Hashed is a global crypto investment firm known for backing some of the smartest minds in blockchain. With offices in Seoul, Singapore, Bengaluru, and Silicon Valley, the firm connects early-stage founders, VCs, and innovators across Asia and the US. Its founders and partners bring hands-on experience in engineering, tech startups, and investments—giving them a real edge when spotting trends and supporting bold ideas.

Why do their backgrounds matter? In crypto, technical depth and a proven track record help founders and investors judge who to trust. Hashed’s leadership has scaled global companies, built products, and invested through crypto’s ups and downs. Across DeFi, gaming, NFTs, and infrastructure, their personal stories, values, and market know-how often shape big decisions. Who are the actual people guiding Hashed’s bets? What experience guides their vision? In this post, learn how these leaders’ diverse backgrounds and shared principles fuel Hashed’s approach to web3 and blockchain investments.

Hashed’s Foundation: Vision, Mission, and Investment Focus

What drives Hashed at its core? Every founder or investor working in crypto wants to know not just who is putting money behind projects, but why they are doing it. Hashed isn’t another venture capital group chasing the next hype. Instead, the team champions a vision that shapes everything from the deals they review to the support they provide long after investing. To truly understand the people behind Hashed, let's look closely at their guiding vision, bold mission, and how they decide where to put their resources.

Vision: Building the Future of Ownership and Connection

Hashed’s founders see blockchain as a catalyst for transforming how people own, build, and interact online. Instead of focusing on one corner of the industry, they believe that tokens will represent almost every form of asset in the future. This outlook drives Hashed to seek out projects that enable true digital ownership—think of NFTs, decentralized gaming, and new governance models.

Key questions behind their vision include:

  • How can blockchain create new ways for people to work, play, and organize themselves?
  • What does true digital property mean for creators and users?
  • Will new forms of social networks and organizations outlast today’s giants?

By considering these questions daily, Hashed keeps its focus on solutions that outlive market cycles and change how folks connect and transact.

Mission: Enabling Global Innovation in Web3

Hashed’s mission is simple yet ambitious—back creative founders building the next generation of the internet. The team isn’t just writing checks. They partner with builders, offering technical help, business guidance, and wide-reaching networks. This mission highlights:

  • Supporting strong talent from Asia and around the world
  • Connecting ecosystems through deep local presence in Seoul, Singapore, Bengaluru, and the US
  • Lifting up underrepresented founders by growing local communities, hosting hackathons, and sharing resources

Every investment comes back to the goal of helping smart people turn new ideas into real, lasting impact.

Investment Focus: Early-Stage Web3, Gaming, and DeFi

When it comes to where Hashed invests, focus matters. The team pours its energy into high-impact sectors rather than spreading itself thin. Here’s how Hashed defines its sweet spots:

  • Infrastructure: Backing projects that make blockchain faster, safer, and easier for developers and users. Examples: Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks, wallets, and analytics tools.
  • DeFi: Supporting platforms that reshape finance, from stablecoins and lending protocols to decentralized exchanges. They believe DeFi is not just about trading—it’s a gateway to financial freedom for millions.
  • Gaming & NFTs: Hashed saw the potential of play-to-earn and digital collectibles early on. With bets on projects like Axie Infinity and The Sandbox, they look for games and content platforms that drive real user activity.
  • Metaverse: Investing in foundational layers and apps that will drive the next wave of digital interaction and virtual economies.

Front and center is a firm belief in “user-first” products—apps and platforms that don’t just sound good on whitepapers but bring in real people, day after day.

Questions they ask before betting on a project:

  1. Does the team have a deep technical edge?
  2. Is the use case relevant for everyday users?
  3. Can this project create or grow a network effect?

Hashed’s willingness to offer hands-on support, strategic advice, and ecosystem building makes the firm a magnet for smart, driven founders. Their investment philosophy isn’t just about returns—it’s about enabling the future of tokenized economies and decentralized society.

Key Partners at Hashed: Backgrounds and Experience

The strength of Hashed lies in the unique blend of backgrounds and perspectives its partners bring to the table. Each leader’s story shapes how Hashed identifies promising founders, decides on bold bets, and navigates volatility across the blockchain space. Wonder who’s actually steering investment decisions at one of Asia’s most prominent crypto funds? Let’s break down who’s behind the name and how their experience drives Hashed’s success.

Simon Seojoon Kim: CEO & Managing Partner

Simon Seojoon Kim is both a serial entrepreneur and one of South Korea’s top blockchain evangelists. His career started in computer science at Pohang University, followed by co-founding the ed-tech startup Knowre, which was listed among the world’s most innovative education firms and eventually acquired.

