Orange Fund GP on Crypto Founders' Zero-to-One Journey

What does it take to turn a bold idea into a breakout crypto startup? For the most resourceful, it starts with tapping into a community that combines the wisdom of experienced founders with the experience, connections, and framework to turn vision into reality.

That's the ethos behind Orange DAO, a venture-backed collective reshaping how Web3 founders get from zero to one. 

Orange DAO: The Largest, Venture-Backed Founder Network in Web3

Born out of the Y Combinator community, Orange DAO is flipping the script on venture capital. Here, the power isn't concentrated in the hands of a few partners. Instead, it's distributed across a network of seasoned operators—venture-backed founders who've been there and are now helping others walk the same path. 

Ben Huh, founder of Orange Fund and a driving force behind the DAO, sees it as a fresh approach for Web3 founders. His recent interview with Grace Gong on the Venture with Grace podcast pulled back the curtain on how this community-driven model works—and why it just might be the future of venture capital.

This is the story of how crypto founders move from concept to creation… with a little help from a DAO built for them.

How It Works: The Orange DAO Difference

Unlike traditional accelerators, Orange DAO offers founders more than just capital—it provides a comprehensive ecosystem designed to fuel Web3 innovation.

Founders accepted into the program receive up to $300,000 in investment from Orange Fund, but the real value lies in what comes with the check. Each startup gains access to Orange DAO's network of venture-backed founders (primarily Y Combinator and A16Z), who play an active role in each startup's journey and offer tailored mentorship along the way.

DAO members filter thousands of applications, using their collective expertise to identify the most promising startups. Next comes an intensive 12-week accelerator program that culminates in a Demo Day where founders pitch live to hundreds of investors at once.

Ben put it simply: "We're flipping the VC model on its head. It's all about creating a supportive, founder-first ecosystem."

Web3 Innovation: More Than Just Buzzwords

Buzzwords are cheap. Real innovation is priceless—and that's why Orange DAO's approach goes far beyond the surface. 

In his chat with Grace, Ben broke down how Orange DAO is tackling the specific challenges faced by blockchain startups. 

Take tokenomics, for instance. It serves as a critical framework for decentralized business models. Orange DAO's program ensures founders learn the intricacies of token design and governance models, teaching them how to create sustainable ecosystems that can thrive long after the initial hype dies down. 

Equally important is the program's focus on decentralized go-to-market strategies. Web3's audience is fragmented and complex—traditional marketing playbooks simply don't work. "Web3 requires a different playbook," Ben explained. "We're giving founders the tools to navigate a space that's still evolving rapidly."

This approach to sustainable growth naturally leads to a closer look at one of the most misunderstood concepts in startups: virality.

Why Virality Is Overrated

Drawing from his Cheezburger Network days, Ben demystified the concept of going viral. 

Viral moments are often the result of deliberate, orchestrated efforts, not random strokes of luck. Established companies that want to make something go viral generally start with a pretty large budget, as well as access to distribution networks, power users, and a deep understanding of platform algorithms to maximize visibility and engagement.

But when you're building a business, virality is "just an accidental outcome, a happy outcome—it should never be the goal," Ben emphasized. 

That's because going viral is not a scalable, repeatable process. As Ben put it, virality comes in with a massive peak and then quickly fades, and suddenly your metrics and data are all wrong because a bunch of people who didn't truly care about your product showed up to your website. 

"Focus on creating undeniable value for your customers and let the rest follow," Ben advised. 

Orange DAO's approach? Help founders build products that solve real problems—with virality as a potential side effect, not the goal.

The Collision of AI and Blockchain

This philosophy of creating genuine value means looking to the cutting edge. Where is there opportunity for innovation and disruption?

For his part, Ben sees massive potential in combining AI with blockchain, particularly for transparency and value transfer. AI-specific blockchains like Zero Gravity—an Orange DAO portfolio company—are pioneering ways to track how AI models are trained, introducing unprecedented accountability. 

Blockchain's openness also allows AI systems to interact natively with value, bypassing traditional finance inefficiencies. This means AI can now engage in economic interactions more seamlessly and transparently than ever before. 

