Crypto Startup Funding: Simple Steps to Gain Investor

Last Updated on April 8, 2025 by mia

Starting a crypto startup can be exciting, but securing funding often feels like an uphill battle.

With fierce competition and unique challenges in the crypto space, many founders struggle to get investors on board.

This blog breaks it down for you. We’ll cover what a crypto startup is, the first steps to secure funding, how to craft a compelling pitch deck, and the best types of investors for your venture.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just getting started, understanding these basics can give you the edge you need.

New Startups understand these struggles and are here to help you overcome them.

Our platform connects you with like-minded entrepreneurs while giving your business the spotlight it needs to thrive.

What is Crypto Startup?

A crypto startup is a new business that focuses on building products or services using blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies.

These startups might create digital wallets, trading platforms, payment systems, or even unique digital assets like NFTs.

Many crypto startups aim to solve problems in finance, security, or transparency by using the benefits of blockchain.

A crucial step for these companies is finding crypto startup funding, which helps them grow, develop new products, and reach more users.

Funds can come from venture capital, crowdfunding, or token sales, and understanding these options is key to success.

Starting a crypto business can be risky, but it has huge potential if you’re solving real-world problems effectively.

If you’re looking to enter this space, consider strategies for gaining crypto startup funding as a top priority.

10 Essential Steps to Secure Crypto Startup Funding

1. Develop a Clear Business Plan

Start with a detailed and organized business plan that explains your overall vision, goals, and the problem your crypto product will solve.

Investors need to see exactly why your project is worth their time and money. Include key details like your target audience, revenue stream, and how you’ll use blockchain technology.

When planning your early stage startup funding, be sure to focus on the specifics of how the funds will push your project forward.

Show a clear timeline for your milestones and fundraising goals. Avoid being vague; investors want specifics and a solid strategy.

Make sure your plan also addresses potential risks and how you plan to overcome them.

A strong, clear business plan will serve as the foundation for convincing others to back your crypto startup.

2. Research Your Funding Options

You have multiple ways to get funding, so research them thoroughly to see which ones fit your startup’s needs.

Venture capital firms, seed investors, and crowdfunding platforms are popular for crypto startup funding, but they all come with different requirements.

If you’re wondering how to get seed funding for a startup, consider targeting investors who are actively funding projects at the concept or prototype stages.

Some startups even choose to launch an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) or token sale to raise funds.

Look for firms or individuals who have experience investing in blockchain projects. Knowing your options lets you approach the right people with confidence.

Be ready to adapt your pitch depending on who you’re talking to. Finding the right funding source can save your startup time and energy.

3. Build a Strong Team

Before seeking crypto startup funding, build a reliable and experienced team that can make your vision a reality.

Venture capitalists and angel investors want to know that you and your team can execute your business plan.

Highlight key members who bring technical expertise, industry experience, or a proven track record in launching businesses.

Strong teams are often a major focus for those providing startup venture funding as they demonstrate the capability to turn an idea into reality.

Even if you have the best blockchain idea, no one will invest if your team lacks the skills to implement it.

Look for co-founders or advisors who can add credibility to your startup.

Also, be transparent about your roles and how decisions will be made within the team. A capable team reassures investors that their money is in good hands.

4. Create a Prototype or MVP

Instead of just sharing ideas, create a prototype or a minimum viable product (MVP) to demonstrate your project.

This gives investors something tangible to evaluate and shows that you’re serious about delivering results.

Your MVP doesn’t need to be perfect but should illustrate how your product works and addresses users’ needs.

For example, when exploring types of startup funding, investors are often more inclined to support startups that show real progress with a working prototype.

Whether it’s a crypto wallet app or a decentralized platform, having a working model makes a big difference.

Investors are more likely to fund startups that have already started making progress.

Highlight any feedback you’ve gotten from early users to show demand for your product. A prototype builds trust and strengthens your case for funding.

