Going Viral Without a Reputation Strategy Is Like Lighting a Match in a Fireworks Factory

When Chocolate Finance suspended withdrawals in 2025, it sparked more than panic—it revealed how startups that chase virality without a solid reputation strategy are building on sand. In this article, Dean Shams unpacks what went wrong, why it’s a pattern we’ve seen before, and how founders can build credibility that lasts. If you’re a startup focused on visibility, don’t skip the part about trust.