If you’ve been around crypto long enough, you know the pattern. When venture capital dries up, hiring freezes. But when Crypto VCs are back, everything changes. And right now? They’re back.
After a brutal bear market, we’re finally seeing serious money flow into blockchain again. That means more hiring, more competition for talent, and—if you’re a founder or hiring manager—a brief window to scoop up the best before the market gets too hot again.
So, what does that mean for hiring in 2025? Let’s break it down.
Crypto VCs Are Back—And They’re Wiser This Time
The last bull cycle was wild. VCs threw money at anything with a whitepaper and a token. Companies raised absurd valuations, hired too fast, and then collapsed just as quickly when the market turned. 2025 is different.
This time, the money is going to real businesses solving real problems. We’re seeing funding rounds focused on infrastructure, compliance-ready DeFi, gaming projects with actual users, and real-world asset tokenisation.
For hiring, that means:
- More sustainable jobs—less “hire fast, fire faster.”
- A focus on quality over hype—companies are looking for top-tier talent, not just warm bodies.
- Longer runway—the startups raising now are built to survive, not just ride the next wave.
If you’re looking to hire top talent, you need to move now. The best candidates are paying attention to which projects have long-term potential, and they won’t stay on the market for long.
The Hiring Market Is Still in Your Favour—For Now
Right now, we’re in a sweet spot. The bear market forced a lot of talented developers, marketers, and product managers to look elsewhere—some went into AI, fintech, or even traditional tech. But many of them are eager to come back if the right opportunity presents itself.
What does that mean for hiring?
- You can still attract top talent before competition skyrockets.
- Salaries haven’t gone crazy—yet. In the last bull run, Web3 engineers were demanding (and getting) $300K+ salaries. We’re not there—yet.
- Candidates are prioritising stability. They’re looking for well-funded teams with a clear vision. If you can show that, you’ve got an edge.
The window won’t stay open forever. If your company is about to raise—or just closed a round—start hiring now before the best people get snapped up.
What Roles Are in Demand for 2025?
Not all jobs are created equal. The hiring landscape has shifted since the last bull run. Here’s what’s hot right now:
Technical Talent: Smart Contract Engineers & DevOps
Blockchain developers were always in demand, but now companies are being more selective. They’re looking for engineers who understand security, scalability, and real-world applications—not just people who can fork an open-source project.
Big plus if you have:
- Solidity or Rust expertise (especially for cross-chain projects)
- Experience optimising gas fees
- DevOps skills to keep infrastructure running smoothly
Regulatory & Compliance Experts
As crypto matures, regulatory clarity is increasing—which means companies need legal minds who can navigate licensing, KYC/AML, and jurisdictional compliance.
If you have experience in TradFi compliance and want to pivot into Web3, 2025 is your moment.
Growth & Community Leads
Gone are the days of “build it and they will come.” Crypto projects need serious marketing and growth strategies—especially ones that go beyond Twitter and Telegram shilling.
The best hires here:
- Understand tokenomics and user incentives
- Know how to run data-driven campaigns (not just hype)
- Can balance community engagement with serious business growth
If you’re hiring in one of these areas, start locking in candidates now before demand explodes.
How to Win the Talent War
If you’re a founder or hiring manager in Web3, you can’t afford to wait. Here’s what’s working right now:
1. Move Fast, But Be Transparent
Great candidates are getting multiple offers. If you find someone you like, don’t drag your feet. At the same time, be upfront about your funding, runway, and long-term vision—top talent won’t take risks on shaky teams.
2. Offer More Than Just a Paycheck
The best candidates want ownership—whether that’s equity, tokens, or a say in the product roadmap. Show them that joining your team is more than just a job.
3. Look Beyond Crypto Natives
Some of the best hires I’ve seen lately? People coming from fintech, AI, and enterprise SaaS. They bring a fresh perspective and the operational discipline that many crypto startups lack.
If you’re open to non-crypto backgrounds, you’ll get access to a much wider talent pool.
We’ve been here before. When Crypto VCs are back, the hiring market shifts fast. Right now, we’re in a rare moment where funding is flowing, but the talent market hasn’t caught up yet.
If you’re building a team, this is your chance to hire the best before competition heats up. And if you’re looking for a new role in Web3? Now’s the time to make your move.
The next hiring frenzy is coming—are you ready?
