Founders Talk EP5 ｜Aster: Markets are choosing AI Over Humans Traders

📌 In this episode, we have Leonard, CEO of Aster, to dive into the rise of AI in decentralized trading, and whether it truly has the potential to disrupt the current landscape. As onchain trading becomes increasingly complex, AI traders are stepping in: more stable, more efficient, and better at managing drawdowns. Leonard also responded to CZ’s joking remark about being “bagheld on Aster,” saying he’s genuinely grateful for the recognition, and that the pressure only pushes the team to work harder. He also joked that if more big names like Elon Musk joined in on the hype, it’d be the cherry on top. //Highlights// Why AI delivers stronger stability in DEX trading Will “asset management x AI” become DeFi’s next big wave? Perpetuals as a new financial primitive: what qualifies, and what doesn’t? Are human traders becoming purely entertainment? Where does Aster Chain position itself in the evolving AI x trading stack? //Timestamps// 00:00 Intro 01:09 “Human vs AI” trading: experiment or turning point? 08:06 CZ gives a shoutout, jokes he’s “bagheld” by Aster — Backed or burdened? 10:19 Traffic surge aftermath: how Aster handled sudden load and user stress 14:44 Post-TGE survival: how Aster retain users in the DEX wars? 16:39 Shield Mode? Is privacy Aster’s core thesis? 21:25 Why Aster Chain? What sets it apart from other L1s? 24:20 2026 Market outlook: what’s priced in, what’s still ahead 25:25 Token price vs sentiment: buybacks and real cash flow 28:23 Top of mind for 2026: privacy, AI-native asset management, and perpetual everything #aster #perpdex #interview #podcast #entrepreneur #blockchain #trader #ai #Perpetuals #defi #crypto #market