In the crypto space for now, leveraging the community to support improvement is something valuable. I believe in the AirDrop Model. It's quite challenging to solely depend on Steem protocol. Let's hope SMT protocol or Steem-Engine help build token with specific need. EOS Blockchain is bringing many innovation in this space and It will be easy for any dApp to launch it's blockchain and customize it in 1 -click. Look at the Emanate project tokenomy (duo token model very well design with airdrop, membership and private sells). It's Collaborative music on the blockchain. I see Dtube as a collaborative platform and this can be model the same.
The VC will come to learn how value is being created. Congratulation for what u are building. It,s a taugh challenge.