Weekly Crypto Funding Hits $198M; Initia Network Closes $14M Series A

Hello, entrepreneurs! It's Thursday again — which means it's time to share our next newsletter with you. As usual, our team has gathered for you the most interesting events and activities, great resources and the latest news from the world of fundraising.

Table of Contents

• Crypto Funding Roundup: $198M Raised This Week
• Top 10 Quest Platforms Transforming Web3 Marketing
• The Premier Token Launchpad: Your Gateway to Successful Launches
• Tap into 1000+ Web3 Experts for Startup Growth
• Thursday Pitch Perfection: Impress Crypto Investors
• Recent Venture Capital Funding Highlights
• European Blockchain Convention: Last Call for Entrepreneurs
• Navigating Token Offering Regulations: Expert Workshop
• Startup Boost: Exclusive Partner Offers to Supercharge Your Project

Traditionally, we start our newsletter with an analysis of last week's fundraising:

• Between September 14 and September 21, 40 projects raised investments totaling $198.15 mln
• The largest inflows of capital came from The Open Network (TON) blockchain with $30 mln, Drift Protocol with $25 mln, and Helius with $21.75 mln
• During the week, projects from the following segments attracted funding: DeFi, blockchain services, blockchain infrastructure, GameFi, CeFi and others
• Foresight Ventures, Public Works, ZeroDao, Aptos and Big Brain Holdings became the top 5 funds by the number of investments according to CryptoRank

Quest for Success: Revolutionizing Crypto Marketing in 2024

Let's face it: in the Web3 world, your community is your lifeline. Quest platforms are changing the game, turning passive users into active participants. These tools offer a fun way to engage your audience through challenges that dish out tokens, NFTs, and other digital goodies. It's not just about attracting users; it's about creating a buzz that keeps them coming back for more.

Curious about how to make these quests work for your project? Here's what you need to know:

• Know your crowd: Tailor challenges to what your users love.
• Make rewards count: Offer incentives that matter, without breaking the bank.
• Balance is key: Keep it simple to start, but challenging enough to stay interesting.
• Spread the word: Let users show off their achievements on social media.
• Stay flexible: Keep an eye on what's working and be ready to switch things up.

We've done the legwork and compiled a list of the top 10 quest platforms that are making waves in crypto marketing this year. Each has its own flavor, whether it's a massive user base or a focus on DeFi or NFTs. Interested in seeing how these platforms could elevate your Web3 project? Check out our full article for insights that could give your community strategy the edge it needs.

From Vision to Reality: Leveraging Web3 Expertise for Growth

As blockchain technology evolves and crypto markets shift, entrepreneurs need more than just innovative ideas — they need guidance from seasoned professionals who've navigated these complex waters. The right consultant can help you dodge pitfalls and grab opportunities you might have missed.

Finding these experts is where our extensive database comes in. We've curated profiles of top-tier Web3 consultants and specialists, offering:

• Comprehensive expert profiles with proven track records
• Detailed skill sets and successful case studies
• Direct contact info and user ratings
• Portfolios showcasing real-world solutions

If you're curious about how this could benefit your startup's journey, why not take a moment to explore our platform? You might discover connections that could take your project to the next level.

Thursday Tune-Ups: Polish Your Web3 Pitch Deck

Crafting a compelling pitch deck is an art form. Remember, investors aren't just buying your product — they're buying into your vision of the future. Keep it concise, focusing on the problem you're solving. Highlight your tokenomics clearly, showing how it drives both user adoption and investor returns. Most importantly, don't just talk tech — tell a story that resonates with both crypto enthusiasts and traditional VCs. But even the best decks can benefit from expert eyes.

That's where our Weekly Pitch Revision & Feedback Sessions come in. Every Thursday, you get a opportunity to level up your pitch:

• One-on-one time with Alex Onishenko, our Head of VC Analysts
• 5-minute pitch followed by 25 minutes of tailored feedback
• Professional insights on your deck, strategy, and fundraising approach
• Exclusive to Fundraising or Scaling Startups on our platform

A polished pitch can be the difference between securing funding and missing out. Consider joining our next Thursday session and take a significant step towards making your Web3 vision a reality.

