Selecting Groundbreaking Tech Companies
What can founders do to capture the attention of investors willing to help support their ideas?
The topic came up recently during Avestix’s invitation-only webinar, Unlocking Crypto and Blockchain Technology, allowing Susan Lindeque, founder and CEO of Avestix, to share the steps she and her team take when vetting tech startups for possible inclusion in the Avestix Venture Capital Fund.
“We take a multi-dimensional approach — blending rigorous analysis, strategic insight, and collaboration with industry experts,” she explained. “We start with a technology-driven evaluation intended to identify what makes a prospective company unique or disruptive.”
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The goal, she said, is to determine if a startup addresses clear gaps in the market, or solves problems that current systems do not address. “Next, we consider a business’s adoption potential. Is its technology scalable? Can it integrate into existing infrastructure or support multi-chain environments? And, of course, we look for technical excellence.”
Revolutionizing Traditional Systems
The next step in the process involves evaluating the experience the company's leadership team brings to the table and its familiarity with cutting-edge tools such as smart contracts (self-executing, blockchain-based contracts that are finalized as predetermined terms and conditions are met), zero-knowledge proofs (cryptographic methods that confirm findings without revealing proprietary data) and decentralized cloud infrastructures.
After verifying the leadership team’s comfort level, Avestix examines the company’s potential market impact. “We are looking for organizations that can revolutionize traditional systems,” she said. “Think of on-chain mortgages, tokenized assets, or decentralized exchanges. These bring real transparency and efficiency to the table.” Ecosystem value is another consideration. “We look for solutions that encourage collaboration — platforms that enable multi-chain interactions or dApps with real-world applications. This ensures we’re not just backing innovative ideas, but sustainable ecosystems,” she said.
Next, Avestix considers the overall team makeup and interaction.
“We assess their vision, expertise and adaptability to evolving trends. A forward-thinking team can overcome challenges and build lasting solutions, but execution matters. We dive into development timelines, milestones, and proofs-of-concept. We want to know that they can turn ideas into market-ready products,” Susan said. “Partnerships are a signal of strength,” she said. “Collaborating with established players — whether they work in blockchain or traditional financial models — adds credibility and opens doors for scaling.”
A Commitment to Decentralization
Avestix next examines financial and strategic metrics. Naturally, the team looks for evidence that the company is financially sound but they also want to see clearly defined business models and pathways to profitability. “Scalability is critical,” she explained. “We look at how prepared startups are for global adoption and whether they’re proactively addressing bottlenecks in areas like security or interoperability.”
Avestix prefers organizations that are committed to decentralization and offer solutions that empower individuals and communities. For instance, they favor platforms that enable users to monetize their data — but do so while placing a premium on data privacy and security.
“Transparency is key,” Susan said. “The Blockchain-based solutions we support must demonstrate how they enhance trust through transparent and immutable operations.”
Specifically, her team is currently looking for companies that are building:
Cross-chain solutions that enable seamless interoperability between networks
Decentralized cloud computing for secure, scalable data storage and processing
Tokenization models that can transform assets like real estate or intellectual property into accessible, liquid holding
Susan made it a point to clarify that Avestix doesn’t simply offer capital. It also provides fledgling companies strategic guidance intended to help accelerate their growth and enhance business models if needed.
“We also connect founders with other investors, advisors, and industry leaders — helping to ensure they become part of the community,” she said. “Our mission is clear,” she said. “We identify and support the most promising companies leveraging emerging technologies to drive impactful change. By blending expertise, strategic vision, and a commitment to decentralization, we aim to empower innovators and create lasting value, for both our investors and for the world.”
Next Steps
Are you interested in including venture capital opportunities in your 2025 investment strategy? Or, are you a Founder seeking support and guidance to help grow your startup? In either case, contact Avestix today.
