Web3 is built on digital foundations. Code. Smart contracts. Virtual interactions.
But what if the secret to Web3’s next big leap lies offline?
While the community thrives on being perpetually online, BitAngels is doing the unthinkable: bringing Web3’s brightest minds together — in person — to fuel the next wave of innovation.
In a world obsessed with screens, BitAngels is doubling down on face-to-face pitching competitions and human connection.
And guess what? It’s working.
The Origins of BitAngels
BitAngels didn’t just appear out of nowhere. It was born out of necessity.
In 2013, Web3 was still an idea taking its first steps. Bitcoin was a curiosity. Ethereum hadn’t launched yet.
There were few structured pathways for serious investors to meet blockchain innovators.
Enter Michael Terpin and David Johnston. Two visionaries who saw a problem:
• Web3 needed investments.
• Investors needed trustworthy founders.
• And trust doesn’t come from screens.
BitAngels set out to bridge the gap by creating a network of investors and live pitching competitions where blockchain founders could connect, pitch, and build trust — in real time.
Why Face-to-Face Matters in a Digital World
It’s easy to assume Web3 doesn’t need human connection. But here’s the thing:
• Investing is personal.
• Trust is earned, not downloaded.
• Body language matters.
BitAngels took a bet that IRL interactions could do what online platforms couldn’t.
And they were right.
Here’s what makes in-person pitching different:
1. Instant Feedback Loop
When founders pitch live, they see reactions immediately. Raised eyebrows.
Nods.
Skepticism.
Excitement.
You can’t replicate that on a Zoom call.
2. Nuanced Communication
Pitch decks tell part of the story. But live interactions allow for follow-up questions, clarifications, and spontaneous discussions that reveal the depth (or flaws) of an idea.
3. Authenticity and Trust
A handshake or a face-to-face conversation builds trust faster than a dozen emails. Investors can judge not just the project, but the person behind it.
How BitAngels Events Work
BitAngels hosts live pitching competitions where Web3 startups present their ideas to an audience of investors, founders, and blockchain enthusiasts. The format is simple, but the outcomes are powerful:
Step 1: Founders Pitch
Entrepreneurs take the stage to pitch their projects in a time-boxed format. No fluff. Just ideas, execution plans, and vision.
Step 2: Live Feedback
Investors and judges give immediate feedback. What works? What doesn’t? The conversations that follow often spark collaborations or reveal blind spots.
Step 3: Rewards and Recognition
Winning pitches receive recognition, potential investments, and — most importantly — connections that can take their projects to the next level.
Bangkok Spotlight: StratEx and the Power of Pitching
Take StratEx, for example — a DeFi protocol that recently attended BitAngels’ pitching event during Thailand Blockchain Week.
Jack Hartley, StratEx’s Head of Business Development, delivered a pitch that wasn’t just polished — it was real. He didn’t hide behind jargon. He shared the team’s vision, their challenges, and their drive to build something meaningful.
The result?
• First Place Honors.
• Attention from key investors.
• Connections that went beyond the event.
StratEx’s success shows that the power of authentic pitching isn’t theoretical. It’s practical. Tangible. Game-changing.
What BitAngels is Really Doing
At its core, BitAngels is doing two things:
1 – Rehumanizing Web3
In an industry obsessed with decentralization and anonymity, BitAngels is reminding us that people matter. Trust matters. And sometimes, the best way to build both is by stepping away from the screen.
2 – Spurring Innovation Through Connection
Great ideas need great supporters. By connecting founders with investors in a setting where ideas meet scrutiny, BitAngels is accelerating projects that might otherwise get lost in the noise.
Why Founders and Investors Should Care
For Founders
If you’re building in Web3, BitAngels offers:
•A chance to refine your pitch in front of serious investors.
•Honest feedback that you won’t get from a comment section.
•The potential for partnerships, investments, and recognition.
For Investors
If you’re looking to invest in Web3, BitAngels events give you:
•A curated selection of promising startups.
•The ability to assess founders beyond their slide decks.
•Opportunities to invest in early-stage innovation with confidence.
A New (Old) Path for Web3’s Future
Web3 is about new technology. But maybe the future of Web3 is also about old-school human connection.
BitAngels isn’t rejecting Web3’s digital nature — they’re enhancing it. By combining digital innovation with in-person trust, they’re creating a hybrid model that might just be the missing piece Web3 needs.
In a world where screens dominate, BitAngels is betting on handshakes, eye contact, and conversation. And so far, it seems like a bet worth making.
