Hi there, 

How to know if your startup equity is worth zero, test #13:

If you're at a seed/Series A company and the founder was tweeting non-stop about being at F1 Miami, your equity is likely in the toilet.

Sorry.

On the plus side, at least they had fun.

BTW, if they came back with some nonsense about F1 being great for fundraising, just LOL.

With this downturn that everyone is now talking about in startup land, the one benefit may be that a lot of the posers will get washed out and reduce the amount of noise. 

Perhaps that is just wishful thinking.

See the other 12 tests here.
 

BTW, I am eagerly awaiting your hate mail about the above. Thank you.

Crypto may be tanking, but...
 

Investors doubled down on blockchain and crypto in the first quarter. 

While most other sectors saw Q1’22 declines, venture funding to blockchain startups grew for the 7th straight quarter.

Here’s what you need to know: 

• There were 7+ blockchain deals per business day in Q1’22 
• US-based startups raised nearly two-thirds of global funding in the quarter
• A record 14 blockchain unicorns emerged in Q1’22, bringing the sector’s total to 62
• NYC once again beat out Silicon Valley in funding for the #1 US metro spot
• More venture funding ($2.4B) went to NFT startups than any other blockchain category, while DeFi saw 425% year-over-year funding growth

Investor enthusiasm for the blockchain space has remained high amid Web3 hype. We'll be watching if the sector keeps this up as crypto slides and venture funding at large slows down.

For all the data and analysis, download our 176-page State of Blockchain Q1’22 Report here.

Zeroing in

Throughout the 2000s, Amazon’s e-commerce dominance paved a path of destruction through books, toys, sports gear, and more.

Today, it’s going after more than retail. 

From pharmacies to fulfillment to media & entertainment, we analyze where Amazon’s disruptive ambitions are clearest here.

Get your head in the game

Building something remarkable in the manufacturing space?

We just opened applications for our first-ever Advanced Manufacturing 50 awards, and we want to hear from you.

Here’s how to apply in 2 simple steps:

1. Fill out this 3-min survey to request an analyst briefing.

2. Blow us away with your product.

Apply before May 26 here.

Growth spurt

The Middle East has become a hotbed for fintech innovation. 

The region’s young and tech-savvy population has given fintech startups a large market to target. Meanwhile, the region set new funding records last year.

From payments to payroll & benefits, we highlight 130+ companies reshaping the financial services industry in the Middle East here.

Observer. Sissi Cao (@sissicao) discusses tech layoffs and quotes CB Insights CEO Anand Sanwal (@asanwal).

Axios. Kia Kokalitcheva (@imkialikethecar) digs into the CB Insights State of Blockchain Q1’22 Report. 

Wall Street Journal. Vipal Monga (@vipalmonga) reports on real estate startup Habi’s Series C round and cites CB Insights data.

P.S. Have your questions ready — our State of Venture webinar is tomorrow. Register now here.