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Latest Episodes:

The Future Of Web3 With Sandeep Nailwal Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of FYI – For Your Innovation, ARK's Brett and Lorenzo are joined by Sandeep Nailwal, co-founder of Polygon, to explore the evolving landscape of Ethereum scaling, the role of Layer 2s, and Polygon’s growing importance in Web3 infrastructure. Sandeep unpacks how Polygon transitioned from a sidechain into a comprehensive execution layer, supporting both shared and dedicated compute environments. The discussion spans Polygon's technology roadmap (including the transition to Polygon 2.0), the distinction between sidechains and L2s, and how Polygon’s AggLayer is designed to unify fragmented liquidity across custom blockchains. They also address the competitive dynamics between public blockchains and “corpo chains” like those initiated by Stripe, Circle, and Coinbase—raising questions about credible neutrality, token economics, and long-term adoption paths. Sandeep outlines Polygon's strategy of prioritizing scale before revenue, aiming to build lasting infrastructure in the face of fast-moving innovation.

Key Points From This Episode:

[00:00] – Intro: What are Layer 1s, Layer 2s, and sidechains?
[08:00] – Why apps are moving to dedicated L2s
[20:03] – What is Polygon, and why is “L2” a misnomer?
[28:03] – Pitching Polygon to institutions and developers
[29:01] – Competitive landscape: too many chains, not enough clarity
[34:14] – Are L2s valuable businesses?
[35:30] – Why usage, not fees, is Polygon’s current priority
[40:46] – Corpo chains and how they leverage open infrastructure
[48:41] – What success looks like for Polygon in 5 years
[49:54] – Key metrics: TVL, throughput, and transaction growth
[50:57] – Outro and closing reflections from Brett

The Tesla of Appliances With Sam D’Amico Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

Impulse Labs founder and CEO Sam D’Amico joins ARK’s Brett Winton and Sam Korus to explore how embedding batteries into appliances—starting with the humble kitchen stove—can rewire energy infrastructure from the inside out. From his time at Oculus and Google to pioneering a 10,000-watt induction cooktop, Sam shares how Impulse is building what he calls the “modern electric technology stack,” and why that could make Impulse the Tesla of home devices.

Key Points From This Episode:

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:00) Why ARK is excited about Impulse Labs
(00:03:20) From Oculus to appliances — Sam’s founder story
(00:06:40) Why embedding batteries transforms the home
(00:08:20) “The battery of things” vs. “the internet of things”
(00:10:30) How induction cooking works — and what Impulse improves
(00:13:30) Building a 10,000-watt coil and keeping it safe
(00:17:35) Precision temperature control and AI-powered cooking
(00:20:17) Using the stove’s battery as grid storage
(00:23:59) How battery-backed appliances help with installation and energy resilience
(00:26:30) Beyond stoves — expanding into HVAC, water heaters, laundry, and more
(00:30:35) Distributed batteries vs. centralized storage
(00:34:00) Infrastructure benefits from embedded storage
(00:38:20) Why performance, not just sustainability, drives electrification
(00:40:52) Scaling manufacturing and the factory as a product
(00:44:03) KPIs: Deployed devices and battery gigawatt hours
(00:47:18) Microwave experiments and future applications
(00:49:17) The appliance market’s legacy and Impulse’s edge
(00:51:05) The original pizza obsession that sparked the idea

Does Quantum Threaten Bitcoin? | The Brainstorm EP 112 Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Brainstorm, we dive into the looming threat of quantum computing on Bitcoin's security. Join Sam, Nick, Raye, and Brett as they explore the vulnerabilities in Bitcoin's network, the potential impact of quantum advancements, and the steps the crypto community must take to safeguard the future of digital currencies.

If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Wolf.financial, and sponsored by Public. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.

Key Points From This Episode:

Quantum computing poses a significant threat to Bitcoin by potentially compromising wallet security through reverse engineering of private keys.
A third of Bitcoin's total supply is vulnerable to quantum attacks, highlighting the urgent need for quantum-resistant security measures.
The Bitcoin community faces challenges in reaching consensus on implementing new security protocols to counteract quantum threats.
The timeline for quantum computing advancements remains uncertain, but proactive measures are essential to protect the crypto ecosystem.

To learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financial

To learn more about Public: https://public.com/

The Gemini 3 Debate | The Brainstorm EP 111 Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Sam Korus, Brett Winton, Nick Grous, and Frank Downing dive into the competitive landscape of AI, exploring why Google is outpacing its rivals with the release of Gemini 3. They discuss the implications of this technological leap, the transformative potential of Nano Banana Pro, and what it means for the future of AI.

Key Points From This Episode:

Google's Gemini 3 is setting new benchmarks in AI, challenging the dominance of OpenAI's models.
The introduction of Nano Banana Pro marks a significant advancement in AI's ability to process and present information visually.
Google's strategic integration of AI across its services is enhancing user personalization and memory capabilities.
The competitive dynamics in AI are shifting, with Google leveraging its full-stack capabilities to gain an edge over competitors.

To learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financial

To learn more about Public: https://public.com/

What’s Going On With AI Stocks? | The Brainstorm EP 110 Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Sam Korus, Brett Winton, and Nick Grous dive into the current state of the market, discussing the recent downturn and its impact on major players like Bitcoin and Nvidia. They explore the narrative around AI as a potential bubble, the implications of major investors selling off their stakes, and the broader economic factors at play. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of AI monetization, the competitive landscape among tech giants, and the future of reusable rockets in the space industry.

Key Points From This Episode:

The episode opens with a discussion on the recent market downturn and its impact on major tech stocks.
The hosts explore the narrative surrounding AI as a potential bubble and its implications for the tech industry.
Key economic factors, including government actions and investor behavior, are analyzed for their influence on market trends.
The conversation delves into the strategies and challenges of monetizing AI technologies.
The episode also touches on advancements in space technology, particularly the development of reusable rockets.

To learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financial

To learn more about Public: https://public.com/

Texting While ‘Driving’ In A Tesla Is… Allowed? | The Brainstorm EP 109 Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Nick Grous, Tasha Keeney, and Brett Winton dive into the latest Tesla shareholder meeting, discussing Tesla's ambitious plans to build their own chip fab and the implications for the future of autonomous driving. They also explore Robinhood's strategic moves in the financial market and the potential of space-based data centers.

If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Public.com. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.

Key Points From This Episode:

Tesla plans to build its own chip fab to ensure a steady supply for its vehicles and robotics, aiming to overcome manufacturing limitations.
The discussion highlights Tesla's move towards full autonomy, with potential updates allowing texting while driving in the near future.
Robinhood's strategy to attract Tesla shareholders with a 2% uncapped match is analyzed as a bold customer acquisition move.
The feasibility and future of space-based data centers are explored, considering the challenges and opportunities in this emerging field.

For more updates on Public.com:

Website: https://public.com/

YouTube: @publicinvest

X: https://twitter.com/public

Curing Hair Loss With Sean McClain Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, ARK’s Cathie Wood and Brett Winton sit down with Sean McClain, Founder and CEO of AbSci, to explore how generative AI is reshaping drug discovery, development timelines, and clinical costs. Sean walks through real-world examples of AI-designed antibodies—such as AbSci’s breakthrough HIV antibody and a regenerative treatment for hair loss—and explains how these platforms are helping unlock previously “undruggable” biology.

They discuss AbSci’s Phase 2-ready hair growth antibody (BS201), the company’s partnerships with Caltech and AMD, and why the FDA’s evolving embrace of AI could accelerate the end of animal testing. The conversation closes with a forward-looking discussion on the role of regenerative medicine in longevity—and why AI drug discovery might just pull biotech out of its multi-year bear market.

