Blockchain Investors Express Optimism for Web3’s Future
Despite challenges from the crypto bear market and industry shakeups, top blockchain investors at the European Blockchain Convention expressed optimism for the future of web3. The panel discussion titled “What are investors looking for in web3?” featured notable investors including Victoria Gago, Kavita Gupta, Alex Strzesniewski, and Tim Grant.
While acknowledging the difficulties faced by the crypto industry, the investors highlighted that experienced investors were still actively investing in promising web3 startups. Gupta emphasized that blockchain-focused funds like hers continued to support crypto projects due to the presence of strong developer talent in the space.
The panelists agreed that macroeconomic factors such as rising interest rates were driving the current bear market, unlike previous downturns caused by industry-specific issues. They believe this market correction has weeded out unsophisticated participants and paved the way for institutional adoption.
Evaluating Projects and Hot Sectors for 2024
When evaluating projects, the investors stated that they are now asking harder questions about product-market fit and actual revenue generation compared to the speculative frenzy of 2021. Transparency in treasury management was also highlighted as a significant concern.
In terms of hot sectors for 2024, the panelists identified infrastructure areas such as data analytics, security, and integration tools necessary for institutional participation. They also mentioned zero-knowledge cryptography, layer-2 scaling solutions, and decentralized finance as potential breakout sectors.
Commitment to Supporting Web3 Technology
The investors emphasized the importance of in-person events and finding alignment between founder-investor values in the current environment. Despite short-term market challenges, they remain committed to supporting the next generation of companies pushing the boundaries of web3 technology.
Hot Take: Blockchain Investors Remain Bullish on Web3’s Potential
Despite the crypto bear market and industry shakeups, top blockchain investors maintain their optimism for the future of web3. They recognize the challenges but emphasize that experienced investors are still actively investing in promising web3 startups. The presence of strong developer talent in the space is a key reason for their bullishness. Macro factors like rising interest rates are seen as the main drivers of the current bear market, which has weeded out unsophisticated participants and paved the way for institutional adoption.
When evaluating projects, investors now prioritize product-market fit and revenue generation over speculative aspects. Transparency in treasury management is also a significant concern. Looking ahead, infrastructure sectors like data analytics, security, and integration tools are expected to be hot areas in 2024. Additionally, zero-knowledge cryptography, layer-2 scaling solutions, and decentralized finance are potential breakout sectors.
Despite market challenges, these investors remain committed to supporting the next generation of companies pushing the possibilities of web3 technology. In-person events and aligned founder-investor values are deemed important in the current environment.