Pretty ProgressiveIn highlighting the power and diversity of the minority startup community, it is essential to focus on one of today’s most booming sectors – cryptocurrency. In response to the traditional banking system’s limitations, many innovators and entrepreneurs have embraced the blockchain technology to provide alternative financial solutions – among them, a significant number hail from East Asian backgrounds. This article aims to showcase some of the most impactful startups in the cryptocurrency industry founded by these dynamic East Asian entrepreneurs.
In essence, cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual form of currency that uses cryptography for security. This makes it difficult to counterfeit or double-spend. A primary feature of cryptocurrencies is that they are generally not issued by any central authority, rendering them theoretically immune to government intervention or manipulation. This feature and the promise of decentralized finance (DeFi) underpin most blockchain-based startups.
As we explore these startups, we will not only address their specific offering but also spotlight the diverse and multi-faced Asian diaspora’s contributions in pushing technological boundaries. From the vivid metropolis of Philadelphia to the innovation hub of Cambridge, East Asian founders are carving significant niches in the world of digital currencies, blockchain, and beyond.
PLLAY Labs
Incorporated in 2018 by the dynamic duo Christine Krzyzanowski and Shawn Gunn, PLLAY Labs is perfecting the art of competitive entertainment with AI-driven video game wagering. The startup, based in Philadelphia, has beautifully married the worlds of Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Gaming, and Media. Catch more updates on PLLAY Labs on their website or their social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn).
ZIOS3
In the pursuit to shape the future of smart contracts, ZIOS3 was founded by the Hing twins – Chaz and Eileen. This tech startup is concentrating on a patented smart contract engine for blockchain-agnostic distributed ledger platforms. Learn more about ZIOS3 on their website or LinkedIn page.
Stronghold
Stronghold is another exceptional startup nested in the hub of San Francisco, California. Founded in 2017 by Sean Bennett and Tammy Camp, Stronghold is widely recognized for enabling developers access to legacy and next-generation payment networks via a simple API. Check out their website and social media pages (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) for more information.
Boba Network
Founded by Alan Chiu, Boba Network is an optimistic rollup architecture-based EVM-equivalent hybrid computing platform. Boba Network helps developers leverage complex off-chain computations or bring in off-chain data. More information about Boba Network can be found on their website or social media profiles (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn).
Provenance Blockchain
Co-founded by June Ou and Michael Cagney, Provenance Blockchain is revolutionizing the fintech landscape. With over $1B transacted on Provenance, this blockchain-based startup is a game-changer in the loan origination, financing, and trading sector. Discover more about Provenance Blockchain through their website or LinkedIn page.
OAK Network
Founded by Chris Li and Irsal McGinnis, the OAK Network is reshaping the paradigm of automation from centralized servers to blockchain. The OAK Network is known for its innovation – the event-driven transaction. Find out more about OAK Network on their website or their LinkedIn page.
Kuruma NFT
Finding its roots in the passion for digitizing car collectibles, Kuruma NFT Inc. was founded by Taro Koki. The El Segundo, California-based startup focuses on building a car community through the NFT space. Check out Kuruma NFT on their website or social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn).
