The Harsh Realities of Raising Capital in Web3 with Robert Capodieci

02/19/24 • 49 min

The Startup Voyage - Web3 Business Growth

Unlock the mysteries of Web 3 funding with blockchain sage Robert Capodietti as we venture into the heart of capital raising for the next iteration of the internet. Our discussion peels back the layers of investor strategies, due diligence, and the art of valuation in a realm where technology meets skepticism. Whether you're a fledgling startup or a seasoned investor, Robert's experience with SimFly, a pioneering play-to-earn flight simulator, showcases the innovative approach to creating ethical token ecosystems that resonate with niche markets and defy the status quo.
Gone are the days of investing based on charm alone; we dissect the cautionary tale of charisma-ridden investments and the rise and fall of figures like Sam Bankman-Fried, underscoring the importance of aligning interests and conducting thorough due diligence. Discover the subtle cues that reveal a founder's long-term commitment and learn how to sift through technology buzzwords to unearth projects with real substance and potential. Dive into the nuanced dynamics between investors and startups, where the symbiotic relationship can lead to unprecedented growth or serve as a bedrock for failure.
As we wrap up our exploration, we scrutinize the intersection of blockchain and AI investments, where expertise and experience reign supreme. Robert and I tackle the critical need for discerning genuine skill in a world awash with jargon and lofty promises. From the significance of code auditing to navigating the pitfalls of financial scams, this conversation is an essential guide for anyone looking to confidently step into the revolutionary waters of Web 3.0 and tech investing with eyes wide open and a fortified understanding of the complexities at play.

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The Startup Journey podcast is dedicated to spotlighting the journeys and insights of tech founders and investors shaping Web3. Guests of The Startup Voyage podcast join a world of industry leaders, startup visionaries, and seasoned investors who share valuable lessons, stories, and advice to inspire and empower a global community of tech founders.
We take a journalistic / reality show concept to ignite conversations that empower the next generation of disruptors. Join us as we dive deep into the dynamic world of technology, unraveling success stories, industry trends, and game-changing innovations.

Previous Episode

Term Structure Unveils a New Era of Financial Stability in Crypto Markets

Summary
In this episode, Arthur Lee interviews Jerry Li, one of the founders of TermStructure, a Taiwanese company that is redefining fixed income borrowing and lending protocols in DeFi. They discuss the challenges of introducing fixed income into the DeFi space and the unique features of TermStructure's platform. They also explore the opportunities for everyday users in DeFi and the challenges facing the industry in 2024. Jerry shares insights on building a zero-knowledge solution, improving user experience, and achieving mainstream adoption. They also discuss the impact of Bitcoin ETF approval, plans for seed funding, and the future of digital identity and real-world assets in DeFi.
Also discussed are various aspects of the DeFi and crypto industry, with a focus on fixed income products. They explore the challenges of moving to real-world assets (RWA) and the need for hybrid models. They also discuss the future of DeFi and blockchain technology, emphasizing the importance of connecting blockchain to the real world and creating new use cases. Additionally, they highlight the relevance of blockchain for mainstream adoption and the potential of owning and monetizing personal data. The conversation concludes with a discussion on building a solid fixed income product.

Takeaways

TermStructure is redefining fixed income borrowing and lending protocols in DeFi.
The lack of fixed income in DeFi is a significant problem that TermStructure aims to solve.
Improving user experience and achieving mainstream adoption are key challenges for DeFi.
Regulatory considerations and security audits are important factors for the success of DeFi projects.
The future of DeFi includes the introduction of real-world assets and the development of a digital identity system.

Next Episode

Shaping the Digital Classroom: Gamifying Education in Web3 with Academic Labs

Imagine unlocking the full potential of education with the precision of AI and the security of blockchain technology. That's the promise Academic Labs brings to the table, and we've got the brains behind the operation—Terry Tan, Kenaq Kik, and Ryan Chi—to guide us through this labyrinth of innovation. From combating credential fraud to firing up learner engagement with NFTs and tokens, this episode is a masterclass in the future of education. Our conversation explores how these technologies carve out a path for more dynamic and personalized teaching methods, assisting educators with AI-generated quizzes and in-depth content analysis.
The digital learning landscape is shifting before our eyes, and who better to narrate this transformation than the visionaries taking the helm at Academic Labs? They lay out their strategies for global engagement, the significance of curated, factual content, and their approach to fostering a symbiotic relationship between learners and creators. The interactive learning model they've pioneered isn't just about absorbing knowledge; it's about living it, earning through it, and connecting with it. Hear firsthand accounts of grappling with the current credential system and witness the solutions blockchain technology offers.
But what does the horizon of online education look like? Our guests paint a vivid picture of an ecosystem where learning is not just accessible but engaging, meaningful, and multilingual—thanks to AI's knack for breaking language barriers. Academic Labs' forward-thinking approach isn't just about educating; it's about building communities, bridging gaps between tech-savvy Web 3 users and newcomers, and offering a plethora of interactive features that make the learning experience as immersive as it is enlightening. Join us for this enlightening journey through the minds shaping the nexus of AI, blockchain, and education.

The Startup Voyage - Web3 Business Growth - The Harsh Realities of Raising Capital in Web3 with Robert Capodieci

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:23.553

Hello , welcome everyone . Here's another podcast episode on the startup voyage , and today we are talking about

Speaker 100:00:31.943

funding for Web 3 companies . I've titled this episode Funding Unveiled the Harsh Realities of Raising Capital in Web 3 , which it has been in this very , very long crypto winter .

Speaker 100:00:45.305