Hear from leading experts, researchers and open-source contributors from across the Web3 community — at the Global Blockchain Show
H.E. Justin Sun
Founder of TRON, Member of the HTX Global Advisory Board
H.E. Justin Sun is the Ambassador and former Permanent Representative of Grenada to the WTO, Founder of TRON, one of the world's largest blockchain DAO ecosystems, and Advisor to HTX, one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges. A protege of Alibaba's Jack Ma, Sun has been named Forbes' 30 under 30 in the Consumer Technology category several times, among other global recognitions. Sun is an avid art collector, gamer, investor, philanthropist, and space enthusiast.
Yat Siu
Co-Founder and Chairman, Animoca Brands
A veteran technology entrepreneur/investor based in Hong Kong, Yat Siu is the co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands, a global leader in blockchain and gaming with the mission to deliver digital property rights to the world's gamers and Internet users, thereby creating a new asset class, play-and-earn economies, and a more equitable digital framework contributing to the building of the open metaverse.
Yat began his career at Atari Germany in 1990. In 1995 he moved to Hong Kong to establish Hong Kong Cybercity/Freenation, the first free web page and email provider in Asia. In 1998 he set up Outblaze, an award-winning pioneer of multilingual white label web services. In 2009, he sold Outblaze’s messaging unit to IBM and pivoted Outblaze to become an incubator of projects and companies to develop digital entertainment services and products. One of those incubated companies is Animoca Brands, which was created in 2014.
In 2017 he set up the Dalton Learning Lab, an afterschool digital lab for skills not emphasized by most education systems, including divergent thinking and design thinking. He is the founder of ThinkBlaze, the research arm of Outblaze investigating socially meaningful issues in technology.
Since 2018, Yat has been an early advocate for the use of blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in the gaming industry, which will allow gamers to enjoy true ownership of their own game assets, data, and, consequently, equity. With a clear vision of the potential of decentralized apps and assets, Yat quickly steered Animoca Brands to a leadership position in blockchain, gaming, NFTs, and the open metaverse. Animoca Brands operates a series of NFT-centric subsidiaries and products, and has invested in over 540 blockchain-related companies to build one of the largest blockchain portfolios in the world.
Yat has earned numerous accolades including Global Leader of Tomorrow at the World Economic Forum, Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the DHL/SCMP Awards, and recognition as one of the Cointelegraph top 100 notable people in blockchain.
A classically trained musician, Yat is a member of the advisory board of BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) and a director of the Asian Youth Orchestra.
Dr. Marwan Alzarouni
CEO / CEO AI, Dubai Blockchain Center / Dubai Economy & Tourism
Dr. Marwan Alzarouni is an internationally recognized blockchain technology advocate, keynote speaker and strategic advisor. Dr. Alzarouni is the CEO of Dubai Blockchain Center (DBCC), an impact business and a strategic partner to Dubai Future Foundation.
The center was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum under the Area 2071 initiative in May 2018. It aims to create a fertile ground and a holistic ecosystem for blockchain companies and projects to thrive in. DBCC regularly hosts a number of blockchain startups within Area 2071 and also conducts educational classes and seminars around blockchain use cases in government and private sector.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem
Executive Chairman & CEO, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
Ahmed Bin Sulayem is the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC and has driven its growth from a start-up of 28 member companies in 2003 to the world’s leading free zone in 2024 with over 24,000 member companies from 180 countries, employing over 80,000 people.
Tasked with enhancing commodity trade flows through Dubai, DMCC has introduced to the market a number of value-added products and services under Mr. Bin Sulayem’s leadership. In 2023, DMCC was named ‘Global Free Zone of the Year’ by The Financial Times fDi Magazine, for a record ninth consecutive year.
Mr. Bin Sulayem oversaw the exponential growth of the DMCC Free Zone master development in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), a 200-hectare business and residential community in Dubai of over 100,000 people living and working in 87 towers. Mr. Bin Sulayem also oversees the development of DMCC’s latest real estate project, the Uptown Dubai district.
Mr. Bin Sulayem currently serves as the Chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) and the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX).
