Joel Monegro and Placeholder's Crypto Journey

Joel Monegro, co-founder of Placeholder, joined the Lightspeed podcast to discuss Solana's compounding advantage in the cryptocurrency space. As a veteran in the crypto industry, Monegro's insights provide valuable perspective on the evolving landscape of blockchain technology and its investment potential.

Monegro's journey into crypto began long before the term was popularized. In 2018, shortly after Solana's whitepaper was released, he and his team at Placeholder were impressed by the quality of the founding engineers, particularly those coming from established companies like Qualcomm. This marked the beginning of their interest in Solana, although they held off on investing until they saw the development of an independent community and ecosystem around the project.

Ethereum vs. Solana: Two Design Approaches

One of the key topics discussed in the podcast was the comparison between Ethereum and Solana, which Monegro likens to the iOS vs. Android dichotomy in the mobile world. This analogy, while not perfect, helps illustrate the fundamental differences in design philosophy between the two blockchain platforms.

Monegro explains: "At least for me is thinking about it, what does it look like from a developer's perspective? And that analogy came from remembering my time way back, say, in the mid-2000s or late 2000s when I was starting to, back then I was an engineer and I was working for some time on mobile apps."

He points out that building for Android was historically more challenging due to the need to optimize for various hardware specifications and screen sizes. In contrast, iOS provided a more streamlined development experience with standardized SDKs and hardware.

Solana's Developer-Friendly Approach

Applying this analogy to the blockchain world, Monegro argues that Solana offers a more developer-friendly environment compared to Ethereum. Ethereum developers often need to spend considerable time optimizing for gas fees, dealing with various Layer 2 solutions, and navigating the complexities of different wallet compatibilities.

"We started to see, or we started to see a very similar dynamic happening between, or in the Solana ecosystem versus the Ethereum ecosystem where Ethereum developers have to spend a lot of time optimizing for gas, dealing with various L2s, different L2s, they might all run the EVM, but they might have slightly different versions or quirks that means that the contracts don't necessarily work in a plug and play basis from one network to another," Monegro explains.

In contrast, Solana's architecture allows developers to focus more on creating better user experiences rather than dealing with infrastructure complexities. This advantage is particularly evident in the quality of applications being built on Solana, which Monegro believes are often superior to their Ethereum counterparts.

The Impact of FTX on Solana's Ecosystem

The conversation also touched on the impact of the FTX collapse on Solana's ecosystem. Interestingly, Monegro views this event as an opportunity rather than a setback. He explains that FTX's involvement was initially a concern for Placeholder, as it seemed to wield too much influence over the Solana community.

"To us, the FTX implosion was really a time of opportunity. And we got really active following that," Monegro states. He argues that the collapse actually led to a greater decentralization of the Solana network, making it more attractive from an investment perspective.

The Consolidation of Crypto Infrastructure

Looking ahead, Monegro predicts a consolidation of crypto infrastructure over the next five years. He draws parallels to the evolution of the internet, where the initial phase of infrastructure development gives way to standardization and a shift in innovation towards application-layer solutions.

"Broadly, I think that we're entering a phase of consolidation of the infrastructure over the next five years," Monegro asserts. He believes this consolidation will lead to a more mature ecosystem where developers can focus on building applications without having to reinvent the underlying infrastructure constantly.

The Fat Protocol Thesis Revisited

Monegro is perhaps best known for his "Fat Protocol Thesis," which posited that in the blockchain ecosystem, the majority of value would be captured at the protocol layer rather than the application layer. When asked about how this thesis has evolved, Monegro stands by its core principles while emphasizing the need to distinguish between value capture and investment returns.

"I haven't seen much evidence that would make me change my mind. Now my pet peeve with that thesis is that people will often confuse value capture with investment. And those are two very different things," he explains. Monegro argues that while protocols may capture more overall value, the best investment opportunities in the coming years might lie in application-layer projects.