And this week, venture capital funding leaders have already emerged:

• Celestia Foundation reported raising $100 mln in investment. The funding round is known to have been led by Bain Capital Crypto, with participation from Syncracy Capital, 1kx, Robot Ventures, Placeholder and others.
• Web3 gaming startup Smolbound announced the closing of a seed round of funding led by Bitkraft Ventures with participation from Play Ventures, Anthos Capital, King River Capital, Rockaway X, Zentry, Caballeros Capital, Gam3Girl Ventures and Offchain Labs. The project received a $6 mln investment.
• Tier 1 network developers Initia announced the completion of its Series A funding round. The project raised $14 mln led by Theory Ventures, with participation from Delphi Ventures and Hack VC and business angels.

Already Today: Networking, Knowledge, and Innovation at European Blockchain Convention

The European Blockchain Convention (EBC) has kicked off in Barcelona, and it's not too late to be part of this groundbreaking event. With 6,000 attendees and 300 speakers, EBC stands as Europe's most influential blockchain gathering. It's more than just a conference — it's a launchpad for innovation, connections, and game-changing ideas in the Web3 space.

What makes EBC a must-attend for Web3 entrepreneurs? Here's a glimpse:

• 3 stages packed with cutting-edge insights
• Buzzing exhibition area showcasing latest tech
• Startup competitions to spotlight emerging talent
• Networking parties to forge valuable connections
• Entire Web3 ecosystem under one roof

Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in the future of blockchain. Whether you're seeking investors, partners, or just want to stay ahead of the curve, EBC is where the magic happens. The event continues today, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the brightest minds in the industry. Ready to shape the future of Web3?

Legal Landscape of Token Offerings: A Comprehensive Workshop

For Web3 entrepreneurs eyeing a token launch in 2024, an upcoming workshop promises to deliver crucial insights into the complexities of compliant utility token offerings.

This free event, set for October 3rd at 16:00 CET, will cover essential aspects of token launches:

• Jurisdiction selection: Weighing options like Switzerland, Liechtenstein, BVI, Cayman Islands, and Panama
• Document preparation: Ensuring a lean yet compliant approach from a regulatory perspective
• MiCA regulation: Understanding the rules for utility token issuers in Europe
• Whitepaper requirements: Navigating content guidelines under MiCA regulation

Leading the discussion is Janina Pietrowska, partner at ZüGERLAW and a Web3 legal advisor since 2017. Pietrowska has supported over 100 Web3 projects, including numerous RWA tokenization initiatives for real estate, commodities, and art.

Participants can join via Zoom to ask project-specific questions and receive bonus materials, including legal templates. For broader access, the workshop will also be livestreamed on YouTube and LinkedIn. Whether you're finalizing launch plans or just starting to explore token offerings, this event offers valuable insights to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.

Fueling Web3 Success: Exclusive Partner Offers for Entrepreneurs

The InnMind platform offers more than just networking opportunities for Web3 entrepreneurs. Through the Perks Club, startups can access a range of powerful tools and services from industry-leading partners, designed to address common challenges, and provide practical solutions to accelerate growth and development.

The Perks Club offers targeted benefits to tackle specific pain points:

• Struggling with customer support? Zendesk steps in with a game-changing offer: six months of unlimited access to their comprehensive Support Suite and Sales CRM. But it's not just about the tools — you'll also benefit from personalized guidance through online office hours with the Startup Customer Success team.
• Is your marketing team spread thin? Simplified comes to the rescue with an exclusive 20% discount on their all-in-one design and collaboration platform. This powerhouse tool empowers modern marketing teams to automate social media publishing and craft stunning marketing campaigns.
• Need a robust cloud infrastructure? Amazon Web Services (AWS) has your back with an impressive package: up to $5,000 in AWS Promotional Credits valid for two years, coupled with $1,500 in Business Support for a full year. But that's not all — you'll also receive a solution Architect Technical whiteboarding session to optimize your setup.
• Data access hurdles? Covalent grants up to $5,000 in premium API credits, unlocking blockchain data across 175+ chains to fuel your project's insights.
• PR challenges? ICL, a communication agency, offers a substantial 40% discount (equating to $2000 off) on a one-time PR pitch for your startup's big news or fundraising events.

Explore these valuable offerings in the Perks Club to enhance your Web3 venture's capabilities and reach new heights in the ecosystem.