The Kimberley Process officially appointed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the first and only Arab country to Chair the Kimberley Process in November 2015. Shortly after, the UAE Ministry of Economy officially appointed Mr. Bin Sulayem as the UAE’s Chair of the Kimberley Process for 2016. Mr. Bin Sulayem was reappointed Chair of the Kimberley Process for a historic second time, a position he assumed in late 2023.
Abdulla Al Dhaheri
CEO, Abu Dhabi Blockchain Center
Abdulla Al Dhaheri is a multifaceted professional who embodies the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership in the world of blockchain and cybersecurity. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity and an Associate degree in Blockchain Management, Abdulla has made substantial contributions to these fields, reflected in his two patented blockchain inventions. He is a seasoned entrepreneur and businessman, known for his forward-thinking leadership, strategic acumen, and keen ability to steer multimillion-dollar businesses to success. Notably, he has lent his expertise to various successful Web 3 and NFT projects, illustrating his versatility and adaptability to emerging trends in technology. Abdulla's influence extends into the public sector, where his exceptional problem-solving skills and visionary outlook are utilized in government roles. His commitment to technological advancement has significantly impacted this space, as he has bridged the gap between innovation and governance.
Rachel Conlan
CMO, Binance
Rachel Conlan, a visionary marketer and entrepreneurial strategist, is the driving force behind Binance's global marketing and brand campaigns. As Binance embarks on its ambitious journey to reinforce and broaden its standing as the world's most trusted cryptocurrency brand,Rachel's leadership is instrumental.
Before joining Binance, Rachel was a transformative figure at OKX, spearheading brand and marketing initiatives that included the negotiation and launch of high-profile international partnerships with Manchester City F.C., McLaren Racing, and Tribeca Festival. Her strategic insights and knack for partnership creation have left indelible marks on the brand.
Rachel's vast experience extends to her tenure at CAA Sports, a leading international sports and entertainment agency, where she held the reins of Global Partnerships. She developed innovative brand partnerships and cultural marketing programs, bridging global brands, rights holders, and talent, adding immense value and contributing to CAA's market influence.
As the Global Chief Marketing Officer for Havas, the sixth-largest communications company within the Vivendi conglomerate, Rachel demonstrated exceptional leadership. She was entrusted with enhancing Havas' reputation and revenue, crafting integrated marketing and experiential platforms for Fortune 500 companies that set industry benchmarks.
In addition to her role as CMO, Rachel's contributions to Havas spanned various leadership positions. As Managing Director of Havas Luxhub, she led strategic and commercial operations, fostering pioneering strategies for luxury, fashion, and lifestyle companies to engage and retain a new generation of consumers. Her client portfolio boasted iconic brands like LVMH, PUIG, Sotheby's, Net-a-Porter, Netjets, and Kit and Ace.
Rachel's strategic prowess was further displayed in her role as Havas' Global Growth Director. She orchestrated a comprehensive global new business development and marketing plan for the network. Notably, Rachel was part of the visionary team behind Havas' 2012 rebrand from Euro RSCG Worldwide, establishing a new standard for Havas Group's transformation. Rachel resides in Abu Dhabi, UAE with her husband and toddler son.
Alicia Kao
Managing Director, Kucoin
Alicia Kao is the Managing Director at KuCoin, bringing over a decade of experience in digital marketing. Since joining KuCoin in 2019, she has been instrumental in shaping the company’s marketing strategies and managing key institutional relationships. An ardent blockchain advocate and NFT collector, Alicia focuses on long-term strategy and fostering partnerships to advance the crypto industry. She majored in sociology.
Jason Allegrante
Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Fireblocks
Jason Allegrante is the Chief Legal & Compliance Officer at Fireblocks, a market-leading provider of technology solutions to enable businesses to easily and securely support digital asset and cryptocurrency use cases.
Jason began his career in the Financial Institution Supervision Group at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. He later practiced law at the international firms Linklaters LLP and Davis Polk & Wardwell.
Since 2018, Jason has served as senior legal counsel to early stage fintech and SaaS companies and advised on critical matters at the intersection of financial services and the emerging blockchain-based ecosystem.
Jason holds B.A. and J.D. degrees from Columbia University and a Certificate in Global Business Law and Governance from Sciences Po / Paris I - Pantheon Sorbonne.
Pierre Samaties
Chief Business Officer, DFINITY
Chief Business Officer at DFINITY.
