Insider ICOs
Apparently VCs now can get in on crowdsales with dramatic discounts. We actually see this for example with the Tezos ICO. This is very problematic because it seems to defeat the whole purpose of crowd funding. Again, another reason not to do the ICO as it's not really very fair, whether it's the "insta-ICO" or the "insider-ICO", in either case the little investors get to pay more.
I get it, the developers need to get funded. Perhaps we would be better suited by focusing on making better development tools so as to lower the cost of development so that it doesn't cost tens of million s of dollars? And in situations where it does cost tens of millions of dollars maybe figure out the most fair way possible for initial distribution?
I am questioning the value VC's bring to the table compared to actual investors that will not only use a product but can provide much more valuable feedback because VC's are often disconnected from reality and the markets they invest in.