Decentralization and the Future of Trust

Speakers for this event

• Gabe Higgins

  Gabe Higgins

  8 years experience articulating the technological foundations of blockchain technology including cryptographic hash functions, distributed network consensus mechanisms, and public-private key cryptography; devising and articulating fundamental valuation methodologies for crypto-assets; evaluating game theory and decentralizing governance models associated with blockchain technology; and working with key drivers of blockchain networks’ design and their impact on the four key dimensions of blockchain performance including speed, scalability, privacy, and security. Gabe is a sought after blockchain speaker and educator. Known for his ability to translate highly technological insights and strategic considerations to wide audiences including clients, his presentations have been requested by such organizations as the University of South Florida, University of Florida, Department of Homeland Security, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Secret Service, Financial Executives International, Bay Area Manufacturers Association, as well as numerous news media organizations & enterprises across multiple industries. In 2015, he became one of the country’s first Certified Bitcoin Professionals. He is a co-founder of BlockSpaces, a blockchain integration provider helping businesses connect to enterprise networks. He also currently advises startups and VC funded blockchain companies with strategic partnerships and technical direction. He is the lead organizer for some of the largest and longest blockchain meetup groups in the state, and is the co-author of "Thank God for Bitcoin: The Creation, Corruption and Redemption of Money", 2020, which provides a moral argument for sound money. His experience and knowledge base include: https://www.amazon.com/Thank-God-Bitcoin-Corruption-Redemption/dp/1641991216 - Enterprise blockchain applications (Hyperledger Fabric, Indy, Sawtooth, Burrow, Corda, Quorum, Ethereum, Cardano, Chainlink, Bitcoin) - Project management (software) - App product design - Node infrastructure - High-level architecture - Cryptocurrencies - Tokenomics - Smart contracts - Decentralized Autonomous Organizations - Cyber Security (private key management) - EdgeSec - Digital Democracy Gabe is always open to connecting with startup founders, technologists, investors, & mentors who are passionate about disrupting industries by properly leveraging blockchain.

• Joe Hamilton

  Joe Hamilton

  Joe first entered the startup world with Steve Case’s Revolution Money (prior to AMEX’s $350MM purchase of the company). There he built the card fulfillment, statementing, customer service and communication infrastructure for the innovative credit card company. His next start-up, SavvyCard, raised over 2 million dollars. Joe connected with the company as an investor first and later joined as COO and board member. During Joe’s tenure, SavvyCard enjoyed rapid growth, launching their Real Estate product and expanding rapidly. After earning an MBA from the University of Florida, Joe co-founded ThinkTank — a creative strategy firm that grew by 50% year-upon-year for 5 years before merging in 2016 with Big Sea. Joe exited Big Sea in late 2018 to grow the St Petersburg Group. The St. Petersburg Group was created in 2017 to focus local brain power on solving issues in a new way. By staying agile and connecting across silos, the group drives progress in the public sector with private sector strategies. SPG has launched several projects including Catalyst for Good, Beach Drive and St Petersburg Press. Joe launched the business daily news platform St Pete Catalyst in 2018 to bring a much needed voice to an underserved business community. The Catalyst has grown rapidly providing informative, acumen enhancing, place making and community connecting content. It’s coverage has expanded to include culture, politics and nonprofits. 2 additional sub-brands were launched in 2019: PitchLyst, covering startups and Community Voices, aggregating thought leadership from around the community. As a partner in SeedFunders, Joe supports early stage companies with investment, mentoring and board membership. Joe can also be found hosting St Pete X (SPx), a podcast that features local business, civic and community leaders.