In an exclusive interview with BeInCrypto, Nelson Lopez, the newly appointed CEO of XFounders, shares his motivations for joining the crypto accelerator, a unique program blending traditional startup mentorship with a reality show format.
Co-founded by Fazil Suleymanov and Fedor Erashev, XFounders offers immersive support to Web3 founders. Lopez’s extensive background in mentoring and business scaling made him an ideal fit for leading the accelerator’s next phase.
What motivated you to take on the role of CEO at XFounders, and were there any specific factors or opportunities that ultimately convinced you to join the team in this capacity?
“I’ll be honest, Fedor and Fazil are two of the smartest, most committed minds in Web3 acceleration, and that’s saying a lot in an industry full of bold thinkers.
I’ve known them for over two years, and during that time, I’ve seen firsthand how they built XFounders from the ground up—not just as an accelerator but as a movement to bring real value back to bootcamps. They’ve proven time and again that their vision is as ambitious as it is achievable.
For me, joining as CEO wasn’t just about taking on a leadership role; it was about being part of something transformative. The opportunity to scale XFounders and drive meaningful change in the Web3 space was impossible to pass up.
Moreover, it represents the convergence of everything I’ve done so far—from mentoring founders and startups, coaching for leadership, and building teams, to advising in the VC and accelerator space and scaling overseas operations for a major centralized exchange. It all just came together so perfectly—combining shared trust, experience, and vision—that only together did a way forward make sense.”
How has your mentorship experience in Season 2 influenced your vision and approach for leading XFounders as it enters its next phase?
“Mentorship in Season 2 gave me an insider’s perspective on what founders really need—not just the buzzwords or the theory, but raw, actionable support to navigate chaos and turn ideas into reality. That’s what you look for in founders—the drive to take abstract ideas and turn them into something tangible.
What struck me most was the combination of resilience and uncertainty these founders brought to the table. It reinforced a simple but powerful truth: an accelerator isn’t about spoon-feeding; it’s about enabling.
As CEO, my goal is to double down on this philosophy, ensuring XFounders remains a place where founders are challenged, pushed, and ultimately transformed.”
As CEO, how do you plan to measure the success of XFounders in the next few seasons? Are there any specific KPIs or benchmarks you will focus on?
“Success has to be measured in outcomes, not optics. For XFounders, the KPIs are clear. Our target is to help 70% of each cohort secure funding within six months of graduation.
We aim to grow our portfolio to $500M in value within five years. We also measure community engagement, from investor connections to active alumni contributions.
But beyond the numbers, success is about the stories we create—the founder who turns a seed idea into a disruptive force, or the startup that attracts not just funding, but a loyal community around a real solution to global challenges.”
As the new CEO, what key changes or initiatives do you plan to implement in upcoming seasons to differentiate XFounders from other accelerators and further support the growth of Web3 startups?
“Firstly, I’d like to say that I’ve personally witnessed bootcamp models evolve into formats that just aren’t serving founders anymore—short, fully online programs with unclear investor engagement. They know who they are. I believe accelerators can no longer be one-size-fits-all. Web3 startups face unique challenges, whether it’s navigating tokenomics, building decentralized communities, or scaling in regulatory minefields.
One of my key initiatives is to tailor our programs to these nuances. That means more customized bootcamps, deeper integration with industry players like the Solana Foundation and AWS, and creating tangible pathways for founders not just to survive but thrive in volatile markets.
We’ll also be expanding our ambassador program to supercharge our reach and connect founders with hyper-targeted resources globally. Additionally, we’ll continue pairing some of our bootcamps with our reality docuseries, aiming to project our startups, partners, and brand to millions of viewers worldwide.”
In your view, what role does mentorship play in the success of startups, and how will XFounders continue to attract top mentors who can provide valuable guidance?
“Having done it for some time, I truly believe mentorship is the lifeline of any startup. The best mentors don’t just share knowledge—they challenge assumptions, help founders see around corners, and inspire them to think bigger. It’s as much about inspiring action as it is about sharing knowledge.
At XFounders, we’re redefining mentorship in Web3. It’s not just about big names or resumes; it’s about mentors who understand decentralized models, tokenomics, and the unique challenges of scaling in this ecosystem.
To attract these top-tier mentors, we offer more than just a seat at the table—we give them a stake in the future of Web3 by connecting them with transformative ideas and startups they can help shape. We’ve already seen success in this, with multiple mentors now working with founders from our cohorts as a result of the connections we enabled in our bootcamps.”
With the success of the reality show format introduced in Season 2, what new formats or strategies do you plan to introduce in Season 3 to elevate XFounders’ public visibility and attract more startups?
“Season 2 was proof that the Web3 narrative doesn’t have to be confined to niche circles—it can captivate a global audience. In Season 3, we’re going even bigger.
We’re planning to introduce a founders’ challenge series that will showcase real-time problem-solving and the resilience it takes to build in Web3. Think of it as Shark Tank meets the Web3 ecosystem.
We’ll also amplify startup storytelling through short-form, bite-sized content that connects with a broader audience beyond crypto enthusiasts, drawing more talent into the space.”
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals for XFounders, and how do you plan to adapt its model to ensure its relevance and growth as the Web3 startup ecosystem evolves?
“Our long-term vision for XFounders is rooted in growth that drives real impact for startups, investors, and the entire Web3 ecosystem. We’re scaling not just in size but in reach and influence. From running four bootcamps a year to expanding globally, our goal is to make XFounders accessible to the brightest founders, wherever they are.
We’re focused on maximizing value for startups through more tailored programs that address the unique challenges of Web3. At the same time, we’re creating pathways for startups to return value to investors by building companies that are not only innovative but also sustainable and profitable.
For our own investors, we’re committed to delivering returns through strategic portfolio management and syndicates, ensuring they are part of the success stories we help create. Ultimately, our growth is about expanding our ecosystem, empowering startups to achieve outsized success, and delivering measurable, lasting impact for everyone involved.”
Get a Sneak Peek at the XFounders Startup Warriors Show!
As the official media sponsor of XFounders, BeInCrypto invites you to witness the journey of the next generation of Web3 founders in the XFounders Startup Warriors Show, premiering this fall. This unique program will showcase the participants’ real challenges, breakthroughs, and stories of innovation.
Don’t miss a moment of the action—watch the trailer now for an exclusive preview of what’s to come.
For more updates and details, visit the official website, and click the links below to explore additional insights from XFounders’ participants and mentors.
How XFounders is Building Web3’s Future
Inside the Minds of XFounders Mentors
XFounders Participants on the Challenges and Triumphs of Web3 Entrepreneurship
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