Ken Nguyen
Head of Web3 & AI at Diagram Ventures
Los Angeles, California
Overview
Work Experience
Partner, Head of Web3 & AI
2022 - Current
Web3 and AI venture building and investment. Boards: ► Conduit Financial: Stablecoin payments infrastructure in EM ► Helika: Web3 / Web2 Gaming analytics infrastructure ► Axle Automation: GenAI enabled work flow automation for compliance teams ► Katara: AI Agent powered workflow tools for DevX teams
Founder, Managing Partner
2021
Launched and manage independent investment and advisory firm focused on blockchain and digital assets ► Advise blockchain companies on capital raising, GTM strategy, strategic partnerships, token economics (e.g. Wave Financial, Cub3, Phlote, Collateral Velocity) ► Advise blockchain funds on capital raising, investment strategy, portfolio construction, deal sourcing (e.g. Dialectic, Symbolic Capital, Off the Chain Capital, Sustany Capital) ► Invest in companies (Angel, Seed, A), cryptoassets (private, public), and selectively in funds (GP, LP stakes)
General Partner
2020
Value investments in blockchain companies & digital assets
A cryptocurrency and blockchain based assets investment fund.
Advisor
2022 - 2022
Digital asset focused multi-family office
Advisor
2022 - 2022
Blockchain VC fund Cofounded by Sandeep Nailwal (Polygon) and Kenzi Wang (Cere Network)
Advisor
2021 - 2022
Tokenized medical receivables
Collateral Velocity is a blockchain-powered platform that simplifies and streamlines the securitization of medical claim obligations.
Advisor
2021 - 2022
Digital asset management firm with $1.5B+ AUM
Wave Digital Assets is a digital asset management company that combines venture capital, funds, and wealth management.
Advisor
2021 - 2021
Blockchain VC Fund
Sustany Capital is a technology venture fund headquartered in Newport Beach, California.
Managing Director, Investments
2015 - 2020
► Led investment team and served as senior strategist at multi-B family office; entrepreneurial focus at tech intersection of sports, media, entertainment, financial services, and real estate ► Led thematic research, sourcing, execution, and management of control and strategic minority investments ► Led investment underwriting, strategy, business planning, and token modeling for incubated blockchain ventures ► Served as senior strategist for $1B global portfolio of companies, funds, JVs, and special projects ► Built network of over 200 high AUM family offices to source unique deal flow and capital Blockchain Incubations / Investments: Project Liberty (full stack Web3 social project including the Frequency parachain on Polkadot and decentralized social network protocol); Amplica Labs (Dapps and tooling); Undisclosed cryptoasset analytics and trading company; NAX (New Asset Exchange) Group; blockchain ticketing for sports (discontinued) Sports Tech / Real Estate Tech: Overwatch League - Paris Eternal; Dugout; Full Stack Modular Infrastructure: Incubated Aerial Rapid Transit Technologies in LA (https://www.laart.la/) to connect Union Station to Dodger Stadium. JVs / Funds: Seed investment for MGG Investment Group (special situations direct lending fund); McCourt Partners - Launched $1B investment JV Sports: Olympique de Marseille Football Club; Global Champions; Conqur Endurance Group Commercial Real Estate: Portfolio with 5M developable sq. ft. in LA, Hudson Yards, Miami, London, St. Tropez
McCourt an investment firm that creates partnerships to discover new opportunities and innovative ideas.
Vice President, Restructuring and Special Situations
2007 - 2015
►Joined at inception of global financial crisis after developing a convicted thesis on looming credit market issues at Wharton ►Specialized in deal structuring, negotiation, and analysis in complex special situations as advisor to companies and investors ►Led execution of 16 transactions ($47B in deal value); $38B debt restructured at 14 companies, $4.6B in M&A (4 distressed sales; 2 buy side), and $4B in capital raised across 5 debt financings ►Expertise in providing strategic recommendations to C-suites, Boards, and investors involving business / strategic plans, valuation, investment strategy, capital structure, and liquidity Deals Representing Companies: ► $2.3B record sale and restructuring of the Los Angeles Dodgers; $10B cross-border restructuring of pulp and paper manufacturer AbitibiBowater (IFR Restructuring of Year, 2011); $1.6B exchange offer / refinancing and strategic review for Toys "R" Us; restructuring of General Motors Acceptance Corporation re: Residential Capital ($9B in liabilities); Hawkeye Renewables; Natural Products Group; Pacific Lumber; Global Champions. Deals Representing Private Equity Sponsors, Hedge Funds, Banks, Pensions: ► Sears; Kaupthing; (largest bank in Iceland); Foxwoods Resort Casino; A123 Systems; Indiana Downs; Vitro America; Asian Art Museum
Provides its services to pension and profit sharing plans; pooled investment vehicles; institutional investors.