After Knowre’s exit, Simon shifted his focus to blockchain, founding Hashed to back technology that could change how economies work. His influence reaches beyond just investments—he’s advised the South Korean Parliament’s 4th Revolution Committee and is a director in the Korea Blockchain Association. Simon’s policy experience helps Hashed align investments with upcoming regulations, a skill every founder should value.

As a leader, Simon combines technical depth with a collaborative, vision-driven style. He believes strongly in decentralization and robust, scalable tech solutions. He pushes his team and the startups Hashed backs to stay transparent, user-focused, and ambitious in their push to make blockchain mainstream.

Ryan Sungho Kim: Cofounder & Partner

Ryan Sungho Kim’s journey at Hashed is rooted in engineering and multiple founder exits. With an electrical engineering degree from KAIST, Ryan built and sold LOOKET, a mobile solutions startup focused on SMEs, showing early that he could both build products and execute on exits.

Ryan’s role at Hashed centers on early-stage investments, especially in Asia. A key part of Ryan’s philosophy is systematic project evaluation: he looks for real technical innovation, scalability, and teams who understand user adoption, not just flashy marketing. His investments have backed some of the fastest-growing platforms in DeFi, infrastructure, and NFTs.

Founders pitching at Hashed can expect Ryan to ask tough questions about whitepaper clarity, technical security, and actual user engagement. His previous experience as both an engineer and a founder helps him spot red flags—and green lights—early.

Ethan Kyuntae Kim: Cofounder & Partner

Ethan Kyuntae Kim brings deep technical roots to Hashed. He began as a software engineer at Electronic Arts, later becoming a lead engineer at TicToc, a major Korean mobile messaging app with over 20 million users.

His expertise extends into gaming, mobile tech, and e-sports, giving Hashed a unique edge in these booming sectors. As a founder at Hashed, Ethan guides the firm’s investments into gaming platforms, NFT marketplaces, and new digital ecosystems. He believes that the future of blockchain is tightly linked with gaming’s ability to pioneer digital ownership.

When evaluating prospects, Ethan stresses long-term value, strong community economics, and technological resilience. His love for gaming shines through in Hashed’s early and successful bets on play-to-earn and metaverse projects. If you’re building in blockchain gaming or NFTs, Ethan’s technical understanding and industry insight could be the support you need.

Baek Kim: Partner

Baek Kim’s background spans across deep-tech and global logistics. He previously worked as a software engineer at Amazon Web Services (AWS), focusing on IoT and robotics. Before joining Hashed, he also founded a last-mile logistics startup, sharpening his understanding of operational complexity and infrastructure at scale.

At Hashed, Baek uses this engineering perspective to lead infrastructure and deep-tech investments. He values projects that solve real bottlenecks, whether it’s making Web3 infrastructure more scalable or improving cross-chain interoperability. Baek’s deep technical chops and firsthand cloud experience give him the tools to vet ambitious projects that want to disrupt at scale.

For any founder working on deep-tech or infrastructure, Baek is likely to probe on architecture, long-term sustainability, and practical use cases before giving a green light.

Sean Hong: CFO

Sean Hong serves as Hashed’s CFO, bringing a solid background in private equity and biotech valuation to the team. He specializes in risk analysis and financial modeling, skills that are essential in managing volatile crypto portfolios.

Sean’s expertise ensures that Hashed’s bets are balanced—not just on the hottest trends, but with careful attention to risk, cash management, and regulatory exposure. For founders, having someone like Sean in your corner can mean the difference between smart capital and reckless speculation.

The Legal, Policy, and Operations Experts

Hashed is also anchored by a team of legal, policy, and operations leaders who make global growth possible:

  • Jin Kang & Medha Srivastava (Legal): Both bring deep experience in blockchain law, startup advisory, and policy consultation. They help founders think about cross-border compliance and future regulatory trends.
  • Irene Park & Brian Choi (Operations/Strategy): With backgrounds in government relations, global finance, and startup strategy, they build bridges between Asia, the US, and Europe. Their work spans fundraising, government advocacy, and ecosystem development.

These leaders are multilingual and comfortable operating across borders—whether reviewing term sheets, navigating complex regulations, or structuring international investments. For founders seeking reliable, cross-jurisdictional support, Hashed’s legal and ops team can make all the difference.

Together, these partners and leaders form the core of Hashed’s reputation—combining practical tech experience, founder empathy, hard-nosed investing, and a truly global outlook.

