Jerry Fragiskatos is a technology executive specializing in software engineering, IT project management, and commercial strategy, with a focus on the enterprise and blockchain sectors. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of HAL8, a company specializing in open-source software development and the integration of distributed systems. ^[1]

Education

Fragiskatos attended McGill University, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering in 1997 and a Master of Engineering in Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos Theory in 1999. He then earned his MBA from College des Ingenieurs in 2003. ^[5]

Career

From 1999 to 2000, Jerry Fragiskatos worked as a software engineer at CAE, focusing on integrating flight modules into simulators and ensuring FAA/JAA certification for commercial aircraft systems. From 2000 to 2002, he held a software engineering role at CSC, where his responsibilities included developing CAD/CAM interfaces and managing information system upgrades for Pratt & Whitney.

In 2002–2003, he completed an MBA internship at AGF, where he audited actuarial systems and drafted proposals for process redesign. In 2003–2004, he served as an IT project manager for CSC on the Bombardier account, managing international infrastructure projects and bid development.

Between 2004 and 2012, Fragiskatos held multiple business development roles at CSC across EMEA, leading bid management for large-scale IT outsourcing contracts and overseeing governance processes for sales efficiency. From 2012 to 2014, he worked as a senior principal in global infrastructure services, managing sales pipelines and restructuring commercial business programs. From 2014 to 2016, he served as the chief negotiator for global contracts, leading negotiations on complex IT-managed services.

From 2016 to 2019, he served as Commercial Director at Dell Technologies, where his responsibilities included structuring deals and financial models for hybrid cloud and other enterprise solutions. From 2019 to 2023, he was Chief Commercial Officer at IOHK (Input Output), overseeing commercial strategy, ecosystem growth, and adoption initiatives related to Cardano and other blockchain products.

Since early 2024, Fragiskatos has contributed to Apex Fusion as a core contributor, working on infrastructure for Web3 interoperability. In April 2024, he began serving as Chief Executive Officer of HAL8, with a focus on open-source software development and the integration of distributed systems. ^[6]

Interviews

Rethinking Incentives

On the Fusing the Unfusable podcast, Fragiskatos reflected on various developments and insights from the recent TOKEN2049 event in Dubai. He highlighted the growth in sophistication at the staking summit, noting an increasing presence of traditional finance within the blockchain space, which signaled a shift towards more professional and structured practices. Fragiskatos discussed how the market's focus has moved away from speculative practices towards yielding assets through staking, emphasizing the benefits of incentivizing stakeholders while maintaining a conservative approach to inflation in projects. The conversation also covered the nuances of Bitcoin's dual role as a risk asset and a long-term store of value, as well as the unique characteristics of Apex Fusion, which separates execution layers to promote better scalability and efficiency. He concluded with insights on non-tribal collaboration within the blockchain industry and the promising potential of bridging assets across different chains to enhance liquidity and participation in the ecosystem. ^[7]

Crypto’s Biggest Problem

On Mahmoud Khodor’s podcast, Fragiskatos discussed his transformation from a blockchain skeptic to a corporate veteran leading innovation at Apex Fusion. He shared insights into the challenges of Web3 adoption. He highlighted Apex Fusion's focus on creating a decentralized platform that bridges blockchain's most significant issues, particularly in reputation systems and self-sovereign identity. Fragiskatos recounted his early experiences with cryptocurrency, his transition into the blockchain space, and his belief in the potential of decentralized technology to provide alternatives to a politically controlled financial system. He argued that as regulations evolve, the quality of user experience could improve, making blockchain more accessible. Fragiskatos emphasized the importance of community building within the blockchain ecosystem to foster trust and collaboration, ultimately aiming for a thriving decentralized economy where users can independently support themselves through blockchain ventures. ^[3]

Enterprise

In an interview on the No BS Around Tech podcast, Fragiskatos discussed his journey from engineering in Canada to leading enterprise business development for Fortune 500 companies, and eventually moving into the cryptocurrency space around 2019. He expressed initial skepticism about crypto but was persuaded by a client’s enthusiasm for Bitcoin, which led to his roles at Cardano and the eventual founding of Apex Fusion in 2023. The company's mission centered on merging different blockchain technologies to create a solution that would aid in real-world use cases and facilitate enterprise adoption, while addressing barriers such as compliance and cultural resistance within large corporations. Fragiskatos highlighted the challenges of working with enterprises, emphasizing the need for effective communication and adoption strategies to integrate blockchain technology successfully. He also reflected on the industry's current state and the necessity for both regulatory clarity and innovation to promote the broader adoption and acceptance of blockchain solutions. ^[2]

Learning Blockchain

In a discussion about blockchain's future on The Wolf of All Streets podcast, Fragiskatos emphasized the importance of investing substantial time into understanding the technology, suggesting that approximately 10,000 hours were necessary for a deep comprehension. He articulated that IOHK's approach contrasts with the "move fast and break things" mentality prevalent in many crypto projects, instead advocating for a methodical, academically grounded development strategy that seeks to build a secure and decentralized platform. Fragiskatos contextualized blockchain as a revolutionary force that can empower individuals in today's increasingly centralized world. He discussed the significance of establishing a robust ecosystem and the balance between innovation and consumer protection, noting that while some may seek immediate financial returns, the core of blockchain technology lies in its potential for real-world applications and social inclusion. Overall, he conveyed an optimistic outlook on the long-term evolution of blockchain and its impact on society, acknowledging both the challenges and the transformative potential of the technology. ^[4]