Crypto Hipster Podcast

Garvit Goel is the Founder and CEO of Electron, a company specializing in TEE and ZK technologies, backed by leading investors including Stake Capital, Gnosis, Lambda Class, and Legion. Electron recently launched Permute, the most cost-efficient and liquid Bitcoin bridge, powered by TEE.Garvit is an experienced deeptech entrepreneur with research publications in biotechnology and advanced fluid dynamics, as well as investments in aerospace and depth-sensing. A graduate of IIT Delhi, one of Asia's most prestigious engineering institutes, Garvit brings a multidisciplinary background and a proven track record in building frontier technology ventures.

Garvit Goel is the Founder and CEO of Electron, a company specializing in TEE and ZK technologies, backed by leading investors including Stake Capital, Gnosis, Lambda Class, and Legion. Electron recently launched Permute, the most cost-efficient and liquid Bitcoin bridge, powered by TEE.Garvit is an experienced deeptech entrepreneur with research publications in biotechnology and advanced fluid dynamics, as well as investments in aerospace and depth-sensing. A graduate of IIT Delhi, one of Asia's most prestigious engineering institutes, Garvit brings a multidisciplinary background and a proven track record in building frontier technology ventures.

Dave Sedacca, Lead of Polkadot Capital Group and Director of Finance at Parity TechnologiesDave Sedacca is the Lead of Polkadot Capital Group and sits as Director of Finance at Parity Technologies, the core development team behind Polkadot. He leads Parity's financial strategy, spanning treasury management, planning, and institutional engagement. A long-time believer in emerging tech and crypto, Dave has been actively involved in the space since 2017. Prior to joining Parity, he worked across multiple sectors, driving financial and commercial strategy

Dave Sedacca, Lead of Polkadot Capital Group and Director of Finance at Parity TechnologiesDave Sedacca is the Lead of Polkadot Capital Group and sits as Director of Finance at Parity Technologies, the core development team behind Polkadot. He leads Parity's financial strategy, spanning treasury management, planning, and institutional engagement. A long-time believer in emerging tech and crypto, Dave has been actively involved in the space since 2017. Prior to joining Parity, he worked across multiple sectors, driving financial and commercial strategy

Pavel Jakovlev is Head of Product Innovation & Growth at AMINA Bank. He has over a decade of experience driving growth and innovation across tech and Web3. Pavel helps clients from startups to scale up with strategy setting, demand generation, and partnerships to drive business expansion and innovation in Web3. With specialist communication skills, Pavel brings confidence to clients in fostering and maintaining meaningful relationships. Pavel is determined to use his passion for emerging technologies, and their practical application in the commercial environment to deliver efficiency, productivity, and sustainable growth for some of the most cutting-edge and innovative projects in the Web3 space.

Pavel Jakovlev is Head of Product Innovation & Growth at AMINA Bank. He has over a decade of experience driving growth and innovation across tech and Web3. Pavel helps clients from startups to scale up with strategy setting, demand generation, and partnerships to drive business expansion and innovation in Web3. With specialist communication skills, Pavel brings confidence to clients in fostering and maintaining meaningful relationships. Pavel is determined to use his passion for emerging technologies, and their practical application in the commercial environment to deliver efficiency, productivity, and sustainable growth for some of the most cutting-edge and innovative projects in the Web3 space.

David Tomasian is a seasoned entrepreneur and venture capitalist, and the founder of Zuko Capital. Beginning as an investor, David took over as CEO of Curious to ensure it was designed to prioritize user autonomy and privacy. Under his leadership, Curious has been built from the ground up as a privacy-first AI that combines encrypted, user-owned data with self-sovereign AI agents that learn from the individual but remain inaccessible to third parties.

David Tomasian is a seasoned entrepreneur and venture capitalist, and the founder of Zuko Capital. Beginning as an investor, David took over as CEO of Curious to ensure it was designed to prioritize user autonomy and privacy. Under his leadership, Curious has been built from the ground up as a privacy-first AI that combines encrypted, user-owned data with self-sovereign AI agents that learn from the individual but remain inaccessible to third parties.

Steven Bernstein, ASC, DGA, WGA is an award-winning feature film director and screenwriter, shaping some of the most visually striking films of the past 40 years. His work on the Academy Award-winning film Monster and on Like Water for Chocolate has earned global recognition. He is a recipient of the American Film Institute Award, the Sloan Award (for writing and directing), the Cannes Golden Lion (for commercials), and is an ASC nominee for outstanding cinematography.  He has worked on over 50 feature films. He wrote and directed several groundbreaking  feature films with major talent (John Malkovich, Samantha Morton, Helen Hunt and many more). His podcast Filmmakerandfans, about the creative process in film production, is listened to by millions.

