In a conversation during soonami Venturethon 9, w3.group co-founder Vicktoria Klich shared how Web3 ecosystems are built; from early-stage investing to community-driven events and founder support.

Christian Sauer, CEO, soonami spoke to Vicktoria about the origins of w3.group, how Web3 ecosystems form around communities, and what founders should understand about funding, partnerships, and market cycles.

From Digital Asset Investors to Ecosystem Builders

w3.group did not begin as a traditional venture capital firm. It started as a group of six founders who were early participants in the digital asset ecosystem.

They initially invested together in cryptocurrencies and blockchain projects. Over time, this collaboration evolved into a structured investment initiative focused on early-stage Web3 startups. That effort became the W3 Fund, which supports founders building blockchain-based products and infrastructure.

However, the founders quickly realized that capital alone was not enough.

Many early-stage teams struggle not just with funding but also with access to networks, mentorship, and visibility. As a result, w3.group expanded its activities beyond investment and began building a broader ecosystem around founders.

Building Community Infrastructure in Web3

One of the defining characteristics of Web3 companies is that community plays a central role in product development and adoption.

Recognizing this, w3.group launched several initiatives designed to bring founders, investors, developers, and operators together:

• W3 Vision, an event series focused on Web3 innovation and collaboration
• W3 Hub, a physical community and co-working space in Berlin
• W3 Labs, a staking infrastructure company
• A liquid token fund focused on digital assets

These initiatives help create an environment where founders and ecosystem participants can meet regularly, exchange ideas, and collaborate.

According to Klich, events and shared spaces often become catalysts for innovation because they accelerate connections that would otherwise take years to develop.

Why Ecosystems Matter More Than Individual Startups

Traditional startup ecosystems often revolve around venture capital firms and accelerators. Web3 ecosystems tend to form around communities, open networks, and shared infrastructure.

Founders building blockchain projects frequently rely on:

• developer communities
• token holder communities
• open-source contributors
• ecosystem partners

This makes collaboration and networking especially important.

The w3.group approach focuses on enabling these connections rather than operating purely as an investor.

What Investors Look for in Web3 Startups

During the discussion, Klich highlighted several characteristics that investors often look for in Web3 startups.

Strong technical capability
Blockchain infrastructure is complex, so founding teams typically need deep technical expertise.

Clear use cases
Many projects struggle because blockchain is applied where it is not necessary. Investors look for products where decentralization provides meaningful value.

Community engagement
In Web3, a strong community can drive adoption, governance, and long-term sustainability.

Long-term resilience
Crypto markets are cyclical. Founders need to be prepared to build through both growth phases and downturns.

Surviving Market Cycles

The Web3 sector has gone through multiple boom and bust cycles. During bullish markets, capital and enthusiasm increase rapidly. During downturns, many projects disappear.

Klich emphasized that the founders who succeed tend to focus on long-term product development rather than short-term hype.

Bear markets can create better building conditions. Competition decreases, teams concentrate on fundamentals, and projects with genuine utility become more visible.

Advice for Early-Stage Founders

For founders participating in Venturethon, Klich shared several practical recommendations:

• Build relationships early with investors and ecosystem partners
• Participate in industry events and community gatherings
• Focus on solving real problems instead of launching tokens quickly
• Be patient with funding because investment cycles fluctuate

Partnerships also play an important role in Web3. Many opportunities emerge through networks and community connections rather than formal channels.

The Role of Programs Like Venturethon

Programs like soonami’s Venturethon aim to support founders from idea to funding by connecting them with mentors, investors, and ecosystem partners.

By bringing experienced builders and investors into these conversations, the program provides founders with practical insight into how Web3 ecosystems function.

For early-stage teams, understanding these dynamics can significantly improve their chances of building sustainable Web3 projects.

Watch the interview on YouTube