How Diverse Expertise Shapes Hashed’s Investments and Community Impact

A truly successful investment firm in crypto doesn't just chase returns, it builds trust and value from the ground up—and this all starts with people. At Hashed, community impact and investment results flow from the team's wide range of skills and backgrounds. Bringing together top-tier engineers, serial founders, financial experts, legal strategists, and ecosystem builders, Hashed’s team creates a powerful mix that few funds can match. How does having such diverse expertise actually translate into smart investments and stronger communities? Let’s break it down.

Technical Depth Drives Smart Investing

Having multiple partners with backgrounds in engineering and product development means Hashed looks at projects differently than traditional investors. They push beyond surface-level hype and ask:

  • Does the codebase actually do what founders claim?
  • Can this product scale in real world conditions or will it buckle under growth?
  • Where’s the unique technical edge nobody else has?

This engineering filter helps the fund spot short-term trends but steer clear of projects lacking substance or user traction. Founders working with Hashed don’t just get capital, they get honest technical feedback—and often, hands-on help solving hard problems before a product even goes live.

Policy, Risk, and Legal Expertise Keep Projects Grounded

Crypto moves fast, but cutting corners on compliance or risk management can sink even the most promising ideas. Hashed’s partners and team include policy advocates, ex-regulators, and investment professionals who:

  • Advise on navigating regulations in South Korea, the US, and beyond
  • Help founders understand and manage legal exposure up front
  • Spot financial risks early, protecting both Hashed’s portfolio and communities

For founders who want to scale across borders, this know-how is essential. Hashed can open doors and clear hurdles that would stop most teams in their tracks.

Founder Empathy and Startup Experience

What sets Hashed apart? Almost every partner has built and sold a company before. They know the emotional ups and downs, the grind of scaling, and the heartbreak of pivots that don’t work out. This empathy shows up in their approach:

  • They offer honest feedback, not just praise
  • They set realistic milestones and don’t flinch when tough conversations are needed
  • They open up real-world networks: users, devs, and market partners

This founder-first mindset means less bureaucracy, more pragmatic support, and advice that’s actually useful at an early stage.

Global Perspective and Local Roots

Hashed’s team spans continents—Asia, the US, and growing markets like India and Africa. Why does this matter for founders and communities?

  • The team adapts playbooks to different cultures and regulatory climates
  • Hashed partners founders with the right mentors and local connectors
  • They help startups tap into fast-growing markets, not just Silicon Valley

A global outlook allows Hashed to see trends early, while deep local roots build trust with communities and startups at a grassroots level.

Full-Stack Support Grows Projects and Communities

Investing isn’t just a transaction for Hashed. Their team includes specialists in community building, marketing, and developer advocacy who:

  • Run events, hackathons, and accelerator programs
  • Connect founders with users, developers, and thought leaders
  • Share open research and educate broader audiences about Web3

This hands-on support helps break down the barriers to mainstream adoption—turning portfolio companies into platforms that expand the whole blockchain ecosystem.

Anticipating What Founders and VCs Want to Know

As you scan Hashed’s team, you may be asking:

  • How do they choose which markets or technologies to back next?
  • Can I expect strategic introductions or only cash?
  • Who helps me if I get stuck with regulations or need to scale globally?

Hashed’s diverse expertise means these are not afterthoughts—they are built into their DNA. The team’s personal networks, practical experience, and track records of shipping real products enable them to see both big trends and small details that others miss.

For founders and partners looking for more than just another check, Hashed's diversity of skills, backgrounds, and outlooks turns ambitious web3 visions into achievable, community-rooted outcomes. The result: empowered teams, stronger ecosystems, and investments that stand the test of time.

Lessons for Crypto Founders: What Can You Learn from Hashed’s Partners?

What sets Hashed apart from other investors is not just capital, but the lived experience and practical mindset its partners bring to the table. If you’re building a startup in web3 or crypto, the path followed—and the hard lessons learned—by Hashed’s partners might make all the difference for your company’s future. Here’s what their stories teach founders about surviving and thriving in crypto.

Focus on Fundamentals, Not Just Buzz

The partners at Hashed have shown time and again that hype is no substitute for substance. Their early and successful bets on infrastructure and gaming, plus a cautious stance on overhyped DeFi trends, highlight several practical lessons:

  • Build for real use, not just headlines. Hashed’s team screens projects for technical soundness, scalability, and genuine user demand. They aren’t easily swayed by flashy marketing or short-term fads.
  • Test product-market fit early. Projects like Axie Infinity and The Sandbox stood out for turning new ideas into daily user activity, not just speculative trading.
  • Double down on your strengths. Whether it’s Layer 1 chains, analytics tools like Dune, or deep community-focused NFT platforms, Hashed’s portfolio proves the value of sticking to what you understand best.

