18 INDUSTRY VETS SHARE TIPS FOR LAUNCHING A CRYPTO STARTUP IN A BEAR MARKET

Last updated: June 19, 2025, 21:02 | Written by: Fred Ehrsam

So, you're thinking about launching a crypto startup, huh?Brave soul! News that are related to the article cointelegraph.com: 18 industry vets share tips for launching a crypto startup in a bear market from papers and blogs.In the exhilarating, yet often turbulent world of cryptocurrencies, timing is everything.And let's be honest, a bear market – that chilling period of sustained price decline – might seem like the absolute worst time to jump in.Headlines scream doom and gloom, investors tighten their purse strings, and the overall sentiment can feel, well, bearish.But don't let the negativity deter you. Launching a startup in any industry is hard. Launching during a bear market is even harder. Launching a startup in a bear market in a relatively new industry like crypto which many investors don't fully understand and which has had its share of recent negative headlines brings a whole additional slate of challenges.Launching a crypto startup in a bear market, while undoubtedly challenging, isn't an insurmountable barrier. Launching a crypto startup can be challenging at any time, but in a bear market it can be extra daunting. I shared my tips with Cointelegraph on how to succeed during these volatile timesIn fact, it can be an incredible opportunity. Launching a startup in any industry is hard. Launching during a bear market is even harder. Launching a startup in a bear market in a relatively new industry like crypto which many investors don t fully understand and which has had its share of recent negative headlines brings a whole additional slate of challenges.To help you navigate this tricky terrain, we've gathered insights from 18 seasoned industry veterans – members of the Cointelegraph Innovation Circle, many of whom are startup founders themselves.These market watchers have seen it all and are ready to share their tested tips for building a successful crypto company even amidst volatility.Get ready to learn how to build lean, focus on real-world solutions, and prioritize utility as you prepare to weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.

Understanding the Unique Challenges of a Crypto Bear Market

Launching any startup is a Herculean task. 18 industry vets share tips for launching a crypto startup in a bear market News crypto Bitcoin newsBut launching a crypto startup during a bear market adds layers of complexity.Unlike more established industries, the crypto space is still relatively new and often misunderstood.This lack of understanding, coupled with negative headlines surrounding collapses and scams, can make attracting investment and building trust significantly harder. A bear market may not be the best of times for a crypto startup, but it s not an insurmountable barrier, either. Read the advice I gave Cointelegraph for those brave enough to start their journey during these challenging market conditions! 💪 🐻It's crucial to be aware of these hurdles and proactively address them.

Skeptical Investors: Investors are more risk-averse during bear markets, scrutinizing projects more intensely.
Reduced Funding: Venture capital dries up, making fundraising a significant challenge.
Negative Sentiment: Widespread fear and uncertainty can hinder adoption and user growth.
Increased Competition: As weaker projects fail, the remaining ones must fight harder for attention and resources.

Focusing on Real-World Problems and Utility: The Key to Survival

One of the most consistent pieces of advice from our panel of experts is to focus relentlessly on solving real-world problems and providing genuine utility.Forget the hype and speculation that often dominate bull markets; bear markets demand substance. A bear market may not be the best of times for a crypto startup, but it's not an insurmountable barrier, either.Continue reading 18 industry vets share tips for launching a crypto staThis means building a product or service that addresses a clear need and offers tangible value to users.

For example, instead of launching another meme coin, consider building a decentralized application (dApp) that streamlines supply chain management, enhances secure data storage, or simplifies cross-border payments. A bear market may not be the best of times for a crypto startup, but it's not an insurmountable barrier, either.By focusing on practical applications, you can attract users who are genuinely interested in the benefits of your technology, rather than just looking for a quick profit.

Examples of Crypto Startups Solving Real-World Problems

Supply Chain Management: Platforms using blockchain to track goods from origin to consumer, increasing transparency and reducing fraud.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Lending and borrowing platforms that offer more accessible and efficient financial services.
Identity Management: Solutions that allow users to control their digital identities and protect their personal data.

Building Lean and Efficient Operations

In a bear market, cash is king.Prioritizing efficiency and building a lean organization is critical for survival.This means minimizing unnecessary expenses, focusing on core functionalities, and optimizing your team's productivity.