Former Partner at Roland Berger leading the Global Digital Assets, Web3 and Metaverse practice. Energy and innovation expert.
Former CEO of RWE Middle East with over 20 years of experience in Strategy Consulting and Venture Building in the Energy, AI and Crypto Industry
David Chaum
Founder , XX Network
David Chaum pioneered privacy in modern communication as the inventor of mix nets, blind signatures, and multiparty computation that laid the foundation for enabling secure voting systems, anonymous internet surfing (Dark Web/TOR Network) and DigiCash, the first cryptocurrency and precursor to Bitcoin to allow for anonymous transactions. Chaum is currently leading xx network, a completely private, quantum-secure decentralized messaging and payment platform. He is working with the Bank of International Settlements (BIS) on new technologies for CBDC digital currencies.
David Palmer
Chief Product Officer, Co-founder, Vodafone’s Digital Asset Broker (DAB) Platform, Vodafone
David Palmer, Chief Product Officer and co-founder of Vodafone's Digital Asset Broker (DAB) platform, is a digital visionary and recognized thought leader in blockchain and Web3. With expertise in converging digital technologies and new business models, he explores opportunities in IoT, Blockchain, DeFi, Digital Identity, AI, and the Metaverse, making significant contributions to Vodafone Business's leadership in blockchain technology.
Jonas Werner
Founder, C1
Dynamic founder of the largest onboarding networking company, driving innovation and connection in the digital landscape. A visionary entrepreneur dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses through transformative networking solutions, founder of multiple digital business tools and solutions.
Alex Fazel
Chief Partnership Officer, SwissBorg
He is a founding partner at SwissBorg, overseeing assets surpassing $2 billion and a team of 230 employees. As a Cointelegraph Accelerator Mentor, TEDx speaker, and host of "Cryptonites" on YouTube, Alex is a prominent figure in the crypto space. His expertise extends to keynotes, panels, and educational sessions at prestigious events such as WEF Davos, CNBC, Cointelegraph, Coindesk, Token2049, AIM Summit, Le Figaro, Paris Blockchain Week, Blockdown, Cryptoslate, and more, solidifying his influence in the global blockchain and cryptocurrency community.
Marcello Mari
CEO and founder, SingularityDAO
Marcello Mari, is the CEO and founder of SingularityDAO as well as founding member of SingularityNET. He has led the blockchain protocol to significant achievements, including raising over $5.8 million from VCs and reaching a peak valuation of $600 million. He also coordinated the first NFT collaboration between a human and AI, raising over $1.4 million. Starting his career in London and contributing to major publications, Marcello has been recognized for his work in blockchain and AI, including speaking at TEDx and receiving the prestigious AIBC award for Top AI Voice in 2024. Over his career Marcello has participated to the foundation and launch of over 6 crypto / AI projects.
Johnson Yeh
Founder & CEO, ROEHL/Ambrus Studio
Johnson Yeh holds a PhD in Strategic Management from Peking University and an MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. He has significant experience in the gaming and circular economy sectors, having held senior positions at Riot Games and the World Economic Forum. Currently, Johnson leads Ambrus Studio, a Web3 game production company, and ROEHL, a Lifestyle as a Service brand focused on sustainability.
Dr. Sameer Al Ansari
CEO, RAK DAO
Dr. Sameer Al Ansari, CEO of RAK Digital Assets Oasis, leads the only common law free zone dedicated to non-regulated digital and virtual asset companies. With over 35 years of finance expertise, he also heads RAK ICC, a fast-growing offshore corporate registry. Dr. Al Ansari's leadership extends to multiple boards including Marjan, TVM Healthcare Partners, and Al Ramz Capital. Previously, he served as Chairman & CEO of Dubai International Capital ($13B AUM) and held various roles on regional and international boards, including the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Dubai Holding. Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.
Anton Golub
Founder & Chairman, SwissAssetDAO
Anton Golub, Founder & Chairman of SwissAssetDAO, and Advisor & Venture Partner at Full Stack VC. He founded flovtec, a Swiss market-maker for digital asset exchanges, and co-founded Trust Square AG, a blockchain hub. Previously, he co-founded Lykke Corp, a fee-free blockchain exchange, and worked as Chief Science Officer. With experience at Olsen Ltd and Alliance Manchester Business School, he specializes in high-frequency trading and market microstructure. He contributed to the Foresight Project on algorithmic trading and EU-backed research projects.
