VCs In. Before the Token.
VCs In. Before the Token.
When a Layer 1 protocol approached us ahead of their Token Generation Event (TGE), their tech was ready—but trust wasn’t. With no public track record and limited media exposure, they faced a common yet critical problem: how to build enough credibility to secure serious investor commitments before announcing their raise.
The Challenge
Without a live product or community traction, the protocol needed to project legitimacy fast. They were targeting Tier 1 investors but lacked the visibility and trust signals typically required to start those conversations—let alone close them. In pre-TGE crypto, perception is momentum. They had neither.
The Strategic Approach
We deployed our Investor Trust Signal service with one goal: build market confidence before the market knew they existed.
First, we architected a founder-focused press strategy to put the leadership team in the spotlight—targeted media placements, expert op-eds, and long-form interviews positioned them as credible operators, not first-time founders. Simultaneously, we stacked credibility through strategic partnerships, technical advisor showcases, and a tightly curated pre-launch narrative tailored to investor personas. Every asset—decks, messaging, founder bios—was recalibrated to speak directly to capital allocators.
Then came the PR engine. In 30 days, our pre-launch comms program increased their media mentions by over 300%, earning coverage in top-tier outlets crypto investors trust.
The Outcome
Results followed signal. Within four weeks:
- $50M raised from Tier 1 firms, including a16z, before the public TGE announcement
- 15 investor commitments secured in the first 30 days
- 3x increase in media visibility pre-launch
Investor conversations went from cold outreach to inbound interest. What started as a protocol with no public footprint became one of the most anticipated TGEs of the quarter—before a single token was live.
Ready to Build Investor Signal Before You Launch?
Don’t wait for traction to earn trust. Schedule a consultation and see how Investor Trust Signal can position your protocol to raise before the raise.
