Web3 Venture Capitalists Struggle to Stand Out

Typical Web3 VC pitches have become indistinguishable, with every fund boasting about their extensive networks and ability to add value beyond capital. However, these claims have become meaningless due to their ubiquity. Liquidity providers have grown tired of hearing the same pitch, and the industry continues to replicate the same formula. At TBV, we realized that we didn't have a unique selling point, so we decided to create one. Our approach focused on building a product, rather than just making promises. We asked ourselves what a fund can actually own, beyond just connections. The answer lay in creating tangible value, such as events, data, and platforms that provide utility to founders. This approach has allowed us to develop a people-centric deal engine, which has driven significant results. In 2025, our event series attracted over 43,000 attendees and more than 100 partners, demonstrating the power of deliberate infrastructure. This infrastructure feeds into our AI-driven deal engine, creating a self-reinforcing cycle. Other VC firms, such as Outlier Ventures and Paradigm, have also found success by rethinking the traditional fund model. Outlier Ventures has built a platform of support around early-stage founders, while Paradigm has contributed to protocols, demonstrating technical depth. These models share a common thread - they have created funds that offer utility beyond capital. The next generation of interesting managers will follow suit, focusing on building something that makes their story self-evident, rather than just telling a better story. The good news is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer, and the Web3 space is ripe for innovation and competition. Managers who build real infrastructure now will be well-positioned for the future, while those who rely on empty pitches will find themselves left behind.