@apewoodx effective user acq strategy for traction but this method hasn't been tested over time yet i'd predict startups rely on this too much and forget about organics just exacerbates the classic my ad spend is my revenue model
most successful crypto products start off as kind of illegal
from coinbase to circle to polymarket to uniswap to hyperliquid
if nobody thinks the product is a little illegal, it's probably not that interesting
this is only natural - crypto exists to skirt around incumbent power structures. if the product can succeed within those structures, then it doesn't belong onchain anyway
obviously, building in good faith alongside counsel is necessary (fuck scammers), but respectfully, don't ask for permission to build something people want
@apewoodx A side effect of misaligned incentives. Exchanges listing coins with no tech was the first domino. Otherwise what differentiating thoughts are necessary when your sample set relies on scope of shill - which is limited by a lack of access to resources to push differentiation
this is a very good article across all fronts, but to specifically call out the IR point - think this is smart and immediately actionable for many projects
builders complain about "vapor" dominating attention
reality is the onus on yourself (the founder, the project, the team) to make people aware of what's happening
and particularly, now, you have a pretty loose regulatory environment and administration
share monthly or quarterly updates on user metrics, revenue growth, runway, key events on the horizon (no MNPI ofc)
take it seriously and ensure they are well-organized, well-documented, easily accessible
the more you look organized, put together, and on top of your shit, like you are excited about the direction your project / business is going (backed by data and vision), the more people will view you as on top of your shit and be excited about the direction of your business
where we are going is all about PMF, user adoption, and revenue
no more complaining about "vaporware" (vapor will always be around and bid up by non-discerning, indiscriminate allocators)
your goal with IR is to attract & manage the type of holder base that will help define & shape the success of your project over a longer horizon
these IR type of reports and functions are CRUCIAL (and candidly much more serving than BD functions we see thrown around this space)
btw, to the earnest builders out there who have been hiding, timid, under rocks and behind trees to avoid Sauron's Eye... it's safe now.
That cool idea you had, on which you seek so readily to stake your capital and reputation because you believe in your bones that it deserves the pursuit... go make it happen.
The environment is, to a substantial degree, safe again for that great impulse toward creation.