The Evolution of Venture Capital in the Crypto Sector

According to PANews, the recent discussion among industry experts highlighted the contrasting perspectives on venture capital (VC) in the technology and crypto sectors. Jocy, the founder of IOSG, drew a thought-provoking comparison between 'cathedrals and casinos,' emphasizing the transformative role of VC in technological advancement. Since the late 1990s, venture capital has been synonymous with innovation and future potential, despite representing only about 1% of the global investment landscape. This niche investment category has garnered respect due to its association with technological progress and the courage to support seemingly impossible dreams. Historically, VCs have been instrumental in recognizing and investing in groundbreaking companies like Amazon, Cisco, Google, and Tencent, not only providing capital but also leveraging their reputation, networks, and strategic insight. This respect stems from their commitment to technology-driven societal progress and the romanticism of creation. However, the crypto sector presents a different scenario where the VC model has faced criticism and challenges. Many crypto investments lack the traditional 'VC spirit,' offering 'lazy money' instead of 'smart money.' The focus has shifted from building to exploiting information asymmetries for quick profits, leading to a diminished role for crypto VCs. The rise of memes and 'fair launches' in the crypto community reflects a cultural backlash against the perceived greed and laziness of some crypto VCs. While speculative and opportunistic VCs have faltered, the sector is undergoing a purification process. Similar to the aftermath of the internet bubble, where genuine believers in the internet's future remained, the crypto sector is experiencing a 'survival of the fittest.' The industry still requires capital, but it demands visionary, patient investors who provide 'smart money.' This is not the end of crypto VC but a necessary evolution, encouraging VCs to return to their core mission of risk-taking, innovation support, and contributing to global progress.