Thunderstruck⚡️8.22.25

The latest and greatest from the world's largest Bitcoin-focused investing network!

Author

Mike Jarmuz
August 22, 2025

What’s up, Lightning⚡️Ventures gang!

Last week we wrapped a whirlwind tour through Riga and Helsinki—two stellar conferences, two rowdy Satoshi Rockamoto concerts, and enough Baltic Bitcoin energy to power a small ASIC farm. Meanwhile, our portfolio companies are shipping updates, and yes—some are hiring! We’ve got the rundown on the latest updates and opportunities below. If you're looking to build in Bitcoin, now’s your shot. Plus, we've got our picks for killer content of the week as well as some Bitcoin-only events coming up you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive in 👇🏻

Heads up! If you're interested in joining the Lightning⚡️Ventures investing network, just reply to this email and we’ll send you the details. You can also join our Telegram channel, or flash a Bat Signal to me to schedule a call or answer your questions.

📣 As a reminder, Lightning⚡️Ventures has a Syndicate, Fund, RegCF Crowdfunding Portal, and Consultancy!

  • Lightning⚡️Ventures is the world’s largest Bitcoin-focused, stage-agnostic, angel investing network! We invest anywhere between $100k - $500k. Join us!

  • Node 2 Fund invests $100k - $1M in Pre-seed and Series A Bitcoin companies. If you would like to schedule a call and discuss, please reply to this email.

  • Thunder Funder is a newly launched Equity Crowdfunding Portal dedicated to Bitcoin and Open-Source projects!

  • Spark Services is a consulting and advisory service that assists early-stage companies in fundraising, go-to-market, guerrilla marketing, product support, scaling, and more!

📈 Portfolio News ICYMI

  • Summary: Hosted a session exploring decentralized education and Bitcoin's role in family wealth, with a replay available; confirmed the next investor update will be shared in late August to resume regular communications.

  • Summary: CEO Aubrey Jesseau discussed Beaver Bitcoin's mission in an interview, highlighting non-custodial services and Bitcoin's role amid Canada's rising M2 money supply.

  • Summary: Completed a Bitcoin hunt in Lyon, awarding 50€ in Bitcoin to the winner; emphasized user growth with over 200,000 users trusting the platform for simple Bitcoin savings.

  • Summary: Announced beta testing of native integration for MoneyBadgerPay, with a public release upcoming to enhance everyday Bitcoin transactions.

  • Summary: Co-founder Roy Sheinfeld discussed Bitcoin's evolution from store of value to everyday currency in a podcast, challenging the false dichotomy between holding and spending.

  • Summary: Breez has added built-in swaps support, so users can effortlessly pay in USDT with BTC balances, or in BTC with USDT.

  • Summary: Recognized for Lightning Network adoption, with 75% of contributions now via Lightning; continues funding grassroots projects like Bitcoin Cafes and circular economies.

  • Summary: Announced work with governments on Bitcoin mining and energy pilots, following Bhutan's success in adding $1B to reserves.

  • Summary: Launched preview for Asia-themed Bitcoin art auction with 44 lots and 8 direct sales, bidding starting August 21.

  • Summary: Introduced Total Return feature combining realized and unrealized gains/losses; also promoted Bitcoin-backed business loans in AUD with no limits or credit checks.

  • Summary: Jack Mallers' new venture aims for $5B Bitcoin treasury to rival MicroStrategy.

  • Summary: Integrated THNDR Blackjack into KuttBet for instant settlement PvP gaming; ongoing community tournaments and giveaways.

  • Summary: Released Payment Requests for simple one-time payments; partnered with Bitcoin Ireland Conference for ticketing, supporting Bitcoin and fiat.

Your front-row seat to what’s happening in the Bitcoin startup landscape. We spotlight the builders and the behind-the-scenes stories shaping the future of Bitcoin startups.

Are you a founder? Want to share your story, practice your pitch, or get real-time feedback on fundraising, regulation, and navigating the venture landscape? Whether you're just getting started or deep in the grind, this is your chance to connect with VCs, peers, and operators who live and breathe Bitcoin. Come hang out and learn!

We’ve built a Bitcoin-only funding portal where anyone can back the next generation of Bitcoin startups. Think exclusive deal flow, a vibrant community of Bitcoiners, and a platform designed to be fun.

Early users will unlock special perks and get front-row access to our next batch of Bitcoin-only deals. Sign up today and join the movement.

Are you a founder? Apply to raise!

Bitcoin is weird, man.

We’ll be at a lot of these events! Say hi.

Work in Bitcoin! There is no second-best career

Ready to Raise? Let’s Make It Happen.

If you’re a founder who is building on Bitcoin, are you ready to level up? At Lightning Ventures, we work with the best builders in the space, helping them connect with investors who share their passion on all things Bitcoin. Whether you’re developing on Lightning, exploring Taproot Assets, or crafting the next-generation Bitcoin product, we want to hear from you.

Applying is easy — just fill out this form and tell us what you’re working on. We’re here to support bold ideas, spark big conversations, and help you find the right backers to fuel your vision. Let’s build the future together.