Investing in Bitcoin Startups
In this episode of The Bitcoin Libertarian, we sit down with Mike Jarmuz, a passionate Bitcoin advocate, investor, and founder of Lightning Ventures and Thunderfunder. With a background that spans from punk rock music to angel investing in over 2,000 startups, Mike brings a bold and strategic perspective to Bitcoin-focused venture capital.
We explore how Bitcoin startups are revolutionizing the financial ecosystem, why early-stage investing matters, and how retail investors can now participate in funding the future of Bitcoin.
Table of Contents
From Gold to Bitcoin: Mike’s Origin Story
Like many Bitcoiners, Mike’s journey began during the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. After a personal financial fallout and bankruptcy, he turned to gold and silver, seeking monetary truth. A friend introduced him to the Kaiser Report, which became a gateway to Austrian economics, alternative media, and eventually, Bitcoin.
Since his orange pill moment in 2013, Mike never looked back. His experience evolved from late-stage IPO investing in companies like Spotify and Lyft to early-stage Bitcoin startups that aim to reshape the financial future.
Why Bitcoin Startups?
Mike explains that while buying and holding Bitcoin is essential, investing in startups building on Bitcoin is a force multiplier. These companies are creating the tools, apps, and infrastructure that will drive mass adoption.
From Fold to Blockstream, and now through his platforms Lightning Ventures and Thunderfunder, Mike has invested over $6.8 million in nearly 40 Bitcoin companies, ranging from Lightning Network tooling to remittance solutions in the Global South.
Building Thunderfunder: Opening Access to Everyone
Mike realized a major gap in the ecosystem: retail investors had no easy way to invest in Bitcoin startups. That’s where Thunderfunder comes in — a crowdfunding platform allowing almost anyone to invest in Bitcoin companies without needing to be an accredited investor.
He emphasizes this is not like Patreon or GoFundMe. Thunderfunder offers equity-based investments, allowing retail users to co-invest in real companies alongside VCs — all within legal frameworks.
The Traits of a Bitcoin Startup
So what makes a good Bitcoin startup?
Mike points out that resilience is a unique trait in Bitcoin entrepreneurs. Unlike traditional startups, Bitcoiners are mission-driven. They often bootstrap longer, resist exit scams, and build with an ethos of financial freedom.
His preferred criteria:
Democratizing Bitcoin Investment
One of the most compelling parts of the episode is Mike’s mission to democratize Bitcoin VC:
“It’s not a replacement for buying Bitcoin. It’s a complement to your stack.”
Platforms like Thunderfunder allow average users to invest in companies like Orange Pill App or Jolts, at terms similar to VCs. Even small checks like $250 can support the ecosystem and potentially outperform Bitcoin — with the right startup and patience.
Lightning-Powered Startups: Driving Global Use
Mike is particularly excited about startups leveraging Lightning Network to provide services like:
These solutions embody Bitcoin’s core ethos of freedom, borderless finance, and inclusion.
What’s Ahead for Bitcoin VCs?
According to Mike, the future of Bitcoin venture capital lies in:
He notes that layer 2 tokens and pseudo-Bitcoin projects often confuse the space. Lightning Ventures strictly avoids non-Bitcoin tokens and instead focuses on real innovation.
Bitcoin’s Future & A Message to Satoshi
Mike ends with optimism:
If he could sit with Satoshi, he’d ask:
Ultimately, he credits Satoshi for giving humanity hope and a fair financial future.
Conclusion
This conversation with Mike Jarmuz reveals the immense opportunity in Bitcoin startup investing. As Bitcoin matures, it's not just about holding BTC anymore — it's about supporting the infrastructure and innovation that will carry us into the next era of adoption.
Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, Lightning Ventures and Thunderfunder offer a pathway to be part of this revolution.
And remember, Bitcoin startups aren’t just investments — they’re how we build the Bitcoin standard.
FAQs
What is Lightning Ventures?
A Bitcoin-focused venture capital firm investing in early-stage startups building on or around Bitcoin.
What is Thunderfunder?
A crowdfunding platform that allows everyday investors to fund Bitcoin startups and receive real equity.
Can anyone invest in Thunderfunder projects?
Yes, almost anyone globally can sign up and participate, depending on local regulations.
Is this a replacement for buying Bitcoin?
No. Mike emphasizes that you should buy and hold Bitcoin first, and startup investing complements that.
What returns can I expect?
Startup investments are high-risk and long-term. Some may outperform Bitcoin, but many won’t. It's about contributing to the ecosystem.
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