In the world of crypto, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype, especially when new projects are promised ‘to the Moon’ and the market reacts to every tweet. But amidst all this noise, there are always valuable voices that bring us back to reality.
One of these voices is Bobie Cayao: an experienced crypto trader, marketing specialist at LMF Ventures, Inc., and OIC of research and development at Asbir Tech Inc.
In this candid conversation, Bobby talks about his journey in crypto, what distinguishes truly viable startups, how to keep FOMO under control, and why trust and transparency are more valuable than any token hype.
Whether you’re an investor looking to weed out bad projects, a founder looking for sustainable growth, or just curious about the world of cryptocurrencies, these insights will help you see the bottom line without the unnecessary embellishments.
— Tell us how you started your journey in the crypto industry. What was the key moment or inspiration that pushed you to pursue a career in this particular field?
I was introduced to crypto back in 2010, during the early days when Bitcoin was still relatively unknown and held very little value. I’ve always been passionate about technology and online money-making opportunities, so when I discovered Bitcoin and its underlying potential, I was instantly intrigued.
I closely observed Bitcoin’s growth from the sidelines and started getting involved by joining writing platforms that paid in BTC. I also participated in early Bitcoin investments, airdrops, and even collected free satoshis. Between 2011 and 2013, I was able to accumulate around 24 BTC, selling a portion of it during those years.
The real turning point in my crypto journey came in 2016. That’s when I began to see the true profit potential in the crypto space. It was also the year I started trading actively. I developed my trading skills using platforms like Bittrex, which at the time was one of my go-to places for learning and practice.
Since then, trading has become not just a skill but my main drive and inspiration in the crypto industry. I’ve found that making money in crypto, especially through trading, has become easier and more effective for me than any other avenue.
— It is often said that the approach to project selection in equity investing has its own peculiarities compared to venture capital investments in cryptocurrency startups. What do you see as the main differences between these two approaches? And in your opinion, what makes a crypto startup successful in today’s environment? What is important for investors, and what factors should be considered when choosing a project for investment?
Yes, there’s definitely a big difference between how projects are selected in traditional equity investing versus venture capital in the crypto space.
In equity investing, people usually go for established companies with proven track records, solid revenue, and financial reports you can analyse. It’s more about stability and long-term growth. But when it comes to venture capital in crypto, it’s a different ballgame.
Most crypto startups are still in their early stages—many don’t even have a product yet—so the approach has to be more forward-looking and based on potential rather than past performance.
What I usually look at first is the team behind the project. Are they experienced? Do they have a history of delivering results? In crypto, a strong team really makes a difference.
Then there’s the problem the project is solving—is it a real-world issue, or just another copy of something that already exists? The tokenomics are also critical. If the token doesn’t have a clear use or if the distribution is unbalanced, that’s usually a red flag for me.
Another huge factor is the community. A project with a strong, engaged community has a much better chance of surviving and growing. I’ve seen projects with great tech fail just because no one was using or supporting them. And of course, execution matters. A solid roadmap is great, but can they actually deliver on what they promised?
For a crypto startup to succeed today, it needs more than just hype. It has to provide real utility, stay transparent, and be ready to adapt because the space evolves so fast. Partnerships, integrations, and even how well the team communicates with the public all matter a lot now.
For investors, especially today, it’s important not to get blinded by hype. You really have to dig deep—understand the project’s fundamentals, the market it’s entering, the team’s vision, and whether the token actually has a purpose. Crypto VC is high risk, but with the right approach, it can also bring high rewards.
— FOMO often leads to irrational investment decisions. How do you manage your own FOMO when new projects come up, and what advice would you give to investors who feel pressured to jump into trending cryptocurrencies?
FOMO is real in crypto. I’ve felt it myself, especially in the early days when you see a token skyrocketing and everyone on social media is talking about it. But over time, I’ve learned that giving in to FOMO usually leads to regret.
Personally, I manage my FOMO by sticking to a clear plan. Before I invest in any project, I ask myself: “Do I understand this project? Have I done my own research, or am I just reacting to the hype?”
If the answer is no, I don’t enter—no matter how good it looks at the moment. I also remind myself that opportunities will always come. Missing one pump doesn’t mean you’ve missed the entire crypto train.
Another thing that helps is looking at the bigger picture. Many trending tokens rise fast but crash even faster. I focus more on long-term value—projects that solve real problems, have solid teams, and clear use cases. I’d rather catch a project early because I saw the potential, not because I panicked into it after seeing green candles.
