If Chain Reaction wins the Webbys, it would be the first podcast to do so. It’s an awards-focused show that dives into everything cryptocurrency, from investing to development. Found is a show that dives into the stories behind startups, and interviewing founders themselves is a unique way to learn about these businesses.
A recent report issued by Citi Research predicts that the global cryptocurrency market will reach $20 billion by the end of 2021. With so much money and attention being funneled into this burgeoning industry, it’s important to get to know those working behind the scenes to create a decentralized future. Chain Reaction interviews newsmakers in crypto every week to get a better understanding of the tech and people driving its development.
Arianna Simpson is one of the most well-known venture capitalists in the world. With a16z, she’s invested in companies such as Airbnb, Buffer, Cloudera, Twitch, and many others. Her company has been involved in some highly successful investments and has helped to spawn an entire industry of Silicon Valley venture capitalists. In this interview with Jacquelyn Wang, Simpson discusses her thoughts on investment opportunities today and what makes a great startup.
Arianna has a background in investment and startups, which makes her an excellent addition to a16z’s team. She joins us at a time when the crypto space is expanding rapidly, and her experience and insight will be valuable as we continue to invest in innovative blockchain companies.
Arianna believes that the crypto space is a very large opportunity, and she has put her money where her mouth is by launching four funds dedicated to the industry. This proves that she is dedicated to this technology and its potential, and she thinks that more investors should get involved.
The entrepreneurial ecosystem in Silicon Valley has become so large that a $100 million fund was raised to support startups. The number represents the size of the opportunity in the area and entrepreneurs are flocking to it, drawn by the chance to build their dream companies.
A fifth crypto fund from a16z is definitely something to look forward to, as the company continues to grow and tailor its fund sizes to opportunities that it sees in the market. Crypto is still relatively new and evolving technology, so there are a lot of opportunities for newcomers like a16z who want to get involved early on.
As one of the largest providers of crypto-based services, it is no wonder that Alchemy is a subsidiary of the large financial firm, Bain Capital. Likewise, Avalanche and Aptos are two other companies in the firm’s portfolio that provide innovative blockchain technology solutions. This inclusion speaks volumes about how seriously Bain Capital takes cryptocurrencies and their potential future.
This increasing investment in blockchain is inspiring companies to develop new applications that will benefit consumers. While not all of these new applications will be perfect, there is an exciting world of possibility that awaits as companies explore blockchain technology.
Simpson says that while some aspects of her strategy have remained the same, over time her overall approach to investing has changed. She now looks for founders who are passionate and experienced in their respective industries and who have a clear vision for their company. Simpson is open to launching another VC firm in the future if she finds the right opportunity, but for now she is content focussing on F1 Ventures.
What would you do if you were stuck in a dark, enclosed space with no way out? You may panic, or try
- The current investing climate
- The web3 gaming space
- Where founders are building
- The regulatory landscape
- Advice for founders
Chain Reaction is a weekly crypto and blockchain news podcast. Every other week, hosts Ryan Selkis and Jonathan Teo bring you the latest in web3 and crypto news. Whether it be a new token, an upcoming conference or just some interesting discussion, Chain Reaction is your source for information on all things blockchain!