Steven Bernstein, ASC, DGA, WGA is an award-winning feature film director and screenwriter, shaping some of the most visually striking films of the past 40 years. His work on the Academy Award-winning film Monster and on Like Water for Chocolate has earned global recognition. He is a recipient of the American Film Institute Award, the Sloan Award (for writing and directing), the Cannes Golden Lion (for commercials), and is an ASC nominee for outstanding cinematography.  He has worked on over 50 feature films. He wrote and directed several groundbreaking  feature films with major talent (John Malkovich, Samantha Morton, Helen Hunt and many more). His podcast Filmmakerandfans, about the creative process in film production, is listened to by millions.

Ryan Singer, Co-founder & CEO, Vex Holdings, and Managing Partner, Vex CapitalRyan Singer is Co-founder and CEO of Vex Holdings and Managing Partner at Vex Capital, which creates tokenized securities. He co-founded Chia Network, a new digital currency, in 2017. He also co-founded Tradehill, the first American institutional Bitcoin exchange, in 2012, and CryptoCorp, a multisig security pioneer. He has been a key figure in crypto policy development, regularly consulting with government officials and policymakers on regulatory frameworks. Ryan holds extensive experience in securities tokenization and financial innovation.

Ryan Singer, Co-founder & CEO, Vex Holdings, and Managing Partner, Vex CapitalRyan Singer is Co-founder and CEO of Vex Holdings and Managing Partner at Vex Capital, which creates tokenized securities. He co-founded Chia Network, a new digital currency, in 2017. He also co-founded Tradehill, the first American institutional Bitcoin exchange, in 2012, and CryptoCorp, a multisig security pioneer. He has been a key figure in crypto policy development, regularly consulting with government officials and policymakers on regulatory frameworks. Ryan holds extensive experience in securities tokenization and financial innovation.

Jeff Owens is the Co-Founder and CEO of Haven1, an EVM Layer 1 blockchain with a native Web3 App Store, purpose-built for DeFi 2.0 and tokenized real-world assets (RWAs). With a strong background in blockchain infrastructure, fintech, and digital asset management, Jeff has been actively involved in the space since 2015 as a builder, advisor, and investor.Before co-founding Haven1, Jeff was the Co-Founder and CEO of Coinbag, where he focused on helping businesses and institutions manage and de-risk their on-chain assets. Prior to that, he held senior product leadership roles at global firms, including Agoda, one of the world's largest online travel platforms, and TelePharm, a web-based telepharmacy company.Jeff is passionate about bridging traditional finance with decentralized systems, with a focus on building secure, scalable, and institutionally viable blockchain solutions. He holds two Degrees in Computer Science and Art, bridging his passions for technology and creativity, from the University of Iowa, where he graduated in 2013.Connect with Jeff on X and LinkedIn.

Jeff Owens is the Co-Founder and CEO of Haven1, an EVM Layer 1 blockchain with a native Web3 App Store, purpose-built for DeFi 2.0 and tokenized real-world assets (RWAs). With a strong background in blockchain infrastructure, fintech, and digital asset management, Jeff has been actively involved in the space since 2015 as a builder, advisor, and investor.Before co-founding Haven1, Jeff was the Co-Founder and CEO of Coinbag, where he focused on helping businesses and institutions manage and de-risk their on-chain assets. Prior to that, he held senior product leadership roles at global firms, including Agoda, one of the world's largest online travel platforms, and TelePharm, a web-based telepharmacy company.Jeff is passionate about bridging traditional finance with decentralized systems, with a focus on building secure, scalable, and institutionally viable blockchain solutions. He holds two Degrees in Computer Science and Art, bridging his passions for technology and creativity, from the University of Iowa, where he graduated in 2013.Connect with Jeff on X and LinkedIn.

Brian Huang, Co-FounderBrian Huang is the Co-Founder of Glider, the automated execution layer for onchain investing. He's a leading voice in consumer-first DeFi and the evolution of ETFs into direct, programmable asset ownership. A graduate of MIT, Brian previously built global trading systems at XTX Markets, covering every liquid linear asset, and later developed institutional-grade crypto infrastructure at Anchorage Digital. Bridging traditional finance and DeFi, Brian brings rare insight into how investors can harness automation, without giving up control.LinkedIn | X

Brian Huang, Co-FounderBrian Huang is the Co-Founder of Glider, the automated execution layer for onchain investing. He's a leading voice in consumer-first DeFi and the evolution of ETFs into direct, programmable asset ownership. A graduate of MIT, Brian previously built global trading systems at XTX Markets, covering every liquid linear asset, and later developed institutional-grade crypto infrastructure at Anchorage Digital. Bridging traditional finance and DeFi, Brian brings rare insight into how investors can harness automation, without giving up control.LinkedIn | X

Vadym Nesterenko is a product & growth manager, researcher, and angel investor with 8 years of experience in the crypto markets. He was a founding team member at Alfred, a Telegram-based trading app, and led product and growth at Kolibrio, an infrastructure project focused on mitigating the negative externalities of MEV. He previously managed products at Atomica (DeFi) and GEO Protocol (Layer 2).

