In our mailbox recently landed a HUGE deep dive, a great amount of knowledge from a16zCrypto as it lends its playbook for web3 token launches. We’re grateful for a16z’s commitment to share its expertise and cultivate community based on innovation. 

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All about tokens — from protocol design to token launch. Our expert guests discuss how to reason about the risk and reward tradeoffs of various protocol designs and launch strategies, and they detail the Do’s and Don’ts. a16z crypto chief technology officer Eddy Lazzarin joins general counsel and head of decentralization Miles Jennings for a conversation with editor Robert Hackett on the art of tokencraft.

Episode Notes

 **As a reminder: None of the content should be taken as investment, legal, business, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments. 

with @eddylazzarin @milesjennings @rhhackett

Today’s episode covers all things tokens — that includes what tokens have to do with decentralized protocols, understanding the different types of tokens, and, of course, the Do’s and Don’ts of designing and launching a token.

Our guests are a16z crypto chief technology officer Eddy Lazzarin, as well as a16z crypto general counsel and head of decentralization Miles Jennings, the two of whom have advised many scores of projects on protocol design and tokencraft. They discuss what sets web3 apart from earlier technology eras; avoiding common pitfalls in the search for product market fit; how to reason about various designs and strategies, as well as their risk and reward tradeoffs; and more. 

Related resources:

The token launch playbook (part 1)

“Operational guidelines for token launches, from creation to custody” by Adina Fischer, Matt Gleason, and Justin Simcock

“5 rules for token launches” by Miles Jennings

“Getting ready to launch a token: What you need to know” by Miles Jennings and Jason Rosentha

“How to navigate token launch risks” by Miles Jennings

“Launching compliant tokens” by Miles Jennings

The token launch playbook (part 2)

“Tokencraft” with Eddy Lazzarin [Youtube, August 2024]

“Planning for token launches” with Miles Jennings [Youtube, August 2024]

Show Contributors

Eddy Lazzarin

Miles Jennings

Robert Hackett