Posts from the 'Interview' Category

I use strategies such as diversification to manage risks: Blockchain expert Anndy Lian

I use strategies such as diversification to manage risks: Blockchain expert Anndy Lian

Amidst the challenges of a tough funding climate, e27 is launching an exciting new article series called Angel’s Advocate to provide fresh perspectives on angel funding. In this exclusive series, we sit down with prominent angels to hear their stories and strategies and gain unique insights about the early-stage financing space.

Anndy Lian is an all-rounded business strategist in Asia. He has provided advisory across various industries for local, international, and publicly listed companies and governments. He is an early blockchain adopter, serial entrepreneur, author, investor, board member, and keynote speaker.

In this edition, Lian shares his take on angel funding.

Edited excerpts:

How do you typically approach investing during a funding winter?

I would put my eggs into different baskets. In one of my baskets, I will focus on companies with solid fundamentals and a proven track record of generating revenue and profits. This kind of investment tends to be on the safe side, longer term, and returns may not be fantastic.

Then in my next basket, I will find low-valuation, high-potential startups with the right fundamentals to invest in. Crypto companies fit into this category nicely.

What are your typical investment criteria, such as industry, stage, and geographic location?

Investment criteria do not cover everything. It gives me guidelines that my team and I can use to filter out bad companies. In the current state of the market, I only look at tech companies, mainly in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industries. If they are more infrastructure-like, I do not mind investing in them at later stages. If the project is one of a kind, I would like to invest as early as possible, maybe pre-seed. If the project is more hype-driven, I will invest when the volume picks up.

Can you describe your investment process from initial contact to closing a deal?

First of all, the initial contact. We may learn about a potential investment opportunity through their personal network, a pitch event, or by contacting the company seeking funding directly. Then followed by screening. This process is a deeper level of evaluation where we will have longer calls to look for investment alignment.

We will go through the due diligence process if they pass this stage. We will conduct more in-depth research and analysis to evaluate the company’s business model, management team, financial performance, and growth potential. This process is the most important to me. The chance to interact with the team would be one of the key things.

The next stage would be negotiation. If we decide to move forward with the investment, we will negotiate the terms of the deal with the company, including the amount of funding and the valuation.

Once all parties have agreed upon the terms of the deal, legal documents will be prepared and signed to finalise the investment.

How do you evaluate a startup’s potential for growth and success?

Evaluating a startup’s potential for growth and success can be challenging, as many factors can impact a company’s future performance. I look at the market opportunity, business model, management team, financial performance and competition.

How important is the founder’s experience and background when making investment decisions?

Well, it is definitely important. The founder is the brain and creator of the company. If the main driver does not have the experience and background, the outcome would generally be disastrous.

Can you share your successful investment and what made that investment successful?

So far, crypto investments are the most successful in my portfolio. At crazy times, meme-coins can also be a potential 100X gem.

What are some common mistakes that startups make when pitching to angel investors? What are some myths about angel investment?

Some common mistakes that startups make when pitching to angel investors include not understanding the needs and goals of angel investors, failing to clearly articulate the value proposition, relying too heavily on financial projections, not doing enough research on potential investors, and not having a multi-faceted marketing strategy.

Another mistake is sending your executive summary or business plan unsolicited. Many investors do not read unsolicited emails and prefer a referral from someone in their network. It’s also important to do your homework on the investor and ensure your company is aligned with the investors’ objectives.

How important is the alignment of values between the investor and the founder?

The alignment of values between the investor and the startup founder is crucial. Ideally, your investors should be experts in your field or sector so that they not only understand the costs, time-to-market, and potential pitfalls of your vision but can also connect you with the right people and resources to help you achieve it. It’s important for the investor to spend some time understanding the skills and capabilities of startups.

How do you manage risks when investing in startups? Are there any specific metrics or indicators you look for?

Investing in startups is risky, but it can be very rewarding if the investments pay off. Most new companies or products do not make it, so the risk of losing one’s entire investment is a real possibility.

To manage risk, I can use strategies such as diversification, which refers to spreading my investments over a variety of assets with the aim that a portfolio of lowly-correlated assets does not all move in the same direction at the same time or even if they do move in the same direction, it should at least be by different degrees.

Can you share any advice for startups looking to raise funds from angel investors?

My humble advice to startup owners is to develop a business plan before approaching someone about funding. Put in writing what the investor is offering the business outside of funding because many angel investors expect to contribute their time actively to startups in which they invest. Establish roles.

It’s also important to create a strong, thorough, and engaging investor pitch deck and guidance on presenting to angel and venture capital investors.

