Disclaimer: The opinions and viewpoints expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the opinions and viewpoints of the editorial team at crypto.news.
In the world of blockchain, one thing that remains unpredictable is the level of support that can be expected. While it may appear that we are on the brink of a bullish market with significant institutional investments due to ETFs and tokenization of real-world assets (RWA), those who have been in the blockchain industry for a while might still feel a sense of unease. Memories of the corporate retreat from crypto and blockchain during the last bear market are still fresh.
This apprehension also extends to corporate equity and venture capital as cash flow came to a standstill when VCs scaled back their blockchain investments. Although there has been a slight resurgence recently with institutional investors showing more interest, the fear of a sudden downturn remains.
Despite the uncertainty of external investments in the blockchain ecosystem, there are other avenues for valuable projects to receive support for their development. The industry has a rich history of internal support, providing a platform for talented developers and innovative projects to thrive.
Internal support can come in various forms, such as small investments, grant programs, or well-known figures in the crypto world acting as catalyst investors in projects within their network. Sometimes, a simple retweet can make a significant impact on a project’s progression.
Internal investment, whether through financial backing or non-monetary assistance like accelerator programs and mentorship schemes, thrives in the blockchain space due to its inherent community-driven nature. This community spirit, coupled with open-source development, results in tangible support that is not commonly seen in traditional industries.
By focusing on internal growth opportunities, blockchain development can progress independently from external capital and market fluctuations. This resilience showcases the industry’s ability to thrive on its own terms, regardless of VC sentiments towards crypto.
Apart from investment accelerators, prominent projects are also working on grassroots initiatives to promote cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and cross-sector collaboration within the blockchain ecosystem. For instance, The Coreum Development Fund has expanded its workshop program in universities across North America to educate students from all disciplines about blockchain technology and encourage collaboration. This aligns with the enterprise-focused Layer-1 closing its grant program for projects developing solutions on its Coreum blockchain network.
Through initiatives like grant programs and educational workshops, industry leaders can foster collaboration and early-stage support for emerging projects. If successful blockchain networks continue to prioritize knowledge-sharing, incubation, and development, there is immense potential for innovative projects to flourish.
Developers can also find comfort in knowing that there are alternative pathways to receive support without solely relying on external investors. While institutional interest in blockchain is promising, it is essential for projects to explore other avenues for growth and development.
In conclusion, institutions have played a crucial role in maturing the crypto industry, and their involvement is beneficial. However, it is important for projects to recognize that there are diverse opportunities for growth beyond institutional investments.