Solana Was Too Late to Perps

Gm! In today’s episode we discuss Solana’s Q1 performance, highlighting growth in tokenized real-world assets and shifting trading activity. We also cover Pumpfun’s buyback changes, Pumpcade’s token-equity model, and broader challenges in building competitive perpetuals markets on Solana, including liquidity, user acquisition, and infrastructure constraints. Enjoy! -- Follow Lightspeed: ⁠https://x.com/Lightspeedpodhq Follow Toma: https://x.com/toma_adv Follow Sam: https://x.com/minnus Follow Carlos: https://x.com/0xcarlosg Follow Danny: https://x.com/defi_kay_ Join the Lightspeed Telegram: ⁠https://t.me/+QHlbNTNS4gc1ZTVh -- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (2:53) RWA Momentum Builds (9:17) Pump Fun Buyback Burn (20:44) Pump Cade’s ACE Experiment (32:10) Solana Perps Debate (37:55) Bulk’s Validator Sidecar Bet (51:31) Phoenix’s Onchain Bet (53:45) Closing Comments -- Disclaimers: Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation. Nothing said on Lightspeed 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. Danny, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.