For new investors, my advice is simple: slow down. The best investors aren’t the fastest, they’re the most patient and informed. Never invest just because a coin is trending or everyone is talking about it.
Hype fades—utility and fundamentals don’t. Always DYOR (Do Your Own Research), set your own strategy, and stick to it. Don’t let social media or group chats decide for you.
In the end, managing FOMO is about discipline. The more you trust your process, the less you’ll feel the pressure to chase every shiny new coin.
— In your opinion, is it possible to find this balance between the desire to keep abreast of the latest trends and a disciplined investment strategy? And if so, how?
Yes, I believe it’s definitely possible to find that balance between staying on top of trends and sticking to a disciplined investment strategy. In fact, I think it’s essential if you want to last in this space.
What works for me is treating trends as something to observe, not something to chase blindly. I stay updated—I read the news, follow projects, check what’s trending—but I don’t let hype control my decisions.
Every time I see a new project or token getting attention, I still go back to my personal checklist: Who’s behind it? What’s the use case? Is the token economy solid? If it doesn’t check out, I don’t invest—no matter how hyped it is.
One thing I’ve also learned is to separate exploration from investing. It’s okay to explore new ideas and communities, even test things out with small amounts. But when it comes to putting in real capital, that’s when I go back to being strict with my process.
For investors out there, I’d say: stay curious, but stay disciplined. You can follow the space and learn from trends, but don’t let them control your emotions. Your strategy should always be the foundation.
— How can trust be built in crypto projects during times when the market is oversaturated? What strategies work, and which ones definitely don’t?
Yeah, building trust in crypto when the market’s flooded with new projects isn’t easy—but it’s possible if you focus on the right things.
For me, it always starts with transparency. Just be real with people. Share updates consistently, talk openly about the challenges, and don’t just post when there’s good news. When a team is honest and communicative, even during tough times, that builds a lot of trust.
Another big one is just delivering. Right now, everyone’s promising the next big thing, but very few actually ship anything. If a project is showing steady progress—even small wins—it says a lot more than hype or fancy marketing. People want to see action, not just words.
Community connection also plays a huge role. When projects actually engage with their supporters, answer questions, and involve them in the journey, that makes people feel like they’re part of something. That’s how you build loyalty, especially in a space where rug pulls and scams have made people extra cautious.
Now, what definitely doesn’t work? Trying to build hype with paid influencers, bots, or fake engagement. That might get you short-term attention, but it doesn’t build real credibility. And projects that avoid criticism, ban people for asking tough questions, or hide behind vague roadmaps—those lose trust fast.
So yeah, in a crowded market, the way to stand out is by being authentic, staying consistent, and actually delivering value. Hype fades—but real work, real transparency, and real community stick around.
— Crypto ecosystems today are racing to attract builders and users. In your opinion, what separates a short-term hype ecosystem from one with long-term staying power?
Right now, there’s a lot of hype around crypto ecosystems trying to grab attention, but the ones that last aren’t the ones relying on short-term incentives or marketing gimmicks. They focus on building strong, scalable infrastructure that works and makes it easy for developers to create.
The key is to have real support for those building on the platform—solid documentation, active communities, and responsive teams. Builders want to feel like they’re part of something that’s not just about quick gains but long-term growth.
The most successful ecosystems also have real user adoption and genuine use cases. It’s not just about having a high total value locked (TVL) or a lot of hype around a token—it’s about whether people are using the platform.
And beyond that, the culture of the ecosystem matters too. The projects with staying power have a strong, mission-driven community that believes in what they’re building, not just in chasing profits. These ecosystems build slowly but surely, and that’s what keeps them around for the long haul.
— In recent years, there has been a significant increase in institutional interest in crypto. What, in your opinion, has been the main driving force behind this shift, and how do you see it developing in the near future?
The increase in institutional interest in crypto really comes down to the fact that the space has matured and become more mainstream.
A few years ago, it was mostly seen as a wild west of speculative investments, but as the technology has evolved and the regulatory environment has started to get clearer, institutions are seeing it in a new light—less of a high-risk gamble, and more of a viable asset to consider.
Looking forward, I think we’ll see more institutions not just investing in crypto, but also incorporating it into their operations. Whether it’s through using blockchain for things like supply chain transparency, tokenizing assets, or implementing smart contracts, the possibilities are huge.