5. Study Your Market

Understanding the crypto market and your competition is essential when seeking crypto startup funding.

Investors will want proof that you’ve done your homework and identified your niche. Show how your startup fills a gap in the market or improves on existing solutions.

Share insights on how to get funding for your startup by demonstrating market opportunities and the potential demand for your product or service.

Provide data on market size, user behavior, and trends that support the need for your product.

A deep understanding of the industry also helps you answer critical questions during pitch meetings.

Think about your pricing, customer acquisition strategy, and how you’ll maintain an edge over competitors.

Showing that you’re prepared sets you apart from startups that don’t know their market well.

6. Build a Pitch Deck

Prepare a professional pitch deck that outlines the most vital aspects of your business.

Your pitch deck is a visual summary of your crypto startup and its funding needs.

Use it to highlight details like your mission, market opportunity, team, product, traction, and financial projections.

Keep it clear and concise; aim for 10-15 slides max. Focus on telling a story that connects with your audience and shows why your project matters.

Anticipate the questions potential investors will ask and address them in your slides.

A polished, engaging pitch deck can leave a lasting impression and increase your chances of getting funded.

7. Network and Build Relationships

Funding doesn’t just come from cold pitches; you often need to build connections before making an ask.

Attend crypto conferences, blockchain events, and startup meetups to grow your network.

Join online forums or LinkedIn groups to find others who might be interested in your project.

Building relationships before pitching helps you gain insights into what investors are looking for.

People who know and trust you are more likely to recommend or invest in your project.

Don’t hesitate to ask for advice or feedback, and always follow up after meetings. Networking is often the first step toward securing crypto startup funding.

8. Focus on Transparency

Crypto investors are often cautious due to scams in the blockchain industry, so transparency is key.

Be upfront about your goals, milestones, and how you’ll use the money you raise. Share progress updates, budgets, and timelines with your potential investors.

Make sure your tokenomics, if applicable, are clearly communicated and reasonable.

Being honest about the challenges your startup might face will also show your integrity.

Investors want to see that you’re responsible and realistic, not overpromising. If you build trust from the start, it’ll be easier to get the support you need.

9. Gain Legal and Regulatory Clarity

Crypto startups operate in a highly regulated space, so it’s crucial to ensure compliance with laws in your target areas.

Research the legal requirements for your business, including any licensing or registrations.

Hire a legal expert who understands cryptocurrency to help you avoid future risks.

Being proactive about regulations shows investors that you’re running a legitimate operation.

Projects that overlook compliance will have a hard time raising funds, no matter how promising they seem.

Make sure to disclose any legal hurdles you face and how you’re working to address them. Legal clarity protects both your startup and your investors.

10. Show Traction and Results

Finally, focus on showing progress and results to strengthen your pitch for crypto startup funding.

Whether it’s initial sales, growing user interest, or successful partnerships, share data that proves your startup is gaining momentum.

If you’ve achieved any milestones, explain how they bring you closer to your end goal.

Even small wins can make a big impact when you’re pitching to investors.

Demonstrating traction shows that you’re not just planning but actively moving forward.

It also helps convince investors that their money will accelerate a project that’s already gaining ground.

The more evidence you gather, the more confident investors will feel.

How Do I Create A Pitch Deck That Appeals To Investors?

To create a pitch deck that grabs investors’ attention and increases your chances of securing crypto startup funding, start by crafting a clear and compelling story about your business and how it solves a specific problem.

Make sure your deck opens with a strong hook, like a powerful statistic or an intriguing statement, to instantly pique interest and highlight the value of your crypto startup.

Break down your business model in simple terms, showing exactly how you plan to make money, scale, and stand out in the competitive crypto space.

Use visuals like charts and infographics to illustrate key points, such as market size, growth potential, and the opportunity within crypto startup funding, making the information easy to understand and remember.

Dedicate a slide to your team where you emphasize their experience, skills, and how they contribute to the success of your business.

End the deck with a clear funding ask, explaining how the investment will be used to achieve specific milestones and generate returns.

