Hatched Series: Mark Sugden’s Journey to Blockchain
A recent episode of the Hatched Podcast unleashed the blockchain beast within Mark Sugden, the Head of Web3 Partnerships at Tachin Labs. Joined by our ever-charismatic Aman, Mark spilled the beans on his wild journey into the world of blockchain. With extensive experience in traditional technology and a growing interest in cryptocurrency, Mark discussed the trigger points that brought him into the industry and his experiences working with various crypto projects. Brace yourself as we dive into what ignited his fire for this revolutionary tech.
From Curiosity to Conquest
Mark’s journey began back in 2017 when his brother threw the crypto gauntlet his way. Intrigued by the idea of escaping the clutches of inflation and breaking free from the grip of traditional monetary policies, he delved deep into the realm of cryptocurrency. Even the wild ride of Bitcoin, with its market boom and subsequent downturn, couldn’t shake his curiosity. But destiny had more in store for Mark when he found himself rubbing shoulders with the fintech wizards at Monzo, igniting his fascination with fintech’s connection to the crypto universe.
Fueled by his love for financial technology and its potential to reshape people’s lives, Mark set out on a mission to conquer the fintech realm. He devoured books, podcasts, and every resource he could get his hands on to expand his knowledge in this space. And his hard work paid off when he secured a position with Currency Cloud, a company specializing in APIs for wholesale foreign exchange rates. Interacting with crypto wallets and projects there only fueled his passion for the crypto industry. The DeFi summer brought him a taste of excitement, witnessing the birth of groundbreaking financial apps powered by smart contracts.
The Rollercoaster Ride
Despite the crypto industry being a whirlwind of instability, Mark recognized the potential for financial growth and personal fulfillment. Yield farming and early participation in the ecosystem turned him into a financial rockstar, surpassing his yearly salary. With his newfound financial footing and an unyielding desire to chase his passion, Mark took a leap of faith. He waved goodbye to his job in managed services and joined the Near Foundation, where he lent his business development skills and commercial acumen to fuel the growth of the Near Protocol.
Mark’s journey in the blockchain space eventually led him to his current role as the Head of Web3 Partnerships at Tachin Labs. Along the way, he discovered the immense transformative power of blockchain technology. Despite the challenges thrown his way, his passion for the industry burns brighter than ever. It’s all about shaking up the status quo, redefining finance, challenging authority, and empowering individuals. That’s the fuel that keeps Mark fired up for the blockchain revolution.
Mark Sugden’s journey from traditional tech to the blockchain realm is a testament to the force of curiosity, passion, and the pursuit of financial and personal freedom.
His fascination with cryptocurrency, coupled with his fintech background, catapulted him into the wild world of blockchain. Mark’s story is a reminder that great things happen when we embrace volatility, challenge the norm, and actively contribute to shaping the future. As the industry evolves, trailblazers like Mark are at the forefront, paving the way for a decentralized and inclusive financial landscape.
