Venture Capital in the Rise of Crypto Economy: Problems and Prospects

Abstract

The rise of the crypto economy brings promises and perils to the venture capital industry. Distributed ledger technologies offer new investment opportunities to venture capitalists (VCs). Traditional VCs are gradually diversifying their portfolios to invest in crypto-assets and blockchain technology projects, as well as launching crypto-centric funds. Simultaneously, venture capital funds are developing various hybrid financing models to adopt and imitate the fundraising mechanism of initial coin offerings. However, the polymorphous and evolving features of crypto-assets also introduce new risks to the venture capital market. The paper therefore examines the emerging models in the venture capital crypto landscape, identifies the new risks, and examines the current regulatory and contractual solutions. The paper also proposes recommendations for the venture capital crypto landscape going forward, including heightened regulations on crypto-centric funds and fund managers.