Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
We're back with our first weekly roundup of 2026! This week we discuss Lighter token launch, Walmart's crypto strategy with OnePay, Erebor's $350m raise, what to expect in 2026 & more. Enjoy!
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Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz
Follow Rob: https://x.com/HadickM
Follow Empire: twitter.com/theempirepod
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"Mantle Global Hackathon 2025 is live! Running from Oct 22 to Dec 31, Mantle invites builders to design the future of Real-World Assets (RWAs) on its modular L2 stack.
Key Highlights:
- $150,000 Prize Pool + Grants & Incubation opportunities
- Access to Bybit's 7M+ verified users
- Judges from Bybit Ventures, Spartan, Animoca Brands
- 6 Tracks: RWA/RealFi, DeFi, AI, ZK, Infra, GameFi
Join the Hackathon: hackquest.io/vi/hackathons/Mantle-Global-Hackathon-2025"
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GEODNET is the world’s largest RTK network, delivering real-time, centimeter-level precision for drones, robots, farmers, and first responders. Recognized by the U.S. Congress, this blockchain-powered network supports mission-critical applications across a wide range of industries.
Discover how GEODNET is changing the world: [https://geodnet.com]
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Uniswap’s Trading API offers plug-and-play access to deep onchain and off-chain liquidity, delivering enterprise-grade crypto trading without the complexity - from one of the most trusted teams in DeFi.
Click to get started with seamless, scalable access to Uniswap’s powerful onchain trading infrastructure. hub.uniswap.org/?utm_source=blockworks&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ww_web_bw_awa_trading-api_20251117_podcast_clicks
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Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
06:16 Lighter's Token Launch
13:36 Walmart's Crypto Strategy with OnePay
19:09 Erebor Raises $350m At a $4B+ Valuation
23:22 Ads (Mantle, Geodnet, Uniswap)
26:05 The Clarity Act
36:44 What To Expect In 2026
43:57 Content of The Week
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Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
We're back with our first weekly roundup of 2026! This week we discuss Lighter token launch, Walmart's crypto strategy with OnePay, Erebor's $350m raise, what to expect in 2026 & more. Enjoy!
--
Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz
Follow Rob: https://x.com/HadickM
Follow Empire: twitter.com/theempirepod
--
"Mantle Global Hackathon 2025 is live! Running from Oct 22 to Dec 31, Mantle invites builders to design the future of Real-World Assets (RWAs) on its modular L2 stack.
Key Highlights:
- $150,000 Prize Pool + Grants & Incubation opportunities
- Access to Bybit's 7M+ verified users
- Judges from Bybit Ventures, Spartan, Animoca Brands
- 6 Tracks: RWA/RealFi, DeFi, AI, ZK, Infra, GameFi
Join the Hackathon: hackquest.io/vi/hackathons/Mantle-Global-Hackathon-2025"
--
GEODNET is the world’s largest RTK network, delivering real-time, centimeter-level precision for drones, robots, farmers, and first responders. Recognized by the U.S. Congress, this blockchain-powered network supports mission-critical applications across a wide range of industries.
Discover how GEODNET is changing the world: [https://geodnet.com]
--
Uniswap’s Trading API offers plug-and-play access to deep onchain and off-chain liquidity, delivering enterprise-grade crypto trading without the complexity - from one of the most trusted teams in DeFi.
Click to get started with seamless, scalable access to Uniswap’s powerful onchain trading infrastructure. hub.uniswap.org/?utm_source=blockworks&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ww_web_bw_awa_trading-api_20251117_podcast_clicks
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
06:16 Lighter's Token Launch
13:36 Walmart's Crypto Strategy with OnePay
19:09 Erebor Raises $350m At a $4B+ Valuation
23:22 Ads (Mantle, Geodnet, Uniswap)
26:05 The Clarity Act
36:44 What To Expect In 2026
43:57 Content of The Week
--
Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
