E61: How to Tell If a Crypto VC Will Actually Help You Build

SummaryMike Chan from Deep Ventures joins the ATX DAO Podcast to talk about what makes a crypto VC actually useful to founders, especially in a post-bull market. Drawing from his own path as a Web2 founder and early Web3 operator, Mike shares why empathy, context, and hard-won experience matter more than ever in venture. He explains how Deep Ventures evolved from a syndicate to a fund, what changes in a bear market, and how founders can spot the difference between strategic capital and dead weight on the cap table.This episode is packed with sharp, candid insights for anyone building in Web3. Whether you’re fundraising now or planning to in the future, Mike breaks down what good support really looks like, from writing real deal memos to offering founder-first guidance beyond the check. If you’re tired of surface-level VC talk and want a grounded look at crypto capital today, this one’s worth a listen.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:47 The Journey of a Web2 to Web3 Founder07:07 Career Path and Regrets15:28 Navigating Market Cycles24:30 The Future of Mergers and Acquisitions in Crypto33:21 Timing the Market and Team Dynamics38:30 The Importance of Community and Long-Term Vision44:33 Finding Diamonds in the Rough52:02 Sub-Theses for Investment in CryptoConnect with Mike and Deep Ventures:X (Twitter): ⁠⁠@mikewchan | @DeepVenturesVCWebsite: https://deepventures.ioCheck out our friends at Tequila 512:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tequila512.com⁠⁠Socials: ⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠To learn more about ATX DAO:Check out the ⁠ATX DAO ⁠websiteFollow ⁠@ATXDAO⁠ on X (Twitter)Subscribe to our newsletterConnect with us on ⁠LinkedIn⁠Join the community in the ⁠ATX DAO Discord⁠Connect with the ATX DAO Podcast team on X (Twitter):Ash:  ⁠@ashinthewild⁠Luke: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Luke152⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with your network.Subscribe for more insights, interviews, and deep dives into the world of Web 3.