Key Points From This Episode:

(00:00:00) How AbSci uses generative AI to design antibodies from scratch
(00:02:42) HIV, ion channels, and the promise of targeting "undruggable" biology
(00:06:28) AbSci’s BS201 drug for hair regrowth: mechanism, speed, and cost advantages
(00:13:20) Clinical timeline: From concept to Phase 2 readout in 3.5 years
(00:15:34) Bringing costs down: $100–150M vs. the industry average of $2.4B
(00:17:36) Why AI enables “keys designed for specific locks” in drug targeting
(00:22:58) What AbSci’s models are trained on—and how prompts work in drug inference
(00:25:32) The future of clinical testing: AI replacing animal models
(00:36:43) Sarcopenia, strength loss, and regenerative approaches to aging
(00:48:10) BS201 as a long-acting pulse therapy—and how it compares to transplants

OpenAI's $1 Trillion Ambition | The Brainstorm EP 108 Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Brainstorm, hosts Nick Grous, Brett Winton, and guests Frank Downing and Jozef Soja dive into OpenAI's ambitious restructuring plan and its implications for a potential $1 trillion IPO. They explore the intricacies of OpenAI's partnership with Microsoft, the challenges of defining artificial general intelligence (AGI), and the strategic moves shaping the future of AI.

If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Public.com. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.

Key Points From This Episode:

OpenAI has restructured as a public benefit corporation, with Microsoft holding a 27% stake. The restructuring includes a clause for declaring AGI, requiring independent verification.
The company projects significant revenue growth, aiming for a $100 billion run rate by 2027. OpenAI's valuation could compress as it approaches a trillion-dollar IPO.
OpenAI's potential IPO is driven by the need for increased compute and capital.
The AI market is expected to see multiple large players, not just a single winner.
Amazon's chatbot, Rufus, demonstrates successful consumer AI monetization.

For more updates on Public.com:

Website: https://public.com/

YouTube: @publicinvest

X: https://twitter.com/public

Robotaxi Rollout | The Brainstorm EP 107 Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Brainstorm, join Nick Grous, Tasha Keeney, and Brett Winton as they dive into Tesla's latest earnings, the future of Robotaxis, and the challenges of humanoid robots. Explore insights on Tesla's production ramp, AI advancements, and the potential for full autonomy.

If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Public.com. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.

Key Points From This Episode:

Tesla's recent earnings call highlighted increased confidence in their Robotaxi service and plans to scale production rapidly.
Elon Musk expressed optimism about achieving unsupervised full self-driving capabilities soon, aiming for 3 million vehicles annually within two years.
The discussion explored the complexity of humanoid robots, estimating the problem to be 200,000 times more challenging than Robotaxis.
Tesla's strategy involves leveraging AI compute power and Robotaxi cash flow to advance humanoid robot development.
Regulatory hurdles remain a significant factor in the rollout of full autonomy and Robotaxi services across different states.

For more updates on Public.com:

Website: https://public.com/

YouTube: @publicinvest

X: https://twitter.com/public

Solana’s Vision For A Decentralized Future With Anatoly Yakovenko Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, ARK’s Brett Winton and Lorenzo Valente sit down with Anatoly Yakovenko — co-founder of Solana — to explore how Solana is evolving into a high-performance, globally distributed financial infrastructure. Anatoly shares the network’s origin story, explains how Solana leverages parallel compute and hardware innovation to scale, and outlines why execution—not just settlement—is the future of crypto-based finance.

The discussion covers how Solana compares to centralized systems like NASDAQ, why monolithic architecture matters, and how innovations like Firedancer and Alpenglow will push the boundaries of decentralized coordination and real-time price discovery. They also explore tokenomics, validator incentives, and why Solana is built to handle machine-generated transaction volumes at global scale.

Anatoly offers a wide-ranging perspective on decentralization, future throughput limits, and why blockchains should eventually become invisible to end users.

Key Points From This Episode:

00:00:00 Why Solana exists
00:06:25 Time as a cryptographic primitive: Solving blockchain inefficiency with Time-Division Multiple Access (TDMA)
00:11:33 Why Proof of History may disappear — and what replaces it.
00:14:16 How cryptographic guarantees could replace 100 years of financial regulation.
00:20:03 Settlement vs. execution: Why all the value accrues at the execution layer.
00:26:29 Handling millions of transactions per second — and how Solana filters noise.
00:38:47 Solana vs. NASDAQ: Building a global atomic state machine for finance.
00:42:25 Validator incentives, staking yields, and real vs. inflationary revenue.
00:48:46 Firedancer, Alpenglow, and multiple concurrent proposers: What’s next for Solana.
00:54:52 Is quantum computing a real crypto threat? Anatoly’s timeline and optimism.

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