Vadym Nesterenko is a product & growth manager, researcher, and angel investor with 8 years of experience in the crypto markets. He was a founding team member at Alfred, a Telegram-based trading app, and led product and growth at Kolibrio, an infrastructure project focused on mitigating the negative externalities of MEV. He previously managed products at Atomica (DeFi) and GEO Protocol (Layer 2).

Gabriel Jimenez is the founder and CEO of UGLYCASH, a stablecoin app designed to make digital dollars easy, rewarding, and accessible worldwide. With UGLYCASH, users can earn up to 8% APY on dollar stablecoins, send money instantly with zero fees, and access benefits like 1% cashback and virtual accounts across the U.S., Europe, and Mexico.Earlier in his career, Jimenez made global headlines after being recruited to help build Venezuela's national cryptocurrency, only to ultimately oppose the regime and risk his life in standing against it — an experience that fuels his mission today to create transparent, user-first financial tools.Jimenez built UGLYCASH around transparency and trust, making it clear that the platform is not a bank and that all funds are fully backed. Its “We Are Not A Bank” framework sets expectations for users while highlighting the app's mission to provide safe, borderless financial tools powered by stablecoins.By addressing the challenges of mass migration and global access to money, UGLYCASH is aiming to do for financial services what WhatsApp did for communication: make it instant, borderless, and available to everyone.

Gabriel Jimenez is the founder and CEO of UGLYCASH, a stablecoin app designed to make digital dollars easy, rewarding, and accessible worldwide. With UGLYCASH, users can earn up to 8% APY on dollar stablecoins, send money instantly with zero fees, and access benefits like 1% cashback and virtual accounts across the U.S., Europe, and Mexico.Earlier in his career, Jimenez made global headlines after being recruited to help build Venezuela's national cryptocurrency, only to ultimately oppose the regime and risk his life in standing against it — an experience that fuels his mission today to create transparent, user-first financial tools.Jimenez built UGLYCASH around transparency and trust, making it clear that the platform is not a bank and that all funds are fully backed. Its “We Are Not A Bank” framework sets expectations for users while highlighting the app's mission to provide safe, borderless financial tools powered by stablecoins.By addressing the challenges of mass migration and global access to money, UGLYCASH is aiming to do for financial services what WhatsApp did for communication: make it instant, borderless, and available to everyone.

Thomas Chen is the CEO of Function, where he leads the transformation of Bitcoin into a productive yield-bearing asset. With a background in traditional finance and fintech, Thomas previously helped BitGo grow to over $100 billion in assets as its Global Head of Sales.At Function, he is spearheading the development of institutional-grade architecture for bitcoin yield. Backed by partners like Galaxy Digital, Mantle and Antalpha, Function has reached over $1.5b in TVL.Thomas is focused on bridging the risk management rigor of traditional finance with blockchain's programmable infrastructure to unlock Bitcoin's full potential in the next generation of financial systems.

Thomas Chen is the CEO of Function, where he leads the transformation of Bitcoin into a productive yield-bearing asset. With a background in traditional finance and fintech, Thomas previously helped BitGo grow to over $100 billion in assets as its Global Head of Sales.At Function, he is spearheading the development of institutional-grade architecture for bitcoin yield. Backed by partners like Galaxy Digital, Mantle and Antalpha, Function has reached over $1.5b in TVL.Thomas is focused on bridging the risk management rigor of traditional finance with blockchain's programmable infrastructure to unlock Bitcoin's full potential in the next generation of financial systems.

Zayn Kalyan - AdvisorZayn Kalyan is an experienced investment banker and business development executive. Starting his career as a software engineer, his background in the “ground-up” development of startup technology companies serves as his foundation in finance. Zayn has been involved in the digital asset space since 2014, beginning with small scale Bitcoin mining, and the startup of a centralized in exchange in 2017. He is currently the CEO of Hummingbird W3 Capital, an active digital asset holding company with multiple investments in the crypto space. As a partner at Altus Capital Partners, Zayn has played an instrumental role in the origination of over $100 million in financing for start-ups and digital asset companies as well.

