Capitalizing on the Social Graph: Fundraising in Web3 Social

This course examines the evolving investment landscape of decentralized social media, known as Web3 social. It explores the transition from centralized platforms that control user data to decentralized protocols that enable user-owned identity and social graph portability. Investors are shifting capital toward this ownership economy, recognizing that digital identity infrastructure represents a significant shift in value from application layers to protocol layers. The curriculum analyzes the strategic motivations of major venture capital firms and evaluates high-profile funding rounds in projects like Farcaster and Lens Protocol. Participants will learn why the decentralization of social data is viewed as a critical infrastructure bet rather than just a niche alternative to existing social networks. The course also details the specific financial mechanisms used to fund these ventures, such as the use of Simple Agreements for Future Tokens (SAFTs) alongside traditional equity. It covers the complexities of tokenomics, where developers must balance venture returns with community incentives through airdrops and liquidity mining. Beyond fundraising mechanics, the curriculum addresses the regulatory challenges surrounding tokens and securities law. It explores the unique exit horizons in the crypto sector, such as the concept of 'Exit to Community,' and assesses long-term monetization strategies including micro-subscriptions and protocol fees. By the end of the series, listeners will understand the hurdles of scaling decentralized platforms and the future of SocialFi as a self-sustaining economic model.