# 9. Backers & Integrations

## Backers & Integrations

### What to Evaluate

Good projects attract **credible support** from investors, accelerators, ecosystems, and partnerships.\
This support can act as external validation, but it must be verified and meaningful.

This section helps you evaluate if backers and integrations:

* Are **real** and verifiable
* Add **strategic value**
* Create network effects

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#### 🤝 Strategic Investors

* Has the project raised from known funds or angels?
* Do those investors actively support the project (not just on a cap table)?

> Red flag: “backed by Alameda” on a 2022 seed slide isn’t helping now.\
> Bonus if VCs are crypto-native, hands-on, or ecosystem-aligned (e.g. a Cosmos fund investing in Cosmos infra).

**Scoring:**

* ✅ Strategic backers with aligned interests = higher
* ❌ Name-drops without involvement = lower

🛠️ Tools:

* [CryptoRank](https://cryptorank.io)
* [Crunchbase](https://www.crunchbase.com/)
* Project announcements & funding pages

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#### 🔗 Real Integrations

* Has the project integrated with other protocols (or chains)?
* Are those integrations **live**, **functional**, and **bidirectional**?

> Example: A DEX integrating with multiple liquidity hubs, wallets, or cross-chain bridges — not just listing a logo on their site.

**Scoring:**

* ✅ Live, synergistic integrations = high
* ❌ Logo walls with no confirmed usage = weak

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#### 🧠 Reputation Signaling

* Do backers or partners have a known reputation in the space?
* Do they openly endorse the project (Twitter, AMAs, advisory roles)?
* Has the project participated in **accelerators or grants** from legit ecosystems?

> Example: Backed by the Arbitrum Foundation or Solana Hackathon winner is a solid signal.

**Scoring:**

* ✅ Multiple confirmations from respected players = stronger
* ❌ Anonymous backers or unverifiable names = lower

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#### 🧪 How to Verify

* Search Twitter/X for announcements from **both sides** (project + partner)
* Check if the investor or partner is listed on other projects with a similar scope
* Use tools like [CryptoRank](https://cryptorank.io) or directly ask in project Discords

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### Summary of Scoring

**Score higher if:**

* Project is backed by known, respected investors or ecosystems
* Strategic integrations are live and meaningful
* Backers/partners are publicly involved or mentioned by name

**Score lower if:**

* Fake partnerships
* Name-drops without evidence
* No support outside of the core team

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