Venture Firm Cadenza Bets Big on AI and Blockchain

A Personal Start: From Skeptic to Believer

Five years ago, I got my start in the wild world of crypto recruitment. Back then, blockchain felt like a rebellious teenager, full of potential but unpredictable. Hiring for blockchain companies was more about convincing talent that the tech wasn’t a passing fad. Today, with players like venture firm Cadenza leading the charge, the industry has matured, showing that thoughtful investment can turn bold ideas into lasting innovations. Fast forward to today, and here I am, not just advocating for blockchain but watching it intertwine with artificial intelligence (AI). And guess who’s at the forefront of this evolution? Venture Firm Cadenza.Cadenza isn’t just throwing money at the latest buzzwords. They’re laser-focused on shaping the future of these transformative technologies. Here’s what they’re doing and why it matters.Investing in Real-World SolutionsIt’s easy to get swept up in the hype of AI and blockchain—who wouldn’t be excited about decentralised AI chatbots or self-executing contracts? However, Cadenza stands out because they back projects solving real-world problems.For instance, consider their investment in Fetch.ai, a platform blending AI and blockchain to optimise supply chains. Fetch.ai uses decentralised machine learning agents to streamline logistics, cutting costs for businesses and reducing waste. Clearly, it’s a prime example of AI and blockchain working in tandem to make industries more efficient.When I’ve recruited for blockchain start-ups, I’ve seen countless pitches that were all flash and no substance. On the other hand, the projects Cadenza funds aren’t just chasing trends—they’re making a tangible impact. Ultimately, that’s the kind of innovation that attracts top talent, and trust me, talent matters more than ever in this space.Embracing the Shift in Talent DynamicsSpeaking of talent, here’s a little insider secret: the talent pool has evolved. Back in 2018, most blockchain developers were self-taught enthusiasts. Today? The industry’s attracting seasoned engineers, AI specialists, and data scientists.Cadenza’s approach to recruitment reflects this shift. They encourage their portfolio companies to offer remote flexibility and competitive salaries, which were rare in the crypto space a few years ago. And they’re not just looking for techies. They value people with diverse skill sets, like product designers and compliance experts, to help bring these high-tech visions to life.I’ve had my fair share of hiring challenges, from candidates ghosting interviews to mismatched expectations. But I’ve learned that culture fit and mission alignment trump everything else. Cadenza’s success lies in supporting start-ups that build teams united by a shared vision—a lesson more venture firms could take to heart.Navigating Regulatory HeadwindsLet’s not sugarcoat it: regulation is the elephant in the room. Both AI and blockchain face scrutiny, and rightly so. The tech is powerful, but without guardrails, it can also be misused.Cadenza’s strategy here is twofold. For one thing, they’re investing in projects that prioritise compliance. In addition, they’re fostering dialogue with regulators. One example is their backing of Chainalysis, a blockchain analytics company helping governments and businesses monitor transactions for illicit activity. Clearly, it’s proof that innovation and regulation can coexist.When I’ve spoken to candidates worried about joining blockchain companies, regulation often comes up. Naturally, it’s a valid concern. But seeing firms like Cadenza lead the way gives me hope that the industry can mature responsibly without stifling creativity.The Future Is CollaborativeHere’s what excites me most: the future of AI and blockchain isn’t a competition. It’s a collaboration. Imagine decentralised AI models where users, not corporations, control the data. Or blockchain networks that leverage AI to detect fraud in real-time. These synergies are already happening, and Cadenza’s investments are accelerating the trend.For example, their funding of Ocean Protocol demonstrates this vision. Ocean Protocol enables secure sharing of data for AI models, creating a marketplace where data owners get rewarded without sacrificing privacy. It’s an elegant solution to one of tech’s biggest challenges.In my experience, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword. When I’ve helped build teams, the most successful ones embraced cross-disciplinary thinking. It’s no surprise that the companies thriving under Cadenza’s guidance follow the same playbook.So, What’s Next?AI and blockchain are reshaping industries faster than anyone could have predicted. Venture Firm Cadenza is proof that thoughtful investment can drive meaningful innovation. They’re not just funding tech; rather, they’re shaping the ecosystem.If you’re in the crypto or AI space, take note. Whether you’re hiring, job-hunting, or just curious, Cadenza’s strategy offers valuable lessons. Focus on real-world solutions, build strong teams, stay ahead of regulations, and, most importantly, embrace collaboration. Sounds simple, right? It’s not—but with the right partners, it’s absolutely doable. After all, success in tech is rarely achieved alone.