Finally, keep the design professional yet simple to ensure the focus remains on your message, and practice delivering your deck confidently to leave a lasting impression on investors.

What Types Of Investors Are Best Suited For Crypto Startups?

1. Angel Investors

Angel investors can be a powerful source of crypto startup funding, especially in the early days.

These individuals use their personal money to support innovative startups with big ideas.

Many angel investors are tech-savvy and familiar with the blockchain industry, which makes them more likely to believe in your vision.

Aside from providing much-needed capital, they often act as mentors, guiding young businesses in the right direction.

Their extensive professional networks can open doors for partnerships and future investments.

Angel investors are generally willing to take risks on ideas that traditional investors might overlook.

If you want personalized support and someone who truly believes in your potential, this type of funding could be a perfect fit.

2. Venture Capital Firms

If your company is growing fast and needs substantial crypto startup funding to scale, venture capital (VC) firms could be the right match.

These firms pool large amounts of money to invest in startups that show promise in their markets.

They can invest millions, which is ideal for expanding operations or entering new markets.

VCs often have experience working within the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, so they can offer strategic advice tailored to your niche.

On the flip side, they may ask for equity and some control over your business operations, which not all founders are comfortable with.

However, their resources and industry connections could be game-changing for scaling your startup.

If you’re ready to expand quickly, approaching a VC firm could be your next move.

3. Crypto-Specific Funds

Crypto-specific funds focus entirely on blockchain and cryptocurrency ventures, making them ideal partners for crypto startup funding.

These funds are deeply knowledgeable about the challenges and opportunities unique to the crypto space.

Unlike traditional investment firms, they understand tokenomics, smart contracts, and other technical aspects.

Because of their expertise, they can provide more than money; they can also offer guidance on navigating regulations and securing partnerships.

Often, they’ll seek a mix of tokens and equity, reflecting their understanding of how blockchain businesses operate.

They are highly focused on innovation and are more likely to support bold, decentralized ideas.

If you want targeted advice and funding, crypto-specific funds should be on your radar.

4. Private Equity Investors

Private equity firms are another excellent source of crypto startup funding, especially for businesses that are already somewhat established.

These investors are often looking for companies that have a proven product but need capital to grow further.

They bring a more structured approach and can offer large sums, which is particularly helpful for scaling operations.

Private equity investors also often have international connections to help your startup expand to global markets.

However, they typically set high financial expectations and require detailed business plans, which might not suit everyone.

They also tend to invest for the long haul, giving your business more stability over time.

If you’re confident about your business model and need significant funding, private equity could be the right fit.

5. Crowdfunding Platforms

For startups looking to gather community support, crowdfunding can be a fantastic way to secure crypto startup funding.

Crowdfunding allows you to pitch your idea directly to the public, often through platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo.

This method doesn’t just bring in funds; it creates awareness and builds a loyal audience of early adopters.

Backers of crowdfunding campaigns are often passionate about the projects they support, which can lead to strong word-of-mouth promotion.

Unlike traditional funding methods, you don’t need to give up equity or token shares, keeping you in full control of your business.

However, crowdfunding requires excellent storytelling and marketing to succeed.

If you have a community-focused project, crowdfunding could be your best route for both money and visibility.

6. Family Offices

Family offices are private entities that manage wealth for high-net-worth individuals or families.

Emerging as a strong option for crypto startup funding, family offices are increasingly dipping their toes into blockchain investments.

They often have fewer formalities compared to banks or VC firms, allowing for a faster investment process.

While some family offices may not specialize in crypto themselves, they frequently hire advisors to explore new opportunities in blockchain.

They typically provide long-term funding, which can be helpful if your business plans require time to mature.

These investors often take a personalized approach, working closely with startups to help them grow.

If you can align your goals with theirs, family offices might offer the perfect mix of funding and flexibility.

7. Corporate Venture Arms

Corporate venture arms are investment entities created by large tech companies to fund innovative startups.

