Partnership
The Protocol reaches web3 founders, designers, VCs, and operators who care about design as a business strategy. Not design as decoration. Design that moves metrics.
If you’re building something that helps this audience ship better products, raise money, or scale their teams, let’s talk.
Who Reads This
The audience breaks down roughly like this:
Founders and operators building protocols, dApps, and crypto infrastructure. They’re past the idea stage. They have users. They’re figuring out how to scale.
Designers and brand leads working in web3. Product designers, brand strategists, creative directors. People responsible for how things look and feel.
VCs and investors who want to understand how design decisions signal team quality and affect outcomes.
Builders from adjacent spaces in fintech, dev tools, and startups exploring web3.
These are decision makers. People who buy tools, hire agencies, and choose where to put their budget. They read The Protocol because they want to get better at their work, not because they’re bored.
Why Partner With The Protocol
Most crypto newsletters cover prices, funding rounds, and technical news. The Protocol is one of the few places focused entirely on design, brand, and product strategy in web3.
That means less noise. More focus. An audience that actually cares about quality.
A few things that matter:
High intent readers. People subscribe because they want to learn and apply. They’re not here for entertainment. They’re here because design decisions are part of their job.
No clutter. I keep partnerships limited. One primary partner per issue, sometimes a secondary. Your message doesn’t compete with five other ads.
Trusted voice. Readers trust what I recommend because I don’t promote things I don’t believe in. That trust extends to partners I work with.
Quality over volume. The list isn’t massive. But the people on it are the right people. Senior, experienced, and actively building.
Partnership Options
Newsletter Partner
Top placement in the newsletter. Your logo, a short description of what you do, and a link.
This goes right at the top before the main content. Every reader sees it.
What you get:
Logo placement
100-150 word description in my voice (or yours if you prefer)
One link to your landing page, product, or campaign
Mention in the email subject line (optional)
Best for: Product launches, hiring pushes, brand awareness, event promotion.
Secondary Partner
A shorter mention mid-newsletter or at the end.
Lower profile than the primary spot but still visible to engaged readers who make it through the full piece.
What you get:
50-75 word mention
One link
Best for: Ongoing awareness, testing the audience before committing to primary.
Dedicated Feature
A full email focused on your product, story, or announcement.
I write it in my voice so it doesn’t feel like an ad. It feels like a recommendation. These are rare. I only do them for products I actually think the audience will care about.
What you get:
Full newsletter dedicated to your message
Written by me in my style
Sent to the full list
Best for: Major launches, funding announcements, big campaigns.
Long-Term Partnership
For brands that want ongoing presence rather than one-off placements.
We figure out a structure that works for both of us. Could be monthly placements, co-created content, event collaborations, or something custom.
Best for: Tools, platforms, and companies building long-term brand awareness with this audience.
Pricing
Pricing depends on placement and commitment. I update rates as the audience grows.
Email me at hi@dragoon ( dot ) xyz for current rates and availability.
I’ll send you a simple doc with numbers, available dates, and what’s included. No long sales process. No calls unless you want one.
What I Don’t Do
I don’t do paid content disguised as editorial. If you’re a partner, it’s clearly marked. Readers know. That’s how trust works.
I don’t partner with products I don’t believe in. If it’s not a fit for this audience or I wouldn’t use it myself, I’ll tell you. No hard feelings. I’d rather say no than lose credibility.
I don’t guarantee results. I can tell you about the audience. I can tell you what’s worked for past partners. But I can’t promise conversions or sign-ups. That depends on your product and offer.
I don’t negotiate endlessly. The rates are the rates. I’m happy to answer questions and figure out what works for your goals. But I’m not here to haggle.
How This Works
1. You reach out. Email me at hi@dragoon.xyz. Tell me what you’re promoting, what your goals are, and when you’re thinking.
2. I send details. Current rates, available slots, and what’s included.
3. We confirm. You pick a date, send me the copy and assets (or I write it for you), and we lock it in.
4. It goes out. I send the newsletter. You get the exposure.
Simple.
Get in Touch
Email: hi@dragoon {dot} xyz
Include:
What you’re promoting
Your timeline
Any specific goals (awareness, sign-ups, hiring, etc.)
I’ll respond within 48 hours with everything you need to decide.
Not Looking to Partner?
If you’re here to learn about web3 design, not advertise, subscribe to The Protocol. Weekly breakdowns of what actually works. Free to start.