[Podcast] From Neuroscience to Crypto: Shan Aggarwal’s Journey and Insights from Coinbase Ventures

In our latest episode of the Wharton FinTech podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Shan Aggarwal, VP of Corporate Development and Business Development at Coinbase and the Head of Coinbase Ventures. Shan’s journey from neuroscience to the crypto industry is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Since joining Coinbase in 2018, Shan has played a crucial role in expanding Coinbase Ventures’ portfolio to over 450 companies, including notable names like Uniswap, Zora, and Consensys.

We delved into Shan’s unique path, starting with his early aspirations in the medical field, his pivot to management consulting, and eventually, his leap into the exciting world of crypto investing. Shan shared his lightbulb moment upon reading the Ethereum white paper in 2017, which sparked his interest in the potential of blockchain technology as a global application platform.

“The Ethereum white paper was my light bulb moment. It showed me the potential of crypto as a global financial system where individuals could retain ownership of their data and assets.”

Our conversation covered the evolution of the crypto ecosystem over the past few years, highlighting how Coinbase Ventures has adapted its investment strategy to support innovation. Shan emphasised the importance of improving user experience to drive mainstream crypto adoption, discussing the advancements in smart wallets and seamless on-chain interactions that are making crypto more accessible.

We also explored the long-term potential of decentralised finance (DeFi) and on-chain social media platforms. Shan’s enthusiasm for projects like Zora, an on-chain Instagram or TikTok, illustrates how Web3 is reorganising the internet around data ownership and user value creation. Additionally, we discussed how stablecoins are revolutionising cross-border payments, providing efficient, low-cost solutions for global transactions.

Shan’s insights into the cyclical nature of the crypto market were particularly enlightening. He explained how the builder energy remains strong during bear markets, leading to the creation of foundational companies that drive the industry’s growth. This resilience, coupled with the increasing standardisation of crypto investment terms, signals a maturing ecosystem poised for significant advancements.

In closing, Shan’s perspective on the future of crypto is optimistic. As the industry grows and more experienced builders emerge, the potential for groundbreaking innovations continues to expand. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of crypto and fintech.

Listen to the full episode on Soundcloud, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.