Investment Philosophies and Application-Specific L2s

The discussion also delved into investment philosophies and the potential of application-specific Layer 2 solutions. Monegro sees merit in both protocol-level and application-level investments, advocating for a balanced approach that considers the different phases of technological and financial cycles.

On the topic of application-specific L2s, Monegro expresses interest, particularly in the context of regulatory compliance. He suggests that these specialized networks could play a crucial role in bridging traditional finance with decentralized systems, especially for institutions that need to operate within specific regulatory frameworks.

Finding Your Investment Edge in Crypto

For aspiring investors in the crypto space, Monegro emphasizes the importance of developing a deep understanding of the technology. He advises: "Going really deep into the technology itself is probably the biggest long-term edge."

However, he also highlights the value of historical perspective, drawing parallels between crypto cycles and previous technological revolutions. This blend of technical knowledge and historical context, Monegro argues, can provide investors with a unique edge in navigating the crypto landscape.

The Future of Decentralized Social and NFTs

When asked about trends that might resurge, Monegro points to decentralized social media as an area ripe for revival. He notes that previous attempts at decentralized social platforms lacked a crucial element that NFTs now provide.

"We're seeing decentralized social reemerge. And we saw a lot of that in actually well before 2017-18. You know, networks like Steamit and apps like that. And a lot of people try to do a lot of those things and they sort of died down. But I think that it was missing NFTs essentially. And I think NFTs are really bringing a lot of that energy back," Monegro explains.

Advice for Entrepreneurs and Investors

Monegro offers valuable advice for both entrepreneurs and investors in the crypto space. For pre-seed founders, he emphasizes the importance of getting products to market quickly, even in an imperfect state. He advises: "Get your product out as quickly as possible in as imperfect a state as possible as long as it does even a tiny little thing, right?"

For aspiring venture capitalists, Monegro stresses the importance of developing a deep understanding of the technology. He also highlights the value of studying related fields such as cryptoconomics, political science, and diplomacy to gain a well-rounded perspective on the industry.

The Role of DAOs and Governance in Crypto

While not extensively discussed in the podcast, Monegro touches on the topic of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) and governance in crypto. He identifies the lack of clear hierarchies as a key issue in many DAOs and suggests that effective governance requires established leadership structures and mechanisms for advancement within the organization.

Solana's Competitive Advantage in User Experience

Throughout the discussion, Monegro repeatedly emphasizes Solana's competitive advantage in delivering superior user experiences. He argues that the simplicity and efficiency of Solana's architecture allow developers to focus on creating intuitive, user-friendly applications rather than grappling with complex infrastructure issues.

This advantage is particularly evident in the rapid growth and success of Solana-based projects like Drip and Tensor, which Monegro cites as examples of high-quality products built with minimal resources. The ability to create compelling user experiences with less capital investment could prove to be a significant factor in Solana's long-term success and adoption.

The Importance of Ecosystem Diversity

While Monegro is clearly bullish on Solana, he also stresses the importance of ecosystem diversity in the broader crypto landscape. He argues that as markets mature and consolidate, there will likely be room for multiple successful platforms catering to different use cases and user preferences.

"You don't have one platform that rules them all as markets, mature and consolidate. You end up with in my estimation, three to five major ecosystems or platforms," Monegro explains. This perspective underscores the potential for both Ethereum and Solana to thrive in their respective niches, rather than viewing the blockchain space as a winner-take-all competition.

The Evolution of Crypto Investment Strategies

As the crypto industry matures, investment strategies are evolving. Monegro discusses how Placeholder's approach has shifted over time, from focusing primarily on protocol-level investments to now considering a broader range of opportunities across both protocols and applications.

This evolution reflects the changing dynamics of the crypto market, where the initial focus on infrastructure development is giving way to a more diverse ecosystem of decentralized applications and services. Monegro's insights suggest that successful crypto investors will need to adapt their strategies to capitalize on opportunities at various layers of the blockchain stack.

