Gains Associates

Gains Associates, based in Paris, France, operates as a prominent "decentralized VC," launchpad, and community builder within the blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystem. Emerging from an early interest in Bitcoin and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), the firm has evolved to specialize in supporting early-stage blockchain projects through their critical fundraising and growth phases. They leverage a vast global community, which they claim exceeds 200,000 members across various social channels, to provide projects with significant exposure and engagement.

The core of Gains Associates' model revolves around facilitating fundraising for blockchain ventures through private and public token sales, commonly known as IDOs (Initial DEX Offerings) and IGOs (Initial Game Offerings). They act as a bridge between innovative projects and a large pool of crypto-native investors. The firm has a strong track record, having successfully helped projects raise over $100 million in total funding and assisting in the launch of more than 100 projects since its inception.

While Gains Associates states they "invest in projects they believe in," their operational approach differs significantly from traditional venture capital firms that typically deploy large equity checks. Their involvement often includes strategic token allocations in private rounds, alongside providing extensive marketing, community building, and launch support. Due to this unique model as a launchpad and community facilitator for token sales, rather than a conventional equity investor, specific typical "first cheque" sizes in the traditional venture capital sense are not publicly disclosed or directly applicable to their investment activities.