Zayn Kalyan - AdvisorZayn Kalyan is an experienced investment banker and business development executive. Starting his career as a software engineer, his background in the “ground-up” development of startup technology companies serves as his foundation in finance. Zayn has been involved in the digital asset space since 2014, beginning with small scale Bitcoin mining, and the startup of a centralized in exchange in 2017. He is currently the CEO of Hummingbird W3 Capital, an active digital asset holding company with multiple investments in the crypto space. As a partner at Altus Capital Partners, Zayn has played an instrumental role in the origination of over $100 million in financing for start-ups and digital asset companies as well.

Tristan Thoma, Managing Director @ Impera Strategywww.imperastrategy.comTristan Thoma led the implementation of the first and only operating national crypto system in the world, in El Salvador. His firsthand experience in system & business design, technical architecture and policy creation applies to both creative high-level strategic initiatives and the execution of precise tactical decisions. Working throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, Tristan has built more than two dozen Blockchain-integration models for Fortune500 companies, governments and startups. His current focus is supporting governments and financial institutions develop National Digital currencies with the objective of increasing financial inclusion and resilience.Since 2016, Tristan has pioneered innovative strategic solutions for private and public sector implementing blockchain and advanced technology. Working throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe, he has led executive blockchain strategy for Fortune500 companies and Startups for industries including Banking, Payments, Asset Management, Supply Chain, IOT, Biotech, Transportation, Gaming, Agriculture, Real Estate and Trading.With a background in Organizational Psychology and IT Systems Management, Tristan bridges the gap between technology and sustainable human-centric design. He is passionate about Blockchain's potential for social impact and sustainability. Tristan is an avid speaker at Universities and conferences around the world.

Tristan Thoma, Managing Director @ Impera Strategywww.imperastrategy.comTristan Thoma led the implementation of the first and only operating national crypto system in the world, in El Salvador. His firsthand experience in system & business design, technical architecture and policy creation applies to both creative high-level strategic initiatives and the execution of precise tactical decisions. Working throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, Tristan has built more than two dozen Blockchain-integration models for Fortune500 companies, governments and startups. His current focus is supporting governments and financial institutions develop National Digital currencies with the objective of increasing financial inclusion and resilience.Since 2016, Tristan has pioneered innovative strategic solutions for private and public sector implementing blockchain and advanced technology. Working throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe, he has led executive blockchain strategy for Fortune500 companies and Startups for industries including Banking, Payments, Asset Management, Supply Chain, IOT, Biotech, Transportation, Gaming, Agriculture, Real Estate and Trading.With a background in Organizational Psychology and IT Systems Management, Tristan bridges the gap between technology and sustainable human-centric design. He is passionate about Blockchain's potential for social impact and sustainability. Tristan is an avid speaker at Universities and conferences around the world.

Samantha Yap, Founder and CEO of YAP Global ⁠Samantha⁠ is the Founder and CEO of ⁠YAP Global⁠, an international PR and communications consultancy that works with meaningful companies and organizations in the cryptocurrency, decentralized finance (DeFi) and web3 sector. With her expertise and stewardship, she has built YAP Global to be the link between complex cryptocurrency technology and mainstream press.Since establishing YAP Global in 2018, Samantha has grown the team across continents and launched ⁠YAP Cast⁠ (a podcast series exploring the history of money, in turn allowing listeners to make sense of the world of crypto and DeFi), and⁠The Context ⁠(a newsletter that provides a grounded perspective on developments in crypto, DeFi and web3 industries).Prior to delving into PR, she worked as a broadcast journalist and producer for Channel NewsAsia Singapore. Samantha also gained extensive international journalism experience in Melbourne, Jakarta, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur.

Samantha Yap, Founder and CEO of YAP Global Samantha is the Founder and CEO of YAP Global, an international PR and communications consultancy that works with meaningful companies and organizations in the cryptocurrency, decentralized finance (DeFi) and web3 sector. With her expertise and stewardship, she has built YAP Global to be the link between complex cryptocurrency technology and mainstream press.Since establishing YAP Global in 2018, Samantha has grown the team across continents and launched YAP Cast (a podcast series exploring the history of money, in turn allowing listeners to make sense of the world of crypto and DeFi), andThe Context (a newsletter that provides a grounded perspective on developments in crypto, DeFi and web3 industries).Prior to delving into PR, she worked as a broadcast journalist and producer for Channel NewsAsia Singapore. Samantha also gained extensive international journalism experience in Melbourne, Jakarta, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur.