The Role of Historical Context in Crypto Investing

One of the most interesting aspects of Monegro's investment philosophy is his emphasis on historical context. By drawing parallels between the development of the crypto industry and previous technological revolutions, such as the rise of personal computing and the internet, Monegro is able to identify patterns and potential trajectories for blockchain technology.

This historical perspective informs Placeholder's investment decisions and helps the firm navigate the often turbulent waters of the crypto market. Monegro's approach suggests that a deep understanding of technological and economic cycles can provide valuable insights for crypto investors, complementing the more commonly emphasized technical knowledge.

The Impact of Market Cycles on Crypto Development

Throughout the podcast, Monegro touches on the impact of market cycles on crypto development and investment. He notes that bear markets often provide fertile ground for innovation and investment opportunities, as exemplified by Placeholder's increased activity in the Solana ecosystem following the FTX collapse.

This countercyclical approach to investment aligns with Monegro's broader philosophy of finding opportunity in adversity. As he puts it, "Your doubt is my alpha," suggesting that periods of market pessimism can often yield the most promising investment prospects for those willing to take a contrarian stance.

The Future of Crypto Adoption and User Onboarding

Looking ahead, Monegro emphasizes the critical role that user experience will play in driving broader crypto adoption. He argues that platforms like Solana, which prioritize speed, low costs, and developer-friendly environments, are well-positioned to onboard the next wave of crypto users.

"The penetration of crypto is still very small, and so we have to think about where's the next 50% of users, 80% of users, come from the wallet experiences and speed and cost is going to be a huge factor. And Solana has a real competitive advantage from that perspective," Monegro explains.

This focus on user experience and accessibility could be a key differentiator for Solana as the crypto industry seeks to expand its user base beyond early adopters and enthusiasts.

The Potential of Application-Specific Blockchains

While much of the discussion focused on the competition between Ethereum and Solana, Monegro also highlighted the potential of application-specific blockchains. He sees particular promise in this approach for sectors like gaming and real-world asset tokenization, where specialized networks can be tailored to meet specific regulatory or operational requirements.

This perspective suggests that the future of blockchain technology may not be dominated by a single, all-encompassing platform, but rather by a diverse ecosystem of specialized networks catering to different use cases and industries.

The Role of Venture Capital in Shaping the Crypto Landscape

As a venture capitalist with a long history in the crypto space, Monegro offers unique insights into the role that VC firms play in shaping the blockchain ecosystem. He discusses how Placeholder's investment approach, which combines deep technical knowledge with a broad historical perspective, has influenced the development of various crypto projects and communities.

Monegro's experiences underscore the importance of patient, long-term capital in nurturing innovative blockchain projects. His firm's willingness to invest in early-stage companies and protocols, even during market downturns, has played a crucial role in supporting the growth of the crypto ecosystem.

The Importance of Writing and Communication in Crypto

Throughout the podcast, Monegro emphasizes the importance of clear communication and thoughtful writing in the crypto space. His own approach to writing, which focuses on concise, thought-provoking pieces rather than exhaustive technical analyses, offers valuable lessons for others looking to contribute to the crypto discourse.

By limiting his articles to two pages and leaving room for reader interpretation, Monegro aims to spark conversations and encourage deeper thinking about crypto-related topics. This approach to communication could serve as a model for others looking to engage effectively with the crypto community.

The Evolving Relationship Between Traditional Finance and Crypto

While not a central focus of the discussion, Monegro touches on the evolving relationship between traditional finance and the crypto world. He mentions the potential for compliant Layer 2 solutions and application-specific chains to bridge the gap between these two realms, particularly in areas where regulatory considerations are paramount.

This perspective suggests that as the crypto industry matures, we may see increased integration and collaboration between blockchain technology and traditional financial systems, rather than an outright replacement of one by the other.

The Importance of Product-Market Fit in Crypto Startups

Monegro identifies product-market fit as one of the most critical and often misunderstood concepts for crypto startups. He emphasizes the importance of getting products to market quickly and iterating based on user feedback, rather than striving for perfection before launch.

