Thunderstruck - Last Call for CypherTank!⚡️10.8.25

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

Author

Mike Jarmuz
October 10, 2025

Yo Lightning⚡️Ventures gang, before we dive into the latest news and portfolio updates, we gotta let you know that today is the LAST DAY to apply for CypherTank! The first Bitcoin-focused pitch competition of its kind is coming to Lugano during the Plan ₿ Forum.

If you’re a Bitcoin builder and you haven’t applied to be on CypherTank yet, this is your last chance to participate.  Submit your application here.

  • Prizes include $850k+ in Investments

  • Filmed w/ global distribution at the end of 2025

  • Judges include Adam Back, Matt Odell, Paolo Ardoino, Preston Pysh, Mike Jarmuz + other Bitcoin all-stars.

Backed by the Plan ₿ Network and the Plan ₿ VC Fund, finalists will compete for over $850,000+ in investments, grants, and acceleration support, while pitching directly to world-class Bitcoin investors and builders. Filmed in Lugano and distributed globally at the end of 2025, CypherTank will spotlight the next wave of Bitcoin pioneers.

Filming will take place in Lugano with the Semifinals on October 22 and the Finals on October 27, during the week of Plan B Forum (Oct 24–25). Edited episodes will be released across YouTube, Rumble, and X by the end of 2025.

Will your pitch turn into the next iconic Bitcoin company? Take the first step and submit an application today!

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

⚡️ Foundation Devices - Partnership w Cloaked Wireless for Enhanced Privacy

Summary: Announced that every product now includes a free Cloaked Wireless SIM and one-month plan (up to $75 value), promoting digital privacy alongside Bitcoin security.

Summary: Experienced Bitcoin ecosystem veteran joins to drive strategy and communications, aligning with the company's growth to over 200,000 users.

Summary: Launched Bitcoin-backed loans in Louisiana and Missouri; lowered lending minimums in Kansas to $10k; added SMSF support in Australia for retirement Bitcoin access.

Summary: Hosting an event for developers, engineers, and enthusiasts with practical insights, networking, and project feedback, sponsored by Btrust.

Summary: Announced a worldwide challenge with a $25k prize pool and 50+ communities to integrate Bitcoin into open-source apps used by millions.

Summary: New features including font size changes, improved music playback, profile follow lists, and fixes for downloads/offline listening.

Summary: Supporting Sazmining's expansion to Ethiopia with Bitcoin, fiat, and Tether payment processing.

Summary: Following JAN3's presentation, MPs proposed establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve and declaring no introduction of a CBDC.

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

Work in Bitcoin! There is no second-best career. There’s a ton of open positions at our portfolio companies. Check out the scoop below 👇🏻

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.