 

Source: https://e27.co/i-use-strategies-such-as-diversification-to-manage-risks-blockchain-expert-invest-anndy-lian-20230524/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
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Anndy Lian on decentralization and the potential impact of Web4

Anndy Lian on decentralization and the potential impact of Web4

In this interview, Anndy Lian discusses Web4 and its potential societal impact. He explores the evolving relationship between decentralization and artificial intelligence, the role of governments in a Web4 world and offers advice on navigating this emerging landscape.

In this interview, we cover:

  • Discover Anndy Lian’s vision for Web4, an intelligent and autonomous web that promises to revolutionize digital governance and create new business models.
  • Learn about the exciting intersection of Web4 and AI, which could lead to increased efficiency, better decision-making, and improved user experiences.
  • Delve into the potential use cases for blockchain technology in a decentralized Web4 world, such as DeFi, digital identity management, and supply chain management.
  • Gain insight into the evolving role of governments in a decentralized Web4 world and the challenges they face in striking the right balance between innovation and protection.
  • Learn how individuals and businesses can best navigate the rapidly changing landscape of decentralization and Web4, positioning themselves for success in this groundbreaking era.

Interview with Anndy Lian, Mongolian Productivity Organization Chief Digital Advisor

Q: Hi Anndy, can you give an introduction of yourself?

Hello, I’m Anndy Lian, an early crypto guy who has been involved in the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry since its early days. I have over 15 years of experience in the technology industry, and I was one of the earlier few individuals to interact with the government on crypto-related matters in Asia.

I have worked with several government agencies and regulators, providing my expertise on blockchain and cryptocurrency regulations. My early involvement with the government helped shape the regulatory landscape of the industry and allowed me to play a significant role in driving the adoption of blockchain technology. I am also a published author and have written several books on blockchain and its potential impact on various industries. I am a regular speaker at international conferences and events, sharing my insights on the latest developments in technology and blockchain.

In addition to my professional work, I am actively involved in the startup community and serve as an advisor and investor to several blockchain and technology startups. I am passionate about leveraging technology to drive innovation and create positive change in the world.

Q: Can you explain what decentralization is and why it’s important?

Decentralization refers to the distribution of power and decision-making authority away from a central authority or entity, and towards a more distributed network of participants. In the context of blockchain technology, decentralization means that there is no single point of control or failure in the network. This is important because it reduces the risk of censorship, fraud, and corruption, and promotes greater transparency and accountability.

Q: How do you see Web4 evolving from Web3, and what do you think will be the key differences?

Web4 is still a nascent concept, but it’s expected to build on the principles of Web3 and take them further. While Web3 focused on decentralization and the creation of a more peer-to-peer web, Web4 is likely to focus on creating a more intelligent and autonomous web that is able to make decisions on behalf of users. This will require a greater degree of interoperability between different blockchain protocols and systems, as well as the development of advanced AI and machine learning algorithms.

Q: What impact do you think Web4 will have on society and the economy?

The impact of Web4 on society and the economy is likely to be significant. It will enable the creation of new decentralized applications and platforms that are more intelligent, autonomous, and efficient. This could lead to new forms of digital governance, new business models, and new ways of organizing and collaborating. However, it’s also likely to pose new challenges, such as the need for new regulatory frameworks to govern the use of AI and machine learning, and the potential for new forms of inequality and exclusion.

Q: How do you see the relationship between Web4 and artificial intelligence (AI) evolving, and what are some potential benefits and risks of this relationship?

Web4 and AI are likely to become increasingly intertwined, with AI playing a critical role in creating more intelligent and autonomous decentralized systems. Some potential benefits of this relationship include increased efficiency, better decision-making, and improved user experience. However, there are also potential risks, such as the potential for AI to perpetuate biases and discrimination, and the need for new regulatory frameworks to govern the use of AI in decentralized systems.

Q: What are some of the key use cases for blockchain technology in a decentralized Web4 world?

Blockchain technology has many potential use cases in a decentralized Web4 world. Some examples include decentralized finance (DeFi), digital identity management, supply chain management, voting and governance systems, and content distribution. By leveraging the unique features of blockchain, such as immutability, transparency, and security, these applications can be more efficient, secure, and trustworthy than their centralized counterparts and the current Web3.

Q: How do you think governments and regulators will respond to the rise of Web4 and decentralized technologies more broadly?

Governments and regulators are already grappling with the rise of decentralized technologies, and this is likely to continue as Web4 becomes more mainstream. There is a need for greater collaboration and dialogue between the public and private sectors to ensure that the benefits of these technologies are maximized, while also addressing any potential risks or negative externalities. It’s important to strike the right balance between promoting innovation and protecting consumers and society as a whole.

Q: How do you envision the role of government in a decentralized Web4 world, and what are some of the key challenges that need to be addressed?

