In the ever-evolving world of blockchain technology, Vladislav Martynov stands out as a seasoned high-tech entrepreneur and blockchain pioneer. From his early days co-founding a startup with Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin’s parents to his current role as a managing partner at BR Capital, Martynov has been at the forefront of the blockchain revolution.
In an exclusive interview with crypto news, Martynov shared insights into his journey through the blockchain industry and offered a glimpse into its future. He began by introducing himself as a high-tech entrepreneur who co-founded his first startup in the late 90s with Dmitry and Maia Buterin, parents of Vitalik Buterin. Together, they sold an innovative Enterprise Resource Planning system before pioneering one of the first SaaS-based CRM and membership management solutions in the early cloud era.
Martynov’s fascination with disruptive technologies only grew from there, especially after Dmitry introduced him to Bitcoin in 2011 and later shared Vitalik’s vision for Ethereum, a decentralized permissionless platform. This led Martynov to join the Ethereum Foundation’s Advisory Board to promote blockchain education and developer growth, co-founding BlockGeeks and the Ethereum Competence Center.
During the ICO boom, Martynov advised select startups exploring tokenization and stablecoins, but most failed due to immature technology and markets. This inspired him to create BR Capital, a regulated fund focused on DeFi and Web3, where he now works as a managing partner to support startups and attract global capital with confidence and security.
When asked about BR Capital’s strategic vision, Martynov explained that they blend VC insight with hands-on building, as evidenced by their algo-trading platform launched in 2015. He emphasized the importance of VCs with deep knowledge in navigating blockchain’s complex layers to effectively deploy capital.
Martynov also touched on the current investment climate for blockchain startups, noting that regulatory acceptance and institutional adoption are outpacing retail growth. He highlighted the shift towards practical Web applications like marketplaces, rewards, and privacy-enhanced social networks, opportunities that were absent in earlier cycles.
In terms of advice for blockchain startups seeking funding, Martynov stressed the importance of prioritizing product over technology. He advised founders to focus on delivering value, leveraging Web business models, and nailing fundamentals such as product-market fit, UX, and financial management.
Looking ahead, Martynov shared that BR Capital is currently looking at several technologies and initiatives, including AI-enhanced security, Abstract Accounts for simplified Web access, and Zero Knowledge Proofs for privacy-preserving DEX-bank collaboration. He also expressed support for initiatives linking traditional institutions with crypto and DeFi, as well as Web apps enhancing Web UX with models like GameFi.
When asked about traditional financial institutions adapting to DeFi, Martynov noted that initial steps include offering crypto accounts, with potential for DEX integration for low-cost swaps, staking, and lending. He highlighted Pave Bank and Revolut as examples of institutions eyeing DeFi integration, emphasizing that regulation will play a crucial role in shaping competitiveness in the industry.