Corbin Pon is the co-founder and COO of Thesis, a venture production studio that develops blockchain projects including the Keep Network and tBTC. He is a software developer and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in areas such as software development, blockchain infrastructure, and geospatial intelligence. His work has focused on advancing privacy, security, and interoperability within blockchain technology. ^[1][3]

Education

Corbin Pon completed a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2009. His studies emphasized software engineering and user experience research. During this period, he participated in research initiatives, including the development of storytelling tools for post-conflict regions, such as Liberia. ^{[3] [1] [5] [6]}

Career

Pon began his career as a software engineer at Lockheed Martin, where he worked on projects related to geospatial intelligence and customer engagement. Following this, he co-founded Scholrly, an expert network search engine, where he contributed to various operational roles, including software development and business management.

In 2014, Pon co-founded Fold, a platform designed to facilitate cryptocurrency payments. He later served as its Chief Operating Officer, contributing to its development as a tool for integrating digital currency into everyday transactions.

In 2018, Pon co-founded Thesis, a venture studio focused on blockchain technology. At Thesis, he has contributed to the development of Keep Network, a platform designed to enable secure storage and transfer of private data using blockchain technology. One of the key projects under Keep Network is tBTC, a decentralized protocol that allows Bitcoin to be used within the Ethereum blockchain without the need for centralized intermediaries. ^{[3] [1] [5] [6]}

Interviews

Blockchain Insights from Corbin Pon #01

On April 23, 2019, Corbin Pon, co-founder of Thesis, participated in an interview with "Underscore VC", where he discussed his entry into the blockchain industry, the development of projects under Thesis, and his perspective on decentralized payments and data privacy. The interview provided an overview of his professional journey and his approach to addressing challenges in the blockchain space.

During the discussion, Pon explained how his initial skepticism about cryptocurrency evolved as the technology and its surrounding community matured. This transition ultimately led to his deeper involvement in blockchain and the founding of Thesis, a venture studio focused on creating decentralized solutions.

Two major projects under Thesis were highlighted in the interview: Fold and the Keep Network. Fold is a platform that facilitates Bitcoin payments in retail settings, aiming to integrate cryptocurrency into everyday commerce. Pon described Fold as an effort to make digital currency transactions more accessible and practical for mainstream users.

The Keep Network addresses privacy challenges associated with public blockchains. Pon outlined how the platform offers a protocol for securely storing and managing private data while retaining blockchain transparency. One of its applications, tBTC, serves as a bridge between Bitcoin and Ethereum, allowing Bitcoin to be utilized within Ethereum’s ecosystem without reliance on centralized intermediaries.

Pon also shared his perspective on the broader implications of blockchain technology. He described a future where payments occur seamlessly across global markets, enabling direct peer-to-peer transactions. He emphasized the significance of data privacy and ownership, suggesting that empowering individuals to control their data could redefine interactions between users and service providers.

Addressing the regulatory environment, Pon acknowledged the role of organizations such as Coin Center in facilitating dialogue between the blockchain industry and regulators. He pointed out the importance of advocacy in ensuring that blockchain innovation continues to evolve within a balanced legal framework.

The interview shed light on Pon’s approach to blockchain development, focusing on privacy, accessibility, and decentralization. His insights reflect his work within the blockchain space and his vision for the future of decentralized systems. ^[4]

Corbin Pon on Building Blockchain Startups #02

On March 8, 2022, Corbin Pon, co-founder of Thesis, shared his experiences and perspectives on building a blockchain startup during an interview with the Northeastern University Blockchain Organization. He offered practical advice on navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship in the blockchain industry and discussed key elements that contribute to the success of blockchain projects.

Pon began by describing his transition from traditional tech roles to founding blockchain startups. He emphasized the importance of identifying a product that addresses real-world problems, known as achieving "product-market fit." According to Pon, startups must prioritize understanding both the technology and the needs of their target market.

Discussing team dynamics, Pon noted that working with friends as co-founders can be challenging, highlighting the need for complementary skills among team members. He stressed that a balanced and skilled team is essential for navigating the complexities of a startup.

Pon also delved into funding strategies, underscoring the value of building strong relationships with investors. He explained that understanding investors’ priorities and demonstrating alignment with their goals are critical to securing financial support.

On the topic of blockchain technology, Pon highlighted its ability to facilitate new methods of transmitting value and ownership online. However, he acknowledged that educating users about blockchain can be a significant barrier to adoption. He suggested targeting informed users initially to ensure more effective engagement.

Pon addressed the evolving nature of the blockchain industry, pointing to Ethereum's role in enabling innovative applications. He also discussed the importance of incorporating principles from game theory, economics, and psychology to design effective incentivization mechanisms for crypto projects.

Additional insights included the need for startups to focus on execution and adaptability rather than relying solely on initial ideas. Pon emphasized the importance of regulatory engagement, advocating for a proactive approach to navigating legal frameworks. He also highlighted the value of collaboration over competition, suggesting that trust and partnerships within the industry can lead to shared success.

Looking ahead, Pon underscored the importance of improving blockchain infrastructure and decentralizing control to enhance usability and trust. He concluded by noting that the industry's focus is shifting toward real-world asset integration and decentralized solutions, reflecting the ongoing evolution of the crypto space. ^[7]