They represent a strong option for crypto startup funding if your business idea complements the investor’s industry goals.

For example, a financial services firm may back a blockchain payment system that aligns with its operations.

These investors don’t just offer capital; they also provide resources like infrastructure, technology, and valuable market connections.

However, corporate investments may come with specific terms, such as exclusivity agreements, which could limit your future opportunities.

The process to secure their funding can also be longer due to corporate bureaucracy.

If you can strike the right balance, they can be a significant asset for your business.

8. Incubators and Accelerators

For startups in their very early stages, incubators and accelerators are some of the best options for crypto startup funding.

These programs provide not only financial support but also mentorship, training, and access to business resources.

Many leading accelerators are backed by seasoned investors with experience in cryptocurrency and blockchain, giving you a head start in your industry.

Startups that join accelerator programs often gain access to a valuable network of peers and potential investors.

Some even specialize in crypto-focused businesses, ensuring the guidance you receive is perfectly tailored.

The main trade-off is that they may ask for a small amount of equity in your startup.

However, if you’re new to the scene and need expertise and a supportive community, accelerators can provide a solid foundation.

9. High-Net-Worth Individuals

High-net-worth individuals, sometimes called “whales” in the crypto community, are becoming a common source of crypto startup funding.

These individuals have substantial financial resources and are often eager to invest in high-risk, high-reward ventures like cryptocurrency projects.

Unlike VC firms, they tend to give startups more freedom in their operations while still providing significant funding.

Many of these investors are crypto enthusiasts themselves, which means they might already understand your business model.

Because they are private individuals, the process of securing funding is often less formal and faster.

On the other hand, finding this type of investor can take some time and networking.

If you find the right person, their backing could take your startup to the next level.

10. Token Investors

Token investors buy your project’s tokens instead of taking equity, which makes them unique in the world of crypto startup funding.

These investors are usually well-versed in blockchain technology and actively participate in the crypto ecosystem.

By investing in tokens, they believe in the utility or future value of your offering. Token investors often spread the word about your project, acting as both funders and advocates.

While this form of funding provides immediate capital, it might not offer the long-term stability that traditional equity investors bring.

However, if your business model relies on an active token economy, these investors could be a perfect fit.

They’re a great option for startups launching an innovative cryptocurrency or decentralized application.

How Can New Startups Help My Business?

New Startups is designed to help your business grow by connecting you with the tools, resources, and guidance you need to succeed.

Whether you’re looking to secure crypto startup funding or improve your marketing strategies, the platform offers valuable information tailored to the unique challenges of new businesses.

By providing access to funding opportunities, expert advice, and practical solutions, New Startups makes it easier for you to turn ideas into profit.

If making sales is a challenge, the platform equips you with proven techniques to reach your target audience and close more deals.

For startups exploring crypto startup funding, it even highlights opportunities to help fund innovative projects in this growing market.

Furthermore, their team continually updates information to keep you ahead of industry trends and help you make smarter decisions.

With step-by-step guides, practical tips, and tailored resources, the site ensures you have the support to tackle everyday challenges.

Choosing New Startups means opening the door to a better chance at growing your business and achieving real success.

Conclusion

Crypto startup funding plays a critical role in turning great ideas into successful businesses, helping you bring your vision to life.

Finding the right funding can be a challenge, but with determination and the right approach, your crypto startup can secure the resources it needs to grow.

Start by building a clear business plan that shows investors why your project matters and how it can succeed.

It’s also important to connect with investors who understand the unique potential of blockchain and cryptocurrency.

Whether through venture capital, crowdfunding, or private backers, there are many paths to secure funding for your crypto startup.

Partnering with platforms and communities that cater to startups can open doors to valuable networks and guidance.

New Startups is here to guide you through this process with tools, resources, and insights that simplify your funding search.

By connecting you with experts and opportunities, we help your startup find the support it needs to thrive and make an impact.