Reduce Overhead: Consider remote work, shared office spaces, and outsourcing non-core functions.
Prioritize Features: Focus on developing the essential features that deliver the most value to your users.
Optimize Marketing Spend: Use data-driven strategies to target your marketing efforts and maximize ROI.

Think like a bootstrapped startup, even if you have some initial funding. I am pleased to share my views on the fundraising environment for Cointelegraph today alongside other Web3 industry veterans 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙖Conserve your resources and be prepared to weather a prolonged period of market downturn. ""Building lean"" is not just about cutting costs; it's about making smart, strategic decisions that maximize your impact with limited resources.

The Importance of Community and Transparency

Building a strong community is essential for any crypto project, but it's especially crucial during a bear market. Many of the members of Cointelegraph Innovation Circle are startup founders themselves, and all are longtime industry veterans and market watchers. Here, 18 of them share their tested tips for crypto companies starting out during these volatile times.A loyal and engaged community can provide valuable feedback, support your project through tough times, and act as brand ambassadors.

Transparency is equally important.Be open and honest about your progress, challenges, and plans.Regularly communicate with your community through blog posts, social media updates, and AMAs (Ask Me Anything) sessions. A bear market may not be the best of times for a crypto startup, but it s not an insurmountable barrier, either. Continue reading 18 Cookie Policy 44 (0) 203 8794 460 Free Membership LoginBuilding trust and fostering a sense of ownership among your community members can be a powerful asset.

How to Build a Strong Crypto Community

Engage on Social Media: Actively participate in relevant conversations on platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and Discord.
Create a Forum: Provide a dedicated space for your community to discuss your project and share ideas.
Host Events: Organize online and offline events to connect with your community members in person.
Reward Loyalty: Recognize and reward your most active community members with exclusive content, early access, or other perks.

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape

The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies is constantly evolving. Launching a startup in any industry is hard. Launching during a bear market is even harder. Launching a startup inStaying informed about the latest developments and ensuring compliance is crucial for the long-term success of your startup. Joining a few thoughtleaders from Cointelegraph Innovation Circle to share ideas on launching a startup in the bearmarket web3 innovationThis can be a complex and time-consuming task, so consider seeking legal advice from experts in the field.

Ignoring regulations can have severe consequences, including fines, legal action, and even the shutdown of your project.While the exact rules vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, some common areas of concern include:

Securities Laws: Determining whether your token or product qualifies as a security.
Money Laundering (AML) Regulations: Implementing procedures to prevent illicit activities.
Data Privacy Laws: Protecting user data and complying with regulations like GDPR.

Fundraising Strategies for a Crypto Bear Market

Securing funding in a bear market requires a different approach than during a bull run. A bear market may not be the best of times for a crypto startup, but it s not an insurmountable barrier, either.Investors are more cautious and selective, so you need to be prepared to demonstrate a strong business plan, a clear value proposition, and a sustainable revenue model.

Alternative Funding Options

Traditional venture capital may be harder to come by, so explore alternative funding options such as:

Angel Investors: Individuals with high net worth who are willing to invest in early-stage startups.
Grants: Government or non-profit organizations that provide funding for innovative projects.
Incubators and Accelerators: Programs that provide mentorship, resources, and sometimes funding to help startups grow.
Initial DEX Offerings (IDOs): Launching your token on a decentralized exchange to raise capital from the public.

Remember to focus on building relationships with potential investors and clearly articulating your vision. Thinking of launching a crypto startup in a bear market? Wise industry vets say: focus on solving real-world problems and prioritize utility. Build lean and be prepared for the longBe prepared to answer tough questions and demonstrate your commitment to building a sustainable business.

Building a Strong Team and Culture

A strong team is the backbone of any successful startup, especially in a challenging environment like a crypto bear market. July Turned the Stock Market Upside Down. Will JAttract and retain talented individuals who are passionate about your vision and committed to working hard. Launching during a bear market is even harder. Launching a startup in a bear market in a relatively new industry like crypto which many investors dont fully understand and which has had its share of recent negative headlines brings a whole additional slate of challenges. But as many industry pioneers have proven, its not impossible, as long asBuilding a positive and supportive company culture is also crucial for maintaining morale and productivity during tough times.

