According to Crunchbase data, the first two quarters of 2023 saw a significant dip in funding for crypto startups, with a 78% and 76% decrease respectively compared to the same period in 2022. Venture capitalists (VCs) invested $10.7 billion in crypto startups in 2023, a substantial drop from the $33.3 billion invested in 2022, reflecting a 68% decrease. Despite the recent signs of a bull market, the ecosystem is cautiously optimistic, hoping for a market revival after two challenging years.
Building During Bear Markets
Bear markets in the Web3 space are often seen as prime times for building resilient products that can thrive and scale under adverse conditions. However, market sentiment plays a crucial role in crypto, influencing the optimism of both builders and consumers. As the market shows signs of revival, new builders are encouraged to create innovative solutions from scratch, reaching a more enthusiastic audience.
Challenges for Existing Builders
Those who have closely monitored market dynamics and token movements over the past two years may face difficulties due to the funding shortage. With numerous projects collapsing and others falling short of initial expectations, investors have become more cautious, tightening their pockets.
Leveraging Open Source Tools and Communities
A key strategy for building a Web3 startup with limited funds is utilizing open-source tools and engaging with communities. Platforms like Ethereum, Polkadot, and Cosmos offer decentralized infrastructure and protocols, despite their high gas fees. By participating in the open-source community, builders can collaborate, learn, and contribute, pooling resources to support initiatives before revenue generation.
Starting as a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) can provide community members with autonomy and a stake in the project through token contributions. This approach facilitates the development of a Minimal Viable Product (MVP) while avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Creating Sustainable Growth Strategies
Scaling a Web3 startup on a tight budget requires a focus on sustainable growth strategies. Instead of costly marketing campaigns, startups should prioritize organic growth through community-building, word-of-mouth referrals, social media engagement, and participation in industry events and meetups.
Exploring grant programs and hackathons specifically tailored for Web3 startups can provide essential support. Forming strategic alliances with established startups can also help overcome resource limitations. Additionally, seeking mentorship from leaders who have successfully built bootstrapped products can offer valuable insights and real-time feedback.
Self-funding and utilizing revenue generated from early adopters can fuel growth. Continuously iterating on the product based on user feedback ensures steady progress towards the startup’s vision while conserving financial resources.
