Ryan Selkis: A Blockchain Legend

Ryan Selkis is a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency industry, known for his significant contributions to the growth and development of blockchain technology. As the founder and CEO of Messari, a leading crypto data and market intelligence firm, Selkis has played a pivotal role in bringing transparency and reliability to the cryptoeconomy.

Early Career and Introduction to Crypto

Ryan Selkis’s journey into the world of cryptocurrency began in the early 2010s. He first gained attention in the crypto community under the pseudonym “Two Bit Idiot,” where he blogged about various crypto-related topics. His insightful commentary and analysis quickly garnered a following, establishing him as a respected voice in the industry.

CoinDesk and Consensus

In 2016, Selkis joined CoinDesk, a leading media platform for blockchain and cryptocurrency news, as Managing Director. During his tenure, he oversaw the company’s acquisition and played a crucial role in its rapid growth. Under his leadership, CoinDesk’s revenue increased sevenfold in just 18 months. One of his notable achievements was organizing Consensus 2017, which became the largest industry event of its kind, attracting thousands of attendees and solidifying CoinDesk’s position as a key player in the crypto space.

Founding Messari

In 2018, Ryan Selkis founded Messari with the mission to bring transparency to the cryptoeconomy. Messari provides comprehensive data and market intelligence to help investors, regulators, and the public make informed decisions about cryptocurrency investments. The platform has become an essential resource for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of digital assets.

Political Advocacy and Fairshake

Beyond his work with Messari, Selkis has also been a vocal advocate for the cryptocurrency industry in the political arena. In 2021, he announced his intention to run for Senate, declaring “war on our out-of-control regulatory state” after the SEC served a subpoena to a crypto executive at Messari’s annual Mainnet conference. Although he did not pursue the Senate run, his advocacy efforts continued.

In recent years, Selkis has focused on building a political fundraising machine for the crypto industry. He founded Fairshake, a political action committee (PAC) aimed at supporting pro-crypto candidates and policies. By 2024, Fairshake had amassed a war chest of about $15 million and began actively participating in political campaigns.

Legacy and Impact

Ryan Selkis’s contributions to the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry are vast and varied. From his early days as a blogger to his leadership roles at CoinDesk and Messari, he has consistently pushed for greater transparency, better data, and more informed decision-making in the crypto space. His political advocacy further underscores his commitment to the industry’s growth and sustainability.

Selkis’s work has not only helped shape the current landscape of the cryptoeconomy but also laid the groundwork for its future development. As the industry continues to evolve, his influence and contributions will undoubtedly remain significant.

Ryan Selkis’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of blockchain technology and the importance of dedicated individuals in driving its adoption and growth. His story serves as an inspiration to many in the crypto community and beyond.

Disclaimer:?Please note that this list is not comprehensive and the specific order of individuals is not intended to reflect their relative importance. The blockchain, cryptocurrency, and Web3 space is a rapidly evolving field, and new contributors are emerging constantly. There are countless others who have played significant roles in shaping the industry, and this list aims to highlight just a few of those individuals.