Weekly Update #5: Coinbase Goes Blockchain
Coinbase to tokenise its own shares. Trump announces crypto reserve. The first Web3-native LLM. OpenAI's $50M grant program. GPT-4.5, Clause 3.7 Sonnet released. Crocs & Victoria Secret's AI strategy.
Hey everyone,
Quick update on what's been happening in the world of tech x crypto this week.
🔥 TOP STORY: Coinbase Goes Blockchain
Coinbase is turning its stock into a digital token (like Bitcoin but for shares).
If approved, anyone worldwide could buy/sell Coinbase stock 24/7 without brokers.
Why care?
Global access: Buy shares from your phone, no middlemen.
Crypto meets stocks: Fractional ownership, instant trades.
Domino effect: If this works, every company might tokenize next.
Backstory: They tried this in 2021 but got blocked by regulators.
Now, with Trump’s crypto-friendly SEC, they’re trying again.
🗽 Trump’s Crypto Push
Trump announced a “strategic crypto reserve” (details TBA) and hosted a White House summit with crypto leaders.
Key quote:
“The U.S. will lead the digital economy.” – Michael Saylor, MicroStrategy
Why it matters: Regulators are finally working with crypto, not against it. Watch the summit recap.
🤖 AI Updates: GPT-4.5, Claude, & SEO Chaos
1. OpenAI’s GPT-4.5
Now live for paid users ($20/month).
Focused on business tools, coding, and data analysis.
Free users still get slower, older models.
2. Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 Sonnet
Built for healthcare, finance, and coding tasks.
Already available on Google Cloud, Replit, and coding tools.
Handles large files (like books or legal docs) for quick summaries.
3. Google Killed SEO
New “AI Overviews” answer questions directly—no website clicks needed.
Example: Search “best budget laptops” → Google’s AI lists picks upfront.
What to do:
Write clear, fact-driven content.
Publish original research or expert insights to get cited by AI.
Focus on niche topics (e.g., “vegan tacos in Austin with gluten-free tortillas”).
📊 SEC Under Trump: What’s Changed?
🚀 Quick Fire Highlights
OpenAI launched a $50M grant program for AI-assisted research. Link
Perplexity started a $50M venture fund to back AI startups. Link
Crocs uses AI to let users design custom Jibbitz charms. Link
Victoria’s Secret teamed up with Google Cloud for AI-driven shopping tools. Link
Walmart dropped a gamified mini-series on Spatial (think: interactive shopping). Link
China is reportedly planning a Bitcoin reserve (still rumors, but big if true). Link
Perplexity Assistant is coming to AI phones (ask questions hands-free).
Lionsgate launched an immersive movie store on Roblox.
💸 Who Raised $$$ This Week?
📚 Weekend Reading List
AI x crypto investment thesis. Cyber Fund. Link
The Rise of Crypto in Asia. Paul Veradittakit. Link
“Top 100 AI Apps” (via a16z) → Explore.
🎯 Final Thought
Crypto and AI are colliding FAST.
Coinbase’s move could reshape investing, Google’s AI is rewriting SEO rules, and everyone’s racing to build tools businesses actually use.
Stay curious!
—
Cheers,
– Akash