MemCast
MemCast / episode / insight
#funding-philosophy1#modular-design3#user-experience4
Hyperliquid deliberately avoids raising large VC funds to keep the protocol aligned with users, not investors
  • Jeff argues that raising capital can create a permanent governance scar if VCs own a large share of the network.
  • The team chose to bootstrap, using existing expertise to fund development without diluting user value.
  • This contrarian stance allowed Hyperliquid to stay focused on long‑term utility rather than short‑term fundraising milestones.
  • The approach also signals to the community that the protocol’s incentives are user‑centric, not profit‑centric.
Jeff YanWhen Shift Happens04:00:12

Supporting quotes

Quote
04:00:12
“I don't think raising money ... if you can't pay the bills then probably raising some money is reasonable” — Jeff Yan
Discussing when external funding makes sense
Quote
04:24:00
“if a bunch of VCs come and let's say they own 50% of the network ... that is forever a bit of a scar on the network” — Jeff Yan
Explaining the governance risk of VC ownership

From this concept

User-First Product Design Over VC-Driven Growth

Hyperliquid deliberately avoids large VC rounds to keep the protocol aligned with end-users rather than investors. Jeff stresses building a product that feels like Web 2 finance--cheap, instant, and trustless--while keeping market makers as regular users, not privileged insiders.

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