Blockalpha - Blockalpha.co

HISTORY

Founded in 2019 by a team of blockchain enthusiasts and seasoned TradFi investors, our firm set out to be at the forefront of the Web 3 revolution. In our early days, we focused on:

Identifying promising blockchain protocols and infrastructure projects
Supporting decentralized finance (DeFi) initiatives in their infancy
Investing in pioneering NFT platforms before the 2021 boom

Since our inception, we've backed numerous projects across various Web 3 verticals, with several of our portfolio companies achieving unicorn status.

VISION FOR WEB3

Our vision for Web 3 is centered on creating a more open, transparent, and user-centric internet. We believe that Web 3 technologies will:

Empower individuals with true ownership of their data and digital assets
Revolutionize financial systems through decentralized protocols
Enable new forms of collaboration and governance through DAOs
Create immersive digital experiences through the metaverse

To realize this vision, we focus our investments on:

Scalable Infrastructure: Supporting projects that address blockchain scalability and interoperability challenges.
User-Centric Applications: Backing dApps that prioritize user experience and mainstream adoption.
Decentralized Finance: Investing in protocols that reimagine traditional financial services.
Web 3 Enablers: Funding tools and platforms that facilitate the transition from Web 2 to Web 3.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to nurturing the Web 3 ecosystem and driving innovation that will shape the next generation of the internet.

OUR INVESTMENT THESIS

Our fund is strategically positioned to capitalize on the transformative potential of Web 3 technologies. We believe that decentralized systems, blockchain infrastructure, and user-centric applications will fundamentally reshape the digital landscape, creating immense value and new paradigms across industries.

Our investment approach is guided by the following principles:

Focus on foundational infrastructure and scalable solutions
Prioritize projects that enhance user sovereignty and data ownership
Target innovations that bridge the gap between Web 2 and Web 3
Seek out teams with deep technical expertise and a proven track record

Decentralized Infrastructure: We support projects developing the foundational layers of Web 3, including scalable blockchain solutions, interoperability protocols, and decentralized storage networks.

User-Centric Applications: We invest in innovative dApps and platforms that empower users with true ownership of their data and digital assets, spanning areas like DeFi, NFTs, and decentralized social media.

Web 3 Enablers: We back the tools, services, and middleware that facilitate mainstream adoption of Web 3 technologies, including user-friendly wallets, identity solutions, and developer platforms.

By focusing on these areas, we aim to catalyze the transition to a more open, transparent, and user-empowering internet. Our deep expertise in blockchain technology, tokenomics, and decentralized systems positions us as ideal partners for ambitious teams looking to make a lasting impact in the Web 3 space.

Join us in building the decentralized future – where innovation knows no bounds and user sovereignty reigns supreme.

KEY AREAS OF FOCUS

Decentralized Infrastructure

We invest in projects building the critical backbone of the Web 3 ecosystem:

Layer 1 and Layer 2 scaling solutions
Interoperability protocols and cross-chain bridges
Decentralized storage and computation networks
Privacy-preserving technologies and zero-knowledge proofs

DeFi and Financial Primitives

We support innovations in decentralized finance that are reshaping the future of money:

Advanced DEX architectures and liquidity solutions
Cross-chain DeFi protocols
Tokenization platforms for real-world assets
Novel derivatives and structured products

Web 3 Developer Tools

We back projects that empower developers to build the next generation of decentralized applications:

Smart contract development frameworks
Decentralized identity solutions
Oracles and data availability layers
Testing, monitoring, and security tools for Web 3

Consumer-Facing dApps

We invest in user-centric applications that drive mainstream adoption:

Social networks built on decentralized protocols
Play-to-earn gaming and NFT-based experiences
Decentralized content creation and distribution platforms
Web 3-native productivity and collaboration tools

By focusing on these key areas, our fund aims to support the projects and teams that will shape the future of the decentralized web, driving innovation and creating significant value in the Web 3 ecosystem.

OUR FOUNDER

Etan Silver is a seasoned investment professional with over two decades of experience in global financial markets and business management. His diverse career trajectory showcases a progression through increasingly senior roles at prestigious firms, underpinned by a strong educational foundation and practical business acumen.

Etan holds a BSc in Management Sciences from the University of Manchester and an MBA from the University of Toronto, equipping him with a robust theoretical framework in business and finance.

He began his career as an Analyst at UK Active Value Fund, where he honed his skills in fundamental analysis and value investing. Etan then advanced to the role of Portfolio Manager at Simplon Global Macro Hedge Fund, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex macroeconomic landscapes.

Building on this experience, Etan took on portfolio management responsibilities at Millennium Management, one of the world's largest alternative investment firms. His expertise in global markets was further solidified during his tenure as Portfolio Manager at JB Commodities, where he focused on Global Macro trading and risk management.