This advice aligns with the broader trend in the tech industry towards lean startup methodologies and rapid prototyping. In the fast-paced world of crypto, the ability to quickly identify and adapt to market needs could be a key differentiator for successful projects.

The Potential of NFTs in Driving New Use Cases

While NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) were not a major focus of the discussion, Monegro mentions their potential to revitalize interest in decentralized social media platforms. This insight highlights the transformative power of NFTs beyond their initial hype cycle, suggesting that they could play a crucial role in enabling new decentralized applications and business models.

The integration of NFTs into various aspects of the crypto ecosystem, from social media to gaming and beyond, could be a key driver of innovation and adoption in the coming years.

The Challenge of Scaling Without Compromising Decentralization

Throughout the discussion, the tension between scalability and decentralization emerges as a recurring theme. While Solana's approach prioritizes speed and efficiency, potentially at the cost of some degree of decentralization, Ethereum's focus on maintaining a high level of decentralization has led to scaling challenges.

Monegro's insights suggest that there may not be a one-size-fits-all solution to this dilemma, and that different platforms may find success by catering to different points along the scalability-decentralization spectrum.

The Role of Community in Blockchain Success

While not explicitly discussed, the importance of community emerges as an underlying theme throughout the podcast. Monegro mentions how Placeholder waited to invest in Solana until they saw the development of an independent community and ecosystem around the project.

This emphasis on community highlights the unique nature of blockchain projects, where success often depends not just on technological innovation, but also on the strength and engagement of the user and developer community surrounding a platform.

The Potential for Crypto to Transform Traditional Industries

Although the discussion primarily focused on developments within the crypto industry itself, Monegro's insights hint at the broader potential for blockchain technology to transform traditional industries. His mention of application-specific chains for real-world assets and compliant L2 solutions suggests that we may see increased adoption of blockchain technology in sectors ranging from finance to supply chain management and beyond.

As the technology matures and becomes more accessible to developers and users alike, we may witness a new wave of innovation that brings the benefits of decentralization and transparency to a wide range of industries.

Facts + Figures

• Joel Monegro and his team at Placeholder became interested in Solana in 2018, shortly after its whitepaper was released.
• Placeholder held off investing in Solana until they saw the development of an independent community and ecosystem.
• Monegro draws an analogy between Ethereum/Solana and Android/iOS in terms of developer experience.
• Solana's architecture allows developers to focus more on creating better user experiences rather than dealing with infrastructure complexities.
• The FTX collapse led to greater decentralization of the Solana network, making it more attractive from an investment perspective.
• Monegro predicts a consolidation of crypto infrastructure over the next five years.
• The "Fat Protocol Thesis" posits that the majority of value in the blockchain ecosystem would be captured at the protocol layer rather than the application layer.
• Monegro sees merit in both protocol-level and application-level investments, advocating for a balanced approach.
• Decentral

ized social media is identified as an area ripe for revival, with NFTs potentially playing a crucial role.

• Monegro advises pre-seed founders to get products to market quickly, even in an imperfect state.
• The lack of clear hierarchies is identified as a key issue in many Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs).
• Solana-based projects like Drip and Tensor are cited as examples of high-quality products built with minimal resources.
• Monegro predicts that 3-5 major ecosystems or platforms will emerge as the crypto market matures and consolidates.
• Bear markets are identified as often providing fertile ground for innovation and investment opportunities in the crypto space.
• The penetration of crypto is still very small, with significant room for growth in user adoption.
• Application-specific blockchains are seen as promising for sectors like gaming and real-world asset tokenization.
• Monegro emphasizes the importance of developing a deep understanding of the technology for aspiring crypto investors.
• The integration of NFTs into various aspects of the crypto ecosystem is seen as a potential key driver of innovation and adoption.
• The tension between scalability and decentralization is identified as a recurring challenge in blockchain development.
• The strength and engagement of the user and developer community is highlighted as crucial for the success of blockchain projects.

