[Podcast] From Neuroscience to Cryptocurrency: Shan Aggarwal’s Journey and Insights from Coinbase Ventures | By djavaneh | Wharton FinTech | August 2024

On the latest episode of the Wharton FinTech Podcast, I had the opportunity to speak with Shan Aggarwal, VP of Corporate Development and Business Development at Coinbase and head of Coinbase Ventures. Shan’s journey from neuroscience to the crypto industry is both unique and inspiring. Since joining Coinbase in 2018, Shan has been instrumental in growing Coinbase Ventures’ portfolio to over 450 companies, including notable names like Uniswap, Zora, and Consensys.

We explored Shan’s unique path, starting with his initial aspirations in the healthcare field, his transition to management consulting, and eventually his leap into the exciting world of cryptocurrency investing. Shan shared his epiphany moment when he read the Ethereum white paper in 2017, which sparked his interest in the potential of blockchain technology as a global application platform.

Our conversation covered the evolution of the cryptocurrency ecosystem over the past few years, highlighting how Coinbase Ventures has adapted its investment strategy to support innovation. Shan emphasized the importance of improving user experience to drive mainstream cryptocurrency adoption, discussing the advancement of smart wallets and seamless on-chain interactions that are making crypto more accessible.

We also explored the long-term potential of decentralized finance (DeFi) and on-chain social media platforms. Shan’s passion for projects like Zora, an on-chain Instagram or TikTok, shows how Web3 is reshaping the internet around data ownership and user value creation. We also discussed how stablecoins are revolutionizing cross-border payments, providing an efficient and affordable solution for global transactions.

Shan’s insight into the cyclical nature of the crypto market was particularly enlightening. He explained how Builder Energy has maintained its strength during bear markets, creating foundational companies that drive industry growth. This resilience and the increasing standardization of crypto investment terms indicate that a mature ecosystem is forming that will make significant progress.

In conclusion, Shan’s perspective on the future of crypto is optimistic. As the industry grows and more experienced builders emerge, the potential for groundbreaking innovation continues to expand. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of crypto and fintech.

Listen to full episodes on Soundcloud, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.