In this episode of Total Value Unlocked, Matt Zhang sits down with Josh Frank, Co-Founder and CEO of The Tie, to unpack what data actually matters when trading, building, or allocating in the digital asset space

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They cover:

– The evolution of The Tie from sentiment tracker to data powerhouse

– Why metrics like active addresses and TVL can be misleading

– The role of news and event-driven strategies in generating alpha

– How institutions are (really) engaging with crypto

– And how data + AI are reshaping decision-making across the industry

Links:

https://x.com/Joshua_Frank_

https://x.com/TheTieIO

https://x.com/zhang_matt

https://x.com/HivemindCap

Timestamps:

00:20 – Intro to the episode

01:12 – How The Tie was founded

04:12 – Why data infrastructure is foundational in crypto

05:17 – The problem with metrics like “active addresses”

07:17 – Data transparency & how institutions consume data

11:17 – Why crypto is still a narrative-driven market

15:03 – Signals vs. noise in crypto narratives

17:23 – Most overlooked metrics investors should watch

18:32 – Event-driven strategies & post-incentive usage

20:35 – How to build a strong data strategy

22:37 – What institutions are actually doing in crypto

25:47 – The real story behind ETF impact & liquidity

27:42 – What allocators are looking for now

29:49 – A surprising reminder: crypto is still small

33:10 – The Tie’s event strategy

38:03 – Using AI to surface signal in a sea of data

42:12 – What’s still missing in crypto market infrastructure

43:41 – Where to find Josh and The Tie