Adam Delehanty (adam-xyz)

Crypto was more fun when it was about tearing down the establishment not bowing to the emperor

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Interesting tactic: when introducing yourself, offload self-promotion to a friend. A few weeks ago, a friend called me his "storytelling doula." It was 28% cringe, but I also kind of loved it. I help clients birth their ideas into language that helps them grow their business. There's a lot of breathing, some moments of panic, and occasionally someone screams. Introducing yourself -- especially verbally -- can be a mess. We get trapped in boring patterns, garble our words, downplay our magic. We overcomplicate trying to sound impressive, or shrink ourselves out of fear. But when a friend describes what you do? They have no stake. No anxiety about sounding too full of themselves. Their words carry none of our baggage. Next time someone asks what you do, borrow a friend's words. They probably see you more clearly.

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I think so many problems in crypto stem from the idea that people treat VCs like they're Gods, but they’re just Middlemen. Shuttling capital between lazy HNW boomers and based 20-somethings who just need a shot. Deploying capital is many things, but it is not the Lord’s work. Still, somewhere along the way, people started acting like VCs were the main characters. Like funding rounds were the real milestones. Like writing a check was the hard part, not staying up all night trying to make something that actually works. The problem with worshipping VCs is that it turns capital into the story rather than the fuel. It creates a world where everyone wants to be an investor and no one wants to be a founder. Where risk gets replaced by optimization, and the best and brightest aren’t building—they’re managing portfolios and clout-chasing on Twitter. The people who deserve clout are making something brand new. Capital follows conviction... but conviction starts with founders.

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too many projects in crypto are the equivalent of basic, flimsy, temporary shelters. iron roof, loud in the rain. no insulation. built to last a year, then the tribe moves on. crypto needs fewer shacks, and more cathedrals. who on earth will build the cathedral.

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