The mindset shift founders need: lessons from a crypto VC insider
In this conversation, Laura from Gate Ventures offers something rare: unfiltered, practical advice from the frontlines of crypto investing. With over 50 startup investments and a dual role as Chief Ecosystem Officer at Gate.com, Laura has seen what works, what flops, and what founders consistently get wrong when approaching VCs.
This conversation isn’t about flashy tokens or market hype—it’s about substance, founder psychology, and what the next real use cases in crypto might look like.
From ICOs to Institutional Deals: Laura's VC Journey
Laura’s path to crypto investing began with curiosity in college, morphed into ICO marketing, and eventually matured into angel investing and VC roles. Now at Gate Ventures, she leads a thesis that is anything but trend-chasing. Her focus? Real revenue, measurable traction, and real-world applications—not just vibes and tokenomics.
What Gate Ventures Is Actually Backing
Forget the headline hype. Gate Ventures is focused on early-stage projects that demonstrate financial discipline and clear utility. Here’s where they’re placing bets:
- Stablecoin infrastructure & payment rails — Building reliable value exchange mechanisms
- Real-world asset (RWA) protocols — Especially those with on-chain cash flows
- DeSci and robotics — Two of the most underrated verticals in crypto right now
- Consumer tools that abstract away Web3 complexity — The future lies in onboarding Web2 users
Notably, Laura calls out AI agents as overhyped: “Everyone’s building one, but few have a real edge.”
The Traits Every Fundable Founder Shares
When asked what makes a founder stand out, Laura is crystal clear:
- Domain expertise — Know your sector better than the VC
- Executional grit — VCs bet on founders who’ve shipped, failed, and shipped again
- Emotional stamina — This isn’t a weekend hackathon; it’s a long game
- Authentic storytelling — Can you communicate your mission with clarity and conviction?
- Real traction — LOIs, early users, or product usage matter more than followers
She also notes that inflated social numbers (bots, fake engagement) are a red flag, not an asset.
The Perfect Pitch, According to a VC
Laura didn’t just talk theory—she broke down exactly how to pitch Gate Ventures:
“Say what you’re building, the narrative, your raise size, traction, team, and why it matters—all in less than 6 sentences.”
Cold intros that start with “hey, let’s hop on a call” are instant turn-offs. Clear, concise, and well-structured messages win.
Where Product-Market Fit Will Come From
Laura believes the next breakout in Web3 will come from better UX—specifically for non-crypto natives. Think tools that abstract wallets, simplify onboarding, and embed real-world utility. This is where Web2 meets Web3 in a meaningful, sustainable way.
What’s Ahead for Gate Ventures
Looking forward, Gate Ventures is:
- Expanding its global deal flow
- Doubling down on university partnerships
- Making earlier-stage bets where they can shape the journey
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