Mike Belshe is an American computer scientist and entrepreneur. He's the co-founder and CEO of BitGo. He also co-founded Lookout Software in 2004, co-invented the SPDY protocol, and is one of the principal authors of the HTTP/2.0 specification. ^[1][2][15]

Education

Belshe attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. ^[1]

Career

Belshe began his career as a software engineer at Hewlett-Packard in 1993 and later joined Netscape Communications, where he worked on improving web servers and early internet technologies until 1997. He then held leadership roles in engineering at Remarq (later acquired by Critical Path) and Good Technology between 1997 and 2003. In 2003, he co-founded Lookout Software, an email search company acquired by Microsoft, where he continued as a software engineer and development manager.

In 2006, Belshe joined Google as a staff software engineer on the Chrome team, contributing to protocol research and co-authoring the SPDY protocol, a precursor to HTTP/2. He advocated for encryption by default within HTTP/2, influencing the evolution of web protocols.

In 2011, he co-founded BitGo, where he currently serves as CEO of the digital asset custody and security company. At BitGo, he developed the first multi-signature web wallet for Bitcoin and later implemented the Threshold Signature Scheme (TSS) to enhance digital asset security across hundreds of tokens. BitGo expanded its offerings in 2018 to include regulated custody through BitGo Trust Company, acquired Lumina in 2020 for institutional asset management, and launched the Go Network in 2023 to enable real-time settlement of USD and digital assets. BitGo was acquired by Galaxy Digital in 2021 for $1.2 billion. ^{[1] [2]}

Interviews

Decoupling Bitcoin

In a March 2025 interview on The David Lynn Report, Belshe shared insights on the evolving landscape of Bitcoin and its relationship with broader economic factors. He acknowledged that Bitcoin has historically been viewed as a safe-haven asset, though it has exhibited volatility, which some investors find challenging. The conversation highlighted the new administration's increasing recognition of the importance of working collaboratively within the cryptocurrency space, contrasting it with the previous administration's approach. Belshe highlighted the importance of institutional custody and security in safeguarding digital assets, addressing concerns raised by recent high-profile hacks. He emphasized the necessity for strong regulatory frameworks to foster innovation, while also advocating for robust security practices in both institutional and retail settings. Additionally, he discussed the potential impact of quantum computing on Bitcoin's security and the importance of evolving security measures as the asset's value grows. Overall, the dialogue underscored the ongoing developments in cryptocurrency regulation, security, and the strategic partnerships between traditional financial systems and digital asset custodians. ^[4]

BitGo, SEC, & Web3

On the Thinking Crypto Podcast in March 2023, Belshe discussed various topics, including the company's focus as an institutional custodian for digital assets and recent regulatory developments. He emphasized the need for robust market structures within the crypto industry to ensure stability and reduce risks for institutional investors. Belshe noted BitGo's role as a custodian for assets involved in the FTX bankruptcy and highlighted partnerships with notable entities such as Nike. He also commented on the SEC's proposed custody rules, expressing optimism that such regulations would lead to greater credibility in the crypto space. Throughout the conversation, Belshe reflected on the ongoing evolution of cryptocurrencies, the significance of market integrity, and the potential for innovation to reshape financial systems. ^[5]

Regulated Crypto Custody

In a July 2023 interview on The Paul Barron Show, Belshe discussed the dynamic landscape of the cryptocurrency market, emphasizing the impact of regulatory developments and significant court rulings, such as the Ripple case. He noted that these events have sparked greater institutional interest in cryptocurrencies. Still, traditional financial institutions, such as NASDAQ, have hesitated to fully engage due to the risks involved and the uncertain regulatory environment. Belshe highlighted that demand from clients would eventually drive asset managers to adopt digital assets, although many traditional players might remain cautious and reluctant to innovate. He expressed optimism about the potential for positive changes in the financial system, largely spurred by ongoing legal battles involving prominent exchanges such as Coinbase, suggesting that these developments could pave the way for clearer regulations and further integration of digital currencies into mainstream finance. ^[6]

Presentations

Opening Keynote

At the BitGo High Roller Summit in June 2025, Belshe and Chen Fang, BitGo’s CRO, delivered the opening keynote on the evolving cryptocurrency landscape. They discussed the uncertainty faced during the previous administration regarding regulatory support and noted that the current administration appeared more receptive to the industry. The keynote highlighted developments, including the consideration of Bitcoin for U.S. Treasury reserves and upcoming stablecoin legislation, emphasizing their potential impact on the financial system. Belshe and Fang also reflected on their experience in the crypto industry since 2013, stressing the importance of security, the expansion of custodial services, and the need for regulatory clarity to foster innovation. ^[7]

Panels

Bitcoin-Native Products

At a panel discussion titled "Building Bitcoin-Native Financial Products” hosted at the Bitcoin Conference in July 2024, Belshe, Nick Neuman (Casa), and Dhruv Bansal (Unchained) shared their insights on the unique qualities of Bitcoin that inspired them to create their respective companies. Bansal highlighted the concept of believable decentralization, while Neuman reflected on the significance of private keys in asserting ownership of digital assets. Belshe discussed the history of Bitcoin custody solutions and the emerging importance of collaborative custody among users. Throughout their conversation, the panelists navigated the tension between the ideals of self-sovereignty in the cryptocurrency space and the necessity of utilizing third-party services to meet diverse user needs. They emphasized the importance of maintaining self-custody principles amid a growing industry, citing the risks of reverting to centralized banking structures. The discussion culminated in reflections on how Bitcoin could disrupt traditional finance, leading to the development of new business models centered on self-custody and enhanced consumer protections. ^[8]