In the fast-moving world of cryptocurrency, building strong growth and business development (BD) teams is more important than ever. Success depends on hiring smart, versatile people—especially those who understand both how products work and how to generate revenue. These kinds of well-rounded individuals, often called polymaths, are key for crypto startups and companies that want to scale effectively.

Unlike traditional tech companies, blockchain businesses need a different approach to hiring. What works in other industries doesn’t always apply here. The ideal candidate for a crypto BD or growth team depends on the company’s goals and the type of blockchain it operates on. For example, a public blockchain that wants to grow its user base and increase Total Value Locked (TVL) needs people with a deep understanding of user acquisition. On the other hand, a company offering infrastructure for fintechs integrating crypto will need people who can handle complex partnerships and tech integrations.

Privacy is another hot topic in the blockchain space. Many people think blockchains make everything public, but that’s not entirely true. While blockchain is built on transparency, there are tools like zero-knowledge proofs and advanced cryptography that help protect user privacy. These technologies create a balance between privacy and security, making blockchain useful not just for financial transactions but also for things like digital identity and AI applications.

There are also exciting new developments pushing blockchain technology forward. One example is a tool called Jolt, developed by a16z crypto. Jolt is a zkVM (zero-knowledge virtual machine) that’s recently gotten much faster thanks to improvements in memory-checking systems. It now supports over 1 million RISC-V cycles per second on powerful CPUs, which means faster and more efficient blockchain operations.

In a groundbreaking move, the U.S. Commerce Department has started publishing important economic data—like GDP—on nine public blockchains, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. This marks the first time a government agency has used blockchain to share such information, showing how this technology can boost transparency and efficiency in data reporting.

If you’re involved in the crypto space or thinking about hiring for your team, it’s important to understand these trends. The right talent, combined with the latest tech advancements, can make a big difference in long-term success.