Stacy Spikes is a disruptor and visionary entrepreneur who has spent his career breaking barriers in entertainment. He founded Urbanworld Film Festival to amplify underrepresented voices in film, bringing new stories to light that Hollywood often overlooked. He later launched MoviePass to revive in-person moviegoing by making theaters and ticket prices more accessible. When he was ousted from his own company and MoviePass collapsed due to poor leadership and business decisions, Stacy bought it back and rebuilt it from the ground up.Now, with Mogul, Stacy is disrupting Hollywood again – this time, by creating a platform where fans will be able to actively engage in shaping entertainment. His mission has always remained the same: democratize accessibility, elevate new voices, and revolutionize how stories are made.

Stacy Spikes is a disruptor and visionary entrepreneur who has spent his career breaking barriers in entertainment. He founded Urbanworld Film Festival to amplify underrepresented voices in film, bringing new stories to light that Hollywood often overlooked. He later launched MoviePass to revive in-person moviegoing by making theaters and ticket prices more accessible. When he was ousted from his own company and MoviePass collapsed due to poor leadership and business decisions, Stacy bought it back and rebuilt it from the ground up.Now, with Mogul, Stacy is disrupting Hollywood again – this time, by creating a platform where fans will be able to actively engage in shaping entertainment. His mission has always remained the same: democratize accessibility, elevate new voices, and revolutionize how stories are made.

Adam Bergman is a well-known figure in the world of retirement planning, particularly for his pioneering work in the self-directed IRA (Individual Retirement Account) industry. As the founder of IRA Financial, a leading firm specializing in self-directed retirement accounts, Adam has built a reputation as a highly respected expert on alternative investments and tax-advantaged retirement strategies.Before founding IRA Financial, Adam worked as an attorney specializing in tax law, focusing on retirement and investment strategies. His extensive knowledge of tax codes, ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act), and IRS regulations gave him a unique perspective on the potential benefits of self-directed retirement accounts, which at the time were relatively underutilized.In 2010, Adam Bergman launched IRA Financial with the goal of facilitating the setup of self-directed IRAs and also providing comprehensive guidance on how to structure these accounts and navigate the legal intricacies involved. A self-directed IRA allows individuals and business owners to invest in a wide range of assets, including real estate, private equity, cryptocurrencies, precious metals, and even startups, which traditional IRAs do not permit. Under Adam's leadership, IRA Financial Group grew into one of the largest and most recognized firms in the self-directed IRA space with over 25,000 clients and over $5B in assets invested.Adam has written extensively on topics such as self-directed IRAs, the legality of alternative investments, and tax strategies. In addition to authoring 9 books, his work has been featured in over 100 prominent media outlets such as Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Business Insider. In addition to his writing, Adam has appeared as a speaker at numerous financial and investment conferences and podcasts, where he shares his insights on the future of retirement planning and alternative investments. His expertise and ability to simplify complex tax and legal concepts have made him a trusted resource for both individual investors and financial professionals.

Adam Bergman is a well-known figure in the world of retirement planning, particularly for his pioneering work in the self-directed IRA (Individual Retirement Account) industry. As the founder of IRA Financial, a leading firm specializing in self-directed retirement accounts, Adam has built a reputation as a highly respected expert on alternative investments and tax-advantaged retirement strategies.Before founding IRA Financial, Adam worked as an attorney specializing in tax law, focusing on retirement and investment strategies. His extensive knowledge of tax codes, ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act), and IRS regulations gave him a unique perspective on the potential benefits of self-directed retirement accounts, which at the time were relatively underutilized.In 2010, Adam Bergman launched IRA Financial with the goal of facilitating the setup of self-directed IRAs and also providing comprehensive guidance on how to structure these accounts and navigate the legal intricacies involved. A self-directed IRA allows individuals and business owners to invest in a wide range of assets, including real estate, private equity, cryptocurrencies, precious metals, and even startups, which traditional IRAs do not permit. Under Adam's leadership, IRA Financial Group grew into one of the largest and most recognized firms in the self-directed IRA space with over 25,000 clients and over $5B in assets invested.Adam has written extensively on topics such as self-directed IRAs, the legality of alternative investments, and tax strategies. In addition to authoring 9 books, his work has been featured in over 100 prominent media outlets such as Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Business Insider. In addition to his writing, Adam has appeared as a speaker at numerous financial and investment conferences and podcasts, where he shares his insights on the future of retirement planning and alternative investments. His expertise and ability to simplify complex tax and legal concepts have made him a trusted resource for both individual investors and financial professionals.

