In this Q4 2024 recap episode of Making Markets, Eric and Matt examine how markets defied bearish expectations, with the S&P 500 up 23% and Bitcoin surging 150%. Eric provides insight into Bitcoin's growing institutional adoption, particularly focusing on BlackRock's record-breaking Bitcoin ETF launch and its implications for the broader crypto market. He analyzes the impact of AI on markets and businesses, suggesting that while the technology is transformative, current valuations may be getting ahead of reality. The conversation explores changes in the regulatory landscape, particularly examining how tech industry leaders are increasingly taking on government roles. Eric wraps with observations about the evolving venture capital environment and startup culture, reflecting on how remote work has transformed the business landscape. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to the best content to learn more, check out the episode page HERE. ----- Making Markets is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Making Markets, visit joincolossus.com/episodes. Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up here. Follow us on Twitter: @makingmkts | @ericgoldenx Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com). Show Notes (00:00:00) Welcome to Making Markets (00:01:04) Fourth Quarter and Full Year Recap (00:04:49) Market Predictions for 2025 (00:09:34) Volatility and Market Dynamics (00:12:31) Crypto Market Insights (00:18:13) Bitcoin's Institutionalization (00:22:25) The Momentum of Major Players in Crypto (00:22:56) Challenges in Overhauling Archaic Systems (00:24:05) The Role of Incumbents in Crypto Disruption (00:25:25) Regulatory Changes and Their Impact (00:25:52) Elon Musk's Influence and Style (00:27:24) The Intersection of Technology and Regulation (00:33:30) AI's Role and Future in Business (00:37:08) The Reality of Being a Founder Today (00:40:49) The Future of Work and Mental Health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices