Daniel Friedman is a technologist and entrepreneur who serves as the founder and CEO of zenGate Global, a company developing blockchain-based solutions for global trade. He has an extensive background in software development, IT management, and business development, including a role on the foundational team for the Cardano blockchain. ^[1]

Education

Friedman attended Monmouth University, where he studied Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, graduating in 1996. He later pursued further education at Villanova University, completing a degree in Computer Science in 2004. ^[6]

Career

Friedman began his career in 1999 as a software engineer at 2Bridge, where he developed content management software. In 2001, he became webmaster for Education World, managing daily maintenance and updates for the company’s website. From 2002 to 2003, he worked at Alliance Consulting, where he developed software for national retail chains.

From 2000 to 2012, Friedman served as a project manager at Anexinet, leading technical projects for clients such as McGraw-Hill, major financial institutions, and Honda North America. Between 2010 and 2013, he also served as director of development at NeXT Consulting, overseeing IT management, product development, and infrastructure for a manufacturing company. In 2012, he joined American Honda Motor Company as an IT specialist, focusing on workflow improvements and establishing a corporate help desk.

From 2013 to 2014, he served as Senior Manager of IT Infrastructure at International Solution Group, overseeing IT operations and software implementation for real estate and investment sales in Japan and abroad. He then became the Chief Technology Officer at InfoAct from 2014 to 2016, where he managed teams, oversaw product development, and formulated strategy.

In 2016, Freidman joined Input Output (IOHK), serving as acting platform manager for Cardano and later as manager of business development until 2023. His work included overseeing the project management team and guiding the development of the platform. Since 2021, he has been a strategic advisor to the Ergo Foundation. In 2022, he founded ZenGate Global, where he currently serves as CEO. ^{[7] [8]}

Interviews

Startup Struggles

In March 2025, on the Beyond the Pitch podcast, host Lucas Macchiavelli interviewed Friedman, who discussed his journey in the blockchain industry, particularly his involvement with Cardano since its inception. He reflected on the evolution of his entrepreneurial ambitions, driven by a commitment to providing access to underserved markets through the use of blockchain technology. Sharing insights about the challenges faced during fundraising, especially in a bear market, Friedman emphasized the importance of perseverance and community support. He recounted the difficulties of securing investments during a downturn while prioritizing innovation and a dedication to making a significant impact within the blockchain ecosystem. ^[3]

Zengate

At the Crypto Expo Dubai in September 2023, Friedman discussed the concept of tokenization and its application to underrepresented commodities during an in-person interview. He emphasized the value of focusing on utility, particularly in a bear market, where the discussion around practical applications of tokens gained traction. Friedman introduced Palmyra, a tokenized commodities exchange aimed at underserved commodities in emerging economies, such as tea. He explained how the platform enables tokenization, allowing better market access and traceability through blockchain technology. Palmyra had recently launched its platform, offering tokenization services while addressing issues like counterfeiting in commodities through NFTs. Friedman also mentioned upcoming initial DEX offerings (IDOs) planned for both the Ergo and Cardano communities, emphasizing community participation and fair distribution in the token launch process. ^[2]

Presentations

Palmyra

At Rare Evo in September 2023, Friedman presented on tokenized commodities exchanges, emphasizing the importance of "opportunity inclusion" over merely leveling the playing field. He discussed how Palmyra, a platform targeting underserved commodities in emerging economies, aims to empower producers and buyers through the use of blockchain technology. The Palmyra MVP launched during the event, showcasing its first transaction involving Fernando, a tea buyer from Zen's Tea House. Fernando shared his background and highlighted how Palmyra would help improve the quality and traceability of tea products. The event culminated in demonstrating the platform's capabilities, with live updates on the first official transaction and the associated use of NFTs for traceability and market access. ^[5]

Tokenizing RWAs

At Crypto Expo Dubai in October 2023, Friedman presented insights on the tokenization of real-world assets, drawing from his extensive experience in the blockchain space, including his time with the Cardano project. He observed that, despite the excitement surrounding blockchain technology, the industry had become somewhat disconnected from mainstream needs, often focusing on technical aspects that mainstream users do not prioritize. Friedman emphasized the importance of creating user-friendly solutions that provide tangible benefits, such as enhancing access for underserved markets, particularly through a tokenized commodity trading platform designed to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. By placing utility and business needs at the forefront, he argued for a more grounded approach to integrating blockchain technology, advocating for an industry shift toward understanding and addressing the real-life challenges faced by potential users. ^[4]