In the fast-paced world of venture capital, especially in crypto and blockchain, breaking in can feel like cracking a secret code. But according to Haseeb Qureshi, managing partner at Dragonfly Capital, it's all about taking initiative and producing work that stands out. His recent 트윗 builds on advice from Amy Wu Martin, a consumer partner at Menlo Ventures, offering a practical roadmap for young aspiring VCs.
The Foundation: Amy Wu's General Tips
Amy's original post lays out straightforward guidance for newcomers. Instead of cold-emailing VCs for coffee chats, she suggests sending them quality deal flow—essentially, introducing promising startups that align with their interests. But she warns: bad recommendations can hurt more than help. To spot the good ones, immerse yourself in content from top founders.
Building an authentic network is key, especially if you're in college—connect with fellow student entrepreneurs. Most firms don't hire straight out of undergrad, so gain real-world experience first: join a high-growth startup, a big tech company like FAANG, or even start your own venture. Get hands-on with the latest AI tools, build projects, and share your insights.
If VC still calls to you but you're unsure, Amy compares it to a sales role at a startup—the hustle is similar. And if you're risk-tolerant, she encourages founding a company in today's market over jumping straight into investing.
Haseeb's Playbook: Do the Work Before You Get the Job
Haseeb takes this a step further with a strategy anyone can adopt, no elite connections required. His core advice? Write. Specifically, craft short, original research pieces on Twitter (now X) about hyper-specific companies or sub-sectors. Forget broad topics like "robotics"—dive into niches like humanoid robotics or military applications. In the crypto space, this could mean analyzing emerging meme token ecosystems, DeFi protocols in specific blockchains, or niche NFT communities.
The key is originality: don't regurgitate what's easily Googleable. Talk to insiders—employees, journalists, or even anons spilling gossip on social media. Subscribe to specialized newsletters, pay for private research, and synthesize insights that mainstream outlets like TechCrunch miss. This approach is perfect for blockchain enthusiasts, where rapid innovations in meme tokens demand fresh, granular analysis to uncover hidden gems.
Once you've got your writeup, tag and DM investors at major firms who've backed similar projects. Offer intros or coffee chats with your sources if they bite. Repeat this, and you'll build a reputation as someone who thinks like a VC already. Haseeb emphasizes that "getting good deal flow" is ideal but hard without access—his method levels the playing field with sheer agency.
While pursuing this, work in your target sector if possible. VC welcomes weirdos from all backgrounds, as long as you're passionate about startups and new industries. In meme tokens and crypto, this could mean contributing to DAOs, trading actively, or even launching a small project to gain street cred.
Why This Matters for Meme Token Enthusiasts
At Meme Insider, we see parallels here for anyone eyeing crypto VC or even meme token investing. Meme coins thrive on community hype and niche narratives—applying Haseeb's granular research could help spot the next big viral token early. By writing publicly about underrated projects or sub-trends in Solana memes versus Ethereum-based ones, you position yourself as an expert, attracting opportunities in this volatile space.
Haseeb guarantees firms crave hires with this drive, but few show it. VC isn't a linear career; it's arbitrary and favors the bold. If you're grinding in blockchain, use this as your blueprint to turn passion into a path.
Replies to Haseeb's post echo the sentiment. One user notes how daily long-form writing boosted their DMs fivefold, even on niche topics. Another highlights proving smarts and value aggressively if you're not from top schools or companies. In crypto, where grants committees uncover bootstrapped gems, this advice amplifies—scout there for deal flow that opens doors.
Ultimately, as veteran VC Dave McClure chimes in: just write frequently for a year. Most will be rough, but the gold nuggets emerge. For aspiring crypto VCs or meme token hunters, starting today could be your edge in this ever-evolving ecosystem.