Leadership Team of Crypto 1 Acquisition Corp (DAOO)

Najamul Kidwai – Founder, Chairman, and Director

Dr. Najamul Kidwai has been a pivotal figure in the digital assets and blockchain space since our inception. His extensive background includes:

• Current Roles:

  • Chairman and Director of Crypto 1 Acquisition Corp (2021–present), a SPAC focused on blockchain and crypto innovations.
  • Venture Partner at Frontier Ventures (2016–present), investing in early-stage tech and blockchain startups.
  • Co-Founder and Board Member of EQUIAM, a leading private-markets VC fund (2017–present), with investments in Coinbase and Robinhood.

• Notable Investments:

  • Active in digital asset investments since 2016, including companies like Fusion.org.
  • Advisor/investor in tech firms such as ForgeGlobal and Boxed Giddy Inc. (both merged with SPACs).

• Career Highlights:

  • Founder/CEO of Real Time Content (2006–2009), acquired by NASDAQ-listed Pitney Bowes.
  • Early investment roles at Edge Venture Capital and AtomicTangerine (Stanford Research Institute).
• Education:
  B.Sc. in Technology Management (Staffordshire University) and honorary doctorate from Lincoln University.

Michael Zhao – Founder, CEO, and Director

Michael Zhao brings over a decade of crypto and fintech expertise:

• Crypto Market Involvement:

  • Began investing in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and altcoins like Tron in 2016.
  • Executive Chairman of IDCM Exchange (2017–present), a global digital currency marketplace.
  • CEO of VGPay, providing crypto payment solutions for exchanges (B2B/B2C).

• Leadership:

  • Co-Chairman of the Hong Kong Blockchain Association (2018–present).
  • Advised digital transformation for Sinar Mars Group and Indonesia (2020).

• Background:

  • Held senior roles at Intesa San Paolo, China Merchants Bank, and UBS (2006–2014).
• Education:
  Master’s in Electronic Engineering and Finance (University of Florida).

Board of Directors

David Maloy

• Role: Managing Director at Clear Markets Holdings (2019–present), specializing in crypto derivatives.

• Experience:

  • Former CEO of NetOTC (2013–2016).
  • Led Credit Suisse’s Global Collateral Functions during the 2008 financial crisis.
  • 14+ years at UBS in investment and risk management.

Jeffrey Singer

• Role: Former Group CEO of YBA Kanoo (Middle East, 2019–2020).

• Highlights:

  • Oversaw the merger of Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market.
  • President of Nasdaq’s International Division (2003–2012).
• Education:
  MBA (Harvard Business School), B.S. in International Finance (BYU).

Alvin Eng

• Role: Founder of Harborview Advisory Partners (2013–present), advising financial institutions.

• Career:

  • Citigroup veteran (1983–2013), including Chief Investment Officer for Global Markets & Banking.
  • Board member of multiple investment firms.
• Education:
  MBA (Columbia Business School), M.S. in Electrical Engineering (Columbia).

Matthew Krna

• Role: CEO of Alpha Partners Technology Merger Corp. (SPAC, 2021–present).

• Investments:

  • Co-Founder of Princeville Global (growth-stage tech fund).
  • Board roles at Criteo, Remitly, and Doctor on Demand.
• Education:
  A.B. (Harvard University).

Faisal Galaria

• Role: CEO of Blippar (UK tech unicorn, 2019–present).

• Experience:

  • Former CSO at Gocompare (LSE: GOCO).
  • Early team member at Skype and Spotify (launched in multiple markets).
• Education:
  MBA (IESE Barcelona), studied economics at University of Córdoba.

FAQ

1. What is Crypto 1 Acquisition Corp’s focus?

A: It’s a SPAC targeting mergers with blockchain, crypto, and digital asset companies.

2. How does Najamul Kidwai contribute to the crypto ecosystem?

A: As a venture partner and investor, he backs startups like Coinbase and advises on blockchain adoption.

3. What makes Michael Zhao’s leadership unique?

A: His dual expertise in crypto exchanges (IDCM) and payment solutions (VGPay) bridges trading and fintech.

4. Why is David Maloy’s derivatives background relevant?

A: His work at Clear Markets ensures robust risk management for crypto financial products.

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