Complementing his financial expertise, Etan also gained valuable operational experience managing a large family manufacturing business. This role provided him with hands-on insights into real-world business operations, supply chain management, and strategic decision-making in a traditional industry setting.

In 2019, leveraging his extensive experience in both finance and business management, Etan founded Block Alpha Technologies. This venture represents his foray into the intersection of traditional finance and emerging blockchain technologies, positioning him at the forefront of financial innovation.

Throughout his career, Etan has consistently demonstrated a keen ability to identify market opportunities and manage risk across various asset classes and investment strategies. His founding of Block Alpha Technologies underscores his vision for the future of finance and his commitment to driving innovation in the investment landscape, backed by a well-rounded understanding of both traditional and cutting-edge business models.

OUR VALUES AND APPROACH

Hands-On Support

We take an active role in helping our portfolio companies succeed, going beyond just providing capital. Our team offers strategic guidance, technical expertise, and operational support tailored to the unique challenges of Web3 startups.

Long-Term Partnership

We view our investments as long-term partnerships. We're committed to supporting founders throughout their journey, from early stage through growth and beyond.

Ecosystem Building

We leverage our extensive network in the Web3 space to facilitate valuable connections for our portfolio companies - whether it's introductions to potential customers, partners, or future investors.

Technical Expertise

Our team has deep technical knowledge of blockchain, cryptography, and decentralized systems. We can provide meaningful input on architecture, tokenomics, and technical roadmaps.

Go-To-Market Strategy

We assist portfolio companies in refining their go-to-market strategies, helping them identify target users/customers and optimize their product-market fit in the evolving Web3 landscape.

Regulatory Navigation

We help our portfolio companies navigate the complex and evolving regulatory environment surrounding Web3 technologies, connecting them with legal experts as needed.

Community Building

We understand the critical importance of community in Web3 projects. We support our portfolio companies in developing engaged user communities and effective governance models.

Focus on Sustainable Growth

While we're excited by the potential of Web3, we emphasize building sustainable businesses with real-world utility rather than chasing short-term hype.

By embodying these values and approaches, we aim to be true partners to the visionary founders building the decentralized future of the internet.

INVESTMENT PROCESS

At Block Alpha Technologies, we've developed a rigorous yet efficient investment process designed to identify and support the most promising Web 3 startups. Here's an overview of how we operate:

Investment Criteria

We look for Web 3 startups that demonstrate:

Innovation: Groundbreaking solutions that address real-world problems or create new opportunities in the Web 3 space.
Strong Team: Founders and core team members with deep technical expertise, relevant industry experience, and a track record of execution.
Market Potential: Clear path to a large addressable market and potential for significant growth.
Traction: Early evidence of product-market fit, such as user adoption, partnerships, or revenue (depending on the stage).
Tokenomics: Well-designed token economics that align incentives and drive sustainable growth (for token-based projects).
Decentralization: A genuine commitment to decentralization and user empowerment.

Evaluation and Due Diligence Process

Initial Screening: Our team reviews all incoming pitches and conducts initial calls with promising startups.
Deep Dive: For startups that pass the initial screening, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of the technology, market opportunity, and team.
Technical Review: Our in-house technical experts assess the project's architecture, scalability, and security.
Market Analysis: We evaluate the competitive landscape and growth potential.
Team Assessment: We conduct thorough background checks and reference calls.
Financial Review: We analyze the business model, financial projections, and funding history.
Legal and Regulatory Review: We assess potential legal and regulatory risks.
Partner Meeting: Promising startups present to our full partnership for final decision-making.

Investment Size and Stages

We typically invest $500,000 to $5 million in initial funding rounds.
Our focus is primarily on Seed and Post Launch.
We reserve capital for follow-on investments to support our portfolio companies' growth.

Value-Add Services and Support

Beyond capital, we offer our portfolio companies:

Strategic Guidance: Regular strategy sessions with our experienced partners.
Talent Acquisition: Assistance in recruiting key team members.
Business Development: Introductions to potential customers, partners, and investors.
Marketing and PR: Support in crafting narratives and gaining visibility in the Web 3 space.
Legal and Regulatory Guidance: Access to top-tier legal counsel specializing in blockchain and crypto regulations.
Tokenomics Design: Expert input on token design and distribution strategies.
Operational Support: Assistance with financial planning, governance structures, and operational best practices.
Our goal is to be true partners in our portfolio companies' journeys, providing comprehensive support to help them navigate the unique challenges of building successful Web 3 ventures.

Blockalpha.co

Catalysing the Web 3 Paradigm Shift: From Concept to Reality

WHAT WE DO