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In episode 188, we’re excited to welcome Aly Madhavji, Managing Partner at Blockchain Founders Fund and a celebrated "Blockchain 100" Global Leader. Aly has been instrumental in supporting high-growth crypto startups worldwide, and has collaborated with esteemed institutions like the United Nations and INSEAD to leverage emerging technologies for global challenges.

In this episode, we explore:

1. Some of the common traits shared by the most successful Web3 founders and how they overcome challenges in scaling and navigating market uncertainty,
2. The biggest pitfalls for early-stage Web3 startups and actionable advice for avoiding them, and
3. Insights into blockchain’s real-world impact from groundbreaking projects supported by Blockchain Founders Fund, and how you could become their next success story.

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Key Takeaways

• Agility and Iteration Are Key to Success in Web3: In a fast-moving space like Web3, staying agile and open to iteration is crucial. Build real feedback loops with your community, iterate quickly, and embrace adaptability to move forward in a competitive environment.
• Building Community Requires Authenticity and Engagement: There are no shortcuts to creating a strong community. The foundation is a great project, but active communication and including your community in the journey fosters trust and buy-in. Value their feedback and include them as true stakeholders.
• Focus on Milestones and Control What You Can: Set clear, achievable milestones without getting lost in unnecessary details. Recognize what you can control—like your innovation and execution—and what you can’t, such as regulations or market conditions. Bear markets are a golden opportunity to build with less distraction.
• Exciting Trends to Watch in Web3 for 2025: Aly highlights Web3 tooling, DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks), and blockchain-powered entertainment apps as key areas of growth.

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Follow Aly and Blockchain Founders Fund

Twitter/X - Aly

Twitter/X - Blockchain Founders Fund

LinkedIn - Aly

LinkedIn - Blockchain Founders Fund

Website

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Episode Time Stamps:

02:05 - Tell me more about your background and how you got into the world of blockchain – was there an “Ah hah” moment that really got you excited about web3?

07:35 - Your Web3 journey led you to Blockchain Founders Fund – tell me more about the Founders Fund and its mission.

09:00 - How do you balance supporting so many projects, with different focus areas, all at once?

11:30 - Based on your experience working with numerous Web3 founders, what do the most successful builders in this space have in common? Are there particular traits or approaches that stand out?

14:00 - Do you have any advice for Founders on how to stay agile in a rapidly growing space like crypto?

15:50 - Many Founders struggle to build sustainable communities around their projects. Are there any strategies that you’ve found successful in building a strong community?

19:35 - What are some of the most common mistakes you’ve seen early-stage Web3 founders make, and how can they avoid them?

24:35 - Given the challenges of regulatory uncertainty and market volatility in Web3, what advice would you give to founders about staying agile and resilient in such an environment?

27:50 - The Blockchain Founders Fund has supported many exciting startups in Web3. Can you share a standout project you’ve worked with recently that demonstrates the real-world potential of blockchain technology?

33:20 - Can you tell me more about your collaborations with UN and INSEAD?

37:10 - As someone who’s been deeply immersed in this space, what do you think will be some of the biggest Web3 trends of 2025?

40:40 - What’s the best way for listeners to get in touch and learn more about Blockchain Founders Fund?

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