Ryan Davis is a digital pioneer and award-winning strategist at the intersection of politics, technology, and culture. Born on Maryland's Eastern Shore in 1982, he's been online since the dial-up era—launching a teen e-zine, organizing gaming nights, and volunteering for John McCain—all before finishing high school.He moved to NYC in 2000 to study theatre and political communications, working in both off-Broadway theatre and grassroots politics. In 2003, he joined Howard Dean's groundbreaking digital team, producing for Blog for America and organizing in 36 states.Since then, Ryan has led digital strategy for campaigns (Mark Green, Norman Siegel), advocacy groups, and startups. At Blue State Digital, he helped shape strategy for Obama 2012, Microsoft, and the marriage equality movement, co-founding the award-winning campaign The Four 2012.He co-founded Bushwick Digital in 2014, partnering with Alicia Keys on criminal justice reform, and in 2019, launched People First, the first influencer marketing firm in Democratic politics. The agency has since won top Reed and Pollie Awards and led major campaigns in the 2020 election and COVID vaccine rollout.Outside of work, Ryan co-hosts Out of Office: A Travel Podcast and the Influencer Impact podcast. He publishes The Month in Digital newsletter and splits his time between Latin America and Europe. He serves as Board Chair of MJV and advises ag-tech startup Calyx, bringing his strategic mind and love of storytelling to every project.

Ryan Davis is a digital pioneer and award-winning strategist at the intersection of politics, technology, and culture. Born on Maryland's Eastern Shore in 1982, he's been online since the dial-up era—launching a teen e-zine, organizing gaming nights, and volunteering for John McCain—all before finishing high school.He moved to NYC in 2000 to study theatre and political communications, working in both off-Broadway theatre and grassroots politics. In 2003, he joined Howard Dean's groundbreaking digital team, producing for Blog for America and organizing in 36 states.Since then, Ryan has led digital strategy for campaigns (Mark Green, Norman Siegel), advocacy groups, and startups. At Blue State Digital, he helped shape strategy for Obama 2012, Microsoft, and the marriage equality movement, co-founding the award-winning campaign The Four 2012.He co-founded Bushwick Digital in 2014, partnering with Alicia Keys on criminal justice reform, and in 2019, launched People First, the first influencer marketing firm in Democratic politics. The agency has since won top Reed and Pollie Awards and led major campaigns in the 2020 election and COVID vaccine rollout.Outside of work, Ryan co-hosts Out of Office: A Travel Podcast and the Influencer Impact podcast. He publishes The Month in Digital newsletter and splits his time between Latin America and Europe. He serves as Board Chair of MJV and advises ag-tech startup Calyx, bringing his strategic mind and love of storytelling to every project.

Mukarram Mawjood, Chief Investment Officer at Blackstone Commodity GroupMukarram Mawjood is the Chief Investment Officer at Blackstone Commodity Group, where he specializes in alternative investments and commodities. With over 20 years of experience in global markets, Mukarram possesses a sharp insight into market cycles, enabling him to navigate both bullish and bearish environments with expertise.Having lived in key financial hubs across Asia, the Middle East, and the United States, Mukarram understands the evolving dynamics of the global financial landscape. He has extensive trading experience in energy markets and precious metals, particularly physical gold and silver, as well as major asset classes including futures and equities.His impressive background includes critical roles in trading and investment strategy, where he has successfully guided stakeholders through pivotal market events such as the 2008 stock market crash and the subsequent surge in gold prices from 2008 to 2011, as well as the recent upswing in 2023 and 2024. Under Mukarram's leadership, Blackstone Commodity Group has implemented innovative investment strategies in alternative assets that empower clients to protect and grow their assets and seize new opportunities.A passionate advocate for financial literacy, Mukarram believes in the power of knowledge to empower investors. He actively educates youth aged 16 to 22 on the fundamentals of investing and the importance of financial responsibility. Through his trading competition, “The Young Trader of the Year,” he inspires young minds and fosters a lasting respect for the financial world.In addition to his role at his company, Mukarram served as a guest lecturer in commodities and alternative investments at UCLA extension, sharing his expertise with the next generation of finance professionals.  

