Norio Ventures Fund I: Backing the Future of Onchain Finance

Welcome to the MoneyNeverSleeps blog! In this post, we're diving deep into the exciting announcement of Norio Ventures Fund I, a venture fund dedicated to supporting the next generation of builders in the onchain finance space. We'll explore the fund's investment thesis, its focus on driving innovation in decentralized finance (DeFi), and highlight some key themes shaping the future of finance. We'll also touch upon Alejandro Gutierrez's work with Solana Superteam Ireland and some upcoming events in the Dublin and Belfast areas. Be sure to check out Episode 299 of the MoneyNeverSleeps podcast, where we delve even further into these topics.

Introduction: Announcing Norio Ventures Fund I

The world of finance is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by blockchain technology and the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi). We believe that onchain finance represents the future, offering greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility compared to traditional financial systems. That's why I'm thrilled to announce the launch of Norio Ventures Fund I, a venture fund focused on backing unstoppable founders who are building the infrastructure, applications, and protocols that will power this new financial paradigm.

Norio Ventures Fund I is more than just a source of capital. We aim to be a strategic partner to our portfolio companies, providing them with the resources, network, and expertise they need to succeed. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with building in the onchain space, and we are committed to supporting our founders every step of the way. We are stage and geographically agnostic, ready to invest in promising ideas with a great team behind it.

The Vision Behind Norio Ventures: Backing Unstoppable Founders

At the heart of Norio Ventures lies a fundamental belief in the power of innovation and the potential of visionary entrepreneurs. We seek out founders who are not only technically brilliant but also possess the grit, determination, and unwavering commitment to building truly disruptive solutions. We believe that the best ideas often come from those who are willing to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what's possible.

We look for founders who have a deep understanding of the problems they are trying to solve and a clear vision for how onchain finance can address those problems. We are particularly interested in teams that are building solutions that are user-friendly, secure, and scalable. In today's market, there is no such thing as "move fast and break things". We are looking for founders who are building for the long term, and who are committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable financial system.

Our investment thesis is centered around several key areas within onchain finance. This includes Layer 1 and Layer 2 solutions focused on scalability and developer experience, DeFi protocols that are enabling new forms of financial activity, Web3 infrastructure, and applications that are bridging the gap between the onchain and offchain worlds. We are particularly interested in Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization and the opportunities it presents for innovation in traditional finance.

Spotlight on Alejandro Gutierrez and Solana Superteam Ireland

One of the key elements of building a thriving onchain finance ecosystem is fostering strong communities and supporting local talent. That's why we are so excited about the work that Alejandro Gutierrez is doing with Solana Superteam Ireland. Alejandro is a driving force in the Irish crypto scene, and his efforts to build a strong community of developers, entrepreneurs, and investors are making a significant contribution to the growth of the Solana ecosystem. The Solana Superteam is a global network of Solana enthusiasts who are passionate about building and promoting the Solana blockchain.

Alejandro's work in Ireland has been particularly impactful. He has organized numerous events, workshops, and hackathons, bringing together people from all backgrounds to learn about Solana and build new projects. He has also been instrumental in connecting Irish founders with investors and mentors, helping them to get their ideas off the ground. Ireland is becoming a hotspot for Web3 innovation, with a growing number of startups and established companies exploring the potential of blockchain technology.

Scaling Solana Across Ireland: Community and Investor Connections

Alejandro's work extends beyond simply organizing events. He is actively involved in building relationships with local universities, businesses, and government agencies to promote the adoption of Solana and blockchain technology across Ireland. He understands that the key to long-term success is to create a sustainable ecosystem that supports innovation and growth.

One of the most important aspects of Alejandro's work is his focus on connecting founders with traditional investors. He recognizes that many traditional investors are still unfamiliar with onchain finance, and he is working to bridge that gap by educating them about the potential of blockchain technology and introducing them to promising startups. This is crucial for unlocking the capital that is needed to fuel the growth of the onchain finance ecosystem.

Key Themes Shaping Onchain Finance

The onchain finance space is rapidly evolving, with new trends and innovations emerging all the time. Here are some of the key themes that we are closely watching:

Stablecoins Moving Mainstream: Regulation and Adoption

Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies that are pegged to a stable asset, such as the US dollar. They offer the benefits of cryptocurrencies, such as fast and low-cost transactions, with the stability of traditional currencies. Stablecoins are playing an increasingly important role in the onchain finance ecosystem, facilitating trade, lending, and borrowing. While regulation is often seen as a hindrance to innovation, in the case of stablecoins, it is likely to be a catalyst for wider adoption. Clear and consistent regulatory frameworks will provide the certainty that institutional investors need to enter the space, unlocking significant new capital. We are particularly interested in stablecoins that are backed by high-quality reserves and are subject to rigorous audits.

Tokenized Securities: Nasdaq's Role in the Next Wave of Capital Markets

Tokenized securities are traditional securities, such as stocks and bonds, that have been represented as digital tokens on a blockchain. This offers several benefits, including increased liquidity, reduced costs, and greater transparency. The tokenization of securities is poised to revolutionize the capital markets, making it easier for companies to raise capital and for investors to access new investment opportunities. Nasdaq's recent moves in the tokenized securities space are a strong indication that the technology is maturing and is ready for mainstream adoption. We are actively looking for companies that are building the infrastructure and applications that will enable the tokenization of securities.

Upcoming Events: Payments Innovation Roundtable and CryptoMondays Ireland

We are committed to supporting the growth of the onchain finance ecosystem through active participation in industry events. We are excited to be involved in two upcoming events in Ireland:

  • Payments Innovation Roundtable (Sept 17, Dublin): This event will bring together leaders from the payments industry to discuss the latest trends and innovations in payments technology.
  • CryptoMondays Ireland “Building Our Onchain Future” (Sept 22, Belfast): This event will focus on the opportunities and challenges of building the onchain future in Ireland.

These events provide valuable opportunities to network with industry experts, learn about the latest developments, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the future of onchain finance. We encourage anyone who is interested in this space to attend these events and get involved.

Episode 300: Live Recording in Dublin

As we approach our 300th episode, we're planning something special: a live recording in Dublin with surprise guests. This will be a unique opportunity to celebrate this milestone and engage with our listeners in person. We'll be discussing the latest trends in onchain finance, sharing insights from our portfolio companies, and answering questions from the audience.

Stay tuned for more details about the live recording, including the date, time, and location. We're looking forward to seeing you there!

Get Involved and Stay Connected

We are always looking for new ways to connect with the onchain finance community. If you are a founder who is building something exciting in this space, we encourage you to reach out to us. We are also keen to hear from investors, developers, and anyone who is passionate about the future of finance.

Here are some ways to get involved and stay connected:

We believe that the future of finance is onchain, and we are excited to be a part of this revolution. Thank you for joining us on this journey!

In conclusion, Norio Ventures Fund I represents a significant step towards supporting the next generation of onchain finance innovation. We're excited to back unstoppable founders and contribute to the growth of this transformative industry. From stablecoins and tokenized securities to the scaling of Solana through initiatives like Superteam Ireland, the opportunities are immense. Don't forget to listen to Episode 299 of the MoneyNeverSleeps podcast for an even deeper dive into these topics and more!