VC Partner on Investing in Web 3.0 Projects & Guiding Start-ups to Billion-Dollar Valuations

Summary

In this episode of 'Kaahwa 3.0', host Y interviews Daria Vasa, Founding Partner at FD Capital, who shares her journey from investment banking to becoming a serial entrepreneur in the blockchain industry. Daria discusses FD Capital's mission to attract experienced professionals to blockchain, their investment strategy focusing on product-market fit and team quality, and the importance of community and mentorship in entrepreneurship. She also provides insights on the future of finance and technology, offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and investors on navigating the blockchain space successfully.

Takeaways

• 😀 Daria Vasa, a founding partner at FD Capital, has transitioned from investment banking to serial entrepreneurship in the blockchain industry.
• 🚀 Daria started her entrepreneurial journey by creating an equity advising boutique in 2017 and has a strong background in corporate finance, including a PhD.
• 🌟 FD Capital was founded in March 2023 with a mission to bring experienced professionals from traditional finance and big tech to the blockchain industry.
• 🔍 FD Capital focuses on projects with strong product-market fit, team quality, and uses a special scoring system for founders during due diligence.
• 📈 The firm is particularly interested in infrastructure projects and has reviewed over 100 blockchain projects in the last six months, identifying key opportunities.
• 💡 Daria emphasizes the importance of mentorship and strategic guidance for tech entrepreneurs, drawing from her experience in equity advising and selecting successful projects.
• 🗣️ As a public speaker, Daria discusses topics such as blockchain technology, fundraising, investor relations, and economic trends in the industry.
• 🧘‍♀️ She stresses the importance of work-life balance and mental health for founders, ensuring sustainability throughout the entrepreneurial journey.
• 📚 Daria recommends that aspiring entrepreneurs discover hackathons, grant programs, and acceleration programs as entry points into the blockchain industry.
• 🔑 Staying updated in the blockchain space involves following media, investor relations, and research reports to keep abreast of the latest developments.
• 🛠️ For those entering the blockchain space, Daria advises starting with a clear problem-solution fit, leveraging available resources, and not just chasing market trends.

Q & A

What is the background of Daria Vasa before she became a serial entrepreneur in the blockchain industry?

Daria Vasa has a background in investment banking, specifically in the fixed income market, where she was trading for 10 years. She then transitioned into entrepreneurship by creating an equity advising boutique in 2017 and pursued her PhD in corporate finance.

What inspired Daria Vasa to transition from investment banking to the blockchain industry?

Daria was inspired to transition due to her family's extension into the industry, and her desire to create a platform for entrepreneurs to communicate, find investors, and be heard.

Can you explain the mission of FD Capital in the blockchain and investment space?

The mission of FD Capital is to bring experienced professionals from investment banking and Big Tech to the blockchain industry, aiming to open limitless opportunities by utilizing blockchain technology and supporting projects that have been in the industry for over a decade.

What are the main factors FD Capital considers when investing in projects?

FD Capital primarily considers three factors: the product, the market, and the team. They have a special scoring card for founders, and they conduct due diligence in several phases to build lasting relationships with projects.

What type of projects is FD Capital currently investing in, and what are their industries of focus?

FD Capital is investing in projects that are in the infrastructure space, specifically agnostic infrastructure. They believe in the potential of L1 and L2 projects and have reviewed over 100 chains in the last six months.

How does Daria Vasa's background in finance aid in advising tech entrepreneurs and startups?

Daria's finance background helps her contribute to projects in strategy, finance, and investment. She reviews business models, sustainability, and financial numbers to ensure the project's effectiveness and long-term viability.

How does FD Capital provide strategic guidance, operational support, and funding opportunities to tech entrepreneurs and startups?

FD Capital contributes to projects they believe in by planning to follow on with investments, showing serious intentions to be part of the project's journey, and supporting them through their growth to achieve their goals.

What are some key ideas and trends that Daria Vasa often discusses when it comes to the future of finance or technology?

Daria Vasa discusses topics such as blockchain technology, fundraising, investor relations, and the trends and opportunities in the investment landscape. She focuses on the economy and the implications of blockchain in the real world.

How does Daria Vasa manage her time and stay focused with her multiple responsibilities?

Daria manages her time by focusing on the future and understanding the purpose of each role she plays. She finds pleasure in managing her responsibilities and emphasizes the importance of life-work balance and mental health.

What advice does Daria Vasa give to aspiring entrepreneurs and investors looking to navigate the blockchain industry successfully?

Daria advises aspiring entrepreneurs to start by discovering hackathons, participating in grant programs, and joining acceleration programs. She emphasizes the importance of finding a problem-solution fit and not just chasing the market.

How does Daria Vasa stay updated on the latest developments in the blockchain space, and what resources does she recommend for the community?

Daria stays updated by following media, engaging in investor relations, and conducting research and analytics. She believes that these three aspects form a triangle of awareness for anyone looking to stay informed about the industry.