Is crypto still a scam? Who’s really pulling the strings on Wall Street? In this episode of the HodlFM podcast, Tanya dives deep into these questions with Michael Sitalo, a seasoned fractional CFO with a unique mix of traditional finance expertise and hands-on Web3 experience.

Michael shares his journey from managing a €1M equity fund in Europe to launching a crypto fund in New York and advising over 10 Web3 startups as a CFO. He breaks down the real value finance professionals bring to crypto, why most early-stage founders fail at budgeting, and how to avoid rookie mistakes when raising capital.

💡 You’ll learn:

  • What Wall Street really thinks about crypto today
  • Why major firms are quietly adopting blockchain infrastructure
  • How regulation is evolving — and why it won’t stop crypto
  • Red flags investors notice when founders pitch just to raise money
  • What makes a crypto startup investable in 2025
  • How to structure your finances and forecast growth like a pro
  • The real difference between a scam and a startup that wins trust

Michael also talks about trends like real-world asset tokenization, AI-driven strategies, and how the next Morgan Stanley may be a Web3-native platform built by former Wall Street pros.

🔥 “Want to attract investors? Start by solving a real problem. Raise funds after you have value—not before.” — Michael Sitalo

Whether you’re building a crypto startup, thinking about raising capital, or just want to understand how Web3 is reshaping global finance — this episode is packed with honest insights, hard truths, and tactical advice.

📺 Watch now on YouTube
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