The role of government in a decentralized Web4 world is a complex and evolving issue. On the one hand, governments will need to adapt to the new decentralized paradigm, which could lead to new forms of digital governance and regulation. On the other hand, governments will need to balance the need for innovation with the need to protect consumers and society as a whole. Some of the key challenges that need to be addressed include the development of new regulatory frameworks, the management of data privacy and security, and the need for greater collaboration and dialogue between the public and private sectors.

Q: How do you see the relationship between decentralized and centralized systems evolving, and what are some potential benefits and risks of this relationship?

The relationship between decentralized and centralized systems is likely to be complex and multifaceted. While decentralized systems offer many benefits, such as greater transparency, security, and efficiency, there are also some areas where centralized systems may be more appropriate. For example, centralized systems may be better suited for certain types of data processing and decision-making. The key is to strike the right balance between decentralized and centralized systems, based on the specific needs of each application and use case.

Q: How can individuals and businesses best navigate the evolving landscape of decentralization and Web4?

To navigate the evolving landscape of decentralization and Web4, individuals and businesses need to be proactive, adaptable, and forward-thinking. This means staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the field, investing in new technologies and skill sets, and being aware of the potential risks and challenges. It also means engaging with other experts and thought leaders, and being willing to experiment and innovate. By taking a proactive and collaborative approach, individuals and businesses can position themselves for success in the decentralized Web4 era.

 

Source: https://cryptoslate.com/anndy-lian-on-decentralization-and-the-potential-impact-of-web4/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
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Founders Club Interviews Anndy Lian- Crypto Investments (Part 2)

Founders Club Interviews Anndy Lian- Crypto Investments (Part 2)

The cryptocurrency market has been experiencing some fluctuations in the past few months, leading many investors to wonder about the future of the market. Eugene Shilov of Founders Club sat down with Anndy Lian to discuss the crypto market cycle and his insights on cryptocurrency investments.

 

Crypto Cycle

Anndy first touched on where we currently stand in the crypto cycle. He emphasized that he looks at the numbers and believes that Bitcoin is in a good position right now. He sees Q3 and Q4 as being a good time to see how far Bitcoin can go this year. While he doesn’t think we are going into a super bull cycle in the next one or two quarters, he does believe that there will be a gradual signal that it’s going to come soon. He believes that after the FTX incident, the three arrows incident, and the bank crisis, it will take some time to clean up the market. Therefore, he sees Q4 as being a good time for the market to pick up.

When it comes to investing in cryptocurrency, Anndy offered some advice for retail investors. He believes that people should know their finances well and not go beyond their limit. Many people are willing to bet more money than they can manage, which is a big mistake. He encourages people to invest in cryptocurrency to get a proper return, but not to gamble.

Lian also suggested that people should look at the projects they are investing in and consider the long-term potential. He advised people to look at the team behind the project and what they are working on to determine if it’s a good investment. he also highlighted the importance of diversification. People should not put all of their money into one coin or project, as it could be risky. Instead, it’s important to have a diversified portfolio that includes multiple coins and projects.

He emphasized the importance of understanding the product and the project before investing in it. Many retail investors panic when the price of a coin fluctuates, causing them to criticize the project or even search for the founders. He explained that this behavior is a result of investors not understanding the investment cycle, the product, or the project.

The second point that Anndy stressed is the need for thorough research. He advised investors not to only research the project but also to understand when they can expect their return on investment. Many investors fail to realize their investment on paper, resulting in zero returns. Therefore, it is crucial to know oneself, the risk profile, the portfolio, and the timeline of investment.

 

3 Hot Topics to Look Out for in the Web 3.0 Era

Centralization vs. Decentralization

One of the most pressing issues in the crypto world is the debate between centralization and decentralization. Anndy pointed out, the trend seems to be shifting towards centralization, which is a cause for concern. Decentralization is a core principle of cryptocurrency, and it is what makes it unique. It allows for transparency, security, and a level playing field for all participants. Anndy went on to speak about the potential of decentralization and the need to redefine the term. He emphasized that decentralized products, apps, and economies are still missing in the market, and investors should keep an eye out for these opportunities. He encouraged investors to create their own ecosystems within a metaverse that is decentralized, sustainable, and can support the investors’ needs.

He explained that decentralization is not only about getting rid of banks and governments but also about creating a new and sustainable economy that can exist on its own. He emphasized that investors should look at re-centralizing decentralized products and apps and redefine the value of what is already being done in the decentralized world.

NFTs

NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, have been a hot topic in the crypto world for some time now. They are digital assets that are unique and cannot be replicated. Anndy predicts that NFTs will continue to gain momentum, and we will see more use cases in the future. Brands are already collaborating with artists and creators to launch NFTs, and this is just the beginning. The potential for NFTs is enormous, and we are likely to see more innovation and creativity in this space.

