Shark Tank for Bitcoin? VC Explains "CYPHER TANK" Competition | Mike Jarmuz

*"These companies that are building around [Bitcoin] are going to do very well. It's going to be similar to the personal computer revolution or the internet revolution."*

In this episode of The Bitcoin Podcast, VC Mike Jarmuz of Lightning Ventures discusses Bitcoin startups, the upcoming pitch competition at the Lugano Plan B Forum (https://planbweek.com/#cypher-tank-semi-final), Bitcoin Treasury Company and startup M&A, and the evolution of Bitcoin investment strategies.

Key Topics:

- Bitcoin startups and investment
- Lugano Plan B Forum CypherTank pitch competition
- Bitcoin market cycles and adoption
- Lightning Network and custodial solutions
- Tokenization and blockchain use cases

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CYPHER TANK PITCH COMPETITION: https://planbweek.com/#cypher-tank-semi-final

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KEY POINTS
• Cypher Tank @ Plan B Week (Lugano): Open to builders in for-profit and non-profit tracks; travel covered for finalists; multiple categories (on-chain, Lightning/Liquid/RGB, P2P/identity/data, emerging markets; human rights/privacy, scientific/crypto, local Lugano impact).
• Funding paths: Media projects (pods, films, community efforts) aren’t VC-type—use Geyser/crowdfunding; startups with revenue and product fit VC better.
• Treasury vs. operating businesses: Expect treasury companies to acquire cash-flowing Bitcoin businesses as the market matures. Consolidation is coming.
• Tokenization ≠ “blockchain everything”: Many “RWA” use cases are just better databases. Useful tokenization is about liquidity + market structure (e.g., 24/7 trading, easier secondaries), not seed phrases for your house deed.
• Lightning reality check: Custodial wallets (e.g., Speed, Blink) often give fewer failed payments & lower fees than many non-custodial wallets; tradeoffs depend on use case and amount at risk.
• Layer choices: Base layer for long-term, large value. Lightning for everyday payments (with tradeoffs). Liquid & Cashu provide different trust/UX models; ARC may unify flows (e.g., unified QR).
• Cycles & catalysts: Price “boring” phases happen; deeper drawdowns likely need catalysts (custody incidents, macro shocks). DCA-in is common—DCA-out for bills/risk management is underrated.
• Where to learn/get involved: Builders & investors can connect via LTNG.ventures; new Reg CF portal ThunderFunder.com opens retail access to Bitcoin-adjacent deals.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – IN THIS EPISODE...
02:30 – 🚀 Walker’s Podcast Journey + The Grind of Bitcoin Media
04:10 – 👨‍👧 Kids & Bitcoin Culture – Daniel Prince, Conferences & “Child Labor Works” (joking)
08:50 – 💸 Uptober Vibes + Introducing Cypher Tank – The “Shark Tank for Bitcoin”
10:50 – 🏆 How to Apply, Judges & Prizes – Why Builders Should Pitch at Plan B Week
16:20 – 🎥 Funding Creatives – Geyser vs VC Capital & Value-for-Value Models
20:20 – 🎧 Bitcoin Media as Assets – Podcasts, Swan’s Playbook & The Next Wave of Sponsors
27:50 – 💡 Investing in Bitcoin Startups – Lightning Ventures Thesis & Where Capital Flows
33:20 – 🏗 From Treasuries to Builders – Yield, B-HODL & M&A Momentum
40:40 – ⚙️ Tech Frontiers – Lightning Still Works, ARC Emerges & Tokenization Debunked
54:30 – 📉 Bitcoin Cycles & Catalysts – Corrections, Buyers on Sidelines & Risk Management
1:03:50 – ⚡ Lightning UX & Fees – Custodial vs Non-Custodial, Wallet Future & Final Thoughts

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