Introducing Ken Arthur Bassig, a 25-year-old with a passion for digital assets and finance.
In his free time, he enjoys fitness and travel. As the head of operations for Magnus Capital, a blockchain fund and venture firm, Ken provides incubation, support, and advice to startups in the blockchain and web3 space.
What were you doing before Web3?
I was in traditional finance managing a private fund mostly trading financial instruments like equities and derivates. Before my transition into DeFi, I also worked in Alternative Assets like private equity, real estate, and many others.
How did you get into Web3?
When I started out in 2014, I mainly just traded crypto assets and I wasn’t there for the industry itself.
There wasn’t much use case at the time. Years go by and crypto had more to offer with the rise of smart contracts, I took the leap for an overseas start up named Linq based in Canada.
They were in the prop trading and market making business. It was there where I started my journey in crypto.
What was your first crypto or NFT project?
Bitcoin for sure but I wasn’t much of a believer back then. It was just mostly for speculative buying and selling. Trend following and making money through pure trading.
How would you explain what you do to someone outside of Web3?
Simple way is I invest in Crypto. I usually don’t get into get into specifics if the person isn’t interested lol. But if I had to, I’d just basically say that I work for an early stage investment fund that is crypto focused.
Which creator or thought leader do you enjoy learning from?
Some of the names I look up to Yat Sui from Animoca, Gabby Dizon of YGG, Chris Dixon and Marc Andreessen of A16z, Jason Choi, Arthur Hayes of Bitmex, Erik Vorhees, Mike Novogratz, Evgeny Gaevoy, and many others. Some are even peers or colleagues.
What is the biggest highlight of your career so far?
I would probably say investing in some of our 100 – 1000x
What tech or crypto trend are you watching this year?
AI, machine learning, data analytics, ZK, BTC NFTs, newer L1s, etc.
What advice would you give someone starting out in Web3?
Just enjoy the journey. Sometimes it may seem a little overwhelming learning everything all at once but of course we all start somewhere. The important thing is just show up.
If you could do a TEDtalk on any topic, what would it be?
How tokens have changed the landscape of investing and asset utility
What is the one thing you would bring if you were stuck on a deserted Island?
Survival kit for sure or maybe a phone (provided there’s proper signal so I can still shill my bags) 🤷♂️
POW stands for “Proof of Work.” It is a new feature article series in The Mega Maxi to highlight the savviest builders in the Web3 space.
