I'd like to introduce myself with a brief story about my journey into the world of blockchain which started with Bitcoin.
A few years ago, Bitcoin was a source of awe and intrigue to many when it was reaching new highs on its way to ~$20,000. Unable to escape the hypnotizing energy of a novel technology, I joined the revolution, spread the gospel of Blockchain to my colleagues and bought my first Bitcoin – $100 in Bitcoin on Coinbase. This led to a deep exploration of Cryptography and Blockchain technology. But I did not immediately see the promise and potential of Blockchain like many did at the time and doubted the scalability and practical utility of the technology. When the price of Bitcoin started retracing, forming a “Mountain” pattern, I became a doubter and in hindsight I felt like someone who was staring at the shadows on the wall instead of trying to see through the noise.
However, I was aware that there were many people dedicated to finding solutions to improve the scalability and utility of distributed ledgers and it was only a matter of time till feasible solutions would be discovered. I told myself that I’d learn more about it later….
“Then as it was, then again it will be. And though the course may change sometimes, rivers always reach the Sea” – Ten Years Gone, Led Zeppelin
It didn’t take ten years, but after the change of course away from Crypto in 2018, I now feel like I’m back on course and reached the Sea that is Blockchain. I can’t recall the exact moment when I got the spark that reignited my obsession but it could have been one of the numerous podcasts I listened to last year about DeFi or maybe an article I read on a16z Crypto Cannon. Thank You a16z for a great resource to learn more about Crypto!
It’s rare to experience a moment of epiphany that enables you to imagine with clarity and confidence an exciting future, filled with possibilities powered by blockchain technology. I believe I got just that when I realized the potential of Blockchain technology once again – a second chance! What followed was an impatience to learn everything I could about innovations in the Crypto world from SNARKS and zero knowledge proofs to proof of history and DeFi protocols. I was on a race catch up on everything that had happened over the past few years. I like to think of this as learning to swim in the Sea of Crypto, tuned-in to the direction of the currents in the water, trying to align with the flow. Indeed, when doubters become converts, there’s no turning back!
More than anything, Blockchain technology and everything related to it is a philosophy and a revolution. This is my attempt to contribute as much as I can to the revolution by sharing the knowledge I have gained and helping the community. I am looking forward to getting more involved with the builders, investors and the community; the energy and passion in Crypto cannot be found anywhere else (except the community focusing on climate change).
About me:
A mechanical engineer with a master’s degree in Mathematical Finance. I believe I’m fundamentally a quantitative thinker who’s in search of new ideas that have the power to start a chain reaction in my mind.
I started my career in product management at a FinTech firm; my expertise is in building mission critical enterprise products for institutional investment firms. I’ve had an interest in financial markets since high school; my interest in markets was sparked by an article on Hedge Funds by Carol J. Loomis in Fortune magazine.
I started trading Futures (FX, Rates, Ag, Metals) a few years ago after reading Market Wizards. In my search for a philosophy & process for success in trading futures, I started learning about Median Lines and discovered the methods of the late Amos Hostetter at Commodity Corporation.
It’s been a long journey since I started trading futures. From rookie mistakes that nearly blew up my account to trades that perfectly timed bottoms, I’ve had lots of ups and downs. But through it all, I’ve learnt a lot and I’ve always believed that the market keeps giving to those who keep asking. Michael Marcus (profiled in Market Wizards) also inspired me to never give up on the markets. I know I’ll be learning more about the markets as long as I trade and that’s what makes it fun and keeps me going.
My interest in crypto, tech and investing have combined forces and resulted in this project to share my thoughts, analysis and discoveries pertaining to the world of building blockchain applications and investing in Crypto. As a product manager, I enjoy building products; I’m always looking for opportunities to help startups with product development.
I hope you find my posts useful.
Thanks for reading!
“There is no passion to be found in playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
- Nelson Mandela