[craze3]

I would look into getting a head start by leveraging one of the existing blockchain companies that's looking for developers to build on their platform. Usually they are very happy to promote your project(s) on their social media, and/or offer you seed/bridge funding if you can create a compelling MVP. I would also urge you to look for the blockchain companies that are hosting hackathons, since that means they have money to blow on attracting developers. I know all this since I'm in the same boat as you :) Good luck!

[woah]

This is an amusing truth in the industry. The VC's have given much of their money to "layer 1" blockchain projects that are supposed to have lots of application projects building on them.

But VC's aren't investing as much in application projects, since there often isn't a clear path to profitability with a decentralized application. A big reason for this is that the layer 1 blockchain will capture most of the value of the applications running on it (for a real life example of this, see Uniswap on Ethereum).

At the same time, the success of a layer 1 blockchain is judged by how many applications it has. So maybe one could argue that applications are valued more highly by VCs for enhancing the appearance of success of layer 1 blockchains than for their own sake.

This leads to the situation you portray, where it's sometimes easiest for a founder to get investment money from VCs that has first passed through the hands of a layer 1 project.

[rl3]

Blockchain isn't required for an MVP, so I am fortunate in that regard.

You know, it's funny to watch Silicon Valley years ago and laugh at the "new internet" part. Then realize shit, I've actually become this person now. :)

Appreciate the advice and kind words, best of luck to you as well!