Bijan Alizadeh is the founder and General Partner of Cypher Capital, a venture capital firm based in Dubai that focuses on blockchain and cryptocurrency projects and co-founder and CEO of M2, a cryptocurrency exchange. His work has been primarily centered on the blockchain and venture capital sectors, with a focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where he has been involved in various blockchain infrastructure projects.^{[1][2][3][4][10]}

Education

Bijan Alizadeh holds a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the American University in Dubai, where he studied from April 2005 to March 2009. This academic background in engineering contributed to his subsequent career in technology and blockchain.^[1][4]

Career

Alizadeh's career includes his role as Chief Operating Officer of the Phoenix Group of Companies from 2015 to 2022. During this period, Phoenix Technology, part of the group, was involved in the construction of large-scale Bitcoin mining facilities, including a 2-gigawatt project in the United Arab Emirates and operational mining farms across Russia, Canada, and the United States.

In 2022, Alizadeh established Cypher Capital, a venture capital firm that focuses on investments in blockchain and digital assets. Cypher Capital operates as a self-funded entity with a capital commitment of $100 million, supporting various projects in the blockchain ecosystem. In addition to providing funding, the firm also offers mentorship and guidance to startups.

Previously, Alizadeh was involved with Phoenix Technology VC, leading investments in blockchain startups. His activities in venture capital have contributed to the growth of blockchain technology in the MENA region and beyond.^[1][2][3][4]

Cypher Capital

Cypher Capital, founded in 2022, is a Dubai-based venture capital firm specializing in investments in blockchain, cryptocurrency, and digital assets. The firm operates with a $100 million self-funded capital pool. In addition to its investment activities, Cypher Capital is establishing a 10,000-square-foot hub for blockchain startups in the Jumeirah Beach Residence area of Dubai, which is intended to facilitate collaboration and provide resources for the development of new projects.

Under Alizadeh’s leadership, Cypher Capital focuses on blockchain investments in public markets, node operations, and mining.^{[2][3][4][7][8]}

Interviews

Bijan Alizadeh’s Vision for the Future #01

On January 11, 2023, Bijan Alizadeh was featured in an interview with "Entrepreneur.com", where he shared his insights on the future of cryptocurrency and blockchain in the Middle East. Alizadeh expressed a clear sense of optimism regarding the United Arab Emirates (UAE), stating that it has become one of the world’s leading hubs for cryptocurrency innovation, alongside Miami and Singapore. He praised the UAE’s forward-thinking regulatory approach, highlighting its role in fostering a supportive environment for blockchain technology.

In the interview, Alizadeh underscored the importance of regulatory frameworks in expanding the blockchain ecosystem. He emphasized that the crypto sector cannot thrive without regulation, stating that clear policies are essential for the industry’s growth and sustainability. Alizadeh also acknowledged the current market challenges but maintained a realistic optimism, noting that with proper oversight, the blockchain community has the potential to significantly increase its global adoption.

Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Alizadeh discussed the early stages of his involvement in cryptocurrency, recounting how a pivotal encounter led to his first venture into Bitcoin. This moment marked the beginning of what would become Phoenix Group and Cypher Capital. Alizadeh’s career has been defined by a methodical approach to investment and innovation, and his commitment to the blockchain industry continues to shape his work, with a focus on supporting emerging talent and sustainable growth within the sector.^[5][6]

Phoenix Group CEO and Middle East Crypto Pioneer #02

In a March 14, 2024 article for Arabian Business, Bijan Alizadeh, Co-Founder and CEO of Phoenix Group, discussed his role in the Middle East’s cryptocurrency sector as Bitcoin reached $71,000. Alizadeh reflected on his early adoption of Bitcoin in 2012, which led to the founding of Phoenix Group in 2017 with the goal of establishing one of the region's first cryptocurrency mining facilities.

Phoenix Group evolved from a small 1-megawatt operation into a global leader in crypto mining, overcoming regulatory challenges, including relocating operations after China’s 2021 mining ban. Sustainability has been a key focus, with over 60% of Phoenix’s energy coming from renewable sources.

Alizadeh has collaborated with regulators, helping Phoenix establish its headquarters in Abu Dhabi Global Market, and praised the UAE’s supportive regulatory approach. Beyond Phoenix, Alizadeh is involved in fostering local innovation through Cypher Capital, a $100 million venture fund aimed at supporting startups. He also emphasized education's importance in promoting blockchain adoption.

Looking forward, Alizadeh remains optimistic about the long-term potential of cryptocurrency and blockchain, noting the UAE’s leadership in fostering innovation within the industry.^[9]