Hey there, meme token enthusiasts and blockchain dreamers! If you’ve ever wondered how to snag those elusive investors for your startup, you’re in for a treat. A recent tweet from Mert from Helius.dev dropped a gem of wisdom that’s got everyone talking. As a former editor-in-chief of CoinDesk now at Meme Insider, I’m diving into this advice to break it down for you in a way that’s easy to digest and packed with value.

The Golden Rule: Get Users First, Then Investors

Mert’s advice is straightforward: stop chasing investors right out of the gate and focus on building a user base instead. His tweet says, “I get a thousand questions of the form: ‘how do I get investors for my company?’ the simple answer is: get users first, then simply tell investors you have users.” It’s a refreshing take in a world where many startups think funding is the magic bullet. But why does this work?

Think of it like throwing a party. You wouldn’t invite guests before setting up the food and music, right? Investors are like those guests—they want to see a lively crowd (your users) enjoying what you’ve built. Having users proves your idea has legs, and that’s what gets investors excited. Mert doubles down on this in a follow-up tweet, saying the real challenge isn’t funding—it’s creating something people actually want.

Why Users Matter More Than a Pitch Deck

So, how do you get those users? Mert’s follow-up advice is just as practical: “make something ppl want and get it in front of them.” This is where the rubber meets the road for blockchain startups, especially in the meme token space. Whether it’s a quirky token like Dogecoin or a utility-driven project, the key is to solve a problem or spark joy for your audience. Then, use platforms like Twitter, Discord, or even TikTok to showcase it.

The beauty of this approach is that it flips the script. Instead of begging for money with a fancy pitch deck, you’re showing real traction. Investors love data—user numbers, engagement rates, and retention metrics. As one web article from Copper Digital puts it, “A strong user base will define the strength and longevity of your product.” That’s your ticket to credibility.

The Counterargument: What About Big Raises Without Users?

Of course, not everyone agrees with Mert. Some X users pointed out examples like SUI, ZKSYNC, and Filecoin, which raised hundreds of millions without a user base. This is true—some projects leverage innovative tech or hype to attract early funding. But here’s the catch: those are exceptions, not the rule. Most startups without users struggle to justify their valuations later. Mert’s strategy is about building a sustainable foundation, which is especially crucial in the volatile world of meme tokens and blockchain.

Practical Steps to Get Started

Ready to put this into action? Here’s a quick roadmap:

• Identify Your Audience: Who’s going to love your meme token or blockchain idea? Gamers? Crypto enthusiasts? Nail this down.
• Build Something Simple: Start with a minimum viable product (MVP). For example, a meme token with a fun community feature.
• Spread the Word: Use social media and meme culture to get it in front of people. Partner with influencers or launch on platforms like PumpFun, as one user suggested.
• Show the Results: Once you’ve got users, share those numbers with investors. Even 1,000 engaged users can open doors.

Meme Token Angle: A Perfect Fit

At Meme Insider, we see this advice aligning perfectly with the meme token ecosystem. Tokens like Shiba Inu grew because they built communities first, not because of early investor cash. If you’re launching a new meme token, focus on creating a viral hook—maybe a funny mascot or a gamified staking mechanism—and let the users drive the buzz. Investors will follow when they see the meme magic at work.

Final Thoughts

Mert’s advice might seem counterintuitive in a funding-obsessed industry, but it’s grounded in reality. Build something people love, prove it with users, and the investors will come knocking. For blockchain practitioners and meme token creators, this is a playbook to level up your game. So, what are you waiting for? Start building that user base today—and let us know how it goes at Meme Insider!