.
  3. The proposed restructuring includes managing assets like cryptocurrencies, loans, and investments, but it's still uncertain what will happen to the customers and depositors of Celsius.
DeFi Education 599 implied HN points 21 May 23
  1. There are many safety concerns about using Metamask and Ledger in the crypto space. Users need to be aware of these issues to protect their assets.
  2. Metamask has updated its terms, which could affect how users interact with the platform. It's important for users to stay informed about these changes.
  3. There are alternative options to Metamask that might be safer or better suited for some users. Exploring these alternatives can help individuals find a solution that meets their needs.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
Onchain Wizard's Cauldron 176 implied HN points 31 Jan 24
  1. The Daily Edge is a new daily newsletter focused on providing insights on emerging tokens/projects in under 5 minutes.
  2. The newsletter highlights upcoming projects like Clustersxyz, Trestle, JUP Airdrop, and JUDGE AI.
  3. Solana dominates degen volume, but Ethereum is seeing a revival with projects like PepeFork gaining traction.
DeFi Education 459 implied HN points 19 Jul 23
  1. Curve Finance is a platform that helps users swap cryptocurrencies, especially stablecoins, and has launched a new stablecoin called crvUSD. This stablecoin is in beta testing and has gained over $100 million in total value locked.
  2. crvUSD introduces a unique 'soft liquidation' process that gradually adjusts collateral value instead of sudden sell-offs, which can protect users from significant losses when market conditions change.
  3. The crvUSD stablecoin will aim to maintain its value peg through smart contracts called PegKeepers and a dynamic borrowing rate system, but comes with inherent risks due to its newness and experimental nature.
DeFi Education 1218 implied HN points 23 Aug 22
  1. This is a chance for everyone to ask questions about DeFi and crypto. It's open to both new and experienced people.
  2. The DeFi Ed team is ready to help with any topic related to markets or content suggestions.
  3. Feedback is welcome, so everyone can contribute to making the information better.
DeFi Education 739 implied HN points 14 Feb 23
  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.
DeFi Education 1638 implied HN points 17 Mar 22
  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.
DeFi Education 439 implied HN points 07 Jul 23
  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.
DeFi Education 439 implied HN points 05 Jul 23
  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 299 implied HN points 15 Oct 23
  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 299 implied HN points 13 Oct 23
  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.
DeFi Education 739 implied HN points 24 Jan 23
  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.
DeFi Education 299 implied HN points 17 Sep 23
  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.
DeFi Education 399 implied HN points 12 Jul 23
  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.
DeFi Education 499 implied HN points 13 May 23
  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.
DeFi Education 1358 implied HN points 26 Apr 22
  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.
DeFi Education 599 implied HN points 08 Mar 23
  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 Education 419 implied HN points 15 Jun 23
  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.
DeFi Education 2098 implied HN points 02 Jul 21
  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.
DeFi Education 659 implied HN points 12 Jan 23
  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.
DeFi Education 279 implied HN points 02 Sep 23
  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.
DeFi Education 559 implied HN points 28 Feb 23
  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.
DeFi Education 1159 implied HN points 15 May 22
  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.
DeFi Education 739 implied HN points 10 Nov 22
  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.
DeFi Education 1278 implied HN points 05 Mar 22
  1. The authors are reaching out for feedback and want to hear from their readers. They value the comments and discussions happening online.
  2. They've been active in the DeFi space since June 2021 and have enjoyed analyzing and writing about it over the past months.
  3. Current market conditions are tough, and there has been a slowdown in new project launches.
DeFi Education 659 implied HN points 18 Dec 22
  1. GMX is considered the top performer among derivatives DEX tokens, especially after the FTX collapse. Many investors are taking a closer look at it now.
  2. The focus of the deep dive is to explore GMX's protocol design, security features, and how its tokenomics work.
  3. The post aims to help readers decide whether to invest in the GMX token or use its exchange for trading.
DeFi Education 919 implied HN points 08 Aug 22
  1. Tornado Cash has been added to the U.S. sanctions list, meaning it is illegal for U.S. citizens to engage with it in any way. This includes financial transactions or even visiting its website.
  2. Any assets held in Tornado Cash since the addition to the sanctions are considered 'tainted' and cannot be redeemed. This puts liquidity providers at risk of losing money.
  3. There are legal risks for U.S.-based Ethereum miners and exchanges that deal with Tornado Cash transactions, leading to increased compliance costs and possible changes in business operations.
DeFi Education 659 implied HN points 14 Dec 22
  1. Decentralized derivatives exchanges (DDEX) let you trade without giving up control of your funds or sharing personal info. This can reduce risks and improve privacy for traders.
  2. DDEX platforms may become more popular as people seek safer options after issues with centralized exchanges (CEX) like FTX. More users on DDEXs could drive trading volumes and increase the value of their tokens.
  3. Choosing a good DDEX involves looking at the safety of funds, fees, and user experience. It’s important to understand how the exchange operates to avoid issues during trading.
DeFi Education 559 implied HN points 05 Feb 23
  1. Using an offline computer, known as an airgapped computer, can help securely sign crypto transactions. This reduces risks from online threats.
  2. You can set up transactions on one device and sign them on another without exposing your private keys. This method is safer for handling your assets.
  3. Always verify any software you download to ensure it's safe. This can help protect your transactions from potential malware.
DeFi Education 619 implied HN points 29 Dec 22
  1. dYdX is a decentralized exchange that provides users with a way to trade cryptocurrencies safely. It's designed to be secure and reliable for trading.
  2. Investors are encouraged to assess the exchange's protocol design and tokenomics before investing or trading. Doing thorough research helps to make informed decisions.
  3. The insights provided aim to guide users in exploring alternative exchanges following events like the FTX collapse, ensuring they can find trustworthy platforms.
The Held Report 11 implied HN points 14 Dec 24
  1. The Nakamoto upgrade makes the Stacks network faster and more reliable. With quicker transaction confirmations, users can expect to see their transactions completed much more quickly than before.
  2. sBTC will enable a secure way to bring Bitcoin into the Stacks ecosystem. This means Bitcoin can be used in new and exciting decentralized applications without the usual risks.
  3. The growth of Bitcoin DeFi is gaining attention thanks to upgrades like Nakamoto and sBTC. These changes will help developers create innovative applications that take advantage of Bitcoin's capabilities.
DeFi Education 519 implied HN points 26 Feb 23
  1. There was a market update with a recommendation to reduce risk for those who had invested heavily during the recent cycle. It seems ETH was trading around $1700.
  2. The post often shares insights on the DeFi market, indicating that it doesn't usually express an overall market view but does when it considers it important.
  3. The content is intended for paid subscribers, suggesting there might be more valuable insights available for those who choose to subscribe.
DeFi Education 1858 implied HN points 07 Jul 21
  1. Yearn Finance has different ways to determine its value, and it's important to think about how fast it might grow in the future.
  2. You need to make key assumptions about the long-term growth rate and how much you should invest.
  3. There are some specific risks and issues that come with investing in Yearn Finance that people should be aware of.
DeFi Education 1079 implied HN points 07 Apr 22
  1. Centrifuge connects real-world assets to blockchains. It helps digital assets become loans using real things like invoices.
  2. The main product, Tinlake, helps create lending markets based on tokenized assets. This makes it easier for businesses to get financing.
  3. Centrifuge is part of a growing trend to bring traditional finance and blockchain together. This could change how we think about loans and investments.