Gene Hoffman is an American technology executive who works in software, cryptography, and blockchain with a focus on compliance and infrastructure. He currently serves as CEO and President of Chia Network, as well as Co-CEO of Permuto Capital. ^[8]

Education

Hoffman graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1996. ^[9]

Career

Hoffman began his career in the mid-1990s at PGP Corp., where he was director of business development and contributed to changes in U.S. cryptography export controls. In 1998, he co-founded Emusic.com and led the company as chief executive until 2002, overseeing acquisitions and its eventual sale to Vivendi Universal in 2001.

From 2003 to 2016, he served as chairman and chief executive officer of Vindicia, a company focused on subscription billing infrastructure. Amdocs later acquired Vindicia. Between 2017 and 2019, he served as an advisor to the Chia Network board before joining the company full-time as its Chief Operating Officer and President. In 2023, he became chief executive officer and president of Chia Network. In December 2024, he also took on the role of co-chief executive officer at Permuto Capital. Throughout his career, Hoffman has served on multiple corporate and nonprofit boards, with experience operating in high-compliance environments related to financial data security. ^{[1] [2] [10]}

Interviews

Crypto Trailblazers

In a discussion on theCUBE, Hoffman provided insights into the evolution and significance of blockchain technology, tracing its origins to the cypherpunk movement and early peer-to-peer systems. He elaborated on Chia's approach to proof of work, which utilizes a unique method called proof of space and time, allowing users to leverage their hard drive space for blockchain validation. Hoffman emphasized the potential of blockchain in creating global markets and enhancing transparency in financial transactions. He also discussed Chia's practical applications in decentralized finance, highlighting its role in the World Bank's carbon offset initiatives. While acknowledging challenges such as market setbacks influenced by figures like Sam Bankman-Fried, he expressed an optimistic outlook for Chia's future, including aspirations for public offerings and ongoing advancements in the blockchain landscape. ^[3]

Chia Interview

During an interview with GymRatCrypto, Hoffman addressed various topics concerning the cryptocurrency industry and the future trajectory of blockchain technology. He emphasized the critical need to establish trust in digital assets, particularly in light of widespread scams. He stressed the importance of robust security measures to help users manage their assets securely. Hoffman detailed Chia Network's distinctive blockchain approach, emphasizing the utility of tokenized securities and its unique "farming" process, which aims to empower users while mitigating typical crypto investment risks. He reflected on his entrepreneurial journey, sharing perspectives on the evolution of the internet and digital finance. Hoffman conveyed optimism about the future of the industry but cautioned against speculative practices within the crypto market, advocating for increased education and awareness to navigate the complexities of cryptocurrency safely. ^[4]

Proof of Space AMA

In an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session hosted by Chia Network, Hoffman discussed updates and enhancements to the proof-of-space format, particularly following the release of new hardware chips. The session focused on high-level concepts, the implementation timeline, and the rationale behind these changes, with a significant emphasis on improving security against potential vulnerabilities, such as GPU rental attacks. Hoffman highlighted collaborative efforts with experts in the field, noting advancements in plotting efficiency and the long-term sustainability of using hard drives for "farming" on the network. The anticipated rollout of Chia 3.0 was scheduled for the fourth quarter of the year, with ongoing discussions aimed at ensuring a smooth transition for farmers and gathering community feedback on proposed changes. The AMA served to clarify the advancements in the proof-of-space mechanism and address technical concerns regarding the platform's future. ^[5]

Chia Network

On the Behind Company Lines podcast, Hoffman discussed his career in technology and the development of Chia as an innovative blockchain infrastructure. He shared insights from his diverse entrepreneurial background, including co-founding emusic.com and working on internet ad-blocking technology, explaining how the evolution of cryptography and the internet laid the groundwork for cryptocurrency. Hoffman noted that past obstacles, such as the single point of failure in financial transactions, were addressed by developments like the Nakamoto consensus. He emphasized the energy efficiency of Chia’s proof-of-space and time model, contrasting it with traditional proof-of-work systems. The conversation also explored Chia's unique smart contracting capabilities, decentralized governance, and potential for real-world applications, such as carbon credit tracking and international shipping, which could enhance transparency and trust in global transactions. ^[6]

Presentations

Chia Toronto

At Chia Toronto 2025, Hoffman presented on the progression of the Chia project, detailing its phases from initial testing to broader developer adoption. He highlighted the strategic shift towards targeting wider markets, including financial institutions and individual users, with a vision of integrating traditional asset trading with blockchain technology. Hoffman discussed innovative concepts for trading blue-chip stocks on the Chia blockchain, emphasizing the efficiencies and cost savings this would offer compared to conventional trading platforms. He also introduced a forthcoming service designed to allow U.S. customers to purchase XCH directly using their checking accounts, aiming to improve accessibility and accelerate settlement times. Throughout his presentation, Hoffman acknowledged the supportive community behind the project, commending their collaborative efforts in driving Chia's ongoing development. ^[7]