Questions Answered

What advantages does Solana have over Ethereum according to Joel Monegro?

Joel Monegro argues that Solana offers a more developer-friendly environment compared to Ethereum. He explains that Solana's architecture allows developers to focus more on creating better user experiences rather than dealing with infrastructure complexities like gas optimization and Layer 2 solutions. This advantage is particularly evident in the quality of applications being built on Solana, which Monegro believes are often superior to their Ethereum counterparts.

How did the FTX collapse impact Solana's ecosystem?

Contrary to what some might expect, Monegro views the FTX collapse as an opportunity for Solana rather than a setback. He explains that FTX's involvement was initially a concern for Placeholder, as it seemed to wield too much influence over the Solana community. The collapse actually led to greater decentralization of the Solana network, making it more attractive from an investment perspective. Placeholder became more active in investing in the Solana ecosystem following this event.

What is the "Fat Protocol Thesis" and how has it evolved?

The "Fat Protocol Thesis," proposed by Monegro in 2016, posits that in the blockchain ecosystem, the majority of value would be captured at the protocol layer rather than the application layer. While Monegro stands by the core principles of this thesis, he emphasizes the need to distinguish between value capture and investment returns. He argues that while protocols may capture more overall value, the best investment opportunities in the coming years might lie in application-layer projects due to their potential for higher growth rates.

What advice does Monegro give to aspiring crypto investors?

For aspiring investors in the crypto space, Monegro emphasizes the importance of developing a deep understanding of the technology. He advises: "Going really deep into the technology itself is probably the biggest long-term edge." However, he also highlights the value of historical perspective, drawing parallels between crypto cycles and previous technological revolutions. This blend of technical knowledge and historical context, Monegro argues, can provide investors with a unique edge in navigating the crypto landscape.

How does Monegro see the future of crypto infrastructure developing?

Monegro predicts a consolidation of crypto infrastructure over the next five years. He draws parallels to the evolution of the internet, where the initial phase of infrastructure development gives way to standardization and a shift in innovation towards application-layer solutions. He believes this consolidation will lead to a more mature ecosystem where developers can focus on building applications without having to reinvent the underlying infrastructure constantly. Monegro also foresees the emergence of 3-5 major ecosystems or platforms as the crypto market matures and consolidates.

What role does Monegro see for application-specific blockchains?

Monegro sees particular promise in application-specific blockchains for sectors like gaming and real-world asset tokenization. He believes these specialized networks can be tailored to meet specific regulatory or operational requirements that may not be easily addressed by general-purpose blockchains. This perspective suggests that the future of blockchain technology may not be dominated by a single, all-encompassing platform, but rather by a diverse ecosystem of specialized networks catering to different use cases and industries.

How important is user experience in driving crypto adoption according to Monegro?

Monegro emphasizes the critical role that user experience will play in driving broader crypto adoption. He argues that platforms like Solana, which prioritize speed, low costs, and developer-friendly environments, are well-positioned to onboard the next wave of crypto users. He states, "The penetration of crypto is still very small, and so we have to think about where's the next 50% of users, 80% of users, come from the wallet experiences and speed and cost is going to be a huge factor. And Solana has a real competitive advantage from that perspective." This focus on user experience and accessibility could be a key differentiator as the crypto industry seeks to expand its user base beyond early adopters and enthusiasts.

What trends does Monegro see resurging in the crypto space?

When asked about trends that might resurge, Monegro points to decentralized social media as an area ripe for revival. He notes that previous attempts at decentralized social platforms lacked a crucial element that NFTs now provide. He explains, "We're seeing decentralized social reemerge. And we saw a lot of that in actually well before 2017-18. You know, networks like Steamit and apps like that. And a lot of people try to do a lot of those things and they sort of died down. But I think that it was missing NFTs essentially. And I think NFTs are really bringing a lot of that energy back." This suggests that the integration of NFTs into social platforms could drive a new wave of innovation in decentralized social media.