Michael Shen is a dynamic leader and innovator in the blockchain and Web3 space, with a proven track record of driving growth and strategic initiatives. As the Chief Executive Officer of Pop Social, he successfully launched a decentralized AI social media platform, achieving over 650,000 registered users and $20 million in trading volume on tier 1 global exchanges within the first month of its native token listing. His expertise in fundraising is evident from securing $4 million in strategic funding and negotiating a successful acquisition by a leading industry player. He also expanded AUM from $10m to $40m during his time as General Partner at Ceras Ventures where he spearheaded investments in over 200 Web3 startups, contributing to an impressive portfolio growth of over 80% in two years. His strong analytical skills and deep understanding of market trends have enabled him capture emerging trends and structure high-value investment deals. As a crypto native degen coming from a TradFi background, Michael has been able to conglomerate a deep knowledge of the financial industry and combine it with boundary-pushing innovation of the blockchain space. With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University and international experience from the London School of Economics, Michael is well-equipped for roles that require strategic vision and innovative thinking. He thrives in environments focused on technology-driven solutions, making him an ideal candidate for leadership positions in blockchain startups or venture capital firms focused on disruptive technologies. During his free time, he enjoys skiing, playing poker and horseback riding.
Experience: 7 years
Yearly salary: $0
Hourly rate: $0
Nationality: 🇺🇸 United States
Residency: 🇺🇸 United States
Experience
CEO
Pop Social 2022 - 2025
• Pioneered the development and launch of Pop Social, a decentralized AI social media platform utilizing blockchain technology to democratize content ownership, ensure user privacy and power the creator economy. • Spearheaded the strategic direction of the company leading an experienced team of up to 100 global professionals, resulting in the successful listing of the platform's native token on major tier 1 cryptocurrency exchanges with over $20M in trading volume in the first month, enhancing the project’s liquidity and market accessibility. • Achieved significant user growth and product market fit for Pop Social, scaling from scratch to over 650,000 registered users and 55,000 daily active users for the platform. • Successfully raised $4 million in combined strategic and seed funding, securing investment from prominent venture capital firms, ecosystem partners and investors. • Established strategic partnerships with key players in the blockchain and social media industries such as Chainlink, Cointelegraph, and Consensys, enhancing the company's market presence and driving user acquisition. • Forged a revolutionary sustainable token economics model in tandem with industry giant Prysm Group, ensuring the long-term sustainability and value proposition of the platform's native token PPT. • Negotiated the company’s successful acquisition by a leading industry player and global IP usage, securing favorable terms for both parties.
General Partner
Ceras Ventures 2020 - 2022
• Spearheaded the identification and evaluation of 200+ Web3 startups, leveraging extensive industry knowledge to assess market trends, technology viability, and team capabilities, resulting in strategic investments in 30+ high- potential projects such as Peaq, Oasis, and Solana. • Led the development and execution of a comprehensive investment strategy focused on DeFi, L1/L2 and NFT blockchain infrastructure, driving a portfolio growth of 80%+ within two years through targeted capital allocation. • Cultivated strong relationships with founders and industry leaders, providing mentorship and strategic guidance to portfolio companies, which enhanced their operational capabilities and market positioning. • Negotiated and structured investment deals worth over $10 million, employing robust financial due diligence to maximize risk adjusted returns associated with emerging blockchain technologies. • Championed a successful fundraising campaign that increased the firm’s assets under management from $10 million to $40 million within two years, attracting high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors while balancing fund growth objectives with investor expectations.
Strategic Growth and Infrastructure Design and Strategy
Blockchain Zero2One 2020 - 2021
• Designed roadmap, token structure, and NFT utility for multimillion-dollar European Fintech trading platform • Collaborated with clients and key stakeholders to generate proposals and whitepapers, creating solutions to integrate Web3 infrastructure into their core business and developed their rebranding strategy • Established key partnerships with industry leaders and investors, enhancing the firm’s network and providing clients with valuable connections that facilitated growth and collaboration opportunities.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Credit Suisse 2019 - 2020
• Prepared detailed financial valuation models regarding potential merger and acquisition deals for clients, including debt analysis, cash flow projections, variance analysis, exit opportunities, and enterprise valuation • Analyzed industry prospects to evaluate target companies’ competition, growth and market share opportunities • Determined the investment viability of M&A deals through the due diligence process by solid financial analysis
Trust Administration
Wellington Management Company 2016 - 2017
• Monitored daily cash balances, coupon accruals and earned income for Wellington’s custodian-held Trust Funds • Reconciled weekly money market positions between WMC and State Street for the income reinvestment process • Managed, settled and analyzed thousands of pending securities within the FAXD system • Streamlined trust fund operations to boost fund competitiveness, expense efficiency and overall performance
Cofounder
Virtual Equity Partners LLC 2016 - 2017
• Pioneered the first structured alternative investment platform exclusively for the virtual gaming marketplace • Fundraised over $100,000 in private investment funds in a 3-month period, generating over 1500%+ return over a two-year period for investors • Facilitated network transactions on the blockchain to relay payments and secure digital asset monetization • Analyzed daily macro market trends affecting the marketplace and coordinated all investment decisions
Skills
bitcoin
business-development
co-founder
crypto
cryptography
marketing
strategy
english
chinese-mandarin
french