Sure, there’s still a lot of uncertainty with regulation and market fluctuations, but as those issues get sorted out, I believe we’ll see more institutional players adopting crypto as a regular part of their strategies.
— According to a recent post from a popular analyst on CoinMarketCap, WhiteBIT and Binance offer a full suite of institutional services required to provide liquidity. In your opinion, does the availability of such a package of services have a positive impact on the level of trust of investors in a crypto exchange?
I definitely think having a full set of institutional services, like what WhiteBIT and Binance offer, can help build trust with investors. When an exchange provides things like deep liquidity, solid trading tools, and secure ways to store assets, it shows that it’s serious and capable of handling larger trades without too much risk.
For investors, especially the bigger ones, liquidity is a big deal. They want to know they can execute trades without causing big price swings. Plus, with crypto still being a bit of a wild card, having good security and being compliant with regulations are key for building trust.
If an exchange offers all of that, it shows they’re not just out there for the quick profit—they’re in it for the long haul. So yes, having these services definitely makes investors feel more confident about the exchange.
— Crypto is spreading across traditional industries, but many traditional businesses are still hesitant to adopt it. What do you think are the key barriers preventing these companies from fully embracing crypto, and how can the industry overcome these obstacles to boost wider adoption?
I think the main reasons traditional businesses are hesitant to adopt crypto are uncertainty and volatility. There’s still a lot of confusion around how crypto fits into existing regulations, and that lack of clarity can make businesses nervous about jumping in.
On top of that, the price swings of things like Bitcoin can make it hard for companies to plan and manage risk, especially if they’re not used to such fluctuations.
To overcome these hurdles, the crypto industry needs to collaborate more with regulators to create clear and consistent rules that businesses can rely on. Once there’s more certainty, companies will be more comfortable adopting crypto.
Also, with innovations like stablecoins, which offer more price stability, crypto can become a more attractive option for businesses that need predictability. Over time, as companies see how crypto can add value—whether it’s for faster payments, lower fees, or new business models—I think we’ll see wider adoption.
— The crypto market can be volatile and unpredictable. How do you advise companies in the space to stay adaptable while continuing to innovate?
The key for companies in the crypto space is to stay adaptable and always keep an eye on both the market and the tech. Volatility is part of the game, but it’s important to not let short-term price swings dictate long-term strategy.
I’d advise companies to focus on building strong foundations—things like reliable infrastructure, real-world use cases, and solid partnerships. When the tech and business model are built to last, it’s easier to weather the ups and downs of the market.
At the same time, innovation is what keeps companies ahead. They should be constantly exploring new ways to improve or expand their offerings—whether that’s through better security, faster transactions, or new applications of blockchain.
Staying flexible, listening to customer feedback, and being open to pivoting when needed will help companies stay relevant, even when the market is unpredictable.
— As a marketing expert, what do you think is the most misunderstood aspect of Web3 in the public eye? How can people be better informed about its benefits and potential?
One of the most misunderstood aspects of Web3 is the idea that it’s just about cryptocurrencies or speculation. A lot of people still see it as a trend driven by quick profits, but Web3 is about much more than just digital assets.
It’s about creating a more decentralized, open internet where users have control over their data, identity, and transactions. The real potential of Web3 is in things like decentralized finance (DeFi), smart contracts, and digital ownership that go way beyond buying and trading tokens.
To help people understand its benefits, I think it’s important to focus on education. Breaking down complex concepts into simple, relatable terms—like showing how blockchain can improve security, transparency, and efficiency in everyday applications—could go a long way.
Plus, highlighting real-world use cases where Web3 is already making a positive impact, like in supply chain tracking or empowering creators with NFTs, can help people see its true potential. We need to show that Web3 isn’t just a buzzword, but a new way to rethink the internet and how we interact online.
— Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to those entering crypto for the first time, what would it be?
If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to anyone just starting in crypto, it’s this: don’t rush—learn first, invest later. The space can be super exciting, but also overwhelming. There’s a lot of hype, and it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out. But jumping in without understanding the basics is one of the quickest ways to make mistakes.
Take the time to understand what crypto is all about—how blockchain works, what different tokens are used for, and how to spot a legit project from a risky one. Follow trusted sources, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to start small.
Most of all, remember that crypto isn’t a shortcut to getting rich overnight—it’s a long-term game that rewards patience, curiosity, and smart decision-making. Treat it like you’re investing in your future knowledge as much as your money.