Mo Ali Yusuf
Co-Chair, Digital Assets, Mena Fintech Association
Building and advising in regulated Digital Assets and Fintech infrastructure across Middle East, Africa, Turkey
An international business leader with a passion for growing fintech, eCommerce, and crypto through:
Speaker, adviser and angel investor in startups. If you are driving the growth in the region - let's connect!
Canadian born, living in Dubai, working across the region.
Irina Heaver
Partner, NEOSLEGAL
Irina is a leading Web3 and Crypto lawyer based in Dubai and Switzerland, representing clients worldwide.
She is highly regarded internationally for her extensive experience and deep technical knowledge of blockchain, Web3, and cryptocurrency matters.
She is a partner in an International LawFirm, as well as the Founder of the UAE’s first legal technology services & business consultancy dedicated to crypto matters (established 2016).
Irina advises across the value chain in the blockchain space, including multinational companies and protocol developers, issuers of tokens, DeFi and NFT projects, and blockchain infrastructure projects, such as tokenisation platforms, cryptocurrency exchanges, payment providers, and funds investing in Web3 ventures.
Irina has consulted multiple Governments and Regulators on policies surrounding emerging technology and has drafted crypto-related laws and regulations. Her nearly two decades of experience — accrued as a partner in a law firm, in-house as a regional General Counsel, and as a co-founder of a regional crypto exchange — have led her to advise on over USD $500 billion worth of projects and transactions in the oil & gas, mining, construction, maritime, and technology sectors.
Irina’s expertise is in aiding visionary entrepreneurs with legally compliant launches, capital formation, and growth, leveraging her vast network in the Middle East and Europe.
Serena Sebastiani
Virtual Assets Lead, Director Financial Services Consulting, PwC Middle East
Serena Sebastiani is a Senior Director in the Financial Services Advisory arm of PwC Middle East, and Consulting Virtual Assets Leader. Building a digital, innovative, open economy is a priority for most of the GCC Nations, to support the sustainability of their growth strategies, diversify from legacy oil-based economies, and improve financial inclusion. Serena has 13+ years of experience in supporting Regulators, Governments and the Private Sector to achieve these objectives, through designing strategies, policies and implementation actions that will define the Future of Banking and Finance.
Christian Gleich
International Ambassador, European Blockchain Association
Christian Gleich is the ambassador of the European Blockchain Association and well-known as a consultant and international speaker on topics related to blockchain, web3, tokenization and the metaverse. His focus over the last 25 years has been on the specific development of digital use cases and business models as well as their monetization. In various leadership positions, the digital expert led innovative projects for Samsung, Nike as well as NASA. He also holds the Guinness® World Record for the largest product launch of all time - streamed from the international space station (ISS). Right now he is focusing on tokenization for companies of different industries.
NICK SPANOS
Bitcoin Pioneer/Founder, Bitcoin Center NYC
Founder of the Bitcoin Center in 2013 the first live crypto currency exchange. Located 100 feet from the New York Stock Exchange(prominently displayed on the netflix documentary "Banking on Bitcoin"). Inventor of the multi-branched blockchain, and blockchain voting. Both patents have been granted. Thirty years of experience in technology and politics. Pioneer and thought leader in the blockchain paradigm. He was also Founder of GetaRoom.com in 1997. In 1983 he attended New York Institute of technology where he studied computer science and AeroSpace Engineering.
