Lorien Gabel is a Canadian technology entrepreneur and investor, best known as the co-founder and CEO of Figment, a company that provides blockchain infrastructure and staking services. ^[4]

Education

Gabel attended York University for his undergraduate studies. He subsequently enrolled in law school and graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 1991. ^{[2] [3]}

Career

Gabel's career in technology began in the early days of the commercial internet. In the 1990s, he co-founded Interlog Internet Services, one of Canada's first internet service providers (ISPs), and served as its CEO until 1999. After his time at Interlog, he transitioned to an enterprise role at Micron Technology, where he was the General Manager of Web Hosting. His entrepreneurial ventures continued as he co-founded and led Bird on a Wire Networks as CEO from 2000 to 2002. Following this, he took on an executive position at MessageLabs, serving as the Global Vice President of Business Development from 2003 to 2007, where he was involved in the company's significant growth. ^[2]

From 2007 to 2014, Gabel co-founded two more companies: the online invitation platform pingg.com (2007–2013) and bugrocket Inc. (2011–2014). During this period, he was also an active early-stage investor and advisor to various technology startups. In 2015, he became the owner of Headwall Sports LLC, a business based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He continued his involvement in the entrepreneurial community, serving as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Bionic Solution in New York City from 2016 to 2018 and as a trustee for Silicon Couloir, a nonprofit organization that supports entrepreneurs in the Jackson Hole area, from 2017 to 2018. In 2019, Gabel re-entered the infrastructure space by co-founding Figment, a company focused on providing institutional-grade staking and blockchain infrastructure services, where he serves as CEO. ^{[2] [4]}

Interviews

Figment

In August 2025, on the Talking Tokens podcast with Jacquelyn Melinek, Gabel discussed the evolution of cryptocurrency staking at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium, highlighting how major financial institutions were expected to eventually offer crypto services and staking opportunities as part of their portfolios. He shared insights on the importance of stoicism and composure for founders navigating the volatile crypto landscape, as well as the challenges faced during the early days of staking when regulatory clarity was lacking. Gabel attributed his entry into this field to a combination of personal experiences with the financial crisis and the technological potential he saw in blockchain. He emphasized the need for a focus on institutional clients and effective distribution channels to stand out in a crowded market, while also noting that as the staking environment matured, it became more recognized as a secure method for generating yield without relinquishing asset custody. Furthermore, he projected a significant increase in institutional adoption of staking in the coming years, reflecting an optimistic outlook on its future integration into mainstream finance. ^[3]

Institutional Staking

During an interview at Consensus in May 2025 with Ian Khan (The Futurist), Gabel discussed Figment's role as a leading independent staking provider in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Operating on a global scale with offices in Toronto, New York, Singapore, London, and LATAM, Figment serves institutional clients exclusively. Gabel explained the concept of staking in contrast to traditional proof-of-work, highlighting how it enables participants to secure decentralized blockchains by locking up tokens. He noted that Canada has been ahead of the U.S. in terms of cryptocurrency regulation, contributing to a thriving blockchain environment, while also observing that digital currencies have unique adoption patterns across different global regions. Gabel anticipated that regulatory clarity in the U.S. would foster greater institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies, leading to a more established market for stablecoins and innovative capital-raising applications on blockchains. ^[10]

Layer 1 Future

At the iConnections Global SALT Conference in Miami in February 2024, Gabel participated in an interview discussing his journey as a technology entrepreneur and the evolution of the blockchain industry. During the conversation with co-hosts Anthony Scaramucci and John Darsie, Gabel recounted his unconventional upbringing, which included living in various locations due to his father's military career. He shared how his entrepreneurial spirit emerged early in life, leading him to start several companies, including one of Canada's first internet service providers in the 1990s. Gabel highlighted Figment's focus on blockchain infrastructure and staking, discussing the significance of decentralized finance and the advantages of Ethereum's proof-of-stake system. He expressed a belief in the future of a decentralized internet as a viable alternative to the heavily centralized systems currently dominating the landscape, emphasizing the importance of regulation that fosters innovation without stifling it. ^[1]

Presentations

Foundation of Web3

In October 2021, at TOKEN2049 London, Gabel discussed the significance of staking in the context of Web3. He asserted that staking serves as the foundational element for a new internet model shaped by blockchain technology, as it enables users to actively participate in governance and community building, sharing in the value and benefits generated by these decentralized systems. Gabel contrasted the involvement of proof-of-stake token holders with that of Bitcoin holders, emphasizing that the former can directly influence protocols and derive long-term value. He acknowledged potential barriers to participation, such as the need for initial capital to stake tokens, while highlighting that diverse pathways, such as governance work and developer grants, exist to encourage broader engagement. In addressing questions about staking risks and the economic balance of staking rewards, Gabel noted the importance of network activity in maintaining robust security and sustainable yield rates for stakeholders. Overall, Gabel framed staking as crucial for fostering a more equitable and participatory digital ecosystem, envisioning a transformation from the current internet landscape. ^[5]

Panels

Liquid Staking

During a panel discussion on the future of liquid staking in November 2024, various experts in the field shared their insights on the evolution and challenges of this technology. Moderated by Tomasz Stanczak (Nethermind/Twinstake), the session featured speakers including Colin Verhaegen (KILN), Gabel, and Marin Tvrdic (Lido DAO). The panelists highlighted the transitions from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake in Ethereum and discussed the implications of liquid staking for asset liquidity and user experience. They also addressed the regulatory landscape, particularly in North America, noting that institutions remain cautious due to regulatory uncertainties, which may delay broader adoption. Concerns around governance and risks in staking protocols were emphasized, with the panelists advocating for simpler user interfaces and greater institutional education to enhance adoption. As the discussion evolved, they examined the intersection of liquid staking with decentralized finance (DeFi) and remarked on the complexity of evolving infrastructure to support staking at scale. Overall, the session highlighted both the potential and the challenges facing liquid staking as it continues to evolve within the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem. ^[8]

Intro to Staking

In a panel discussion hosted by Bitbuy in December 2022, Dean Skurka, CEO of Bitbuy, and Gabel engaged in a conversation about staking—a practice gaining traction in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. They highlighted the importance of understanding protocol staking, differentiating it from lending or yield farming, and emphasized how it enables token holders to participate directly in maintaining blockchain networks. Skurka expressed excitement about launching regulated staking options in Canada, particularly in light of recent issues with unregulated platforms. The duo clarified that, unlike high-risk lending practices, staking involves a transparent process where users can earn rewards through active participation in the blockchain's operations without compromising control of their assets. They discussed the implications of regulatory developments and the potential for increased adoption of staking as a secure means for Canadians to engage with cryptocurrencies. The conversation concluded with reflections on the future of staking within the broader financial ecosystem and the importance of consumer trust in fostering industry growth. ^[6]

Staking Deep Dive

In a November 2022 episode of the Crypto Clarified podcast, host Benjamin Dean welcomed Gabel to discuss the intricacies of staking in the blockchain ecosystem. They explored the fundamentals of staking, differentiating it from other financial activities, such as lending and yield farming, and clarified its non-custodial nature. Gabel shared insights into the operational mechanics of proof-of-stake and how it contrasts with proof-of-work, particularly highlighting Ethereum's significant transition to staking. The conversation also touched on regulatory concerns surrounding crypto assets, with Gabel expressing optimism about the future of blockchain technology despite ongoing challenges in the regulatory landscape. Overall, the episode provided a thorough overview of staking and its implications for both institutional and retail investors in the evolving crypto space. ^[7]