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Chris Burniske

Partner

Placeholder VC
cryptoasset valuationtoken economicslayer 1 protocolsdecentralized finance

Investment Thesis

Crypto valuation frameworks and portfolio theory. Co-creator of Placeholder's crypto thesis.

What Excites Them

Token valuation frameworks, long-term infrastructure bets, conviction investments

What They Pass On

Hype-driven projects, poor valuation fundamentals

How to Pitch

Chris thinks in frameworks. Show quantitative reasoning for your token valuation.

Key Frameworks

Crypto Network Value Framework

Valuing crypto networks based on utility, scarcity, and network effects rather than traditional DCF models.

Protocols as Economies

Treating crypto protocols as emerging digital economies with their own monetary policies and GDP.

Network Value to Transactions (NVT)

Valuation metric comparing network value to transaction throughput, analogous to P/E ratios

Notable Writing

Rate of Return on Everythingessay

Historical returns analysis shows crypto as the highest-performing asset class over the last decade.

On Value Capture and Token Economicsblog

Framework for understanding token value accrual

Crypto protocols function like emerging digital economies with their own monetary policies.

Crypto Valuationsblog

Framework for valuing crypto assets using network value metrics

Governance participation in crypto networks is a form of productive capital.

Cryptoassets: The Innovative Investor Guidebook

First comprehensive guide to crypto asset valuation and portfolio management

Cryptoassets: The Innovative Investor's Guide to Bitcoin and Beyondbook

First comprehensive framework for valuing crypto assets using network value approaches.

Bitcoin: Ringing the Bell for a New Asset Classresearch

Bitcoin exhibits characteristics of a new asset class distinct from commodities or currencies.

Podcast Appearances

Bear Market InvestingBankless
bear marketinvestingcycles
Crypto Mega ThesesBankless
crypto valuationsfat protocolsnetwork value
Protocols as EconomiesUnchained
protocol economicsgovernancePlaceholder thesis
Valuing Crypto AssetsUnchained
valuationcrypto assetsframeworks

Key Quotes

Crypto assets are a new asset class that enables decentralized applications.

Cryptoassets (2017)

The market is driven by narratives, but value is driven by networks.

Placeholder blog

Crypto assets are a new asset class that requires new valuation frameworks. You cannot simply apply equity metrics.

Cryptoassets book

Background

Partner at Placeholder VC. Author of "Cryptoassets" (2018). Former ARK Invest analyst. Pioneer of crypto valuation frameworks.

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