Calanthia Mei

Co-Founder

2022 - Current

Masa is the decentralized network for Fair AI, where you earn by contributing data. Build anything, anywhere with the world's data. Sold out CoinList token sale in 17 minutes. Backed by Digital Currency Group, Anagram, Republic Digital (fka GoldenTree), Avalanche, Animoca. Incubated by Binance and Hashkey. Expert contributor to World Economic Forum's digital ID initiative. As seen on CNBC, New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ TV, Hong Kong web3 Festival, Consensus, EthDenver, the Block, CoinTelegraph, CoinDesk, Blockworks, TechCrunch, and more.

Angel Investor & Investment Partner

2019 - 2022

I invest in fintech, commerce and web3 startups globally. Support ambitious founders on strategy and fundraising, go to market, bizops, and building a world-class team. On cap tables alongside with a16z, Sequoia, Bain, Index, amongst other leading funds.

Vice President, Business Development - acquired by Affirm (NASDAQ: AFRM)

2021 - 2022

Joined a pre-seed startup as the Head of Strategy, scaled the company to 450 FTEs as the Head of Business Development, raised $130M in venture funding from Stripe, Index and other leading investors, sold the company to a public company in 2 years. I lead with energy, creativity, and clarity. Top-performing team with zero attrition.

Head Of Partnerships

2020 - 2021

Director of Strategy

2020 - 2020

Investor, PayPal Ventures

2017 - 2020

#2 full-time hire at PayPal Ventures, PayPal’s strategic investment arm. Represented PayPal on startup boards. Incubated PayPal's blockchain and crypto investment and product strategy, such as TRM Labs and Cambridge Blockchain (acq. by Blockchains). Proud investor in early-stage global fintech and commerce startups, such as Tala, Toss, DOSH (acq. by $CDLX), Arkose Labs, Happy Returns (acq. by $UPS), Ellevest, Acorns, Chargehound (acq. by $PYPL), Tink (acq. by $V) and other unannounced deals.

Investment Banking, Financial Institutions & Financial Technology

2014 - 2017

Global Banking - Financial Institutions Group. Worked with global large-cap banks and fintechs on M&A, Payments and Cash Management, Debt Capital Markets, Leveraged Finance, and Trade Finance. HSBC is the #7 largest bank in the world.

Research Fellowship

2013 - 2013

Legislative Research

2012 - 2012

One of the top 5 interns working with Georgia House Minority Leader Rep. Stacey Abrams.

China Program

2012 - 2012

Drafted briefings for former President Jimmy Carter. Presented research on China's evolving role in Africa at University of Ghana as a rising college junior.