The Coinbase Secret Master Plan
The speaker recently discussed various topics related to Coinbase, including their approach to open tabs, the potential impact of crypto on society, and their recent Layer Two (L2) announcement.
Firstly, the speaker mentioned that they don't have many open tabs and instead use Pocket to save articles for later. This approach highlights the illusion of productivity that often comes with having multiple open tabs. Most people don't revisit their open tabs, making it an ineffective way to manage tasks.
Drawing parallels between the rise of smartphones and the potential transformational impact of crypto, the speaker wondered when people will start to notice the significant changes occurring in the crypto space. Just as smartphones revolutionized the way people interact with technology, crypto has the potential to fundamentally change various aspects of our lives.
Coinbase's L2 Announcement
The speaker discussed Coinbase's recent announcement of their own Layer Two (L2) called "base" built on the Op stack. This move marks a significant shift for Coinbase, as they join the Op stack as a core Dev team, ensuring public availability and contributing 20% of sequencer revenue to fund public goods.
Competition and Infrastructure
The speaker noted that base will compete with Optimism and other L2s, but they also see everything integrating together in the future. Coinbase debated building their own L1, ad network, and identity product before landing on the L2 solution, highlighting their commitment to creating a robust infrastructure.
Business Model and Ecosystem Fund
The business model of base seems to be fee-based with no token. To incentivize development, Coinbase has launched an ecosystem fund. This approach will likely drive growth and adoption in the crypto space.
Coinbase's Role in the Industry
The speaker reflected on Coinbase's significant role in the crypto industry, particularly as an on-ramp for Americans. They acknowledged the company's investment in contributing to the ecosystem and Brian Armstrong's long-term vision for creating an app store and gateway for the web3 world.
Concerns and Speculation
The speaker raised concerns about the cannibalization of Coinbase's existing business and potential issues with token management. They also speculated about the possibility of offloading tokens to the cell too.
Regulations and Qualified Custodian
The speaker mentioned the upcoming qualified custodian regulation and its potential impact on token management, including the offloading of certain tokens.
The Coinbase Secret Master Plan
Brian Armstrong, co-founder of Coinbase, outlined a plan for the development of the cryptocurrency protocol. This plan is divided into four phases:
- Phase 1: Developing the protocol, which would take place over a short period of time and involve a small group of people.
- Phase 2: Building a crypto exchange that could reach 10 million people, which Coinbase did with the launch of its exchange in 2017.
- Phase 3: Building a mass market interface for crypto apps, which Coinbase has now done with its current platform, reaching 108 million users.
- Phase 4: Building apps for an open financial system, which Coinbase is now working on with the launch of its L2 solution.
L2 Solution and Revenue Potential
Coinbase's L2 solution has the potential to generate significant revenue from fees, potentially reaching $100 million per year. The solution also has the potential to increase user engagement and adoption, making it a key growth driver for Coinbase.
Why Coinbase's L2 Solution is a Game Changer
Coinbase's L2 solution has the potential to bridge the gap between the cryptocurrency and traditional financial systems, making it easier for people to use and interact with cryptocurrency. The solution also has the potential to increase the adoption of cryptocurrency, making it a key player in the growth of the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Comparison to Other L2 Solutions
Coinbase's L2 solution is a centralized solution, unlike other L2 solutions like Optimism and Arbitrum, which are decentralized. However, Coinbase's L2 solution has the potential to attract a large user base and generate significant revenue, making it a key player in the L2 space.
Why Coinbase's L2 Solution is a Good Move
Coinbase's L2 solution has the potential to increase user engagement and adoption, making it a key growth driver for the company. The solution also has the potential to increase revenue, making it a key component of Coinbase's business strategy.
Potential Risks and Challenges
There are potential risks and challenges associated with Coinbase's L2 solution, including the risk of increased competition from other L2 solutions. The solution also has the potential to face regulatory challenges and uncertainty.
Conclusion
Coinbase's L2 solution has the potential to be a game changer in the cryptocurrency space, making it easier for people to use and interact with cryptocurrency. The solution also has the potential to increase user engagement and adoption, making it a key growth driver for Coinbase.
The conversation also touched on other topics, including Coinbase and Base, app chain thesis and decentralization, token and incentivization, Polygon and reorgs, security and centralization, Polygon and brands, Polygon and Ethereum, Galois Capital shutting down, Arbitrum and L2s, CBDC and credit markets, Top Shot and securities, and Permissionless. These topics highlighted the complexities and challenges facing the crypto space, as well as the opportunities and potential for growth.