According to Ben, this intersection of AI and blockchain is where the next wave of transformative technology will emerge. The question is, how do you take a concept and build it into a scalable startup?

The Accelerator Model: A New Standard for Web3 Startups

Enter Orange DAO's 12-week accelerator program. It's a high-intensity boot camp designed to prepare founders for success in the crypto space. The program's strength lies in its personalized, founder-first approach.

Each founder receives guidance from domain-specific mentors who've built and scaled successful companies. This support is amplified by Orange DAO's network of founders, who offer actionable insights and collaboration opportunities.

Finally, the accelerator program culminates in a high-stakes Demo Day, where founders pitch live to hundreds of investors in rapid-fire 90-second presentations. The results speak for themselves: many founders walk away with millions in funding commitments.

"The rigor of our program pushes founders to deliver results they never thought possible," Ben reflected. And in the fast-moving world of Web3, this combination of funding, mentorship, and community support ensures founders are ready not just to launch, but also to scale.

A DAO-Driven Approach to Venture Capital

Community support is absolutely crucial. Unlike traditional funds, Orange DAO puts the community at the center of its model. 

DAO members actively participate in reviewing applications and making referrals, fostering a transparent and collaborative selection process. The result? A more nuanced understanding of which founders and projects truly have the potential to succeed.

In addition, Orange Fund avoids follow-on bias by investing equally across all startups in the accelerator. This approach prevents signaling risk, ensuring a fairer, founder-first investment model—and it puts the focus on what really matters: helping each founder secure the outside capital they need to grow. 

For founders in the program, there is now a clear path forward, backed by experienced guides. But what specific advice does Ben have for crypto entrepreneurs starting out?

Crypto Founders, Take Note

During his conversation with Grace, Ben shared some hard-earned wisdom for aspiring Web3 founders. One of the most important lessons he's learned? Clarity is king. 

"The reason great marketing works, as you grow, is that you are clear, creative, and direct," he emphasized. The first mistake founders often make is trying to say too much. He and Orange DAO are looking for communicators who can succinctly convey why someone needs their protocol, their crypto product, or their software.

Founders must master the art of storytelling. On Demo Day, in particular, success comes down to three things: clarity, succinctness, and evidence-based traction. 

"A lot of the program," Ben noted, "is centered around how [to] communicate to investors very clearly, in a very succinct way, the differences that make you better—by using proof, using evidence from customers."

Serving the customer is everything. Ben stressed the importance of starting with customer needs and working backward to build solutions. 

Finally, leverage the community! Success in Web3 isn't a solo act. Find your tribe and grow together.

Why Orange DAO Matters

With its unique blend of community-driven decision-making, Web3 expertise, and founder-first ethos, Orange DAO is setting a new standard for venture funding in crypto. As the lines between AI and blockchain blur, and decentralized tools gain momentum, Orange DAO is positioned to lead the next wave of tech innovation.

As Ben sees it, he and his community of founders aren't just accelerating startups. They're accelerating the evolution of technology—and, in doing so, building the future.

5 Key Takeaways from Ben Huh’s Interview

1. Virality is a Tool, Not a Goal

Success isn't about chasing virality—it's about solving real customer problems. Viral moments, when they happen, should be seen as a bonus, not the foundation of your strategy. Focus on clarity, value, and authenticity in your product and storytelling.

2. Web3 Needs a New Playbook

Building in Web3 requires tailored approaches, from understanding tokenomics to navigating decentralized go-to-market strategies. Orange DAO's accelerator equips founders to tackle these unique challenges with insights from seasoned crypto entrepreneurs.

3. Community-Driven Venture Capital Works

Orange DAO flips traditional VC on its head by empowering its DAO members—venture-backed founders—to vet and guide startups. This model democratizes decision-making and creates a founder-first ecosystem.

4. AI and Blockchain Are Natural Allies

Ben highlighted the potential of blockchain in enabling AI accountability, decentralized payments, and value transfer. Startups like Zero Gravity are already pioneering AI-specific blockchains to make machine learning more transparent and secure.

5. The Future Belongs to Great Communicators

Whether pitching to investors or customers, founders must master the art of storytelling. Clear, concise communication is a superpower, and tools like AI can assist—but never replace—the creative process.