Bitcoin is a digital currency, but also a technology—one that can be intimidating and difficult to understand at first. Fortunately, there are many people who are passionate to explain the novel aspects of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. I met such people the first time I encountered bitcoin at an open air festival in New York City in 2013 and, since then, I’ve been fortunate to speak with many others who have taken the time to help me understand the splendid technology called blockchain.
Despite its well-deserved reputation for drama and infighting, the cryptocurrency community is also incredibly supportive, and I want to thank those who offered me advice and encouragement during the writing of this book: Laura Shin, Alex Tapscott, Ryan Selkis, Frank Chaparro, Pete Rizzo, Dan Roberts, and Kathleen Breitman.
I’m also grateful to the many current and former employees of Coinbase who took the time to speak candidly with me about the company and share many of its secrets, and to Coinbase’s communications team for arranging many interviews. Likewise, I want to thank Barry Silbert, Chris Dixon, Emin Gün Sirer, and the numerous other cryptocurrency theorists and entrepreneurs who helped supply the larger ideas that inform this book.
I could not have written Kings of Crypto without the support of my employer, Fortune magazine, which not only provided me time to write but also gave me free rein to report and write about cryptocurrency, even when the topics roamed far beyond those familiar to the publication’s regular business audience. My appreciation extends in particular to Fortune CEO Alan Murray and stellar editors Cliff Leaf, Andrew Nusca, Adam Lashinsky, and Matt Heimer. I’m equally grateful to my fellow writers at Fortune, delightful people who have been a frequent source of inspiration and collaboration—especially Jen Wieczner and David Z. Morris.
I owe a debt of gratitude to the Eastham Public Library on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, whose pleasant staff and delightful ambience helped Kings of Crypto come into existence. I have also been fortunate for the crack talent and professionalism of Anne Starr and the entire production team at Harvard Business Review Press.
Thanks also to my family, who provided both support and pleasant distraction during the many times when this project consumed nights and weekends, and to my friend Justin Doom for reading early drafts.
Finally, I want to acknowledge three people to whom I’m particularly indebted: my editor at the Press, Scott Berinato, who improved the text at every turn; my agent, Lisa DiMona, who provided energy and encouragement during critical moments in the publication process; and Robert Hackett, my friend and Fortune colleague, who not only read the draft but also shares my passion for cryptocurrency and new ideas.