HIGHLIGHTS
- CryptoKnights, the “Shark Tank of Crypto”, wraps up its first season, securing over $35 million in investments for 15 blockchain projects.
- With influential figures like Brock Pierce (Tether) and Kyle Chassé (Master Ventures) as judges, and Entourage actor Adrian Grenier as host, the show bridges the gap between the technical world of crypto and mainstream audiences.
- Beyond financial backing, the judges are committed to offering long-term advisory roles and network access, positioning CryptoKnights as a launchpad for the next big breakthrough in blockchain.
Crypto’s version of the popular investment reality show Shark Tank has just wrapped its inaugural season, leaving a trail of ambitious blockchain projects and over $35 million in committed investments in its wake. Dubbed CryptoKnights, the show brought together some of the most prominent figures in the Web3 world to evaluate and fund promising crypto startups.
Conceptualized by Riaz Mehta, CEO of Ritestream, and guided by Chief Strategist Joseph Khan, CryptoKnights quickly gained momentum among crypto enthusiasts and mainstream audiences alike. Its unique format offered a glimpse into the rapidly evolving world of decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain innovation.
Season 1 featured 15 standout projects selected from thousands of applicants, with a total of $35 million in investments pledged by the show’s panel of crypto heavyweights.
Judges with Clout and Vision
The show’s distinguished panel of judges included notable Web3 investors and innovators: Brock Pierce, Co-founder of Tether; Kyle Chassé, Founder of Master Ventures; Aly Madhavji, Founder of Blockchain Founders Fund; Magnus Grimeland, CEO of Antler; and Nikita Sachdev, Founder of Luna Media Corp.
These investors didn’t just bring their wallets to the table. Alongside financial backing, they offered long-term advisory support and access to their valuable networks, positioning CryptoKnights as more than just a pitch show but a launchpad for sustained growth.
In an industry characterized by rapid change and innovation, this group of crypto veterans set a clear goal: to find the next “unicorn” that could revolutionize the space. As Brock Pierce put it, “CryptoKnights is not just a show; it’s a movement—a platform where innovation meets opportunity. We’re looking for the Next Big Thing, the next killer app that is going to change the world.”
From Blockchain Mystique to Mainstream Appeal
What sets CryptoKnights apart from other investment shows is its ambition to bring the world of crypto and blockchain technology to a more mainstream audience. Hosted by actor and entrepreneur Adrian Grenier, best known for his role in Entourage, the show seeks to bridge the gap between the complexity of Web3 and everyday viewers.
“Web3 can be complex, but it’s essential for people to understand its potential,” said Grenier. “CryptoKnights bridges that gap, making the technology accessible to everyone.” His role is to guide viewers through this labyrinth of blockchain, demystifying terms and showing how crypto’s emerging tools can empower people beyond just the tech-savvy.
The cast also includes influencers Kim Lee and Gav Blaxberg, who offer insights that resonate with different segments of the audience. While Lee, a DJ and Bling Empire personality, represents the non-technical, mainstream perspective, Blaxberg, CEO of Wolf Financial, taps into trends appealing to the younger, Gen Z crowd.
What’s Next for CryptoKnights?
Season 1 may have wrapped, but the journey is far from over. The show is set to premiere in December, with ongoing discussions with major platforms about its broadcast. The premiere could provide CryptoKnights with the larger audience it aims to reach, taking blockchain discourse from niche circles to living rooms worldwide.
For Mehta, CryptoKnights is more than just an entertainment project. It’s a tool for education and engagement, with the mission to showcase how blockchain can foster a more equitable future. “We are committed to investing in projects that offer real, tangible solutions and drive meaningful change,” said Mehta.
And those involved seem confident in the show’s potential to inspire a new wave of crypto adoption and investment. “We will discover the next unicorn,” Pierce reaffirmed. The projects backed in CryptoKnights’ first season might just shape the next decade of blockchain innovation.
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