AI and Decentralized AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is another hot topic in the crypto world. Anndy believe that AI can play a significant role in the decentralization of the industry. With AI-powered decision-making processes, there is a new layer of trust that can be established, which is critical in a decentralized ecosystem. Furthermore, decentralized AI can be a step towards a new economy. It is a win-win situation for everyone involved as AI can make smarter decisions and enhance the blockchain technology’s capabilities.

Gaming and Metaverse

The gaming and metaverse industry is another area that is likely to see growth in the coming years. The metaverse is a virtual world where people can interact with each other in a shared digital space. The gaming industry has been a fast adopter of blockchain technology, and it is likely that this trend will continue. Decentralization is crucial in this space as it allows for the creation of a sustainable economy. A good game with a strong community can lead to a more sustainable metaverse.

Raising funds

When it comes to raising funds for your project, timing is everything. If your product is ready and the market is ready, then it’s the right time to start fundraising. You don’t want to invest when the market is going to do badly and your product is going to launch only in Q3. Investors are usually impatient, and they are not looking at something that is 10 years down the road. They want to see the return on their investment as soon as possible.

Investors have different strategies when it comes to investment, and some may ask for a vesting period of five years. However, if your product is good, there’s no need to wait for five years. For instance, if your project is good, by the start of the first year, the valuation could be $10 million, and by the end of five years, it could be $1 billion. Therefore, it’s crucial to give them tokens in the beginning when the valuation is low, rather than waiting for five years and giving them everything when the valuation is high. It’s a win-win situation, and they don’t need to dump the market.

Investing in the right product is essential, and not all venture capitalists (VCs) are looking at it from the same perspective. Anndy suggests that timing is crucial, and not all VCs are looking at it from the same perspective. They are using LPs’ money, and as long as they can build a nice return, they have done their job. Therefore, it’s crucial to find the right investor who likes your niche and what you do.

Investment is all about investing in value, and it’s crucial to invest in something that you like. Investing in people is a serious thing to do because people change faster than the code. However, that should not be the case when we talk about investment. You cannot invest in the person because your debt is Bill Gates, for example. It’s essential to invest in value, and that’s something that you need experience. Invest in something that you like, and you will definitely grow.

When it comes to raising funds for your project, it’s crucial to find the right investor who likes your niche and what you do. Timing is everything, and it’s essential to fundraise at the right time when your product is ready, and the market is ready. Lastly, invest in value, not in the person, and invest in something that you like, and you will definitely grow.

 

The Importance of Timing in the Cryptocurrency Market

Cryptocurrencies have revolutionized the financial industry, and with the advent of Web3, the industry is expected to become even more innovative. But with the market still a bit bumpy, investors are uncertain and it’s not advisable to go for something that’s too out of the box. Timing is crucial when investing in cryptocurrencies.

According to Anndy, if you want to be listed on exchanges like Binance or Coinbase, now is the best time. The market is not at its best, and you have the money to pay for marketing. Building your project’s narrative is key to getting listed as soon as possible. While some may argue that you need your product up and running before you can list, there are blockchain projects worth hundreds of millions that are still in the testing phase.

The most defining word in Web3 space is community. Building a community is key to marketing your project in Web3. The CEO must interact with the community, and Twitter is an excellent platform to do so. Connecting with people, whether through a heart shape or a thumbs up, is how you build a community.

Timing is everything in the cryptocurrency market. Knowing when to invest and when to build is crucial. Building a narrative for your project is key to getting listed on exchanges. The CEO must interact with the community, and building a community is how you market your project. With these in mind, you’re ready to tackle the cryptocurrency market.

 

Ending

Investing in cryptocurrency can be a daunting task for beginners, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, investing in crypto can be easy and accessible to anyone who is willing to try. The secret is to start small and try it out. Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity, just take the plunge and see what happens.

One common question beginners ask is how much they should invest in crypto. The answer is simple: invest what you can afford to lose. You don’t need to put in a large sum of money to start investing in crypto. You can start with a tiny bit of investment and see how it goes. The goal is to try it out and learn from the experience.

The key to successful investing in crypto is to be consistent and not rely on luck. You have to understand the fundamentals and realize your profit. Once you have made a profit, you can reinvest it in other things that give you a higher return.

It’s important to note that you have to know yourself before investing in crypto. You have to determine how much you can afford to lose and what your goals are. Investing in crypto is not about luck, it’s about understanding the market and being consistent.

If you’re a hard-working person, you can get involved in crypto projects by checking out some of the trends on Twitter. This will help you understand the market better and determine when the right time is to invest.

It’s important to rebalance your investments and not hold on to them forever. This is something that many crypto investors forget. Realizing your profit and reinvesting it elsewhere will give you a higher return.

Anndy ended the interview with his famous quote- “Not financial advice.”

 

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
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