Maja Vujinovic
CEO, OGroup
Maja Vujinovic is a seasoned investor and innovator in emerging technologies, specializing in blockchain, AI, and digital payments. With experience spanning 17 global locations, she excels in identifying transformative technologies and market opportunities. In 2005, Vujinovic pioneered mobile payments, developing assets worth over $700M across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Recognizing Bitcoin's potential in 2010, she became a leader in digital assets, facilitating Tether's first bank acquisition in 2013. As CIO of Emerging Technologies at General Electric (2013), Vujinovic spearheaded global blockchain initiatives. She introduced Ethereum, Ripple and other platforms across various sectors, developed GE's first "blockchain-as-a-service" platform, and uncovered $5 billion in trapped cash through automation. Notably, she catalyzed the first trade-finance blockchain deal between JP Morgan and GE. Currently, Vujinovic's company, OGroup, partners with $4B in family offices, guiding investments in ETFs, crypto, blockchain, and AI. OGroup invests in and operates over 45 companies and funds, assisting corporates, governments, and startups with digital transformation and scaling. Vujinovic holds a BA in Political Science and Finance and a JD from Emory University. She serves on several boards, including Catalan.ai, Republic Crypto, Civic, and Longevity Science Foundation. A respected voice in emerging technologies, she has spoken at prestigious forums such as the World Economic Forum, FII Institute, Consensus, Financial Times, etc.
Grace Sabandar
Co-Founder, Indonesia Blockchain & Metaverse Center
Grace Sabandar is the CEO of Global Business Services, Co-Founder of Indonesia Blockchain & Metaverse Center, and an international Speaker. Grace is also the Co-Founder of Global Sportainment Network, and she has been involved in an initiative to connect Indonesian sports industry to innovation and technology.
Naeem Aslam
Columnist, NASDAQ
Naeem is a former hedge fund trader with over 10 years of experience in investment banking. He is a regular guest with all tier one media such as CNBC & Bloomberg. He has spoken at the headquarters of the European Parliament on the subject of blockchain and its adoption. Moreover, Naeem has guest lectured at the most prestigious universities in the UK such as The London School of Economics, The Warwick University and his own university, The University of Leeds.
Naeem was awarded National Award (Irish Brokers Young Award) in October 2010. He has vast experience in investments, portfolio management and proactively takes advantage of various market trends in all aspects of investment origination, such as research and appraisal, valuation, structuring, deal execution, ongoing management and exit strategies.
Davinci Jeremie
Crypto Educator & Entrepreneur, DavinciCodes Software Design
Self educated software developer, enterprise level system designer, and extensive bitcoin architecture knowledge. Davinci Jereme is an experienced manager, software engineer who specializes in developing application frameworks (APIs), multi-ter clustered systems that enable the enterprise to scale up exponentially. Davinci has developed many advanced systems that include Server side web service, multi-threaded clustered enterprise software, Active X controls, and advanced archival compression algorithm. He can code in many software languages with key efficiencies in Delphi, C++, SQL and C#. Davinci Jeremie is also an advanced network administrator, domain controler, advanced security systems and virtualization software such as VMware, ESXi, and Microsoft Hyper-V Server. Linux and Mac OS X system knowledge with bitcoin mining and server side pool management.
Also Davinci's hoby's are studying the financial system, how money works since 2007, and discussing gold and silver on YouTube since 2008 that allowed him to become a early adopter of bitcoin in March of 2011.
Maurizio Pedrazzoli Grazioli
Founder , Mr.M Podcast
Maurizio, the host of the renowned Mr. M Podcast, brings a unique perspective to our discussion, offering valuable insights garnered from conversations with thought leaders and innovators across the global Web3 landscape, enriching our dialogue with his deep understanding of emerging trends and opportunities.
Carl Runefelt
Founder, The Moon Group
Carl Runefelt, also known as ‘The Moon’ is the founder of The Moon Group and cryptojobs.com. He is a serial entrepreneur who has invested in over 400 blockchain-based startups, & has been featured in Forbes 30 under 30. The crypto evangelist has also been featured in top business publications such as, FOX Business, Forbes US, CNBC, Business Insider, Coin Telegraph and Tech Telegraph UK.
Amie Lin
Managing Partner, Yuzu Capital, PENTAIP Founder Fund
Amie is a managing partner of Yuzu Capital. She believes in supporting buidlers* and entrepreneurs with a vision to build a world where basic income and control of personal data can be established through Web3 ecosystem. She currently is working with an asset management driven by AI company that helps institution to open up new markets in equity trading, to have the foresight in investing in AI that assist mankind. Setting an example to create a venture ecosystem that will help Southeast Asia to connect with Middle East, sharing same ambitions to leapfrog digital transformation in the new web3 era.
If you know someone who belongs on the GBS stage, or if you belong there yourself, we want to hear from you!