Mukarram Mawjood, Chief Investment Officer at Blackstone Commodity GroupMukarram Mawjood is the Chief Investment Officer at Blackstone Commodity Group, where he specializes in alternative investments and commodities. With over 20 years of experience in global markets, Mukarram possesses a sharp insight into market cycles, enabling him to navigate both bullish and bearish environments with expertise.Having lived in key financial hubs across Asia, the Middle East, and the United States, Mukarram understands the evolving dynamics of the global financial landscape. He has extensive trading experience in energy markets and precious metals, particularly physical gold and silver, as well as major asset classes including futures and equities.His impressive background includes critical roles in trading and investment strategy, where he has successfully guided stakeholders through pivotal market events such as the 2008 stock market crash and the subsequent surge in gold prices from 2008 to 2011, as well as the recent upswing in 2023 and 2024. Under Mukarram's leadership, Blackstone Commodity Group has implemented innovative investment strategies in alternative assets that empower clients to protect and grow their assets and seize new opportunities.A passionate advocate for financial literacy, Mukarram believes in the power of knowledge to empower investors. He actively educates youth aged 16 to 22 on the fundamentals of investing and the importance of financial responsibility. Through his trading competition, “The Young Trader of the Year,” he inspires young minds and fosters a lasting respect for the financial world.In addition to his role at his company, Mukarram served as a guest lecturer in commodities and alternative investments at UCLA extension, sharing his expertise with the next generation of finance professionals.  

Agne Linge is the Head of Growth at WeFi, a decentralized on-chain bank. With over eight years of experience in the cryptocurrency industry, Agne has developed expertise in crypto trading and adoption and decentralized finance (DeFi), she is interested in stablecoin utilization in emerging countries and the evolving role of on-chain finance. Her professional journey includes significant roles such as Director at Binance and Head of Communications at DeGate, highlighting her influential presence in the digital finance sector.

Agne Linge is the Head of Growth at WeFi, a decentralized on-chain bank. With over eight years of experience in the cryptocurrency industry, Agne has developed expertise in crypto trading and adoption and decentralized finance (DeFi), she is interested in stablecoin utilization in emerging countries and the evolving role of on-chain finance. Her professional journey includes significant roles such as Director at Binance and Head of Communications at DeGate, highlighting her influential presence in the digital finance sector.

Niklas Kunkel began his crypto journey at IBM Research, where he worked on the Hyperledger blockchain and early supply chain finance applications. In 2017 he joined MakerDAO to create Dai, the first decentralized stablecoin on Ethereum. Nik is responsible for creating DSProxy, an industry-standard account abstraction primitive, OasisDEX, the first decentralized exchange on Ethereum with an order matching engine, and founding Chronicle Protocol which secures over $10B of assets locked in MakerDAO.

Niklas Kunkel began his crypto journey at IBM Research, where he worked on the Hyperledger blockchain and early supply chain finance applications. In 2017 he joined MakerDAO to create Dai, the first decentralized stablecoin on Ethereum. Nik is responsible for creating DSProxy, an industry-standard account abstraction primitive, OasisDEX, the first decentralized exchange on Ethereum with an order matching engine, and founding Chronicle Protocol which secures over $10B of assets locked in MakerDAO.

Violet AbtahiFounder & CEOViolet Abtahi is a serial entrepreneur and investor with a profound expertise in finance and blockchain technology. She has more than two decades of experience in the financial sector, blockchain and crypto ecosystems. Abtahi is a visionary leader on a mission to bridge the public and private blockchain worlds, shaping the next generation of financial infrastructures.As the founder and CEO of Platonic, Abtahi spearheads the development of enterprise-grade L1 blockchain solutions, addressing real-world challenges in financial services. Through her leadership, Platonic is dedicated to building the next generation of financial markets infrastructure, in issuance and distribution of real world and native assets on chain, focusing on scalability, security, and innovation.In addition to her role at Platonic, Abtahi is also the co-founder and president of Enya Labs, a leading blockchain developer, and the co-founder of Boba Network, a prominent public blockchain layer 2 solution. Her diverse portfolio of ventures reflects her commitment to driving innovation and advancing the capabilities of blockchain technology.Abtahi is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a dedicated investor and advisor to thriving projects with a profound purpose to serve the future of finance and humanity. Through her strategic guidance and support, she continues to shape the landscape of finance, fostering growth and innovation in the industry.

Violet AbtahiFounder & CEOViolet Abtahi is a serial entrepreneur and investor with a profound expertise in finance and blockchain technology. She has more than two decades of experience in the financial sector, blockchain and crypto ecosystems. Abtahi is a visionary leader on a mission to bridge the public and private blockchain worlds, shaping the next generation of financial infrastructures.As the founder and CEO of Platonic, Abtahi spearheads the development of enterprise-grade L1 blockchain solutions, addressing real-world challenges in financial services. Through her leadership, Platonic is dedicated to building the next generation of financial markets infrastructure, in issuance and distribution of real world and native assets on chain, focusing on scalability, security, and innovation.In addition to her role at Platonic, Abtahi is also the co-founder and president of Enya Labs, a leading blockchain developer, and the co-founder of Boba Network, a prominent public blockchain layer 2 solution. Her diverse portfolio of ventures reflects her commitment to driving innovation and advancing the capabilities of blockchain technology.Abtahi is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a dedicated investor and advisor to thriving projects with a profound purpose to serve the future of finance and humanity. Through her strategic guidance and support, she continues to shape the landscape of finance, fostering growth and innovation in the industry.