If you’re pitching to Hashed or modeling your growth after their winners, don’t expect points for trend-chasing. Founders should get specific about how their tech actually solves problems, and show hard data on engagement.

Embrace Community, Not Just Technology

Many talented builders ignore the human side of web3. Hashed’s partners, especially those with gaming and social platform backgrounds, know that vibrant communities are the true engine of token adoption.

Consider these questions to guide your next move:

  • Are you giving power to users, not just investors?
  • Can your roadmap survive if hype fades but your community sticks around?
  • What’s your plan if your token price tanks but active users keep growing?

Hashed’s biggest wins, from game projects to community-driven DeFi networks, grew in value alongside strong support from users and developers. Whether through grassroots marketing, Discord engagement, or open governance, founders should treat user engagement as a critical input—not an afterthought.

Learn from Failure and Volatility

Crypto markets move fast, and not all bets pay off. Some projects in Hashed’s portfolio have seen sharp declines or were challenged by regulatory changes. The partners bring a seasoned approach to risk and adaptation:

  • Expect the unexpected. Plan for bear markets, regulatory shocks, and tech setbacks.
  • Stay resilient. Even when some investments underperform, Hashed’s perspective on long-term growth lets them double down on what’s working.
  • Be transparent. Sharing updates, setbacks, and pivots with your backers and users helps preserve trust when markets turn.

For founders, this means developing a thick skin and a habit of sharing both wins and losses. A reputation for honesty and a willingness to adjust course can set apart those who last from those chasing only bull runs.

Prioritize Timing and Diversification

Hashed’s timeline tells a clear story: timing matters as much as vision. Their selective entry into early-stage infrastructure and tokenized GameFi, paired with a more cautious approach to some DeFi niches, paid dividends.

What should founders draw from this?

  • Don’t spread yourself too thin. Master one sector before entering others.
  • Keep an eye on larger market cycles, not just hourly trends.
  • Be ready to shift strategies as conditions change—early adopters in growing markets often outperform latecomers who follow the crowd.

Hashed’s experience shows that success comes from both conviction and flexibility. Building in crypto is a marathon with short sprints mixed in.

Build on Trust and Transparency

Hashed’s partners also set an example in how they work with both startups and their own investors. Building trust through clear communication, solid advisor support, and honest feedback is part of their DNA.

Founders working with or seeking to learn from Hashed should remember:

  • Open, consistent updates always beat overpromising.
  • Practical support and connections outlast short-term cash infusions.
  • A good partner will call out blind spots and offer real, actionable advice.

Being transparent and willing to listen—whether about roadmaps, regulatory concerns, or pivots—can create longstanding relationships. That’s how many of Hashed’s investments have scaled even during market downturns.

A Playbook for the Next Wave

In short, the lessons from Hashed’s partners are grounded in experience: focus on product fundamentals, build real communities, prepare for risks, diversify when you scale, and always put trust at the foundation.

If you’re a builder or founder in web3, consider:

  • Are you driving actual adoption, or just collecting headlines?
  • Have you planned for downcycles, not just growth?
  • Are you investing as much time into your supporters as your codebase?

By following these hard-won lessons, founders can turn early promise into sustained growth—even as the next phase of crypto takes shape.

Conclusion

The backgrounds of Hashed’s partners set a clear standard for founders and VCs looking to build or invest in web3 projects. Their hands-on experience across engineering, entrepreneurship, finance, law, and tech investment gives Hashed a strong edge in recognizing true potential and supporting teams from early-stage ideas to global scale.

When you’re choosing an investor, it is smart to ask: Who will guide you through hard pivots or regulatory hurdles? Does your partner have the technical depth to spot problems early? Can they connect you to the right networks, not just capital? Hashed’s leadership answers these questions through real track records and an approach built on trust, transparency, and practical support.

For founders who want more than hype, and for VCs searching for reliability in a fast-shifting market, the people behind Hashed provide a foundation that keeps projects strong through both growth and market shifts. Their mix of expertise is not just a nice-to-have, but a core reason teams backed by Hashed often stand out.

Curious about how Hashed chooses its next bets or supports founders during downturns? Share your thoughts or story below. Thank you for reading and connecting with the people shaping the next phase of blockchain.