How Ecosystems Boost Growth: Insights from a Web3 BD Lead

In this episode of the Unicast AI Podcast, we explore what makes an ecosystem truly business development (BD) friendly in Web3. Our host, Benoit from Unicast AI, sat down with Yumi, BD Manager at VLY, to discuss how ecosystems can support projects beyond grants, how VLY is bridging Web2 and Web3, and what BD professionals should look for when evaluating where to build.

What is VLY?

VLY is building the value layer for AI-powered social payments. In simple terms, it lets users send crypto to anyone using a social media handle (Twitter, Telegram, Instagram, etc.) or even by phone number or email, no wallet needed.

Their products include:

• VLY Airdrop Center: Targeted, large-scale token distribution

• VLYView: Decentralized AI-powered advertising on social media

• 2FA for Humans: Ensures tokens go to the correct recipient

• Wallet-as-a-Service: Enables other platforms to embed Vly’s social payment infrastructure

Yumi focuses on partnerships and business development, helping other Web3 projects integrate with Vly’s tools.

What Makes an Ecosystem BD-Friendly?

Yumi shares three essential traits of BD-friendly ecosystems:

1. Responsive Core Team: Easy access to ecosystem leaders and real, timely support

2. Beyond Grants: True value lies in co-marketing, intros, and visibility

3. Collaborative Culture: Builders helping builders through integrations, cross-promotions, and events

Examples of standout ecosystems include Base, BNB Chain, and Solana — all of which actively help partners plug into their network.

How VLY Chooses Which Ecosystems to Focus On

When Vly evaluates where to invest BD energy, they consider:

• Where the users are: Real communities and active users matter more than hype

• Level of ecosystem support: Are the teams helping with grants, exposure, and connections?

• Product-market fit: Chains that focus on social and consumer use cases are a better fit for Vly’s mission

She highlighted how Solana’s memecoin season created a surge in user activity. Vly’s co-hosted event with Solana during that time led to significant growth, thanks to the ecosystem’s momentum and willingness to collaborate.

Tips for Breaking Into Web3 BD

Yumi offers real-world advice for those looking to work in Web3:

Before applying for roles, focus on adding value first by showing up, joining Discords, helping out, writing posts, and supporting projects. In Web3, business development is not the same as in Web2—it’s not just sales, but a blend of community engagement, product thinking, and storytelling. Building a public presence is also essential, as reputation in this space is largely established online through platforms like X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and active participation within communities.

What Makes a BD Pitch Stand Out

When receiving partnership proposals, Yumi looks for:

• Clear understanding of what Vly does

• A specific, mutual value proposition

• Some traction or user base

• A warm, personalized message

What’s Next for VLY?

• Expanding phone and email token transfers to onboard non-crypto users

• Doubling down on Wallet-as-a-Service offerings

• Focusing BD efforts on community-first ecosystems like Base, BNB Chain, Solana

• Partnering with Web2 creators and fintechs to bridge real-world and crypto payments

Ecosystems to Watch

VLY is keeping a close eye on:

• Solana: Strong community, low fees, fast growth

• Base: Aligns with agent-driven, consumer-facing payments

• TON: Huge Telegram user base with native social apps

• Sui: Promising object-centric token model

Final Words

Web3 BD is about finding the right environment to grow, not just the right tools. With its focus on real use cases and community-driven growth, Vly is building an infrastructure that truly empowers both users and builders.

Want to dive deeper into how to navigate Web3 careers?

Check out this article: How to Land Your First Web3 Job: Expert Tips from Unicast

And for job seekers or project builders, visit t.me/unicastjobs to join our Telegram community and explore open roles.
Stay tuned for more episodes from the Unicast AI Podcast.