Consider these strategies:

Offer Competitive Compensation: Attract top talent by offering fair salaries and benefits.
Provide Equity: Give employees a stake in the company's success through equity options.
Foster a Collaborative Environment: Encourage open communication, teamwork, and knowledge sharing.
Promote Work-Life Balance: Recognize the importance of employee well-being and offer flexible work arrangements.

The Long-Term Perspective: Why Bear Markets Can Be Beneficial

While bear markets can be painful in the short term, they can also be incredibly beneficial for the long-term health of the crypto industry.They weed out unsustainable projects, reduce speculation, and force companies to focus on building real value.

Think of it as a cleansing process.The projects that survive and thrive during a bear market are the ones that have solid fundamentals, a strong team, and a genuine commitment to solving real-world problems.These are the projects that are most likely to succeed in the long run.

Advantages of Launching During a Bear Market

Less Competition: Fewer new projects launching, giving you a better chance to stand out.
More Affordable Talent: Easier to attract top talent at reasonable salaries.
Stronger Community: Bear markets often forge stronger bonds within communities as people rally together.
Opportunity for Strategic Acquisitions: Potential to acquire struggling competitors or valuable assets at discounted prices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Navigating a crypto bear market is tricky, and it's easy to make mistakes.Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Overspending: Burning through your cash reserves too quickly.
Ignoring User Feedback: Failing to listen to your community and adapt your product accordingly.
Chasing Hype: Getting distracted by the latest trends and losing focus on your core value proposition.
Giving Up Too Soon: Losing faith and abandoning your project before it has a chance to succeed.

Key Takeaways: Building a Successful Crypto Startup in a Bear Market

Launching a crypto startup in a bear market is not for the faint of heart. A bear market may not be the best of times for a crypto startup, but it s not an insurmountable barrier, either. Launching a startup in any industry is hard. Launching during a bear market is even harder. Launching a startup in a bear market in a relatively new industry like crypto which many investors don t [ ]It requires resilience, adaptability, and a laser focus on building real value.Here's a recap of the key takeaways from our panel of industry veterans:

Solve Real-World Problems: Focus on building products and services that address clear needs and offer tangible utility.
Build Lean and Efficiently: Conserve your resources and prioritize core functionalities.
Build a Strong Community: Engage with your users, foster transparency, and reward loyalty.
Stay Informed About Regulations: Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Be Patient and Persistent: The crypto market is cyclical, and bear markets don't last forever.

Ultimately, the success of your crypto startup will depend on your ability to adapt to the changing market conditions, build a strong team, and stay true to your vision. Menu. Home; Bitcoin Chart; Cryptocurrency News; Live PricesEmbrace the challenges, learn from your mistakes, and never give up on your dream. Market Derivatives Exchanges 18 industry vets share tips for launching a crypto startup in a bear market Copy Link. Cointelegraph Subscribe.The future of crypto is still being written, and you have the opportunity to be a part of it. Many of the members of Cointelegraph Innovation Circle are startup founders themselves, and all are longtime industry veterans and market watchers. Here, 18 of them share their testedSo, take a deep breath, buckle up, and get ready for the ride.

Conclusion: The Future of Crypto is Built in Bear Markets

While the prospect of launching a crypto startup in a bear market can seem daunting, remember that periods of downturn often pave the way for innovation and long-term growth.By heeding the advice of these 18 industry veterans – focusing on solving real-world problems, building lean operations, fostering strong communities, and navigating the regulatory landscape – you can position your startup for success, even amidst market volatility. Launching a startup in a bear market in a relatively new industry like crypto which many investors don t fully understand and which has had its share of recent negative headlines brings a whole additional slate of challenges.The foundations of the next wave of groundbreaking crypto projects are often laid during these challenging times.So, don't be discouraged by the current market conditions. A bear market may not be the best of times for a crypto startup, but it s not an insurmountable barrier, 18 industry vets share tips for launching a crypto startup in a bear market - XBT.Market Market Cap: $2,786,037,318,736.45Instead, embrace the opportunity to build something truly valuable that will withstand the test of time. A bear market may not be the best of times for a crypto startup, but it s not an insurmountable barrier, either. 18 industry vets share tips for launching a crypto startup in a bear marketRemember, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.The second best time is now. 18 industry vets share tips for launching a crypto startup in a bear marketGood luck, and may your journey in the crypto space be filled with innovation, resilience, and ultimately, success.