Thunderstruck⚡️New Highs, New Deals, and New Ways to Build

The latest and greatest from the Bitcoin venture capital world.

Author

Mike Jarmuz
December 17, 2024

Lightning⚡️Ventures is the world’s largest Bitcoin-focused investing network.

Alright, alright, alright... Bitcoin has been smashing through all-time highs like it doesn’t have a care in the world, and here at Lightning⚡️Ventures we’re shifting into high gear as we watch the magic unfold. In this issue, we’ve got a prime-time opportunity with Slice — an absolute all-star that's closing in on the final stretch of their raise. We’re also giving you an exclusive sneak peek at two early access deals — Daylight and MagiSat — before they hit AngelList. 👀

As always, we’ll be dropping some hot updates from our portfolio companies, sharing what's up over on our RegCF platform Thunder Funder (where everyone can invest in Bitcoin startups), and hooking you up with the latest gigs from Bitcoiner Jobs. The momentum is real, and there’s no better time to dive in. Let's roll! 👇🏻

If you haven’t signed up for Thunder Funder yet...

…Well, what are you waiting for? Thunder Funder isn’t just another investment platform — We’re building a community where Bitcoiners can come together to back the startups building the future. Companies like Joltz are raising right now, and trust us, you’ll want to see what’s cooking.

Creating an account is easy! Build out your profile, earn some badges, and stake your claim in the community. This is about connecting with and supporting the builders and the visionaries who see Bitcoin as more than just a number go up. Don’t miss out.

Revolutionizing Digital Advertising with Bitcoin

Lightning⚡️Ventures was the first investor in Slice back in November 2022. We have invested in Slice more than any other company in our portfolio. They completed the Wolf Accelerator in November of 2023. Slice aims to disrupt the $455 billion digital advertising industry with its innovative user-centric approach. By directly rewarding users for ad engagement and offering a customizable AI-driven search experience, Slice is not just participating in the market. They are redefining it.

We’ve supported Slice from the beginning because we see what they’re building: a smarter, better way for advertisers and users to engage online. This isn’t just another ad-tech company—Slice is redefining the space, and their traction proves it. 

Key Highlights 🚀

  • 875,000+ downloads with zero marketing spend

  • Profitable this month with a current burn rate of only $18-20K/month

  • 24x boost in LTV (from $1 to $24) in the past year

  • Strategic partnerships with Outbrain, Bing/Yahoo, and Taboola

  • The recent launch of the VOID search portal achieving $10-30 CPMs

  • 165K monthly active users for display ads + 40K beta users for VOID search

Recent Breakthrough:

Slice has secured direct search feed approval from Yahoo/Bing. They view this as the "Holy Grail" of CPMs in ad tech.

The Opportunity:

Slice is raising $750K SAFE at a $10M post-money valuation with a 20% discount. This represents an attractive entry point at >10x projected 2025 revenue multiple for a company showing extraordinary growth metrics.

Why Now:

  • Reaching profitability next month

  • Launch of high-margin VOID search product

  • Direct partnerships with major ad networks

  • Expanded into a subscription revenue model

NEW From Slice: Meet Void. Your ultimate portal to the web. Fully customizable. AI-powered. Privacy first. Get started today and journey into the Void👇

If you’ve been waiting for a standout deal, this is it. Don’t miss the chance to check it out and snag your slice of the action.

Not in our Lightning⚡️Ventures Syndicate yet? 
Click here to sign up!

Before the rest of the world sees these, you’re getting a first look. Two fresh offerings are coming your way:

Daylight is on a mission to build an ecosystem of healthier, more humane computers that respect your health, attention, and freedom. Because let’s face it — tech should work for you, not against you. Check out the deal here!

MagiSat lets you discover and trade rare Satoshis — we’re talking about the premier marketplace for those unique, coveted sats that are more than just sats. Invest here!

These deals haven’t even hit AngelList yet, but you’ve got early access. Keep your eyes peeled and your inbox open.

Yo! NGU Portfolio Updates.

Hey! If you’ve invested through Lightning⚡️Ventures, you receive confidential company updates as they come in. Below are some public updates from our beloved portfolio darlings. Please let us know if you are an investor and are not receiving company updates.

⚡ Breez and Klever join forces to integrate Lightning payments into Klever's self-custody multicoin wallet. This collaboration leverages the Breez SDK to enhance functionality for Klever's reported 100,000+ monthly active users..

⚡️ Breez SDK Greenlight v0.6.6 resolves an issue with pre-payment pending payments. The update now automatically removes these payments, improving overall functionality.

⚡ Strike expands its services by introducing USDT deposits and withdrawals via the TRON network. This new feature is available for eligible customers in nine countries across South America, Africa, and Asia.

⚡ Fountain's latest update (v1.1.10) enhances user experience with improved payment features. The update also introduces faster boosts for a more efficient platform.

⚡ Relai secures $12 million in Series A funding, led by Ego Death Capital. This investment boosts the self-custodial Bitcoin buying and selling app's post-money valuation to $72 million, according to CEO Julian Liniger.

⚡ PlebLab launches season 2 of Top Builder 2025, a 3-month global competition. The event encourages teams to develop impactful Bitcoin solutions with expert mentorship and collaboration.

⚡ Zaprite integrates with Orqestra, offering merchants automatic USD to BTC conversion. This new feature streamlines cryptocurrency transactions for businesses.

⚡ Unchained improves its platform with an enhanced Connections feature and redesigned keys experience. These updates provide users with greater flexibility and privacy options.

⚡ CrowdHealth announces a partnership with Fold, offering Fold+ as part of CrowdHealth BTC memberships starting January 1, 2025. Additionally, excess funds in CrowdHealth accounts will be automatically swept into members' Fold accounts and converted to BTC, maximizing potential savings for participants.

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.

Uncle Rockstar is back at it again - Changing the world one BIP at a time

Thunder Funder is a RegCF Portal dedicated to democratizing access to early-stage Bitcoin tech startups. Fuel innovation, own equity, drive adoption. Sign up today!

Joltz is live on Thunder Funder!

Joltz kicked off the quarter with a big win at Bitcoin 2024 Pitch Day, impressing judges from UTXO Management, Lightning Ventures, and Fulgur Ventures with their vision for Taproot Assets and stablecoins on the Lightning Network. 🏆⚡️

Joltz is about to launch the first-ever natively issued stablecoin on the Bitcoin Lightning Network! They’ve partnered with Eulen, the issuer of the Brazilian stablecoin DePix!

With Q4 already their highest revenue quarter to date and a strong 2025 pipeline, Joltz is building momentum fast. Partnerships represent ~50K active users, with discussions to onboard apps with over 3M users. 📈

Joltz officially opened their latest fundraising round and have a live deal on Thunder Funder, which is open to both accredited AND non-accredited investors!

The stablecoin market is booming, with $16.8T annualized payment volumes (on par with Visa). Joltz is perfectly positioned to meet the global demand with scalable, Bitcoin-based solutions. 🌎⚡️

Joltz isn't just a company—it's the infrastructure bringing Taproot Assets and Lightning to life for businesses and users worldwide.

Need your fill of in-person Bitcoin action? Get ready, because the 2025 Bitcoin event calendar is heating up! From the sunny vibes of BitcoinDay Naples to the high-altitude energy of Bitcoin Medellin, there’s something for every Bitcoiner.

Our portfolio companies be hiring yo. Work in Bitcoin.

For the complete list of amazing companies and jobs in Bitcoin, be sure to keep an eye on Bitcoiner Jobs.