Founders
Ilya Volkov, co-founder and CEO of YouHodler, is a leader in connecting traditional and crypto financial services. With experience in philosophy, risk management, and fintech, he has played a big role in the growth of the crypto industry.
Pavel Matveev, co-founder and CEO of Wirex and founder of COCA.XYZ, is a leader in making it easy for people to use cryptocurrencies along with regular money worldwide.
Gregor Novak is the co-founder and president of SunContract, a global energy marketplace that utilizes blockchain technology to create a new disruptive and innovative business model for buying and selling electricity and other energy services. He has over 20 years of experience in the power industry, having worked in two of the most important and complex national electricity companies in the Republic of Slovenia.
CEO
Elizabeth Stark, CEO of Lightning Labs, is pioneering solutions to Bitcoin’s scalability issues. Lightning Labs, valued at $70 million in 2022, enhances Bitcoin transaction speed and scalability while reducing energy requirements. Despite facing criticism and challenges in large transactions, Stark envisions mainstream adoption of Bitcoin and advocates for collaborative, innovation-driving crypto regulations.
Satoshi Nakamoto, the mysterious creator of Bitcoin, revolutionized finance with a decentralized, secure currency, inspiring other cryptocurrencies and blockchain applications. Nakamoto's anonymity and the centralization risks from large holders and institutions remain controversies. Despite challenges, Bitcoin’s adoption continues to grow, disrupting traditional financial structures and working towards Nakamoto's vision of equality and decentralization.
Charles Hoskinson, co-founder of Ethereum and CEO of Cardano, has significantly influenced the crypto realm. Born in 1987 in Hawaii, he shifted from a formal education in mathematics to a pioneering role in blockchain technology. Despite facing criticism for his leadership style and Cardano’s progression, Hoskinson’s impact is undeniable, with substantial contributions to Ethereum, founding of IOHK, and the development of Cardano.
Changpeng "CZ" Zhao, founder and CEO of Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, is one of the richest figures in crypto. Rising from humble beginnings, his passion for computer science and blockchain innovation led to Binance’s establishment in 2017. Despite controversies and regulatory challenges, CZ continues to expand Binance's global operations, advocating for crypto adoption and regulation, aiming for financial inclusivity through digital assets.
Nick Szabo, a computer scientist and cryptographer, is a pivotal figure in blockchain, contributing to the development of smart contracts and proposing the concept of BitGold. Despite similarities between BitGold and Bitcoin, Szabo denies being Satoshi Nakamoto. A proponent of decentralization, his work has significantly influenced Ethereum and the DeFi sector, but he remains a private individual, with much of his current work and life undisclosed.
Bobby Ong, co-founder and COO of CoinGecko, has significantly contributed to crypto data aggregation, providing free, real-time information and insights, fostering transparency and decentralized access to crypto data. Despite facing criticisms and competition, Ong's commitment to neutrality and advocacy for cryptocurrency, NFTs, and DeFi positions him as a pivotal figure in the crypto world.
CEO
Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, has been a pivotal figure in the cryptocurrency industry, focusing on making digital currencies accessible and advocating for clearer regulations. Despite facing criticisms and market fluctuations, Armstrong's innovations cater to a diverse audience, significantly impacting the crypto landscape, with his wealth estimated at around $3.7 billion in 2023.
TM Lee, CEO of CoinGecko, a leading crypto data aggregator, has significantly contributed to the crypto sphere with his innovative platform used in over 170 countries. Emphasizing trust, neutrality, and network value, Lee supports Web 3 and blockchain developments, and is recognized as a thought leader, featuring in Forbes 30 under 30.
Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has been a pivotal figure in crypto, introducing a platform for decentralized applications. Despite facing criticism and challenges, Buterin’s vision encompasses sociopolitical experimentation and opposing unilateral power. His contributions include the Ethereum Foundation, investments in various ventures, and significant philanthropy.
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