She Backed Bitcoin Early. Now She’s Betting on What’s Next | Ep 228 with Laura K. Inamedinova Chief Ecosystem Officer at Gate.io

Laura Inamedinova, one of the most influential women in Web3. From her accidental entry into Bitcoin during college to leading investments at Gate Ventures, Laura shares unfiltered insights into crypto, venture capital, and what most founders get wrong when pitching investors.

Key Discussion Points:

• How Laura’s curiosity in college led to early Bitcoin investments

• Why being early in an immature industry gave her an unfair advantage

• The biggest mistakes crypto founders make when raising capital

• How VCs actually think—and what they look for in a pitch

• Why personal brand is both a superpower and a liability in VC

• The tension between real utility and hype in token-based projects

• How to pitch in 5 sentences or less and actually get a callback

Takeaways:

• Entering an immature industry can fast-track your expertise—if you're willing to take risks.

• Most founders pitch dreams. Investors want clear paths to 10x returns.

• “Being cheaper or faster isn’t a competitive edge. It’s just noise.”

• Want funding? Don’t tell your life story. Share your token model, GTM plan, and why your cap table matters.

Closing Thoughts:
Laura leaves us with a reminder: if you're serious about raising from top crypto VCs, do your homework and respect their time. The best pitches are clear, specific, and relentlessly focused on how everyone wins.