Athena Scale

Athena Scale is a newsletter aimed at Web-3 founders and enthusiasts, focusing on startup scaling strategies, investment challenges, and the potential of blockchain technology. It covers themes like blockchain banking, VC funding, marketing, CBDCs, token sustainability, and the disruption of traditional industries. The newsletter emphasizes innovation, data analysis, and unique value creation in the cryptocurrency space.

Blockchain Technology Startup Scaling and Success Venture Capital Marketing in Blockchain Digital and Crypto Currencies Product Development Industry Disruption Smart Contract Testing Decentralized Systems

The hottest Substack posts of Athena Scale

And their main takeaways

Why VCs Won't Fund Your Startup

39 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23

VCs care about making money for investors and partners.
VCs look for products that scale fast, have high margins, and a market.
To prove worth to VCs, provide market research, financial predictions, pricing strategy, and customer acquisition plan.

Your Value Proposition Is Finally Here

39 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23

💰 Finance Banking Blockchain Startups Investing Fintech

Traditional banks are losing trust, leading to a need for decentralized blockchain solutions.
Banks have historically controlled money and systematically placed risk on depositors.
The future lies in blockchain banks with transparency and user-controlled funds.

What is Wrong in Blockchain Marketing: The Builder Effect

19 implied HN points • 08 May 23

🕹 Technology Blockchain Marketing Developers Infrastructure Documentation

The network effect in blockchain marketing plays a crucial role in attracting users.
In blockchain, the builder's effect emphasizes that the value of a product increases with the quality of the builders on it.
Blockchains should focus on attracting new developers to their space to build better products and increase their value.

Onboarding A Million Users

19 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23

🕹 Technology Scaling Startups Infrastructure Database Design Consulting

Achieving a million users is a significant milestone for companies.
Not all startups need to aim for 1 million active users to be successful.
Handling 1 million users requires efficient infrastructure and preparation.

One Thing Web-3 Could Learn From the Space X Starship Launch.

19 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23

🕹 Technology Innovation Data Analysis Web Development

SpaceX's success lies in data gathering and analysis.
In Web-3, gather intel and data to improve your project over time.
Great products take time to develop and succeed.

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We Need CBDCs ASAP!

19 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23

💰 Finance Cryptocurrency Digital Currency Blockchain Government Control Financial Technology

CBDCs are government-backed digital currencies managed on a digital ledger.
CBDCs can limit people's financial freedom and control.
The launch of CBDCs could lead to increased adoption of cryptocurrency worldwide.

What Is Your 4 Minute Mile?

19 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Innovation Startups Competition Monopoly

Believe in the impossible and give it a shot.
Challenge what others think is impossible.
Find a unique truth and make it a reality to stand out.

Your Idea Most Probably Sucks

19 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23

💼 Business Startups Team Dynamics Investing Execution Market fit

Most ideas are initially bad
The team behind the idea is what matters most
Execution and the team determine the success of a startup

What Poker Has In Common With Your Startup

2 HN points • 11 Apr 23

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Decision-making Startups Advice Risk management

In poker, a common advice is to fold if you have a weak hand.
Playing weak hands in poker can lead to tough decisions and wrong choices.
In both poker and startup decisions, it's important to wait for the best opportunity and take risks when necessary.

The Reason Blockchain Is Not Mainstream Yet.

0 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23

🔮 Crypto Blockchain Technology Finance Business Investment

Blockchain technology is in the process of moving towards mainstream adoption, beginning with innovators and early adopters.
The Chasm phase in technology adoption, characterized by hype and potential scams, poses a significant challenge for blockchain to reach the Early Majority.
For blockchain to become mainstream, it needs to address issues like security, scams, and gain approval from risk-averse Late Majority and Laggards.

Why A Purple Cow Should Matter To You

0 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23

💼 Business Startups Innovation Marketing Consulting Entrepreneurship

Don't play it safe in a volatile environment. Be bold and create something amazing.
Stand out by being unique and revolutionary, not average.
In 2023, people are looking for what's different and not traditional; strive to be a 'Purple Cow'.

Solana halting is bullish. Here is why.

0 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24

🕹 Technology Blockchain Cryptocurrency Innovation Decentralization

Solana halting for testing is seen as positive for the future of decentralized systems.
Solana uses Proof of History, a unique approach enabling high transaction speeds.
Despite ongoing outages, Solana continuously patches bugs, aiming for a stable, groundbreaking blockchain technology.

The Art and Science of Testing Smart Contracts

0 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24

🕹 Technology Blockchain Smart Contracts Testing Code Review

Smart contracts must be properly tested before being deployed to production to avoid costly mistakes.
Designing the architecture of smart contracts is crucial and ensures all team members are aligned.
Testing on testnet and mainnet is essential to uncover issues and differences between environments.

Disruption of the Music Industry

0 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24

🕹 Technology Blockchain Decentralization Smart Contracts Open Source Apps

Blockchain technology has disrupted finance and data industries successfully.
Music industry needs to revolutionize its model without relying on NFTs from artists.
Decentralized platforms can offer transparency and revenue share, benefiting all involved.

Building A Token That Won't Fail

0 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23

🔮 Crypto Tokens Blockchain Cryptocurrency Decentralized

The majority of blockchain startups issue tokens that may not be sustainable in the long term.
Tokens fail when they promise to be a currency for the protocol and a store of value for investors simultaneously.
To create a successful token, consider making it represent a share of the project's revenue and focus on long-term growth rather than quick gains.

Why Is The Arbitrum Fracas A Bad Precedent?

0 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23

🔮 Crypto Blockchain Governance Security Investment

Arbitrum's governance controversy raises concerns about its decentralization.
If Arbitrum can act independently of user governance proposals, it may be seen as a security rather than a utility token.
The principle of 'Code is Law' in blockchain should be upheld to maintain the platform's integrity.