Web3 VC Insights: Ethereum, DeFi, AI, and Blockchain Innovations with Hack VC

Join us as Alex, Partner at Hack VC, dives deep into the world of Web3 venture capital, sharing insights on how early investments in blockchain, AI, and DeFi are shaping the future of on-chain innovation. In this episode of the Building Web3 podcast, Alex provides an in-depth look at Hack VC’s investment strategy, why they focus on infrastructure, and how they identify opportunities before categories like DeFi, modular blockchains, and AI even have names. Learn how Hack VC stays on the cutting edge, what sets them apart, and how they leverage their unique thesis-driven approach to build a thriving portfolio.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hack VC
02:23 Understanding Venture Capital in Web3
05:32 Current State of Web3 Venture Funding
08:55 Trends in VC Funding and Investment Themes
12:24 The Intersection of Crypto and AI
14:55 Investing Early in Layer 1s and Layer 2s
17:03 Exploring DeFi and Stablecoins
21:55 Challenges for Founders in Web3
25:12 Tokenization of Everything: Unlocking New Potential
28:11 How Hack VC Supports Startup Growth
32:01 Predictions for Web3 Funding in 2025
34:15 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts from Alex

Alex also discusses the evolution of Ethereum’s modular blockchain infrastructure, comparing its growth to AWS, and why this decision continues to impact Ethereum’s dominance. As Web3 funding rebounds in 2025, Hack VC predicts a surge in innovation, particularly at the intersection of crypto and AI, which they believe will be the largest sector for venture investments this year. Get a behind-the-scenes view of how Hack VC backs groundbreaking startups and why their conviction in infrastructure—across L1s, L2s, DeFi, and real-world assets—drives value creation.

Discover Alex’s perspective on the challenges startups face when launching in the Web3 space, including go-to-market struggles and talent acquisition. He shares actionable advice on how Hack VC’s initiatives, like Hack Summit and Hack Labs, provide early-stage founders with tools to grow their projects and bootstrap network effects. For aspiring builders, Alex highlights startup opportunities in emerging sectors like tokenization, modular infrastructure, and the rise of AI agents.

Highlights:

How Hack VC identifies emerging trends before they become mainstream.
The impact of stablecoins and DeFi as core Web3 product-market fits.
A framework for startups exploring AI and crypto-driven innovations.

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Disclaimer: Nothing said on Building Web3 is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Jax, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

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Need technical content? Book a free strategy session with our team at https://jaxdwyer.com/