Pre-crypto, Bart Stephens, co-founder and CEO of Blockchain Capital, and his brother, Brad Stephens, co-founder of Blockchain Capital, were fascinated by economies in online games. Upon learning of Bitcoin, they immediately saw potential. By 2013, they were setting up mining rigs in their parents’ garage. Stephens recognized a substantial lack of interest from the traditional finance sector, leading to the founding of Blockchain Capital in 2013. Stephens shares insights into the VC space and how someone in his position evaluates the promise of a start-up. He also gives a unique perspective into the philosophical underpinnings of crypto, what made it special in the first place, and why it's important for a start-up's founding team to value those ideals. Interviewed by Ash Bennington on August 4, 2021.