Nick Motz (CIO, Forbes 30 under 30) is an experienced investment professional and entrepreneur. Nick has over ten years of investment experience in the credit sector. As CIO of Soil, Nick is in charge of all investment activities and managing the performance of the protocol's loan pools. Prior to Soil, Nick was the youngest founder of Mount TFI, a licensed asset management company in Poland focused on Private Debt investments. Mount TFI has become one of the leading private debt funds in Southern Eastern Europe. Prior to Mount TFI, Nick gained experience working at Aabar Investment, Abu Dhabi as well as real estate investment managers Capital Park Group and Patron Capital London. Nick strongly believes in democratizing access to private credit and believes that blockchain technology, with specific focus on DeFi can lead this revolution.

Nick Motz (CIO, Forbes 30 under 30) is an experienced investment professional and entrepreneur. Nick has over ten years of investment experience in the credit sector. As CIO of Soil, Nick is in charge of all investment activities and managing the performance of the protocol's loan pools. Prior to Soil, Nick was the youngest founder of Mount TFI, a licensed asset management company in Poland focused on Private Debt investments. Mount TFI has become one of the leading private debt funds in Southern Eastern Europe. Prior to Mount TFI, Nick gained experience working at Aabar Investment, Abu Dhabi as well as real estate investment managers Capital Park Group and Patron Capital London. Nick strongly believes in democratizing access to private credit and believes that blockchain technology, with specific focus on DeFi can lead this revolution.

Anthony Rodriguez, Founder of LineageAnthony Rodriguez is the founder and CEO of Lineage, a pioneering agency and creative studio built on the belief that the future belongs to brands that inspire fandom. Since launching Lineage in 2002, Rodriguez has spent over two decades helping athletes, artists, and brands take control of their narratives, build communities, and monetize influence at scale.Today, Rodriguez is channeling that same vision into a new venture: The Digital Spenders Club, a fandom-driven business rooted in crypto values like ownership, privacy, and equity.

Anthony Rodriguez, Founder of LineageAnthony Rodriguez is the founder and CEO of Lineage, a pioneering agency and creative studio built on the belief that the future belongs to brands that inspire fandom. Since launching Lineage in 2002, Rodriguez has spent over two decades helping athletes, artists, and brands take control of their narratives, build communities, and monetize influence at scale.Today, Rodriguez is channeling that same vision into a new venture: The Digital Spenders Club, a fandom-driven business rooted in crypto values like ownership, privacy, and equity.

Leo Fan is Co-Founder of Cysic, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Rutgers University, and a former core researcher at Algorand. He leads the development of ComputeFi, Cysic's hardware tokenisation model that turns real-world compute into on-chain assets — part of Cysic's broader mission to build low-latency, cost-efficient infrastructure for real-time Web3, AI, and decentralised applications.

Leo Fan is Co-Founder of Cysic, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Rutgers University, and a former core researcher at Algorand. He leads the development of ComputeFi, Cysic's hardware tokenisation model that turns real-world compute into on-chain assets — part of Cysic's broader mission to build low-latency, cost-efficient infrastructure for real-time Web3, AI, and decentralised applications.

Erick Ho is CEO and co-founder of Function Network, a decentralized AI protocol launching on Base. Prior to this, Erick served as a Senior Software Engineer at Coinbase and advised seed to Series A startups as a Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services. He focuses on scalable infrastructure and decentralized systems. He holds a Computer Science degree from Louisiana State University.

Erick Ho is CEO and co-founder of Function Network, a decentralized AI protocol launching on Base. Prior to this, Erick served as a Senior Software Engineer at Coinbase and advised seed to Series A startups as a Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services. He focuses on scalable infrastructure and decentralized systems. He holds a Computer Science degree from Louisiana State University.

 Oleg Fomenko is the co-founder of SWEAT, which is establishing the Movement Economy by rewarding physical activity through the non-custodial Sweat Wallet with ~3 million active users. SWEAT's native token, $SWEAT, has over 20 million token holders, making it the 9th most widely held token in the world. Oleg has more than 15 years of experience as an entrepreneur, business leader, and innovator. Eight years before the launch of SWEAT, Oleg co-founded Sweatcoin, a web2 health & fitness mobile application partnering with the National Health Services (NHS) in the UK, which has achieved more than 250 million installs. Oleg's expertise lies in the field of building consumer mobile products used by tens of millions of people.